When one of your sweet or salty cravings creeps up and all you can think about is having the perfect snack on hand, snagging something something healthy may not appeal to you. Cravings are emotional experiences that turn on a demand response to seek out something to satisfy that need. When your mind turns to the attention of a craving, it becomes sort of a tunnel vision, becoming difficult to focus on anything besides finding a way to satisfy that desire. One of the main causes of ongoing cravings is actually the ingredients that most classic snacks are made from. Sugar, salt, inflammatory oils, food colorings, and additives are all used to make foods taste delicious, desirable, and, of course, cravable.
Unfortunately, eating these unhealthy foods on a regular basis negatively impacts overall health. Snacking on foods loaded with these ingredients can lead to chronic inflammation, unwanted weight gain, brain fog, acne and breakouts, sleep disturbances, and metabolic syndrome. Instead, here are some healthier alternative to some of your favorite snacks that are both nutritious and will satisfy your cravings.
Potato chips
Potato chips are high in saturated and trans fat and packed with salt. Rather, opt for seeded crackers or veggie chips. Typically, when there is a craving for something salty like chips, our body is in need of more hydration. Drink lots of water when these cravings appear and consider adding an electrolyte, as it may also be a sign of an electrolyte imbalance.
Cheese puffs
Trade the artificial cheese for something more nutrient-dense. Try popcorn or roasted chickpease that you can bake at home using spices such as paprika, lemon pepper, or garlic.
Cheese slices
Overconsumption of dairy can become inflammatory. Instead, opt for jerky, which is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates.
Ice cream
While ice cream is loved by many of us, having it too often will only increase the intake of saturated fat and sugar. Instead, think about protein and fiber and opt for Greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative with mixed berries. You can even freeze these in popsicle molds, adding collagen protein or nut butter to the blend for added nutritional value.
Soda
Sodas are loaded with inflammatory sugars, emulsifiers, food coloring, and preservatives. If you’re craving something bubbly and carbonated, have some water with a lemon or lime squeeze or gut-friendly kombucha.
Candy bar
If you have to have some chocolate each day, opt for pure dark chocolate for its antioxidant properties and source of magnesium. Choose 70%+ dark chocolate and even consider making chocolate-covered almonds. Melt a dark chocolate bar, pour over sprouted almonds to fully coat them, and allow them to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes until hardened. You’ve got yourself a snack loaded with fiber, protein, healthy fats and just enough sweetness.
Chocolate pudding
How about trying an alternative packed with protein, omega 3, fiber and antioxidants? Consider swapping store-bough chocolate pudding for homemade chia seed pudding. If you’re searching for that chocolate flavor, add cacao powder for added potassium and cognitive benefits. You can make this the night before or 30 minutes prior to when you’ll want a snack.
Cereal
While delicious, cereal doesn’t hold much nutritional value and is usually filled with high levels of corn syrup, sugar, and very little to no fiber, which created fluctuations in blood sugar. Instead, opt for oatmeal, overnight oats, or muesli, which all have high levels of fiber, protein, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Swap the milk out for non-dairy milk and you have one healthy snack.
Candy
Rather than artificial candy, choose fruit, nature’s candy. Keep a bag of blueberries or grapes in the freezer as a healthier candy alternative.
Granola bar
Although granola bars are marketed as being a healthy snack option, most of them are loaded with added sugars and artificial ingredients – some consisting of over 1.5 grams of sugar per serving. Instead, make your own trail mix by buying bulk nuts and seeds of your own selection. Throw in some dried fruit and dark chocolate chips to the mix too. Consider making your own granola bars so you can control the ingredients.
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