Nobody says that eating well precludes great snacking. Next time you hanker for something sweet or salty, reach for one of these homemade treats.
Instead of that: Potato chips
Try this: Roasted chickpeas
Chickpeas are high in fibre, low in fat and packed with flavour. Keep a container in the fridge.
Pre-heat oven to 375°F. Drain two cans of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), coat with canola or olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, turning chickpeas with a spatula every few minutes for even baking. When finished, add a pinch of sea salt, smoked paprika (optional) and cracked black pepper.
Instead of that: Potato chips
Try this: Crispy kale chips
Delicious, nutritious kale is high in vitamins A, C, K and B, along with iron and calcium.
As a member of the cabbage family, it can help reduce inflammation and potentially suppress the growth of cancer cells. Crisping kale leaves in the oven is a quick, low-calorie way to satisfy the munchies.
Pre-heat oven to 250°F. Wash kale leaves and cut away from stem (which is bitter). Pat dry with a paper towel and lightly coat with canola or olive oil. Bake on lined baking sheet until
crisp (roughly 20 minutes), turning over leaves halfway through. Serve immediately.
Instead of that: Candy bars and cookies
Try this: Homemade granola bars
Portable and packed with nutrients, these lunchbox staples are a healthy alternative to sugary, high-fat confections. Based on a version by Barefoot Contessa star Ina Garten, they take a bit of prep, but you can double the batch and store them in the freezer.
Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Mix together 2 cups oatmeal, 1 cup almonds, ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes and ¾ cup wheat germ. Toast mixture in oven for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring. Lower oven temperature to 300°F. Meanwhile, melt 3 Tbsp unsalted butter with ½ cup honey and ¼ cup brown sugar (optional). In a large bowl, add 1 Tbsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp sea salt and 1½ cups dried, unsweetened fruit to the oatmeal. Pour melted butter over oatmeal until well coated. Press mixture into glass brownie pan and bake for 25 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.
