When you’re counting calories or being careful about nutrition, every bite counts including snacks between meals. Unfortunately it’s very easy for these grab-and-go nibbles to be unhealthy and unsatisfying. With a little planning and preparation you can come up with healthy snack recipes to fuel you and your family throughout the day. Sugary and starchy snacks will only give you a sugar rush, leaving you hungry an hour later. Healthy snack recipes, on the other hand, include “real food” that’s more satisfying and nutritious.
Plan Ahead
Healthy, well-balanced meals require planning, and snacks are no different. Potato chips and chocolate bars are convenient but they have no place in a healthy snack, except perhaps as an occasional treat. Stock your fridge with ingredients for quick and healthy snacks. Once a week, prepare healthy snack recipes and store them in attractive containers in the fridge or have them conveniently close to your keyboard. Whenever you feel like munching on something, there will always be a nutritious and delicious snack that you can get your hands on.
Healthy Snack Ingredients
Healthy snack recipes are easier to make if you stock up on healthy ingredients. Make sure you always have fresh fruits around the house. In addition to fruits, here are some favorite snacks to have on hand: nuts and seeds, carrots, celery, tomatoes, yogurt, whole wheat crackers, granola, muesli, hummus, dried fruit, and beef jerky.
Strike a Balance
A healthy snack is as important as a full meal. Try to include some protein, carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables in your snack. A healthy snack is also a great opportunity to encourage your kids to eat nutritious foods. Set a good example. Munch on sliced apples with peanut butter, carrot and celery sticks, or a banana and it won’t be long before your kids will be eating healthier snacks too.
Healthy Snack Recipes: Quick and Simple
Kids (and grownups) love dips. A bag of carrot and celery sticks, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers will disappear like magic if you have a bowl of delicious dip to go with them. Try the low-fat Cottage Cheese Dip recipe below for a healthy snack:
? 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
? 1 tablespoon dried dill
? 1 teaspoon garlic salt
? 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
? 1/3 cup low-fat ranch salad dressing
Blend together all ingredients until smooth. Serve with celery and carrot sticks or whole wheat crackers.
Want a healthy snack recipe that’s really easy? Make a simple trail mix by combining equal amounts of raisins, nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, peanuts, etc.), dried fruits, and toasted sunflower seeds. Store the trail mix in a large plastic container. For variety, you can toss in some chocolate chips or dried banana chips.
