My Favorite Paleo and Whole30 Snacks
I get asked this question a lot so I figured I should address it with a formal blog post. "What do you snack on during Whole30/on a Paleo diet?" If you don't know what Whole30 is, feel free to look back at my previous blog post! When I'm not sticking strictly to Whole30 (i.e. this past February and March) I follow a Paleo diet. Whole30 and Paleo are very similar, in my opinion Whole30 is a more strict version of Paleo that is intended as a 30 day reset, whereas Paleo is more relaxed so you can maintain it as a lifestyle. If you'd like to learn more about the differences, check them out here.
Back to the question and my answer: while you should not snack during Whole30 and I KNOW this and certainly make sure to have large balanced meals filled with fats, proteins, and carbs, I always listen to my body if I need a little something extra between meals, especially with all the working out that I do. So here are some of my favorite snack options that are Whole30 and Paleo friendly for when you're in a pinch:
Jackson's Honest Sweet Potato Chips - OKAY, I just recently discovered these and they are amazing! Made with just coconut oil, sea salt, and sweet potato so it's a no brainer why I'm obsessed. They also have purple heirloom potato chips which I need to try out next!
Trader Joe's Plantain Chips with Guacamole - I normally make my own guacamole because it's so easy! I just mash up one avocado, squeeze in half a lime, some cilantro, red onion and a dash of sea salt and garlic powder. Or you can eat them alone and they're just as good!
RxBars - When the ingredients are listed right on the front of the package, you know it's going to be good (but you should still check the ingredient label just in case). Chocolate Sea Salt and Coconut Chocolate are my personal favorites. Obviously you have to avoid the ones with ingredients that are not Whole30 approved like the Peanut Butter and Maple Sea Salt flavors! Regardless, these are great when you need a filling snack as they're a good source of protein (12 grams), fat, and carbs.
Trader Joe's Just Mango Slices - so amazing and the only ingredient is mango. I will say, as with the plantain chips and sweet potato chips, to be sure to watch how much you're eating because before you know it you eat the whole bag (and the equivalent to about 4 mangoes, which chances are you normally wouldn't eat in one sitting).
Larabars - Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, and Cashew Cookie are some of my personal favorites. Very minimal ingredients - just dates, nuts and fruit. As with the RXBars, you have to check the ingredients because not all are Whole30 friendly (i.e. Peanut Butter and Jelly flavor)!
Epic bars - another bar that is great when you need an emergency snack! Sriracha Chicken is my favorite. And the ingredients? Natural chicken, sea salt, red pepper flake, lactic acid (this is Whole30 approved), organic chia seeds, garlic, paprika, onion, celery powder, red pepper, back pepper, cumin, and oregano - spot on! It's nice to have a bar to resort to that isn't a fruit or nut bar. It's also a good source of protein from natural, SUGAR FREE animal protein (15 grams).
Fruit - You can never go wrong with some fruit, unless you're eating it in excess or you're reaching for it to curb your sugar cravings. I struggled with this my first round of Whole30 but hope to get a little better this time!
I try to avoid grazing during Whole30 since it is frowned upon and I find that when I buy the sweet potato chips, mango slices, and plantain chips I end up eating the whole bag in 2 days (WOOPS) so chances are I won't be buying them for the next twenty nine days😂.
What it all boils down to is the importance of reading your food labels and knowing what you are eating. Nutrition is more than reading how many carbs, proteins, fats and sugars are in your foods. It's about looking at the ingredients and making sure you are fueling your body with real food.
If you have any good snack recommendations that are Whole30 and Paleo approved, feel free to send them my way!
xx,
Erin