Satisfying Your Cravings with Healthy, Low-Calorie Snacks Under 200 Calories
When hunger strikes between meals, it's easy to grab whatever convenient snacks are around. But those impulse treats can quickly add up in calories, undermining your health goals. The key is having go-to snacks ready that curb cravings without the excess calories. This wide variety of tasty picks all clock in at under 200 calories.
Benefits of Low-Calorie Snacking
Choosing snacks less than 200 calories provides many benefits:
- Keeps hunger at bay between meals
- Provides energy and nutrients for your body
- Helps control portions at main meals
- Reduces risk of overeating and bingeing
- Makes it easier to maintain or lose weight
- Limits mindless nibbling and boredom eating
The key is finding snacks you look forward to eating that don't sabotage your health objectives.
Tips for Snacking Smarter
Keep these tips in mind for choosing the best low-calorie snacks:
- Combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats to balance energy.
- Avoid refined carbs and added sugars which spike then crash energy.
- Hydrate with water or unsweetened drinks instead of sugary beverages.
- Pre-portion snacks into grab-and-go containers.
- Keep fruit and veggies washed, cut-up and ready to eat.
- Satisfy cravings in moderation - don't restrict too strictly.
Crunchy and Salty Snacks Under 200 Calories
Curb cravings for chips, crackers, and other crunchy treats with these better-for-you picks:
1. Air-Popped or Skinny Pop Popcorn
3 cups air-popped - 60 calories
Snack pack Skinny Pop - 100 calories
2. Rice Cakes
2 brown rice cakes - 70 calories
1 rice cake with 1 Tbsp peanut butter - 150 calories
3. Kale Chips
1 oz plain - 60 calories
1 oz sea salt flavor - 140 calories
4. Edamame
1/2 cup shelled - 90 calories
5. Roasted Chickpeas
1/4 cup - 110 calories
Sweet Snack Options Under 200 Calories
Don't deny sweet snack attacks - just make better choices like:
1. Fruit and Berries
1 medium apple - 95 calories
1 cup raspberries - 60 calories
1 cup melon cubes - 50 calories
2. Low-Fat Greek Yogurt
1 cup with fresh berries - 150 calories
3. Fruit and Nut Bars
Kind Fruit and Nut bar - 180 calories
4. Dark Chocolate Squares
2 squares (1 oz) - 140 calories
5. Protein Balls
1 homemade peanut butter protein ball - 115 calories
Savory Snacks Under 200 Calories
Curb hunger with these more filling options:
1. Vegetable Sticks and Hummus
Baby carrots and 2 Tbsp hummus - 80 calories
2. Whole Wheat Crackers
15 Triscuit crackers - 150 calories
3. Cottage Cheese
1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese - 100 calories
4. Hard Boiled Egg
1 egg - 80 calories
5. Bean Salad
1/2 cup chickpea salad - 110 calories
On-the-Go Snacks Under 200 Calories
Stay satisfied even when you're out and about with these portable picks:
1. Fresh Fruit
Apple, pear, banana, peach - 80 to 110 calories
2. Low-fat String Cheese
1 stick - 80 calories
3. Trail Mix
1/4 cup nuts, seeds, dried fruit - 180 calories
4. Protein Bar
Atkins or Quest bar - 190 calories
5. Single-Serve Hummus
2 Tbsp portion Sabra hummus - 70 calories
Sip and Snack combos Under 200 Calories
Pair these beverages with snacks to stay satisfied:
1. Unsweetened Iced Tea
With 10 whole wheat crackers - 150 calories
2. Seltzer Water
With 1/4 cup mixed nuts - 190 calories
3. Skim Milk
With 1 small banana - 190 calories
4. Light Latte
With 3 cups air-popped popcorn - 155 calories
5. Low-Calorie Hot Cocoa
With 1 Tbsp peanut butter on rice cake - 180 calories
DIY Snack Kits Under 200 Calories
Assemble your own custom snack kits like:
Yogurt Parfait Kit
3/4 cup low-fat yogurt, 1/4 cup berries, 2 Tbsp granola - 180 calories
Ants on a Log Kit
4 celery sticks, 2 Tbsp peanut butter, 2 Tbsp raisins - 170 calories
Adult Lunchable Kit
15 whole grain crackers, 11 cubed cheddar, grapes - 190 calories
Edamame Snack Kit
1/2 cup edamame in pods, 2 Tbsp hummus - 190 calories
Freeze Ahead Snack Bites Under 200 Calories
Make snack time easier with ready-to-grab frozen treats like:
Greek Yogurt Bark
With fresh fruit and dark chocolate - 150 calories per piece
Banana "Ice Cream"
Blended frozen bananas - 105 calories per 1/2 cup
Fruit and Nut Truffles
Dates, walnuts, cocoa powder - 50 calories per piece
Berry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Oats, yogurt, frozen berries - 100 calories per cookie
Keeping Snacks Portion Controlled
To avoid mindless overeating of snacks, remember to:
- Pre-portion snacks into baggies or containers
- Always sit down and pay attention while snacking
- Skip eating directly from a large package
- Limit high-calorie snacks to a bite-size treat
- Savor each bite instead of rushing through snacks
Choosing satisfying snacks under 200 calories is a simple way to achieve your health goals. With so many delicious options, you'll never feel deprived!
FAQs
Why are snacks under 200 calories beneficial?
Snacks less than 200 calories help control hunger between meals without excess calorie intake that can hinder weight loss. Low-calorie snacks provide energy, nutrients, and portion control.
What are some crunchy snack options under 200 calories?
Great crunchy snacks include air-popped popcorn, rice cakes, kale chips, edamame, roasted chickpeas, and other light popcorn and cracker varieties.
What are good sweet snacks to enjoy in moderation?
Some sweet treats to enjoy in moderation include fresh fruit, low-fat greek yogurt with berries, fruit and nut bars, a small serving of dark chocolate, and homemade protein balls.
What are the best snacks for curbing hunger below 200 calories?
Filling snacks under 200 calories include vegetable sticks with hummus, whole wheat crackers, cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, bean salads, and other options with protein, fiber and healthy fats.
How do I portion control snacks to avoid overeating?
Tips for portion control include pre-packing snacks into containers, sitting down while snacking, avoiding eating directly from bags, limiting high-calorie snacks, and savoring each bite.
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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