21 Snacks for Flat Abs (2024)

There's no reason to cut snacking out of your life just because you're trying to shed belly flat—but you do have to be smart about it. The saying "abs are made in the kitchen" exists for a reason. Enhance your efforts at the gymwith these between-meal munchie ideas.

2 thinly sliced beets
2 tsp olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
2 Tbsp Baba ghanoush dip

Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss beet slices with olive oil and sea salt. Bake for 10 to 20 minutes, until edges curl. Serve chips with baba ghanoush dip.

Total: 220 Calories

According to a studybased on government nutritional data, you're probably coming up short in terms of eating a variety of fruit and vegetable colors—a whopping 88 percent of Americans don't get enough purple and blue foods. Beets are the perfect way to slip in some more color.

1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup frozen mango
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 2 oranges)
1/2 cup kefir

Blend and serve.

Total: 210 Calories

Kefir is a fermented dairy product that contains oligosaccharides—complex carbs that feed beneficial bacteria and are crucial for a healthy gut.

1 pack Wholly Guacamole minis
1 cup carrot sticks
1 cup celery sticks

Total: 170 Calories

Enjoy that guac! People who eat a daily dose of avocado are typically healthier than those who don't, research shows.

1 cup watermelon, cut
1 Tbsp lime juice
1/8 tsp cayenne
1/4 cup unsalted roasted pistachios, chopped

Spritz watermelon with lime juice, and sprinkle with cayenne and pistachios.

Total: 220 Calories

Not only does cayenne give a unique kick to this snack, but it's chock-full of health benefits, like aiding digestion, increasing absorption of nutrients, and reducing appetite.

2 Tbsp espresso or coffee grounds
7 oz almond milk
1 pear, sliced

Brew espresso or coffee grounds with 1/3 cup water in a machine. Meanwhile, put almond milk in a jar, close the lid tightly, and shake until it doubles in volume. Remove lid, and microwave until warm. Pour into a mug with espresso or coffee. Serve with pear.

Total: 140 Calories

There's nothing wrong with an afternoon pick-me-up; caffeineis a natural stimulant that can increase your metabolism.

1/3 cup dried apricots
1 oz Gouda cheese

Total: 290 Calories

Researchers believe that the calcium found in dairy helps you burn more fat, so thank that gouda for your soon-to-be flat abs.

1 Starbucks tall 2 percent milk latte
1 banana

Total: 260 Calories

Potassium-rich fruits like bananas purge retained water, helping you feel slimmer right away.

1/2 cup roasted red peppers
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tsp garlic
1/2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup broccoli
1/2 cup carrots

In a food processor, blend roasted red peppers, feta cheese, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Serve dip with broccoli and carrots.

Total: 180 Calories

Red pepper and feta cheese are a match made in food heaven, thanks to the tangy-and-salty combo.

3/4 cup edamame
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder

Steam edamame, toss with oil, and season with garlic and chili powder.

Total: 200 Calories

A low-fatsnack high in soy protein, like edamame, may support weight loss, according to research in the International Journal of Obesity.

4 medium stalks celery
3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 tsp fresh dill
1 scallion, chopped

Fill stalks with cottage cheese, and sprinkle with dill and scallion.

Total: 150 Calories

Celery is the perfect snack to satisfy your crunch craving. For nearly the same number of calories, you could have one pretzel rod or six whole celery stalks.

Total: 278 Calories

Cucumbersare 95 percent water, so they're a perfect way to add some crunch to yogurt without loading onextra calories.

1 cup sliced pear
1 Tbsp almond butter
1 Tbsp shredded coconut

Total: 207 Calories

Almond cell walls help reduce the amount of fat absorbed by the body.

6 oz plain low-fat yogurt
1 kiwi, sliced
1/4 cup Barbara's High Fiber, Flax & Granola cereal
1 tsp fresh mint leaves

Layer the first three ingredients a few times, then garnish with mint.

Total: 208 Calories

The smell of mintis a proven appetite suppressant. Perfect flat ab hack.

1 cooked artichoke
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Dash of salt

Remove stems from artichokes, and stand artichokes upright in steamer pot with water. Cover, and steam until done, 15 to 20 minutes. Mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt, and drizzle over artichoke.

Total: 160 Calories

A list published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ranked artichokenumber one for antioxidant levels among vegetables—and they're pumped full of fiber, keeping you full 'til your next meal.

1 The Laughing Cow Original Creamy Swiss wedge
1 large cinnamon graham cracker rectangle
1/4 cup grated carrot
2 Tbsp raisins

Spread cheese on cracker, and top with carrot and raisins.

Total: 174 Calories

A study says raisins increase levels of leptin, a hormone that may quiet cravings.

1 large apple, sliced
2 tsp almond butter
3/4 tsp cinnamon

Total: 187 Calories

Cinnamon helps rein in blood-sugar spikes after a meal, making you less likely to crash before lunchtime.

2 cups cauliflower florets
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper, to taste

Toss together, and roast under a broiler for 10 minutes.

Total: 238 Calories

Not all white foods are bad: With immune-boosting vitamin Cand more than four grams of fiber, cauliflower should be on your plate.

1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 medium tomato, chopped
1 tsp chopped red onion
1 tsp cumin
1/2 yellow pepper, sliced
6 baby carrots
6 radishes
1 stalk celery, cut into pieces

Combine black beans, tomato, onion, and cumin in a blender until chunky. Serve as a dip with the vegetables.

Total: 182 Calories

The seven grams of fiber will keep you so full, you won't even think about sweets.

6 oz plain nonfat Greek yogurt
5 fresh apricots, chopped
1 Tbsp agave
1 tsp lemon zest

Mix agave into Greek yogurt, and top with apricots and lemon zest.

Total: 245 Calories

Although it has around the same number of calories as honey, agaveis sweeter, so you can use less.