Do you ever crave a snack with a specific texture to satisfy your urge, like something really crunchy? Us too! The best way to soothe this desire is to have some crunchy snacks that are healthy AND budget friendly. We’re going to tell you which ones are our favorites so that you can give them a try so that your snacks don’t stop your progress to a happy and healthy version of you.
Two Different Types Of Hunger
To understand our cravings a little bit more, it’s important to know that there are two different types of hunger.
- Homeostatic Hunger: This is the physical need to eat
- Hedonic Hunger: This is the desire to eat food for pleasure
Our food cravings are conditioned from a very young age. For example, if you were given candy or sweets as a reward when not hungry, this can turn into a hedonic hunger later on. Or if you close our a hard workout and are cravings something salty, because you lost a lot of water and salt from your workout, then this turns into a homeostatic hunger.
Understanding the different types of hunger gives us insight into why we want and desire food.
Crunchy Food And Stress
Gnawing on something really crunchy, like celery or chips, can be a source of destress and method of reducing things like frustration, anger or resentment. Say what!? Well, think about it this way, from a biological perspective when we use our jaw, it’s a cathartic motion. It’s similar to punching a wall or releasing build up pressure onto something as a release.
Then again, you might just want some crunchy snacks that are healthy because, well, you just like crunchy things. And that is ok too! That’s why we’re giving you these crunchy snacks that are healthy and budget friendly so that you can swap out some otherwise unhealthy ones (Lay’s Potato Chips anyone? Or is that just me?) for some crunchy snacks that will satisfy and provide you with nutrients while you’re at it.
If you do however seek out crunchy foods as a release, then this list is going to benefit you too. Other methods of releasing that pent up stress, frustration, or resentment are things like exercise, journaling, singing, and dancing. This quick burst release of energy can sooth the mind and the body while the crunchy snacks that are healthy and budget friendly on this list won’t expand your waistline.
10 Crunchy Snacks That Are Healthy And Budget Friendly
Crunchy Snacks #1: Lenny & Larry's Crunchy Cookies
If you're a cookie fan but you're not looking to break the calorie bank, then these cookies are right up your alley. We have them available in two bomb flavors, double chocolate and chocolate chip. Whether it's a late night snack, afternoon pick me up, something to dip in your coffee, turn to these as one of the best crunchy snacks that are healthy and budget friendly. (buy them here)
Crunchy Snacks #2: Quest Protein Chips
We'd argue that these are the best protein chips on the market and for good reason. Quest Nutrition has been making protein foods, bars, and snacks for years now, but they've really hit it on the head with the texture and taste of these chips (buy them here)
Crunchy Snacks #3: Crunchy Dried Peas
Rich, fragrant spices dusted over delicious, crunchy garden peas that are vegetarian friendly and non-gmo (check them out here)
Crunchy Snacks #4: Roasted Nuts
Nuts are a healthy part of a diet and they’re a good source of unsaturated fatty acids and other micronutrients essential to your overall health. Pick up some roasted nuts at the store and try to opt for the ‘unsalted’ versions.
Crunchy Snacks #5: MusclePharm Protein Candies
These delicious crunchy chocolate candies are packed with protein and rival some of the best candy makers out there. Love yourself some M&Ms? Then these are for YOU! Don't feel guilty about snacking on chocolate anymore. Did we mention theres a BUNCH more in a bag than you get in a regular bag of candy? Winning. (buy them here)
Crunchy Snacks #6: Popcorn
Believe it or not you can eat cups and cups of popcorn for a really low calorie count and for a crunchy snack alternative to things like fried potato chips. Pop some at home and add your own butter or seasonings.
Crunchy Snacks #7: Pop Chips
Pop chips are an extremely crunchy, lower calorie, and lower fat snack. Dip them into some guacamole, hummus, or just eat them on their own. They’re available in sharable or stackable bag sizes (get them here).
Crunchy Snacks #8: Pumpkin Seeds
Similar to crunchy nuts that we mentioned earlier, pumpkin seeds are a nice source of protein and unsaturated fats. They also contain a variety of other nutrients like iron, vitamin B2, folate, calcium, and beta-carotene. Grab some at the store or roast your own on a baking sheet and in the oven at home.
Crunchy Snacks #9: PopCorners
PopCorners are similar to Pop Chips in that they're made from popped corn and give a very satisfying 'crunch' when you eat them. They come in a variety of flavors and bag sizes for easy snacking (get them here)
Crunchy Snacks #10: Air Fryer Egg Plant
Not sure how to eat egg plant? No problem! Slice it up, stick them in the air fryer and turn that weird looking purple thing into some seriously crunchy snacks. Throw a little olive oil and seasonings on them, pop them in, and wa-lah!
Crunchy Snacks #10: Crispy Kale Chips
All you need to make these is an oven, a baking sheet, some kale, olive oil and seasonings of your likings. Bake until they reach the desired crispiness of your liking!
Crunchy Snacks #10: Quaker Rice Cakes
These crunchy cakes have been around for YEARS and they just recently got a new look. They come in a host of different flavors and make a great crunchy snack for your afternoon. Throw some peanut butter, yogurt, or cottage cheese on top and you've got yourself a fabulous little snack! (get them here)
Crunchy Snacks #11: Dried Chickpeas
The perfect whole food snack, packed with mouth-watering flavor and amazing natural benefits. These delicious snacks satisfy your sweet, savory cravings with protein and fiber to fuel your body. Enjoy straight out of the bag or sprinkle on yogurt, salads or soups for a protein and fiber boost. A gluten free and non GMo verified product. (get them here)
The best part about crunchy snacks that are healthy these days is that you don't have to compromise taste for texture. There are so many different alternatives that won't exactly expand your waistline, have a ton of sugar, or that work against you.
READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR REGULAR SNACKS TO SOME SERIOUSLY CRUNCHY SNACKS THAT ARE HEALTHY, TOO!?
Check out SWOLE SNACKS and swoop up your goodies now!
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