Healthy Foods to Eat While High [And Beat the Munchies!]

Never feel guilty after having the munchies again!

The munchies is a phenomenon that strikes most regular cannabis users at one time or another. For some, the process brings about a welcome spike in appetite. For others, it is a catastrophic occurrence that places a dent in their long-held dietary plans. It is typical to gorge on an array of unhealthy, yet delicious, junk food items when the munchies take hold.

However, you don’t have to succumb to high-calorie destruction of your health and fitness goals. It is possible to snack healthily while you have a severe case of the munchies. In this guide, we provide you with five healthy foods to eat while high. First, let’s take a quick look at what causes the munchies and offer some helpful tips.

Why Does Cannabis Give Me the Munchies?

The cannabinoids in marijuana are the main reason why your stomach suddenly turns into a bottomless pit. THC is the most abundant compound in most cannabis strains, and it causes intoxication. It binds to the cannabinoid receptors in our brain, boosts our appetite, and also makes the food we eat taste even better.

There is also a suggestion that the form of consumption makes a difference. For instance, smoking weed will likely have a contrasting effect than applying it topically or eating it. The varying types of use also come with different absorption rates. Vaporization has a higher bioavailability rate than consuming cannabis, for example. This means your body gets more THC when vaping than via edibles.

It does seem as if smoking marijuana makes you more likely to crave food than if you have a hash brownie. The variations in potency and consumption methods could even influence your preference for sour, salty, sweet, or bitter foods. At least, that was the conclusion of this study by Mattes et al., published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior in 1994.

Regardless of whether you eat chocolate or potato chips, munchies can pile on the pounds if you’re a regular weed user. What’s a cannabis aficionado to do?

Create a Calorie Budget, of Course!

It seems obvious when you say it. However, it is still a novel concept to many cannabis users. Rather than viewing the munchies as a sinful endeavor, why not accept the process and plan for it? One method of doing this is to create a calorie budget. If you know you are going to use cannabis, leave room for the added calories caused by the munchies.

Proper nutrition is not quite as simple as calories in versus calories out, but it does play a significant role.

Let’s say your daily calorie recommendation is 2,500. Try to create a snack budget based on your requirements. In the United States, the American Heart Association’s guidance is to eat no more than 150 calories worth of sugar in a day.

However, you can budget for up to 10% of your calorie needs coming from junk food that contains sugar as it won’t contain 100% of the sweet substance (we hope). Therefore, you could enjoy a slice of cake that contains up to 250 calories. It is a reasonable rule to apply to your daily life in reality. In any case, make sure you ‘set aside’ this treat by eating 250 fewer calories during the day.

You also have the option of taking a more ‘fluid’ approach and viewing your calorie needs weekly. Let’s say you like to get stoned on a Saturday night. Throughout the week, make sure you eat up to 1,000 calories less in total than the recommendation. It is helpful if you eat exceptionally healthily in the lead up to your session.

Then, you can go a little wild. This is a practice adopted by bodybuilders in what they call a ‘cheat meal.’

Get Prepared by Stacking the House with Healthy Snacks

The above isn’t something we recommend regularly! Common sense dictates that keeping your house filled with junk food is a recipe for disaster. Your impulse control is likely lower when stoned. If you have a packet of Oreos in the cupboard, you’ll probably eat the lot.

We’re not going to pretend that intoxicated individuals will gladly munch on some celery. They always have the option to have a pizza delivered after all! Here are some alternatives to your favorite’s worth considering:

• Anything Sweet and Crunchy: Roasted nuts in honey.
• Savory Snacks: Lightly buttered popcorn; you can add salt if you absolutely must.
• Chocolate: Choose a few squares of dark chocolate instead.
• Chips and Dip: Pretzels and Greek Yogurt.
• Fizzy Soda: Sugar-free carbonated drinks.
• Extra Sweet Tooth: Vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries.
• General Snacking: Chopped fruit and vegetables in a little peanut butter or a low-calorie dressing of your choice.

One of the reasons why so many people choose junk food is its ease of preparation and consumption. You can do the same thing with healthy alternatives. When you go shopping, choose bags of trail mix, roasted vegetable chips, or pre-cut fruit. Above all, have a few things prepared before you start using marijuana.

Know Thy Cravings

If you are an experienced cannabis user, you should have an understanding of your cravings by now. They are a normal thing and happen to many people, even when cannabis isn’t involved. While controlling the existence of your cravings isn’t feasible, you can stay in charge of how you respond.

When you get a snacking urge, take a minute to understand why you feel the need to eat. A lot of people snack out of boredom, and hunger has nothing to do with it. There is a chemical response involved with weed, but you can still stay on top of things. When you prepare your snacks and budget your calories, you can limit the damage. Now, let’s check out five great options for when the munchies hit.

1. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips and Guacamole

If you can get your hands on them, you should buy blue corn tortilla chips. They are still a long way from being healthy, but they are better than the regular option or potato chips. The blue corn version contains antioxidants, though the frying process can damage some of the benefits.

The Food Should Taste Better brand blue corn tortilla chips are a reliable option. They are low in sodium, which is rare for tortilla chips! They also contain whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats, not to mention sesame seeds, sunflower, and flax. A serving size of 10 chips contains 140 calories.

Avocados are high in healthy fats and also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Most people like to mash them up to create guacamole. You should consider adding mango to the mix if you want a mixture of sweet and tangy notes.

2. Sweet and Spicy: Mango Salsa Placed in Fresh Tortillas

Speaking of mangoes, this magnificent mango salsa pairs beautifully with guacamole. It is a sweeter version of classic salsa that should satisfy any sweet tooth. It is an excellent topping to a tortilla with lean beef and guacamole. Add in some extra vegetables such as chopped red peppers, and you have transformed an unhealthy snack into a filling and healthy meal.

There are a ton of quick and easy mango salsa recipes available online. Here is one example with the following ingredients:

• A ripe mango that is peeled, pitted, and diced
• Two tablespoons of finely chopped red onion
• Three tablespoons of fresh lime juice
• Three tablespoons of fresh cilantro leaves
• Half a jalapeno chili, minced

Once you have all the dry ingredients, place them in a mixing bowl, and toss with the lime juice. Add some diced avocado if the salsa proves too acidic.

3. Low-Carb, High-Protein: Fresh Veggies and Hummus for Dipping

As we already mentioned, fresh vegetables are an ideal way to satisfy your desire for something crunchy. When you add hummus to the mix, you have a fabulous healthy snack. In general, you can create hummus by blending the following ingredients in a food processor:

• Chickpeas
• Tahini
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic

Hummus is an extremely versatile food that is filled with nutrients. Here is a quick overview of some of its scientifically proven benefits:

• Many of its ingredients help to fight inflammation.
• It is high in fiber that promotes improved digestive health, and it also feeds good gut bacteria.
• It has a low glycemic index, which could help keep blood sugar levels under control.
• It contains a variety of heart-healthy ingredients that may cut your risk of a heart attack.
• Hummus may even promote weight loss, not a bad option when you have the munchies!

Hummus and chopped vegetables are one of the healthiest ‘chips and dip’ options you’re ever likely to find.

4. Sweet & Crunchy – Dark Chocolate and Nuts

There is no question that chocolate is near the top of any munchies snack list. The good news is that you can still enjoy it while high, and not feel guilty about it. Choose dark chocolate, which is rich in minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium. The cocoa it contains includes antioxidants called flavonoids, which also have an array of possible health benefits. Other reasons to eat dark chocolate include:

• Potentially improved brain function.
• Lower fasting glucose levels and reduced insulin resistance.
• Anti-inflammatory effects.
• Increases ‘good’ cholesterol and decreases ‘bad’ cholesterol.
• Lowers blood pressure.

There is also an array of nuts you could try, including macadamia nuts, almonds, and walnuts. Nut butter is also a great option and easy to consume. You get a host of healthy fats and a satisfying crunch in the bargain.

5. Forget Snacking & Have a Meal – Meat, Vegetables & Healthy Carbohydrates

Typically, we associate the munchies with snack foods. However, why not try something different? Rather than adding calories in this fashion, have a meal while you’re high. Obviously, you should steer clear of fast food options such as the classic hamburger and fries combination. However, there is no reason why you can’t try a healthier grass-fed burger.

You could also try a piece of free-range organic chicken with a delicious sauce. We came across a wonderful recipe for ‘Sticky and Easy Honey Garlic Chicken.’ The ingredients include:

• Chicken thighs or chicken breasts
• Honey
• Rice wine vinegar
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Chicken broth

This recipe doesn’t take long to prepare, but make it before you start using your cannabis. Add in some roast vegetables and potatoes or rice, and you will get filled up on healthy food.

Our Final Thoughts on Healthy Foods to Eat While High

Hopefully, the options we have outlined will prove useful. Remember, you need to keep your kitchen as free of temptation as you can. It is also incredibly helpful to have a calorie budget in place. When you prepare your snacks in advance, you make it more likely that you’ll stick to the healthy solutions. It also helps when you eat fewer calories in the lead up to your marijuana session.

You also have a few other options when hunger strikes. Try drinking some water to see if that does anything to quell the cravings. Another tactic is to keep the mind occupied with another activity, such as completing household chores or exercising. Ultimately, it is better to embrace the munchies and plan for their arrival. You’ll make better eating decisions and feel a lot better about it afterward.