In general, I try not to worry about calories and I’m usually pretty happy to eat anything in moderation. Nevertheless, I still like to know what indulgences I can accept for myself without fear of becoming a balloon at any moment. Bear in mind, though, that the term “caloric” is relative, and doesn’t always equate to “healthy.” Here’s a list of 11 surprisingly low-calorie food and drinks:
1. Kit Kats
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If you can summon the will power, restricting yourself to 1 stick of a normal Kit-Kat bar will add up to only 54 calories (the whole candy has 218 calories). Here’s a list of ways to recreate the Kit-Kat and some of your other favorite chocolate bars.
2. Chicken McNuggets
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It all comes down to moderation. For two tasty chicken McNuggets, you consume an inconsequential 85 calories.
3. Ketchup
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Having seen the option above, you were probably wondering in gloomy silence what you could possibly do with two naked nuggets. Don’t worry, each packet of ketchup is only 10 calories. Even if you wanted a full quarter cup of tasty tomato sauce to accompany your treat, you would still only be consuming a measly 67 calories. If you’re looking to branch out beyond the traditional tomato sauce, check out Heinz’s new Sriracha-flavored ketchup sauce.
4. Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich
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When your friends all want some drunk eats at one of our favorite all-american restaurants but you’re hoping not to go too overboard, choose Wendy’s chicken burger for a hearty 360 calorie meal packed with 34 grams of protein. Take off the top bun and save yourself another 110 calories!
5. Chipotle Salad
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It’s very easy to go down a treacherous, highly caloric path when eating at Chipotle. But, stay away from the cheese, tortilla and guac (your wallet will thank you, too!) and pack your bowl with a lettuce base. Fill it up with carnitas, black beans, fajita veggies and green tomatillo salsa: you can still feel stuffed for just 260 calories. Here are some more ideas on how to eat healthy at Chipotle.
6. Starbucks Cappuccino
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If you love a frothy, milky coffee but you’re afraid of what it might do to your strict health regime, take pleasure in the fact that a Tall, 12oz serving of Starbucks cappuccino with non-fat milk comes out to only 60 calories. Check out these ideas on how to keep cutting down on calories when you order at Starbucks.
7. Champagne
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This one may surprise you, but Champagne has roughly 90 calories per glass. A lot safer for your calorie counting than even red wine (approximately 125 calories per 5 fl oz).
8. Avocado
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Even though it’s full of healthy fats, this superfood has gotten a bad rap for its caloric content. However, half an avocado comes out to 160 calories, which is even less than a 190 calorie chocolate chip cookie dough Quest bar. Try some of these recipes and have yourself a healthy and filling meal.
9. Pickles
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Who would have thought? Pickled cucumbers, also known as the beloved pickle, are one of the lowest calorie snacks you can indulge in. One medium sized pickle comes out to a whopping 7 calories. Dig in.
10. Microwave Popcorn
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Settle in for a movie night people because we have the low-calorie movie snack for you. For each cup of microwave popcorn you are only consuming 64 calories. With a number that low, you can feel free to spice up your popcorn with this recipe.
11. Kellogg’s Apple Jacks Cereal
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
If you have a sugar craving and you’re craving for something crunchy, look no further. Kellogg’s Apple Jacks is the lowest calorie cereal out there, coming out to 100 calories per cup. Here’s what to add to that bowl if you’re feeling adventurous.