Introduction
We all know that snacking can be a great way to satisfy cravings and give us a boost of energy. But when it comes to salty snacks, it’s important to be mindful of what we’re eating. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the unhealthy snacks that are high in salt and should be avoided. In this article, we’ll discuss six unhealthy snacks to avoid when you’re craving salt. From processed meats to chips and crackers, we’ll cover the snacks that are best left off your plate.
6 Unhealthy Snacks to Avoid When You’re Craving Salt
When you’re craving something salty, it can be hard to resist the temptation of unhealthy snacks. But if you’re trying to stay healthy, it’s important to know which snacks to avoid. Here are 6 unhealthy snacks to avoid when you’re craving salt.
1. Potato Chips
Potato chips are one of the most popular salty snacks, but they’re also one of the unhealthiest. Potato chips are high in fat and calories, and they’re usually made with unhealthy oils. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try air-popped popcorn or baked chips.
2. Salty Pretzels
Pretzels are another popular salty snack, but they’re not very healthy. Most pretzels are made with white flour, which is low in nutrients and high in calories. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try whole wheat pretzels or baked pita chips.
3. Salty Nuts
Nuts are a great source of healthy fats and protein, but they can also be high in sodium. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try unsalted nuts or seeds. You can also try roasted chickpeas or edamame for a salty snack.
4. Salty Crackers
Crackers are another popular salty snack, but they’re usually made with refined grains and unhealthy oils. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try whole grain crackers or rice cakes. You can also try air-popped popcorn or roasted chickpeas.
5. Salty Popcorn
Popcorn is a popular snack, but it can be high in sodium if it’s pre-packaged or flavored. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try air-popped popcorn or roasted chickpeas. You can also try whole grain crackers or rice cakes.
6. Salty Snack Mixes
Snack mixes are a popular salty snack, but they’re usually made with unhealthy ingredients like refined grains, unhealthy oils, and high-sodium seasonings. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try making your own snack mix with unsalted nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
When you’re craving something salty, it’s important to choose healthier alternatives. Avoiding unhealthy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, salty nuts, crackers, popcorn, and snack mixes can help you stay on track with your health goals. Try air-popped popcorn, whole grain crackers, unsalted nuts, or roasted chickpeas for a healthier salty snack.
Though salt has a foul status in relation to well being, our our bodies want it—carefully—to outlive. That is one of many causes we want salt so passionately—evolutionarily, we’re designed to crave it as a result of it performs an important half in lots of our bodily features, comparable to balancing fluids and minerals and controlling muscle actions.
However the typical American weight loss program comprises manner an excessive amount of salt, whether or not you understand it or not. In accordance with the American Coronary heart Affiliation, adults ought to devour between 1,500 and a couple of,400 milligrams (mg) of salt per day, which is about one teaspoon. However most individuals have round 3,400 mg or extra every day!
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One other shocker: Greater than 70 % of sodium consumption would not come from the salt shaker, however relatively from packaged and ready meals. So the following time you are craving a salty snack, say no to the next choices and attain for a more healthy various as an alternative! And if all else fails, do that four-step plan to interrupt your salt behavior.
Oh, the lovable potato chip—frequenter of summertime BBQs, soccer tailgates, household recreation nights, and solo couch-surfing classes. One of many explanation why they’re so tasty (in addition to that addictive crunch) is salt. Sadly, there is not any loophole to make potato chips wholesome; Even those marketed as “non-GMO” or “pure” are nonetheless excessive in fats and sodium.
A more healthy swap? Dehydrated carrot sticks. Earlier than you balk, pay attention up: They provide all of the vitamins of a carrot (comparable to vitamin A), however nonetheless offer you that satisfying, starchy crunch.
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In order for you one thing crispy to scoop up your salsa, forgo your commonplace fried tortilla chips, that are loaded with unhealthy oils and salt.
As a substitute, go for a baked, grain-free model, like these tortilla chips from Siete Meals, that are made with cassava (a starchy root), chia seeds, and coconut flour, and comprise zero grams of sodium.
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Whether or not it is salsa, ranch, guac or, nacho cheese, dunking chips into dips means you are getting salt on high of salt. Take, for instance, Kraft Cheez Whiz Unique Cheese Dip, which is loaded with 440 mg of sodium per 2 tablespoons.
A extra nutritious choice? Hummus, which is full of macro- and micro-nutrients and supplies a wholesome supply of each protein and fiber.
Microwave popcorn could also be a handy staple for at-home film nights, nevertheless it’s typically loaded with unhealthy oils, faux butter, and extra salt.
Relatively than abandon your loved one snack (which packs a terrific dose of fiber and antioxidants), both go for a more healthy microwave choice or select air-popped, plain, or flippantly salted popcorn. One good choice: Growth Chicka Pop’s Avocado Oil Popcorn, which comprises 140 mg sodium and 0 grams trans fats. Or, get an air-popper and make your personal, which provides you the last word management over the way it’s seasoned.
Sorry, however on the dimensions of dietary worth, pretzels rank fairly darn low. Made principally of white flour, they’re only a bland car for salt supply. Plus, should you attain for a flavored pretzel, like Snyder’s Sizzling Buffalo Wing Pretzel Items, you will be getting a whopping 380 mg of sodium in only one serving (yikes!).
As a substitute, go for kale chips—crispy, crunchy, and loaded with vitamin A (which aids immunity) and vitamin Okay (which balances blood sugar and promotes wholesome bones). Plus, kale chips are tremendous simple to make! See for your self with this straightforward, tasty recipe.
Nuts are full of vitamins (like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber) and is usually a nice snack, however it’s a must to select correctly. Keep away from nuts which have something added. Peanuts, for instance, typically come coated in salt or sugar (and typically each), and are heated in hydrogenated oils stuffed with trans fat which improve ranges of LDL ldl cholesterol (yep, the unhealthy form). Plus, roasting nuts at excessive temperatures can zap them of a few of their vitamins!
The higher alternative: Uncooked or dry-roasted almonds, that are the lowest-calorie nut and offer you a wholesome dose of protein, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium.
For those who’re a sucker for pulverized peanuts, take a look at these High 20 Peanut Butters—Ranked!