I rarely run across anyone who does not like a good snack. Defined as a small serving of food between meals, most of us know snacks can even become a meal! Snacks can be addictive and can somtimes ere on the unhealthy side.
Even as a hardcore healthy eater, I have some not-so-good-for-me snack cravings from time to time. I do not believe we have to get rid of everything "fun"; I believe in significant moderation. But as some friends have explained to me, not everyone can put the box down after two cookies. With that in mind, I will share some semi-healthy convenient snacks.
Crunchy Snacks
I recently discovered Vegan Rob's on the chip aisle when a bag of Turmeric Puffs caught my eye. This sorghum-based puff seasoned with Turmeric and pumpkin contains nutritional yeast and ginger-all the things I like individually. I was surprised at how yummy they were, both sweet and salty, like no-chip I had tasted before. Sorghum is gluten-free, there are no artificial colors or flavors-qualifying this puff as super snack worthy. Vegan Rob's has a load of other varieties like cauliflower, spinach, beet, and of course, the traditional cheddar puffs. I purchased mine at Cox Farmers Market, but I also found some varieties on walmart.com as well as Natural Grocers.
Crackers are a go-to crunchy snack for some, but are usually loaded with a bunch of unnecessary ingredients. Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers are great. They pride themselves on minimal ingredients, including being corn and soy-free, and nothing artificial ever.
Simple Mills has different versions but the Sea Salt Almond Flour crackers are my fave. I have found these many places, including Costco, Walmart, and Sprouts.
Sweet Snacks
I will never forget hanging out with friends one evening; everyone wanted something sweet after dinner. The host was not a dessert lover, so she thought quick and pulled out two RX Protein bars and cut them up into little chunks. One was chocolate and the other vanilla. It hit the spot for everyone in the room.
Many food bars on the market are full of sugar, but if you can find the ones under 12grams that taste good, you can have a decent sweet treat that could provide some other benefits, like protein. The RX Protein Bars are not my personal favorites, but they contain minimal ingredients and are low in sugar-and they work when you are craving something sweet.
I find that a food bar often satisfies my craving for cake or cookies.
I like these:
Go Macro Sunflower Butter + Chocolate.
Thunderbird Bars-based out of Austin, no added sugars, I like them all! A lower sugar option is Chocolate Almond Butter Sea Salt.
Easy to find in stores and on the road:
Larabar -Lemon Pie & Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough- these are raw bars (high sugar, so I eat half)
Kind Bars-some are low glycemic, and they are easy to find, especially while traveling
Then there is chocolate!
As you have probably read about dark chocolate's benefits, we know eating a little daily chocolate can be good. It is essential to do your research when you are choosing your chocolate. Buy the best you can afford with minimal ingredients, low sugar, no added sugars if possible, and high-quality chocolate.
Here are a few brands that stay away from the artificial stuff:
Alter Eco-bonus; they are a B Corporation
Theo
HU
Endangered Species
There are many snack food options, but the main thing is to read the labels! Try to avoid foods containing ingredients you cannot pronounce, added colors, added sugars. Go for minimal ingredients. My snack research recommendations are not intended to replace the known healthier snacks like raw nuts and fruits, but the reality is many of us need a treat every once in a while so -HAPPY SNACKING!
Image Credits:
simple mills.com
https://www.gomacro.com
https://www.instagram.com/alterecosf/