Every day you have to think of what you’re going to eat next. Even if you do meal prepping or throw a recipe in the crock pot for later, you’re going to be focusing on food. There’s nothing wrong with this, since what we eat is a major part of our day. Food is fuel, so you’re naturally going to want to know if what you’ll eat next is going to help you get through the next part of your day.
Especially during warmer months like spring, you’ll not only be going through the motions of your daily routine but probably a few vacations as well. When you’re on the go, it’s easy to want to cave in to fast food options or to grab something at the gas station, but it’s not what’s best for your body. Most of the time, when food is easy to grab and go, it won’t make you feel so good in the long run.
That’s where these simple and seedy snacks come in. They’re easy for you to throw together if you’re in a rush or line up if you want to meal prep. However you do food, there’s a healthy snack alternative out there for you to try. Read up on ways you can mix nuts and seeds into your diet without disrupting your routine or vacation plans. You might find something new that you can try, which is always the best way to change up your diet.
1. Apple with Almonds
Washing and cutting up an apple takes up almost no time at all, and while apples are a sweet treat to have without eating any unnatural sugars, they don’t have a whole lot of fiber or protein to keep you full. Fix that problem by adding in a handful or two of almonds! The sweetness of the apple and nuttiness of the almonds is a great mixture to have, and the protein from the nuts will recharge your brain. There’s no cooking involved so you can make this snack at virtually any point during your day.
2. Dark Chocolate Trail Mix
Trail mix can be easily bought at the store, but it often has processed chocolates and other foods in it that could be quickly swapped out for healthier options. Take out a sandwich bag and throw in your favorite ingredients. These can be nuts, dried berries or fruits and of course, dark chocolate. It’s easy finger food that you can even keep at your desk if you don’t have time to run to the office fridge. Make a couple bags ahead of time on the weekend and you’ll have all your snacks for the week ready to go.
3. Yogurt with Fruit and Nuts
Almost everyone loves yogurt, and you might already have some waiting for you in your fridge. It’s a food that is in most diets, whether you’re looking to lose or gain weight. Instead of buying the kind that has crumbled cookies you can mix in, make it a healthier snack by switching cookies for fruits and nuts. Fresh berries go great with yogurt, and you can even add in seeds too. Whatever goes right with the flavor you like best! Mix things up by trying multiple add-ins with different nuts and seeds.
4. Orange Poppy Seed Cake
If you have a sweet tooth, you probably find yourself wanting something sugary at one point or another during the day. Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of processed sweets like candy bars! Make yourself a healthy dessert instead by whipping up an orange poppy seed cake. It’ll be that burst of flavor and sweetness you’re looking for without adding any unnecessary preservatives. It’s even easy to slice up and take on the go, and it’ll last a good couple of days so you don’t need to make extra snacks afterwards.
5. Chia Seed Pudding
Growing up with pudding or jello is a staple with many families, so if you have kids, you might give them the same for snacks too. Kids don’t always want to eat healthy, which is why it’s always good to have a few recipes on hand that will sneak some goodness into their meals. Chia seed pudding is a great way to do that and you can make it in minutes or let it sit overnight. There are lots of variations for it too, so it can be personalized to what you or your kids enjoy (or what you can sneak past them!).
6. Cranberry Almond Banana Bread
There’s something comforting to have a fresh slice of a dessert bread for a snack. They usually come in the form of pumpkin or strawberry breads, but you can also use nuts to make a delicious baked good. Cranberry almond banana bread is something you can use as a snack or a party favor to win over any picky eater. The cranberries and bananas provide a natural sweetness, while the almonds give you something to crunch down on as your taste buds go wild.
Sometimes it’s hard to think ahead about what you’re going to snack on. Meals are one thing, since they come easily in the form of recipes and cookbooks. Snacks are more like what you happen to grab in the chip aisle as you find your way through the grocery store each week. You don’t need to feel chained to the same selection of potato chips and pretzels for every snack!
Seeds and nuts provide the perfect ingredient that can be made into almost any snack idea you could crave. Try them in puddings, breads or cakes for a rich bite or two when you find yourself needing a boost of energy in the afternoons. They also make great quick bite if you’re looking for a fast, low calorie option. Whatever snack you’re looking for, seeds and nuts will be a great thing to try to change up your diet while keeping it healthy.
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
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