Mango Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Cheese, evidently raises my cholesterol very quickly Nuts make me fat. Popcorn is a carb…… :( And fixing it air popped is like chewing on cardboard IMO. Fruit is OK in ultra small portions. Chocolate, got me in trouble since my last blood test. :(( I've been drinking a cuppa hot tea ( by the gallons really) because it fits the bill. What I really want is something crunchy to eat along with it that won't mess up my blood sugar or cholesterol. I need a new snack. One that won't make me sick Or make me 10-feet thick! Suggestions? I'm a recovering snack-aholic. Please be gentle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjones Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 I know you said no nuts, but this is nut butter, not a handful of nuts. I love to have a few slices of apple spread with crunchy peanut butter (just a tablespoon or so). I'm a fan of salty/crunchy snacks and this gives a little crunch, a little salt, a little sweet, and it's pretty filling. I usually have it before I start cooking dinner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tmhearn Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 I'm not a huge snacker, but my kids ask for snacks about 15 times a day... I can't tell if you want something sweet or not from your post, but I did get that you want something crunchy. What about raw veggies with a dip like hummus? Or pretzels - with or without dip? Or for something sweet, have you tried Belvita biscuits? They are meant for breakfast, but to me they are a cookie. They come 4 to a pack, but I just eat 1 as a snack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Is it something you want to make yourself? Two that I like - not exactly "comfort" food, but maybe it will fit the bill when you want a snack. dates (the good kind like medjool) spread with almond butter black bean chips: like Beanitos: they don't have a ton of taste by themselves, and I personally think the co. should add more salt... but with salsa or something they're quite good. I think they've come out with other types now too, like chickpea chips. I can get them locally at health food stores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 I make Bobby's Pimento Cheese and eat it on cucumbers. A little bit goes a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swimtaxi234 Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 My son loves to put slices of pepperoni on paper towels (within folded paper towels) and microwave them. They come out crunchy like potato chips and the paper towels soak up a lot of the grease. I got the idea from Grace2882's blog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bolt. Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 A cup of soup with a big plate of pickles, veggies, dip, a fruit, and also a tiny bit if cheese, cream cheese or nuts, or a boiled egg to give it 'staying power'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunflowerlady Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Sunflower seeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancingmama Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Carrots, cucumbers (I love the baby ones), and pickles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie Sue Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Kale chips (google, they are so easy to make and surprisingly delicious)...you can do the same technique with broccoli, too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Kale chips (google, they are so easy to make and surprisingly delicious)...you can do the same technique with broccoli, too! Seconded. I was really skeptical about kale chips, but I quite liked them (put enough lemon and seasoning on something, and it will probably taste pretty good). While I wish you weren't struggling to find a snack, Mango, I have to say I loved your original post. It reads like a Dorothy Parker poem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 I'm not sure I understand - what are your daily proportions of carb/protein/fat typically like? Are you eating truly low-carb (less than, say, 60 grams per day, as in you're a fat-burner for your main energy source) or you're just trying to lower your carbs a bit but still staying above, say, 150 gm per day (so you're mostly a carb-burner)? Can you eat fat? There are low-carb snacks out there called "fat bombs" that can be googled. Personally, I prefer to make a low-sugar cheesecake. But, you said no cheese. Almonds are usually a good bet, but you said no nuts. I think you should identify what can go into this snack if there are to be no carbs and no fats. Protein? (Excess protein can be turned into carbs, so it depends on how much else you're eating the rest of the day.) Only certain types of fats? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Another vote for kale chips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender's green Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 What about low-fat cottage cheese with celery? Protein and crunch! I just made pumpkin hummus, too. You don't get much better than olive oil for your fat and pumpkin for your carb. Or just a cup of simple soup, like veggie. Sometimes when I'm craving a snack what I really need is the water, salt, and the bulk of the veggies more than I need a lot of calories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Baby carrots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathnerd Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 another vote for Kale chips. Hummus with carrots or cucumbers or baked wholewheat pita chips. Nonfat yoghurt. Craisins, raisins, dried blueberries mixed with pumpkin seed or sunflower seed - either buy this trail mix premade or make it yourself. If I think of anything else, I will post back here. I loved how your post ended like a poem :) In my case, I just eat my next meal earlier if I was hungry for a snack and I drink a cup of coffee sometimes (with skim milk). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learning fun Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 So are you going no/low carb like a paleo or ketogenic diet? If so then are you okay with lots of fat? Here's a link to some keto desserts that look yummy. How do you react to coconut? Eaten fresh its crunchy and yummy. Jicama is crunchy and yummy too. I like it plain but I know others who like it with lime and a little salt. Good luck! http://www.reddit.com/r/ketodessert/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ripley Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 I drink a fair amount of tea, and what always tastes good to me is a small handful of baked or toasted coconut chips (sliced, dried coconut meat). You can buy it, but it's easy enough to make. I'm diabetic so lots of normal snacks are off-limits for me, too. What I like about coconut chips is that because they're cut so small (mine are like slivers) and are the teeniest bit chewy, a little goes a long way. I just nibble on a few slivers between sips of tea. I also snack on homemade jerky, and again - a little goes a long way in keeping my stomach satisfied. I can't snack on it with tea because the flavors clash, but I always keep a container on the counter and I pick at it throughout the day. Lastly, a dessert I like that might work as a snack - parfait. I fill a small ramekin with whole milk yogurt and top with 2-3 almonds or a Tbsp of pumpkin seeds, add 1-2 vanilla-flavored stevia drops, and 2-3 berries. I love berries but can't eat too many without my sugars going wonky. It's not crunchy, but it's easy to make if you have everything already in the pantry. Whole milk yogurt fills me up so the small serving satisfies. The nuts or seeds add that crunch but in too small a number to be a calorie hog. Stevia drops can be omitted but I can't stand plain yogurt. LOL Berries make it feel like a treat. My husband cycles a low-carb diet and has made the kale chips. I'm not a huge fan, but they're okay - I wouldn't CHOOSE them, but if it were that versus messing up with a worse snack? They're fine in a desperate pinch. He loves them, though, so obviously taste varies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 A no carb (but not nec. healthy) snack that has some crunch are pork rinds, or cracklings, etc. They are often found in the snack/chip section of the store and occ. in the ethnic section. No low cal, not low fat, but are carb free and crunchy :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoundAbout Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 I love hot and spicy pork rinds with sour cream. I don't snack much, but these are great when I really need something. Kind of reminds me of nachos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 I think kale chips are gross. If you do make them, make sure you take out the stem/big vein thing in the middle of the leaf. I'm cracking up here on some of the comments--you all do know she's quoting part of a Huey Lewis song, right? #oldergeneration :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 I second the microwaved pepperoni. It's really good. It's nice on a little snack plate with a couple celery sticks and a sliced boiled egg. When we're low carbing, we find snack plates to be better than choosing just one snack. It takes a bit of prep work but it does cut down on mindless snacking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berta Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Cocoa Crack! 1/2 cup Coconut oil1 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder6 packets Stevia (to taste)1/4 cup slivered Almonds Mix it all up, pour it on a parchment covered pie tin, throw it in the freezer for about 30 mins... crack and eat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Google low carb minute microwave cheesecake. It's divine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Have you try roasting chick peas? They can be sweet or savory depending on what you use. One of my kids is gluten intolerant and loves to have his sandwiches made on one of those long thin English cucumbers. Right now, he loves cream cheese on it. Nice and crunchy. I used to take egg whites, beat them until stiff, add sweetener (can use Splenda, Stevia, real sugar, whatever), splash of vanilla…and then nuke it or bake it to cook it. If you nuke it, it's kind of like a sweet omelette. If you bake it, it becomes more crunchy. Top with strawberries. Yummy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Wasabi toasted seaweed from Trader Joe's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Wasabi toasted seaweed from Trader Joe's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Upennmama Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Pork rinds are basically no carb, very crunchy and tasty. You can dip them in sour cream or greek yogurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Upennmama Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Pork rinds are basically no carb, very crunchy and tasty. You can dip them in sour cream or greek yogurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Wrap a dill pickle spear with a slice of ham. Two or three of these are filling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 edemame or pea pods baby carrots celery and peanut butter (the protein helps fill you up.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 I'm going to try to do more broth, particularly bone broth from grass-fed animals. It's very tasty and can be flavored with herbs. It has many healing properties, and I've heard it suppresses appetite. I've had a little in the past, but I need to make a new habit around it. My blood sugar is very high normal and has been for years, including when I was young, very skinny, and exercising regularly, etc. I am hoping to be able to make a dent in the high sugar problem before it turns into full blown diabetes. I am gluten free with a recovering gut--I suspect that is part of my issue with blood sugar. I have to avoid most corn and basically all gluten replacement products because they are too starchy. If you like nuts, but don't want as much fat, seeds are a good option. I think pistachios are supposed to be better fat-wise also. There is a recipe someplace for seed crackers that uses sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and some herbs for flavor. They are easy to make and very tasty. They do not agree with me for some reason, but the rest of the family really likes them. Celery, Jerusalem artichokes (a tuber, not an actual artichoke) if you can find them, olives (good fat), raw asparagus. Do you like avocado? I personally think it's disgusting, but it has lots of heart-healthy fat in it. If products from pastured animals don't negatively affect your cholesterol, I would consider adding in some butter, cheese, milk, eggs, more meat, etc. from those sources. If you have sources for raw dairy, that's supposed to be even better. I feel wonderful when I eat that kind of stuff--the more the better (not all of my cheese is pasture raised though). I am careful about sourcing my fats from well-fed animals, and even though I am (unfortunately) more sedentary, more overweight, and more stressed than I've ever been, my cholesterol has been on a slow downward trend over time, and my triglycerides are good. My highest numbers were when I ate low-fat and exercised all the time (they were high normal then). I realize that is not the case for everyone, but switching to pasture-raised meat was a gift and the best thing I've done besides ditch gluten (I discovered my problems with that accidentally--it's not advice I give broadly). I do take high quality fish oil that contains some kind of other heart-healthy thingy (Shaklee Vitalizer strips), so that probably helps with the cholesterol too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 I make hot cocoa 1 C milk 1T cocoa 1T butter/coconut oil 1 teeny tiny 1/8 spoonful of good quality stevia -- I am need the fat, you may not. It is chocolatey and warm and the oils get me through the emotional struggle (where my sugars drop) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Olive tapenade with something crunchy like celery sticks. Tapenade satisfies my salty snack cravings. We have a yonanas machine. It makes for some yummy snacking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chocolate Rose Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 I'm LCHF. When I want something crunchy, I have pork rinds and dip (made from a combo of mayo and sour cream and whatever herbs/spices you like) or pistachios or macadamias (I know you said no nuts). I also like pepperoni. Another great snack (I have it mid-morning as part of my breakfast) is bullet proof bone broth. I usually have chicken broth and just add cream and Kerrygold butter to it. It's awesome! I have been drinking this every weekday morning since last spring and still crave it. I keep cream and broth in the fridge at work, and just put butter in my mug every morning at home and take in to work. I add the cream and broth to the mug, heat in the microwave and I'm good to go. I used to make coconut oil fudge, but I've gotten lazy. When I want a chocolate fix that is more than just a small square of dark chocolate, I combine cream, a bit of butter, 90% cacao chocolate and a drop or two of stevia glycerite. I heat it for about 45 seconds in the micro, take it out and stir until all is combined and its thickened a bit. YUM! You can either drink it like a very decadent hot cocoa, or eat it with a spoon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 I love dried green beans! (I didn't make them myself, had them at a party and thought they were delicious!) Here is a link that I have saved because a few things looked yummy to me. Alternatives to potato chips Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 I'm LCHF. When I want something crunchy, I have pork rinds and dip (made from a combo of mayo and sour cream and whatever herbs/spices you like) or pistachios or macadamias (I know you said no nuts). I also like pepperoni. Another great snack (I have it mid-morning as part of my breakfast) is bullet proof bone broth. I usually have chicken broth and just add cream and Kerrygold butter to it. It's awesome! I have been drinking this every weekday morning since last spring and still crave it. I keep cream and broth in the fridge at work, and just put butter in my mug every morning at home and take in to work. I add the cream and broth to the mug, heat in the microwave and I'm good to go. I used to make coconut oil fudge, but I've gotten lazy. When I want a chocolate fix that is more than just a small square of dark chocolate, I combine cream, a bit of butter, 90% cacao chocolate and a drop or two of stevia glycerite. I heat it for about 45 seconds in the micro, take it out and stir until all is combined and its thickened a bit. YUM! You can either drink it like a very decadent hot cocoa, or eat it with a spoon. I have to say that all of this sounds and nourishing too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Bell peppers. You can dip them in hummos if you like or can have chickpeas. My default snack is a a 1/2 bell pepper smeared with hummos. Tasty stuff. You could make a roasted garlic spread for peppers instead. That is tasty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted January 9, 2014 Author Share Posted January 9, 2014 I'm not sure I understand - what are your daily proportions of carb/protein/fat typically like? Are you eating truly low-carb (less than, say, 60 grams per day, as in you're a fat-burner for your main energy source) or you're just trying to lower your carbs a bit but still staying above, say, 150 gm per day (so you're mostly a carb-burner)? Can you eat fat? There are low-carb snacks out there called "fat bombs" that can be googled. Personally, I prefer to make a low-sugar cheesecake. But, you said no cheese. Almonds are usually a good bet, but you said no nuts. I think you should identify what can go into this snack if there are to be no carbs and no fats. Protein? (Excess protein can be turned into carbs, so it depends on how much else you're eating the rest of the day.) Only certain types of fats? lower than 30/day or carbs -- I'm diabetic. :(( Numbers on last blood test were not good, again. Doctor suggested doing another round of super super low carbs. Last time I did this I lost 30 lbs and kept them off and significantly brought my numbers down. Cholesterol is a problem. I've got to stick with healthy oils or that problem will even more problematic. And to make problems more difficult, I've got to keep things relatively low vitamin K too. I take coumadin (blood thinner) for my artificial heart valve. Crunchy is important. So is dip. I'll buy some pork rinds today and give them a try. I love hummus. I love seaweed. I've found that spicy salsa satisfies without increasing any of my problems. Guacamole is very good, but it doesn't stand alone well. Thank you, keep the suggestions coming. I'm going to torture myself with a cleanse, started today. That gives me a bit of time to figure out what else there's left to eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjones Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Lots of these ideas look yuuuummmmyyyy! But, if you're trying to keep the weight down, you'd need to have really small portions of some of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berta Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Lots of these ideas look yuuuummmmyyyy! But, if you're trying to keep the weight down, you'd need to have really small portions of some of them. I don't do portion control at all. I take in around 2200 calories a day and will not gain weight as long as my carbs are around 40 per day. I find that a good size portion is enough to keep the hungries away and feel full. A typical day...Three eggs and sausage in the AM, holds me well into the afternoon. Double cheese burgers on an oopsie roll and a big green salad with chicken for dinner. I find that snacking is very limited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted January 9, 2014 Author Share Posted January 9, 2014 Aldi had Belvita!!! I was surprised and pleased. I bought me some. I got a four-pack hummus. I love the jalapeño hummus with carrots. No pork rinds or veggie chips. But Aldi does carry veggie chips. I almost bought a bag but remember I'm doing the cleanse for 10 more days. No fried food. But watch out! I bought some calmat a olives in olive oil. Yummy. My kids are squeezing the chickens and we have 3 eggs for me tomorrow for snack. Avocados are loaded in the fridge. :)) Salad is available. Almonds abound! I won't starve. Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I don't feel that I'm in food hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chocolate Rose Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 lower than 30/day or carbs -- I'm diabetic. :(( Numbers on last blood test were not good, again. Doctor suggested doing another round of super super low carbs. Last time I did this I lost 30 lbs and kept them off and significantly brought my numbers down. Mango, just wanted to mention that I was diagnosed as diabetic almost 2 years ago and have been eating LCHF ever since. I also stay under 30g carbs a day, probably closer to 20. Right now my favorite meal is a beef patty (frozen, from Costco), cooked in butter in a skillet. When I flip it over I top it with cheese and I fry an egg in the other half of the skillet. When everything is cooked, I top the patty with the egg and eat. This has really helped me to keep my bs levels down. It must be the right combo of fat to protein. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share Posted January 10, 2014 Interesting Chocolate Rose. I've noticed that fat plays a bigger role when in lowering my bg when I'm running high than even my medications. It goes down faster. But what to do about the cholesterol? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Interesting Chocolate Rose. I've noticed that fat plays a bigger role when in lowering my bg when I'm running high than even my medications. It goes down faster. But what to do about the cholesterol? Maybe stick to fats like olive oil and coconut oil for the most part, rather than animal-based fats? I was going to suggest roasted cauliflower. Drizzle it with a couple tablespoons of good olive oil, add a shake or two of salt, and stir it all around in a 9 x 13 pan. Roast at 375 for 30-40 minutes, then take it out, let it cool a bit, and shake on garlic powder (if you like that) and parmesan cheese. I do this and we leave the pan on the stove and pick from it until it's gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chocolate Rose Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Interesting Chocolate Rose. I've noticed that fat plays a bigger role when in lowering my bg when I'm running high than even my medications. It goes down faster. But what to do about the cholesterol? Eating LCHF your cholesterol will naturally come down. Stay away from vegetable oils other than some olive and avocado. Coconut oil is an excellent choice. I eat a ton of butter, bacon, etc. Animal fats are actually good as long as you are low carb. My cholesterol was never really high but it keeps coming down. When making the switch to LCHF, I started eating beef again after not eating it for over 25 years. Now, I eat quite a bit of beef, the fattier the better. I also eat a lot of eggs - more than I ever did before. You might consider a ketogenic diet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted January 13, 2014 Author Share Posted January 13, 2014 Secret confession: I hate the flavor of olive oil. And coconut oil doesn't taste good in everything. I know their my options. I use them. But sometimes I just don't eat it, even though I feed it to the family, because I dislike the after-taste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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