Healthy Additions recommends snacks you can feel good about

Snacking is at times a friend, and at other times an enemy. But if you’re looking to make snacking your new best friend, why not focus your energy on committing to healthier snacks? And I’m not talking about having a boring apple midday, but instead some really satisfying, delicious snacks that will keep you full until your next meal. This time of year, the first thing I’m reaching for when I “think” I’m hungry is a cup of hot tea, because usually when I think I’m hungry, I’m really just bored or thirsty. Below, one of my favorite teas kicks off this list of items that you can easily find at Healthy Additions, next to Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven.

Healthy Additions is the Island’s source for supplements, health food, cleaner cleaning supplies, green beauty products, and so much more. Whenever I walk in, I get lost in the wide range of products they have. Typically, I’ll have to allow myself a good hour to explore the shelves. To make it easier, the staff at Healthy Additions (thanks, Nicole Pachico and Jennie Tripp) helped me create a top-10 list of their favorite healthy items you should be snacking on this season.

 

Pukka Elderberry & Echinacea ($8.49), pukkaherbs.us. This season, my one goal is to not get sick, and taking some form of elderberry and echinacea is one way to help achieve that goal. This tea brings together two virus-fighting ingredients in a blend that is sure to not only to keep you warm, but also healthy. This year, scout out organic teas over traditional ones, because when you think about it, when you buy nonorganic teas, the first time you’re “rinsing” them is actually when you steep them in your mug.

Teeccino Chicory Herbal Coffee ($10.79), teeccino.com. If you think you can’t live without coffee, think again. Teeccino is a caffeine-free herbal coffee that has the rich flavor of coffee with the health benefits of herbal tea. It’s basically a blend of herbs, grains, fruits, and nuts that are roasted and ground to brew and taste like coffee. This allows people to kick the caffeine habit, enjoy a coffee-like drink at night without worrying about disturbing their sleep, and obtain health benefits.

Good Stuff Cacao ($5.99), goodstuffcacao.com. This year we continue with the trend of raw cacao (local Not Your Sugar Mamas being an Island source for it), but if you’re looking to try something new, this cacao is seriously “good stuff.” Raw cacao and honey come together to make this healthy snack a family favorite.

Healthy beverages ($3-$5). Make it a goal to choose healthier beverages in 2017, and instead of grabbing the usual sugar-and-chemical-filled Coca-Cola, choose wisely and go for the kombucha, the apple cider drinks, or the golden milk. Your body will thank you, because these drinks are packed with probiotics, superfoods, and tonic blends that will make you feel better every day. Brands to reach for include Kevita, Bragg, and RBBL.

RX Bars ($2.99), rxbar.com. One of the simplest protein bars, they list their ingredients on the front of the package, not the back. With no added sugar, no dairy, no soy, and no gluten, these bars are 100 percent natural and one of a kind.

GimMe Roasted Seaweed Snacks ($2.49), gimmehealth.com. Organic, roasted seaweed has become the new snack kids love. My best friend’s kids will cry for more seaweed, and it’s a sight to see. Asian cultures have been consuming seaweed for centuries because of its nutritional value. It’s nice to see this side of the world catching up. Eat these as is, or wrapped around steamed rice or vegetables for a snack.

EPIC Bars ($3.59), epicbar.com. If you’re looking for a high-protein bar, these EPIC bars are made of meat, fruit, and nuts. Flavors like Beef Habanero Cherry, Lamb Currant Mint, and Wild Boar Bacon, among others, make it a hearty snack. It’s filling and savory, which is great with so many other sweet options out there.

Justin’s Nut Butters ($14.99), justins.com. Nut butters are great pre- and post-workout snacks, fueling you with just what you need without the added sugars. I love having a jar of this around for a quick snack, but it’s also great for baking.

White Lion Baking Co.’s crackers ($8.99) and cookies ($14.99), whitelionbaking.com. An American company based out of Mashpee, this brand has a strong, loyal following, and I can see why. Their baked goods are paleo, gluten-free, and low-carb, but pack the flavors of classic crackers and cookies. Their Tropical Chocolate Passion Cookies are like taking a bite of an Almond Joy, only so much better for you!

Jackson’s Honest Sweet Potato Chips ($4.69), jacksons-honest.myshopify.com. Finding a good bag of chips isn’t all that difficult nowadays. Made with nutrient-dense coconut oil, these sweet potato chips are what my dreams are made of. Crisp, flavorful, and naturally sweet, so what’s stopping me from eating an entire bag?