My 5 Favorite Healthy Snacks

4 Jun

Whenever people learn that I don’t eat sugar, not any, not even a drop, it is often met with faces of horror or disbelief. “What do you eat” they often ask. In truth, while inconvenient at times, it’s not difficult to eat a simple, healthy diet. Living in Korea does complicate things further with language challenges and most Korean foods being tucked with a hearty amount of sugar. But the benefits and improvements of how I feel without sugar definitely outweigh the inconvenience.

I am like anyone else – I still love to snack! It’s important to have things I love to eat so I don’t feel denied. For me, snacking is something that requires no fuss. Nothing fancy, no big preparations. As more and more people are choosing a sugar-free healthy eating lifestyle, I thought I would share my favorite munchies. Here are my top five healthy gluten-free, sugar-free snacks. With the help of Iherb.com, they are accessible no matter where you are in the world!

1. Peanut Butter and Apples
This is my go-to favorite snack, so simple and healthy. I use only natural peanut butter with no-sugar added. My top pick is Arrowhead Mills Organic Creamy Peanut Butter. It is delicious, smooth and creamy, and not a drop of sugar added. You can find this peanut butter in many health food stores as well as iherb.com.

2. Kale Krunchies from Lydia’s Organics, Herb de Provence flavor
This crispy treat is a great way to go when you have the munchies for something crunchy. The Herb de Provence flavor is very inviting. I often use it as an addition to a simple, quick lunch or to fight off the evening munchies. It’s also a good way to get some veggies on the go if you are traveling or someplace where you don’t have access to healthy food choices. Delicious!

3. Macadamia nuts
Oh, my favorite of the nut family. In the 90’s romance film, It Could Happen to You, the first thing she buys when she wins a million dollars is Macadamia Nuts. True luxury! I find when I eat these I feel like I am getting an unexpected treat. Surely I must have done something good to deserve something so yummy. A great late afternoon snack to get you through until dinner time. I order NOW brand from iherb.com.

4. Beanitos
This is my solution to my snack chip cravings. It is a great alternative to corn or potato chips. The ingredients are simply black beans and rice. They can be purchased at most US grocery stores or at iherb.com. They are delicious on their own, but also great for dipping in humus or guacamole. Yumm!

5. Fresh fruit and Greek Yogurt
As ice cream for me is a thing of the past, this is truly a refreshing and satisfying treat. It is so simple, just a dollop of yogurt and fruit of your choice. I often like bananas or kiwi. It’s important to choose a greek yogurt with no sugar added. Here in South Korea I order from a company in Seoul that makes their own fresh and delivers it to my door. If you are curious, you can find them at www.medfoodinkorea.com.