Having a handy list of low calorie snacks can be helpful when you’re in the mood for something to snack on, but don’t want to sabotage your diet.
I don’t count calories in the Lose Free Diet, as my philosophy is if you’ve cut out sugar, are eating enough veggies, and have switched to low-fat/no-fat versions of food, chances are you’re eating the right amount of calories – and if you’re exercising you’re also burning those calories! Also most of the meals are filling enough that I’m not too often hungry in between meals.
However, once in awhile I do want a little snack, and picking a lower calorie one certainly doesn’t hurt anything! Below is my list of favorite low calorie snacks:
Pickles: Pickles are a great snack! My favorite are and always will be Claussen Pickles. Only 5 calories per pickle! Though the sodium is VERY high, so if you’re watching sodium, you may want to take that into consideration.
Salsa: Salsa is another very low calorie snack by itself – only 5 calories. However, you do have to again watch the sodium, and be careful of eating tortilla chips with it! (Though the tortilla chips won’t kill your diet, they are much higher in calories and fat – 3 Tostidos brand chips have 68 calories in them!) You can however dip a number of things in salsa besides chips – such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, lunch meat slices, and other veggies.
Peanut Butter: This is a great low calorie snack if you are craving something sweet. Each teaspoon of peanut butter is approximately only 15 calories. You can pair it on a banana which has between 80-115 calories for a low calorie snack that can also pack in some extra energy or an apple that has 50 calories for a crunchy snack.
Sugar Free Jello: Sugar free Jello is less than 10 calories per serving. Sugar free pudding is higher in calories because you mix it with milk, but it can also be a better alternative than candy or high calorie snacks.
Grapes and Berries: Grapes and berries are a great snack that fulfill the need to be munching on something. You can freeze them and eat them frozen also.
Plain yogurt: A half cup of plain yogurt has about 80 calories, if you pair it with 10 blueberries or raspberries, you have a tasty snack for less than 100 calories.
Veggies and Low-Cal Dip: Veggies such as peppers, radishes, cucumbers, and celery are very low in calorie. You can get low calorie dressing to dip them into for a tasty and crunchy snack for less than 75 calories.
Turkey, Lettuce, Cheese Roll-Ups: This is a satisfying snack you can make by rolling a slice of turkey, a slice of low calorie cheese, and a piece of lettuce. It’s like a sandwich without the bread!
Tomato: I love eating tomatoes, especially when they are ripe and in season. Slice them up, add a little salt and pepper, and you’ve got a delicious and satisfying snack for between 35-50 calories! Add 1/4 cup of tuna with that tomato, and you’re still under 100 calories.
Do you have any favorite low calorie snacks? Share them in the comments below!