Healthy Snack Obsessions
With my wedding coming up in May, I've been focused on eating better and working out more. I've started my gym routine, with my roommates, and so far we've gone almost every day the past week and a half. I already feel better just a week into this routine and I'm excited to see how I feel in the future.
But, between classes I always find myself needing a little pick me up. There are so many times that I go on a hunt for snacks in our kitchen. Finding healthy, tasty snacks isn't that easy. I struggled to stop shoveling potato chips and cookies into my mouth for years. Luckily I've been working on getting better snacks and I have found a few that are simply amazing. Take a look at my favorites of the moment down below!
My favorite salty snack is toasted almonds. I buy the Blue Diamond brand and usually I get lightly salted or honey roasted. Almonds are full of healthy fats and proteins. They are deliciously crunchy and wonderfully salty. If you are obsessed with potato chips, try switching to almonds every now and then. I also really love to get freshly grinded almond butter from my local Fresh Market. They have the machines that crush it right there in the store. It's super fresh, low processed, and perfect for an alternative to store bought peanut butter.
My next favorite, Larabars, are a gift from the gods. First off, one bar contains 1/4 cup of fruit! They use dates to achieve that. These bars are also gluten free, non- GMO, vegan, dairy free, and kosher. They sound like something that would be disgusting, but they are actually quite tasty. I eat these when I need a substantial snack. They are so much better for you than protein or granola bars. The ingredient list is usually super short and I have never seen a word on there I didn't understand. My favorite flavors are chocolate with peanut butter and cookie dough.
Sweet potato chips are also one of my favorite snacks. The best brand is the Jackson's Honest sweet potato chips cooked with coconut oil and sprinkled with organic sea salt. I find them at Fresh Market or Whole Foods. They only have three ingredients: non-GMO sweet potatoes, organic coconut oil, and sea salt. I don't miss normal potato chips at all when I eat these because they taste that good and they are really healthy. Sweet potatoes are one of the number one bellyfat-fighting foods. In moderation, these are great for people trying to lower their weight. The coconut oil makes them a little fatty, but remember that it is extremely healthy fat. Having some healthy fats in your diet is necessary and these are a good option for that healthy fat.
I'm also a sucker for popcorn. The Boom Chicka Pop brand is my all time favorite! I love the sea salt popcorn that comes in a bright yellow bag with pink writing. It's only 35 calories per cup, which is amazing, but it's also cholesterol free, whole grain, vegan, trans fat free, non-GMO, gluten free, and kosher. They sell them in large bags and snack size singles, so it's perfect for at home or on the go. This popcorn tastes delicious and you can eat a whole bag guilt free. Can it get any better than that?
These are my favorite go-to snacks at the moment. I love how they taste and that they are all guilt free. It can be a major struggle to find healthy snacks that don't break the bank. I'm so happy I've found these and I'm excited for anything I might find in the future. Let me know what healthy snacks you guys are loving right now!