I've been working out and eating healthier for almost two years now. While in the beginning it was tough, I realized I just had to search a little harder for those tasty foods/snacks that were good for me to make being healthy less of a chore. Believe me, they're out there.
1. Quest Nutrition
The best way to sum up this brand is by saying that it's bomb. Everything Quest makes is on point. Their products are high in protein and low in carbs, which is good for anyone who works out or is especially interested in losing weight. Best of all, they're completely affordable. Their Quest Protein Bars come in a ridiculous amount of flavors (my favorite being cookies and cream) and their chips are baked and crispy. However, the important part where they meet, and even exceed, expectation is in the taste of their products. Oftentimes protein has a gritty or certain kind of taste that I promise you will not get in their bars and chips.
2. Lenny & Larry Vegan Cookies
This brand has just recently seemed to pop onto the market, but they are definitely what the health food world has been missing. Making all different kinds of cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth, they're not exceptionally low in calories, but they will definitely give you low fat, but high carb and a protein boost with 60g and 16g respectively per cookie. This is definitely good in terms of protein because cookies usually have little to no protein and are high in fats. On the plus, they're vegan! So, their deliciousness can be enjoyed by everyone.
3. Fruit
Honestly, this seems too simple, and it isn't a brand but a general broad category. While some people will say fruit is bad because it's high in sugar and carbs, they're the good types of sugars and carbs that your body craves and needs (the exact science can be looked up). Fruit is sweet, easy and definitely satisfies any sorts of cravings for desserts. Fruit is cheap at the store, and a good pick-me-up between meals to curb binge-snacking. I really wonder why some people don't eat more fruit.
4. Kashi
I was first really skeptical of this brand, I thought it was just another brand trying to hop on the health bandwagon that tried to pass itself off as "healthy" when really they weren't. However, I was totally wrong and have since become an advocate for their products. They make some incredible tasting snacks from granola bars with chia seeds, to their cereals and oatmeals. Everything tastes DELICIOUS and when you look at the nutrition labels, everything is good in their ingredients, carb, fat and protein content. Next time you're at the supermarket, definitely keep an eye out. You don't be disappointed.
5. Popcorners
These definitely aren't the "healthiest" things on the market, but compared to your average potato chip, they're worlds better. If you like a popcorn taste and crave the crunch of a potato chip, this is definitely the combination of both those things. As someone who doesn't really even eat potato chips, this was the best thing I have discovered for days when I do feel like I need a crunch to my snack. Their flavors hit all spectrums of taste from cheddar to kettle to a spicier jalapeño. Their serving sizes are fair, and they're low in calories (but just try to keep yourself from eating more than one serving).
These are just five of my favorite things to snack on while being health conscious. However, one big thing I've learned since I started my whole fitness and health journey is that the key to being healthy is really all about moderation and control. You can eat anything that you want as long as you don't overeat and keep exercise consistent. I won't lie, I still indulge in ice cream and cookies, because moderation is better in the long run for health than restriction. But, if you're just starting out, the five brands and foods above are definitely that help you get where you want to be.
