Some nutritionists say that the term ‘healthy snack’ is an oxymoron, like ‘jumbo shrimp.’
There’s no such thing as a healthy chip--even if it’s baked instead of fried--or a healthy cracker or healthy pretzel or healthy ice cream...all these snacks have lots of carbs.
But there are plenty of healthy snacks that can be made with all-natural, low-carb foods.
Chips, crackers, pretzels and ice cream are very processed and therefore far away from being considered ‘natural.’
So what are some examples of minimally-processed, healthy low-carb snacks?
The Miracle Noodle Team came up with 8 of our favorites:
1. Cheese and crackers: Wait...didn’t we say crackers aren’t healthy? If they are wheat flour crackers, then, yes, they are not healthy. But gluten-free rice- or almond-flour crackers are much more healthy and have lower carbs. As for the cheese, an ounce or two of grass-fed, organic cheese has plenty of bone-building calcium and Omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Hummus and carrot sticks: Some low-carb dieters avoid carrots because they contain about 5 grams of sugar per serving. But when you factor in all the health benefits of carrots such as beta-carotene, which partially converts into vitamin A, carrots are worth chomping on. Five grams of sugar from carrots is different than taking a big sip of soda and getting 5 grams of high-fructose corn syrup. Plus, the protein from the hummus will partially slow down any effects the sugars from the carrots will have on your blood glucose levels.
3. Celery and almond butter: Both celery and almond butter barely have any carbs. Almond butter is rich in healthy fats and protein and celery has fiber. A perfect low-carb snack!
4. Edamame: This high-protein soy snack is a whole food, meaning it hasn’t been processed like other soy-based options such as fake deli meats. Sprinkle natural sea salt so you get some trace minerals along with the protein and phytonutrients from the edamame.
5. Apple slices with nut/seed butter: If you’re concerned about apples containing too many carbs, opt for green apples and limit your intake to half an apple. Opt for almond, sunflower or organic peanut butter (unless you have a peanut allergy, of course). This healthy low-carb snack is rich in protein, healthy fat and antioxidants.
6. Greek yogurt: Don’t be fooled by non-fat and low-fat marketing. The less fat in a milk-based product like yogurt, the more sugars. So opt for the full-fat, plain variety of greek yogurt. Full-fat will help keep you, well, full, for longer. Non-fat yogurts, even of the greek, creamier variety, will make you crave something sweet soon after consuming, possibly.
7. Olives: Olives contain healthy fats, which help keep you full. They also contain zero carbs. Opt for artisanal olives rather than canned, commercial brands.
So if you’re ever hungry in between meals, opt for one of these seven healthy low-carb snacks!
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