The Healthier Eating Challenge: 3 Snack Recipes for Tastier Whole Foods

This is day 3 of my 5 day healthy eating challenge. First of all, click here.

Americans are snacking more than ever. recent investigation Currently, 95% of us snack at least once a day, with most suggesting they snack more than once a day.

When cravings arise, many people reach for ultra-processed snacks like candy and chips. Part of the reason is that, as I mentioned in yesterday’s challenge, these foods are made to make you want to eat them. (My favorites are chocolate bars with nuts and cheesy chips that turn your fingers orange.)

But there’s another reason we crave ultra-processed snacks. Healthier whole foods like walnuts, fruit, and carrot sticks can seem a little bland and unenjoyable. Ashley Gearhart, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, says this is because minimally processed foods typically contain things like fiber, water and protein that make you feel fuller for longer. It’s such a shame.

But the thing is, that sad handful of almonds could be flavorful.

Today, we’re ditching the ultra-processed snacks for whole-food snacks that are just as delicious. We worked with experts to mimic the coveted qualities of ultra-processed foods, adding salt, sweetness, fat, and spices that complement healthier foods.

Well Challenge Day 3: Sprinkle with “flavor dust.”

We create what we call flavor dust, simple spice blends using ingredients found in your home kitchen.

We asked our chefs to create a recipe just for us that can be sprinkled on nuts or popcorn. Three savory recipes and one spicy and sweet recipe. Below are some quick and easy recipes from NYT Cooking.