Examiner.com

Walk through your typical grocery store, and you will be confronted with cheesy crackers, chips, chocolate chip cookies, shortbread, Oreos, Hostess products, chocolate-covered pretzels—just a few of the things you know you need to stay away from when you’re trying to lose weight or reach fitness goals. Self control and the greater goal at large might enable you to push your cart a little faster past these diet pitfalls, until you reach the end of the aisle that is. There on an end cap is what seems to be a dieter’s dream come true. Those same forbidden foods have suddenly transformed into diet foods—health foods actually, all wrapped up in different packaging that promises to help you lose weight. Suddenly, those horrible foods are okay, since they’re only 100 calories.

100-calorie packs are very popular snack choices today, especially for those who are trying to “cut calories” without sacrificing their favorite foods. Yet, the reality is, a Hostess cupcake is still a Hostess cupcake, and a cookie is still a cookie, whether you buy the whole package and go nuts, or you eat it from a 100 calorie “portion-controlled” bag. Just because it’s 100 calories, doesn’t mean it’s suddenly healthy. You’re still eating junk, but the bonus here is that because you’re eating it out of a bag labeled “only 100 calories!” you get to feel better about yourself in the process.

There are two things you must consider when it comes to calories: the nutritional value of the food and the rate at which your body digests it. When you have your little 100 calorie pack of cookies, the refined sugars and flour will make your blood sugar rise, which inevitably leads to the storage of fat, weight gain, and a voracious return of your hunger. 100 calories will turn into far more, and you’ll probably reach for more of the same.

Yet for just under 250 calories, you could have far more healthy food, such as a whole grain wrap, 4 ounces of grilled chicken and two tablespoons of hummus, which will keep you full for much longer than a 100-calorie handful of cookies. A snack like this will digest slowly, keeping your blood sugar levels stabilized, therefore keeping you fuller for much longer.

Next time you’re tempted by a 100-calorie pack or the sort, look beyond the marketing techniques. Learn to make wise choices, save your money, and eat real, satisfying whole foods.