Low Carb and Keto Snack Ideas
There is just something about bread, pasta, chips, and other comfort foods that can make you feel instantly better. It’s probably the carbs that can have a short lived impact on serotonin levels. But if you’re on the keto diet, you’ll need to turn your sights towards healthy fats and proteins to have stable moods and energy all day. The good news is, there are plenty of low carb and Ketogenic snack ideas that are not only comforting but very delicious as well.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings can be fried or baked. You can get really creative with flavorings, including mustard, garlic, sweet chili, ginger, salad dressing, parmesan, blue cheese, or plain hot sauce. Take a look at these delicious Harrissa Spiced Recipe for Buffalo Wings, they are paleo, low carb, gluten free and dairy free!
Avocado
Make guacamole, avocado brownies, or baked avocado with eggs, salt, and pepper. You can make my easy and fresh 5 minute guacamole recipe here.
Bake or fry bacon strips that you can have on its own or wrap around jalapeño peppers, asparagus, onion rings, and cheese. It can add a crunch you are looking for. Here is a recipe for bacon wrapped avocado by Paleo Leap.
Pork rinds
There are plain and flavored options that are readily available in stores and online. Make sure the only ingredients are pork skins and salt. Upgrade this simple snack by making pork rind nachos. Order here
Jerky
Homemade jerky is a convenient snack minus the nitrates, preservatives, and artificial flavorings. You could also buy Epic Meat Bars, they are delicious, convenient and the ingredients are clean and low in carbs.
Chocolate
All-natural, low sugar chocolate is not only delicious but good for you as well. Try to get 85-100% dark for to provide the right amount of fat with less sugar. 100% chocolate can be melted and mixed with healthy sweetness such as stevia or non-gmo-erythritol. Make my Easy Chocolate Keto Paleo Gelatin Pudding, it’s gluten free, dairy free and processed sugar free! Some of my favorite low carb chocolate bars are here and here.
Eggs
Boiled, fried, deviled, paired with deli meats or vegetables, or in a salad with full fat mayo or salad dressing – there are so many options. Make my Low Carb, Keto, Paleo Deviled Egg Recipe.
Nuts
Nuts, such as brazil, almonds, macadamia, walnuts, and pecans aren’t only healthy, they are also some of the most portable keto treats you can find. Brazil nuts are highly nutritious, this is a good brand here.
Cheese
Assemble a cheese platter with cheddar, brie, mozzarella, blue, feta, string, and even cream cheese and add crudités for a fancy and tasty snack. Try to use cheese from grass fed and or organic cows which are easier to digest and have a better ratio of anti-inflammatory fats.
Berries
Most berries are low carb in small amounts but adding heavy cream or coconut cream will make them even more luscious and lessen the glycemic impact. My strawberry panna cotta recipe would be perfect!
Crunchy vegetable slices
Raw vegetables, such as radish slices, celery, and jicama are a good alternative to potato chips when you want something crunchy.
Lettuce wraps
Butter lettuce or romaine can make great crunchy shells for fillings such as seasoned ground meat or shredded rotisseierie chicken. You can also make chicken salad, egg salad or tuna salad put it inside for a healthy snack or light lunch.
Mushrooms
If you’re craving for burger, use Portobello mushrooms in place of the buns. You can also stuff cremini mushrooms with bacon, cheese, spinach, garlic, or marinate them in your favorite marinade. Bake and eat while still hot or freeze until you need them.
Homemade ice cream
Indulge your sweet tooth by making your own ice cream using erythritol, heavy cream or coconut milk, and any flavoring you want. My mixed berry ice cream recipe is perfect!
Shakes and smoothies
Protein powder, erythritol, and heavy cream are the basis for shakes and smoothies that you can flavor with nuts, fruits, and even vegetables. This keto lemon rhubarb pie smoothie recipe is the perfect anytime meal!
Zucchini or cucumber noodle
Create a low carb salad using cucumber or zucchini noodles. These veggie noodles are perfect, if you need a recipe check out Pesto Chicken Zoodles by my friend Living Loving Paleo. I also love Miracle Noodles that are made with natural ingredients and low in carbs (order here).
Low-carb chips
Baked or fried zucchini, kale, pepperoni, cheese, bacon, radish, and tomato chips will be so good you’ll probably forget about potato chips. My friend Kyndra over at Peace Love and Low Carb made these great salt and pepper vegetable chips.
Low-carb fries
They may not be as crispy as potato French fries but turnip, avocado, rutabaga or swede, celery or parsley root can be as delicious when coated with parmesan. This is a good recipe for low carb fries by Keto App.
Low-carb granola
You won’t miss the oatmeal with this low-carb granola that combines any of the following: macadamia, almonds, pistachio, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, dried cranberries, dried apricots, and raisins. Here is a good recipe for homemade granola.
Meatza
Top finely chopped cauliflower or broccoli with deli meat, zucchini slices, and cheese. Bake and enjoy a delicious pizza with no carbs. Check out this Meatza recipe by Steph of Stupid Easy Paleo.
Chia Pudding
Chia is a seed (order here) that is full of fiber with virtually no carbs. When paired with high fat coconut cream or organic heavy cream and stevia makes an awesome kept snack. Try this chocolate version that is creamy and satisfying.
Soul bread
For the feel and taste of real bread, you can have soul bread without the flour or gluten. It is all the rage in the Keto blogosphere, try this recipe here.
Sandwich Bread
There is nothing like a sandwich but the impact on blood sugar and gut lining isn’t worth it. I like to make these lower carb options such as olive bread and white sandwich bread from my blog. Hope you like them!
Green Juice
Can be a great low carb snack when the fruits are left out. Try using celery, cucumber, greens, lemons, and ginger for instant rush of vitamins and minerals. You can often find these at the grocery store or Starbucks but watch out for added apple juice which will shoot up your blood sugar. I like this brand because it is all greens and lemon order here.
Gelatin Treats
Gelatin is a great food for including on a keto diet because it supports healthy digestion and strong, supple bones. When these parts of the body are working it is easier to feel satisfied and be active which are both important for weight loss. Gelatin can make wonderful gummies or cool treats that can get your through to the next meal. Just sweeten with stevia (order here) or swerve (order here) and you will not know they are sugar free. I have a great book of low carb gummy treats here.
Being on the keto diet means you need to give up carbs almost completely but with snack ideas like these, you won’t feel like you’re missing out. If you want a great start to a Keto diet start here.
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