Many people are affected by gluten intolerance, which means they don’t have the ability to digest gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. If you are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, your body can’t break down this protein. This can create inflammation in your small intestine and other complications. You may feel bloated or experience abdominal or stomach pain after eating anything that contains gluten.
Most people know that it can be tough, and sometimes impossible to maintain a healthy diet on the gluten-free diet. No one has time for complicated and difficult recipes, and that is exactly the reason why I’ve compiled list of healthy and delicious gluten-free snacks to make life a little easier for you.
Read on for some easy gluten-free snack ideas:
Fruits
Fruits are the ultimate snacks and super easy to prepare. My favorite snackable fruits are apples, pears, nectarines and grapes.
Dried fruit
Dried fruits are a healthy snack that can be made in your own kitchen. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cut back on sugar and fat while still snacking, dried fruit is the way to go. Dried fruits contain no preservatives and their nutritious value is preserved, making them a healthier option to most snacks currently on the market.
Gluten-free chocolates
Many chocolate products are not made with ingredients containing gluten but most of the big brands don’t claim their chocolates are gluten-free because they are made in the same production line as ones that contain gluten. However, one major chocolate brand offers plenty of gluten-free chocolate options and there are many yummy boutique gluten-free chocolate brands.
Cucumber-hummus sandwiches
I’m not sure what’s better, the fresh cucumber or the creamy hummus. Hummus is a tasty and healthy dip that can be served with almost any type of food. One creative way to enjoy this yummy dip is by making cucumber humus sandwiches! Cucumbers are low in calories and high in vitamin C, which makes them a great snack.
Make your own hummus or buy a healthy one:
Rice crackers
Rice crackers are easy, healthy snacks most people can enjoy. Rice crackers are made from rice flour, which is gluten-free and has many nutrients that are beneficial to your health. You can also flavor these rice crackers with spices or herbs for added flavor.
Cheese sticks
The benefits of cheese sticks are many. They are gluten-free, high in protein, and low in calories. They make for a great healthy snack when you need something to satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank. Cheese sticks can also be paired with fruit or almonds for added health benefits.
Vegetable sticks
What to go even healthier? Have some veggie sticks.
Vegetable sticks are a great choice because they are low in calories and fat, but high in fiber. A variety of vegetables can be used to create vegetable sticks including carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery.
You can even have them pickled:
Vegetable chips
If you prefer your veggies crispy instead of crunchy, bake some vegetable chips instead.
Unlike their potato-based counterparts, which are usually fried in oil, vegetable chips are cholesterol-free and gluten-free. Plus they’re just as easy to make!
Zucchini and sweet potato chips are my favorite.
Greek yogurt topped with fruits
Yogurt doesn’t have an ingredient list, making it perfect for those who need to stay gluten free. The fruit gives you a quick boost of vitamins that helps keep your immune system strong too.
Nuts
Nuts are a healthy, gluten free snack that is easy to carry around with you. They taste great and are full of nutrients. Plus, they are not expensive. On the other hand, nuts do contain high amounts of fat and calories which can lead to weight gain if eaten in excess. While nuts are not for everyone, most people can include them in their diet responsibly as part of a balanced diet.
Eat them as is or roast them with sesame and honey:
Seeds
Seeds contain a variety of nutrients including fiber, iron, vitamin E, and magnesium. These nutrients keep the body strong and healthy. In addition, seeds provide a large number of minerals including zinc which helps with a wide range of bodily functions such as maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting cell growth.
Peanut butter and banana
There are many benefits associated with this combination, including a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Peanut butter is a source of protein which has been shown to be more satiating than other protein sources. Bananas, meanwhile, provide the body with potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
Tortilla chips with guacamole
Packed with healthy fats and fiber, the combination of these two ingredients is a filling and delicious snack that will satisfy your hunger without weighing you down. Guacamole is a versatile dish that can be eaten in many different ways.
Popcorn
Popcorn are a healthy gluten free snack. They are high in fiber and low in calories, making them the perfect guilt-free treat for snacking. Popcorn are also the perfect food to eat when trying to diet.
Pop your own popcorn in the microwave:
Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to get your body all the nutrients it needs in one drink! Blend away bananas, spinach, kale, oranges, apples, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon in a blender. Put them in a mug or tall glass and sip away. You can enjoy these smoothies by themselves or with gluten-free oatmeal cookies for an added flavor profile.
The healthiest and yummiest smoothies are h0me-made:
Hard-boiled eggs
Do you love eggs? Whether you’re an egg lover or not, hard boiled eggs can be a great and easy snack to take on the go.
To wrap up
Eating healthier does not have to be difficult, time consuming, or expensive. There are plenty of healthy snacks that are easy to prepare and store. One way to make it easier is to keep a few favorites handy in your kitchen. Make sure you have snacks that travel well for those times when you’re on the go or need a quick breakfast or lunch.
Learn how to stop eating junk food once and for all.
Pingback: How to heal your leaky gut
Pingback: What causes a leaky gut?