People have always been aware of the importance of healthy eating, but it seems there’s always new information emerging that increases the gravity of a less-than-healthy diet. Now, more than ever, what Hippocrates said 2,500 years ago is ringing true: Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
However, food is one of the great pleasures in life, and we should be able to indulge ourselves from time to time. But where is the correct balance? One way we can find balance is by taking on a new attitude about food: eating healthy can be delicious! In other words, we can eat healthy and indulge our taste buds.
In this article, we’re going to look at some snack options that are healthful and delectable. We’ll focus on snacks that you can make yourself.
Smoothie
Want a quick and healthy snack that’s also filling? Try a smoothie. You can make the smoothie base and then add any ingredients you want to satisfy your taste cravings. To make a smoothie base, add to a blender 1/2 cup of low-fat milk (skim or 1%), 1/2 cup of low-fat plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is preferred due to its thicker consistency and higher protein content), a tablespoon of honey, and a dash of vanilla extract.
Then, you can add 1 cup of anything you want to flavor your smoothie, including flavor combinations such as strawberries and bananas. Try frozen peaches, raspberries, blueberries, or apples. You can also add spices to fine-tune your smoothie, such as a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa, or ginger.
Avocado Coconut Popsicles
This vegan, gluten-free snack takes advantage of the rich, nutritious value of avocados and comes to us from Skinnytaste.com. Although high in fat, avocados contain the heart-healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) that lower bad cholesterol. They’re also packed with other nutrients that promote health and longevity.
Combine in a blender 1 medium peeled and pitted avocado, 2 1/3 cups of unsweetened, reduced-fat coconut milk, and 6 tablespoons of raw sugar. Blend until smooth, then stir in 1/2 cup of coconut flakes. Pour into popsicle molds, then freeze and enjoy!
Figs with Ricotta, Pistachio, and Honey
If you’ve never cooked with figs, now may be a great opportunity to try it with this easy and delicious recipe from Foodnetwork.com. Figs are a tasty ingredient that can bring sweetness and texture to a recipe, and they’re packed with dietary fiber, nutrients that support bone health, and antioxidants that help fight inflammation, cancer, and the effects of aging.
To make this healthful snack, toast 1/4 cup of shelled, unsalted pistachios in a dry pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Cut 8 dried figs in half lengthwise and place each piece on a serving dish with the cut side up. Make a small indent in each fig half with a spoon, and then spoon about 1/2 a teaspoon of ricotta cheese onto each fig half. Top with a pistachio and some honey drizzle, and they’re ready to serve!
Granola bars
There are lots of commercial options on the market, or you can try making your own, as in this recipe from loveandlemons.com. You can use this recipe as it is or play with it by adding your own ingredients to your taste.
Start by stirring together in a large bowl 1 cup of smooth peanut butter, 2/3 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Add 2 1/2 cups of rolled oats, 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips, and 3 tablespoons of crushed nuts. Stir until well combined. Line an 8X8 baking pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture evenly into the pan. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then cut into bars and enjoy. These should be stored in the fridge.
Ranch Roasted Chickpeas
More savory than sweet, this easy-to-make recipe harnesses the rich, nutritious value of chickpeas. This recipe idea comes to us from Eatingwell.com. Chickpeas are an especially rich source of fiber and protein (including essential amino acids) and are therefore a boon for digestive health, blood sugar control, and making us feel full.
This tasty and healthful snack is prepared by first rinsing a 15-ounce can of chickpeas and pat-drying them on a clean dish towel. Then mix in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, a teaspoon each of tarragon, dill, and chives, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and a touch of salt and pepper. Add the chickpeas to the mixture and stir them in. Then spread the chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and oven-roast at 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes until lightly browned. Let cool, and enjoy your snack!
Feel free to experiment with this recipe and try different ingredients to flavor your chickpeas.
