A good snack is an underrated linchpin of the modern diet. Emphasis on “good.” A good snack will give you tons of energy, without a subsequent sugar crash, and leave you feeling fuller longer.
Instead of following the siren song of the vending machine, homemade snacks are a healthier and less-expensive alternative. Here, we’ve identified several homemade snacks you can make and portion out in advance. See for yourself just how much more energy and focus you have after a day of filling your body with whole, fiber-rich snack foods.
Why go the homemade route?
Oh no, not more work! Fear not; homemade snacks are a light lift. Prepping batches ahead of time can set you up for the whole work week or even longer so you don’t need to add chopping and cooking to your growing to-do list during the week.
Not convinced? Here are some solid reasons why DIY is the way to do it.
Eating throughout the day (in a good way): A raft of diet plans recommend moving away from the traditional three-meals-a-day construct. Instead, there is evidence that eating five or six times a day is a better way to stay full and keep your blood sugar on an even keel.
You’re in control: Ingredient labels can be downright demoralizing. The snacks you find in your average convenience store taste good but are often highly processed and bursting with salt and sugar. Making homemade snacks means you know every ingredient you’re eating, so you can tailor the snacks to your own nutritional goals.
Make it your own: The above principle also holds true for taste. If you’ve never liked raisins in your trail mix, now’s your chance to banish them forever. Healthy and tasty aren’t mutually exclusive, and you’re the best person to find your sweet spot.
Cost control: Simply put, making something yourself can be more cost-effective ounce-per-ounce than buying its pre-made equivalent. For snacks, you can save time as well as money by making and prepping big batches ahead of time, and portioning them out. Homemade doesn’t mean the end of grab-n-go.
Get snackin’
The snacks listed below are a cinch to prepare at home by following very basic and widely available recipes. There are many ready-to-eat products and foods that require little or no preparation, like yogurt, celery sticks, and fruit. However, if you’re looking to make your own snacks and mix and match your favorite ingredients, these are the best recipes for homemade finger food.
We all need a boost sometimes, and sugar is, to put it mildly, is a less-than-ideal option because it’s accompanied by a crash. Instead, these recipes rely in part on protein, which slowly but surely fuels you through those long days and nights.
- Granola: The combinations are limited only by your imagination, but the basic building blocks of granola are oats, nuts, a sweetener like maple syrup or honey, and dried fruit. But don’t let that box you in. Try unsweetened coconut for its delicate flavor and crunch, or flax seeds for an extra shot of protein.
- Ants on a log: There’s no reason to let go of this classic snack just because you’re not seven years old anymore. For a modern twist on the classic recipe, spread your favorite nut butter on a celery stalk and top with raisin “ants.” Feeling adventurous? Try fire ants on a log using dried cherries instead of raisins.
- Jerky: It’s a common myth that DIY jerky requires a food dehydrator. While that tool certainly provides the best results, you can make perfectly good jerky in the oven using low heat. Just marinate and slow-bake thin strips of beef, pork, turkey breast, or even venison. Interested in plant-based eating? Try using soy curls instead of meat. Fair warning: Jerky takes about eight hours to make in the oven, so this certainly needs to be prepared ahead of time.
- Pinwheels: These snacks are highly customizable, and the recipe couldn’t be easier. Roll your favorite cheese and deli slices in a whole-wheat tortilla, slice it into rounds, and voila! For an extra crunch, add cucumbers, tomatoes, or other veggies, to elevate this snack into a whole meal.
- Trail mix: Homemade trail mix is a popular snack for a reason: It’s really hard to mess up. Nuts and seeds, dried fruit, pretzels, lather, rinse, repeat. Feeling indulgent? Throw in some dark chocolate chunks or toasted coconut for added sweetness.
- Guacamole: Guacamole is so pervasive that at times it feels like a condiment. Avocados are chock full of micronutrients including antioxidants and potassium. Round out your guac snack with veggie sticks or whole-wheat crackers for added fiber.
All of these healthy snacks are easy and inexpensive to make at home and have on hand when you need an extra boost in the afternoon (or morning). Simply make them in batches in advance, and you’ll have easy grab-and-go snacks that are as delicious as they are healthy. So what are you waiting for? Get cracking on better snacking.
However, if you’re working remotely read on this piece with our favorite snacks to nibble on while working from home.
BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.
