9 keto-friendly snacks that will actually keep you full

Americans once demonized fat. But recently, the nutrient is rising above its bad-for-you reputation. Thats just one reason the ketogenic diet is becoming popular again—eating all the fat you want sounds like a great thing, right?

But the keto diet also severely restricts the amount of carbohydrates you can eat. Anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of your daily calories come from fat, 5 to 10 percent come from carbs, and the remainder consists of protein—which can affect your body in more ways than one.

In fact, when you go keto, it's typically recommended to eat less than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day, or the equivalent of just two to three apples.

But a big factor that can help you stick to a keto diet? Feeling full. If you’re hungry throughout the day, you’ll likely overeat, which can lead to weight gain over time. Generally, you want to eat a few snacks per day in addition to your meals, depending on your hunger levels. There’s no set number, but aim to fuel your body every 4 to 5 hours.

Snacking on a keto diet can be tricky, though. So, here are nine snacks that fit the keto guidelines. Reach for them when you need something to hold you over until your next meal.

MINI BELL PEPPERS

As a general rule of thumb, vegetables offer fewer carbs. So while fruit is great for you to snack on and can certainly fit into your plan, it’s trickier to eat lots of it on a keto diet.

Plus, you still need to eat enough good-for-you nutrients, and enjoying colorful mini bell peppers will help you do just that. “They’re refreshing, crisp, and convenient,” says sports dietitian Jenna Braddock, R.D., C.S.S.D. “Since the mini bell peppers are portable, you don’t need any prep.”

Three mini bell peppers offers just 5 grams of carbs, meaning nine of them for a snack would offer the same as most medium sized pieces of fruit. If you can't stand eating them on your own, have them with some mashed avocado.

KALE CHIPS

Kale keeps your carb intake in check, while offering a combo of fiber, antioxidants, and even some protein. These Rhythm Superfoods Spicy Jalapeno Kale Chips are a great keto option.

Want to make your own snack? Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and rinse off a batch of dinosaur kale. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, spread your kale leaves and sprinkle them with a bit of salt and pepper (and a pinch of cayenne if you want some heat). Roast for about 5 to 10 minutes until they’re crispy.