We know you are stress eating. We’re here to help. Trying to quit emotional eating is a challenge. In the meantime, here are some of the best healthy snacks for stress eating both sweet and savory.
If you have been on or near planet earth for the first part of 2020, you may be feeling a little bit….stressed.
My family in particular has been hit with more than a few curveballs, not to mention it’s an election year and oh yeah, COVID-19 is bringing the world to a halt.
This is fine.
We will get through this and to the other side.
I’m actually not in a panic about the health crisis, but I am sitting at home staring at my refrigerator for some kind of food-medicine and I don’t think I’m alone.
No You Aren’t The Only One Stress Eating
Emotional eating or stress eating is pretty common. According to the American Psychological Association, 27% of adults admit to eating to manage stress and nearly 40% have skipped meals due to stress.
I’ve talked about my emotional eating many times in the past and despite trying different diets and workout plans, my emotions still tend to rule the school.
I eat to celebrate. I eat when I’m nervous or overtired. I look to food when I am in a holding pattern.
Hello 2020.
Simply put, I’m not going to stop stress eating. So what are my options? What can I do to stop eating too much? And here is where I think maybe that isn’t the right question.
I’m going to eat. This is well established.
Reach for Healthier Snacks
So I need to have some healthy snacks for stress eating within arms reach and I need it now more than ever.
I’ve gathered a list of things to reach for that will do a lot less damage than a donut. I thought I would share in case you need some fresh ideas.
I understand that eating 7 clementines is still not optimal, but we have to start somewhere right? I love comfort food as much as the next guy, but at some point we have to grab a veggie.
The Best Healthy Snacks for Stress Eating
Whether you need a comforting crunch or sweet aftertaste, these snacks are the best alternatives for stress eating when you really want to reach for the junk food.
Homemade Kale Chips
Kale chips are crunchy, salty, and actually pretty amazing for your body. I would eat these guilt-free in a heartbeat.
Smokey Maple Roasted Chickpeas
Smokey Maple Roasted Chickpeas are a super tasty healthy snack which taste like maple cured bacon but are vegan and made with sesame oil, smoked paprika, onion granules and maple syrup.
Air Fried Homemade Plantain Chips / Banana Chips
Spicy plantain chips check all the boxes! A little sweet, a little spicy and a lot crunchy. Yum!
Air Fryer Apple Chips
I remember eating apple chips as a kid. They are so delicious! I love that these can be made in the air fryer.
Fast and Easy Peanut Butter Yogurt Fruit Dip
This fun dip is perfect for snacking. It just has a few simple ingredients and comes together in not time at all. The best part is all of the ingredients are wholesome as well. Perfect after school snack or fun for a party!
Easy Spiced Candied Pepitas
Toasted pepitas are coated with a raw sugar caramel, ground cinnamon and chipotle, and sprinkled with sea salt. In 5 minutes you have a tasty snack or garnish for many of your favorite dishes!
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies!
These cookies are keto-friendly and definitely comforting!
Vegan Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Bowl Recipe
Packed with nutrients, this beautiful chocolate cherry smoothie bowl recipe is healthy and delicious any time of day.
The Best 4 Ingredient Homemade Trail Mix
This diy trail mix is super simple, delicious and a great portable snack option!
Triple Pumpkin Peanut Butter Granola
This Triple Pumpkin Peanut Butter Granola boasts 3 forms of pumpkin and is the perfect crunchy treat! It makes a great on-the-go snack or topping for your favorite item.
Quick Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Sourdough Muffins
These chocolate chip sourdough muffins are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day! They are quick, easy and full of oatmeal and whole wheat goodness yet they are soft and yummy. So good!
Date Balls with Rice Krispies Recipe
It’s the incredible CRUNCH that makes these no-bake Date Balls with Rice Krispies stand out in a crowd!
Better Than Popcorn Crunchy Skillet Roasted Rosemary Hazelnuts
Move over popcorn; there’s a new snack kid in town! Roasted Rosemary Hazelnuts are as addicting as popcorn, and they’re good for you too.
Roasted Chickpeas
Crispy, crunchy chickpeas are a delicious snack. The chickpeas are baked until crunchy and then flavored with salt or other seasonings.
But if we are all going to be working from our kitchens for the unforeseeable future, we may as well stock them with tasty foods that aren’t full of useless calories.
Yes, some of us already worked from home before this whole health mess, but maybe we could stand to make a few adjustments too. Ahem.
And if you are wondering how to work from home and keep your sanity with kids around, I have tips for that too.
Did I miss anything? What are you snacking on?
2 comments
Love these ideas. So many of them are things I’ve wanted to try to make and just haven’t.
I need to get more dippable veggies and use them with some healthier dressings. Not a recipe, but still a good and simple idea.
Yes! Roasted red pepper hummus is my go to for dipping!