Super Snacks!

One of my favorite things to do is snack! I get a rush from finding new products that I haven't tried, and then sharing them with my family and friends. Whether I'm snacking at the office, while traveling, or at home, I always have an abundant supply of quick bites on hand to satisfy my cravings.

About a year ago, I got serious about my snacking when I decided to make a lifestyle change and really focus on the foods I put into my body. I'm gluten and lactose intolerant and I have an extremely sensitive stomach which means I have to be very cautious about what I eat.

When looking for new snacks to enjoy, I focus on these guidelines:

1. No artificial sweeteners.

2. No dairy or grain.

3. All natural ingredients.

4. Overall taste and texture.

5. General availability throughout the city.

Here are a few of my favorite snacks that meet those criteria, and are easily found at several H-E-B and Whole Foods stores.

BARNANA

There are literally only TWO ingredients in this snack: organic bananas and organic coconuts that have been cut into small cubes and browned to perfection! If you're fan of bananas these are a must have!

Stats: 135 Calories // 2G Protein

Location: Select HEB Stores (ALON) & Whole Foods

RYTHM SUPER FOODS: BEET CHIPS

If you're craving something salty, these will hit the spot. Made using only beets, sunflower oil, and sea salt, they have a consistency that's similar to your favorite potato chips, but these chips are dried--not fried. Considered a superfood, beets are full of fiber, potassium and nitrates.

Stats: 130 Calories // 3G Protein // Fiber 5G

Location: Select HEB Stores (ALON) & Whole Foods

RXBAR: COCONUT CHOCOLATE

RXBARS are one of my all time favorite brands because they use only four ingredients, they're filling, they come in a variety of delicious flavors, and they're high in protein. I enjoy the blueberry, and mint chocolate flavors, but I recently got turned onto this one because it has fewer grams of sugar than the others.

Stats: 210 Calories // 12G Protein

Location: Most HEB Stores & Central Market

KIND: MANGO, APPLE & CHIA

KIND bars have been a staple of mine for years, so I was excited when I discovered "Pressed," the company's newest line of all natural fruit bars. The foods in the name are the only ingredients in the bar-- no artificial sugars or genetically engineered ingredients. And they're delicious!

Stats: 130 Calories // 1G Protein

Location: Most HEB Stores

GO RAW: GINGER SNAP

If cookies are your weakness these might help you curb your craving. These ginger snaps are made of coconut, sprouted sesame seeds, dates, and ginger powder and deliver a satisfying crunch. Enjoy them straight from the bag, or try them with a spread in place of a cracker.

Stats: 160 Calories Per Servings (3) // 2G Protein // Fiber 4G

Location: Most HEB Stores, Central Market & Whole Foods

KITCHUN: HOLY-COCO-CACAO GRANOLA

I've been looking for a product that has the consistency and crunch of granola, but without the oats and grains---and I finally found one! The main ingredients are cashews, almonds, coconut chips, and vegan semi-sweet chocolate chunks---yes I said chunks! It not only tastes delicious but it's soy, dairy, and grain free. It will definitely be a staple in my pantry.

Stats: 150 Calories Per Servings (10) // 4G Protein // Fiber 2G

Location: Select HEB Stores (ALON)

HEB: SNACK TRAYS

If you're looking for a filling snack, I recommend picking up one of these turkey, ham, almond, and egg snack trays. Easy to grab on the fly, this small container packs 33 grams of protein and is only $3. Can't beat that!

Stats: 350 Calories Per Servings // 33G Protein // Fiber 4G

Location: Select HEB Stores (ALON)