Individuals who are following a Paleo diet do not need necessarily to snack. However, snacks can be essential when you notice you get hungry between meals. But if the Paleo diet is keeping you completely fully satisfied, then you do not need to snack.
The secret to a satisfying snack is to keep it balanced. You should aim to have a combination of healthy fat, fiber, and protein every time you snack. The combination will help keep your blood sugar concentration stable. It also helps you stay full for an extended period of time.
In this article, we are going to provide you with a list of some of the perfect snacks for those following the Paleo diet. Eating these snacks will not only provide you with the nutrients you need to stay healthy, but they will also ensure you stay full until your next Paleo meal. You can keep these snacks in handbags, purses, or backpacks. They can stay fresh for an extended period without going bad.
Following are top 17 best healthy Paleo diet food snacks that you can eat anywhere:
1. Fruit Leathers
Fruit leathers are the best option if you are looking for a fresh fruit alternative. You can source this product from different places such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. However, it is important to be careful because not all fruit leathers double as good Paleo snacks.
You can read the list of ingredients on the label before making a decision on whether to buy it or not. The best fruit leather options are those with minimal ingredients such as fruit and water. You can also buy the all-natural fruit leathers, which are available in various flavors such as strawberry and raspberry.
2. Veggie Noodles
Vegetable noodles, also known as zoodles, are the best option if you are craving pasta. Vegetable noodles comprise of vegetables such as sweet potato, squash, and zucchini. The vegetables are cut or spiraled to form a noodle-like shape and texture.
Veggie noodles can be bought from many places, such as supermarkets. Alternatively, you can buy a tool and make your own. You can find the pre-spiraled and prepackaged options which you can also use for a quick low-stress meal.
Vegetables are full of healthy nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which are essential for your health. The nutritional value has made vegetables the main staple in the Paleo diet. Veggie noodles can also leave you feeling satisfied for an extended period.
3. Boiled Eggs
There are several reasons to why boiled eggs should be part of your Paleo diet. Eggs are super easy to prepare since they only take few minutes to be ready. Eggs are also high in various nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, proteins, and healthy fats.
Their caloric content is also minimal. One large egg has only 80 calories. You can source boiled eggs from grocery stores, where they are even precooked. Boiled eggs are a great grab-and-go Paleo snack.
4. 4-Ingredient Fudge Protein Brownies
You will never regret having protein brownies for your Paleo snack. You need to include mashed bananas to provide sweetness and texture. You also need to add protein powder and cocoa butter, mixed together with nut butter of your choice.
They taste great warm, at room temperature, and even cold from the fridge! The 4-Ingredient Fudge Protein Brownies can be used as a post-workout snack.
5. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are commonly found in the grocery stores. They resemble funny looking bananas. If you have not tasted them yet, then you are in for a treat. There are several ways of preparing them.
One of the most common methods involves slicing them, then pan-frying them in coconut oil. You can then sprinkle with cinnamon to taste. Fried plantains are the best healthy alternative to potato chips, and they also go well with other main Paleo dishes.
6. Sautéed Apples
Sautéed apples are one of the best Paleo snacks for cold weather. They are the perfect option if you need a warm apple pie or crumble without much hassle. Sautéed apples can be prepared using different methods.
The most common method involves Sautéing apple slices in coconut oil. You can then sprinkle the apples with seasonings, such as cinnamon. Sautéed apples provide you with the best way to satisfy a need to have something sweet while also maintaining your low sugar diet.
7. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can be part of the Paleo diet, and most Paleo experts recommend it to Paleo followers because it is surprisingly a healthy snack due to its nutritional value. It is packed with antioxidants that help to destroy the harmful free radicals that become present in the body.
Dark chocolate has several other health benefits as well, such as boosting the brain and curbing cravings. However, it is important to note that not all dark chocolates meet Paleo snack standards. When you are shopping for dark chocolate, you should look specifically for unsweetened dark chocolate. Baking chocolate with 80 percent or more cocoa content is also suitable.
8. Almond Butter
Most Paleo experts recommend almond butter and most other nut butter to Paleo followers. Nut butter including sunflower, cashew butter, and coconut are Paleo-friendly. They also make for a tasty treat. You can spread the almond butter on bananas or apples to provide you with a healthy Paleo snack.
Having a spoonful right out of the almond butter jar is also a decadent treat. Cashew butter has the least caloric content, followed by almond butter which only has 98 per serving. Nut butter also has several health benefits, such as fighting diseases, including cancer and heart diseases. It is important to note that peanuts are not considered Paleo.
9. Pork Rinds
Pork rinds are not every person’s favorite. However, if you desire to have an alternative to a salty potato chip, pork rinds might be just the ticket. Pork rinds comprise the skin of a pig that is either fried, boiled, or baked to create a crispy and airy chip-like consistency.
Pork rings are available in different flavors such as salt and pepper, cheese, and BBQ. It is advisable to check the ingredients first before making a purchase to ensure your choice meets the needs of your Paleo diet.
10. Guacamole
Guacamole is everyone's favorite meal. However, avocados are often said to be unhealthy and full of bad fats. According to health experts, avocados are rich in healthy ingredients, and they have several health benefits. Avocados help lower blood cholesterol levels and heart disease.
According to Paleo experts, guacamole is 100 percent Paleo. It should be prepared traditionally, which consists of avocado, tomato, lime, and jalapeno. Guacamole can be sourced from different places, such as supermarkets. You can pair your guacamole with fresh vegetables or kale chips to get a salty crunch.
11. Kale Chips
Kale chips are the healthier version of potato chips. Kale chips are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help to keep the body healthy. They can be eaten alongside other meals, such as guacamole and salsa.
Kale chips can be bought from many grocery stores, but you can also make them at home with fresh kale.
12. Banana Almond Chia Pudding
The banana almond chia pudding is the best alternative to yogurt for individuals who are used to combating the afternoon slump with yogurt. Most chefs prefer the Paleo chia pudding for breakfast. However, you can easily convert it into a snack. You can prepare it in mason jars for small portions that you can carry to work with you.
13. Jerky
Beef jerky is different from the synthetic beef chunks that can found at your local gas station. Beef jerky has become a favorite meal for individuals who love healthy foods. It has a variety of flavors and different meat options, such as chicken and turkey, which are rich in proteins and vitamins.
14. Crock Pot Chunky Monkey Paleo Trail Mix
Crock pot chunky monkey Paleo trail mix is the perfect trail mix. The Paleo snack is full of crunch sourced from various nuts. It features sweetness from coconut flakes and banana chips. It also has the right amount of dark chocolate that helps curb cravings. You need to include ghee or coconut oil to keep it strictly Paleo.
15. Healthy Oil-Free Baked Curly Fries
Healthy oil-free baked curly fries are the best option whenever you are craving French fries. You can use a spiralizer to get the best curly shape from fresh potatoes.
16. Low-Carb Cauliflower Hummus
Most hummus recipes are made of chickpeas, which are not allowed in Paleo diets. However, the cauliflower hummus is Paleo-friendly. The cauliflower version is organic, and it is the best option to customize your preferred flavor. You can add tomatoes that are sun-dried, spring onions, and/or roasted red peppers.
17. Grain-Free Granola
It’s hard to find a grain-free granola because most supermarkets sell granola that is loaded with sugars and synthetic additives. They also contain oats and grains that make them unhealthy for Paleo lovers.
It is advisable to consume granola that is free from grain and oat. It should also be low in sugar. Low-carb granola is great because of the rich in proteins. Grain-free granola is available in two different flavors, banana nut butter and the coconut cashew.
Paleo Diet Food Snacks Conclusion
You can use the snacks discussed above to build a perfect Paleo meal. You can also try all the snacks provided to achieve the ultimate snacking success. The snacks will provide your body with essential nutrients that are necessary to keep you healthy. And as a bonus, they'll also keep you full until your next meal.
