Contributed by Info Guru Terri Wallace
Sometimes you need something crunchy, but the abundance of grease and salt in traditional potato will only add to your “snack guilt” — and your waist line.
Instead of indulging in a handful of artery clogging slivers of deep fried potato, consider one of these healthier options:
10. Almonds
Almonds are a versatile food that can be eaten raw or roasted, sweet or savory. They are tasty, filling, and boast a nutritional punch that puts potato chips to shame. Considered to be one of the wildly healthy “Super Foods,” almonds are a nutritional powerhouse that should be a staple on your snack schedule.
9. Chex-Type Mix
There is a good reason why Chex-type mix has become a party-time staple: it tastes great and can be thrown together in record time. There are recipes available for sweet version, salty version, and the traditional savory recipe that made the mix famous. This is a quick and easy snack to prepare and bag up for your next snack attack.
8. Sunflower Seeds
For a quick snack on the go, sunflower seeds are hard to beat. Raw or roasted, salted or coated in chocolate, the mild and nutty taste of sunflower seeds will satisfy your hunger and will provide an excellent source of vitamin E.
7. Popcorn
Popcorn is not just for movie time. Pop up a batch of lighter-than-air goodness and toss the popcorn with a bit of salt to tackle the mid-day munchies, or drizzle it with melted butter and then curl up with a good book (just make sure to wipe the butter from your fingers before you turn the page). Flavored popcorn can satisfy any variety of cravings, from sweet to cheesey to spicy.
6. Pretzels
Whether you prefer sourdough, twists, rods, salted, or unsalted, pretzels provide the perfect crunch. Pretzels are also easy to make at home and make a simple cooking project on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Once you make a batch, though, be prepared to make a second, or third—the warm, bread-like smell of hot pretzels fresh from the oven is hard to resist.
5. Trail Mix
Trail mix offers a tantalizing juxtaposition between sweet and salty. Peanuts, chocolate chips, and bits of dried fruit compete for your taste buds’ attention. There are limitless variations on the ways Trail Mix can be concocted…so you better get busy if you hope to try them all.
4. Dried Fruit
For a sweeter option, consider dried cranberries, apricots, mangos, apples or blueberries instead of potato chips. Dried fruit provide a punch of flavor, are easy to pack in lunches or as a snack, and don’t suffer the same fragile crush-ability as potato chips.
3. Plantain Chips
Plantain chips provide a satisfyingly salty alternative to potato chips with a similar crunch. Plantains provide plenty of potassium, and a hint of lime accentuates their tropical taste.
2. Jerky
For an option with more protein and hunger-slaying power, beef (or turkey) jerky makes for a good snack. Unlike potato chips, the protein in beef or turkey jerky can help stave off hunger for hours. Jerky travels well and is convenient to pack for snacks, or as part of a lunch meal.
1. Kale Chips
Substitute your standard potato chips with a much-touted “Super Food!” Kale chips are a crisp and salty snack that you can feel good about, and they are quick and easy to prepare at home.
Whether your Snack Attack warrants something salty, savory, sweet, or spicy, don’t automatically reach for potato chips to fill the void. There are plenty of snack-worthy options that can ease your hunger, tease your palate, and help your health!