For all my snack-a-holics!

I couldn't figure out what to write this time around so I thought about what topic is close to my heart...and stomach. (LOL) Well, for those who know me, I am the original SNACK QUEEN...El Presidente of the 'SNACKS R US' club...Leader of the 'WHO GON' CHECK MY SNACKS, BOO' pack. When I started my whole weight loss journey, besides incorporating more fruits, water and veggies, I had to curb my appetite for snacks. Snacks like potato chips, cookies, cupcakes, cakes, chocolate were a few of the snacks I loved to partake in. And let me tell you, this is not an easy feat. Snacks are fun, comforting, tasty, indulging and yummy for your tummy. Snacks like the ones I mentioned keep you 'company' those late nights when you feel depressed or lonely or bored. They appear to be your 'friend' and trick you into believing that they won't ever hurt you-smile. However, we know that to be untrue and if you are committed to losing weight and keeping those pounds off, these types of snacks are not going to help you with that.

So, what's a snack-a-holic to do? Find replacements. And yes, there are some good, tasty replacements out there. One thing I've learned while studying to be a holistic health coach at Integrative Nutrition is not to just cut out things that have no nutritional value but to replace them with foods/healthy snacks so that you don't feel deprived or hungry.

Here's my unofficial list of recommended snacks (if you MUST snack like me-smile) that are healthier options:

RiceWorks Gourment Brown Rice Crisps

I found these really tasty chips one day as I was perusing through the snack aisle in Duane Reade. (Yes I peruse the snack aisle quite often...how else am I to keep up with what's new, what's hot, what's hip? lol) These chips come in a variety of flavors and they are wheat + gluten free, have no preservatives, no artificial flavors and zero trans fats. Go to their website to find out more: http://www.riceworkssnacks.com. They even have recipes where you can use their crisps as an ingredient.

Luna Bars

Another good option if you are on the go, pressed for time and can't really stop to eat. I love these bars but like most bars some have a high caloric count and are a bit high on the sodium. However, they have a low glycemic index (doesn't jack up your blood sugar levels) and contain quite of bit of vitamins and minerals. This bar is mostly promoted towards women but honestly anyone can eat them. My favorite are Cookies & Cream and Vanilla Almond. Check out their website: http://www.lunabar.com.

Almond Dream Frozen Desserts

I stumbled onto this wonderful little dessert treat as I was...yes you guessed it...perusing through the snack/ice cream aisle in Whole Foods - lol. Now I am lactose intolerant and I RARELY eat ice cream. I remember having ice cream maybe a few weeks ago but before that, I would go ahead and say it's been years. My body just cannot tolerate it so I started to look for an alternative. Just because I cannot have it sure doesn't mean I don't still want it or crave it-smile. So I began looking for something to replace it with and found these little desserts. They come in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and praline crunch (my fav!) just to name a few. Dairy free and gluten free. They also make Rice Dream and Soy Dream desserts. It's great for smoothies! Their website is: http://www.tastethedream.com.

Green & Black Organic chocolate

"Hi, my name is Lydia...and I'm a choco-holic." Group says: "Hiii, Lydia!"

I could eat chocolate all day and every day. And have done exactly that. Most times I find myself needing a piece of chocolate (well, more than piece...I usually eat the whole darn bar, bag, whatever-lol) every single day. Now chocolate isn't bad for you; it actually has health benefits. Dark chocolate that is and I've learned that raw chocolate is even better. So I had to put aside the Snickers/Kit Kats/Twix bars for a more healthy option and Green & Black can give that, for the most part. They also have great and interesting varieties as well. And Duane Reade sells a little mini version for about $1.99; I usually indulge in that. Their website is: http://www.greenandblacks.com

Duane Reade's DeLish brand of snacks

I have to say this was a great idea the Duane Reade (can you tell I'm in there a whooole lot-lol) chain came up with since the trend has drastically changed with regards to healthier food/snack options. I love their Cashew, Pistachio/Cashew/Almond, Dark Chocolate Almonds and Almond nut snacks. They satisfy my sweet tooth but are not too bad with regards to having a snack. And they are great to buy and take to the movies instead of spending a whole lot of money on snacks that aren't good for you.

Well, these are just a few of my favorite on-the-go snacks. Try them out. And if you have your own favorite snacks that are a healthier choice, leave a comment and share with the world!

Happy snacking.