By Bridgette Ruge Barlow, MA CPT RHC
Check out our budget friendly recipes for power packed snacks that are easy to make and don’t let you down on taste!
Create some rules around snacking. If you’re going to snack, you can only eat either a fruit or something high in protein. You’ll avoid mindless snacking by having to stop and think about this rule first. The more you can stop and think before eating, the more likely you are able to make the right decisions when it comes to listening to your body. Also, by eating fruit or protein, you’re filling up on less calories and more fiber/protein which are both conducive to weight loss and maintenance of good health. You will also feel more satiated than eating a bag of Doritos or cookies.
Frozen chocolate covered banana bites
Tastes like ice cream! Enjoy 4-5 of these for a snack or desert! Fun to the kids to help make!
Slice bananas into coins. Put a small dab of almond butter between 2 slices and sandwich together. Dip in melted >70% dark chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Freeze on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, put into a food storage bag or container and keep in freezer.
Protein Hummus
- 1 can organic garbanzo beans (drained, reserve liquid)
- ¼ cup organic tahini or almond butter
- 2 tbs organic extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon or lime
- 1 Tbs chopped garlic*
- ½ tsp raw organic local honey
- 2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides- unflavored (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Pink salt to taste
Add ingredients to blender in order listed and blend. If consistency is too thick, add reserved bean juice a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency. * For ease, I use the chopped garlic from the jar but you can also use fresh or roasted garlic cloves. If using fresh, use only 1 clove and keep in mind that your hummus will be spicier, and the garlic flavor will be very strong. If roasted, you can use about 3 cloves.