I will admit that I am a sweet tooth girl through and through. But just because I would take a cinnamon roll over and hamburger almost any day doesn’t mean I don’t crave some of those yummy savory things every now and again.

Mine and my husband’s favorite meal to eat out on a busy week night when I’m too tired or busy to cook has turned into chicken wings from Wing Stop. There are no words for how delicious these are. Especially when you pair them with their delicious fries dipped in a perfect creamy ranch. However, I was pretty when I looked up the nutrition facts for these babies. I knew they would be bad, I just didn’t know they would be THIS bad. I actually don’t think there is a worse food for your body than chicken wings and fries dipped in ranch with a Coke on the side. In one sitting I eat more trans fat that I probably do in 2 weeks combined of normal eating. I don’t need to give you all the dirty deets for these wings but as I’m sure you would guess—they are chuck-full of empty calories and fat and almost virtually no nutritional value to them.

I knew I had to change something and replace my terrible choice for a salty fix to some healthier options. Here are a few ideas you can try eating when you are craving something salty that won’t ruin your waistline or health.

I really like these ideas because they are simple and could curb a craving when the feeling strikes. I can eat one of these snacks when I’m really hungry and then get started on a healthy quick dinner. Problem solved.

Dry Roasted & Salted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great option to satisfy salt cravings. With light sea salt coating the outside, they give your tongue the perfect salty taste. Dry roasted pumpkin seeds are cholesterol free and an excellent source of magnesium and dietary fiber.


Calories: 200


Pickles

Pickles are a classic low-calorie snack. Six medium dill pickles are under 50 calories and are naturally fat-free.

Calories: 48

Pistachios

Salted pistachios are a fabulous salty snack for dieters. The shell slows down how quickly you can pop them in your mouth giving your brain a little extra time to recognize the snack and let you know when you're full. The fiber and protein packed in this snack are an extra bonus.

Calories: 150

Cherry Tomatoes with Feta and Olive Oil

Try a cup of cherry tomatoes with an ounce of crumbled feta, drizzled with a teaspoon of olive oil. If the feta doesn’t hit the spot, toss a little extra sea salt on top.


Calories: 142

Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese Stick and Olives

The saltiness of a couple of olives with the protein punch of a little cheese will hold you over way past your craving. Getting a bit of extra calcium from the cheese won’t hurt either.


Calories 148

Diced Watermelon with Feta Cheese and Balsamic Vinegar

If you like feta in your salad then this snack will rock your world. To keep it under 200 calories, mix 1 cup diced watermelon with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar.

Calories: 165

Turkey Jerky

With a lot less fat and almost double the protein per ounce, turkey jerky definitely beats regular old beef jerky. This protein-rich snack is easy to keep at your desk and its tough consistency always comes in handy when stress levels are soaring.

Calories: 80

Brown Rice Cakes or Chips

Bursting with crunchy brown rice nuggets, Sea Salt Rice Chips are delicious. Ten chips are only 140 calories, gluten free as well as a perfect choice for vegans.

Calories: 140

Edamame with Sea Salt

Try one cup of steamed edamame with a dash of natural sea salt to fill the belly without slowing down the brain. It is a great source of protein and fiber to keep you full with more than twice as much protein as a large egg. 

Calories: 190

Crispbread with Cottage Cheese and Bell Pepper

Cottage cheese will satisfy your cravings and help you avoid overloading on salty carbs. Try two pieces of multi grain Wasa Crispbread with 6 tbsps fat-free cottage cheese topped with a half-chopped red bell pepper and sea salt to taste to keep it under 200 calories.
Calories: 166