The Best Prepackaged Anti-Inflammatory Snacks, According to a Dietitian
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Take the intimidation factor out of following an anti-inflammatory diet — starting with snack time. While thoroughly reading over labels should always be involved, you can score inflammation-fighting health benefits from some prepackaged eats, too.
"Being a prepackaged food doesn't necessarily mean that it is not a great choice," said Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD and founder of Nutrition Now Counseling.
"Snacks like prepackaged flavored nuts provide the same anti-inflammatory benefits as a flavored nut snack you may make at home — just watch the ingredients, as things like sugar that can be added to snacks can tend to be pro-inflammatory, or inflammation-inducing."
To help you more easily navigate the snack aisle, we asked Manaker for five prepackaged, anti-inflammatory snack options that you can easily toss in your handbag or desk drawer.
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Wonderful No Shell Chili Roasted Pistachios
Manaker said the Wonderful No Shell Chili Roasted Pistachios ($7) are filled with flavor, fiber, and plant-based proteins, adding that the polyphenols in pistachios contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Bonus: you don't even have to deal with the shells.
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Parks and Nash Tuscan Vegetable Bone Broth Soup
Craving something warm and cozy? Try Parks and Nash Tuscan Vegetable Bone Broth Soup ($14 for a four-pack). Manaker said it's free of GMOs, dairy, and preservatives, and it rings in at 100 calories per serving. It also serves 20 grams of protein.
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Crazy Go Nuts Garlic Parmesan Walnuts
"These snacks are perfectly portioned and provide a balance of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you satisfied when that 3 p.m. slump hits," Manaker said.
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids, Manaker explained, which may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Pick up a 12-pack of Crazy Go Nuts Garlic Parmesan Walnuts ($24 for 12-pack) and store some in your pantry, handbag, and desk drawers.
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Epic Maple Glazed Salmon Bites
Whipping up a fillet of salmon for a quick snack isn't exactly realistic for anyone on a time crunch. Instead, Manaker suggested reaching for Epic Maple Glazed Salmon Bites ($48 for eight) for a boost of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
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Shroom Snacks Roasted Teriyaki Mushroom Jerky
"Shroom Snacks Roasted Teriyaki Mushroom Jerky ($13) is made from real mushrooms, which are an excellent anti-inflammatory," Manaker said. "Since munching on raw mushrooms as your midday snack isn't always ideal, these are an excellent portable option to get in a low-calorie and antioxidant-rich nosh in the middle of the day."
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