Healthy Snacks for When You’re Craving Something Salty

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It can be a little daunting for those looking for a health-conscious snack, especially when transitioning from junk food. The search for salty snacks can be even more intimidating when someone is watching their sodium intake. Often, people don’t know where to start looking for a good healthy snack, which is where apps like the Simple App come in handy. The award-winning app pairs habit trackers with an easy-to-follow plan guided by a motivating smart coach who proactively adapts to the user’s lifestyle habits and makes nutritional recommendations.

When it comes to snacks, choosing savory foods that don’t rely on salt for flavoring is the best place to start. Ro Huntriss, Registered Dietitian and Chief Nutrition Officer with Simple App, breaks down healthy snack ideas for when you’re craving something salty, plus tips on how to make them.

What to Look for in Healthy Salty Snacks
Ro shares that if you enjoy a salty flavor but want to limit your sodium intake, you can opt for potassium salt (also known as K-salt). Some varieties of K-salt contain small amounts of sodium but in lower quantities than traditional table salt.

There are also other ingredients Ro recommends that a snacker should keep in mind when looking for a nutritious, low-sodium treat.
Protein – Protein is filling and helps satiate hunger. It’s also important for building and repairing muscles. It is also used by the body to produce antibodies, enzymes, and hormones, all essential for well-being.
Soluble Fiber – Soluble fiber is important to maintaining a healthy digestive system by creating a healthy gut microbiome. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and assists in reducing levels of LDL, the “bad cholesterol.”
Insoluble Fiber – Insoluble fiber reduces the risk of constipation while adding bulk to stools and ensuring regular bowel movements.
Iron – When consumed in sufficient amounts, iron supports energy levels while helping the body’s immune system.
Folate – Folate is a B vitamin and has a key role in body functions. It’s needed for DNA synthesis, helps keep the brain healthy, and reduces the risk of congenital disabilities in pregnant people.
Monounsaturated fats – Besides reducing LDL, monounsaturated fats are anti- inflammatory.

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Healthy Snacks That Are Tasty and Salty
Ro recommends the following healthy snack suggestions when craving something salty and tips on making them!

Roasted Chickpeas
A can of chickpeas can make an easy, tasty snack. Drain, rinse, and dry the chickpeas before tossing them with olive oil and seasoning them to taste. Garlic powder and paprika are good seasoning choices. The chickpeas can be roasted at 400 °F until crispy, about 25 minutes.
Edamame Beans
Boil or steam edamame pods for around 7 minutes or until tender. After they’re done, season to taste. Chili flakes or lemon zest are good alternatives to salt.
Guacamole with Veggies
After mashing a ripe avocado, add diced tomatoes, onions, and a dash of lime juice to make the guacamole. Chopped cilantro can also be added. Carrots, celery, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes are perfect for dipping.
Healthy Popcorn
A healthier version of popcorn can be made by popping ¼ cup of popcorn kernels in about 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a pot. Nutritional yeast makes a great flavoring.

The Simple App has additional suggestions for healthy recipes that can help reduce sodium in people’s diets. The app also has a handy AI coach, Avo, who is always ready to answer questions and provide scientifically based information and advice.

Presented by: APG.

You can view the original article HERE.