Being pregnant and taking care of an almost two-year-old toddler who isn’t in daycare, while also working, I can safely say I fancy myself somewhat of a snack expert (sitting down for a “civilized” meal… less so).
For example, when people ask me how I workout for 45 minutes a day – more or less uninterrupted – with a toddler next to me, I say the answer is simple: snacks! And I’m not talking about Oreos and Bamba.
I’ve always made an effort to search out “healthy” snacks for those days that cucumber sticks and hummus aren’t cutting it for both myself and my loved ones. For me that means snacks that are high in fiber and protein and low in added sugar and sodium (I care less about naturally occurring sugar though I try to keep that at bay as well).
Keep reading for a look at some of the latest discoveries.
Spring Snacking Made Easy (And Healthy!)
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Yasso
Recommended to me by a registered nutritionist I've been popping a Yasso sandwich or bar pretty much every day since they first landed in my freezer - and I've come to swear by them when my son is teething. He got a molar and I swear it felt like my only moment of peace was when he was eating a Yasso bar. Plus, they're Greek yogurt-based, so these are frozen treats you can actually feel good about eating - and sharing.
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Mary's Gone Crackers
Mary’s Gone Crackers is a pioneer in the vegan, non-GMO and organic snack space and they continue to innovate with new products. While I wish these didn't have sunflower oil (seed oils are best avoided), natural flavors ("natural flavors" sounds good but is basically a catch-all for anything) and gums, for a base for dips... their new vegan crackers are pretty fantastic.
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Raw Rev
These high fiber and high protein bars from Raw Rev were recommended to me by Danielle Hamo, a registered dietician - and she was spot on when she said they would keep me feeling fuller for longer than most others. These are perfect for go-go-go days.
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Cali'flour Foods Keto Friendly Protein Crackers
Cali'flour Foods' is known for their low-carb, keto-friendly entrees, pizzas, crusts and flatbreads and now they have crackers too. They come in flavors like Cheddar or Spicy Ranch and have 7-8g protein, 4-5g fiber and 2-4g net carbs while boasting no artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives
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MadeGood Granola Minis
MadeGood's snacks are top 8 allergy free, gluten free, USDA organic and nonGMO verified. I love their Granola Minis for a portion-controlled sweet snacks (note, however, that they too, unfortunately, are made with sunflower oil).
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Bobo's Protein Bars
Bobo’s, known for their oat bars, oat bites and baked goods, just expanded its line of protein bars with Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter and Double Chocolate Almond Butter, each of which has 15g of protein from the likes of peanuts or almonds and pea protein. I pop these in my oven for a few minutes... delicious.
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BOOP Bakery Cookies
BOOP Bakery makes better-for-you soft and chewy cookies - think swapping sugar with dates and flour with oats. They also have flax and chia for fiber. The only issue is stopping oneself from eating the entire box in one sitting.
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Scott's Protein Balls
Scott's Protein Balls taste like homemade and the ingredients lists reflect that. Made with fiber, protein and healthy fat-rich ingredients all flavors are great for satisfying sweet cravings without artificial ingredients or fillers.
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Glow Beauty Fuel
Glow Beauty Fuel bars add a skin element to snacking. Each bar includes an equivalent of 15 beauty supplements as they're filled with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, hibiscus flower and bioactive collagen. They come in flavors like Orange Dream, Cherry Grazie and Chocolate Mania.
