6 Macro-friendly Snacks That Are Healthy & Low-calorie

Mastering your approach to eating is paramount, as it accounts for a substantial 70% of weight loss success, leaving exercise at 30%. In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of macro-friendly nutrition, accompanied by delicious and effortless macro-friendly snack ideas to keep your journey both flavourful and fulfilling. 

What does “macro-friendly” mean?

The term “macro-friendly” has gained immense popularity over the last few years. But what does it exactly mean? Understanding the concept of macro friendly foods is essential for those looking to optimise their nutrition and reach their health and fitness goals. Macronutrients are the essential nutrients that our bodies need in larger quantities to function optimally. These macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. A macro-friendly meal is one with a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat to make a balanced meal. Most will usually be higher in protein with a moderate amount of carbs and fat.

When it comes to nutrition, it's not just about counting calories. It's about understanding the quality of the calories we consume. That's where the concept of "macro friendly" comes into play. Instead of focusing solely on the number of calories, "macro friendly" encourages us to pay attention to the types of nutrients we are getting from our food. So let’s get into some macro-friendly snack recipes! 

6 healthy macro-friendly snacks for weight loss

1. Carrots and hummus 

Carrot sticks and hummus sticks have long been celebrated as a dynamic duo when it comes to nutritious snacking. Carrots, rich in fibre, and an array of essential nutrients provide a satisfying crunch that compliments the smooth, protein-packed goodness of hummus.  This dynamic duo not only satiates hunger but also fuels the body with the energy it craves, making it an all time favourite when it comes to quick and easy, healthy macro-friendly snacks. 

Ingredients 

• 150g Carrots
• 400g Roasted Chickpeas
• 10g Garlic 
• 10ml Lemon Juice
• 0.5g Cumin 
• 1 Dash of Salt 

Method 

1. Begin by meticulously peeling and finely chopping the carrots. 
2. Combine the chickpeas, fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, ground cumin and dash of sea salt in a high speed blender or food processor. 
3. Blitz the ingredients until you attain a harmonious and creamy texture. 
4. Serve the hummus with the previously prepared carrots. 

Carbohydrates 17.3g Protein 5g Fats 1.6g Calories 104
Serves 8 

Looking for an alternative to hummus? Consider trying a delightful snack with cottage cheese and fresh vegetables instead. 

2. Protein bars

Looking for macro-friendly protein snacks? Look no further. Whether you’re running low on time, busy with the kids or are simply after something quick and easy, protein bars are a great on the go option! Our official protein and supplement partner, True Protein, offers a flavoursome range of protein bars with naturally derived ingredients with over 17g of protein per bar. Whether you have a taste for salted caramel, cookies and cream, rich chocolate or toasted coconut - there’s something for everyone. 

True Protein Rich Chocolate Protein Bar 

Carbohydrates 8.50g Protein 17.20g Fats 10.10g Calories 194
Serves 1 

Protein bars not your thing? True Protein also has an extensive range of protein powder including plant based protein powders that are easy to digest in shakes, smoothies or as a protein boost in recipes. 

3. Greek yoghurt and stewed apples 

This delightful pairing brings together the richness of Greek yoghurt, packed with protein and probiotics with the sweetness of fibre-rich stewed apples. With a mindful approach to portioning, due to it’s slightly higher portion of carbohydrates, this snack provides a satisfying yet guilt-free option for those seeking something sweeter. 

Ingredients 

• 10g Dried Figs 
• 50g Braeburn Apples 
• 170g Plain Non-Fat 0% Greek Yoghurt 
• 1g Cinnamon 
• 10g Date 
• 1 tsp Nutmeg 

Method 

1. Core and roughly chop apples into 5cm size cubes. 
2. Add apple, water, species, dates and figs into a large saucepan. 
3. Heat the apple mixture, leaving the lid on the saucepan so the apples are being steamed by the water in the bottom of the pan. 
4. Simmer for 15 minutes, mixing regularly to prevent burning. If needed, add additional water to maintain the desired texture. 
5. Spoon the spiced stewed apples over Greek yoghurt. 
6. For something different you can also stew the apples in an air fryer for a tender and soft result. 

Carbohydrates 29.77g Protein 17.37g Fats 1.35g Calories 201
Serves 1 

4. Boiled egg

Simple, yet extremely nutritious. Boiled eggs are the perfect snack that effortlessly balances both macro-friendliness and low-calorie goodness. Packed with high-quality protein and a wealth of essential nutrients, boiled eggs offer a satisfying and nourishing snack option. With a low-calorie profile, a boiled egg offers a guilt-free indulgence that fuels the body. 

Carbohydrates 0.4g Protein 6.3g Fats 4.8g
Serves 1

5. Rice cake with peanut butter & cottage cheese

A client favourite snack, this dynamic trio not only satisfies cravings but also supports balanced nutrition goals. Embracing the perfect blend of taste, nutrition and convenience, the combination of rice cakes with creamy peanut butter and velvety cottage cheese is a great example of a macro-friendly, low-calorie snack. 

Ingredients 

• 1 Serving Corn Thins Original
• 20g High Protein Cottage Cheese
• 8g Peanut Butter (Sugar Free & No Added Salt)

Method 

1. Take one serving of Corn Thins Original and place it on a clean plate or surface. 
2. Using a butter knife or small spoon, spread 8 grams of peanut butter evenly on top of the rice cake. Ensure you spread it all the way to the edges. 
3. Spoon 20 grams of high-protein cottage cheese on top of the peanut butter layer. Spread it gently to cover the peanut butter evenly. 
4. Your rice cake with peanut butter and cottage cheese is now ready to eat! You can enjoy it immediately! 

Carbohydrates 6.7g Protein 4.8g Fats 4.7g Calories 70
Serves 1 

Craving more high-protein peanut butter-infused recipes? Don’t miss our gluten-free peanut butter protein cookies! 

6. Chia pudding with raspberries 

Bursting with fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, chia seeds provide a satisfying texture that compliments the burst of sweetness from the raspberries. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast or a satisfying dessert, this macro friendly snack embodies the perfect combination of flavour and nutrition for those mindful of their nutrition goals.  

Ingredients 

• 100ml Light Coconut Milk
• 20g Black Chia Seeds 
• 150g Plain Non-Fat 0% Greek Yoghurt 
• 50g Raspberries 
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 

Method 

1. Begin by pouring the light coconut milk into a glass bowl or jug. Gently introduce the vanilla essence. 
2. Stir in the Greek yoghurt, allowing it to intertwine with the coconut milk. Gradually introduce the nutrient-dense chia seeds.
3. Lightly whisk the mixture and then cover with cling film. 
4. Place in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight if you wish to have this as a breakfast option. 
5. Once ready to serve, gently stir the raspberries into the chia seed mixture and then spoon evenly in two tall glasses.
6. Top with remaining raspberries as decoration and sprinkle with cinnamon for a final touch of flavour. 

Carbohydrates 8.02g Protein 10.54g Fats 11.95g Calories 182
Serves 2

For a wider selection of  healthy macro friendly snacks, explore the MyVision app or visit our expert hub for additional inspiration.