Truth be told, I actually would consider many of the following to be healthy snacks, but I don't want you replacing your fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds with these tasty finds on a daily basis. While delicious and far healthier than the typical convenient food, most still don't contain the amount of vitamins and minerals found in fresh produce and healthy fats. Pay attention to serving size - overindulging in healthy food can still get you in trouble.
If you're having trouble finding any of the following suggestions, click on the name of the snack and order them on amazon. All links are provided.
Beanitos: Lose the Doritos and Tostitos, try bean chips instead! These kid tested, mother approved tasty chips are made with white, black or pinto whole beans and whole grain rice and provide a whooping 6 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein per serving. Enjoy them with salsa, guacamole or straight from the bag.
Unique Sprouted 100% Whole Grain "Splits": Please stop eating the traditional pretzel thinking they're a better choice than chips, candy or cookies. They're not! But this to-die-for delicious variety is perfectly acceptable and tastes like the refined version found in the vending machine. Good fiber, protein and crunch that the whole family will enjoy. They're hard to find, but thankfully available in bulk on amazon.
Sticks and Twigs: Mary's Gone Crackers Gluten Free version of the pretzel stick are made with flax, sesame, and chia seeds and the whole grains quinoa, amaranth, millet, and brown rice. Available in a variety of flavors and carried by most grocery stores, they'll provide you with a nice afternoon pick me up. Try them dipped in a grainy mustard for a different flare.
Roasted Edamame: Move over nuts and seeds, this snack is high in protein, low in carbs and delivers great fiber, calcium and iron in every bite. They're the perfect snack to throw in your briefcase, purse or kid's lunchbox. More and more stores are carrying them but again, amazon sells them in various sizes including 100-calorie packs.
The Good Bean: These roasted chickpea snacks are nutty, crunchy and satisfying. Again, great fiber, protein and taste but stick to the sea salt or cracker pepper flavors to avoid unwanted added sugar.
Skinny Pop: There's nothing not to love about this snack - non-GMO corn, sunflower oil and salt. Even the other flavors are acceptable. Not all popcorn is treated equal so PLEASE avoid the movie theater variety (one of the least healthy foods out there) and microwaveable brands that contain partially hydrogenated oils and added sugar in the ingredients list.
Snapea Crisps: While I prefer the fresh sugar snap peas that are in season now, this baked version satisfies the need for something crispy. Their fiber and protein will satisfy you without too much sodium. Stick to the lightly salted variety to ensure the most natural ingredients.
Brad's Raw Chips: These gems come in a wide variety of flavors. Each made with veggies ranging from kale to carrots and olive oil, salt, herbs and spices. They're perfect as is or dipped in hummus and are full of vitamins and minerals to boot. The little bit of maple syrup used in a couple of their flavors is nothing to worry about. Enjoy!
Falafel Chips: If you like falafel, this chip is for you. More of an acquired taste than some of the above treats, but worth a try and a perfect substitution for pita chips (which are no better for you than white bread - sorry Stacy!)
Homemade trail mix: In a large bag, combine roasted edamame, roasted chickpeas, popcorn, Sticks & Twigs pretzels and peanuts (or other nut of choice). A handful of this high protein, high fiber energy mix will satisfy the need for less healthy snacks while curbing your hunger and boosting your energy!
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