It’s National Snack Month! Today I shared better-for-you snacks on CBS Las Vegas NOW plus some tips on how to snack smarter.
Tip 1: Focus on protein and fiber to keep you feeling fuller longer.
American Pecans are The Original Supernut that can elevate the nutrition of your snacks, without sacrificing craveable taste and satisfying crunch. Each 1-ounce serving of pecans provides 3 grams of protein and fiber, along with essential minerals including zinc and 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fats. Whether you want something sweet, savory, crunchy or creamy, pecans are incredibly versatile and can enhance any snack break. In place of chips or pretzels, try pecans which are among the lowest in carbs and highest in fiber compared to other nuts. Use them to make your own bars like Chewy Coconut Pecan Granola Bars naturally sweetened with dried fruit and honey. Pair creamy homemade pecan pie nut butter with apples slices or whole grain crackers. Or use them to make these Savory Spiced Pecan Energy Bites. To a food processor, add ½ cup pecan pieces, three-quarter cup of rolled oats, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp honey, ½ tbsp Dijon mustard and your savory spices – cumin, garlic, paprika. Blend until crumbly, roll into balls and store in the fridge for easy snacking. Find these recipes and more delicious and nutritious ways to clean up your snacks with pecans at AmericanPecan.com/snacks.
Bars are another way to check your protein and fiber boxes. IQBAR is a protein bar formulated with ingredients shown to benefit the brain and body including omega-3 fats important for creating new brain cells and choline important for memory and mood. They also have 12 grams of plant protein, only 3 grams of net carbs and less than 1 gram of sugar. Plus they come in delicious varieties like lemon blueberry and chocolate sea salt.
Tip 2: Find nutritious ways to satisfy your SWEET snack cravings.
Apple cookies are fun to make and fun to eat. Slice your apples into ¼-inch thick rounds. I am using the Cosmic Crisp® Apples which are grown in Washinton state and prized for their perfectly balanced flavor and delightfully crisp texture. They are a cross between Enterprise and Honeycrisp apples, are great for baking or snacking and are the first variety to be named by consumers. Next, great creative with toppings like nut butter, chocolate chips, coconut flakes and granola.
Another better way to satisfy your sweet cravings is with fruit popsicles. Popsicle Fruit Twisters are a delicious, fun treat made with real fruit, milk, and no artificial flavors. They come in delicious flavors including Strawberry, Blueberry, and Vanilla Swirl and the NEW Mango, Strawberry, and Vanilla Swirl flavor. At 70 calories per pop they are a perfect better-for-you treat.
Tip 3: Find nutritious ways to satisfy your CRUNCHY cravings.
The bite-sized Organic Rice Cake Minis by Lundberg Family Farms fit the bill. They are made with organic whole grain brown rice and come in sweet and savory flavors including White Cheddar, Sea Salt, Apple Pie, and Buffalo Ranch. My favorite is the Ginger Seaweed which are tossed in a savory umami seasoning with a kick of heat and a dab of sweet for a super unique flavor. I recommend pairing this crunchy whole grain snack with nutritious dips like guacamole or hummus to build a snack with staying power.
