100 Calorie Snack Packs

At my job, the time from 2 to 3 pm is snack time.  That’s when people are taking their first break since lunch and scrounging around looking for something from the vending machine to help them get through the last couple of hours of the work day.  However, if you are trying to make healthier choices, the vending machine is NOT the way to go.  So what’s a girl to do?  What about those little snack packs that have taken over the cookie and cracker aisle at Walmart?  

Photo from http://www.abqjournalfit.com

When eaten in moderation, the 100-calorie snack packs are great for portion control, convenience, and satisfying a sweet tooth!  These days, you can find cookies, crackers, nuts and candy available in convenient little pouches that you can grab and put in your purse, lunchbox or desk drawer at work.   Unfortunately, you will pay the price for convenience.  The snack packs are usually more expensive than simply buying the regular sized item and dividing it up yourself in little plastic baggies.  

They also provide an easy way to count calories and avoid overeating foods that we should only have in limited amounts anyway.  If you normally eat a large bag of chips from the vending machine, it would work in your favor to shift to eating a smaller quantity.  Key word: Smaller.  You have to make sure you don’t scarf down two or three packs in one sitting.   

Remember, junk food is still junk food.  While this is great every once in a while, it would still be better to choose snack packs of nuts, dried fruit, or popcorn to enjoy on a regular basis rather than Doritos or Twinkies.