Many people want to get in shape and lose a few pounds, but it can prove difficult to do so, especially when that midday hunger hits. However, if you can replace the potato chips, pretzels, and candy with something a bit healthier, you’ll see the pounds slip right off. The best way to do this is through Asian snack food. Not only is it delicious, but it tends to be much healthier than the American alternative.
- Haw Flakes
While they may look like slices of salami, haw flakes are actually pieces of Chinese hawthorn fruit. While not a common delicacy in the United States, these snacks are tangy and very addicting.
- Cuttlefish Chips
They’re just what they sound like – dried fish chips. They’re bite-sized bursts of flavor that are sure to keep you satiated when your stomach is screaming.
- Bhuja Nut Mix
Think Asian trail mix. Bhuja nuts are a mix of cashews, almonds, crunchy seasoned peas, and other assorted ingredients that lend it a crisp, nutty flavor that will keep you full without making you feel guilty. This is the go-to snack of choice for many people, taking the place of candy in most cases. It’s also gluten-free!
- Lychee Jelly
If you’ve never had a lychee before, you’re missing out. The small, spiky fruit is filled with some of the sweetest meat you’ll ever eat. The jelly made of this fruit is sweet in an all-natural sort of way, and often contain real pieces of fruit. The jelly lets you fill up quickly and get a serving of fruit in the process.
- Asian Rice Crackers
If you’re looking for something plain and dry, then rice crackers are the way to go. While not perfectly health (they contain a ton of MSG), these crackers are flavored in a way that makes them really addicting. Just make sure to have some water nearby, as they really dry out your mouth.
- Mochi
Mochi is a chewy, thick snack made of red bean paste. While it’s sometimes made with ice cream instead, the original version is so much better. It’ll work your jaw in a way that only Starburst can while still satisfying the sweet tooth.
- Taiyaki
This is a common after school snack for Japanese school children. Available in a fish-shaped pastry, taiyaki is filled with red bean paste and sometimes ice cream. They shell serves as a sort of cone. It’s quick, it’s sweet, and it’s delicious.
- White Rabbit Candy
This is the only candy that is acceptable. Not only does it melt in your mouth in the best possible way, but it’s also just 20 calories per serving, making it a healthy alternative to much worse candy.
- Dried Plums
While not for everyone, dried plums are a healthy, bite sized snack that will satisfy any palette.
