Snacking doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. In fact, there are plenty of health benefits associated with eating regularly throughout the day. So, why does snacking get a bad rep?

Most people think they have to choose between tasty snacks and healthy snacks. The truth is, snacking can be delicious and nutritious. That’s why we wrote this article.

Keep reading to learn more about low-carb snacks, the health benefits of snacking, creative recipes, and more.

What Are Carbs?

Before we discuss low-carb snacks, let’s refresh our memories. What are carbs?

Carbohydrates are sugar molecules that help us fuel our bodies. They are one of the main sources of nutrients we get from the food we eat.

There are three different types of carbohydrates: sugars, starches, and fiber. 

Sugars can be found in fruits and veggies, while starches are typically found in grains such as bread or pasta.

We get most of our fiber from fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, and whole grains. 

Which kind of carbs should we be eating to fuel our bodies properly? If you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet, look for fiber-rich, low-carb snacks. 

Whole grains are an example of carbs that are high in fiber. They keep our bodies energized and full for longer periods of time compared to other grains.

In other words, some carbs are better for our health than others. 

The average person should get 45 to 65% of their daily calorie intake from carbohydrates.

This percentage translates to about 275 grams daily.

We’re all too familiar with weight loss fads and trends that tell us to cut carbs out of our diets for good. However, our bodies actually need carbs.

If our bodies need carbs, why do countless diets discourage them? 

Have you ever heard the phrase “too much of a good thing”? Eating too many refined carbs can raise blood pressure and cause weight gain.  

Just because our bodies need carbs for energy doesn’t mean we should eat whatever we want whenever we want. By being mindful of what we eat, we can enjoy carbs and maintain healthy diets at the same time.

If you are trying to slim down, low-carb, high-fiber diets are the way to go. On a low-carb diet, you can still get all the nutrients you need without being restrictive.

 

Foods Containing Carbohydrates

A majority of the foods we eat contain carbs.

The good news is, according to a recent health study, eating a wide variety of foods is beneficial for your health. We’re in luck! Carbs can be found in:

• Bread
• Pasta
• Cereal 
• Rice
• Apples 
• Bananas
• Legumes
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Potatoes
• Corn

Carbs can also be found in desserts and processed snacks. If you’re trying to manage your health, make sure to stay away from added sugars and processed foods.

Remember, not all carbs were created equal. Now that we know a little bit more about carbs, let’s talk snacks.

 

How To Snack

Sometimes we snack without thinking. When we aren’t mindful of our snacking habits, we make ourselves vulnerable to some of the pitfalls of snacking like weight gain and fatigue. 

Though snacking is a great way to stay energized throughout the day, it’s important to snack the right way. Here are some pro tips to remember before you snack:

• Look for high-fiber snacks
• Stay away from added sugar
• Stay hydrated
• Portion your snacks

A snack should satisfy your hunger and cravings without making you feel stuffed. A good rule of thumb to follow, according to this Harvard study,  is to aim for about 150-250 calories per snack.

  

Best Low-Carb Snacks

Eating low-carb snacks is a great way to stay healthy without restricting yourself. The trouble is, not everyone knows which snacks they should go for. 

For instance, according to a recent study, the three most popular snacks in the US are cookies, chips, and ice cream. There’s a simple explanation for this: cookies are delicious!

But there are plenty of other delicious, low-carb snacks that are also good for your health. Check out this list of satisfying low-carb snacks for some inspiration:

• Veggies and Hummus
• Yogurt and Cucumbers
• Cottage Cheese and Fruit
• Mixed Nuts 
• Dark Chocolate
• Crackers 
• Apples and Cheese
• Celery and Peanut Butter
• Kale Chips
• Toasted Chickpeas
• Hard Boiled Eggs

And so many more! What’s more, snacking can actually improve your health. Keep reading to find out how.

 

Health Benefits of Snacking

When did snacking become so controversial? As far as we can tell, there’s always at least one good reason to snack. 

But, for argument’s sake, we’ll give you seven. Here’s a list of reasons why snacking is beneficial for your health:

• Boosts Energy 
• Curbs Appetite
• Increases Nutrient Intake
• Improves Mood
• Increased Focus
• Boosts Recovery
• Weight Loss

That’s right. Snacking can even help you lose weight! 

This is because healthy snacks supply your body with the important nutrients and energy needed to take on the day. Snacking also keeps you full for longer periods of time, which helps curb those pesky cravings.

 

5 Low-Carb Snack Recipes

Don’t just grab the first snack you see. The key to successful and healthful snacking is figuring out which snacks you like best. 

Remember, enjoying a low-carb snack should be satisfying. Snacking doesn’t have to be restrictive.

The following recipes are both delicious and nutritious.

 

Smoked Salmon Spread on Fiber Gourmet Crackers

This snack is a crowd pleaser. Not to mention, it’s packed with protein! Here’s what you’ll need to make this salmon spread:

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 12 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill weed
• 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 3 drops hot pepper sauce

This salmon spread is filling, delicious, and easy to prepare–simply just mix the ingredients together and serve. It pairs best with Fiber Gourmet’s Everything Hexagon Crackers. You’ll get the flavor of an everything bagel with lox, minus the extra carbs.

 

Balsamic Pear and Goat Cheese 

This recipe is fast and easy to make in a pinch. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Your favorite goat cheese
• Pears
• Balsamic glaze or honey
• Fiber Gourmet crackers

Simply top each cracker with your favorite goat cheese and two slices of pear. For the finishing touch, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

 

Elvis Bites

The king of rock himself couldn’t get enough of this banana and peanut butter combination. All you need is peanut butter or almond butter, bananas, and Biscotti Bites. 

Spread your almond butter onto your biscotti bites, add banana slices, and you’re ready to rock ‘n roll. If you’re feeling extra creative, add chocolate shavings for flair. Thank you very much.

 

Deviled Egg Salad Cracker Bites

This recipe is a childhood favorite. Make sure you stock your kitchen with the following:

• 12 large eggs
• ½ cup organic mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1 ½ teaspoons white wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package low-carb Fiber Gourmet Crackers

Boil, peel, and mash your hard boiled eggs until you reach a desired texture. Add mayo, mustard, white wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. 

Scoop the egg salad onto your favorite low-carb cracker. Sprinkle with paprika before serving. 

 

Where To Shop For Low-Carb Snacks

There are plenty of low-carb snack options at your local grocery store. Remember, it’s not about whether or not you should snack. It’s how you snack that matters.

You can find the ingredients for the recipes mentioned above at any of the following stores:

• Trader Joe's.
• Costco.
• Whole Foods.
• Aldi.
• Target.
• Walmart.
• Publix.

One of the best online providers for low-carb snacks is Fiber Gourmet. Here’s what makes Fiber Gourmet special:

 

Fiber Gourmet

Fiber Gourmet was created by people just like you and me who love to eat good food and value their health. 

The creators of Fiber Gourmet were tired of sacrificing flavor for nutrition. That’s why Fiber Gourmet offers a selection of low-carb, high-in-fiber snacks that actually taste good. 

How is that possible? Every single one of Fiber Gourmet’s snacks contains RS4, a fiber-rich starch that’s only 0.4 calories per gram. Thanks to RS4, Fiber Gourmet offers a selection of tasty low-carb, healthy snacks for you to choose from.

Not only do Fiber Gourmet’s crackers, thinnables, and biscotti pair well with dips, fruits, or veggies, but they are also delicious snacks all on their own, especially the cinnamon thinables and chocolaty biscotti.

 

Recap

In this article, we talked snacks. Most significantly, we went over the health benefits associated with snacking throughout the day, how to snack right, and where to get the best low-carb snacks on the market.

The next time you’re in the mood for a snack, remember that there are plenty of healthy and delicious low-carb snacks out there for you to choose from. Now you can even make some of them yourself!

Don’t forget to check out Fiber Gourmet, your one-stop shop for low-carb, tasty snacks. Whether you’re a sweet tooth or looking for a savory fix, Fiber Gourmet has got the guilt-free snack you’ve been searching for.