Are Graham Crackers Healthy Nutrition Benefits Downsides
Graham crackers probably conjure memories of campfires and smores or of simple, easy snacks you might hand to the children in your life.
Theyre a sweet and crunchy snack enjoyed by kids and adults alike, of course, but you may be wondering if theyre a healthy choice.
This article breaks down the nutritional value of graham crackers and reviews whether they are a good snack for heart health, diabetes concerns, and kids eating patterns.
Orga Foods Super Crisps
Another seed-forward cracker, these nutritious crisps contain just seven simple ingredients: flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, chickpea flour, and Himalayan pink salt. I love that they contain 6 grams of fiber and protein per serving, along with a dose of plant-based omega-3s. If youre not a big seed fan, these crisps probably wont be to your tastebut otherwise, theyre a fantastic, satiating option.
Original Super Seed Crips, orga-foods.com
Celery Sticks With Cream Cheese
Celery sticks with cream cheese are a classic low carb snack that can help keep you feeling full.
This duo will have you enjoying a fiber-packed snack that combines a crunchy texture from the celery with creaminess from the cheese. Try celery sticks with peanut butter or almond butter for another crunchy and creamy combo.
Snacking on 5 small celery sticks with about 1 ounce of cream cheese provides roughly 100 calories (
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Its also a good source of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. It has a lower level of oxalic acid, an anti-nutrient that impairs calcium absorption, than many other leafy greens .
Pairing kale with olive oil not only makes more delicious and crispy chips but also a more balanced and filling snack.
This easy recipe for kale chips provides about 150 calories:
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When You Need To Eat On The Run
“When hunger strikes on the go, I reach for a Daily Greens green juice. Not only do these drinks provide an opportunity to fit more veggies into my day, they are low in sugar and calories and provide a number of energy-boosting nutrients. They are also organic and cold-pressed, which is a juicing process that helps to preserve the vitamins and minerals in the produce.” Lauren Minchen MPH, RDN, CDN, a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist based in New York City
Bad Snack : Granola Or Cereal Bar
Yes, there are plenty of healthy versions of granola and cereal bars. But many of them, Grotto says, are ânot a blend of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, but instead a direct carbohydrate bomb without having fiber and other important nutrients.â
Choose one thatâs high in protein and fiber and low in sugar. âItâs not a horrible snack,â Grotto says, âbut I find that most people overeat them and tend to be hungry within an hour.â
Nutrition info: For one bar, you’ll get about 125 calories, 4.6 grams fat, and 20.5 grams carbohydrates.
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Apples And Peanut Butter
Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman
This snack is similar to fruit and nuts, but with a unique twist. Apples are high in fiber and available in numerous varieties from crisp and tart to juicy and sweet. Pair it with peanut or almond butter with no added sugar it really doesnt need it.
With 95 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrate, 4.4 grams of fiber, and 14% of your daily vitamin C needs, an apple a day can really keep the doctor away.
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Is Snacking On Cheese Bad
Snacking on cheese is not bad and can even be healthy. The cheese is a nutritious food and, because the cheese contains protein and calcium, it helps to satisfy hunger between meals.
Cheese also contains salt, so too much of it should not be eaten regularly. On the other hand, if you snack on cheese regularly, it may reduce your appetite for healthier foods such as fruit and vegetables.
Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, so it can be part of a healthy diet however, too much salt should not be eaten regularly because it increases the risk of high blood pressure.
So if youre snacking on cheese, remember to keep an eye on the amount of salt you add.
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Good Snack : Bean Dip With Veggies
You can easily turn canned beans in a can , into an inexpensive, protein-packed snack.
âThe combination of the fiber and protein in beans has been shown to help keep blood sugar under control,â Grotto says. âAnd beans are an integral part of the DASH diet, which is the most effective approach to stopping .â
Make it: Put 1/4 cup of low-sodium beans and 2 ounces of low-sodium chicken broth into a food processor to create a healthy and satisfying bean dip, Grotto says. Enjoy with 1/2 cup of raw, crunchy vegetables, like celery, carrots, or red peppers.
Nutrition info: The amounts listed above make one serving, with about 85 calories, 0.2 grams fat, and 11 grams carbohydrates.
When You’re Craving Something Crunchy
“When I’m trying to trim down a bit, I might snack on a cup of sliced, raw carrots, zucchini, cucumbers and red peppers. I’ll pair the veggies with a dip made from two tablespoons of avocado, 1/3 cup of Greek yogurt and two tablespoons of salsa. This voluminous, vibrant snack has no more than 110 calories, yet still provides the belly-filling magic of 5 grams of both fiber and protein.” Lisa Moskovitz, R.D., founder of Manhattan-based private practice, The NY Nutrition Group
“A handful of Snapea Crisps provides a whopping five grams of satiety-boosting protein and four grams of fiber for a mere 110 calories. Plus, this snack is non-perishable so it can be easily eaten just about anywhere.” Lisa De Fazio, MS, RD, Los Angeles-based Registered Dietitian
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Private Selection Wheat Entertainment Crackers
Not all crackers are made the same. Private Selection entertainment crackers are one of those special off-brand products that is both cheaper than, and better than the name brand!
The great thing is that these crackers are healthy and taste great when dipped in Kraft Old English spread. Its similar to those snacks made for kids, except the cracker has better texture and a more complex and pleasant flavor profile.
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Baby Carrots With Blue Cheese Dressing
Baby carrots with blue cheese dressing are the perfect snack for when you crave something savory.
In addition, its a good idea to pair carrots with a creamy salad dressing or dip, as aside from keeping you fuller for longer, fat increases your absorption of carrots fat-soluble micronutrients, such as carotenoids .
While blue cheese dressing on its own isnt nutrient-rich, it may help you eat more carrots .
A 3.5-ounce serving of baby carrots with 2 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing serves as a light snack containing about 180 calories .
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Red Bell Pepper With Guacamole
The combo of red bell peppers and guac gives you plenty of nutrients that help keep you feeling full for hours.
Although all bell peppers are nutritious, red varieties are particularly high in antioxidants. On the other hand, guacamole is a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins A, B, and C, and minerals like phosphorus and potassium .
Pairing 1 large red bell pepper with 3 ounces of guacamole combines the best of both foods while keeping this snacks calorie count under 200 (
Plain Greek yogurt and berries make a delicious, nutrient-dense snack.
Greek yogurt is high in protein, and berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants around .
Add a mixture of differently colored berries to your yogurt to get an array of nutrients and a mix of their sweet and tart flavors.
Apples and peanut butter are a match made in heaven both nutritionally and flavor-wise.
On one hand, apples are a fiber-rich fruit. On the other hand, peanuts provide healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber pretty much all of the filling nutrients you should look for in a snack .
Note that many store-bought peanut butter brands contain added sugars and oils. Check the ingredient list and choose one that only contains peanuts and salt.
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Pairing cottage cheese with fruit complements the cheeses protein and fat content with the fruits fiber, resulting in a sweet, creamy, and filling snack.
Popsicles Made From Real Fruit Or Real Fruit Juice
Even popsicles that are made with actual fruit juice probably contain added sugars, Brown-Riggs said. Additionally, if theyre made from fruit juices, rather than fruit, they likely have very little fiber .
In looking for a better frozen treat, its possible to find ones that contain some whole fruit, and as a result, likely also contain a little bit of fiber, Brown-Riggs said.
But the best option is pureeing your own frozen or fresh fruit and then freezing it, which will give your snack a bit more fiber while keeping out added sugars.
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The 13 Healthy Crackers Nutritionists Buy At The Grocery Store
The 13 Healthy Crackers Nutritionists Buy At The Grocery Store
While crackers made with white flour can be fine every once in a while, look for whole-grain options that dont contain artificial additives, says dietitian Kelly Jones, RD.Next time you put together a fancy cheese board , go for these healthy crackers. .
Cherry Tomatoes With Mozzarella
Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are a nutritious and yummy way to add more veggies to your diet.
Mix tomatoes with mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil for a snack with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
This tasty and fresh snack can also double as a side salad for your next meal.
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Although they dont have much flavor, chia seeds take on a jelly-like consistency when soaked in liquid, making them a great ingredient for puddings.
Try this simple recipe for a healthy snack to enjoy at home or on the go:
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Best Overall: Triscuit Original Crackers
You can’t beat the purity of this recipe: whole wheat, oil, and salt. Period. It’s what led to many dietitians recommending Triscuit as one of the healthiest crackers you can buy. “I recommend Triscuit crackers because they offer lots of different bold flavors,” says Kostro Miller. “Even their flavored crackers like the cracked pepper and olive oil only has 140 milligrams of sodium per serving. Their other flavors as well are very satisfying, and whole-grain wheat tends to be the first ingredient!”
Fruit And Cream Cheese Crackers: A Simple Healthy Snack
When Im craving cheesecake I bust out these simple Fruit and Cream Cheese Crackers instead. They are an easy healthy option when Im in treat mode. They also work great as a toddler snack, party appetizer, after school snack or game day treat.
When I was a little girl my Dad sometimes opened up a tube of crackers and spread them with cream cheese and jam for us to snack on. We would sit in his cabin in the mountains and eat our crackers with tall glasses of milk and watch cartoons or old John Wayne movies.
Those crackers hit the spot when I was a kid and they still do today.
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Cheese And Cracker Combinations
- Crackers Your choice we love a classic butter cracker or water cracker. You can use wheat or multi-grain crackers as well.
- Cheese Sliced or cubed, use high quality cheese
- Fruit A slice of apple, pear, or mango alongside your cheese makes for the ultimate sweet and savory snack. You can also try dried figs or dates.
- Preserves Another key to taking this simple snack up a notch with a gourmet twist.
- Nuts Pecans, almonds, walnuts are all great choices. You can use candied nuts, too!
- Fresh Herbs I used fresh thyme, but rosemary, oregano, and chives would also pair beautifully with cheeses.
Is Cheese A Good Snack On A Diet
Cheese is most definitely a healthy snack.
It is also good for people who are on a diet because it only has about 100 calories per slice or stick of cheese, for example. Cheese can help you feel less hungry and more full throughout the day and thus, lose weight!
So yes, cheese is a very healthy and delicious snack! If youre on a diet and like to eat snacks, you should definitely make cheese snacks!
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Best Quick Snacks For Diabetics: Chips And Salsa Fruit And More
Best Quick Snacks for Diabetics: Chips and Salsa, Fruit, and More
Indeed, people with diabetes are among the groups at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .”Snacks provide another opportunity for nutrition, and with a small amount of carbohydrates , can help keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day,” Kennedy adds.Eating a healthy snack can also help keep hunger at bay until your next meal, which can ultimately prevent overeating and support any weight loss goals you may have.Instead, eat a healthy amount of good carbohydrates such as those from fruits and vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy, and whole grains including while snacking.Combining protein and healthy fats with complex carbohydrates is a great way to give your snacks staying power, says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, author of 2-Day Diabetes Diet, who is based in Hamburg, New Jersey.Admittedly healthy choices can be challenging if youre unprepared or have only processed, packaged snacks that contain high levels of sugar, salt, and fat on hand. .
How To Build A Healthy Cheese Snack Tray
One of my favorite ways to catch up with friends is over a healthy snack tray.
We make this almost every Friday night before dinner to relax and chat over a glass of wine or kombucha. This type of tray is great for two to four people before dinner, and it’s really easily scaled for bigger crowds.
You can make your snack tray gluten-free by using only gluten-free crackers and ingredients, or just leave off the crackers. We like Simple Mills almond flour crackers, homemade almond flour crackers, or Lesley Stowe oat crisps. You can make a totally dairy-free tray by using only nut cheeses. We eat mostly dairy-free but like to have goat cheese every once in a while. I listed all of the exact brands used in this photo below.
To build any snack tray, pick a theme and pair ingredients that go well together. Fruits, nuts and cheese are always a safe bet. I also love things like hummus and smoked salmon, but I save those for a more savory plate as they pair better with vegetables.
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When You Want Something Sweet & Salty
“I love spreading two tablespoons of almond butter on apple slices. The protein and fiber combination helps keep me satiated, and I love the salty-sweet flavor combination.” Lisa De Fazio, MS, RD, Los Angeles-based Registered Dietitian
“A small banana cut in half lengthwise and lightly smeared with atablespoon of natural almond butter makes for a tasty snack. The flavor profile from this snack duo hits the spot when I’m craving something sweet and creamy, and it does a great job of keeping my hunger in check, too!” Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, CSSD, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of Go Wellness in Orange County, California
Simple Mills Original Organic Seed Flour Crackers
These tasty crackers hit the shelves earlier this year and immediately became one of my favorites. They impressively accommodate most dietary needs and food sensitivities . While many alt-crackers contain a laundry list of processed additives, these feature a clear, simple ingredient listwith a seed flour blend and cassava flour as the star components. The only aspect I dont love is the sunflower oil, but every other ingredient is on point.
Organic Seed Flour Crackers, simplemills.com
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Basics Of Ritz Crackers Nutrition
Ritz crackers, like most simple crisp breads, are made up of flour, sugar, salt, oil and flavorings. According to the company’s web page, RitzCrackers.com, one serving of original Ritz crackers â or about five crackers, as stated on the front of the box â contains 80 calories, 40 of which are fat.
Ritz Crackers are fairly low in sodium, with one serving containing about 4 percent of your total daily recommended intake, but they provide no vitamins or minerals. And the fat these crackers contain is problematic, because it’s mainly trans fat.
It May Sound Crackers But Eating Cheese And Biscuits Could Help
It may sound crackers, but eating cheese and biscuits could help
Well, yes, but there are some simple diet and lifestyle tweaks that will help supercharge your metabolism, keep you from overeating and generally improve gut health so youre less likely to put on weight.Studies also show that a diet high in fibre can increase the amount of healthy gut bacteria, which in turn can send signals to insulin receptors to regulate blood sugar.Another way to boost the healthy gut bacteria is to feed them with fermented food and drinks such as sauerkraut, kombucha and kefir packed with microbes.Eat a wide variety of fruits and mix berries with nuts and seeds to avoid a consistent peak in your blood sugar. .
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