Snacking often gets a bad rap when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In part, this is thanks to the nutritionally void junk food options typically associated with between-meal munching. In reality, snacking on the right foods will actually support your wellness goals. With the right approach, snacking helps us maintain healthy energy levels, keeps our blood sugar levels stable, & keeps us fueled and focused to tackle whatever the day has in store.
Today, we’re celebrating the art of smart snacking and sharing our favorite mini-meals that satisfy cravings, crush hunger, & check all the boxes for a nutritionally complete nibble. Plus, we’re breaking down the key nutrient components–Carbohydrates [C], Protein [P], Fats [Ft], & Fiber [Fr], to help you navigate your nutrition needs as you step up your snack game!
ProNola
Cereal & milk gets a facelift with this delicious & easy combo! Simply shake up a glass of your favorite plant-based milk with a scoop of dairy-free protein powder & pour it over your favorite fiber-rich, whole grain granola.
Nutrition.Breakdown: C, P, Fr
Poppin’ Trail Mix
For a savory combo, mix your favorite seasoned popcorn (or a mix of a few!) with your favorite roasted nuts (we like almonds, peanuts, pistachios, & macadamia nuts with our savory combination), dried edamame and/or chickpeas, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, & your favorite gluten free pretzels.
If you’re sweet tooth is talking, mix one or more of your favorite drizzled popcorn flavors with freeze dried fruit (we love strawberries, goji berries, blueberries, raspberries, or apple rings or chips), roasted or raw nuts (we love walnuts, pecans, or cashews with our sweet mix), & cacao nibs or your favorite dark chocolate chips.
Nutrition Breakdown: C,P, Ft, Fr
Crave-Worthy Rice Cakes
Top your favorite variety of rice cakes with “prosting”, two-ingredient microwave jam, & a sprinkle of granola to get that crunch factor.
To make the “prosting”, simply mix a scoop of plant-based protein powder into a half cup of a yogurt of your choice. Stir until well combined (it will be thick!) & spread over your rice cake.
To make the two-ingredient microwave jam, combine a half cup of fresh or frozen berries with one tablespoon of chia seeds in a microwave safe dish. Heat for one minute, then gently mash and stir. Once the mixture has cooled, top “prosted” rice cake with jam & top with a handful of granola.
Nutrition Breakdown: C, P, Fr
Fit Chips n’ Dip
Pair your favorite flavor of protein-packed Pea Protein Chips with one of these simple & delicious dip options:
- Guaca-MORE-ly~mix ⅓ of a medium sized avocado with 2 tablespoons of traditional or dairy-free greek yogurt (to add more volume & boost the satiety factor of the dip), & 2 tablespoons of pico de gallo. Season with garlic salt, pepper, & a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
- Hunger-Crushing Hummus~In a food processor, blend 8oz of store bought hummus with 8oz of either roasted red bell pepper, or marinated artichoke heart & a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Boosted Black Bean Dip~In a food processor, combine one can low-sodium black beans with an inch of peeled fresh ginger, 1 clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the juice of ½ of a lime, & salt, pepper, & paprika to taste.
Serve your fit chips n’ dip with sliced fresh veggies for an extra kick of micronutrients.
Nutrition Breakdown: C, P, Ft, Fr
Pumped Up Banana Pops
Take one banana and slice it in half horizontally; Insert one popsicle stick into each banana halves and set aside. Blend 1 scoop of protein powder with 1 cup traditional or plant-based yogurt. Dip banana into yogurt mixture & then sprinkle with a handful of granola and additional toppings of choice (we love cacao nibs, crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, & a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder).
Freeze banana pops for 1 hour or until yogurt and toppings set.
Nutrition Breakdown: C, P, Fr
If you decide to give any of these nutritious noshes a go, hit us with a tag @safeandfair so we can share your culinary creations with our Safe+Fair family (that’s you!)!
