Low-Calorie Vegetarian Snacks to Make at Home

If followed correctly, a vegetarian diet can be healthy and nutritious. Vegetarians must take special care to ensure that they are meeting their needs of all essential nutrients, such as protein, calcium, iron and vitamin B-12, for example. In addition, like any healthy diet, a vegetarian diet should limit high-fat, high-calorie foods. One way vegetarians can be sure they are meeting their nutritional requirements is by including nutrient-rich, low-calorie snacks in their diet.

Veggies With Hummus

• A healthy vegetarian diet should include plenty of low-calorie, nutrient-packed vegetables. Raw vegetables, like carrots, bell peppers and celery make for a crunchy and filling snack option. Of course, many people like to enjoy their veggies with dip, which can be high in calories and fat. Hummus, a dip made out of chickpeas, provides for a healthy dip option. A 2-tablespoon serving of hummus contains just 50 calories and provides protein, fiber, copper, phosphorus and vitamin B-6.

Apple With Nut Butter

• At just 70 calories, a medium apple provides for a sweet, low-calorie snack choice. To provide more nutrients, top your apple with 1 tablespoon of your favorite nut butter. A tablespoon of almond butter, for example, contains 100 calories and provides protein, copper, magnesium and vitamin E. Although they are nutritious options, nut butters tend to be high in calories when consumed in large quantities, so be sure to keep portion size in check.

Whole-Grain Cereal

• Cereal isn't just for breakfast anymore. In fact, whole-grain cereal is packed with nutrients and makes for a nutritious snack any time of day. Whole-grain O-shaped cereal, for instance, contains just 100 calories per cup and adds plenty of calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B-12 to your diet. Oatmeal is another filling snack choice that is low in calories. A packet of plain, instant oatmeal contains 100 calories and is loaded with fiber, protein and iron.

Greek Yogurt With Fruit

• Creamy Greek yogurt is a perfect snack option for vegetarians who include dairy in their diet, since it is loaded with muscle-building protein. A 6-ounce container of plain, fat-free Greek yogurt contains just 100 calories but packs 18 grams of protein. Likewise, Greek yogurt is high in calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin and vitamin B-12. To add sweetness and fiber to your snack, pair Greek yogurt with sliced fruit, such as berries, pineapple or peaches.

Nutritious Edamame

• Edamame, or boiled green soybeans, provides for a fun and nutrient-rich snack choice. A 1/2-cup serving of shelled edamame is under 100 calories yet provides 8 grams of protein and contains plenty of fiber, copper and folate. You can buy edamame in the frozen vegetable section, and it comes either in the shell or already shelled. To cook edmame, simply boil, steam or microwave your desired portion.