At Enara, we often discuss how a snack ideally contains a protein and/or fat. A macronutrient combination of carbohydrates+protein, carbohydrates+fat, and protein+fat work well in the snacking space. The reason these components are key is because it takes the stomach some time to digest fat and protein compared to carbohydrates alone. This helps to keep you fuller longer. The aim is to snack with purpose: getting you to your next meal without the need for further snacking. On the other end of the snacking spectrum, we have snacks to avoid. These burn off rather quickly and are highly processed, devoid of much anything positive: refined carbohydrates. These leave you rather unsatisfied and wanting for more. People often desire a snack with a satisfying crunch–a mid afternoon pick-me-up that gets the jaw working and leaves you feeling like you actually ate something. Traditionally, that crunch and that nutrition profile did not intersect.
This Food for Thought presents those on Stepwise or Maintenance a snack option that has all of those aforementioned positive qualities. (As you may know, snacking is discouraged on VLCD.) Parmesan Crisps have both protein, fat, and are also crunchy. They are very reasonable from a calorie perspective, clocking in at 150-160 calories per ounce. Considering these contain at least 10 grams of protein per serving, they are a nice source of protein. They are by no means a miracle food though as they have a considerable amount of sodium and saturated fat which must be considered. They can also be addicting if cheese is a trigger food for you. They are a processed cheese product after all. All of this being said, Parmesan Crisps could be a solid snack option to have on hand for those on Stepwise/Maintenance, especially as a substitute for chips or croutons.
Below are three options on the market with their respective nutrition information, ingredients, and where they can be found.
Oven Baked Parm Crisps
Can be found at: Safeway, also available for order online.
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients: Aged Parmesan Cheese (Part Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt & Non-Animal Rennet).
Sonoma Creamery Parmesan Crisps
Can be found at: Costco, Target, Also available for order online.
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g fat
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Ingredients: Parmesan Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oat Bran, Organic Quinoa.
Whisps Cheese Crisps
Can be found at: Safeway, Target, Also available for order online
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Ingredients: Parmesan cheese (pasteurized part skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes).
