I have been trying a diet that cuts out most carbs (except vegetable carbs), which is really different from my usual approach. I usually just go by calories, but I thought in addition to counting calories, trying cutting carbs could help me get in a habit to limit some of the starchy things I tend to eat too much of.
However, I've been eating 3 to 4 servings of nuts per day, when I usually don't eat any. I'm eating them to replace starchy snacks I'd usually eat since nuts are similarly convenient and tasty. I'm not eating too many calories right now since I'm super focused on my diet, but I think it would be really easy for me to eat too many if I get in a habit of eating them. What kind of snacks would anyone suggest instead of nuts, if you're also trying to get out of habits for eating starchy snacks? Or would you go ahead with nuts?
Hard boiled eggs are always a go to. High protein, good fats and no carbs. I might try doing meal prep so you'll have things readily available. Quinoa and kale salads would be worth a try. Or something like apples and peanut butter if you happen to be craving.
Thanks Tristal, great ideas! I usually have hard boiled eggs around, but never think of eating them for snacks. I also always avoided peanutbutter since it's high calorie, but maybe I can afford to have some if I'm eating less starchy food. I will definitely keep those in mind! Cooked salad is sounding time consuming to me at the moment, but maybe I'd do it now and then.
Hmm, what other yummy snacks have I forgotten about????
Thanks Firecracker! Yeah, I LOVE cheese. Sometimes string cheese works okay for me since it's expensive and individually wrapped, I won't eat as much, but then sooner or later...
Nuts are a very healthy snack, so there's no reason to avoid them, assuming you're eating a balanced diet and not overeating. Just make sure that it's pure nuts without anything added.
Some other snack ideas:
Apples or carrots dipped in nut butter (again make sure it's pure nuts), or dipped in hummus, or dipped in guacamole
Plain greek yogurt (you can add fresh fruit, if you want)
Milkshake (make your own)
Sauteed spinach (with olive oil and garlic)
Also I second the hard boiled eggs suggestion. If you weren't on a low-carb diet I'd recommend bean salad, and also quinoa.
Hmm, where do you find that? In a regular grocery store? Which aisle would it be in do you think? Thanks!
You'll probably find jerky in either the meat aisle or the snack aisle. Most jerky is high in sodium, so I wouldn't recommend eating too much of it, but if you eat it then check the nutrition info before you buy it.
I like the flavored tuna packets. The ranch one that I have in my purse has 70 calories, 15 protein, and less than 1 carb. It's the perfect size to eat with a spoon or put on a stalk of celery. Packets of chicken are pretty convenient too. I have also started eating freeze dried green beans when I have a chip craving. They're satisfyingly crunchy. I can find bags of those reliably at a health food store but sometimes the Dollar Tree has them too.
Thanks Chunkahlunkah and Isana! I like tuna and 70 cal would be a good snack. I'll have to see if I can find a good bargain on that. I haven't seen freeze dried green beans but I'd try them if I do.
Nuts are awesome, but also can be hard to stop eating. The solution I'm going for is to buy lots of little resealable pouches, sit down at the dining table with a big variety of nuts, seeds and dried fruit, plus the scales, and make snack bags that are about an ounce each. They're mostly nuts and/or seeds, the dried fruit is just a bit. I also threw in some cacao nibs. (And salt, but I have a medical condition that means I need loads of salt. Most people won't be doing that.) My snacking has markedly stabilised since I started doing this, as nuts are great for satiety. It's also a lovely surprise to see which snacks I'm getting every day. Yesterday was almonds, pecans, dates, cranberries and cacao nibs. The day before was pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews and raisins.
Suggestions for snacks instead of nuts
