Remember how popular these little packs were when they first came out?
I actually knew people that would eat these packs for all their meals so they could easily stay on track with their calorie count.
Ew. How unsatisfying.
I used to buy these packs a long time ago, and I think the idea of them is good- pre-portioned snacks! But really? 100 calories of junky, processed garbage that isn’t going to even come close to filling you up is hardly what I’d call smart snacking.
So what’s a snack-loving gal to do? Find REAL snacks! Snacks that are satisfying for the stomach and offer some nutritional benefit as well.
Here are some of my favorites:
Edamame – you can chow down on 1/2 c (shelled) edamame for 110 calories, 0 carbs, 3.5 g fat and a satisfying 5 g of protein! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy eating this fun snack?
Celery, carrots & hummus – the satisfying crunch of veggies paired with the creamy deliciousness of 2 tbsp of hummus make for an outstanding afternoon snack for only 105 calories, 11 g carbs, 6 g fat and 2 g protein.
Greek Yogurt – Silky smooth and packed with protein makes this afternoon or morning snack a keeper. It can satisfy a sweet tooth and stick with you until your next meal. Chobani Champions are 100 calories, 1.5 g fat, 14 g carbs and 8 g of protein!
Apple and String Cheese – an easy grab snack that’s quick and easy for 131 calories, 20 g carbs, 2.5 g fat and 8 g of protein.
Popcorn – Ok, here is one pre-done snack that I’m a fan of- the 100 calorie bags of popcorn! You can stock these in your desk drawer and pull them out when your snack attacks hits. I‘m a big fan of the Kettle Corn- salty, sweet and satisfying for 100 calories, 25 g carbs, 2 g fat and 4 g of protein. BONUS: popcorn is a whole grain 🙂
What are your favorite 100-ish calorie snacks?
Autumn @ Good Eats Girl says
Carrots and hummus have become my go to snack lately! I just can’t get enough! I’m still on the search for Chobani Champions for my girls….none of the stores around here carry it!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I think you took all of my 100-calorie go-to snacks. 🙂 Maybe a spoonful of peanut butter? Not exactly low-fat…and I can never stick with just one spoonful…but it is a good idea in theory, right?
Melissa says
You took all the good ones. 😉 Maybe a handful of almonds or some deli turkey wrapped around a reduced fat cheese slice. Though if I eat a snack it is usually around 200 calories. Oh, and I got the 600 extra calories wrong yesterday. I looked it up and it is 200-300 extra cals. I remembered the first time hearing it, it wasn’t that much extra needed. And last night I also remembered the example being a banana with a tablespoon of peanut butter could be all that is needed to cover the extra 200 cals.
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
ooh, I love edamame! I always forget about that healthy snack! My go to snacks are usually apples, bananas, string cheese, celery, carrots, pistachios, sunflower seeds.
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
I used to buy 100 calorie packs in college, which just added to my poor status…since I’d eat at least two at a time. Sigh. Live and learn.
My favorite ~100 calorie snack is a Mini Babybel and a couple pieces of crackers. So filling.
Sarah for Real says
Great post! I totally agree about the 100 calorie packs. Plus they are SO EXPENSIVE! I’m pretty sure you could get almost all of those other snacks you mentioned combined for the same price as one box of 100 calories packs. Well maybe not exactly, don’t put me on the Price is Right.
Yay for real food!
Jess @atasteofconfidence says
I used to eat the 100 cal packs ALL the time when I was counting calories and being crazy. Now, I’d much rather have greek yogurt, a banana with peanut butter, or something like that:)
alexis says
Good post!! These are helpful snack ideas! I like ones like this- keep more coming!
Kelli says
I just ate Edamame! Slightly addicted.
Kelli H says
Those are great ideas and I do the veggies with hummus and also the chobani yogurts (LOVE the pineapple one). I also like to add cauliflower the mix of veggies or bell peppers or sugar snap peas. YUM! I also like apples and peanut butter.
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
I love your snack ideas way more than the 100 cal packs of processed stuff! I find those things so unsatisfying, and they have a weird aftertaste. My favorite 100-cal-ish snack is greek yogurt, a few whole grain chips with hummus, or a handful of trail mix.
Cara says
I love that you posted this! The snacks above that you suggested to me changed my life and lifestyle forever! Learning about healthy snacks and 411fit helped me lose 30 lbs and I haven’t looked back! Thanks for opening my eyes to help change my life for the best!
Jane says
I love all your ideas! One of my favorites is Gnu Fiber Bars. All Natural, 12 grams of fiber and 140 calories.