Healthy Snack Ideas

My sister requested a post about healthy snacks. Then she added "besides fruits or vegetables."  Well, that's hard to do, because most of what we eat around here are fruits and vegetables. I was still able to put together this list, but could use some more healthy ideas, so be sure to leave your good snack ideas in the comments section if you have something yummy to add.

For snacks, the key is to having it readily available. If you're like me, you aren't going to sit around and wait for an egg to boil when you are hungry for  a snack-- I want it now! So, I always try to have some snack foods available. Boil several eggs at a time and keep them in your fridge. Make a large batch of hummus and buy pre-cut vegetables (or just pre-cut them yourself and save some money). Keep fruit dip in the fridge. Whatever it is you like, plan for it ahead of time, so that you're not reaching for anything you can get your hands on when you need a snack.

Fruit

• Apples/ Bananas and Peanut butter dip- mix equal parts yogurt and peanut butter
• Peanut Butter Apples- Cut an apple in half and scoop out seeds and stem. Fill the cavity with peanut butter. Put the apple back together. It travels well and won't turn brown. Plus, it's like a little apple surprise that something is hiding in the middle.
• Smoothies- I like a frozen banana blended with peanut butter, ice, and milk. Berry smoothies with milk and yogurt are also delicious.
• Grapes and cheese

Vegetables

• Vegetables with Hummus- carrots, sugar snap peas, and grape tomatoes are good
• Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers- Alternate grape tomatoes and mozzarella balls on a skewer. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top. Sprinkle with dried basil. The friend who taught me this one also uses cut up string cheese if she's out of fresh mozzarella. Of course, you could always make your own...
• Veggie platter- A while back I bought one of those platters with a circle in the center for dip and sections all around. When I put veggies on there and a little hummus or dip in the middle, the kids think they are having a special treat, even though it's still just vegetables (Don't tell them; we've got a good thing going here). For dip, I mix 1 cup sour cream with 1/2 tsp. of each of the following: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, parsley.

Crackers
There are very few store bought crackers I would recommend. When you read the label on most of them, you will see hydrogenated oils, added sugar, and all kinds of other additives and preservatives. If I had to buy some from a store, I would probably go with Kashi brand. But there is the option of making them your self. I have made both of the recipes below. I use Katie's method of rolling them right on my baking stone. It makes it much easier and you can roll them really thin.
Also, it's a good idea to add some fat or protein with your crackers (like cheese).

• Homemade Wheat Thins
• Homemade Graham Crackers - I've made this without the brown sugar and it turns out. You just need to add a little more milk ( 1-2 Tbsp.) so it won't be too dry.

And more...

• Cottage cheese
• Hard Boiled Egg
• Nuts and dried fruit
• Yogurt
• Slice of whole wheat bread with butter or peanut butter for fat
• Popcorn popped in coconut oil

Healthy Crescent Dogs

MMMmmm, crescent dogs. Just pop open the can and roll them around a hot dog and that's all there is to it.
Well, these aren't quite that easy, but what you gain in health is totally worth the extra effort.
Now, I know some of you who are new to real food are thinking, "How can a hot dog possibly be health food?" and wondering if that's a soy dog or something else in there. Nope! That's the real deal. All beef, natural, uncured hot dogs. I found these at Trader Joe's. You want to make sure they are uncured to avoid the nitrates that are used in the processing of most hot dogs. Nitrates (or nitrites) have been linked to cancer and are not a natural food. They are added to preserve the color and make the product (deli meat, hot dogs, bacon) last longer. So if you can find nitrate-free hot dogs, you are eating a tasty, healthy beef sausage. 
I cut the hot dogs into thirds and wrapped each crescent roll around them. We served it as dinner but it would also make a great snack or party food. We dipped them in homemade barbeque sauce.

Crescent Dogs (or Crescent Rolls)

Ingredients

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees to 115 degrees)
• 1 cup of water, whey or combination
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups wheat flour

• Directions

1. Stir whey/ water combination together with flour. Let sit overnight.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water. In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar. Add eggs, salt and yeast mixture. Stir in enough flour until dough leaves the sides of bowl and is soft (do not knead). Let rise until double (1- 1/2 hours).
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide in half. Roll each portion into a 12-in. circle; cut each circle into 12 wedges. 
4. Wrap each wedge around a hot dog OR Roll up wedges from the wide end and place with pointed end down on greased baking sheets. Curve ends to form crescents. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks.

Barbeque Sauce

This flavorful sauce can be used as a dip or basted onto grilled meats. Makes about 2 cups.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups organic ketchup

1/2 cup cider vinegar or red wine vinegar 

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 Tbsp. mustard

3 Tbsp. chili powder, or to taste

1 Tbsp. fresh peeled ginger

2 cloves minced garlic

2 Tbsp. olive oil

3 slices lemon

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir often until the sauce comes to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often. This sauce will keep up to two weeks in the fridge and can also be frozen.


This post is part of Fight Back Friday.