400 calories can be a lot, or a little food, depending on what you choose. These comparisons show you what 400 calories looks like from healthy food, versus snack foods.

What does 400 calories look like? It’s actually a common question with a wide range of answers. Four hundred calories can be a lot of food, or just a small amount of food – it just depends what you choose to eat. Take a look at these comparisons.

What 400 Calories Looks Like?

To show you this in a visual way, I compared some common convenience snacks with what you could get with a little planning. Take a look at these photos, and ask yourself which would be the better option to satisfy your hunger? Which would be the better after-school snack for children to get their nutrients? Which options would you be more likely to over-consume?

Comparison #1

3.5 ounces of tilapia topped with slivered almonds with a 3.5 ounces sweet potato, 1.5 cups broccoli, cup strawberries, 1 tsp olive oil. Compared to peanut butter filled pretzels

Comparison #2

3 whole wheat crackers, 1 ounce cheese, 1 banana, laughing cow cheese, ¾ cup tomatoes, 2 Tbsp hummus. Comapared to cheddar pringles

Comparison #3

Chicken salad (mixed with light mayonnaise) on a whole wheat deli flat, lettuce and tomato, ½ red pepper, 1 Tbsp low fat Ranch dip, 1 orange. Comapared to cheese-Its

Comparison #4

½ apple with ½ tbsp. peanut butter, 1 hard -boiled egg, 2 ounces turkey breast on a mini whole wheat bun, ½ cup blackberries. Compared to  1 ¾ Pop-Tarts

Comparison #5

Tuna Salad (made with light mayonnaise), 1 slice cheese (3/4 oz) and lettuce and tomato stuffed in a whole wheat wrap, 12 Grapes, ½ cup baby carrots, 1 Tbsp Ranch dip. Comapared to a brownie

What do you think? Which one would you choose?