100 Calorie Reality

First, I have to say that I do like that they market 100 Calorie snack packs for people. For some, it's a great way to cut back on their junk food intake while still getting to enjoy their favorite snack.

But for others, it says that they can eat several because they are only 100 calories. But last week, it hit me how much 100 calories can really be.

I was doing a moderately intense cardio workout on My Fitness Coach.I had broken into a sweat and was feeling like I had a decent workout. Then the screen says, "Congrats! You just burned 68 Calories!" SIXTY EIGHT CALORIES! Are you kidding me! It felt like it should be 680!

So later in the week when I was on my exercise bike, I wondered how long I'd have to bike to burn off the remaining 32 calories. It took me 1.25 miles! (This is on the low setting on the bike.)

Now granted, everyone's bodies are different with different metabolic rates. And other activities can burn off more calories. But for me last week, it took me 15 minutes of moderate cardio and 1.25 miles on my bike to burn off ONE 100 Calorie pack.

I just checked our Frito Lay chips bag and 10 chips equals 100 calories. So next time you get ready to put your hand in a chip bag or you want to grab just one more cookie, ask yourself if you are going to be willing to do the work to burn it off, too. I know that after figuring this out myself, it's been a great way to keep me from snacking. (But I sure do miss my Haagen Dazs!)

Note: If you do want 100 calorie snack packs, I would recommend making your own with Ziploc snack bags, unless you can get them on sale and with a coupon.