Snacking is no longer a leisure activity – it's become a full-fledged necessity for many of us. The two driving forces behind this dynamic are a significant uptick in weekly hours worked in America and a seemingly endless proliferation of new on-the go food options.
Many recent entrants to the snack space tout “cleaner” labels with shorter, pronounceable ingredient lists. This trend has the positive effect of clarifying for consumers the ingredients they put in their bodies, but also tends to mask the reality that the vast majority of snacks – even “clean” ones – are still high-carb.
So what can you reach for when you’ve got an afternoon hankering for low-carb deliciousness? Team IQ Bar has compiled 10 awesome options for you...
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1. Sesame Seaweed Snacks (V)
We’re currently in the midst of a seaweed snacking boom, and for good reason! Not only does seaweed satisfy cravings for a salty snack but it’s packed with vitamin K, calcium, and iron.
2. Blackberry Coconut Fat Bombs (V)
There’s something inexplicably fun about saying “Fat Bombs”. More importantly, these sugar-free cubes are full of energizing medium-chain-triglycerides (MCT’s) and brain-fortifying flavonoids.
3. Pork Rinds
Pork rinds have a bad rep in some circles as being an unhealthy indulgence. But, if they’re homemade you can exclude additives, control salt content, and end up with a delicious crunchy snack. They’re a great source of protein and healthy fat.
4. 70%+ Cacao Dark Chocolate (V)
The true value of chocolate is its cacao content, as cacao is rich in brain-boosting flavonoids. Stick to chocolates with 70%+ cacao and minimal-to-no additives and sugar. We’ve linked to one option we love!
5. Ranch Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (V)
Pumpkin seeds are a hugely underutilized snack in our opinion. They’re not just a phenomenal source of magnesium - they also contain meaningful amounts of zinc, omega-3’s, and tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes deeper sleep.
6. Kale Chips (V)
Let’s be honest – people don’t eat kale for pleasure, they eat it for its fiber, iron, calcium, antioxidants and vitamins A, C, K. With that said, kale chips can be objectively tasty when prepared right, and have a satisfying crunch to them.
7. Sardines
A single serving of sardines contain 23 grams of protein and tons of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron and potassium. Plus, because sardines are low on the oceanic food chain, they’re low in mercury. Taste-wise, either you love ’em or hate ’em.
8. Salt & Vinegar Zucchini Chips (V)
Zucchini is super low-calorie/low-carb and is packed with potassium, manganese, and vitamins A and C. Plus, when prepared with salt, vinegar, and olive oil, they become quite flavorful.
9. A Hardboiled Egg
Eggs are not only delicious, but they’re rich in protein, B vitamins, choline, and various minerals that support brain health. Just make sure your eggs come from pasture-raised chickens!
10. No Snack at All
This one is a bit of a cop out, buuut it allows us to highlight the benefits of intermittent fasting. By occasionally going without food, you can reduce your insulin levels, boost human growth hormones (good for fat burning), and promote cellular repair. Oh, and save money!
Happy snacking!
- Team IQ Bar
