Guest Blogger One Smart Brownie: The Healthy Snack Rundown

I gave Carolyn, from One Smart Brownie, this list of guilty pleasures a few weeks back and she helped me come up with some healthy alternatives.  I gave most of them a try and wanted to share my (and her) feedback with you…

Kraft Mac & Cheese

Kelly: Ok, this was a hard one.  I am completely and totally obsessed with Kraft Mac & Cheese.  I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner...no really.  I did give Annie's a shot and was impressed and satisfied, once I got used to the wheaty pasta taste. 

Carolyn: If you’re just not into the (totally delicious) nutty flavor and al dente texture of whole wheat pasta with wheat pasta, we can compromise… give Ronzoni's smart taste pasta a shot. It's "white" in terms of taste/texture but has added fiber. Or give another “pasta” a try – there are plenty of quinoa ones on the block these days.

Peanut Butter

K: I bought Peanut Butter & Co's Cinnamon Raisin Swirl and it was delish!  It is a great snack with sliced apples.  Totally hit the spot.

C:  Awesome. If you get bored and want to switch it up, I am also digging almond butter these days; one brand in particular is called Barney Butter. Also I highly suggest Justin's nut butter in Chocolate Hazelnut. Swear it's a healthier nutella… so I go for single serve packs, otherwise it's trouble. 

Goldfish

K: I did buy triscuits (I used to eat them when my mom did the grocery shopping) and fell back in touch with an old (and quite tasty) snack cracker.  They definitely get a spot on my future grocery list.  I wasn't brave enough to try the GG Brandcrackers yet...

C: Another brand to look for is Mary's Gone Crackers. They are gluten free and made with lots of seeds. Totally snackable with hummus.

Teddy Grams

K: I am sold on Annie’s Homegrown Honey Bunny Grahams.  No competition there. They are just as good as Teddy Grams and I am happy to leave the trans fat behind.

C: YAY!

Cereal

K: I tried Kashi's Strawberry Fields, Blueberry Oat Clusters and Go Lean Crunch.  I enjoyed Strawberry Fields and Blueberry Oat Clusters, but I am leaving Go Lean Crunch off the list.

C: To each their own :) Puffins are a personal fave too.

Cheese

K: I bought Horizon mozzarella string cheese and enjoyed it!  It was great for a grab and go snack or when I just wanted to nibble on something.  

C: String cheese is always a hit… it's kind of a nostalgic but actually pretty healthy snack and the pre-portioned serving size is ideal for cheese.

Yogurt

K: So glad to be educated on the Yogurt issue!  Before consulting One Smart Brownie, I found myself very confused.  I did try Greek yogurt, but am still working on a concoction (i.e. fruit, nuts, cereal) that I enjoy.  For someone who likes sweets, it is very sour, so trying to find a healthy way to not make it taste so tart!

C: Agreed, so throw in a little agave or stevia! Tossing in a little sugar is okay as long as you're in control. Another great brand is Siggis, although I think it's a NY brand, not sure if you can find it in the great state of Texas. Guess you'll just have to come visit!

Ketchup

K: Who knew there were so many additives in Ketchup?  I am looking into other alternatives, but for now I bought the organic kind to eliminate corn syrup.

C: I know, it's gross right? No need! I prefer to save the sugar for my desserts.

Skinny cow fudge

K: I have not made my own Popsicles yet because I currently don't own a popsicle making kit. (hint hint Doctor J)  They do look so fresh and tasty and are on my list of things to try!

C: Do it Dr. J!!  I am popsicle obsessed since our last post. My favorite is this super healthy fruit and hidden veggie recipe (I added lots of mint).

•    frozen mixed berries 

•    1 cup fresh squeezed OJ 

•   1-2 tbsp agave 

•   few handfuls spinach. 

•   mint 

They are so tasty; swear you can't taste the spinach.  Not-so-healthy side note: You can totally make popsicles for the 21+ crowd with the beverages of your choice… perfect for labor day. Just don't let the kiddies get their hands on 'em.

Processed turkey

K: Luckily one of the grocery stores that I shop at makes their own fresh turkey that they slice.  Goodbye slimy processed turkey!

C: "Slimy processed turkey"; don't know who could ever buy it after hearing it called that. Ew. 

Have you tried any healthy alternatives to your favorite snack foods?  We would love for you to share your favorite healthy snacks!

Next up in this Newlymeds-&-One Smart Brownie collab: pre-wedding diets: what actually works and what doesn’t.  We’ll give you some tips (ones that work, we swear) and a little month by month guidance to getting your glow on before you get hitched -- or before you have to take a bazillion pictures beside your BFF/ sibling getting hitched. We don’t do starving & cranky bridezillas (or bridesmaids) around here.