15 Snacks That Will Keep Your Metabolism Going Strong

Weight loss is no easy journey, especially with the constant bombardment of new diet trends that pop up every year. Should you go low fat? Low carb? Low sugar? Or should you just take the plunge and buy the expensive diet pills that totally transformed that soccer mom on TV into a sexy supermodel?

The truth is, unless you have an underlying medical condition, good old-fashioned diet and exercise is the best way to shed pounds. However, many people believe that eating healthier means starving yourself and barely making it through the day with enough energy. The good news is that making a healthy lifestyle change doesn't have to mean constant hunger and exhaustion, especially if you're eating these incredible mood-boosting foods. It just means you have to put the right kinds of foods into your body.

If you're looking to shed some inches off your waist and feel great while doing it, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure you're following these health hacks to get the most nutrition out of your fresh produce. Then, get your hands (and teeth) on these healthy and satisfying snacks that can rev up your metabolism. I can never resist munching on number 10! Which of these tasty treats is your favorite?

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1. Almonds

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Danielle Keller/ Wikimedia Commons

These little nuts are high in fat, but don't worry  it's the good kind. The monosaturated fats in almonds are very good for your heart, and combined with the fiber and protein that are also found in this crunchy food, they can help keep your hunger at bay while giving you the energy you need to get through a tough workout. Just make sure you don't eat too many at once!

2. Tuna

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えむかとー / Wikimedia Commons

If you can stand the fishy smell, tuna is a great food to keep you going during the day. It's loaded with protein, vitamin B3 and B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which can help you get through even the most tiresome parts of your day.

3. Yogurt

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Alton/ Wikimedia Commons

Packed with good bacteria that can help your digestive system function better, yogurt is a healthy and tasty food that will also help keep you full thanks to its high protein content. Just make sure you're eating the right kind just like any food that's high in sugar, sweetened yogurt can actually end up making you gain weight. Reach for plain yogurt instead, and sweeten it with honey or fresh fruit.

4. Avocado

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Marco Finke/ Wikimedia Commons

Just like almonds, avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats that can actually help you lose weight when eaten in moderation. These creamy fruits will help you feel full and energized, and they make a delicious and healthy alternative to butter when you need something to spread on your morning toast.

5. Apples

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Sven Teschke/ Wikimedia Commons

Craving something sweet? Reach inside your produce drawer instead of the cookie jar. The sugars inside apples aren't as bad for you as the ones found in artificially-sweetened treats, and these juicy fruits are also packed with vitamins and fiber. Make sure you eat them with the skin to get the maximum benefits.

6. Lemon water

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Jon Sullivan/ Wikimedia Commons

I know, I know not many people have water in mind when they're craving a mid-day snack. But really, it's not a bad idea to turn on the faucet when you get a pang of hunger. Our brains often confuse thirst for hunger, so try drinking a glass of water before you chow down. We should all be drinking more water anyway it's great for literally every part of your body. Add some lemon for extra flavor and health benefits.

7. Blueberries

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THOR/ Wikimedia Commons

These tiny powerhouses are great for when you just want to munch on something while you browse the internet or watch TV. Not only do they satisfy your need for something sweet, but they also contain lots of fiber and antioxidants. Many people actually consider them a superfood!

8. Oatmeal

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Slick/ Wikimedia Commons

Yes, oatmeal is a carb, but since it's so high in soluble fiber and takes more time to digest, it's one that you should be eating. Just be sure to avoid the highly processed kinds that are laden with sugar. Sweeten your own with honey and fruit to really start your day on the right foot.

9. Cottage cheese

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Fastily Talk/ Wikimedia Commons

Ironically, you can avoid getting the dreaded "cottage cheese thighs" by eating cottage cheese. This odd-looking food is full of protein, calcium, and antioxidants, and it can help regulate your blood sugar to keep you from experiencing that dreaded mid-day crash.

10. Edamame

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masaaki komori/ Wikimedia Commons

Edamame is low in calories and fat, but high in fiber, protein, and tons of nutrients like vitamin A. Eat it hot and fresh, or find it dried in the supermarket snack aisle for a healthy alternative to chips or crackers.

11. Celery

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Lombroso/ Wikimedia Commons

Celery is a vegetable that's packed with both fiber and water. In fact, it takes so long to digest, it can keep you feeling full for hours on end. Try it with a sprinkle of salt or chopped up in your favorite salad if you need a bit more flavor.

12. Peanut butter

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PiccoloNamek/ Wikimedia Commons

A food that's high in protein and healthy fats, peanut butter is another snack that's great if you consume it in moderation. Try to avoid the more processed kinds that are usually high in sugar you can even make your own! Other nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter, are also great if you want a lot of nutrition with only a little bit of food.

13. Baby carrots

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m01229/ Flickr

These are another great food for when you just need something to munch on. Carrots are high in vitamin A and fiber, and even though baby carrots and regular carrots are technically the same vegetable, the smaller version is a bit easier to eat.

14. Egg whites

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Wikimedia Commons

Although the yolk also contains plenty of nutrients, it's also full of fat and cholesterol. Egg whites, however, contain lots of protein and Leucine: an amino acid that can help you lose weight. Use them to make an omelette, or mix them right up with some spinach for an extra boost of nutrition.

15. Whey protein

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Adam Pieniazek/ Flickr

Whey is a complete protein that is most commonly found in two forms: the strange clear liquid on top of your yogurt and a chalky powder that you can get in giant tubs. If you opt for the powdered variety, you can mix up a delicious and filling shake with your favorite type of milk (dairy or otherwise) and even add in a banana to make it thicker. Not only is it pretty tasty, but it will also help give you an energy boost and enable you to get the best results out of your workout.

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