Healthy Snacking

There are so many no no's when it comes to snacks these days. Some people even say that snacking should be eliminated altogether. With so many rules and regulations, questions often posed are "what can be considered healthy snacks?" and "are there any trustworthy products on the market?"

Absolutely! The most important thing about looking for a healthy snack is reading the nutrition facts, usually located on the side or the back of the product. This will automatically rule out a lot of snacks advertised on television. 

Things to highlight are the amounts of calories, sugars, protein, fat, and ingredients. Ingredients, which are required to be listed on the product's package, are often overlooked. These are what determine whether or not a product is healthy. 

Today's featured product: Lite Organic Popcorn from Sage Valley

This product at the bottom of the bag states that Lite Organic Popcorn is 100% natural, air popped, low in sodium, and that it contains no artificial colors or preservatives. 

On the back of the bag, Sage Valley compares the amount of oil used in Lite Organic Popcorn to the average amount of oil contained in other popcorn brands. Sage Valley only has 3.5 grams per serving, compared to an average of 10 grams per serving. Less oil makes a big difference. 

Remember, the fewer the ingredients, the healthier the product. The only ingredients listed are organic popcorn, organic canola oil, and sea salt. It's not very salty at all, but it's an adjustment that's worth it for healthy snacking, which will create better habits in the long run.

Let's talk money; everyone knows that organic products can be very expensive. For those who are on a tight budget, this bag of popcorn is available in Key Food at the low price of $1.59 per bag, so catch sales like these when shopping for organic snacks. They aren't all overpriced. 

Happy snacking! 

~ Lindsay