What Does 200 Calories Look Like?

When it comes to counting calories, it’s fascinating to see how different foods vary in calorie content. Understanding the calorie count of different foods can help you create a well-balanced and healthy plate. Today, we’ll explore what 200 calories looks like in various types of food. Prepare to be surprised!

How Many Calories Should You Eat In a Day

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many calories you should consume each day. Factors such as age, height, gender, and activity level play a role in determining your calorie needs.

A rough guideline for estimating the number of calories needed to maintain your weight is to multiply your current weight by 15. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, you would multiply that by 15, resulting in a daily calorie intake recommendation of around 2,250 calories.

What Does 200 Calories Look Like

Although 200 calories may not seem like much, you’d be amazed at the range of portion sizes that equate to this amount. The water, fiber, carbohydrate, fat, and protein content of different foods contribute to the variety in portion sizes.

Meat

If you’re a bacon lover, you might be surprised to learn that just two strips of bacon equal 200 calories due to their high protein and fat content. However, if you’re looking for a lower-calorie alternative, you can substitute five strips of turkey bacon, which is leaner. For those who enjoy turkey, 7.2 oz. of sliced turkey reaches the 200 calorie mark. If you prefer something heartier, you can enjoy up to 4 oz. of bison before reaching 200 calories.

Fruits and Vegetables

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, you’ll need to consume three medium-sized apples, equivalent to about 13.5 oz., to reach 200 calories. Alternatively, two bananas, or approximately 8 oz., will also get you to the 200 calorie mark. It’s worth noting that dried fruits contain more calories per ounce than fresh fruits. For example, just half a cup of raisins equals 200 calories.

Vegetables, on the other hand, are extremely low in calories. Consuming seven cups (or 50.3 oz.) of chopped celery will provide you with 200 calories. If that’s not filling enough, you can enjoy 10 cups (or 20.7 oz.) of chopped broccoli to add another 200 calories to your diet.

Rice

Rice is considered a more high-calorie food. A single cup of cooked, long-grain, white rice contains 200 calories. While rice can be part of a healthy plate, it’s essential to balance it with lower-calorie foods, such as vegetables, for a well-rounded and calorie-conscious meal.

Flour – Wheat vs Tapioca

If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might scale back on baked goods and bread. Here’s why: half a cup of flour contains over 200 calories. For those following a gluten-free diet, substituting tapioca flour won’t save you any calories, as it contains roughly the same amount of calories as wheat flour.

Beans

Beans are an excellent source of protein, commonly used as a side dish in many meals. Similar to rice, even small portions of beans can contribute a significant number of calories. A can of black beans, for example, contains 6.56 oz., reaching 200 calories. The same goes for a can of pork and beans.

Low-Calorie Food Options

While some foods are higher in calories than others, they can all fit within a healthy diet. After all, some of the healthiest foods, such as avocados, olive oil, and almonds, are high in calories. The key is to choose smaller portions of higher-calorie foods while filling up on lower-calorie options.

If you’re looking for low-calorie food options that go a long way, we’ve got you covered. As mentioned earlier, fruit can be a great choice for breakfast. Consider incorporating a good source of protein, like a hard-boiled egg or plain Greek yogurt. You can even pair fresh berries with a half cup of cottage cheese for a quick 200 calorie meal.

For a light lunch on the go, try a bento-box style lunch consisting of celery, baby carrots, hummus, and turkey slices. If you prefer sandwiches, you can create a satisfying meal with two slices of whole-grain bread, deli turkey, mustard, lettuce, and tomato.

Healthy Snack Ideas

If you’re a snacker who loves munching away throughout the day, we have some healthy snack suggestions that will satisfy your cravings while keeping it under 200 calories.

You can enjoy three whole cups of air-popped popcorn for only 100 calories, so feel free to add a little butter or olive oil for the ultimate movie snack that still stays under 200 calories. If you have a sweet tooth, dark chocolate is an excellent choice, with just 170 calories per one-ounce serving.

If you need a snack to combat midday munchies while working, roll together one ounce of turkey and one ounce of cheese for a quick and satisfying snack that stays under 200 calories. If turkey and cheese aren’t your thing, pack a quarter cup of hummus and half a whole-wheat pita.

Your Takeaway

Here at Ratingperson, we understand how challenging it can be to track your daily calorie intake. That’s why we take care of the calorie counting for you, using high-quality, clean ingredients to create delicious meals that help you achieve your goals.

Whether you’re counting calories, points, or macros, or simply looking for tasty meals, Ratingperson offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. Check out our menu of healthy meal choices today and have them delivered fresh to your door! Visit Ratingperson for more information.