Just about everything wrong right now is blamed on COVID. So, I’m following suit, and extra ounces of weight we used to blame on the winter, I will now lay at COVID’s door. Regardless of who or what we hold responsible, our favorite summer outfits might seem slightly tighter than we remember after the long winter and months of lockdown. You might find yourself looking for a valid excuse to decline that invitation for a day at the beach. Not because you don’t want to go, but because the swimwear in your wardrobe seems to belong to someone quite a bit slimmer than you. Don’t despair. I’ll share some fun 100-calorie snacks that will have you ready for that bikini in no time.
Lose weight by snacking on popcorn
Be selective when you buy popcorn kernels. Some microwave varieties will give you six cups when popped, at only 100 calories. Watching a movie and working your way through a massive bowl of popcorn without weight worries is incredible. Because you have to chew, it is satisfying, and it makes you feel full for longer because of the high fiber content.
Frozen snacks that are weight-loss friendly
Would you believe that ice cream could be one of the top weight loss snacks? Look for low-calorie varieties that are double-churned or slow-churned. The churning process reduces calories and fat, while retaining the full-fat varieties’ creamy texture. Limit yourself to half-a-cup per day to limit the calories to 100. Another option is making frozen banana pops. Peel the banana, cut it in half and insert a popsickle stick in the flat edge. Dip it in low-fat plain yogurt and, pop them in the freezer.
Combine cottage cheese and fruit to lose weight
Protein-containing snacks like low-fat cottage cheese work the same way as fiber. It helps you to feel full for a longer time. There is 14 g of protein in a 1/2-cup serving. Add a thin wedge of cantaloupe or watermelon to make up 100 calories. Other fruit options include a baked apple sprinkled with cinnamon. Why not try a 3/4 cup of frozen mango cubes or 3/4 cup of apple wedges spread with a thin layer of peanut butter (unsalted). You could choose one cup of grapes, fresh or frozen, loaded with water that will keep you feeling full.
Quesadilla or pita and cheese snacks
Are you surprised? You might have thought cheese quesadillas would be fattening. They’re not — take a corn tortilla and grate one ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese onto it. Fold the tortilla over and microwave it for 20 seconds. It is a quick, healthy snack, tasty with no more than 100 calories. Another low-calorie snack is 1/2 ounce skim or part-skim ricotta cheese stuffed into a whole-grain pita pocket.
Yummy crackers and cheese
As long as you choose whole-grain crackers for this classic low-calorie snack, you’ll be safe. Ideal for those between meals moment when you just have to eat something. If you share a slice of any low-fat cheese over three whole-grain crackers, you’ll still be under 100 calories. The crackers’ fiber and the calcium and protein in the cheese will fill that empty spot in your tummy.
Do you love nuts?
Nuts are convenient snacks when you’re on the go, as long as you stick to the 100 calorie limits. Most importantly, nuts are rich in fiber, protein, certain minerals and vitamins. Eat them dry-roasted or raw without salt. Limit yourself to 14 almonds or 20 pistachios to keep the calories below 100. However, if you’re not too fond of nuts, go for six whole-grain pretzel sticks.
There are many more fun low-calorie snacks. You can go here for more options.
