Hey guys! Hope you’ve been having an awesome start to the new year! If you started a new diet January 1, I bet you’re noticing how challenging it really is to stick to it for more than a week. If you’re starting to miss those yummy foods from the holidays, I have a few ideas how to satisfy your cravings while getting in your micronutrients! Ready?
Seaweed Snack
I know it sounds gross, but if you like sushi, you’ll LOVE these! It’s dehydrated, salted seaweed— just like the kind your California roll is made with! For 60 or so small sheets of seaweed in the package, there’s only 30 calories! Not bad, right? Way fewer calories than tortilla or pita chips, that’s for sure!
Kale Chips
Another great savory option, but with slightly more calories from healthy fats. Kale is an amazing superfood packed with vitamins A, C, K, calcium, iron and antioxidants. If you’re someone who has a hard time getting in your micronutrients from vegetables, this is a super tasty and healthy option! Try not to buy more than one bag at a time, though, or you will eat both in one day!
Celery with Mustard or Stevia
As you may already know, celery is a negative calorie food, which makes it a great snack while dieting! But did you know celery is also a natural diuretic, anti-inflammatory, is high in vitamin C, and contains pthalides that aid in reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol? Munch on that for awhile… :)
Sliced Cucumber
Need a pick-me-up? Cucumbers are high in vitamin B and C, which are great for mood boosting and protecting your immune system. They also are known to contain cancer-preventing lignans such as lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol. Add a bit of balsamic vinegar, and you can curb your hunger cravings in a matter of minutes!
Vitamin Gummies
Now, this is a tricky one… Yes, vitamin gummies DO still have sugar, so definitely check for the label with the lowest amount before purchasing. They’re a great source of micronutrients especially for those who have a sweet tooth and don’t get in all their fruits and vegetables!
Microwaved Asparagus or Broccoli with Salt
Much like kale chips, you can easily dehydrate asparagus and broccoli in the microwave for a savory, crunchy, high fiber snack! Asparagus is high in vitamins A, C, E, K, chromium and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Broccoli is high in vitamin C, potassium which lowers blood pressure, and calcium, which prevents osteoporosis. Will these veggies contain more of these micronutrients before microwaving? Absolutely! However, if you’re looking to satisfy a craving for chips, both can taste like potato chips after five minutes in the microwave and a little sea salt.
0% Fat Greek Yogurt or Cottage Cheese with Stevia or Salt and Pepper
I love having both of these in my fridge because they are easily accessible and high in a slow-digesting protein, keeping you full for hours. Just make sure to check the label carefully for 0% fat or low fat, and very low sugar. It’s very easy to accidentally grab the wrong one! Then just add a little stevia, or salt and pepper, and you have a super tasty snack!
Salmon, Turkey Jerky or Ostrim Sticks
For those who need a quick high-protein snack, these are great to keep in your car in case you forget your meals, or get easily tempted by fast food! They may be a bit high in sodium, but they’re a much healthier, lower fat option than McDonald’s Selects or In-N-Out!
Flavored Drops in Water
Let’s be honest.. for most of us, it’s very difficult to get in a whole gallon of H2O a day! Our body absolutely needs it, though, for digestion, keeping our organs healthy and flushing out waste. Especially if you’re a soda or juice addict, flavored drops are perfect for satisfying that sweet craving without the sugar or bloating carbonation. Not to mention, hunger can easily be confused with dehydration… so drink up to keep those cravings at bay!
If any of you get to try these, reach out to me with any questions you may have and let me know what you think. Until next time… Happy New Year’s Resolutions!! Stay focused, and you’ll get to your goals sooner than you think!
