My Kryptonite: The Cheeto

Cheesy, salty, crunchy, goodness. I'm such a sucker for them, no matter how they come: puffs, balls, crunchy, spicy..just bring 'em on baby. I'm not saying they are to blame for my diabetes or my food addictions, but I will say a bag of those didn't help my issues. Yes, I said a bag. Once open, they scream at me. My brain cannot turn the thoughts off. "Saaaarah" "You know you want me" "You know I'm just sitting here open and fresh" "We taste soooo much better the day you open the bag and you know it" Hey girl, how you doin'? "Just a few more won't hurt" "Saaarraaaaahhhhh!"

Reality: Eating an entire bag of Cheetos in one day does nightmarish things for my blood sugar. The diabetes medication I take doesn't always work as I've been on it too long, and insulin has never worked out. So...my highs are ridiculous all day long and into my fasting the next morning. Why was I doing that to myself?!

There are a few snacky-type low-carb/Keto substitutes on the market. I've tried a couple of them and they do nothing for me. They remind me of trying to force myself into eating those 1980s-style rice cakes that Quaker told us were good for us. Cardboard and flavorless. The substitutes I have tried are hard, not crunchy, just hard, and either they have barely any seasoning or too much of it trying to overcompensate for the lack of being a real Cheeto. Am I right? Please tell me you've noticed. Admittedly, I am a bit snobby about my food. I want it to taste great and be satisfying. I want to enjoy it when I'm eating it, otherwise, I keep searching for satisfying treats. Anyone else?

In true Sarah fashion....after an unsatisfying meal, I dove into my cabinets for inspiration....meat sticks, fried cheese, Fat Snax, nuts, veggies...nothing...so I start looking at Tom's snacks (ones I shouldn't eat if I wanna avoid my medications): Doritos, pretzels, Rice Krispy treats...those didn't sound exciting either... Suddenly I saw it. The holy grail, Cheese.

I quickly snatched it and without even thinking about a Cheeto, I wondered will this work???!!! I keep this on hand because I use it for popcorn on occasion and recently started adding it to my radish chips too. Anyone else love the cheese-flavored potato chips?! Check out those radish chips. Yummy!

Pork rinds: The holy grail for low-carbers and honestly, the first thing I became tired of eating after cutting my carbs. Yet, I continued to buy them. I buy the cheap ones to grind into crumbs, but use a different brand to satisfy my crunchy snack cravings. In the beginning, I wondered why people bought expensive pork rinds because they can be pretty cheap. Fast forward to winning a couple of contests for those more expensive ones, and I'm hooked. After finishing my free supply, I returned to the $5 warehouse barrel, and they just aren't the same for me. They are lighter, airier, and fluffy almost. I'm a bit spoiled now. But, of course, this still works for the big barrel of budget-friendly goodness.

1 bag of pork rinds

spray neutral oil

1/4 cup cheese

Spread-out, spray, and sprinkle. Flip and repeat. Enjoy.

Spicy Variation:

Jalapeno for Jalapeno Cheddar flavor

Budget Barrel

Why it works: You get this perfect airy type crunch that isn't overly hard, or stale. No weird textures. They are loaded with flavor and, hello, they're fried. Sometimes, we want a fried snack. Plus, this cheese is irresistible. Salty, cheesy powder that even leaves your fingers caked with cheesy goodness for the last bit of satisfaction. It's like a little bonus after finishing your snack. Personally, I like to end my meal with the best bite, and the cheese is just that. This cheese not only has a perfect punch of flavor, but it is so much better than what I get from the traditional Cheeto these days. Did they change the formula or am I just eating better-tasting food these days? Most importantly: You can put as much on your rinds as your taste buds desire.

I know this might sound so boring to some, but when your body doesn't allow you to eat something you've been enjoying for 35+ years, you look to have that craving fulfilled. I'm certain this "recipe" isn't going to break any internet records, and it's possible someone else has stumbled upon this glorious combination, but I'm using it as a reminder to continue playing with your food.

Crunch on my friends.

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