It seems like every summer more people look in the mirror and say, "no way am I wearing a swimsuit this year" — again. So they start a diet and promise themselves to stop snacking and often fail because they want something sweet, salty, and/or satisfying, but cannot figure out how to eat snacks while staying on their diet and still lose weight. Well, there is good news…there are many foods that "allowable" on low-calorie diets and they can satisfy even the most discriminating palette. Enjoy yourself and take it slow — that weight didn’t show up in one day and it’s not going to drop off in one day…allow yourself a few of these little pleasures.
Candy
2 Skittles
1-1/2 Twizzlers black licorice bites
1 gummi bear
3 plain M&Ms or 1 peanut M&M
2 jelly beans
Nuts
18 salted, roasted sunflower seeds
20 salted, roasted soy nuts
2-1/2 pistachios
Fruit and Vegetables
3 cherry tomatoes
8 inches of celery
2-1/2 baby carrots
12 blueberries
1 apple slice
2 large strawberries
11 pieces of shelled edamame (soybeans)
Miscellaneous
2-1/2 baked Cheetos
42 Cheerios
4-1/2 mini marshmallows
10 wheat chex
1/3 air-popped popcorn
1 shoestring French fry
4 cheddar Goldfish crackers
2 plain Teddy Grahams
3 Altoid mints
2-1/2 mini Oreos
Dieting can be trying for both those on the diet and those living with the dieter. The main thing to remember is that you can lose weight without feeling guilty when you indulge in some of these tiny snacks. Your mind will be satisfied that you did not cheat and your mouth will be happy that it got to eat something yummy.
Don’t be afraid to try to find other items like these by reading calorie panels on the sides of boxes or bags of your favorite foods. Losing weight doesn’t have to be a boring, depressing time in your life. You might not look forward to the next diet, but now you don’t have to avoid it. Think positive and you will be able to stick with your diet better knowing that you are truly not “cheating” and are still able to satisfy that sweet or salty tooth that keeps you craving goodies while you try to diet.
You should be able to combine any of the items above into 4 25-calorie snacks per day and still remain faithful to your low-calorie diet. With such a variety available, you certainly should be able to enjoy these little pleasures
About Sheila Hrabal I have been writing for over 30 years on various topics as the need or desire arose. I began by writing short articles for my high school paper and yearbook which eventually led to company handbooks, newsletters, and web content writing.
