We all know that starving, burning, will-eat-the-first-thing-I-see feeling. This is when loss of control gets the best of us. You have no energy or interest in “preparing” a healthy bite. You also do not want to damage the diet in just one swoop. What can I eat…NOW?!?!

I’ve put together a bunch of instant, made-in-a-flash mini meal ideas. So once you’ve had that first delicious bite and enjoyed it with an eyes-closed smile, please understand that your diet was not damaged! Not only is each mini meal under 250 calories, but each is packed with excellent nutrition value and delicious substance.

You guys made out like a bandit with this one. You’ll not only have more scrumptious, instant meal options – but a grocery shopping list of staple items to keep in the kitchen for these hunger strikes! Also note – meal options were created to target every kind of taste bud, craving, and current mood. Bon appétit!

-3 Wasa Crackers with 2 tbsp Tzakiki dip
-1 multigrain rice cake with 1 tbsp almond butter and diced bananas
-Chobani Nonfat Plain greek yogurt with 1 tsp honey and fresh berries
-1/4cup plain oatmeal mixed with 3oz Stonyfield’s Strawberry Pomegranate yogurt, topped w/diced strawberries and sliced almonds
-Sliced avocado, tomato, drizzled w/balsamic vinaigrette on 2 Wasa Crackers
-100 calorie whole grain sandwich thin, 3oz low-salt turkey breast, mustard, avocado, tomato slices
-3 egg white omelet loaded with veggies and low-fat mozzarella cheese
– 1 multigrain rice cake with 1tbsp natural PB and 1tbsp natural jelly
-Blend 1 scoop vanilla whey protein and 1 ½ cups of frozen mixed berries w/ice
– ¾ cup cooked whole wheat pasta with 1/2cup low fat cottage cheese, pepper
-Grill a handful of shrimp and bell peppers and drizzle balsamic vinaigrette
-1 packet of Chunk “light” tuna in water blended with Trader Joe’s “Hot and Sweet” mustard on 1 slice toasted wheat bread. Add veggies of choice on top.
-Spiced apple butter and plain nonfat greek yogurt on 2 apple cinnamon rice cakes
-1 graham cracker, 2 marshmallows, lightly drizzle chocolate syrup. Preheat oven broiler and place recipe on baking sheet for 45-75 seconds

A few items to always have in your kitchen:

– Eggs
– Low-sodium turkey breast
– Chicken, white fish, lean beef
– Whole wheat pasta/bread
– Wasa multigrain crackers
– Whole wheat 100 calorie sandwich thins
– Carrots and bell peppers
– Spinach
– Chunk light tuna in water
– Balsamic vinegar
– Nonfat Greek yogurt
– Frozen berries
– Natural whey protein powder
– Hot sauce
– Natural peanut butter or almond butter
– Apples
– Bananas
– Celery and cucumbers
– Grapefruit
– Tribe Hummus