What are some healthy crunchy foods?

When it comes to satisfaction, a lot of times all we need is a good crunch. Yet keeping the "good" in 'good crunch' can be challenging in stores and often cupboards stocked with less good quality crunch options. Here are some ideas for Crunch Time:

1. Jicama: Toss it in lime juice and cayenne pepper (for a metabolic boost as well).
2. Celery and cucumber: These water-based veggies help hydrate and are great scoopers for everything from hummus, pesto, salsa, guacamole, mustard, egg salad etc.
3. Radishes: Great for you, these tart tasties are also crunchy when made into chips.
4. Popcorn: Do-it-yourself (DIY) and add oil after it's popped (shake it up in a paper bag so excess gets soaked off the corn), and spices or even parmesan cheese. Practice portion control with 2 handfuls being a good portion.
5. Apple and pear slices: If you top them with nut butters you get a complete eating occasion as well as a high fiber snack.

There are lots of crunchy healthy foods. Start with fresh raw vegetables. Carrots, pea pods, jicama, and celery are as crunchy as it gets. Apples, all 720 varieties grown all over the world, and crisp pears are also great for a crunch. Whole grain crackers, pretzels, and crispy whole grain cereals are also nutritious crunch foods. Raw seeds and nuts along with popcorn also fill the crunchy bill.