CRAVINGS for the CRUNCHIES? Healthy Solutions!!

So you've started making the transition to healthy eating, and you're proud of how well you're doing. 
Then suddenly,
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that "crunchy craving" invades your mind!!!  WHY???

Maybe you discovered that bag of potato chips in the pantry? 

Or possibly it's because you haven't fully transitioned.  Some of the "not-so-healthy-foods" can actually create a craving that makes you want more of the "no no" foods.  It's a vicious cycle.  The more you eat those, the less you are satisfied, therefore you crave more of them. 

To eliminate those cravings, the more nutritious you eat, the less you will desire the unhealthy snacks.  

But, as I believe we should never deprive ourselves, it won't hurt to indulge occasionally (that's "rarely" or "infrequently" - NOT "often"),  with a very limited approach.  I certainly wouldn't advise going out to buy what you're craving, if you don't have it in the house. 

But, if you find there's still a bag of chips right there within your reach, and the urge is taunting you unbearably, go ahead and have one serving ONLY (or less). 

1. Check the nutrition label on the package to find how many chips are in ONE SERVING.  
2. Count out only one serving of the chips. 
3. And put them in a small bowl.....................................................                      The small bowl will give the illusion that you have more chips.
4. Close the bag and put it away. 
5. Eat them slowly and savor each bite.
6. Promise yourself to not buy any more.

However, once your journey to health keeps you on a more consistent path, and as you discover the unlimited alternate nourishing snacks that are available, your cravings for the unhealthy foods will at least lessen, and most likely will disappear.

Before I get to the recipes, there are several healthy products you can purchase off the shelf at your market. 

For example, one item that helps me crunch away hunger between meals is WASA Light Rye Crispbread, made with 100% Whole Grain,

NON-GMO verified. 

These have 30 calories per cracker.  A "serving size" is 2 crackers for 60 calories. 

CONFESSION:  Although these are great for satisfying the "crunch desire", they are rather bland.  I've grown to enjoy them right out of the package, in a pinch. 

However, to make them really yummy, spread 1/2 wedge of Laughing Cow Cheese (Creamy Swiss Light, with 50% less fat) on each cracker. 

That's a 95 calorie snack, if you have just the 2 crackers and 1 wedge of cheese.   

Moving on to homemade snacks..................

Here are some easy recipe ideas to get you started:

Keep in mind that I'm not one to "play by all the rules".  I'm not rigid.  I'm flexible.  This is especially true when it comes to recipes.  Feel free to play around with the recipes.  Not only is it fun, but you may just discover an improved version, or something that suits your taste better. 

The first four recipes are my personal favorites. 

They satisfy me better than any old bag of store-bought potato chips.

This Zucchini Crisp recipe calls for bread crumbs, which is not the healthiest ingredient.  These can be made without the bread crumbs, if desired.

For the Carrot Chips, the recipe shows to "peel carrots into thick slices".  I haven't made these, yet, but I think cutting thinner slices may create a more crunchy chip.

Following are two (very similar) recipes to make your own "Herbes De Provence", if you so desire.  This is one of the ingredients in the above recipe for "Almond Herb Crackers". 

However, this can be found at most grocery stores, if you don't want to make your own.

That was your sneak peek into the world of healthy snacks (similar to potato chips). 
This didn't even scratch the surface of the myriad of choices available.

I will be experimenting with more recipes, and will share with you when I do,
because sharing is caring.


You're probably reading this, because you have another "craving", other than the craving for potato chips and other "naughty" snacks --- and that would be to embark on the road to healthy eating, as I have done.  I hope you'll join me in this journey.

I'm sure you've heard "You are what you eat".  Okay, so maybe I'm not a Broccoli Floret, but you get the idea.  Being healthy on the outside, begins with getting healthy on the inside.

 Just in case you need it, here's a gift from me to you. 
A can of INSPIRATION!   
There's no expiration date.  There's an unlimited amount. 
Tap into it, whenever you need it.  I'm here for you.