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The Lowdown on Keeping your Calorie Count Low

Snack smart with these low-calorie treats.

3min
The Lowdown on Keeping your Calorie Count Low

We all deserve some downtime, don’t we? A chance for us to just lounge around, catch up on some reading, or start on that new K-Drama that’s showing. You know what goes well with all these relaxing activities? Snacks!
 

If you’re the I’ll burn it off later type of snacker, then by all means, reach for a bag of chips or go get that glazed donut with your name on it. But if you’re the calorie-counting type then you might want to consider these alternative meriendas.

  • Rice cakes

If you're looking for something light and available anywhere, rice cake or kakanin is always a good option. They come in lots of different flavors but are surprisingly low in calories.

  • Boiled eggs

Talk about an easy-to-make snack! Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and important nutrients. You can eat them as they are or add them to salads for a nutritious snack.

  • Saba

Boil them up or fry them into banana cues, saba bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C! They are also packed with dietary fibers, which means it can keep you feeling full for a long time.

  • Manggang hilaw with bagoong

Now, this snack is a throwback to our school days! It features green mangoes with savory shrimp or fish paste. Green mangoes are a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy option.

  • Kamote chips

If you miss that familiar texture of chips, then this healthier alternative will prove to satisfy that craving. Baked or lightly fried, these chips have fewer calories and less fat than regular potato chips, making them a smarter choice for your snack time.

Don’t Count These Tips Out When Counting Calories

Here are some helpful tips to keep your calories in check while maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating low-calorie snacks:

  • Plan ahead

Take some time to plan your meals and snacks in advance. This will help you make healthier choices and avoid impulsive, high-calorie snacks. Include a variety of low-calorie snacks in your meal plan to keep you satisfied throughout the day.

  • Read labels

When you can, check the nutritional values and calorie counts listed on food labels. Look for snacks that are specifically labeled as low-calorie or have lower calorie content per serving. This will help you make informed choices and stay within your calorie goals.

  • Portion control

Even with low-calorie snacks, portion control is important. Be mindful of serving sizes and avoid mindlessly eating straight from the bag or container. Instead, portion out your snacks into smaller containers or bags to help control your calorie intake.

  • Stay hydrated

Sometimes, we mistake thirst for hunger. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This can help prevent unnecessary snacking and keep your calorie intake in check.

  • Stay active

Regular physical activity can help balance your calorie intake. Incorporate     

exercise into your routine to burn calories and support your overall health and well-being.
 

Taking a break once in a while is great for our health. And by choosing to pair it with healthier snack options, we can take control of our overall well-being even more.

By making mindful choices about what we consume, we can enhance both our physical health and mental clarity, ultimately leading to a more balanced and productive lifestyle.
 

Sources:

  1. ) Mainardi F, Campos VC, Côté RG, Silber NK, Plestina R, Angeles-Agdeppa I. Estimation of Free Sugars in the Filipino Food Composition Table and Evaluation of Population-Level Intake. Nutrients. 2023; 15(6):1343. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061343
  2. ) Buko-Loco goodness of Buko Juice. (2021, December 21). nnc.gov.ph. https://nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/mindanao/region-ix-zamboanga-peninsula/6725-buko-loco-goodness-of-buko-juice
  3. ) Food Analysis. myfitnesspal.com.
    https://www.myfitnesspal.com/nutrition-facts-calories