Can snacking be healthy too? We often tend to associate our snacks with something that’s sugary or deep fried. And as people are starting to get more health-conscious, innovative and creative “healthy” snack ideas are being born. And as far as taste is concerned, you needn’t worry at all. These snacks are super delicious too. Besides, they can be made in a jiffy. Even more reason to try them out soon!
7 Simple, Healthy and Tasty Snack Foods to Munch On
- Baked Apple Chips – Come winter and it’s the apple season! And when it’s the best fruit to have (remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away?), why not try something different with it that’s easy to prepare and yummy too?
What You’d Need:
- 3 large Red Delicious apples (cored)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp sugar
How to Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit before you start the preparation so that it’s ready when you’re done too. Spread parchment paper over 2 baking sheets.
- Take a sharp knife and slice the apples into as thin slices as possible.
- Place the slices on the parchment paper. Make sure they don’t overlap. Mix cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle some over the slices.
- Let them bake for about 40-50 minutes. Now flip the slices over, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix onto the other side and bake for another 40 minutes.
- Check if they have shrunk up a bit and turned slightly golden brown. If they have, they’re ready. They would also feel a bit dry upon touching, just like chips.
- Remove them from the oven and allow the chips to cool down. Now pack them in an air-tight container. You can preserve them for as long as three days; however, they’re best eaten within a few hours of ready. You can also prepare various snacks and also buy wholesale snacks and store it.
- Granola Bars
Granola bars are some healthy and convenient snack enjoyed by many people due to its great flavor and versatility.
What You’d Need:
- Oats, nuts, dry fruits and shredded coconut
- Honey and maple syrup
- Butter or nut butter
- Flour, flax seeds and protein powder
- Chocolate chips
How to Prepare:
- Take a baking pan and apply its surface with a parchment paper.
- Add oats, nuts, honey and all other ingredients on a large bowl and mix it well.
- Just stir the butter with sweetener, vanilla and mix it well until all of them are combined.
- Spread the batter into the pan evenly and press down with spatula.
- Depending upon the amount and recipe, bake it for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Once the granola are baked properly, use a sharp knife and cut into bars.
You can also buy granola bars in bulk and store at your home and enjoy it whenever you need it.
- Frozen Tropical Fruit Kebabs – Forget popsicles, which would simply add on to your calorie count. Instead, try this healthier alternative, which you can easily prepare anytime at home, when the heat gets too much to bear.
What You’d Need:
- Mangoes – 2 nos, cut into half
- Pineapple – ½ no, peeled and cut into triangles
- Lime – 1 no.
- Bamboo skewers – 4 nos.
How to Prepare:
- Place parchment paper over a large-rimmed baking sheet.
- Cut each mango half into 4 slices.
- Insert them into a bamboo skewer. Alternate each mango piece with a pineapple slice.
- Place the skewers on the baking sheet.
- Finely grate the lime in a small bowl, cover it and keep aside.
- Now squeeze the lime juice over the fruits and place the skewers in a freezer to set them until they become firm. This would take at least 4 hours.
- Now transfer the frozen fruit kebabs onto a serving plate and sprinkle the lime zest covered and reserved earlier.
- Banana, Kale, and Almond Milk Smoothie – Smoothies are everyone’s favourite, right? Why not try something healthy and easy at home?
What You’d Need:
- Banana – 1 medium
- Kale – 1 cup, chopped
- Almond milk – 1 cup
How to Prepare:
- Put all the ingredients into a blender and puree well until smooth.
- You may choose to add sugar, chocolate syrup, or any other garnish of your choice to enhance the taste. However, they may add unnecessary calories to the otherwise healthy drink. Best recommended to be enjoyed with its original recipe only.
- Carrot Fries –We’re so used to gorging on French Fries and we love the taste. Sadly, our favourite fries are deep fried which makes them unhealthy. So we thought of presenting you with a healthier (and equally tasty) alternative.
What You’d Need:
- Carrots – 2 nos.
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp.
- Fresh parsley – 1 tbsp., chopped
- Paprika – 1 tsp.
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – 1 tsp.
For Greek Yoghurt Chive Dip:
- Plain Greek Yoghurt – 1 cup
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp.
- Chives – 2 tbsp.
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – ¼ tsp.
How to Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degree Fahrenheit or 220 degree Celsius.
- Cut the carrots in the shape of fries and put them in a large bowl. Blend well with olive oil, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the mixture onto a baking sheet. Line it with a single layer of parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway, flip over the fries to bake on both sides.
- While the fries are being baked, prepare the dip. Put together all the ingredients in a small bowl and set them in the refrigerator.
- Remove the fries from the oven and enjoy with the chilled dip.
- Ants on a Log – This one’s specially for little ones, who’d love to make and eat this super-simple, healthy and tasty recipe in no time. Moms would love it too because your kids can make it themselves.
What You’d Need:
- Celery – 5 stalks
- Peanut butter – ½ cup
- Raisins – 1/4 cup
How to Prepare:
- Cut the celery stalks into half.
- Spread peanut butter over each stalk, carefully so that it covers the entire stalk.
- Sprinkle raisins over each stalk in a way that there’s enough gap between each raisin.
- Omelette in a Mug – Who doesn’t love omelette among those who eat eggs? What if you could now prepare it in seconds?
What You’d Need:
- Eggs – 2 large
- Frozen mixed vegetables – 2 tbsp.
- Low-fat cheese – 1 tbsp, shredded
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
How to Prepare:
- Take a microwave-safe mug and spray the inside with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Whisk together the eggs, vegetables, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Place the mug in the microwave for a minute.
- Stir and microwave again for about 45 seconds.
These recipes are low on calories and yummylicious too! Don’t forget to try them out and tell us how you liked them.
