Satisfy Your Cravings with These Delicious Cheap Healthy Snacks Under 100 Calories
Snacking is a great way to boost your energy and nutrients between meals. However, many popular snack foods are high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious cheap healthy snacks you can enjoy that are under 100 calories.
Choosing nutritious, low-calorie snacks can help keep your body fueled and prevent overeating at mealtimes. Here are 20 fantastic cheap healthy snack ideas to curb cravings and promote weight loss without breaking the calorie bank.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are nutritious, low in calories, and easy on the wallet. Keep your kitchen stocked with produce so you always have healthy snacks on hand.
1. Apple Slices - 95 calories
Apples are portable, inexpensive, and make the perfect healthy snack. One medium apple sliced up provides about 95 calories.
2. Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter - 95 calories
Celery sticks deliver fiber and crunch, while 2 tablespoons of peanut butter add filling protein and healthy fats. This tasty combo offers protein and produces a healthy snack for just 95 calories.
3. Bell Pepper Strips with Hummus - 46 calories
Dip 3 cups of sweet bell pepper strips in 2 tablespoons of hummus for a healthy snack under 50 calories. The veggies and chickpeas provide important nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and protein.
4. Cucumber Slices - 52 calories
Munch on 10 cucumber slices topped with a pinch of salt for a hydrating snack. Cucumbers are low calorie, refreshing, and rich in vitamin K.
Dairy and Eggs
Dairy products and eggs can round out a healthy snack. They offer protein, vitamins, and minerals in just a small serving.
5. Cottage Cheese - 98 calories
Get 12 grams of filling protein from 0.5 cups of low-fat cottage cheese. Sprinkle on some pepper and pair it with veggie sticks for a muscle-building snack.
6. Light String Cheese - 80 calories
One stick of light mozzarella string cheese gives you a good amount of calcium and protein. String cheese is conveniently portioned for an easy snack on the go.
7. Hard Boiled Egg - 78 calories
Hard boil one egg for a highly nutritious snack that provides protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin for only 78 calories.
Seeds and Nuts
Nuts and seeds make satisfying healthy snacks. They are packed with good fats, plant protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Since they're high in calories, enjoy small portions.
8. Trail Mix - 98 calories
Make your own trail mix with 0.25 cups peanuts, raisins, and dark chocolate chips. This sweet-and-salty combo covers a variety of nutrients for just 98 calories per serving.
9. Pumpkin Seeds - 93 calories
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium and iron. A 0.25 cup serving of roasted seeds gives you a healthy dose of these minerals for just 93 calories.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide important nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy them in healthy snacks to give your body long-lasting energy.
10. Rice Cake with Almond Butter - 99 calories
Top a brown rice cake with 1 tablespoon of almond butter for a fiber- and protein-filled snack with just 99 calories.
11. Whole Grain Crackers - 94 calories
Five whole grain crackers served with 1 wedge of light cheese gives you a crunchy, savory snack that's low in calories but still filling thanks to the fiber.
12. Popcorn - 96 calories
Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain that makes an incredibly light snack. Enjoy 3 cups of popcorn sprinkled with chili powder for only 96 calories.
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein provides steady energy, helps build muscle, and keeps you feeling full. Incorporate more protein into your healthy snacks to curb hunger.
13. Tuna Salad - 74 calories
Mix 1.5 ounces of water-packed tuna with 1 teaspoon olive oil mayo and diced veggies like celery and onions. Scoop it onto cucumber slices for an easy protein-packed snack.
14. Cottage Cheese and Fruit - 50 calories
Top 0.5 cups of cottage cheese with 0.5 cups of your favorite fruits like pineapple, mango, or berries for an antioxidant- and protein-rich treat.
15. Peanut Butter Banana Roll Ups - 100 calories
Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter onto a whole wheat tortilla. Top with 0.5 small sliced bananas and roll it up for a nutritious snack that will fill you up.
Sweets and Desserts
A little something sweet can really hit the spot. You can incorporate healthier dessert snacks into your diet in moderation.
16. Frozen Grapes - 84 calories
Freeze red grapes for a refreshing low-cal snack that satisfies your sweet tooth. One cup of these icy treats only has 84 calories.
17. Greek Yogurt Parfait - 94 calories
Layer 0.5 cups nonfat Greek yogurt with 0.5 cups mixed berries and 1 tablespoon granola for a protein- and fiber-rich dessert.
18. Apple with Almond Butter - 100 calories
Dip sliced apples into 2 tablespoons of almond butter for a sweet snack reminiscent of apple pie but way lighter at only 100 calories.
19. Chocolate Avocado Pudding - 81 calories
Blend together 1 avocado, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup for a creamy chocolate treat. The healthy fats in avocado will keep you satisfied.
20. Dark Chocolate Square - 95 calories
Indulge in one 1-inch square of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for sweetness in just 95 calories. The antioxidants in dark chocolate provide added health benefits.
Tips for Choosing the Best Cheap Healthy Snacks
When selecting cheap healthy snacks, consider nutrients as well as calories. Look for options that provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Combine foods from different food groups to ensure you get a variety of nutrients. For instance, apple slices dipped in peanut butter provide fruit, protein, and healthy fats.
Watch out for added sugars in low-calorie snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, and flavored yogurt. Always check the ingredients label.
Pay attention to portion sizes, even for healthy foods. Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense, but high in calories, so keep servings small.
Prepare snacks in advance so you aren't tempted to make a poor choice when hunger strikes. Wash and portion out fruits and veggies for easy grabbing.
Drink water before and during snacking to prevent overeating. Sometimes thirst feels like hunger, so hydrating can help satisfy you.
Avoid mindless snacking while watching TV or working. When you eat without thinking, its easy to overindulge in high-calorie foods.
Prioritize protein and fiber, which will make your snacks more satisfying and prevent energy crashes.
Think outside the box for unique snack ideas like tuna on cucumber rounds or chickpeas blended into hummus.
The Benefits of Healthy Snacking
Including nutrient-dense snacks in your diet has many excellent health benefits:
- Steadies energy levels and blood sugar between meals.
- Provides important micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Keeps you hydrated with water-rich fruits and veggies.
- Increases satiety so you eat fewer calories overall.
- Promotes heart health when snacks include good fats from nuts, seeds, and avocados.
- Builds and repairs muscles when protein-rich foods are included.
The key is choosing healthy snacks that are high in nutrients but low in calories. This allows you to reap the benefits of snacking without overdoing it on calories.
Snack Smarter for Weight Loss
Being mindful of your snacks is crucial when trying to lose weight. Here are some simple tips for making healthy snack choices that promote weight loss:
- Read nutrition facts labels and avoid packaged snacks high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and excess sodium.
- Reach for snacks with at least 3 grams of filling fiber like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
- Include protein in snacks to help satisfy your appetite.
- Drink water before and during snacking to prevent overeating.
- Slow down and savor snacks. Don't eat while distracted.
- Choose whole, minimally processed snacks over refined, heavily processed ones.
- Allow yourself occasional treats like a small piece of dark chocolate so you don't feel deprived.
With a little effort, it's easy to find delicious snacks under 100 calories that help you feel nourished and satisfied while supporting your weight loss journey.
FAQs
What are some good on-the-go healthy snacks?
Some great portable healthy snack options include fresh fruits like apples, bananas or tangerines, trail mix, granola bars, string cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and crackers with nut butter or light cheese wedges.
How can I curb unhealthy cravings with healthy snacks?
When a junk food craving strikes, reach for a healthy snack to satisfy it instead. Some examples include frozen grapes instead of candy, fruits with almond or peanut butter rather than chips and dip, and popcorn instead of crackers or pretzels.
What are easy healthy snacks to prepare at home?
Quick and easy healthy snacks you can make at home include apple slices with peanut butter, whole grain toast with mashed avocado, cucumber slices with hummus, cottage cheese with pineapple, carrots and celery with ranch dip, and yogurt parfaits.
Should I eat snacks even if trying to lose weight?
Yes, snacking can help with weight loss by preventing overeating at meals. Just be sure to choose healthy snacks under 100 calories. Good options include fruits, vegetables, greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, air-popped popcorn, and a small portion of nuts.
How can I avoid unhealthy snacks?
To avoid grabbing unhealthy snacks throughout the day, keep your kitchen stocked with nutritious options and prepare snacks ahead of time. Drink plenty of water, eat balanced meals, and allow yourself occasional treats in moderation.
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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