Coming off the holiday high, we all know how it feels to have eaten a little too much junk food. Well, for someone who knows what a sugar addiction feels like, opening up to milk chocolate and candy is pretty dangerous. It will take me a few weeks to get the cravings out of my system, and trust me, I act like a crazy person when I “need” my sugar. Poor Mike, he’ll have fun with this one…
What better time to be reminded that there are many great, healthy snacks that we can grab on a moment’s notice. Here are 5 quick snack ideas to keep you (and me) satisfied:
1 | Homemade Popcorn
This is an AWESOME snack. Popcorn is full of fibre which helps in good digestion. It also contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants. Anything that will fight off free-radicals is good with me! Make sure the popcorn is popped at home as to avoid chemical-filled ingredients. Also – stay away from junky oils and fats while you’re making the popcorn. I tend to use coconut oil anytime I’m cooking anything at a high temperature since it has a relatively high smoke-point. This means there is less damage to the oils when exposed to heat. Always choose organic popcorn to reduce exposure to pesticides like glyphosate, which are routinely sprayed on many large crops that we eat – especially corn!
2 | Nut Butter Energy Balls
I LOVE these nut butter balls. They’re perfectly snack-sized and amazing to curb those hunger cravings. Filled with almond butter, peanut butter, hemp hearts and more, these energy balls have quite a bit of protein to keep you satiated after just 1 or 2. Take 10 minutes of your time and try out this recipe. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
3 | Raw veggies and hummus
This is the hardest one for me to follow. I just don’t love raw veggies like some people do! However, raw foods have more life, energy and active enzymes in them than cooked foods, so it’s important to eat some raw foods on a daily basis. If you have a hard time with raw foods like me, try different veggies until you find some you like. I love red and yellow peppers, or green beans when they’re raw. To really amp-up your snack, dip your veggies in hummus. By adding a bit of protein, the snack will keep you satisfied for longer. Homemade hummus is best and freshest, but hey – we can’t always be perfect.
4 | Breakfast cookies
I love a good breakfast cookie. Loaded with seeds and nuts and grains – perfect to nibble on in between meals. The seeds and nuts have good fats which will help keep you satisfied and energized. One of these days I’m just going to have to perfect my own breakfast cookie recipe. MAYBE I will even share it…
5 | Roasted Chickpeas
If you’re not a “bean” person, roasted chickpeas might change your mind. If roasted long enough, they get a nice, crunchy texture that’s just oh-so-addictive and tasty. The best part? Switch up the spices and your snack tastes different every time. Want plain? Sea salt will do fine. What about spicy? Try some paprika or chilli pepper. Looking for something a little sweeter? Why not try a honey-roasted version with cinnamon? Did I mention that they’re packed with protein and good fibres, keeping you fuller for longer?
So there you have it – 5 quick snack ideas that will keep you satisfied in between meals!
What do you like to snack on?
All great ideas. I love popcorn (popping it myself!), but I never make it anymore as it can be rough on a Crohnies digestive tract. But its such a great snack option to fill the void. Love the new site, btw.
Thanks Kimiko! 🙂