Low-carb diets usually mean giving up all of the tasty go-to snacks we eat between meals. The chips, sweet trail mixes, and carb-dense crackers have to go, but fear not! There are plenty of snacks available for those on a low-carb diet.
Minimum-Prep Snacks
When we crave food, preparation is always an impediment for healthier eating. Sure you can go through the process of making some delicious homemade vegan guacamole, roasted pumpkin seeds, or home-bake delicious and nutritious breadsticks. Those are all great options, but when you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go snack, they’re not an option unless you’ve already made them.
Here are some quick ready to go snacks to reign in those cravings:
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs take some prep time, but if you boil a bunch at once, they’re ready to go when you are! Eggs are a great way to integrate some proteins while keeping the carb cravings down.
Fresh Veggies
For that crisp crunch that you usually seek out chips for, fresh spears of vegetables like celery, cucumbers, and different colored peppers are fantastic substitutes. When you need that fatty addition to your snack, cream cheese is a great way to scratch that itch.
Cold-Cuts and Cheese
Fresh slices of prosciutto, ham, or pancetta are delicious ways to accent a quick veggie-based snack. Cheese is another low-carb option to get some variety in your snacking selection. Set up a quick charcuterie board for a party or even just to keep in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go variety.
Various Berries
Berries are a tricky addition to a low-carb diet. Delicious and definitely better for you than thoroughly processed sweet foods, they can act as a solid treat, rather than a mainstay of your diet. Raspberries, blackberries, and even strawberries are some of your best options with only 5-6 grams of carbs per 100 grams of berries.
Prepackaged Treats
Not all healthy alternatives are unpackaged. Don’t let anyone tell you that prepackaged food can’t be good for you. The trick is to keep an eye on what kinds of prepackaged foods you reach for at the store when planning out your future snacks. Here are a few great options:
Pistachios
Pistachios are chock full of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, so you’re getting something out of your quick snack. In addition, there are a wide range of flavors available, so it’s not hard to find some that match your particular craving.
Beef Jerky
When you need that savory fix, beef jerky is always a solid choice. With the huge variety of flavors and styles, finding which kinds fit into your snack profile can be a delicious adventure. Your body will also appreciate the lean protein and blast of meaty flavor.
Olives
Olives can serve as a satisfying snack as well. Low-carb and full of healthy oleic acid, these delicious salty treats are exactly what your diet needs to balance out the lighter flavors of the fresh cut vegetables.
Low-carb diets don’t need to be bland and tasteless, nor do they mean no snacks! With these delicious and satisfying options, you can snack in good conscience on pretty much any diet.