As I mentioned in a previous article, your food cravings are a way for your body to tell you that you need more vitamins and minerals in your diet. While, your brain may get confused and crave unhealthy foods, there are ways to choose healthy snacks to satisfy your food cravings, if you know which vitamins and minerals your body needs. When it comes to salty food cravings, you body needs chloride. You can find chloride in fish and unrefined sea salt. But, let’s say you just want a healthy way to take care of your salty food cravings. Are there healthy snacks that can satisfy your craving, without expanding your waistband? Here are ten healthy snacks that will easily satisfy your salty food cravings.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #1: Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a great way to satisfy your salty food cravings. Beef jerky is healthy because it’s loaded with protein, but low in calories and fat. It’s also filling, so not only will you satisfy your salty food cravings, but you’ll satisfy your hunger as well.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #2: Almonds
Almonds are another healthy snack that will satisfy your salty food cravings. Almonds are the most nutrition dense nut you can find. They are high in protein, a good source of fiber, have monounsaturated fats, calcium, and even iron.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #3: Baked Lay’s
Do you have a salty food craving for potato chips, but don’t want all the fat and calories of traditional potato chips? Then why not snack on Baked Lay’s? Baked Lay’s are a healthy snack, simply because they’re baked, not fried.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #4: Roasted Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds have often been called a multi vitamin because they are so packed with nutrients. If you want to satisfy your salty food cravings, choose roasted sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamin E, fiber, protein, calcium, and iron.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #5: Popcorn
Popcorn is an extremely healthy snack. Popcorn is also filling so it’s a great way to satisfy your salty food cravings. Popcorn contains fiber and protein, but it’s also low in fat and calories. Just be sure to avoid movie theater flavors.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #6: Pretzels
Granted pretzels aren’t packed with nutrients, but they are still a healthy snack. Pretzels are not only filling, but they are also low in calories and fat free.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #7: Cheese and Whole Wheat Crackers
While it’s unhealthy to eat large amounts of cheese, a one ounce serving is a healthy snack. Cheese has protein and calcium and when you combine it with whole wheat crackers, you’ll also get fiber.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #8: Homemade Tortilla Chips and Salsa
The next time you’d like to drive to your favorite Mexican restaurant for a quick bite, try making some homemade tortilla chips and salsa. All you need to do is spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and then add a layer of tortillas that you have cut into triangles. Spray the tops of the chips and bake at 350 until crispy. Salsa is also easy to make. You simply combine chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #9: Roasted Potato Wedges
If your salty food craving is screaming for French fries, make roasted potato wedges instead. These are really easy to make. All you need to do is slice a potato into wedges and coat with mixture of olive oil and your favorite spices. For example, you could use Cajun seasoning. Bake at 450 until the potatoes are nice and crispy.
Satisfy Salty Food Cravings with Healthy Snacks #10: Spicy Quesadilla
Another way to fix your craving for Mexican food is to make a spicy quesadilla. All you need is a large tortilla and pepper jack cheese. Place the tortilla in a skillet and add the cheese to one side. Fold the tortilla over and cook until brown and crispy on both sides. Serve with low-fat sour cream and homemade salsa.
