Low-Carb and Paleo Snack Ideas with Recipes

As folks transition into a low-carb or Paleo lifestyle, they often feel like they have few options for snacking (other than nuts.) Having been involved in the low-carb world for many years now, I thought I’d share some of my suggestions and recipes.

Before I share just a few of my snacking suggestions though, I need to make something clear.  Not all of these snacks are Paleo, but all of them will fit for folks who’re following a low-carb eating plan like Atkins.  I also want to make the point that I rarely snack.  Because I get adequate, healthy fats in my diet, I don’t get hungry.  If you’re snacking because you’re hungry, try increasing your fat during your “main” meals.  If you’re snacking for emotional reasons, then, well, I can’t help with that because I don’t have emotional eating mastered myself.  I can offer suggestions though.

Some of our favorite snacks are:

• macadamia nuts — Yeah, they’re pricey, but they’re really high in fat (comparatively), low in carbs, and just downright delicious!
• stuffed celery — Try flavored cream cheese, nut butter, or my Creamy Salsa Dip.
• pork rinds — Eat ’em plain or dip them in Creamy Salsa Dip or sour cream and chives.
• Pumpkin Walnut Muffins — After making a quick batch of these, they’re a quick grab and a filling snack.
• Zingy Egg Salad — I like to stuff a little of this into half of a raw bell pepper.  Wonderful!
• Microwave Chocolate Cake — This treat works great for the low-carber who wants a cake-like chocolate fix.  It’s certainly not something that one would eat every day, but it’s amazing that you can get something that’s the consistency of cake without flour.
• Coconut Flax Spice Muffin — If you need more than a “light snack”, this muffin will fit the bill.  It’s tasty and filling, and if you need even more fat, try adding some butter, cream cheese, or nut butter.
• Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos — You have to plan ahead for this snack item, but they’ll last in the fridge (if you and your family don’t devour them the moment they come out of the oven.) One of our favorite snacks or side dishes.  In fact, we’ve been known to just eat these for supper!
• Gluten-Free Coconut Spice Cookies — These little gems are so satisfying.  I make them really small, and two cookies puts an immediate stop to hunger or the need to snack.
• Gluten-Free Coconut Shortcakes — We top these with frozen berries and zap them in the microwave.  Add a splash of heavy cream if you’re feeling a need for something particularly decadent!
• pepperoni and cream cheese — It sounds weird, but it doesn’t take much for this fatty treat to fill you up.  I like to take a piece of pepperoni, top it with a teaspoon of full-fat cream cheese, add another piece of pepperoni, and enjoy.  Good stuff!
• Crispy Jerk Chicken Wings — These things are GREAT cold, and although they’re not “crispy” when they’re cold, they can really take the edge off the snacking urge.  Don’t forget that any other leftover meats from a previous meal are fair game!
• berries and cream (or full-fat yogurt) — Fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries all fit here.  It doesn’t take much, and it can feel almost sinful if you’re needing that kind of treat.
• tuna and olive oil or mayo — As with the Zingy Egg Salad, I like to stuff this in a raw bell pepper half.
• deviled eggs — You can’t go wrong here (unless you happen to be one of those oddballs like my husband who doesn’t like deviled eggs. :D)
• My Favorite Coleslaw — This stuff is crunchy, zesty, and satisfying.  It doesn’t seem like a go-to snack food, but it really can work.
• cheese “crackers” — Get a microwave-safe plate, spray it with olive oil, and place a slice of cheese on the plate.  Heat the cheese in the microwave on high for about a minute (or until the cheese starts to looks browned and puffy.  Let it cool slightly and then remove it from the plate.  It’ll have a crunchy, cracker-like consistency.  Watch out though! This can be pretty addicting if you’re not careful!
• Sarah’s Favorite Pumpkin Pudding — I’ve been asked to bring this to all kinds of family gatherings, and low-carbers and non-low-carbers alike LOVE it!
• Coconut Milk Breakfast Custard — I like to make this up in individual servings and refrigerate it so it can be grabbed and reheated in a snap.
• apple pieces with nut butter — Apple slices spread with almond, cashew, or even macadamia nut butter can be a quick, tasty snack that tops off the fuel tank.

Of course there are plenty more ideas where these came from, but I’d like to hear from you guys.  What are some of your favorite low-carb or Paleo snacks for those times when you need a pick-me-up between meals? Post your favorite snacks and recipes in the comments section, and keeping claiming your personal liberty!