Snack Time! Six Quick and Healthy Snacks

Were you one of those kids not allowed to snack between meals?  I sure was!  Most of the time anyway.  How many times did I hear my mom say, “No snacks!  You’ll ruin your dinner!”  Fortunately for kids of this generation, health studies have shown that snacking is actually a good idea!  Eating every two to three hours has been shown to boost metabolism and also prevent overeating at your main meals.  Now, before you break out the Pringles and Snickers Bars, let me clarify!  We’re talking healthy snacks here, not just any junk that strikes your fancy.  But if you’re anything like me, you don’t have time to prepare an elaborate snack tray every mid-morning or afternoon.  I’m a busy homeschool mom of five and I have enough trouble keeping on top of breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day without having to add in two extra mini meals!  But I do want to make sure I get in healthy snacsk for me as well as for my seems-to-be-always-starving kids.  Here’s a few ideas for quick and healthy snacks to get you started.  These require very little preparation, are nutritious, and delicious!  AND, you may notice that each one of these healthy snacks are gluten free AND vegan!

1. Chia Seed Pudding!  Ok, this one is my personal favorite.  Chia seeds are high in fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids.  Plus, they are a big energy booster, which makes them a perfect mid-afternoon snack when energy levels run low.  To make Chia Seed Pudding, simply soak 2 Tbsp chia seeds in 1/4 cup coconut for about 5 -10 minutes (I stick my in the freezer to make them extra cold); then stir in 1 tsp raw honey, and if desired, 1/4 tsp cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract.  The seeds will gel when soaked and take on the texture of tapioca pudding.  Can be made ahead if you want to take to work with you.
2. Popcorn!  I’m NOT talking about the microwave kind here!  I heat 3 Tbsp coconut oil in a skillet with a lid.  Add 1/3 cup popcorn kernels and pop, shaking gently from time to time till popping slows and nearly stops.  Sprinkle with Himalayan salt or other desired seasoning and enjoy!  Also can be made ahead and bagged for a quick snack on the run or added to school lunches.  Popcorn, by the way, is a whole grain and is also loaded with antioxidants and fiber.
3. Blueberry “Ice Cream”!  Well, it’s not exactly ice cream, but that’s what I call it.  It’s perfect for when I’m having an ice cream craving but want to maintain my clean eating.  I take 1 cup of frozen blueberries and drizzle coconut milk (approx. 1/4 cup) over and let sit about 60 seconds, then drizzle with honey.  The coconut milk hardens from the cold and gives it the texture of blueberry ice cream.  Delicious and refreshing as well as filling and nutritious.
4. Nuts!  I always have raw nuts in our house for quick snacks.  Nuts are a “good” fat, contain fiber and vitamin E.  Some of our favorites are cashews, almonds, and walnuts.
5. Shakeology Bars!  We make these several times a week.  Quick and easy and loaded with nutrients.  Combine 1 cup raw oats, 1 cup chocolate Shakeology, 1 cup natural peanut butter, and 1/3 cup honey.  Mix well (get your hands in there to get it all mixed!) and press into a pan.  Cut into bars.  Needing a smaller batch for on the go?  Reduce to 1/3 cup each of oats, Shakeology, and peanut butter and about 1 Tbsp of honey.  Another option:  roll into balls instead of pressing into bars.
6. Veggies and Hummus!  I like to make a batch of hummus and snack on it throughout the week as it keeps well in the fridge.  Drain 1 can of chickpeas (reserve liquid) and puree with juice from 1 lime, 1 clove garlic, Himalayan salt to taste, and enough of the reserved liquid to make it smooth and “creamy”.  Enjoy with fresh raw veggies and/or whole grain pita break or crackers.

I hope you enjoy some of these snacks and they help take the guesswork out of your weekly meal planning.  If you have some favorite healthy snacks too, I’d love to hear about them so please share the recipes with us!

Tagged as: antioxidants, blueberries, chia seeds, coconut milk, fiber, gluten free, healthy snacks, hummus, nuts, popcorn, quick snacks, shakeology, vegan