Searching for good healty snack food.

So whats out there that is:

Low fat

Low calorie

Low salt

Not a fruit , nut, or vegetable.

Yogurt?

Should have added it needs to be "dry"

A handful of Shreddies?

Cheerios, jerky maybe. I would suggest checking the toddler aisle, but I don't anything processed that heavily is very healthy.

Fruits nuts and veggies kind of are the go-to healthy snack options. 

Dried fruits maybe?

Pork rinds!

Definitely not pork rinds.

I do fruit, jerkey, peas, nuts, and tortilla chips as my road snacks while im at work. And coffee. Lots of coffee. We also do dried mango, pineapple and raisins frequently. 

Salsa has very little calories ,  add it to rice or microwaved potatoes 

Gearheadotaku (Forum Supporter) said:

So whats out there that is:

Low fat

Low calorie

Low salt

Not a fruit , nut, or vegetable.

Should have added it needs to be "dry"

Looks like you're stuck with some kind of dry meat or mineral.

Plain popcorn is about all you have after you've eliminated fruit, veggies, nuts, and anything wet. Maybe some jerky fits the bill but watch the fat and sodium. 

I snack on Wasa flatbread/crispbread w/o any toppings.  Tasty but generate a lot of crumbs.  Same for graham crackers but those are not so low-calorie.
I have baked lentil-loaf or similar things in 2x2in brownie pans.  Should be refrigerated and not strictly speaking 'dry' but at least they do not leave your fingers feeling greasy.
Dried cantaloupe is surprisingly awesome.

All I can contribute to this thread (which is probably not much) is a picture of my lunch. 

The biscuit is a sourdough butter biscuit recipe from King Arthur flour. I'm trying to avoid added sugar and processed foods. 

Rice cakes. I had some caramel rice cakes as a mid day snack yesterday. Once you get past the "I'm eating Styrofoam" stage they are pretty good.

I am suprised by the speed and variety of answers, but given the nature of this board i shouldnt.

I second rice cakes. Also, would seeds fit the bill? (Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.)

pocketful of tater tots?

I was going to suggest bell pepper slices but then I saw that "not a vegetable" bit at the end of the first post so I guess there's always ice.

Oapfu said:

I snack on Wasa flatbread/crispbread w/o any toppings.  Tasty but generate a lot of crumbs.  Same for graham crackers but those are not so low-calorie.
I have baked lentil-loaf or similar things in 2x2in brownie pans.  Should be refrigerated and not strictly speaking 'dry' but at least they do not leave your fingers feeling greasy.
Dried cantaloupe is surprisingly awesome.

I'll check those out, they look interesting.

Depending on how dry you need, boiled shrimp.

Popcorn works too - it's the added salt and butter that normally ruin it as a health food. By itself, popcorn is straight up whole grain.

Not a fruit, nut, or veggie doesn't leave much.  I'm assuming you're saying no veggies because you are trying to avoid recommendations for celery and carrots.

I would say make your own jerky without a lot of salt, unless you can find one commercially that is low sodium (and doesn't drain your bank account).  I know some companies make no-sugar jerky, but all the ones I've seen have half of your daily sodium per serving.

A dehydrator might become your best friend.  Dried beets (I know, a veggie) are delicious.  Cook them or buy them canned without salt and dehydrate.  Just remember you ate them so you don't rush to the emergency room the next day assuming you're bleeding out your bum.

Rice cakes can be dressed up with some Mrs Dash.  Matzah bread and horseradish is yummy.

Make your own Hummus without a ton of salt?  Guac on some crusty french bread is one of my go-tos

Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit, and fill the holes with a drained can of tuna in water.  Add a little seeded or dijon mustard.

Parm crisps?

These taste good.  Not fried.  But you know the song" beans beans the magical flute"

Streetwiseguy said:

A handful of Shreddies?

Gotta get the diamond Shreddies, though. They're healthier.

My go-to is a half handful of "deluxe" (no peanuts) mixed nuts. Fails the "no nuts" rule but I shall not be governed!

Gearheadotaku (Forum Supporter) said:

So whats out there that is:

Low fat

Low calorie

Low salt

Not a fruit , nut, or vegetable.

 

Let's take a quick step back.  There are three basic macros in nutrition (leaving alcohol out)...fats, carbs, protein.  Your body needs all three, just in the right amounts.  That includes fats.  You also need the right amount of calories.

OK, having said that...with your criteria you've left very little in the way of options.  Protein would be one.  If it has to be dry, that makes protein tough.  You could use a carb, because there are a billion different carbs out there.  Pick one you enjoy, just be mindful of the quantity, don't carb load.  Your body also needs some salt, but nowhere near as much as most people eat.  I'm with you, I have developed quite a dislike for it myself.

Sadly, the three things you ruled out would be great snacks.  Fruits and veggies are a great source of natural carbs and nutrients.  Nuts are a great source of fats.

What is "healthy" to you? Do you want something that's going to properly fuel your body with vitamins and nutrients, or do you just want something tasty with few calories?

The answer to the first question is fruits, vegetables, and proteins (meat, nuts, dairy, etc). The answer to the second question is just eating to eat and trying to minimize the damage. That option is likely going to be filled with added sweeteners, salts, or other preservatives and while they may be low calorie, they may not actually be "healthy" by some standards because they're not really adding anything good to your body.

Nutrient dense foods are more likely to actually fill you up and keep you from getting hungry longer than empty calories anyway. There are exceptions to every rule, but if it comes in a box or bag in the middle of a grocery store (has a long shelf life without refrigeration) then it's probably got a bunch of unhealthy artificial stuff in it.

Not completely dry, but finger food-able:  String cheese and other packaged cheese sticks: