Healthy Summer Snacks
“Mom, I’m hungry!” That’s the phrase that haunts my dreams during the summer months and it seems as though my kids are constantly snacking.
Their snacks of choice, if I let them dive in and rule the roost; chips. Instead of buying stock in Lay’s Potato Chips and letting them snack until their bellies are full of junk, I started slowly swapping out their unhealthy snack choices with these easy, healthy summer snacks.
Surprisingly, they didn’t skip a beat. They still ask for chips on a daily basis, but after filling up on these healthy choices, they are usually full and satiated. Happy snacking!
Roasted chick-peas
This cheap snack (I buy a can of organic for $1.00 each at Kroger!), is packed full of protein, which makes my mom heart happy while satisfying their hearty appetites.
Simply drain the can and can, then dry the peas VERY well with a towel. Melt a half of cup of coconut oil, and submerge the peas in the oil to coat very well. Salt VERY well (Seriously, keep shaking the salt until you’re sure you’ve over salted and then salt some more. ) Bake at 425 for 20 minutes, checking every 10 minutes.
You want peas to be dark and crisp in color. If a few look burnt, you know you’re on the right track. Seriously, the more crisp the better. Salt again once done and enjoy!
GFCF Chex Mix
My kids adore Chex Mix (ok, me too!) but being on a gluten-free casein free diet restricts what my daughter can eat. This healthy (er) version of an old favorite is the perfect pool-side snack or to portable treat to take on road trips. Plus you’ll find my version is packed with protein and not just carbs.
Grab the printable recipe here.
Fruit- every which way
Summer is the best time for fresh fruit and there are so many ways to sneak them into any diet!
Frozen– We love grapes, bananas and berries frozen. Peanut butter and banana frozen “sandwiches” are always a hit, too.
Dehydrated– Having a dehydrator has allowed me the freedom to what goes into dehydrated fruit and cut down on added sugar. Our homemade favorites include bananas and apples.
Smoothies– There’s so many options for smoothies these days, and any combination can be deliciously blended into a chilly treat.
Zucchini Chips
My little chip addicts flip for these delicious treats that do not taste like veggies! These are a cinch to prepare, as you first cut them thinly with a mandolin slicer . Then toss with olive oil, coat with kosher salt, and bake. These chips make a healthy but yummy treat the whole gang will approve!
Popcorn
There’s just something about stove top popped popcorn that makes my kids squeal with delight! The Whirley-Pop makes it easy to control the ingredients you use to pop the popcorn, and the nutrition content. Plus, it’s almost as easy as microwave popcorn, just without all the non-processed ingredients.