All snacks are not created equal and if you’re a snackaholic, you know how important it is to have the perfect snack to get you through the day. So here are some amazing healthy snacks that not only taste great, but won’t be too harsh on your waistline. The best part is, you can make these at home and save some coins. Winning!
Trail Mix
There’s nothing more nutritious and filling than a good trail mix. When making it on your own, you also reduce the amount of calories and fat that you consume versus eating a trail mix you’d find in your local grocery store.
- Choose a low-calorie cereal as the base, like Cheerios, Wheaties, Special K (Berries) or Honey Smacks.
- Mix in a couple of tablespoons of miniature marshmallows, almonds, dark chocolate chips and any other nuts you may desire.
The result will be a yummy snack for less than half the calories of store -bought trail mix.
Hummus
You can make a healthy hummus at home and eat twice the amount for fewer calories!
- Throw one cup of chickpeas into your food processor with three to four cloves of roasted garlic and juice from two limes (or lemons).
- Drizzle the juice from the chickpeas or extra virgin olive oil into the food processor until the chickpeas turn into a paste.
- You can also add roasted peppers, black beans or spice-like cumin for an extra punch of taste.
The entire recipe contains less than 300 calories! Grab a handful of baked tortilla chips or crackers and vegetables and enjoy this healthy, “cheat” snack.
Veggie Chips
Root vegetables, like yucca, yams, beets, rutabaga, carrors, turnips and garlic, grow underground and they absorb tons of nutrients from the soil. They’re very easy to find, inexpensive, and high in fiber. These types of veggies keep you full because they stay in your digestive track longer. They are also known for being ‘slow burning carbs’, and an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
- Once washed and peeled, slice a ⅛ inch or thinner, if needed, piece of the vegetable.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Transfer the slices to a cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Bake the slices at 400 degrees for 30 minutes until crispy.
Delicious, right!? If you have little ones, this recipe is a great way to get them to eat more veggies.
Fruits
Fruits are great for so many reasons; berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are packed full of nutrients and are lower in sugar than other types of fruit, such as mangos and bananas. Pears are great for your digestive system, full of vitamin C and also help reduce cholesterol level. Apples are a perfect snack for weight loss. Grapefruits are loaded with fiber and vitamin C. Last but certainly not least, bananas are packed with potassium and have very few calories.
Fruit keeps your heart healthy, makes your teeth whiter, and boosts your immune system. You can eat them as is for a grab-and-go snack, add them to your favorite salad to spice things up, or make fresh juice or a smoothie with them.
What are some of your favorite healthy snacks? Tell us in the comments below!
Written By: Cynthia L, Staff Writer, Modern Domestic
Instagram: @cynfulsweetss and @sweetcyn926