Low-Calorie Snacks

Lose Weight Without Giving Up Treats

Feb 24, 2009 Sharael Kolberg

No matter what diet you're on, there are certain snacks that can help satisfy your sweet tooth without adding too many extra calories.

We've all been there before...got a parking ticket, didn't get the promotion you'd hoped for or tired of hearing your kids whine...when having a bad day, an easy thing to do is to reach for a treat to self-soothe. Don't worry...having treats doesn't have to mean sabotaging your diet. Here are some low-calorie treats that can satisfy your need for some comfort food, but not add inches to your waistline.

50 Calories or Less

Sometimes you have a craving and just need a "taste" in your mouth to get over it. It doesn't mean you have to overindulge. You can have one of these low-calorie snacks to help you get past your craving.

  • Sugar-Free Jello: 10 calorie cups
  • Del-Monte Sugar-free peaches: 25 calorie cups
  • Nestle Fat-Free Hot Cocoa: 25 calories
  • Sugar-Free Fudgsicle: 40 calories
  • Mini Babybel Light Cheese: 50 calorie serving
  • Asian pear: 50 calories
  • Mott's Natural Applesauce: 50 calorie cup
  • Gum
  • Sugar-free candy
  • Flavored water
  • Tea, coffee or diet soda

100 Calories or Less

If you're feeling hungry, but don't want to overeat, try one of these snacks to fill you up without over doing it.You can partake in one of these without feeling guilty.

  • Veggie hot dog: 50 calories
  • Eating Right Yogurt: 60 calorie cups
  • Sugar-free Pudding: 60 calorie cups
  • Egg Beater omelet: 60 calories
  • Campbell's Select Harvest Light Soup: 50-80 calorie cup
  • Fat-free, sugar-free latte: 90 calories
  • Eating Right Low-Fat Ice Cream: 100 calorie cups
  • Emerald Cocoa almonds: 100 calorie pack
  • Apple or Banana: 100 calories
  • Trader Joe's dark chocolate bars: 100 calories
  • Light Popcorn: 100 calorie bag

100-Calorie Snack Packs

Grocery stores shelves are stacked with pre-packaged snack packs, but be aware of the pros and cons.

The Good:

  • Convenient
  • No need to measure serving size
  • No need to count calories
  • Less of a chance to overindulge

The Bad:

  • These can be packed with sugar or saturated fat--be sure to read the label
  • Just because it's only 100 calories, doesn't mean it's a healthy option

Hydration

Another factor in staving off cravings and hunger is to make sure to stay hydrated. Use this hydration calculator to see how much water you need daily. Try keeping a reusable water bottle in your car. Take a sip at every red light or stop sign. Before you know it, you'll have your daily intake of fluids and be less likely to reach for a treat. Rather than counting how many glass you drink per day, buy one large water bottle and aim to finish the entire bottle...depending on your intake needs.

Whether you're trying to lose weight on Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, or just watching what you eat--these low-calories snacks can help you reach your goal without feeling like you're being deprived.

As with any diet and exercise program, be sure to check with your physician before getting started. Calories may vary depending on brand. Be sure to read the food label for nutritional information. Visit weightloss tips, for more information.

The copyright of the article Low-Calorie Snacks in Weight Loss is owned by Sharael Kolberg. Permission to republish Low-Calorie Snacks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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