Healthier Snack Choices

March 27, 2009 by Standing on Truth
Filed under Nutritional Living

My weakness is salt. That means that I can find the bottom of a bag of chips fairly quickly. But if we are to eat every 2-3 hours for better health and metabolism, as experts say, how are we to do that without piling on the calories? We need to have a wide variety of healthy snack choices from which to choose.

I am not a naturopathic doctor. I’m just a wife and mom that has studied nutrition enough to earn a master’s degree and then fairly promptly forgotten some of it. But these are some of the snacks I feed my family (snacks that my 4-year old eats regularly and enjoys); nutritious choices that work in my home to feed the brain and body the protein and nutrients it needs while curbing hunger and staying away from the chips and oreos.

Pistachios–There is almost always a bag of pistachios in our home. They are “good fats” while being great for your blood sugar levels. Some call them “super nutrient dense” because they are rich in eight essential nutrients.
Turkey (or Buffalo) Jerky (also available in sticks)–We buy Golden Valley Natural because it is preservative-free, unlike so many of these that have nitrites.
We’ve heard it said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Well, try dipping apple slices in almond butter. I was taught that almonds are a complete protein, containing essential amino acids, and almond butter is a better health choice than peanut butter.
Avocado–another “good fat” and incredibly healthy; full of vitamin K, potassium, and fiber (www.whfoods.org). Mix up a little guacamole and you have yourself a tasty snack that is also great for the heart.
Rice Dream Supreme–non-dairy ice cream made from brown rice that I have become hooked on! (The truth is nearly all of us are lactose intolerant to varying degrees, you just may not know it.) Be sure you get the Supreme, as the originals tend to be a little icy, whereas the Supreme is quite creamy. My personal favorite is the Chocolate Caramel Chai.
Brown Rice–It took a little bit of time for me to really enjoy brown rice as a snack, but once I tried it with a tablespoon or two of spaghetti sauce on there and a pinch of sea salt (not table salt), I was sold! It feels great to actually enjoy eating something that you know is also one of the best foods for you.
Smoothies–it’s amazing what you can hide in a smoothie and even your kids won’t notice. My family and I live on smoothies through the summer, and inside ours, you will find a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and ground flaxseed. Blend that together with a frozen banana, another frozen fruit of your choice, and some rice milk, and you have a refreshing and delicious snack choice.
Dried Fruits–my son munches on organic dried apples, pineapples, mangos, apricots and prunes often. We buy the organic ones and we make sure that the fruit is the only ingredient (no added sugar whatsoever). I recommend this brand, Made in Nature: