Sweet or Savory? Finding healthy alternatives for those things we crave!

What kind of snack do you typically go for? Do you reach for a bag of chips or heaping bowl of ice cream with toppings or nuts? Have you ever considered finding creative alternatives that would satisfy those cravings that you might not have considered before? For example, what would get to the root of ice cream with nuts and chocolate syrup? Is there some sort of “healthy” alternative that would satisfy that decadent craving? (By the way, if you hadn’t noticed, my choice would be the ice cream!)

I am a snacker. More affectionately called a “Snack-Ass” by a former co-worker but the definition fit and stuck with me! I could graze off of an appetizer buffet all day every day. I love cheese and crackers, chips and dips, a handful of this, a bite of that. My most recent favorite discovery is what I like to call the “taste explosion.” (You know, Ratatouille!) You know just that right moment where your taste buds find something new and go, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” For me, this is berries, nuts and cheese together or a spicy jam over cream cheese with crackers, baby dills and smoked turkey cuts. A good red wine with herb crusted cheese and truffle oil. Just the right creative combinations of yum.

I was pondering the sweet or savory for this blog post. My instinctual desire is to go for dark chocolate bars, ice cream, cheese dips, chocolate chip cookies and the like. Any type of appetizer, I’m on it. All combinations of that savory taste.

Recently, good old fashioned popcorn has become my standby when I know my brain is simply not going to listen to reason. I mean, honestly, there is no way that veggies and a bit of ranch is ever going to replace my craving for a sizable slab of cheese cake. But, a freshly popped bag of microwave popcorn, sprinkled with caramel popcorn seasoning and a little salt will change those cravings around to where I will forget about it and save a trip to the store. (I’m at least smart enough to not have it around.) And for convenience snacking, Orville Redenbacher’s has a great sweet & savory line of microwave popcorn to meet those cravings as well, like Kettle Corn, Cheddar Cheese and even Spicy Nacho! These are great to keep in the cupboard or in a desk drawer to act quickly on a craving!

I did begin to experiment with my “confusing the taste buds” theory after reading an article that stated most of our cravings actually come from a mineral deficiency which can easily be remedied by using a full-spectrum salt like Pink Himalayan Salt, providing you with more of the essential minerals your body needs. While I haven’t begun using a full-spectrum salt yet, it did make me take pause when I do have cravings to see if I can get to the root of it. I’m at a point where I don’t want the “hangover” associated with eating the “bad” foods, which almost always contain gluten and start a raging fire throughout my inner body. Maybe I’m lucky to have that built in sensor, but thankful to have been able to teach myself to pay attention to it.

With eating healthier comes more veggies and I love salads, but I hate preparing them at home for some reason. I could order a salad every time I go out to eat (and usually do). However, at home, I don’t eat veggies in large quantities or fruit (almost seldom). Unless I am stuffing it all into a blender for my signature smoothie, I am not eating them or going for them. Note: And by “signature,” I mean almost everyone I know turns their nose up at it the minute they see it! But, it is chock full of vital nutrients that I know that I need. Click on the picture below for my recipe:

I also started exploring peanut butter as a base to sauces or dressings. Another filling protein to add to the mix, and with peanut butter flavors like a Thai Ginger & Pepper and Chipotle Chile, it really adds some extra flavor that is not something I would have normally considered!

It has taken me nearly two years of experimentation, reading, research, trial and error to figure out what works for me. Which, leads me to my last point – do what works for you. You can read this and not identify at all, grab some “nuggets” to throw into your own life or say, “Yes, this is just like me.” Whatever, you do when it comes to snacking, it has to work for you and it has to flow into your life. Just the fact that you are thinking about making healthier choices, deserves a pat on the back. Every little bit helps get you closer to your long-term goals. Lasting change takes time, so baby steps in making changes are easy solutions.

This post is sponsored by Orville Redenbacher’s and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn.