Healthy Snack Swaps

My Favorite Healthy Snack Swaps

We are lucky to be living in an age in which so many healthy alternatives to processed snacks are available. There is no longer a need to turn to junk food when you are experiencing a craving. However, it is important to always read nutrition labels before purchasing any product, as some popular ones that seem harmless will in reality prevent you from becoming your healthiest self. Because the cleaner products tend to be newer, they also tend to be less well known. That’s why I’ve put together a list of processed snacks, key pieces of information on their nutrition labels/ingredients, and healthier items to buy instead!

Clif Bar vs. Raw Rev Glo Bar

Clif Bars are not an ideal snack or meal replacement due to their high calorie, carb, and sugar content relative to their protein and fiber density. The bars are 250 calories with 45g carbohydrates, 21g sugar, 9g protein and only 7g fiber. On the other hand, the Raw Rev Glo Bars are a perfect, healthy way to satisfy your hunger when on the go. They pack 11g protein and 13g fiber into a 180-calorie snack that contains only 6g net carbs and 3g sugar. As an added bonus, they are vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO! You can save 20% from your order by using my code: NEDA.

Movie Theater Popcorn vs. Lesser Evil Buddha Bowl Popcorn

Movie theater popcorn is one of the unhealthiest snacks that you can put into your body, most often prepared with harmful chemicals that imitate the taste of butter. Plus, it contains about 370 calories and 30g net carbs in just a small serving. Most movie goers get a value size which has more calories than a day worth of meals. Buddha Bowl Popcorn truly is the “lesser evil,” with only 100 calories and 10g carbs per serving. It is made with three simple, organic ingredients: popped corn, coconut oil, and Himalayan sea salt.

Ritz Crackers vs. Cauliflower Crackers

While the nutrition label on Ritz Crackers might make them seem harmless, do not be deceived. This snack is made with unhealthy and fattening ingredients, such as partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil and high fructose corn syrup. This syrup is knowntocontributetodiabetes,metabolicsyndrome,mercurybuild-upandmore.Cauliflower crackers, on the other hand, are made with high-quality, healthy ingredients. And for only 100 calories, you can eat 40 of these delicious, gluten-free and vegan crackers!

Häagen Dazs Ice Cream vs. Halo Top Ice Cream  

We all love traditional ice cream, but the unfortunate truth is that half a cup of the Häagen Dazs chocolate flavor has 260 calories, 22g carbs, and 19g sugar. A much better alternative that will keep you healthy and prevent weight gain is Halo Top ice cream. By comparison, half a cup of chocolate Halo Top has 80 calories, 6g net carbs, and 6g sugar. It is a wonderful way to satisfy a sweet tooth without sacrificing nutrition.

Kirkland Milk Chocolate Covered Almonds vs. Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds

There is no reason to settle for Kirkland Milk Chocolate Covered Almonds when it is now possible to snack on something that is just as delicious, but much healthier. While 11 pieces of Kirkland almonds contain 160 calories and 10g sugar, 15 pieces of Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds contain 150 calories and 6g sugar. Plus, they have 3g fiber and 5g protein. They are the perfect alternative treat!

Cheez-Its vs. Healing Home Foods Pizza Crackers

If you are trying to stay healthy and get ready for bikini season, swap out your high-calorie, high-carb Cheez-Its for low-carb, low-calorie Healing Home Foods Pizza Crackers. These crackers satisfy a cheesy snack craving with only 100 calories and 4g net carbs. Plus, they are organic, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and soy-free. Clearly, they easily beat highly processed Cheez-Its, which pack 210 calories and 24g carbs into one small bag.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups vs. Lily’s Sweets Peanut Butter Cups

When comparing the nutrition labels for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Lily’s Sweets Peanut Butter Cups, the numbers are night and day. Two Reese’s cups have 220 calories, 24g carbs, and 22g sugar. On the other hand, two Lily’s Peanut Butter Cups have only 130 calories, 3g net carbs, and <1g sugar. These cups are made with harmless ingredients and taste just as good as traditional peanut butter cups, helping you stay healthy in the most appetizing way possible.

Swedish Fish vs. Smart Sweets Sweet Fish

Being smart about your snacking means trading in your carby, sugary Swedish Fish for low-calorie, high-fiber Smart Sweets Sweet Fish. Sweet Fish are unique gummies that provide 28g of hunger satisfying, metabolism boosting, disease preventing fiber. So if you are craving candy, there is no need to continue to eat Swedish Fish. Why consume 36g carbohydrates and 29g sugar when you can get the same, sweet experience for only 7g net carbs and 3g sugar? Sweet Fish are the clear winner.

Nature Valley Granola vs. Julian Bakery ProGranola 

We have grown up believing that granola is healthy, but the truth is that not all granola is created equal. Nature Valley, like most granolas, is high in calories, carbs, and sugar. Luckily, Julian Bakery has stepped in to save the day with their high-fiber ProGranola. Half a cup of ProGranola has only 97 calories and 2g net carbs, plus 12g protein and zero sugar. Those numbers clearly outshine Nature Valley’s 210 calories, 29g net carbs, and 12g sugar. Not to mention ProGranola is gluten-free, grain-free, and soy-free!