When you are interested in losing weight or reducing your calorie intake, you are likely to turn to low-calorie foods. However, it’s hard to keep up with the diet when you have high-calorie cravings. Most of your post-dinner treats or afternoon snacks are packed with calories, which easily add up. Instead of foregoing your high-calorie treats completely, consider swapping them out with low-calorie options. Here are a few low-calorie substitutes that are surprisingly filling to satisfy your cravings.

Low-calorie snack swaps

If you are always nibbling on snacks, you should swap your favourite high-calorie dishes for low-calorie alternatives. Some of the best options include:

Popcorn

Popcorn is a delicious indulgence, especially when drenched in butter and salt. Unfortunately, it is a high-calorie snack when eaten with butter, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid eating popcorn. Air-popped popcorn without added butter is a fantastic low-calorie alternative for a guilt-free indulgence. The high fibre content also makes popcorn filling, making it the best snack for your weight-loss goals.

Cheese crisps

When you are snacking, cheese puffs are the first thing you reach out for. They are delicious, but the calorie content is quite high. If you are craving something cheesy and crispy, cheese crisps are the ideal low-calorie alternative. They are low-carb snacks with high protein content.

Seed crackers

If you are used to enjoying bagels for breakfast, you likely pair them with high-calorie dips and spreads to enjoy them. A good alternative is eating seed crackers whenever you have a craving for bagels. Seed crackers are full of fibre and help you stay satisfied for long.

Greek yoghurt

Do you love indulging in a big tub of ice cream on a hot afternoon? While a scoop of ice cream is delicious, it has a high-calorie content. If you want to enjoy frozen treats without worrying about the calorie content, try blending frozen fruits or frozen yoghurt. Greek yoghurt is a low-fat alternative with a delicious taste and creamy texture.

Low-calorie filling foods

You don’t have to give up your favourite soups or comfort food due to the high calories. Switching to low-calorie meal prep can reduce the calories significantly, and you can enjoy your favourites without worrying about high calories. For instance, switch from cheese with high to low calories in your dishes. You can also forgo butter in your recipes and use cooking spray to reduce the fat content in your meals. Some filling dishes with low-calorie content include:

Lentil soup

Instead of creamy soup, known for its high calories, you should try lentil soup. Lentils are plant-based proteins that you can substitute for rice dishes. Cook red or green lentils instead of wheat or rice dishes for a low-calorie meal. Lentils pair well with pureed carrots, which act as thickening agents.

Shrimp

Lean meat is the best low-calorie protein source. If you love seafood, shrimp has low saturated fat content and high omega fatty acids. You can sauté a serving of shrimp with a drizzle of vegetable oil and lemon. Sprinkle it with herbs and serve them cold with a low-calorie dipping sauce. Aside from shrimp, salmon is also a delicious low-calorie dish to pair with your salads.

Potato dishes

High-fat French fries and potato chips give potatoes a bad rep of high-calorie content. However, whole potatoes boiled or roasted are filling and have a lower calorie content. If you substitute your high-calorie creamy soups with potatoes, beans and peas, you can enjoy a nutrient-dense meal.

If you are cutting back on your calorie intake, you need delicious substitutes to avoid craving high-calorie food. Eating a variety of filling foods with protein and fibre helps prevent cravings and decrease hunger.