What do you eat when... vs. What you should eat when...

[ChocolateCrisp]

I cannot go a day without craving salt. 99% of the time I reach for the crisp packet. If I don't, I get dizzy and lightheaded. I randomly go though phases, mainly in winter, of dinking a very salty cup-a-soup. I know I need to stop, not least because now I've turned 35 I can't get away with a packet of crisps a day and it's beginning to show. What can I substitute?

I managed to give up sweets/sugary snacks a while back, but after a week of bad sleep and consequent exhaustion I cracked and went for a fast energy boost. Very annoyed with myself as now I keep thinking of sweets. What should I be reaching for instead?

How can I snack healthily. And don't tell me not to snack, I don't want to hear it

I'm willing to bet you have low blood pressure, so you probably do need the salt. Just make sure you drink plenty too.

I like drinking veg Oxo cubes, high in salt but otherwise healthy.
Salted rice crackers will be healthier than crisps, or salted popcorn, both mostly air so good for snacking.

Push through the sugar cravings and go low carb. Your blood sugar will stabilise and you won't feel the need for fast energy boosts any more.

If you have to snack, go for salted nuts.

Rice cakes, pop-chips, or those rivita type crisp things?
I don't care for crisps so I'm not much of an expert, but I sometime grab one of those type things when they're in the supermarket lunch meal deal thing.
If it's salty flavour you want, maybe try sushi? Can be the duck/chicken/veg ones if you're not into fish. Might keep the craving at bay.
If you're looking for general snack, dried fruit and seeds can be good (but are loaded with calories, so take it easy). Banana has potassium and sodium and might help the lightheadedness.

Me and DW have just agreed to cut out sugar. Well, her really; sugar is not too much of a craving for me. And nearly all breakfasts have sugar, so I'm keeping the occasional toast and marmalade.
I found, though, that sugar can be a bit habitual for me. I crave it a bit after very spicy food (and I like things so hot my decedents will curse me for all time). But it was more a case of boredom eating. Until it becomes a case of 'what can i have after this food to as a treat' to kill boredom for a handful of minutes. Bit of a wrench to break the cycle, but got there.
I know you don't want to be told to stop snacking, but.....well....you already know.

Marmite's good for saltiness, if you like it, also a good source of that precious vit 12. There's lots of things you can have it on other than toast.

I just had a halloumi, bacon and avocado wrap. Deliciously salty!

Yes, very low blood pressure! Often go dizzy if I stand up too quickly. I'm not looking to do some weird kind of diet, just trying to switch my current snacks for something a bit healthier.

I tried popcorn for a while, but hate the way the husks get stuck in my teeth and gums. I don't like nuts, never tried salted rice cakes mainly because I always buy the unsalted ones for the DC so they never hit the spot!

I like celery sticks with loads half a cellar of salt 😋

You may have POTs syndrome which causes blood pressure fluctuations and dizziness on standing, among other things.

They recommend drinking more water and eating little and often. Once diagnosed some people are actually prescribed slow release sodium tablets (salt, basically) or a higher salt diet. Go speak to your Dr. Your snacking may be telling you something.

I love salt and vinegar rice cakes, salted nuts like pistachios or cashews (salt and pepper cashews are amazing), beef jerky or salted meats like salami, roasted chickpeas or edamame beans with salt and spices, miso soup, a mug of oxo or bouillon, cup a soup or marmite spread on everything for salty snacks. Also, twiglets.

"Ants on a log" are great too

I love salt on salad. Cucumber, celery and tomatoes with lots of salt on is one of my favourite snacks!

For my salt cravings

Salt on cherry tomatoes is amazing
Marmite on toast
Handful salted cashew nuts
Marigold veg bouillon
Stir fry with soy sauce

I'm a salt fiend and I like miso soup (basically Japanese cup a soup with no bits in it).