This post is just a little glimpse into some of the foods we ICers can enjoy. These are mainly pre-made and pre-packaged store bought foods that, for the most part, are "unhealthy" treats. I know, I know! But let's be real, sometimes a pear just doesn't curb the sugar cravings. I also know how hard it is when you are craving something sweet or salty and don't want to bake or cook anything. When I was first diagnosed, I had so many questions about pre-packaged foods. I needed things I could take on the road, to work, vacations, etc. and it was hard to know what was safe. After countless hours of reading labels and brave trial and error, I came up with a list of things most ICers can tolerate. And if not, I plan on posting some recipes that might be better alternatives. One note: If you can't do peanut butter, try substituting almond butter. Costco sells the large sized Maranatha brand for a good deal and it's super yummy! Again, these aren't exactly health foods, but I think in moderation we all deserve a treat! So, without further adieu, here are some of my favorite foods to help curb those IC snack attacks:
Sweet Treats:
Jennie's Coconut Macaroons - I found these at Fred Meyer in the organic aisle
Just Fruit Pear Bars - I found these at Fred Meyer in the organic aisle
Golden Oreos
Nilla Wafers - I dip them in peanut butter or do a mixture of peanut butter and powdered sugar sandwiched between 2 cookies and it is amazing!
Lorna Doons
Talenti Gelato in Caribbean Coconut
Breyers Homestyle Vanilla or Extra Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream
Rice Pudding - Kozy Shack is my fave brand
Vanilla Pudding - I love the cook and serve!
Madagascar Vanilla Cookies - found at Walmart
Animal Cookies - you know those cute little cardboard packages with the string :)
Werther's Original Hard Candies
Plain White Chocolate
Toblerone White
Most Shortbread and Sugar Cookies - make sure they do not contain preservatives
Franz Plain Bagels - I top mine with cream cheese and fresh blueberries
Del Monte Pears in Lite Syrup - if you can't find fresh. Can even mix with cottage cheese (I prefer Kraft Simply Cottage Cheese since it has no acids in it)
Oregon Blueberries in Lite Syrup or Frozen Blueberries - if you can't find fresh
Salty Eats:
Plain Potato Chips - I prefer Kettle Cooked Sea Salt or Lays Lightly Salted
Baked Lays (plain)
Organic Popcorn - found at Safeway or Albertson's
Tortilla Chips
Pretzels or Pretzel Chips
String Cheese
Saltines - topped with peanut butter and honey
Ritz - topped with peanut butter (can even do the pre-made ones sold in the store)
Wheat Thins - with melted mozerlla cheese
Triscuits - with melted mozerella cheese
Fritos
Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato Chips (AMAZING!)
Plain rice cakes with almond or peanut butter - top with honey to make it a sweet treat
Celery with peanut or almond butter
Almond Nut-Thins
Avocado mashed with garlic and salt for a sandwich spread or with tortilla chips - IF you can handle these things!
Another thing I do, is put mozerella cheese on top of pretty much anything salty and blueberries on top of almost anything sweet. I find it adds texture and flavor to various foods. Hope this list gives you an idea of some things to try. I figure, if people with food allergies can live this way their whole lives, surely we can survive on this crazy diet :)
* Some of these items can be found in the ICN Shop.
