Satisfying Your Cravings With 0 Calorie Snacks
Snacking is a great way to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day. However, mindless snacking on unhealthy foods can quickly lead to excess calorie consumption and weight gain. The key is choosing snacks that are nutritious, filling, and low in calories.
The Benefits of 0 Calorie Snacks
0 calorie snacks, sometimes referred to as zero calorie or no calorie foods, provide less than 5 calories per serving. Choosing these ultra low calorie snacks can provide many benefits:
- Help control hunger and food cravings without adding extra calories
- Allow flexibility in your diet for more calorie-dense meals
- Help you feel full and energetic when trying to lose weight
- Provide nutrients and satisfaction from texture and flavor
Finding Satisfying 0 Calorie Snack Options
Many people think that 0 calorie snacks lack flavor, satisfaction, and nutrients. However, there are plenty of tasty, filling, and nutritious options to choose from, including:
Fruits and Vegetables
- Celery sticks
- Bell pepper slices
- Carrot sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Zucchini slices
- Pickles
Beverages
- Unsweetened tea, coffee
- Flavored sparkling water
- Diet soda (in moderation)
Condiments and Seasonings
- Mustard
- Hot sauce
- Vinegars
- Spices like cinnamon, ginger, paprika
- Extracts like vanilla, almond, peppermint
- Garlic
- Lemon/lime juice
Pairing 0 calorie foods with other flavorful, low calorie ingredients can lead to delicious snack options.
20 Tasty Snack Ideas Under 100 Calories
If you want a little more substance than 0 calorie snacks, there are many nutritious options available with less than 100 calories per serving. Here are 20 ideas to try:
1. Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
- 1 medium apple, sliced (95 calories)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (95 calories)
2. Cottage Cheese and Fruit
- 1⁄2 cup low fat cottage cheese (81 calories)
- 1⁄2 cup sliced strawberries (27 calories)
3. Celery and Hummus
- 4 celery stalks (6 calories)
- 2 tablespoons hummus (46 calories)
4. Whole Grain Toast With Nut Butter
- 1 slice whole wheat bread, toasted (69 calories)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (98 calories)
5. Greek Yogurt Parfait
- 1⁄2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (100 calories)
- 1⁄4 cup mixed berries (20 calories)
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds (28-35 calories)
6. Veggies and Dip
- 1 cup raw vegetables like carrots, cucumber, celery, bell peppers (30-50 calories)
- 2 tablespoons light ranch dressing (45 calories)
7. Mini Pizza
- 1 light English muffin, toasted (100 calories)
- 2 tablespoons marinara sauce (20 calories)
- 2 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella (46 calories)
8. Trail Mix
- 1⁄4 cup unsalted nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews (160-170 calories)
- 2 tablespoons raisins (62 calories)
9. Apple and Cheese
- 1 ounce cheddar cheese cubes (115 calories)
- 1 small apple, sliced (95 calories)
10. Energy Bites
- 1 homemade peanut butter, oat and honey energy bite (60-80 calories each)
11. Air Popped Popcorn
- 3 cups air popped popcorn (100 calories)
- Sprinkle with spices like paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (0 calories)
12. Roasted Chickpeas
- 1⁄2 cup roasted chickpeas (100-140 calories)
- Season with salt, pepper, spices
13. Hard Boiled Egg
- 1 hard boiled egg (78 calories)
14. Tuna Salad
- 3 ounces canned tuna packed in water, drained (85 calories)
- 1 tablespoon light mayo (35 calories)
- Mustard, celery, peppers to taste
15. Edamame
- 1⁄2 cup shelled edamame steamed or roasted (95 calories)
- Sprinkle with sea salt
16. Roasted Nori Sheets
- 2 sheets toasted seaweed/nori (10 calories)
17. Rice Cake and Peanut Butter
- 2 brown rice cakes (70 calories)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (95 calories)
18. deli Meat Roll Ups
- 2 slices turkey or ham (70 calories)
- 2 pieces lettuce
- Mustard or hummus
19. Fruit and Nut Bar
- 1 nutrition/granola bar with nuts, seeds and real fruit (100-150 calories)
20. Smoothie
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (39 calories)
- 1⁄2 banana, frozen (53 calories)
- 1⁄4 cup Greek yogurt (50 calories)
- 1⁄4 cup strawberries (14 calories)
Tips for Healthy Low Calorie Snacking
Here are some tips to help make low calorie snacking work for your health goals:
- Plan ahead and pack snacks in advance for when hunger strikes
- Eat slowly and mindfully to savor flavors and feel satisfied
- Choose filling proteins, fiber-rich complex carbs and healthy fats
- Pair low calorie foods together for a balance of satisfaction and nutrition
- Monitor portions of foods high in carbs, fat or sodium
- Stay well hydrated with unsweetened beverages like water, herbal tea and seltzer
Choosing the right snacks can allow you to fulfill cravings, maintain energy and stay on track with healthy eating. Focus on 0 calorie and 100 calorie snacks that provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and nourishment to properly fuel your body.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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