My 3 Go-To Healthy Snacks | Healthy Recipes

I LOVE snacking!  I have a wee afternoon snack literally everyday.  My number one rule is to avoid foods that are processed, sugary and basically empty calories.  You darlings know me by now, I pretty much eat the same core meals everyday, well the same goes for snacks.  I do my best to only eat whole food plant based healthy snacks…I have one to satisfy each of my cravings.

The BEST thing about my snacks is they all promote a healthy gut…OH and each of them is super quick and easy to whip up.

My 3 Go-To Healthy Snacks:

1. Homemade Popcorn to Satisfy my Crunchy Salty Cravings

MMMM, crunchy salty.  Not gonna lie I eat popcorn so often that our dog Kiki comes running when she hears it popping because she knows half of it falls out of my hand before it even gets into my mouth!!

Benefits:

• Excellent source of fiber
• Natural whole grain, containing B-complex and vitamin E
• Smooths bowel movements
• Regulates blood sugar 

To make homemade popcorn:

1. Over medium heat, add 2 TBSP of olive oil to a large pot.
2. Cover the bottom of the pan with a single layer of organic popcorn kernels. I LOVE the popcorn from Trader Joes, but any brand will do, just be sure to get organic. Cover with lid.
3. Popcorn should begin popping in 3-4 mins.
4. Once popping sounds diminish, pour hot popcorn into large bowl
5. Season immediately while steamy. My go-to combination is:
   • Salt
   • Tajin
   • Garlic Powder
   • Sesame Chili Oil
   • Nutritional Yeast

2. Chia Pudding or Cashew Yogurt to Satisfy my Sweet Cravings 

Don’t sleep on this healthy snack!!  Chia seeds are incredibly nutritious and have no flavor. 

Benefits:

• Low calorie, yet filled with loads of nutrients like fiber, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium.
• Packed with antioxidants.
• Low carb.  All the carbs in chai come from the fiber. Chia expands in your stomach giving it a full feeling. Fiber also feeds the good bacteria in your tummy,  like I’m all for that!! AND smooths bowel movements :))
• High in Omega-3 fatty acids

To make Chia Pudding:

1. In a small bowl add 1 TBSP of Chia Seeds.
2. Next, pour in ¹⁄₂ Cup milk. Oat milk & coconut milk are my favorites.
3. Add a splash of vanilla extract. 
4. Cover and chill for 2-3 hours (can be made the day before).
5. Last, top with fresh fruit and nuts.

Yogurt is great too!!  Sometimes, when I don’t have chia pudding prepared I’ll grab a Forager Cashew yogurt from the fridge, pour it into a small bowl, sprinkle chia seeds over it, add some fresh fruits and nuts and whaa-la I have my sweet-fruity snack!! 

3. Hummus to Satisfy my Savory Cravings

I live on hummus. I make it from scratch (->>My Hummus Recipe) or buy it from the market. No matter which, it always needs to be organic AND if possible I prefer sprouted hummus.  This is literally the easiest snack because I scoop a couple tablespoons on a plate and pair it with whatever raw veggies we have on hand.

Benefits:

• Excellent source of plant based protein
• High in fiber promotes a healthy gut 
• Low glycemic, regulates blood sugar
• Packed with heart healthy ingredients