Five Healthy Sweet Snacks Ideas

Are you looking for gluten-free snacks that are rich in nutrients and are not overly sweet? Here are five healthy snack ideas that you can easily make and enjoy!

Mindless snacking is not the same as a planned snack. By making better food choices at mealtimes, you can avoid overeating because the longer you go without food, the more likely you are to overeat. To find the best snack for you, take a look at the list :

Granola Bars

Picture credit: www.acouplecooks.com

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of peanut/cashew butter – It binds the bars together as well as contains protein, healthy fats, and a nutty taste.

• 2/3 cup of honey – It also helps all those ingredients stick together and adds a flavour.

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – It adds a sweet flavour.

• 2½ cups of rolled, gluten-free oats

• 3 tablespoons of assorted, crushed nuts (almonds/cashews/pecans/walnuts) - They have healthy fats and protein as well.

• 2 tablespoons of pepitas – They contain antioxidants and minerals.

• 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips – Finely chopped dark chocolate can also be used instead.

• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

Directions:

1. Mix all the wet ingredients: peanut or cashew butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Gently stir until the honey has blended into the mixture.

2. Stir in all the dry ingredients: oats, crushed nuts, pepitas, mini chocolate chips. The mixture will appear dry at first, but keep mixing.

3. Place the bars in a baking pan lined with parchment paper. The mixture should be scooped into a pan, and parchment paper should be covered over it. Press the mixture tightly to the sides of the pan and flatten the top with hands or a cup.

4. Refrigerate the pan for one hour before cutting the bars and eating them.

Banana Energy Balls

Picture credit: www.creativenourish.com

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of rolled oats

• 1/2 cup of mashed ripe bananas

• 1/2 cup of almonds

• 1/2 cup of pecans

• 1/3 cup of honey

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a blender for 10 seconds. Scrape down the mixture from the sides of a jar and blend it again until it is relatively smooth, with some texture.

2. Roll a medium ball between your hands. Keep doing this until all the dough has been used.

3. The balls can either be eaten right away or stored in a container.

Chia Pudding

Fact: the seeds of the chia plant contain antioxidants, fibre, calcium, and omega-3 fats, among other nutrients.

Picture credit: www.aline-made.com

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of coconut/almond milk/cashew milk

• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds

• Sweetener: 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

• Fruits, nuts, seeds for serving

Directions:

1. Stir together the chia seeds, milk, and optional sweetener in a bowl or jar.

2. After covering the bowl or jar, place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. It is also possible to keep them overnight.

3. Chia pudding should be stirred again prior to serving, and you can add your favourite fruit, nuts, or seeds.

Blueberry Muffins

Picture credit: www.thebusybaker.ca

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups of whole wheat flour

• 3/4 cup of rolled oats

• 1/2 cup of coconut sugar

• 1 tablespoon of baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

• 1 cup of almond milk

• 1/4 cup of butter, melted

• 2 eggs (room temp.)

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1 cup of blueberries (frozen/fresh)

Directions:

1. Line a muffin pan with baking cups and preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a mixing bowl, add all of the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour, rolled oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt).

3. In a separate bowl, add all of the wet ingredients (milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla).

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and stir with a wooden spoon for about 30 seconds, until you have a batter.

5. Fold the blueberries into the batter.

6. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until they're lightly golden.

Chocolate Almond/Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Picture credit: www.eatingbirdfood.com

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas

• 1/3 cup of almond/peanut butter

• 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon of chia seeds

Directions:

1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

3. Spread almond/peanut butter on half of the banana slices on the baking sheet. Combine the chia seeds with the almond/peanut butter.

4. Make a mini sandwich by adding another banana slice on top. Continue doing this with the remaining banana slices.

5. Freeze the banana bites for about an hour.

6. In a microwave, heat the chocolate chips and coconut oil in increments of 20 seconds, stirring in between, until it is smooth.

7. Take frozen banana bites from the freezer. Each frozen banana bite should be dipped into the melted chocolate halfway.

8. Put the banana bites in the freezer to let the

9. chocolate harden. Once frozen, it is ready.

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