Yes, it is true; some misinformed people actually believe that the fastest way to lose weight is to eat no more than 200 calories. I do not know why they call this plan The 200 Calorie Diet, it is not a diet – it is called starvation.

The 200 Calorie Diet is clearly something you should avoid, but let’s try to turn this into something useful and healthy. So what can you do with 200 calories? Enter snacks.

The right snacks can play a huge role in your quest to be fit and healthy. And when it comes to your exercise regime, they can mean the difference between kicking your workout’s butt and it kicking yours. Here is how to use snacks to your advantage:

Before Eat 200 to 300 calories 1 hour before your workout in an easily digestible snack, which includes some carbohydrates. Try yogurt or fruit.

During If you are feeling sluggish during your workout or if you are exercising more than 1 hour – which incidentally you should not be doing – have a 100-calorie snack (it may help you feel better).

After Right after your workout, eat a 200- to 300-calorie snack that contains protein and carbs. I use Surge right after my workout, but that is just my personal preference. Some people just eat a turkey sandwich to replenish burned carbs and help the body repair muscles.