Ramp Up Your Snack Routine with These Great Recipes

While it may be easy to reach for that packaged granola bar, there is a good chance that this snack may be packed with preservatives and additives. Instead, you should consider making your own granola bars to have on hand when you get the craving. With only seven ingredients, you may actually have all of these items already in your pantry. You can also keep these bars in the fridge for up to one week or the freezer for up to three months. Consider doubling the batch so that you always have some ready to go from the freezer. It is also easy to switch out the mix-ins so that you always have something new.

Jicama Dipped in Guacamole

Nearly everyone loves tortilla chips dipped in guacamole. However, chips are loaded in fat, calories, and added salt, not winning them any points if your goal is to eat healthier. Substitute the crunch of a chip for the crunch of a piece of fresh jicama. You do not have to overthink your guacamole recipe. This simple recipe combines avocados with tomatoes, garlic, lime juice, onion, and cilantro. If you do not have time to make your own guacamole, pick up a container of the pre-made dip from your favorite grocery store’s refrigerated section. Many stores even offer cut-up jicama to make this snack idea even easier for those on the go.

Healthy Pre-made Dips

Do not feel guilty if you do not have the time to prepare so many snacks in your own kitchen. There are a host of healthy snack ideas that you should be able to pick up at any grocery store. Finding a good dip to dunk fresh vegetables into makes it easier for many people to get in all of their veggies. Good choices include hummus, tzatziki, and yogurt-based ranch dressing. By varying up your vegetable choices and your dips, you will never get bored of this healthy snack. If you worry about over-indulging, try looking for dips packaged in single-serving containers.

Skinny Banana Bread

You will love the smell of this delicious, yet healthy, banana bread baking in your oven. This skinny banana bread recipe is a great way to use up your browning bananas. Because it is low in sugar and does not contain oil, the recipe cuts out a lot of the fat and calories found in traditional banana bread variations. For an extra indulgence, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before putting it in the oven.

Berry Superfood Smoothie Bowl

Fruit makes a great healthy snack at any time of the day. But it is understandable if you get bored with reaching for that same old apple or orange every day. This berry superfood smoothie bowl is a fun and creative way to meet your nutritional goals by eating plenty of fruit. This recipe is packed with heart-healthy antioxidants and fiber. Do not be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Nearly anything sweet goes well with this smoothie bowl.

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

You are not alone if you find yourself craving a big bowl of salty chips during the mid-afternoon slump. These crispy roasted chickpeas make a delicious and satisfying substitute for greasy chips. All that you need to whip this up is canned chickpeas, olive oil, salt, and the herbs and spices of your choosing. This is another versatile recipe that encourages you to get creative by playing around with the spices to suit your personal tastes. Enjoy these roasted chickpeas straight-up or toss them into your favorite salad as a fun topping.

Homemade Fruit Leather

It is probably easier than you think to make your own fruit leather. Making a batch of fruit leather is also a good way to use up extra fruit before it spoils. This is a good basic recipe that you can tweak to fit the type of fruit that you have on hand. Kids will particularly appreciate this lip-smacking good fruit leather. This recipe stores well in the refrigerator. It also makes a great portable snack for families on the go.

Avocado Toast

It is no wonder that avocado toast is the en vogue snack these days. This avocado toast recipe is not just for breakfast. Try it as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up for when you need something a little heartier to hold you over until dinner. For added protein, try topping it with an egg. Fresh arugula is another great addition to the top of this toast.

Sweet and Spicy Popcorn

Popcorn is the quintessential snack. Rather than going with a bag of boring microwave popcorn, try kicking it up a notch in your kitchen with this sweet and spicy popcorn recipe. You will enjoy the best of both worlds with this perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Make this for your next family movie night or simply to have around for when the snack cravings hit.

No-Bake Energy Bites

Yum is the name of the game with these no-bake energy bites. These bites are easy to pull together with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Everyone in the family will go nuts over these energy bites. And you will feel good about nourishing your body with healthy nutrients.

Be sure to add the ingredients of all these healthy snacks to your next grocery list