It happens to the best of us. 3pm rolls, your energy levels are in the red zone, and you need something so you can function like a normal human being again... But you end up snacking on junk. Well, no more. Check out these 20 clean eating snacks for those who ain't got time!
Break the vicious ‘junk snack’ cycle. Instead of snacking on processed food, these healthy snacks will help stabilise your blood sugar levels, nourish your body and leave you feeling fuller for longer. You don’t need to visit a healthfood store to make any of these. You just need simple natural ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and a few minutes to spare.
1. Avocado dip with rice cakes or crackers
This duo has your heart health covered. Avocados contain monounsaturated oleic acid, a heart healthy fat and according to research, flaxseeds help protect from cardiovascular disease.
2. Apple with almond butter
A great post work out snack that delivers. The apple will satisfy your sweet tooth, and the protein from the almond butter, your hunger. Almond butter even makes celery sticks taste good, if you want a lower carb option.
3. Smashed avo on toast with savoury nutritional yeast
Not heard of nutritional yeast? It’s a bit underrated, and you’re about to find out why. Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamin B12, so a vegetarian’s and vegan’s pantry staple. 1 tablespoon will provide you with your B12 for the day and about 4 grams of protein!
4. Sprouted salad
With this sprouted salad, you’ll be eating a lot of live, activated, vitamin and mineral rich food. The mung bean pasta is pretty high in protein, which will help keep you full for longer. Once you’ve made up your salad, you can keep snack size servings in jars in your fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Hummus with rice cakes
Hummus is always a good idea. Healthy hummus should pretty much just contain chickpeas, olive oil, garlic and tahini. Flavoured ones you’ll find in the supermarket are easy enough to make at home, try this carrot tahini hummus recipe. By making your own from scratch, you’ll avoid the preservatives and other additives.
Chickpeas are a good source of fibre, and contains many other vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, zinc and magnesium. Spread or dip it.
6. No blender bliss balls
Always wanted to make bliss balls but can't be bothered getting out the food processor to do it? Sick of dates that are in all the store brought ones? These 5 ingredient no blend bliss balls can be made in 10 minutes! Make up a big batch, pop them in the kids lunch boxes, take them to work, or keep them in the car for when you're really hungry and about to grab junk from a gas station! Get the recipe here.
7. Coconut sacha inchi protein smoothie
Sacha inchi protein powder is great too because it is 60-65% protein, plus it is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids that help prevent inflammation in the body. Coconut makes a great addition to smoothies because it provides healthy fats that will keep you fuller longer. Get the smoothie recipe here.
8. Peanut butter on rice cakes
Peanut butter tastes so good, it’s high in protein and full of fibre. But like most things made with nuts, it’s also pretty high in calories. Try and stick to 2 tablespoons maximum and pair it with low carb rice cakes which will be more filling. Always check your peanut butter doesn’t contain added oils or sugar.
9. Kale chips
These are the healthiest chips ever! Just preheat your oven to 165°C. Tear kale into pieces, wash and spin dry. Place kale on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and add sea salt and spices. Bake until crisp, for about 12 minutes.
10. Roasted chickpeas
Forget chips, with a can of chickpeas and some spices you’ve got yourself a seriously addictive snack. Rinse and pat your chickpeas dry. In a bowl, toss with a little olive oil and whatever spices you have on hand. Bake at 200°C for about 30 minutes or until your chickpeas turn golden brown.
11. Handful of trail mix
Either buy a good quality organic one or make your own. If buying, watch out for added ingredients like salt, preservatives and sugars which are sometimes added to the nuts. Your basic nut and fruit combination will provide you with healthy fats, protein and natural sugars.
12. Chia pudding
Chia seeds are packed with fibre, omegas, iron, calcium and magnesium, so you absolutely need to get more chia in your life! This chocolate chia pudding contains a massive 10 grams of fibre! You only need 4 ingredients and it is ready to eat in about 30 minutes. You’ll also satisfy your sweet cravings without overloading on sugar.
13. Almond cookies
Cookies are a favourite snack for most of us but unfortunately many of the ones you’ll find in stores are highly processed and high in sugar. You can still have cookies, just make your own. These raw almond cookies contain no added sugar and take just 15 minutes to make. Plus you only need 2 ingredients!
14. Overnight oats
Oats are not just for breakfast. In a container with a secure lid, mix 1/2 cup oats, 1 cup almond milk, 3 tablespoons protein powder, and a handful of almonds until well combined. Let sit in fridge overnight (or even up to a few days). Need some extra sweetness? Add half a banana, mashed!
15. Handful of raw nuts
Nuts are super easy to get. Try a mixed bunch for variety and a combo with dried fruit for some added sweetness. Want to get more protein for your buck? Go for almonds and pistachios, they’re higher in protein compared to other nuts.
16. Banana coconut cookies
Only 2 ingredients, so zero excuses here. All you need are some ripe bananas and coconut. To save time, double or triple the recipe then you can feed the family, the flat or just have a good supply for yourself. Get the cookie recipe here.
17. DIY raw energy bars
Snack bars are ultra convenient, great for kids, uni, the gym and desk draw. But many conventional bars are full of highly processes and added ingredients. These raw zesty almond bars are made from only natural, organic foods and only take a few minutes in a food processor.
18. Avocado mousse
This chocolate avocado mousse is rich and creamy but way healthier than the original version. You just need four ingredients and 10 minutes to make this mousse and it’s way better for you than eating a half block of chocolate.
19. Coconut banana loaf
Baking doesn’t have to mean loads of sugar and butter anymore. This moist coconut banana loaf is sort of like banana cake, or bread – but even healthier! Kids will love it too!
20. Black bean dip with veggie sticks
Black beans deserve super food status, packed with protein, fibre and antioxidants. 1 cup of black beans has 15 grams of fibre and 15 grams of protein which make them great for your digestive system and regulating blood sugar. This black bean dip only takes 10 minutes to make and will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Get dipping!