Healthly Paleo Diet Snacks
Eating a variety of snacks throughout the day may be part of any paleo dieter’s routine, though snacking on a paleo diet is completely at the discretion of the dieter. Sometimes, you may simply find yourself feeling hungry unexpectedly or with a particular craving. While processed, unhealthy foods such as pretzels and crackers are quick, easy, and often convenient, the choice to eat those foods is often disappointing for those trying to maintain a paleo diet. With a little planning, choosing a paleo-approved snack can be just as quick and convenient as prepackaged, unhealthy options.
Snacking on fruit is often a quick choice for paleo dieters. Though you may be limiting your fruit intake, bananas and apples are easily transportable, as they do not need any extra packaging or preparation and can provide the body with essential nutrients and fiber. Sometimes, you may decide to snack on a fruit salad or simply dive into an avocado for a dose of healthy fats. Of course, precut vegetables are always a convenient snack, too. Carrot sticks, raw broccoli, raw cauliflower, celery, cucumber, or olives are easy to grab on the go.
If you are simply raiding the fridge for something savory, last night’s leftover ground beef or pork loin may be the perfect snack food for midday cravings. In a similar vein, a hardboiled egg can provide plenty of protein to keep you full and prevent gorging on non-paleo foods when you are at the office. Pork rinds or beef jerky are other options, as is a can of tuna, salmon, or anchovies. While nuts, in addition to fruit, may be limited, a healthy paleo-friendly trail mix, granola, or handful of nuts may be just the snack you need. These foods are easy, quick, convenient, and taste delicious.
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous or have more time, you can whip up some more complex recipes. Try a dip for raw veggies or plantain chips or a fresh salsa or guacamole paired with kale chips. Baba ghanoush or a tapenade will satisfy your hunger cravings. Or, start your afternoon off with a paleo-friendly smoothie. A green smoothie of spinach or kale, pomegranate seeds, blackberries, and bananas is a sweet treat that is also highly nutritious.
If you are interested in prepackaged foods, there are companies that make and sell Paleolithic snack foods, such as cookies and nut bars. Paleo Snax, a company that sells prepackaged paleo-friendly foods, sells high-protein foods made of high quality beef jerky, blueberries, goji berries, macadamia nuts, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, cherries, etc. Purchasing this type of food can make snacking extremely quick and easy, though it may cost slightly more than making your own snacks at home.
Whether you plan to precut fruits and vegetables for when a need to snack arrives, plan to whip up some dip and pull out some fresh veggies or whether you order some prepackaged paleo foods, snack time should be a time to enjoy the variety of flavors available on the paleo diet, rather than a time to feel deprived of the foods you love. With so many options available, you should never feel hungry midday.
