Beware Of 100 Calorie Snack Packs
Food manufacturers knew that 100-calorie snack packs would be popular. One of the buzzword phrases in the world of nutrition is “portion control.” While portion control of your main meals is important to control your calorie intake, what you eat between main meals is also important.
A caloric surplus (eating more calories than you burn) will cause you to gain weight. If your snack portions between main meals is out of control, they can cause you to have a caloric surplus.
Our weight-conscious population welcomed 100-calorie snack packs in grand fashion. And, food manufacturers knew we would. What harm could those little snack packs do to your meal plan? Those neat little tasty snack packs can have you wanting to eat more and more and more of them! Afterall, its only 100 calories.
The American Dietetic Association recommends healthy snacking. Snacks bridge the gap between main meals and can help you eat less at mealtime. Going too long between meals can cause you to load up on sugary carbohydrates to get quick energy. These types of snacks are high in calories, not very nutritious and cause rapid ups and downs in blood sugar levels (you will crash).
Read the nutrition label on those 100-calorie snack packs for unhealthy fats, sugars, etc. The other danger is eating too many of these "mini-sized" packets of food. If you eat 4-5 packs of mini Orioles for your afternoon snack, it does no good to "mini-size." Plus, its not very nutritious.
So, here are some good snack guidelines to follow (100-calorie pack or not):
1. Popcorn is high-fiber and low calorie. Skip the butter and excess salt! I like to pop it on the stove in canola or olive oil. On the run, I eat natural, microwaved brands.
2. Nuts. Peanuts, pistachios, pecans and almonds are all good. A handful of nuts goes a long way! They are high-calorie so be careful. Skip the excess salt! Nuts have heart-healthy fats, fiber and vitamins.
3. Fruit is always a healthy, filling snack. I've never heard of anyone getting fat from eating fruit! We all know the health benefits of eating fruit so enough said.
4. Green, leafy salads. Eat green salads on most days with very little dressing.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Try the calculator at www.100caloriebags.com to create your own healthy 100 calorie snacks with food you love!
May 20, 2010 - 11:44pmThis Comment
You are right, I've never heard of anyone getting fat from eating fruits and vegetables. Those small bags of snacks are not very satisfying and sometimes they are loaded with sugar and salt.
May 21, 2010 - 7:05amI love making my own 100 Calorie Snacks!
April 28, 2012 - 11:29pm