KIND Healthy Snacks: The Snack Food With a Conscience

When you're on an anti-inflammatory diet you avoid processed foods like the plague, which can make snacking on the run close to impossible. Of course, in a perfect world all of our food consumption would take place around the family table in a stress-free environment complete with lively conversation and nutritionally exacting meals. But seriously, this world ain't perfect.

When I started my food-based program for rheumatoid arthritis I knew I'd have to find some "purse-portable" snack foods that I could turn to in a pinch. Enter KIND HEALTHY SNACKS. These bars are my new addiction. With more than a dozen flavors of bars to choose from, I never get bored. My faves, the Almond & Apricot and Macadamia & Apricot, are gluten and dairy free in addition to being high in fiber, low glycemic, and very low in sodium. All of their bars are trans fat free, non GMO, and free of sulphur dioxide. I love the way they describe their products: "KIND is a brand of delicious, natural, healthful foods made with ingredients you can see and pronounce". Love that. I also love a company that rewards it's loyal customers with discounts and freebies. Sign up for their KIND Advantage program and receive discounted prices on regularly scheduled shipments of product plus free samples of new flavors.

But here's the best part. As if healthy, delicious snacks weren't enough, KIND is also a socially responsible company. The brand's philosophy is one of "holistic kindness". You can even be part of their mission by joining the KIND Movement which practices unexpected "kindings". Each month, if enough people complete the kinding mission, (something simple like writing a note to someone who has impacted your life) then KIND will carry out "The Big KIND Act" for a group of people in need. Their next mission will partner with Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to bring Thanksgiving meals to senior citizens facing hardship.

So seriously, do your body and the world a favor, support KIND Healthy Snacks. Because this may not be a perfect world, but we can all do our part to get it just a little bit closer.

Tasty Tidbit: Nibble on Nuts

A handful of nuts may just be the perfect snack. They're portable when you're on the go, and they satisfy the "just need something to crunch" urges we all get from time to time. Tree nuts are a great source of protein and fiber and they provide important phytonutrients like lutein (pistachios), ellagitannins (walnuts), and polyphenols (almonds). Walnuts and almonds are also high in the anti-inflammatory Omega 3 oils that are so important for maintaining good health and avoiding and treating chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Nuts contain oils that oxidize fairly quickly so store your nuts in the fridge or freezer to increase shelf life. I toast mine then store them in freezer bags, keeping just a small container in my pantry to nibble on. Next time you have the urge to munch, grab a handful and nibble on some nuts.