Healthy Eating With These 10+ Low Carb Vegan Snacks

If you are on a vegan diet, or wanting to try to be on a vegan diet, or just looking for healthy food options for weight loss, I have a bunch of food and drink options I have tried that I want to share with you.  Some of these you’ll find in your grocery store, and some you’ll only be able to get online.  But if you are looking for a quick snack or meal for your plant-based diet, I have some great brands for you to try that you may have never heard of before!  

As you read below, I mention often how I used these products during my Long Covid journey.  I’m still recovering after a 20-month battle.  I’ve made leaps and bounds in terms of recovery (thanks to my upper cervical chiropractor), and I finally have the focus and energy to tell you about these products!  🙂

Zenify

This all-natural Zen Blend has been clinically shown to increase alpha waves in the brain, elevate serotonin and dopamine levels, and relieve stress without drowsiness.  The main ingredients to help with that are L-theanine, GABA, and Glycine. It also contains 300 mg of Vitamin C and is sugar-free.

Zenify also makes for a great non-alcoholic drink or alcohol replacement drink. The perfect addition to a refreshing mocktail.

My Experience:  

At the height of my suffering from long covid, which triggered me to then get POTS (postural orthstatic tachycardia syndrome), I was desperate to find ways to calm my nervous system from “adrenaline dumps” which is a symptom of POTS.  My body would just buzz with anxiety for no particular reason and I couldn’t exercise which was my normal way to manage feelings of anxiety.  If I did exercise, I would have extreme post-exertional malaise, which pretty much made me bed or couch-bound. One of the tools I used during that time was drinking Zenify.  I won’t say it gave me total relief from the anxiety, but I would often drink it when I was trying to focus on work (when I could work.)  Now that my symptoms have greatly reduced, I’m going to order this again and see if it relaxes me more now that my anxiety levels are not as high.

Organifi

• Gently dried super greens: Now you can get all your nutrient-filled superfoods in one glass with No Shopping, No Blending, No Juicing, and No Cleanup!
• Organic nutritious greens powder in a travel pack: Imagine drinking some of the world’s greatest superfoods in one glass. Our proprietary formula is scientifically designed to help nourish your body with vital nutrients without the need to dramatically change your daily routine!  Get the most out of what you’re paying for: Each scoop is packed with nutritious whole foods, including ashwagandha, moringa, spirulina, chlorella, coconut water, wheatgrass, red beet, matcha green tea, turmeric, lemon, and prebiotic powder.
• Results you can see: Imagine how you will feel once you start getting a daily dose of greens without having to dramatically alter your diet. Improving your diet is always recommended, and our Organifi Green Juice blend is designed to enrich your body with premium nutrients.
• Great value for high quality: Get the most out of what you are paying for with our Green Juice, because you get 14 Servings per box – perfect for your home office or on the go!
• There is also a red juice version you can check out here!

My Experience:  

After trying many smoothies in this 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse book I mention below, (and loving them), I also wanted an alternative that didn’t require me to have to blend every day.  Especially when I was so sick that my husband was making and bringing me meals, I couldn’t make smoothies.  But I could pour this powder in a cup of cold water and sip on the amazing healthy ingredients that my body needed.  Since it contains ashwaghanda, which is a very calming herb, it also helped me when I was having severe anxiety as a result of POTS.

Chef Woo Ramen 

Price: $2.00 – Available at Walmart

This ramen is the favorite choice for those looking to make ramen healthier and more sustainable. As the first plant–based instant ramen, it has foodies as well as health-conscious and fitness enthusiasts raving about its four flavors. A full meal in a cup, there’s 20g of protein (similar to a protein shake and three times more than other brands) to fill taste buds and appetites with flavors you crave in ramen, now in a vegan option. Ready to eat or add your own ingredients to the mix.

My Experience:  

The chicken-flavored ones were my favorite!  Those got eaten fast!  The Thai Lemongrass was quite spicy, so beware if you don’t like spice to avoid that flavor.  I wish “ramen” wasn’t in the title, because they are more like lo-main noodles rather than ramen.  These make for a nice filling lunch.  These would also be perfect as a plant-based meal while camping.  Just add hot water and your lunch/dinner is served!

Sauce Bae Hot Sauces:

Hint of Sweetness with Mild Heat – Made of Peppers, Pineapple, & Turmeric – No Added Sugars or Artificial Ingredients – Praised & Featured on “Hot Ones.”  It was Skinny Habanero Sauce Bae with Turmeric was the #2 spot on a season of Hot Ones.  It is low in sodium and has real ingredients only!

My Experience:  

My husband and daughter loved it so much that the skinny version bottle was empty before I had time to take a picture of it!  The hotter one is much hotter, but will get eaten by my family for sure.  I like spice, but I have to be in the mood for it. I took a mission trip to India back in 2007 and my taste buds could handle the spicy food just fine.  I enjoy it from time to time, but it’s not something I gravitate toward naturally.  The skinny version though is quite tasty, and the addition of pineapple gives it a sweetness that I love in hot sauces!

 

Arden’s garden juices

Fruits and vegetables you know and love. Arden’s Garden is a cold pressed juice company that’s been crafting good-for-you products that are convenient, affordable, and make you feel great from the inside out. From the very first bottle made from our founder Arden Zinn, this cold pressed juicery has been committed to good health for all.

They offer bottles for juice cleanses, cold-pressed veggie juice, wellness shots, cold-pressed fruit juice, cold pressed smoothies, and raw vegan snacks.

My Experience:  

This is the perfect way to have fresh fruit or fresh veggies in a bottle!  Since it is cold pressed, it does not have a long shelf life, so you need to enjoy your beverages soon after you get them.  They have a variety of flavors that contain different health benefits.  I personally enjoyed the green energy machine and the energy wellness shot.  I needed extra energy for close to 2 years, and anyway I could get it through good nutrition, I would take it!

 

Happy Day Plant-Based Superfood Oatmeal

Our Happy Day Superfood Oatmeal is all natural and handcrafted with our unique Gluten Free blend of Superfood Grains (Whole Grain Oats, Flax Seeds, Quinoa, Chia Seeds, Teff, and Amaranth). They offer three flavors of oatmeal –  Cranberry Trail Mix, Blueberry Almond Chai, and Maple Pecan Spice Superfood Oatmeal Cups. You can also get a plain version of just the oats, with flax, quinoa, chia, and amaranth.  These are all vegan and uses a plant protein source.  Each serving also has 8 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein.

My Experience:  

You can taste the goodness after your first bite with this brand of instant oatmeal.  You can tell there is no added sugar, as the sweetness you taste comes from just the fruit added to each cup.  After I’ve had one for breakfast, it keeps me full through the afternoon.  Then I may just need a light snack before dinner.  This is perfect as I’m also in the process of trying to lose the Long Covid weight I’ve gained since I was not able to move much. I ate way too much junk food out of convenience that this post is not telling you about.  😉

 

BAMNut Milk

A Dairy-Free, Planet-Based Revelation for Coffee Lovers, BAMnut milk isn’t just another “me-too-milk alternative.” It’s a planet-based wonder with the promise of uncompromised simplicity: three authentic ingredients and absolutely no filler elements. But the marvel doesn’t end there.

Better Nutrition: A powerhouse of seven essential amino acids, brimming with calcium, iron, resistant starch, and MCT oil. BAMnut milk offers more protein than many popular plant-based milks, such as oat and almond milk, all while fostering a harmonious gut health and biome. The absence of stabilizers, emulsifiers, or preservatives ensures an unadulterated delight with every sip.

The Environmental Game-Changer: Drawing inspiration from WhatIF’s BAMnut page, this unique milk alternative is derived from Bambara Groundnuts, a regenerative crop. These nuts are not only drought-resistant but also enrich the soil they grow in, ensuring a reduction in land degradation and water use. By championing BAMnut milk, you are directly supporting a regenerative agriculture system that minimizes environmental footprints.

My Experience:  

Lately, one of my favorite breakfasts has been waffles using the Krusteaz Protein Pancake Mix combined with almond milk.  I got a waffle maker not too long ago, and have enjoyed making these.  I add some whip cream on top, fresh fruit if I have it, and it’s delicious!  When I was offered to try BAMNut milk, I at first just drank it.  It’s not very sweet and has a nutty flavor, but it isn’t bad – especially for a plant-based milk.  I figured though that it would be perfect to use instead of almond milk for my waffles and I was not disappointed.  When I use the BAMNut milk, it keeps me fuller longer, so again, I can have a very light lunch that will tie me over until dinner.  

Misfits Market: Save Money on Organic Produce!

Misfits Market is dedicated to making affordable, high-quality food more accessible while helping break the cycle of food waste. We work directly with farmers and makers to rescue organic produce and other grocery items that might otherwise go to waste, then deliver them to your door—all while passing the savings on to you. Every Misfits Market box you order benefits farmers, helps prevent food waste, and ultimately helps save our environment.

My Experience:  

I have used Misfits Market since they were a very new company.  Over the years, I have seen them make changes to improve their services, such as protecting the food better for shipping and expanding the variety of organic pantry items and meat choices you can order.  Initially, you couldn’t directly choose what came in each box, and now you can!  They truly listen to their customers and have made changes that really help the consumer. 

Both my husband and I would love to have a big garden each year, but our schedule just hasn’t allowed us the time needed to keep up with it.  During the summer months, we like visiting local fruit and vegetable stands to get organic produce.  But in the winter months, when it’s not so easily available, I’ll order a box from Misfits Market.  They also have pantry items filled with brands I’m not always familiar with and enjoy trying new things.  It’s like having Wegmans Nature’s Market available online for much cheaper prices!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sakara Food Service

Sakara meals and products are backed by cutting-edge nutrition science and traditional healing wisdom to give your body what it needs to thrive.

To ensure peak nutrition, freshness, and deliciousness, we source all of our ingredients from trusted suppliers and organic farms that use healthy, sustainable agriculture practices.

Classically trained chefs. Inspired global flavors. Our meals and products are crafted with love and care to provide one of the most important nutrients of all—pleasure.

My Experience:  

This is by far the most convenient way to eat a full-time vegan diet by subscribing to Sakara!  They offer different menus each week that are chuck full of the most nutritious vegan meals imaginable. 

I signed up for a 2-week subscription to try them out.  I will admit the meals were on the pricey side, but for fresh organic, vegan meals delivered to your door, you will have to pay for them.  I wanted to try this when I was so sick because I just wanted to grab vegetarian meals without having to bug my family to make food for me.  These meals did not disappoint. 

I loved the breakfast parfaits.  The lunches always came with some greens and dressing, along with the main meal.  I often could not finish a full meal in one sitting.  They took up a lot of fridge space, but it was worth it for me when I needed meals that I didn’t have to prep myself.  

 

Quicklly Ready To Eat Indian Meals

All our products are curated by Indian cuisine experts and responsibly sourced. They contain zero additives and are made using authentic Indian ingredients of the finest quality.

• Select your meal combo
• Select subscription plan or one time order
• Select delivery type
• Just heat and eat the tasty meal with lassi

My Experience:  

The ready-to-eat meals are delicious and authentic!  My husband and I love Indian food, but the closest good authentic restaurant is 45 minutes away from us.  Even though these meals are on the pricier side, it would cost about the same if we were to drive to our favorite Indian restaurant.  When Covid rates are high, I will want to stay home, and we can have a date night right here with food and flavors we love.  I also like that they have a vegetarian choice and a meat choice.  My husband is a meat eater while I am not, so this is perfect for our own palate preferences.  

Books:

The Vegetarian Reset: 75 Low-Carb, Plant-Forward Recipes from Around the World

The Vegetarian Reset celebrates a lifestyle where a foodie sensibility intersects with healthy eating. It solves the never-ending dilemma that all plant-based eaters face: Is life fun when you eat salad every day, or is it worth it to let your health take a backseat to enjoy a big bowl of rice or pasta without enough protein?

In her debut cookbook, Vasudha Viswanath takes readers on a little trip around the world, drawing inspiration from an array of traditional and global cuisines that are rich in whole foods like vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats. Seasonal vibrant recipes are moderately low-carb and put vegetables front and center, while also being gluten-free! 

My Experience: 

Not all recipes in this book are vegan.  One recipe I did try was the Waldorf salad – which does have dairy products in it.  But it was so delicious.  No worries for those looking for vegan recipes, there are plenty of vegan recipes such as vegetable paella, ginger fried rice, and curried lentil mushroom bolognese.  If you want an easy go-to book with 75 low-carb, plant-forward recipes from around the world, this is for you!

The I Love Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Cookbook: 150 Delicious Recipes Using Foods from the World’s Greatest Grocery Store

Make tasty dishes with your favorite Trader Joe’s® products and the ultimate kitchen appliance—your air fryer! This cookbook is packed with easy-to-follow recipes for crispy and delicious snacks, lunches, dinners, and more.

Each recipe—from mouthwatering meals, scrumptious salads (yes, salads in your air fryer!), and delightful desserts—has been thoroughly tested to guarantee it’s not only delectably crispy but also completely air fryer friendly. Get ready to fire up your air fryer and whip up some delicious food, including:

• Crispy Asian Tofu Salad
• Roasted Artichokes
• Crunchy Asparagus Spears
• And more!

My Experience:  

This recipe book is not just vegan or plant-based.  But, there are many in this book that are, and totally worth trying.  I LOVE that Trader Joe’s has oven-baked tofu, which makes putting together the Crispy Asian Tofu Salad a breeze!  Add some salad fixings with Trader Joe’s Asian Style Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette, this may be my new favorite salad!  If you don’t want a spicy salad dressing, you may want to try Skinnygirl Balsamic Vinaigrette or Skinnygirl Raspberry Vinaigrette.

 

10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse – 

Made up of supernutrients from leafy greens and fruits, green smoothies are filling and healthy and you will enjoy drinking them. Your body will also thank you for drinking them as your health and energy improve to levels you never thought possible. It is an experience that could change your life if you stick with it!

This book provides a shopping list, recipes, and detailed instructions for the 10-day cleanse, along with suggestions for getting the best results. It also offers advice on how to continue to lose weight and maintain good health afterward.

Are you ready to look slimmer and healthier than you have in years? Then get ready to begin the 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse!

My Experience:  

I believe I tried every recipe that was in the book (its a short book!).  What I didn’t do, was the full cleanse for 10 days.  I think the max I did was three days and I was so cranky and hungry that I gave up.  That doesn’t mean I gave up drinking green smoothies, I just didn’t do it for 10 days straight.  Even though I didn’t follow the 10-day plan to a tea, I still came out of it knowing that blended kale with some berries and chia seeds actually tastes really good!  Who knew, right?  It’s a great way to get more healthy greens into your diet that aren’t just salads.  You can drink these on the go as a low-carb snack, or use them as meal replacements!

 

I hope this list gave you some inspiration to try some healthy and vegan options to add to your diet that you may have never known about until today.  I would never recommend anything that tasted bad, so even if you love your meat and dairy, I still believe you could walk away with these plant-based snacks and meals and be satisfied.  If you want a healthier lifestyle, want to lose some weight, or just want better nutrition in your diet, then try some of these healthy vegan snacks, drinks, and meals today!