If weight loss is one of your New Year's resolutions and you're in the mood for a quick nosh or nibble, beware. Researchers at the University of North Carolina found that reckless snacking is the cause of most Americans' excess calorie consumption — and it can very easily add up to weight gain.
But don't give up on snacking just yet! Studies show that regular mini meals or snacks can help regulate blood sugar, improve metabolism, and prevent overeating later. The secret to a successful snack is to keep the calorie count low. "It is easy to overindulge on snacks when you get hungry," says Laura Catalusci, MA, a certified health education specialist in New York. "Remember — your snack is not your main meal and should not contain more than 300 calories." To help in that effort, read on for our list of 20 snacks with fewer than 200 calories.