We’ve been talking all month about my new best-selling book, GET OFF YOUR SUGAR, and sharing some of the tools and strategies that make it easy to avoid the sweet stuff.
But the biggest struggle I hear from my patients in my wellness clinic is that at some time of day, every day, they crave something sweet.
Maybe it’s mid-morning when their blood sugar has crashed after breakfast. Maybe it’s mid-afternoon when they need a pick-me-up to power through until dinnertime. Or maybe it’s after dinner when the sweet tooth strikes.
Whatever time it is, my best advice is not to deprive yourself, but to snack smartly instead of sweetly. Find snacks that will help you curb your hunger AND your desire for sugar at the same time.
Today, I’m going to share 15 snacks that do just that, including one from my new book!
In general, I’m not a fan of snacking. I try to avoid it myself, and I counsel my patients to do the same, especially if they are trying to lose weight. I recommend eating more – especially more healthy fats – at meal times, and drinking water in between.
But there are times when we all need snacks, especially when we are busy. And when you do snack, you want to make sure you’ve got alkaline, no sugar options on hand so you make wise choices.
In fact, I’ve got a whole section in my new book about Smart Snacking to help you transition off sugar and carb-filled snacks, as well as Low-Sugar Swaps away from sugary foods and meal hacks to make it easy to kick the sugar habit.
These are all great choices to have instead, and it would be smart to prep one or two of them each week, so you have them ready when hunger strikes.
These sweet potato chips are awesome. They allow you (and your kids) to not feel deprived of sweet and salty snacks, but they keep you eating alkaline at the same time.
CLEAN KETO COCONUT OIL FAT BOMBS
These bite-size bombs are the perfect treat to get a quick hit of the medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) from coconut oil that your body needs for optimal performance. Plus, they give you long-lasting energy and taste like the tropics.
Enjoy these as a snack when cravings for sugar arise or as a simple dessert. Unlike most fat bomb recipes, this one is vegan and clean keto with no butter. There’s no guilt in this pleasure!
CREAMY AVOCADO HUMMUS WITH VEGGIES
This avocado hummus is smooth and velvety, rich and creamy, nutty and flavorful all at the same time. And of course, it’s highly alkaline, so you can dip raw veggies in it to your heart’s content. (Or eat it with a spoon! No one has to know!)
Another thing I like about this recipe is that it keeps better than a lot of avocado dishes and dips. So, you can add it to lunch boxes or take it on the go and it won’t brown like guacamole will. You can save leftovers in the fridge too, but good luck having anything left to save.
CLEANSING CILANTRO AVOCADO DIPPING SAUCE
In this easy dip recipe, we’ve combined avocado and coconut oil with herbs and spices and the result will bring you back for more. You can use it to dip fresh veggies like cucumber, jicama, or cherry tomatoes. Or spread it on Ezekiel bread for a tasty twist on avocado toast! The ingredients contain 3 detoxifying powerhouses, so you’ll feel fantastic after this refueling snack.
Made of artichoke hearts, white beans, garlic, and lemon, this finger food is quick and tasty enough for kids’ discerning palates, but it’s also elegant enough to serve as impressive hors-d’ouevres. The filling can also be used as a veggie dip – it’s super flavorful, and you won’t want to let leftovers go to waste.
This snack feels decadent, but without the acid of your typical granola. It’s very low in sugar, high in protein, healthy fats, and calcium, and makes a filling, satisfying snack or start to your day.
Enjoy it with a little almond or coconut milk, a no-sugar coconut yogurt, or just by the handful!
I substituted creamy avocado for the mozzarella in this alkaline version of the Italian classic that’s perfect as an appetizer or mid-day snack. You’re going to love this combination so much you won’t miss the acidic version! And thanks to the healthy fats and no-sugar fruits, you’ll feel satisfied and energized.
This snack is an alkaline variation on “ants on a log,” which is a great way to get your kids to eat more veggies while also getting some protein and healthy fats. But it’s not just kids who love it! When I make this at my house, I end up eating more than anyone!
Did you know you could make avocado strips into "fries"? This recipe is great for anyone who wants an alkaline snack that tastes as good as it makes you feel. (Way better than you feel after eating acidic French fries!)
This recipe uses a food dehydrator, but if you don’t have one, you could do a very low bake for a few minutes so achieve a similar result. The recipe has directions for both options.
Did you know that peas are a good vegan source of protein? One cup contains 17% of your recommended daily intake of protein – and from a clean, plant-based source.
This recipe is a unique spin on traditional hummus, and I think you’re really going to love it. It whips together in just a few minutes, and tastes delicious with raw cucumber, radishes, celery, peppers, carrots, broccoli, and more.
You know I love to take crowd-pleasing acidic dishes and turn them into alkaline,
anti-inflammatory new favorites – especially when they contain lots of healthy fats and minerals.
I’ve combined canned artichoke hearts because they’re so easy to use (choose organic) with raw spinach, white beans, cashews, lemons, and garlic for a zesty dip you’re going to want to make again and again. Enjoy it with carrot sticks or flax crackers.
ORGANIC DAILY PROTEIN ENERGY BALLS
These energy balls are packed with a delicious plant-based protein powder that is high in healthy fats and low in sugar. This is one of my favorite go-to snacks that energizes and sustains me all-day long!
You can easily make a batch and keep them in the fridge when you’re feeling hungry post-workout or during that mid-afternoon blood sugar slump that too often leads to making sugary, acidic choices.
This snack is great. You can take it anywhere, it’s salty and flavorful, and the whole family will be clamoring for more. You don’t have to tell them that it only took a few hands-on minutes to prepare, or that it’s alkaline and nutritious. It’s a good source of protein and fiber, so it will keep you fuller longer.
ALKALINE TRAIL MIX
This recipe is so easy, I’ll share it right here. Just combine your choice of the following: raw almonds, cashews, cacao nibs, unsweetened coconut flakes, goji berries, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds.
I keep this with me in a reusable container for anytime I (or my kids) need a quick refuel. It’s the perfect snack to take on the go.
MACADAMIA NUT DIP WITH RAW VEGGIES
This last recipe is from my new book! It’s a bit like hummus with the added sweet nuttiness of macadamia nuts. It’s creamy and delicious, plus so easy you can make it in less than 5 minutes.
- 1 cup raw macadamia nuts, soaked in water overnight and drained
- 3 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 to 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt (Celtic gray, Himalayan pink, or Redmond Real Salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Place all the ingredients, starting with 2 tbsp. of the olive oil, and including sea salt and pepper to taste, in a food processor and puree until smooth. Add more olive oil as needed to reach your desired consistency.
You’ll find a lot more tasty snack recipes – and more than 65 recipes in all – in my new book (already a best-seller)!
GET OFF YOUR SUGAR: 7 Steps to Crush Your Cravings, Boost Immunity, and Fire Up Your Fat-Burning Engine removes the guilt and shame many of us feel for our addiction to sugar, and replaces them with a powerful yet easy-to-follow program with practical tips to kick the sugar habit in your real life.
GET OFF YOUR ACID!
Dr. Daryl