A walk up and down the aisles of the grocery store will reveal box upon box of 100-calorie snack packs. Chips, cookies, candy, chocolate – the idea is that you can indulge while staying true to your diet since you’re limited to a controlled portion of 100 calories.
Unfortunately, these snack packs are not as great as they might first appear. They generate a huge amount of waste packaging, they’re expensive, they often tempt dieters to eat more than one pack at a time, and – let’s face it – they aren’t always as delicious as they claim to be.
Instead of eating 100 empty calories from a snack pack, why not prepare your own powerhouse snacks at home? You can find low-calorie snacks that are both nutritious and delicious at your local grocery store.
Try one these seven snacks – each of them weighing in at around 100 calories – for your next mid-afternoon pick-me-up!
Bananas
They’re the perfect snack: portable, filling, nutritious and satisfyingly sweet. If you’re not quite satisfied with a plain banana, try slicing it and sprinkling cinnamon on top. Even better, you can freeze a banana and run it through the food processor for a few minutes for a creamy frozen treat!
calories in one medium banana: 105
Popcorn
It’s hard to imagine watching a movie without popcorn. Unfortunately, the popcorn you can buy at the theatre – dripping with oil and butter – is anything but a healthy choice. The good news is that air-popped popcorn is much lower in calories while still providing that satisfying crunch.
calories in three cups of air-popped popcorn: 93
Edamame
This Japanese snack is delicious and nutritious. You can buy edamame – or whole soybeans – in the frozen vegetable section of many grocery stores. Simply steam or heat up in the microwave and eat! Because you eat them one at a time, using your teeth to slide the beans out of the pod, they last longer, which makes them that much more satisfying as a snack.
calories in half a cup of edamame: 95
Celery and Hummus
Raw celery, crunchy and fresh, is best when paired with a savory dip like hummus. The hummus is creamy and salty, which can help satisfy cravings for salty food. Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber, so hummus is a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.
calories in three tablespoons of hummus and three stalks of celery: 99
Apple and Peanut Butter
Take a cue from kids everywhere: apples and peanut butter are perfect partners! Slice half of an apple and spread each slice with a thin layer of natural peanut butter. The result is a multi-textured snack that is sure to satisfy. As an added bonus, the healthy fats in peanut butter will help keep you full longer.
calories in half an apple and two teaspoons of peanut butter: 98
Almonds and Raisins
The sweetness of raisins mixes perfectly with the crunch of almonds, creating a taste and texture that will make your mouth sing. Almonds are packed with healthy fats, which satisfy a hunger for longer. This high-fiber snack is the perfect remedy to a mid-afternoon slump!
calories in half an ounce of almonds (about 11 almonds) and one tablespoon of raisins: 108
Frozen Grapes
Toss some fresh grapes in the freezer, and you’ll be amazed by the results! Frozen grapes are refreshing and deliciously sweet. The texture is reminiscent of sorbet or popsicles, which makes them perfect for a hot day. Because they’re icy cold, they take longer to eat, which makes them more satisfying.
calories in one cup of frozen grapes: 110
The next time that you’re tempted by those over-packaged low-nutrition 100-calorie snack packs in the grocery store, why not pick up some real food instead? With a little bit of foresight and imagination, you’ll find the perfect snack to curb your cravings and put a smile on your face.
Related Articles By Cathe:
Weight Control and Nutrition: Why 100-Calorie Snack Packs Aren’t the Best Option
Healthy Snacking: 5 Bad Snack Habits to Avoid
5 Healthy Office Snacks That’ll Keep You Away From the Vending Machine
5 Tips for Eating Nuts Without Gaining Weight
Portion Size Trumps Mindful Eating for Controlling How Many Calories You Eat
[…] Delicious 100-calorie snacks. […]