Healthy choices when you are craving salty snacks

When a salty craving hits, you might instinctively reach for highly processed snacks like salted pretzels or potato chips. For those committed to improving and maintaining their health, however, healthier alternatives are available.

Here are some healthy snacks to satisfy your salt cravings:

Lightly salted nuts

Lightly salted nuts are a great choice to satisfy a salt craving while delivering healthy fats and protein. These nutrients can contribute to better cardiometabolic and gastrointestinal health. For an even healthier option, consider mixing salted nuts with unsalted nuts.

Air-popped popcorn

Popcorn serves as an excellent, healthier substitute for potato chips. It provides fiber and complex carbohydrates to promote fullness, along with a low glycemic index to avoid spiking blood sugar. To maximize the health benefits, air-pop your corn and use minimal added salt.

Olives

Beyond curbing your salt cravings, olives are rich in phenolic compounds (an antioxidant) and polyphenols, which are known to boost the immune system. Try combining them with cheese for an even more satisfying snack.