Whether you’re dieting or just don’t want to spoil dinner, you’ll love these light and low calorie snacks to ward off hunger at work or on the go.
1. Pumpkin Spice Yogurt
Pumpkin spice is a fall favorite for sure but rather than the calorie and fat laden lattes try this healthy and delicious alternative instead. Simply mix ½ cup of Greek yogurt with ¼ cup of pureed pumpkin. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract for flavor, and a dash of stevia for a little extra sweetness. Filled with protein, fiber and skin saving vitamin A, this is a great treat to reach for around the holidays.
2. Goat Cheese and Raw Veggies
If you feel like hummus has had its day but aren’t sure what to dip your vegetables in instead, give goat cheese a go. Also packed with protein, goat cheese has a zesty flavor and a creamy consistency making it the perfect pairing for carrots, celery or sliced pepper. Goat cheese also boasts fewer calories than its cow milk counterparts! Allot yourself two tablespoons and serve with your favorite raw veggies for a nutrient-rich and filling low-cal snack.
3. Peppery Popcorn
Popcorn can be one of the healthiest or most horrible snacks depending on how you top it. For a variety short on calories but not on flavor, try this unexpected seasoning combination. Pop up a two cup serving and season with cayenne pepper and one tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. A little spicy and salty, this under 100-calorie snack will hit the spot without racking you up any regret.
4. Cheesy Quesadilla
If you usually reserve your quesadilla craving for a cheat day, wait no more! This easy and non-greasy recipe takes under a minute to make and won’t wreck your diet. Simply cover a corn tortilla with 1 oz of low fat cheddar cheese, fold down the middle and throw in the microwave for 20 seconds. When the timer buzzes, you’ll be greeted with a hot and gooey quesadilla without the saturated fat and crazy calories.
5. Melon and Cottage Cheese
Sweet meets salty for a satiating and surprisingly low calorie snack when you pair melon with ½ cup of cottage cheese. To keep this yummy treat under the 100-calorie goal, limit yourself to ½ cup of cantaloupe or honeydew. If you’re not a big fan of melon, a few sliced strawberries will do the trick just the same — and even save you a couple extra calories!
6. FroYo Sandwich
If you’re anything like me you’ve been eyeing ice cream sandwiches everywhere from your Instagram feed to the lunchtime food trucks — but a scoop of ice cream squeezed between two cookies might not seem like a great way to kick off the holidays. Instead make a guilt-free version at home with frozen yogurt and two graham crackers. Crunchy and sweet, this ice cream sandwich alternative tastes nothing like sacrifice.
