Snacking is important and CAN be a part of a healthy diet! Snacks help provide additional nutrients, promote blood sugar regulation, boost energy and concentration. They can even prevent overeating at meal times. When choosing a snack it is best to think outside of the box(es) and bags. Snacks should be light and nutrient dense. Before snacking make sure that you are truly hungry as boredom can often lead to binge snacking. I’ve rounded up some of both mine and my kids’ go-to snack favorites for you. They taste delicious and you won’t feel guilty about eating them!
Kale Chips
1 bunch of organic kale-washed, stemmed and dried
1 Tbsp olive oil
sea salt
Pre-heat oven to 300*. Dry off kale chips and tear into pieces. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the kale and massage into the leaves. Sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 300* for 20 minutes rotating half way through. You can eat them hot or allow to cool.
Roasted Chick Peas
1 15 oz can of chick peas
1 Tbsp olive oil
fine grain sea salt
garlic powder
onion powder
cayenne pepper (if you want to kick them up a notch!)
Pre-heat oven to 400*. Drain and rinse chick peas. Lay them in between paper towels and gently pat dry. You can remove the outer skins if desired but I roast them as well . Place chick peas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle on remaining ingredients and massage into chick peas. Bake at 400* for 20 minutes. Gently shake pan to rotate chick peas and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Allow to cool before eating – if you can wait!
Cacao Bites
1 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup hulled hemp seeds
1/2 Tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup cacao powder
1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of fine ground sea salt
1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life – they are dairy, soy, nut free)
Use your food processor to blend dates into a thick paste. Add remaining ingredients (excluding chocolate chips) and process until combined. Pulse in chocolate chips. Roll dough into small balls and freeze until firm. Store remaining bites in the freezer or refrigerator in an air-tight container.
* There are a TON of different seasoning options for both the kale chips and roasted chick peas. Be creative and let your inner chef shine!
*Cacao Bites recipe adapted from Angela Liddon of Oh She Glows
thenutrimom.com 