Quick Bites: Chocolate Under 150 Cals

Are you a crazy chocoholic like me? Seriously, it's an addiction. I can't end a meal -- sometimes even breakfast (shhh, don't tell!) -- without a bite or two of chocolate. Often I have just a few dark chocolate m&'ms or mini tootsie rolls that we have stashed in the pantry but sometimes I want something more substantial without loading on the calories. I'm awful at portion control so I typically don't buy big bags of things or 1/2 gallons of ice cream because I just can't stop! For example, I just purchased a box of Reeses cereal (it was on sale; I'm such a sucker!) and man is it going fast! It's actually a great snack (as are lots of other cereals, even the chocolatey ones) but I recommend putting it individual bags if you're anyone like me.
With all that in mind, here's a few of my under 150 calorie favorites, in no particular order:

Chocolate Vitatops (100 calories): Available now at major supermarkets, I still try to buy them at Costco or when they're on sale because they're a little pricey. Also, subscribe to their newsletter to keep in the loop about specials.

Jell-o Mousse Temptations in dark chocolate decadence: Love this stuff! The container's not huge, but it has a rich, satisfying flavor and it's thick and creamy; not at all what you'd expect for 60 measly calories! Plus, I often put a scoopful of fat free or low fat cool whip on top (and even a few sprinkles, if available) to really sweeten the deal... all under 100 calories total. Comes in four flavors.

Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches and cones: I can't pick which one I like best. I love the peanut butter and chocolate sandwich and the vanilla and caramel cone. They're so good and clocking in at just 150 or so calories each? Yes, please. Plus, the magicians at Skinny Cow somehow infused a couple of grams of fiber in each, so for you Weight Watchers, many are only two points each. Yayyyy!

"Granola" bars: I hate to even refer to them this way because they're so much better than a wimpy oat-y sounding bar. These recs are as close to a chocolate bar as you'll get for half the calories and way less fat. Some of these even pack a good dose of fiber, important for your digestive system and to keep you full longer. Love these three:

• Fiber One chocolate granola bars: I mentioned these in a post last year. They're pretty common now and with good reason. Chewy, flavorful... and a pretty good size for about 140 calories! For the best bang for your buck, buy them at Target in the packs of 10 or 12; much better value than your local grocer. I also use coupons, but that's a story for another day.

• Clif Kid Organic Z Bar in Chocolate Chip or Chocolate Brownie (about 130 cal): YUM! These aren't huge but the chocolate chip tastes like you're eating a yummy chocolate chip cookie. I often pick these puppies up at Whole Foods or Target.
• GM's Golden Grahams Treats: NEW fab find. Just tested these because they were on sale, and well... because I have no self control. You're getting a sense of that, right? They're sooooo good. It's like eating cereal (my favorite food!), chocolate and marshmallow all together for just 130 calories. Good thing they're individually packaged!

And, if you're at the grocery store or market and MUST pick up something from the candy section, go for these:

M&M's pretzel: The whole bag has just 150 calories! Granted there's not 40 pieces in there but it's a satisfying portion. Plus you can have the psychological enjoyment of picking up candy from the store without feeling guilty. Who doesn't love that?