Healthy Snack Ideas│Recipes

H ere are a few snack/ breakfast/dessert ideas to change things up a bit, if you're looking for breakfast ideas only check out this post. I don't snack everyday but when I do, I do it once a day, either mid-morning or evening before dinner. Sometimes I crave sweet things but I hate the idea of getting trans fats, too much sugar o simply carbs to satisfy the craving! However, I do indulge on these things sometimes >.< But I try to make the healthiest version of what I'm craving. Anyway, one of my favourite food bloggers The Vegan 8  posted a few weeks ago this recipe. She makes the best food and it just takes 8 ingredients to do it! I followed the instructions just like on her blog, here's the recipe.

Spicy Caramel Lemon "Swirl" Bars by The Vegan 8

Mine look way different from hers because I only had dried shredded coconut at the time so I couldn't get the coconut butter right. But they still tasted delicious! Also, the "swirls" didn't happen for me, haha! But they were so yummy, I want to make more!

Cashew Cardamom Chia Pudding - Serves 4 (Adapted from The Kitchn)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts
• 3/4 cups cashews
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 3 tbsp agave nectar 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

In food processor, puree the water, hazelnuts, cashews, vanilla, agave and cardamom. Try to really get it pureed or if you prefer to have chunky nuts on the pudding (like me) don't puree it as much. Mix in a medium bowl the chia seeds and stir to combine. Pour the mixture in 4 medium glasses or dessert bowls and cover with plastic. Refrigerate over night. When ready to serve garnish with fresh fruit or nuts.

I found the pudding didn't have a thick consistency, I think it's because of the water. Next time I'll switch to almond milk or add less water.

Cranberry Banana Yogurt Parfait - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup multigrain cereal (I used Kashi Go Lean Crunch!)
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp dried cranberries (or any other dried berry such as blueberries)
• 1/2 granny smith apple, sliced or diced
• 1/2 tbsp shredded coconut (optional)

Layer all ingredients in an air tight container for on-the-go or on a medium bowl for breakfast. 

Protein Smoothie - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened or vanilla almond milk
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup pineapple, diced
• 1 cup strawberries
• 2 tbsp protein powder (I used Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powder)

Blend spinach and almond milk first. Add pineapple, strawberries, banana and protein powder and blend again. 

Hope you like these recipes!