Sweet inspirations: when your next snack attack hits, give in to temptation—without the guilt. Here, 25 ways to satisfy most any craving, and each less than 250 calories

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, Nov, 2003 by Devin Alexander

YOUR STOMACH IS GROWLING, your energy is waning, and your next meal is hours away. Whether you've got a hankering for something sweet, salty, spicy or satisfying, we've got a snack for you. These quick and easy treats are low in calories, so you can nibble away and still feel virtuous. (Unless otherwise noted, recipes are designed for one serving.)

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sweet

Sparkling Jell-O

0.6 oz. box sugar-free Jell-O
1 1/2 cups boiling water
2 1/2 cups club soda or seltzer water

Mix the Jell-O with the boiling water until it's dissolved. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Stir in the soda or seltzer. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. Makes 4 1-cup servings.

Per serving: 20 calories, 2 g protein, 0 g carbs, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber.

Iced Mocha

1 packet EAS Chocolate Cream MyoplexLite (or your favorite chocolate
  meal-replacement shake mix)
1/2 Tbsp. instant espresso powder (instant coffee powder is OK, too, but
  the espresso provides a richer taste)
6 oz. light soymilk (or fat-free milk)
4 oz. cold water
10 ice cubes
2 Tbsp. Fat Free Reddi Wip (optional)

Add all ingredients except Reddi Wip to a blender. Mix on high speed until the ice is almost completely crushed. (Be careful not to overwhip or it will become thick and aerated.) Pour it into a large glass and top with Reddi Wip. Drink immediately.

250 calories, 30 g protein, 30 g carbs, 3g fat, 2 g fiber. (With the Reddi Wip)

Oranges with Raspberry Sauce

1/2 cup raspberries
1 tsp. lime juice
1 packet of artificial sweetener, or to taste
1 medium orange, peeled and sectioned

Place the raspberries and lime juice in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth, then strain. Stir in the sweetener and pour the sauce over the orange sections. Enjoy chilled.

95 calories, 2 g protein, 23 g carbs, 1 g fat, 8 g fiber.

Frozen Grapes

Place 1 3/4 cups grapes in a plastic container in a single layer. Freeze until solid.

106 calories, 1 g protein, 29 g carbs, 1 g fat, 2 g fiber.

Fresh Berry Bowl

1 cup fresh strawberries, halved, with stems removed
1/2 cup fresh blackberries
1/2 cup fresh raspberries

Artificial sweetener, if desired Combine the berries and sweetener in a medium bowl and stir to mix.

Refrigerate and eat chilled.

112 calories, 2 g protein, 27 g carbs, 1 g fat, 11 g fiber.

Strawberry Shortcake with Strawberries & Whipped Cream

1/12 of a standard angel food cake
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
2 Tbsp. Cool Whip Free

Place cake on plate and top with berries and Cool Whip.

115 calories, 2 g protein, 26 g carbs, 1 g fat, 2 g fiber.

Kashi Go Lean Crunch with Frozen Yogurt

1/2 cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch
1/2 cup fat-free frozen yogurt

195 calories, 9 g protein, 39 g carbs, 1.5 g fat, 4 g fiber.

satisfying

English Muffin Pizza

1/2 whole-wheat English muffin
1/4 cup low-fat marinara or pizza sauce
1 oz. fat-free mozzarella cheese
6 slices turkey pepperoni or veggies, to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toast the English muffin in the toaster. Top muffin with sauce, cheese and toppings. Bake for 3-5 minutes in preheated oven or until the cheese is melted. Eat immediately.

(Note: This doesn't work nearly as well in the microwave.)

190 calories, 17 g protein, 20 g carbs, 2 g fat, 0 g fiber.

Pig in a Blanket

1 fat-free hot dog
2 low-fat refrigerator biscuits

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Wrap the biscuits around the hot dog. Bake for 12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the hot dog is warmed through.

165 calories, 8 g protein, 26 g carbs, 2 g fat, 1 g fiber.

Cheese & Grapes

1 cup grapes
2 sticks low-fat string cheese

180 calories, 15 g protein, 18 g carbs, 5 g fat, 1 g fiber.

Bean Burrito

10-inch low-fat flour tortilla (or low-carb tortilla)
1/4 cup fat-free refried beans
1 oz. low-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup salsa

Spread the beans evenly over the tortilla. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top and heat in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until the cheese is just melted. Roll the tortilla. Enjoy with salsa for dipping.

205 calories, 15 g protein, 29 g carbs, 4.5 g fat, 4 g fiber.

Hard-Boiled Egg Whites with Cracked Pepper

Place 6 raw eggs in a small saucepan. Fill the pan with enough water to just cover the eggs. Place the pan over high heat until the water boils, then cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Cook the eggs for 12 minutes, then immediately run them under cold water. Peel the eggs, cut them in half and discard the yolks. Sprinkle the whites with cracked pepper, to taste.

99 calories, 21 g protein, 2 g carbs, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber.

salty

Low-Fat Popcorn

3 cups popped 94% fat-free microwave popcorn

120 calories, 4 g protein, 26 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat, 4 g fiber.

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips with Salsa

1 1/2 cups baked tortilla chips
1/4 cup salsa

189 calories, 4 g protein, 40 g carbs, 2 g fat, 10 g fiber.

Turkey Crackers

4 oz. low-fat deli turkey meat
10 round fat-free or low-fat whole wheat or whole grain crackers

Divide turkey, placing it atop the crackers.

174 calories, 19 g protein, 24 g carbs, 1 g fat, 1 g fiber.

Celery with Tuna Dip

4 oz. tuna, packed in water
1 Tbsp. low-fat mayonnaise

Celery salt or other spices, to taste