Many people do not realize how low in calories citrus fruits are. Citrus fruits are not only low in calories, they are also nutrient dense, meaning that citrus fruits give your body more of the good stuff it needs per calorie than other snacks. In fact, oranges are one of the most nutrient dense foods available. That means you are eating calories that turn into energy for your body and are not just wasted calories, the way that calories taken in from chips or sweets are. Citrus fruits also contain pectin, which helps your body feel full. Studies have shown that people who eat citrus fruits tend to eat less all throughout the day because they stay full longer.

Next time you want a portable, perfectly portioned snack grab a citrus fruit and throw it in a purse or bag instead of a bag of chips. The peel will protect the fruit from getting jostled or bruised in a bag or briefcase. Check out these super low calorie citrus fruits:

Clementine - Clementine oranges are small but pack a big taste. The sweet, rich juice and filling segments are a snack that will give you a nice boost of vitamins and minerals while satisfying your craving for something sweet. Clementines have only around 40 calories each, so can even eat two if you are really hungry. Because they are only available for a couple of months each year make sure you order them early.

Grapefruits - Eating grapefruit can help you lose weight in two ways. Grapefruits only have about 60 calories so you can eat the entire grapefruit and still have a snack under 100 calories. Plus grapefruits contain an element that naturally helps your body block the absorption of carbohydrates. When your body takes in fewer carbs it will burn stored fat for energy, which will make you lose weight.

Honeybells - Honeybells are a hybrid of a tangerine and a grapefruit, so Honeybells have the same carb blocking effects as grapefruits but have a deep, rich orange taste. The juice from Honeybells makes a wonderful snack all by itself, although you will feel more satisfied if you eat the fruit too. Like Clementines Honeybell Tangelos only have about 40 calories per fruit. Honeybells have a limited growing season although they are slight easier to get than Clementines. Many growers recommend ordering Clementines and Honeybells at the same time to make sure that you are able to get both kinds of delicious , low calorie citrus fruits.