This is a hard one because we have covered the topic so many times. We’ve done Top 10’s of keto snacks, tips and tricks, and other frequently asked questions. We’ve given hints and direct examples, yet we keep getting the same question repeatedly: What keto snacks can I have?
EXAMPLES OF KETO SNACKS
When people say the word snack it more often than not means treats. For the sake of this blog, we will cover both treats and other options.
If we are looking at treats, we have many produced products these days from brands such as Quest or No Sugar Company. These are normally high in sugar alcohols and/or artificial ingredients but their ability to satisfy the sweet tooth quickly and without any preparation are a definite plus. There is also the obvious step of making your own treats to have on hand. Then you know exactly what’s in them.
Looking at the traditional snack that carries you through to dinner the options are limitless. Keto friendly veggies such as cauliflower, broccoli, and peppers. You can then move onto to cold meats low in carbs. Don’t forget a million different kind of cheeses. Truly snacking seems hard on keto, but in reality, you just must redefine what snacking is to you.
WHAT IS SNACKING
By definition, snacking is “to eat small amounts of food between meals.” So, by definition, snacking is any food you take in that isn’t a main meal. Over time we have turned that into meaning having a bag of chips or a chocolate bar. What we have turned snacking into is what’s to blame for this uncertainty of what snacks you can have in your new lifestyle.
When I first started keto, I was so full all the time I didn’t need or even dream of a snack. Now after two years I have become accustomed to keto and sneak little snacks here and there to help hold me over. If you look at a typical day for me, you will see cheese and pepperoni as my main snacks. They are low in carb and delicious, with both being high in fat they fill me up.
When I say snack, I mean by definition. Food I eat between meals. The issue we encounter on Married to Keto is the question… what keto snacks I can have, is most often in reference to sweets or treats. The questions should really read, “what keto treats can I have?”
KETO SNACKS AND MINDSET
This blog has nothing to do with a list of examples on snacking. It has to do with your mindset when it comes to snacking. I’m asking you to separate snacking from treats. From this point forward when you think snack, I want you to think about a food that is keto that will help subside your hunger until you get to the next meal. If you’re having a craving for a treat, call it what it is, a treat.
Separating the two may help you overcome that craving and move to a healthier option. By lumping the two together you are tricking yourself into thinking that a keto friendly chocolate chip cookie is just getting you through to you next meal. It’s obviously not the best option because an ounce of cheese will have the same effect with much healthier consequences.
DIAL IN YOUR SNACKING
This article is obviously more for people that are dialed into their keto lifestyle and have been doing it for a while. If you’re new, anything you can put in your body that is high fat, low carb is a step in the right direction. For those that are fat adapted, we have the ability to make better decisions.
I’m not saying don’t eat treats. I love a good cookie or piece of cake that fits my macros, but I always must remember it’s just that… a treat. It’s something I wanted, it’s not something I needed. Want versus need and not being able to keep the two separate got me up to 350 lbs two years ago. I refuse to go back.
AVOIDING KETO SNACKS ALL TOGETHER
The caveat to this little preach session I just laid out is… you can avoid snacking all together. The truth is if you are dialed in to your macros and hitting your fat counts there is not reason to want or need a snack. I realize that is easier said then done and life happens, but if you find yourself snacking all the time you may need to look at upping your calories or changing your meal plan.
That of course is another topic for another time. Keto on friends and remember the real question here. Do I need it, or just want it?
Bill
