Low-Carb snacks for those afternoon munchies!

There is no avoiding the need to snack, especially when you’re on a diet! One of the biggest problems people have is eating loads of heavy carbs for meals and snacks, alike. So, I went in search of some low-carb snacks that are still just as satisfying! I also found several snack options that offer good sources of carbohydrates!

Want something savory?

Low Carb Spicy Ranch Crackers

Source: https://thatlowcarblife.com/spicy-ranch-crackers/

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Add the mozzarella and cream cheese to a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals until melted.
3. Stir the cheese until smooth and stir in the almond flour, egg, ranch seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Place the dough on a large sheet of parchment paper. Top with the second sheet of parchment. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 1-inch square pieces yielding about 60 pieces.
6. Transfer the crackers to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 5 minutes, flip the crackers and bake for 5 minutes more.
8. Cool before serving.

Want something sweet?

Low Carb Snack Bars

Source:https://www.thatslowcarb.com/low-carb-snack-bars-recipe/

Ingredients

Snack Bars Base

• 2 tbsp. coconut oil
• 3/4 cup creamy almond butter no sugar added
• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk plain or vanilla
• 2 cup low carb baking mix
• 1 large whole egg
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. pure liquid stevia
• 2 tbsp. erythritol

Chocolate Topping

• 4 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tsp. pure liquid stevia
• 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (just blend some in a blender to powder it)
• 1/8 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Garnish

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

Instructions

1. Mix the bar ingredients together in a mixing bowl. When it’s done, it will be the consistency and feel of medium-wet cookie dough. It should hold its form but be slightly sticky.
2. Press the dough into a snack bar baking pan (see samples below) and bake at 350 F. for 30 minutes.
3. Cool and remove from the pan.
4. While the bars are baking, melt the chocolate in the microwave. First for 1 minute, and then for 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted. Stir every time the microwave stops so you don’t burn the chocolate.
5. Stir in the topping ingredients in the order listed, making sure to add the vanilla at the end and ONLY after the chocolate’s temperature has gotten between 100 and 110 degrees F. A simple kitchen thermometer will help you well here.
6. Spoon the chocolate over the bars, top with the almond if desired and freeze for about 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
7. Store in the refrigerator.

Healthy sources of carbohydrates

You shouldn’t avoid carbohydrates altogether. Carbohydrates are an essential part of making your body healthy, energetic and strong. The following foods are considered good carbohydrates and can be great options for snacking!

• Any vegetable or fruit that you can think of would make an excellent source of carbohydrates (as well as any number of other vitamins and minerals). Consider eating them in a smoothie, a salad, or a whole.
• Whole grains are wonderful sources of carbohydrates and fiber! If a recipe calls for pasta or bread of some kind, consider switching enriched white flour products for whole-grain pasta and bread.

• Seeds, nuts, and quinoa are also great carbohydrate sources!