Although there are plenty of healthy snacks available in the shops, nothing beats a quick, fresh homemade snack. Having a ready-made snack on hand can really make your life easier. Your nutritional intake can be improved and your waistline reduced when you opt for low-calorie snacks.
Here are my fifteen favourite snacks that are really easy to make and optimal when you want to balance your diet. (All animal ingredients can be replaced by plant-based alternatives.)
Quick and sweet toast
What you will need: peanut butter, banana, honey, bread, chia seeds
Coat a slice of toast with peanut butter and banana slices. Top with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle with chia seeds for extra fibre.
Avocado toast
What you will need: multigrain bread, avocado, salt, pepper
Spread an avocado on a multigrain bread. Option: add a thin slice of tomato. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Carrot and cucumber with hummus
What you will need: peppers, celery, carrots, hummus
Using a small jar of hummus is great for portion control and creating healthy snacks! Simply divide your hummus portions and dip the fibre-rich vegetables into the protein-rich puree.
Energy balls with oats and dates
What you will need: oats, nuts, dates, seeds
They’re called energy bites for a reason. With healthy fats like nuts and a carbohydrate boost from dates and oats, you only need one or two of these bites to feel full. Blend the oats, dates, nuts and seeds in a blender until you have a paste. Season with a little salt if you like and form into balls. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Roasted nuts
What you will need: pecans, almonds, cashews, chili powder, black pepper
Mix a combination of nuts – pecans, almonds, peanuts, cashews – with chilli powder and black pepper. Roast them in a 200°C oven for 10 minutes, until hot and toasted.
Stuffed pepper snack
What you need: cherry peppers, goat cheese
Stuff cherry peppers with soft goat cheese or mini fresh mozzarella balls.
Cheese crackers
What you’ll need: cheese and healthy crackers
If you’re looking to lose weight, pair these low-fat cheeses with high-fiber crackers and you’ll feel full for hours.
Apple slices with cream cheese
What you’ll need: cream cheese, green apple, honey, nuts
Cream cheese is a great protein-rich food. To eat it on the sweet side, slice an apple and serve it on top. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with nuts or chia seeds for extra fibre.
Apple and peanut butter
What you’ll need: 2 tablespoons peanut butter, apple slices
This protein and fibre combo will help you stay full until your next meal. Feel free to add a little cinnamon to make it even more delicious.
Yogurt and berry toast
What you’ll need: toast, Greek yogurt, berries, chia seeds
A slice of fibre-rich toast with protein-rich Greek yogurt makes this snack of the day so much better. I like to add antioxidant-rich berries.
Did you know? One serving of raspberries contains 8 grams of fibre. Combined with antioxidant-rich blueberries and blood sugar-stabilizing chia seeds, this combo is sure to soothe those afternoon munchies.
Grilled vegetables with tzatziki
What you’ll need: peppers, aubergine, mushrooms, asparagus, courgette, diced cucumbers, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, pepper.
Place your favourite vegetables on an oiled baking tray in your oven at 200°C until they are well roasted. Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the diced cucumbers, cut them as small as possible. Add to the mixture of Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, salt and pepper to make a delicious sauce.
Using Greek yogurt gives you extra probiotics, protein and an excellent source of vitamin D.
Corn and bean salsa
What you need: cooked corn, black beans, tomato, pepper, onion, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt and pepper. Tortilla chips are optional.
A perfect blend of corn, black beans, tomatoes, peppers and chopped red onions, seasoned with a splash of apple cider vinegar and lime juice. Salt and pepper to taste.
High in fibre, high in protein and made with fresh ingredients – what else do you need?
Seasoned edamame snack
What you need: edamame, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt
Boil a few handfuls of frozen edamame until soft. Drain and toss with a light coating of sesame oil, red pepper flakes and salt
Mango snack
What you need: mango, lime juice, chilli powder
Peel a mango and cut it into pieces. Top with fresh lime juice and chilli powder.
Tabbouleh salad
What you will need: quinoa, cherry tomatoes, green onion, cucumber, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, mint
Traditionally, this salad is made with bulgur, but I suggest using quinoa – a grain rich in protein and fibre, which will give you a ton of extra benefits over the traditional choice. Mix it with diced cherry tomatoes, green onion, chopped cucumber, salt and pepper. Toss it all in a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Sometimes I even add chopped mint for extra flavour.
Hopefully you found some inspiration. Don’t hesitate to vary the ingredients and seasonings according to your tastes and desires.
Enjoy your meal… with a clear conscience of course!
What do you think?