So we all know that snacking can be a dangerous road towards excessive extra calories and weight gain but sometimes a healthy snack is necessary. It can help keep the metabolism going and provide a little extra fuel pre or post work out. Also, if you are throwing a party or having a gathering with friends, it is always helpful to have some “go-to” healthy snacks that you can prepare for you and your guests.
Here are some of my suggestions. I have included recipes where necessary. 🙂
Veggies & Hummus – In terms of veggies I prefer cucumbers, celery, cherry tomatoes, and peppers. I also use carrots, but sparingly because of the higher sugar content. My favorite hummus is the Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus (highly recommend!)
Ants on a Log – A nostalgic childhood favorite. The traditional is to simply fill a celery stick with natural peanut butter and top with a few raisins. I sometimes swap the peanut butter for almond butter and top with other dried fruit options like apricots or dried blueberries. You could even make a version filled with hummus or guacamole and top with roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes or a small slice of olive. The skies the limit!
Oven Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisps – a delicious and crunchy way to snaz up a traditional apple snack. See recipe below.
Greek Yogurt and Berries – I use 1 cup of the Trader Joes 0% plain greek yogurt. I add a little vanilla extract, 1 packet of stevia and a handful of berries. I sometimes throw in a couple walnuts for an extra crunch. Easy and delicious.
Fruit Kebobs – a fun “portion controlled” option to a traditional fruit salad.
Spiced Nuts – the Trader Joes chile lime cashews are seriously amazing but potentially dangerously addictive. Separate them into little zip lock bags or small containers to divide into serving size. (They sell great tiny tupperware for dressing, etc at the dollar store, those are great for portioning out and they are re-usable) The spice factor also aids in preventing overeating, so that is helpful!
Carbless Turkey Pinwheels: Spread a layer of hummus and dijon mustard (the combo tastes similar to a mayonnaise) on sliced turkey breast, top with a thin slice of low calorie cheese and some lettuce (you can add another layer of dijon/hummus if desired.) Roll up and cut into 1-inch pieces. You can add tomato or other veggies if desired.
Not so “Devlish” Deviled Eggs – this classic is totally rising in popularity again and I have made a lower calorie version that still retains the original deliciousness. See Recipe Below.
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
- Slice apples thinly and discard the seeds.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange apple slices on it without overlapping. Sprinkle cinnamon over apples.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour, then flip.
- Continue baking for 1-2 hours, flipping occasionally, until the apple slices are no longer moist.
Store in airtight container.
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- 8 Large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Hummus
- 1/4 cup Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- Salt & Pepper
- Paprika for garnish
Ingredients
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- In a large saucepan, cover the eggs with water and bring to a vigorous boil.
- Cover the saucepan, remove from the heat and let stand for 12 minutes.
- Drain the eggs and gently shake the pan to crack the shells.
- Fill the pan with cold water and shake gently.
- Add ice cubes and let the eggs stand until chilled.
- Drain and peel the eggs; pat dry.
- Cut the eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop the yolks into a bowl.
- Add the hummus, greek yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice and finely mash with a fork.
- Season the filling with salt and Pepper.
- Pipe or spoon the filling into the egg white halves.
- Garnish with Paprika and serve.
You can also use less of the yokes and add a little more of the greek yogurt/hummus/mustard mix