by Catherine Barbaro

Created on: October 08, 2008   Last Updated: October 14, 2008

Everyone faces days when hunger strikes and the bank of dietary allotment is at zero reserves. Whether points or calories are counted, an empty account doesn't always equal satisfaction. Hunger can overwhelm the best plans and most successful managers. What then? There are foods that can balance the books on hunger. Having a list of options can take the panic out of hunger situations. The following foods and drinks are low in calories and diet impact while being high in satisfaction and satiation.

Water. Water. Water. Thirst masquerades as hunger much of the time. Pure water can easily be supplemented with flavored, calorie-free add-ins and teas. Since caffeine acts as a diuretic, caffeine free drinks are always a better choice.

Sugar free gum-The need to eat may really be a comfort zone of chewing on something. Various flavors of sugar free gum can often satisfy a craving. A clean taste on the palate also removes the lingering reminder of food, which can help lower hunger.

Green Beans-Thicker cut green beans straight from the can and unheated are instant satisfiers. Dill flavored green beans and mixed wax beans add variety to this alternative.

Raw vegetables-Pre-washed and cut celery, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, jicama, and cucumbers are great sources of crunch and taste

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Vegetable Juice-Low calorie, small portion, and no sugar added drinks have a big value on nutrition. Some choices appear healthy but a look at the label reveals the truth of high calories.

94% fat free popcorn-One 3 cup serving satisfies hunger without bankrupting a daily allowance. Although high in sodium, the volume and low caloric value offset this staple and make it a must have for pantries and office desks.

Dill pickles-Crunchy food is often craved and pickles that are not sweet balance appetite. Several small pickles or one enormous pickle pack very few calories. The large movie theater pickles are only 40 calories.

Sugar Free/Fat Free Puddings and Gelatins-Individual containers usually have zero to ten calories. Various brands can be kept at room temperature or chilled. For an ice cream craving keep some in the freezer and eat slushy.

Soup-Non-creamy canned soups have numerous low calorie options but labels always have to be read. The more expensive soups seem to be the highest in calories and fat. Portion sizes are important to note. Some cans are actually several servings.

Broth-Beef, vegetable and chicken broth heated and sipped like tea offer low impact and high satisfaction. Open a carton or can and heat a mug. Plain or with added spices like pumpkin in vegetable broth or steak seasoning in beef broth meet hunger needs for fewer than 20 calories.

Hot Gelatin-Packaged sugar free powder gelatin mixed to the directions but not refrigerated before serving offer a sweet candied drink treat. Serve hot in a mug. The entire package won't set back any dietary plan.

Daily we bank a nutritional allotment. The frugal and wise use of these resources serve us temporarily and affect our future. The old adage about a moment on the lips and forever on our hips may not be true but every day our intake tallies must be set to maintain or set to decrease otherwise our long-term result will be an undesirable weight increase. Even very low calories add up over the day. However, it is far better to choose several low calorie alternatives over one high calorie selection. A list of options is empowering and a safety net for those days that hunger pangs blur reason.

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