Finding tasty and healthy snacks can be frustrating and overwhelming when diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It seems like everything that you pick up up the grocery store has ingredients in it that are inflammatory or damaging to your thyroid.
11 thyroid-friendly snacks
Spiced Brazil Nuts
Rich in selenium, brazil nuts are one of the top snacks to reach for if you have thyroid disease. Selenium protects the thyroid from oxidative stress, and only two to three nuts per day add up to your recommended daily allowance.
To jazz them up, stir together an egg white and a little water in a small bowl. Sprinkle in cinnamon, stevia, nutmeg, and a little salt. Pour over the brazil nuts and mix well. Spread onto an oiled baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for approximately 30-40 minutes or until nuts are golden.
Dark Chocolate and Cherries
Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that help nourish the thyroid, combined with raw cherries, and you have a powerhouse combination of inflammation-fighting deliciousness. This combo is the perfect snack to curb that sweet tooth.
Frozen Yogurt Bites
There are so many healthy options in the yogurt section! Look for Greek or Icelandic yogurt options that have little to no added sugar.
Drop by small spoonfuls of your chosen yogurt onto an oiled cookie sheet. Put the tray in the freezer, allow to freeze, and then store in plastic sandwich baggies. These are the perfect sweet snack on a hot afternoon.
Veggie Nachos
On a large plate, arrange sliced veggies of your choice. Try yellow or red bell peppers, zucchini, or radishes just as you would tortilla chips. Top them with ground turkey, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
If you don’t care for the crunch or taste of raw vegetables, roast the veggies in the oven for a few minutes and then top with the nacho ingredients.
Almonds
Almonds are another excellent choice for a crunchy snack on the go. This nut offers a great source of magnesium, which is essential for the body to convert the inactive thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) into active hormone triiodothyronine (T3). Pour a handful of almonds and dried cranberries into a container to keep in your bag or car for a quick pick-me-up snack.
Apple Towers
Apples don't need to feel uninspired. Core an apple and slice into round slices. Spread a slice with almond butter, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts, dark chocolate, and shredded unsweetened coconut. Top with another apple slice and repeat layers. This snack is delicious and filling!
Sweet Potato Fries
Slice sweet potatoes into thin fries and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, and steak seasoning. Mix and pour onto an oiled baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees until tender. Sweet potato fries are a great way to feel like you have indulged and had a big plate of salty fries.
Alternatively, use the same recipe above but omit the steak seasoning. After the fries have baked, drizzle with just a little honey for the perfect sweet-and-salty snack.
Fruit Smoothie
Combine almond milk, frozen fruit of your choice, a few ice cubes, and a little honey or maple syrup. Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass. Pro tip: adding a banana amplifies the creaminess!
Decadent Fruit Bowl
Fill a bowl with berries of your choice and then drizzle with melted dark chocolate. Sprinkle with nuts or coconut, and you will have a satisfying snack without any of the guilt.
Homemade Fruit Rollups
Add 3 cups of berries, one tablespoon honey, and two tablespoons lemon juice to a blender or food processor and blend until pureed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the fruit mixture onto it. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting. Place the baking sheet inside, and allow to dehydrate for four to six hours. When the fruit mixture no longer feels sticky, remove from heat and allow to cool. Cut into long strips and roll-up. Store in an air-tight container.
Tuna in Avocado Boats
Want a quick snack with lots of protein? A simple option is to mix a can of drained tuna with chopped onions and plain Greek yogurt. Scoop this into a half of an avocado. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
A note from Paloma Health
These snack ideas are an inspiration for you to develop your own way of eating. They are not a substitute for thyroid nutritional counseling. If you want to build a personalized food plan, we recommend that you work with a Paloma Registered Nutritionist Dietitian.
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