Vita-weats are not something that I personally eat, but this blog isn’t just about what I choose to put in my mouth. Its about what works for everyone else, its about diversity and balance, no matter what your dietary restrictions or non restrictions are.
When clients come to the jcn clinic we do not automatically pull them off gluten (therefore wheat) proclaiming that gluten is the devil and the cause of all-evil. Because we have built a name on dealing with digestive issues we do tend to see a biased section of the population who have reactivity’s, gluten included. However there are those that walk through our doors, and of course those of you who read this blog with no dietary restrictions/intolerances at all.
That’s where Vita-weats come in. Vita-weats approached me about doing a post for them, I want to be straight up about that fact. I get approached by lots of companies looking for a nutritionist endorsements, yet that does not mean that I just jump on the band wagon asking ‘ where do I sign and here’s my bank details’. I strongly and passionately believe I have a responsibility for presenting and providing authentic information that resonates with our ethos here at the jcn clinic. For that reason, the endorsements that actually make it through the door and onto the website or social media sites are few and far between.
I’ve been recommending Vita-weats as a snack options for years in clinic for clients without any wheat or gluten issues, long before chatting with Vita-weats. They are a great complex carb, fibre dense cracker snack that are low in sugar and all the other added ‘crap’ that tends to end up in crackers these days. No additives etc, just wholewheat, grains and water. As a nutritionist this ticks all the boxes of a sustaining snack. To create a balanced snack all round, we just need to add some toppings with protein and a little fats for a fabulous morning or afternoon tea option.
In this selection of cracker toppings I have tried to pick combinations that are hopefully a little outside the box for you. There is nothing wrong with the old reliable regulars such as hummus, avocado and smoked salmon etc, but I wanted to show you some new and funky ideas that will really get your taste buds exited and challenge your palate a little. I’d love to hear from you as you try these, so leave a message below with your thoughts, I always adore your feedback!
six wacky and wonderful toppings for vita-weats
- serves
- serves 2 as a snack
- preparation time
- 5 minutes
- cooking time
- nil
ingredients
- { CRACKER 1 | goats cheese, pecans, honey & chocolate }
- 1 generous slice of hards goats cheese
- 3 – 4 pecan nuts, crumbled
- 1/2 square dark chocolate, grated
- teaspoon of honey
- {CRACKER 2 | chocolate peanut butter, kiwi fruit & orange zest }
- 1 heaped teaspoon of chocolate peanut butter ( I used Mayver’s brand)
- 2 – 3 slices of kiwi fruit
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- {CRACKER 3 | pesto, prawns, sundried tomato & sesame oil }
- 1 heaped teaspoon pesto (dairy free if needed)
- 1 – 2 juicy sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 – 3 cooked prawns
- dash sesame oil
- { CRACKER 4 | red grape, goats cheese & balsamic }
- 1 generous spread of soft goats cheese
- 3 – 4 red globe grapes
- balsamic vinegar for dressing
- { CRACKER 5 | beetroot, falafel & tahini }
- 1 generous spread of tahini (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 – 3 slices of pickled beetroot
- { CRACKER 6 | peanut butter, incaberries & molasses }
- 1 heaped teaspoon peanut butter
- 1 heaped teaspoon incaberries
- 1 teaspoon molasses
method
cracker 1 | goats cheese, pecans, honey & chocolate
Top cracker with goats cheese and crumbled pecans. Grate over chocolate and then drizzle with honey.
cracker 2 | chocolate peanut butter, kiwi fruit & orange zest
Spread cracker with peanut butter, then top with kiwi fruit and grate over orange zest.
cracker 3 | pesto, prawns, sundried tomato & sesame oi
Spread cracker with pesto, then top with sundried tomatoes, cooked prawns then drizzle with sesame oil to finish. Top with cracked pepper.
cracker 4 | red grape, goats cheese & balsamic
Spread cracker with goats cheese, then top with sliced red grapes and drizzle with balsamic.
cracker 5 | beetroot, falafel & tahini
Spread cracker with tahini, then top with beetroot peices and crumbled falafel. Finish with a final drizzle of tahini and a little olive oil.
cracker 6 | peanut butter, incaberries & molasses
Spread cracker with peanut butter, then top with incaberries and drizzle with molasses to finish.
nutritional information
- Vita-weat crackers are a good source of complex carbs and fibre, with a low level of sugar. I like them as an option for those without wheat or gluten sensitivities. Of course if you are sensitive to the aforementioned you could use brown rice cakes, buckwheat crackers or any other fibre dense crackers. Ideally look for a cracker biscuit without loads of added preservatives and sugars. Also look for something that is based on a wholegrain instead of a white grain base. For instance, brown rice instead of white rice.
- When choosing a topping for crackers as a snack, look for something that will provide some protein to keep your energy levels sustained for longer. The protein combined with the fibre dense wholegrains takes longer for your digestive system to breakdown, thus giving you a more sustained level of satiety. It also ensures that you are not getting a carb hit on its own, which is easier for your body to breakdown and leaves you hungry sooner.
Jessica Cox is a qualified practicing Nutritionist with a Bachelor Health Science (Nutrition) and over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the founder and director JCN Clinic, published author and established recipe developer. Jessica is well respected within health and wellness space for her no fad approach and use of evidence-based nutrition.
