Are you feeling a bit bored with your snacks? Try these five super simple options that are nutritious, tasty and ones the whole family will enjoy. In addition to being easy, these snack options meet the grocery tip guidelines.

Homemade Trail Mix

Homemade trail mix is fun to make and can be created with a variety of ingredients. that provide whole grains, fruit and a nut/seedsIngrediHere is one of my favorite recipes that my teenage daughter brings to school.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole-grain cereal (try Kashi, Whole Wheat Biscuits, Cinnamon Harvest)
• 2 ounces of nuts/seeds (raw almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
• 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (vegan option: Chatfield Double Dark Semi-Sweet Chips)
• 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries

Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients together and store in an air-tight container for 3-5 days. Makes about 2 1/2 cups. 3-5 servings.

Edamame

Edamame is whole immature soybeans in a pod that can be steamed or boiled, served with sea salt and/or low-sodium tamari. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber and also provide vitamin C, iron, calcium and folate.

In addition to being a superb snack option, they also make a complementary side dish at dinner. They can be purchased in the frozen section of the store. Recommend organic edamame or ones labeled non-GMO as the majority of soybeans are genetically modified.

Triscuits with Hummus

Original Triscuits are a wonderful choice for a whole grain cracker, especially when paired with hummus. It is a perfect snack with healthy complex carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based protein. When choosing hummus, choose one with about 50 calories per 2 tablespoons serving and one made with 5 ingredients or less.

In a chef’s mood? Make your own hummus for an even better option. Check out this video on how to make your own hummus.

Homemade Granola

One of the easiest snacks to make is homemade granola, plus it is fun to make with the kids. Store-bought granola is typically high in added sugar and may contain questionable ingredients. Homemade granola has tons of mix-in options to suit any preference such as chocolate or cacao chips, shredded coconut, raisins, and nuts/seeds. One of my favorite granola recipes includes oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup.

Conscious Nibbling Tip: Maple syrup or honey are an excellent alternative to white processed sugar to sweeten baked goods.

Lara Bars

End of the workweek or short on time and snacks? Try Lara Bars. The majority of Lara Bars, have less than 5 ingredients and are made from whole foods such as nuts and dates. Some flavors include cashew cookie, apple pie, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Lara Bars are one of the best store-bought granola bars available with minimal ingredients and made from whole foods. The majority of granola bars such as Cliff Bars and Quaker Chewy Bars have several teaspoons of added sugar and numerous ingredients.

Give these five nutritious snack ideas a try and trade up from the typical highly processed snacks such as potato chips, cookies, and fruit snacks. Experience the difference with adding in whole food snacks and notice an increase in morning or afternoon energy.

Let’s connect! Thoughts about this article and/or tried some of the snack ideas? Please share, would love to hear from you!