Healthy snacking will help your body get the nutrients it needs and help you avoid overeating at meal times.

Some snacks have the advantage of delivering specific health benefits. Nuts, for example, help lower elevated LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, and may help ward off Type 2 diabetes.

Snacks also provide an opportunity to boost your intake of important nutrients such as protein, fibre and calcium. Young children have small stomachs, so they need to eat frequently to obtain the nutrients they need. Older kids need the added calories to fuel growth, development and physical activity.

Indulge in these guilt-free snacks. We encourage an anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic, paleo-style diet for weight loss and wellness. A body must get healthy before it can lose weight.

1. Homemade protein shakes can taste pretty good and are excellent weight loss choices. Just blend some eggs, milk, honey, banana and protein poweder and leave it in the fridge for when you need a quick snack.

2. A Handful of Nuts. Walnuts are the best choice as they're rich in protein and fiber but they also contain a high dose of omega 3 fatty acids (good fats) as compared to other nuts. Healthy fats help lower your risk of disease.

3. Bananas are a great source of fiber and potassium. They do have a high sugar content so eat in moderation. Coconuts have anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and are one of the best sources in the world for MCFA.

4. Veggie Sticks With Cottage Cheese Dip. Non-starchy vegetables contain almost eight times the amount of fiber found in whole grains. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system.

5. As I always say, it is ok to make fruit a whole meal. It is full of nutrients, vitamins and all sorts of other things that the human body needs.

6. Homemade, fresh juice from a juicer is also a natural weight loss snack idea. Fresh fruit or vegetable juice is an amazing idea for health and weight loss.

7. Herring Wraps. Buy a few tinned containers in a few different flavored sauces such as tomato or tangy mustard, herring fillets are high in omega 3 fish oils. Don't but if they are in soybean oil. Try wrapping them in a few leaves of romaine lettuce.

8. Yogurt and a medium-sized fruit, a homemade smoothie made with milk or soy milk and frozen berries.

Snacking is actually very beneficial. It helps to refuel your body, maintain blood sugar and energy levels and control your appetite. To control weight, snacks should contain 150 to 200 calories for women and 200 to 250 calories for men.