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It’s safe to say that most people struggle with maintaining their ideal weight. I know I’m constantly watching my portions and counting calories to stay as fit and healthy as possible. Thankfully, I’m no stranger to incorporating exercise into my routine, but I still love to eat.
And, nothing will blow your waistline and your budget faster than not planning ahead to curb those cravings between meals. In order to keep things under control, I try to anticipate times when I’m going to need something to get me through without dropping money at a vending machine or, worst of all, falling victim to a drive-thru.
If you happen to be like me and need a little inspiration for smart snacking, check out these low-calorie snack foods that will help you lose weight, feel great, and stay on budget all at the same time!
1. Tomato and Mozzarella
Tomato and mozzarella top the list as one of my favorite duos. There’s nothing like enjoying an explosion of flavor and having a healthy snack at the same time.
Add fresh basil, salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to complete your Caprese salad. Guilt-free snacking at its finest. And you’ll save money by not falling prey to the closest fast food going drive-thru.
2. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt can be picked up by bulk at your grocery store. It’s a great go-to snack when you’re on the run.
3. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can be an acquired taste. Fortunately, after you acquire it, you’ll enjoy the fact that it contains fewer calories (thanks to lower sugar content) and antioxidants. The kids might even like it, too!
4. Eggs
At less than 100 calories per egg, you can’t argue with this quick, healthy, and frugal snack.
Whether you like to boil them, scramble them, or cook ’em over easy, you simply can’t go wrong with eggs.
5. Beef Jerky
At less than 100 calories per strip, you can’t go wrong with this snack to keep you moving and on track.
Beware the salt factor, though. If you’re watching your salt intake, you might want to choose another option.
6. Oatmeal
With a single serving of oatmeal sitting at just over 100 calories, we had to include it on our list. Not only does oatmeal fill you up, but it’s also a fairly nutritious snack that includes fiber!
7. Watermelon
Watermelon is a sweet treat that will fill you up and is mostly water.
I remember my dad used to LOVE watermelon as a snack after dinner. It’s definitely a smarter choice than ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
8. Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers are another dynamic duo on our list. Although a perfect combination, beware of your portions. This snack can actually pack on pounds if you eat too much in one sitting.
9. Just Cheese!
Don’t want the carbs from crackers, ditch ’em and just eat the cheese. It’s what I usually do. I love having a chunk of blue cheese at my disposal in the fridge.
If a craving hits, I just cut off a couple of pieces and I’m good for another hour or two.
10. Shrimp Cocktail
This is another one of our all-time favorites. Oftentimes, we’ll replace an entire meal with this appetizer/snack to cut down on our calories for the day. Yum. Yum. Yum. Enough said.
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11. Celery Sticks
You can’t go wrong with celery sticks for snacking in between meals. Just be careful you don’t overdo the dressing for dipping.
Blue cheese, ranch, and the like can add unwanted calories quick. Remember the old saying, a little dab will do ya? Time to employ it.
12. Carrots and Broccoli
Carrots and broccoli are by definition healthy. Add a little olive and some seasoning to keep the calorie count from creeping up and you’ll have a perfectly tasty and cheap snack.
13. Popcorn
Feel like indulging? Why not make a bag of microwavable popcorn for a snack.
These are even sold in mini bags now to keep your portion small. It’s a good thing, too. I know my husband and I always struggle with NOT eating the entire bag.
14. Almonds
Protein, protein, and more protein. If you’re on the run and you need to keep your energy level up without devouring a candy bar from the vending machine, make sure you have some almonds on hand.
My favorite almonds are the ones dusted with a light coating of chocolate. #delish
15. Peppers
Look at those vibrant and delicious peppers. Sliced peppers are super low in calories and super big on taste.
16. Apple Slices
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. I remember my mother telling me that as a kid and I’m sure you probably do, too. Not sure it’s been scientifically proven, but apples sure are a great low-calorie snack that contains vitamins, minerals, and vitamin C.
17. Peanut Butter
One tbsp of peanut butter equals just under 100 calories. Have you ever had a single tbsp of peanut butter? It is filling!
Not only is it filling, but it’s also packed with protein…and fat. So, keep that in mind before you go for a second tbsp.
18. Pita Chips and Hummus
If you’re a potato chip junkie, swapping out your ordinary brand for some pita chips and hummus will likely cut down on your calorie consumption. As with any snack of this nature, though, keep your portions under control.
19. Fruit/Veggie Smoothie
Smoothies are an excellent source of nutrients. For people on the run or picky about fruits and vegetables, it’s also a great way to ensure you’re getting your daily recommended foods.
I, for one, am one of those picky eaters. So, smoothies are a life-saver for me. I tend to make big batches at a time and divvy them up into single servings in the fridge.
A word of warning though, smoothies, especially those made mostly of fruit, can be high in sugar. Even though it’s natural sugar, it’s still not great for your waistline.
To make sure we keep smoothies in the low-calorie column, we make sure the portions are on the small side.
Bonus: Compare the cost of your homemade smoothies to the price you would pay at a cafe or juice bar and you’ll be astounded by the savings. On top of your frugal win, you also get to control every single ingredient. No added sugar here!
20. Granola Bars
Granola bars are excellent for keeping you feeling full when you’re on-the-go. At around 130 calories/bar, they’re a perfect addition to our low-calories, budget-friendly list.
I like having these mixed in our fruit bowl in the kitchen. Have an orange with breakfast and grab a granola bar for your mid-morning snack.
21. Trail Mix
Trail mix can be a HIGH-calorie snack. So, why did it make our list?
Well, if you’re out hiking or know you’re going to be skipping a meal because you have a day packed full of errands, having a bag of trail mix on hand will get you through till dinner without grabbing a double cheeseburger and large fry on the fly.
22. Cottage Cheese
We just can’t get enough of cheese.
For a quick snack, cottage cheese fits the bill. And at just over 100 calories per 1/2 cup, it’s hard to pass up.
23. Sushi
A single piece of tuna with rice amounts to about 60 calories. Have just a piece or two and you’ve got yourself a perfect low-calorie snack that you can pick up at the grocery store.
24. Cinnamon Applesauce
We like to buy our applesauce with no added sugars. You’ll be surprised how quickly you adapt and how crazy sweet regular applesauce tastes after that.
Unsweetened applesauce clocks in at around 100 calories/cup. Add a little cinnamon (19 cal/tbsp) on top for a flavorful zing.
25. Pretzels with a Twist
Pretzels are a deliciously salty snack that can be super helpful in a time of need.
I like buying small bags in bulk at the store and keeping them on hand to satisfy any emergency craving that might strike.
25+. A Glass of Milk
Although a glass of milk might not immediately come to mind when thinking about low-calorie snacks, it definitely deserves a spot on our list.
Clocking in at 122 calories/cup, milk certainly is tasty, nutritious, and filling. It’s also packed full of good stuff. Just be cautious of the fat content. If it’s a snack, consider a small glass and 2% or less.
And there you have it, a list of over 25 low-calorie snack foods that’ll help you trim your waistline and live your best life.
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What’s your favorite low-calorie snack food that didn’t make the list?
