The number one thing that I want in the mid afternoon is a crunchy snack. There is something about getting that crunch you were seeking. Here are the best 15 crunchy Paleo snacks.
1. Apples and Nut butters
I love to eat apples with nut butter for a snack! Peanut butter isn’t paleo (because peanuts are actually legumes rather than nuts), but almond butter and cashew butter are two of my favorites.
You can buy nut butters in a small packet which make them perfect for a grab-and-go paleo snack. Just make sure your nut butter doesn’t contain sugar or non-paleo vegetable oils. One thing that I love about this snack is that a good apple gives you that crunch satisfaction. Apples are fresh fruit and the nut butters are healthy fats; which both are whole foods.
2. Nuts
Aside from peanuts, all other nuts are fair game for grab and go paleo snacking! Almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, Brazil nuts… the list goes on and on. Take your pick! If they are roasted, check the oils used.
Roasted almonds are rich in good fat and contains protein and fiber, a perfect combo to feel full. Nuts are easy paleo snacks cause they fast and easy to grab on the go! My go to nut is cashews. When consuming sugars it is hard to tell what foods have a natural sweetness to them; but cashews have a slight sweetness that I loves.
3.Veggie Sticks and Guacamole
Calling all guac lovers! With a base of avocados, you are consuming heart-healthy fats linked to lowering LDL “bad” cholesterol. Avocados are also full of fiber, which can keep you feeling full longer. For this snack, pair with fresh-cut carrots, jicama or celery. My favorite is jicama; it has such a good crunch! This is one of those paleo-friendly snacks because it is using fresh vegetables. Any time I can incorporate more fresh vegetables into my day I call it a win!
4. Chips and Salsa
There are a variety of chips to choose from such as plantain chips, sweet potato chips, seite tortilla chips. Be careful to look at the ingredient list because many of these items are not paleo friendly. Seite tortilla chips have paleo options and are my go to! To get more health benefits instead of just having salsa. I have been loving fermented salsa that has so many health benefits and gives a tangy taste to the salsa. Something that is surprising is that my whole family (well a majority of my family) really enjoys this salsa too! Win win!
5. Kale Chips
You can make these at home! Avoid buying the store-bought versions, as they aren’t always paleo-friendly. Besides being easy; just tear up some kale, drizzle with avocado oil, spread it on parchment and sprinkle with sea salt and nutritional yeast to your liking.
Bake at 325 degrees for about 15 minutes or until it is still (not brown) and you’re all set with a delicious, crunchy snack! This is a great paleo snack.
6. Chia seed pudding, fresh berries and nuts
If you’re feeling the urge to snack, this creamy pudding definitely hits the spot. The ingredient are simple. Put full-fat coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup and salt in a container with lid and stir well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Then spoon out a portion of the pudding and add fresh berries and your choice of nuts to give your taste buds a nice crunch. This can also be a dessert if you want something sweet after dinner.
7. Granola with dairy free yogurt and strawberries
Non-dairy yogurts, since dairy products are excluded in the paleo lifestyle. They make a perfect paleo snack, and is great for your gut health! I’m always trying to add as many probiotic foods to my diet as possible. Just make sure it doesn’t have added sugar. Strawberries are a great option since they are a low glycemic index and they give a natural sweetness. Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, folate (vitamin B9), and potassium. They contain small amounts of several other vitamins and minerals, Then adding your favorite granola to the top; gives a nice crunch to your afternoon snack.
8. Grain-free crackers
One of the homemade paleo snacks that we like are these grain free graham crackers. They take 10 minutes to make and they have 5 ingredients; almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, an egg, salt, baking powder. Simple Mills also has Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins that are a great option.
9. Beef Sticks
Check the ingredients on your jerky before you buy it. Make sure it’s totally paleo compliant. Avoid added sugar, soy products, additives, and artificial flavors. Chomps are made from grass-fed beef. They contain 9 to 10 grams of protein and no added sugar. One of my favorite paleo snack ideas because when I am in a hurry and I can grab and go.
10. Sweet Potatoes Toast with Avocados and hard-boiled eggs
Slice a sweet potato lengthwise and put it in the air fryer. Then spray with coconut oil spray and salt for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Sweet potato toast topped with smashed avocado, sliced hard boiled egg, and salt plus Everything Bagel Seasoning. Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein. One large egg contains 6 grams of protein and many important vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and choline. This is a great way to add protein, healthy fats, and carbs.
11. Dark Chocolate
Sometimes you just want something to soothe that sweet tooth. This one may be debatable with some, but dark chocolate is generally considered paleo-compliant – the darker, the better. I try to look for chocolate that is fair trade. Good news Hu (popular Paleo Chocolate Bar) makes some great options when you want a sweet treat with a variety of flavors.
12. Avocado slices wrapped in nori seaweed sheets
Avocados are loaded with key nutrients to keep you healthy and satisfied. Eating them provides healthy fats and fiber for a stick-to-your-ribs snack that satisfies. Wrapping them in nori sheets gives these snacks a bit more of an interesting flavor with even more nutrients and gives you that crunch that you are craving. I understand that some are not into seaweed snacks but if you are then give it a try.
13. Trail Mix
Homemade snacks are one of my favorite because it is budget friendly and the best part is you know the ingredients. Adding nuts, coconut chips, and dried fruit are simple ingredients but make a great snack. When you find your favorite flavors then you can make a big batch.
14. Veggies and Paleo Ranch
There are a few brands of Paleo ranch, but it’s also easy to make with these simple ingredients coconut milk, paleo mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder and a few other spices in a food processor. Use carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli and celery for dipping. I believe the best paleo snacks are when I can incorporate more veggies into my day.
15. Avocado with crushed walnuts
If you are a fan of walnuts then this is an easy paleo snack idea for you. This can also be a meal! All you have to do is slice up an avocado and sprinkle with crushed-up walnuts and little salt. Fat from the avocado and walnuts is great for you and the walnuts also will give you a nice crunch.
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XO
Shirlene RN BSN
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