Four Easy & Healthy Snacks to Keep You Energized

Although the brunt of summer has passed us, it’s always fun to have an indoor activity to take me away from the extreme Texas heat (that lasts until mid-December…). One of my favorite things to do is to explore new and easy recipes for healthy snacks that I can snack on the rest of the day or after a sweaty workout — and not feel guilty! 

Here, I’ll share four of my favorite recipes for easy, healthy snacks, so that you can make them at home (by yourself, or with some friends!)

Ants on a Log

This is a summer classic, so naturally I had to start off with this incredibly fun and easy snack. Now, the name doesn’t sound the most appetizing, of course, but when you think of a stick of celery topped with peanut butter, with little raisins sitting on top, well — ants on a log is quite fitting. 

The recipe too is super simple. All you need are three ingredients: celery, peanut butter and raisins are typically the normal ingredients. 

1. Wash the celery, and slice in half lengthwise. Then, cut up into finger-length pieces. 
2. Add in the peanut butter (or almond butter for those with allergies) into the cavity of the celery stick. 
3. Then, place raisins (or if you want some variety, some berries or even chocolate chips — really anything you want!) onto the peanut butter. Enjoy one — or all!

Chips and Guac

Again, this is a classic, consisting of healthy fats from the avocado. Avocados mostly have unsaturated fats, which is good for the heart, as well as a number of vitamins. Like the first recipe, there isn’t a “set” recipe for chips and guac. You’ll need a lime, a red onion, tomatoes and avocado for this one, though. 

1. Peel two avocados. Using a mashed potato masher, mash up the avocados into a bowl. 
2. Dice up a small red onion and a tomato. 
3. Add together into a bowl, and stir in well. 
4. Squeeze out lime juice from one lime.
5. Season with salt and pepper. 
6. Guac goes well with tortilla chips, but you can also opt for pretzels, or even low-carb tortilla chips. 

Crispy Roasted Brussel Sprouts

This one is slightly more complicated, since you’ll need to use your oven. But these crispy, slightly sweet, caramelized, and salty brussel sprouts are the perfect way to get yourself to eat your greens for the day. 

What you’ll need: a bag of pre-washed brussel sprouts. Your spice cabinet. That’s it. 

1. Preheat the oven to 450F.
2. Take a bag of pre-washed brussel sprouts, and slice each in half. 
3. Take a baking sheet, and line with aluminum foil. Spray with olive oil to prevent sticking. 
4. Place the sliced brussel sprouts on the sheet, and top with oregano, basil (whatever else is in your spice cabinet), salt, pepper, and some honey or sugar. 
5. Bake for 20 minutes, until caramelized. 
6. Enjoy on its own, or as a dinner side dish. 

Coconut Date Bites

These are the perfect alternative to the ever-loved chocolate truffles, but a lot more healthy (and just as good!). These are also gluten0free and vegan, and great for a quick bite to re-energize you throughout the afternoon. 

You’ll need some shredded coconut, 10 medjool dates, cashews (or other types of nuts, if you’re allergic — or no nuts). 

1. Using a food processor, blitz up the ½ cup of cashews. 
2. Then, making sure the dates have no pits, add them into the food processor, along with ⅓ cup of the shredded coconuts. 
3. Add a tbs each of water and oil, so that the mixture comes together. 
4. Form little balls in your palm, and roll them in some more of the shredded coconut so they’re covered completely. 
5. Place them onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for an hour, so that they are firm. 
6. Enjoy as an afternoon snack!

Hope you enjoy making these incredibly simple recipes, and drop a comment if you do! We want to see your creations!

This post was originally published by me (Annie), on Dancina, which sells dancewear for little dancers!