More substantial than fruit and veggies, I need (quick) snack ideas that have both nutritional and caloric oomph. Preferably ones with protein and fat (since carbs are easy to come by in my experience).
Balls for the win.
These look so hideous it’s almost embarrassing to post. It’s not a wonky camera mode, they are really that green color. It’s because there’s green stuff in them.
Frozen Green Chai Vanilla Bites [vegan, gluten free, soy free, dairy free, nut free]
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 tbsp protein powder of choice (I used Amazing Grass chai vanilla infusion)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds + 4 tbsp water
- [optional] 1 tbsp liquid sweetener (maple syrup, honey, agave)
- pinch of salt
Directions:
Add everything to a food processor and pulse until it all comes together and forms a large ball.
Roll into smaller bites sized balls and store in the fridge or freezer.
Notes: the amount of sweetener is up to you and will vary based on what protein powder you use (i.e. if it is sweetened or not).
The pairing of chai and vanilla and coconut in these is awesome. I totally recommend Amazing Grass’ vanilla chai infusion. It’s got that characteristic "green" taste (and color), but has a delicious unique chai flavor. I love love love chai.
Chia gel on the left, ready to roll on the right.
Depending on the size, you should get ~12 balls.
These are nutrient dense like whoa. Thanks to the Amazing Grass powder, they have (rice and hemp) protein, plus the sunflower seeds, chia, and coconut offer fat (and a million other fantastic nutrients) as well.
More allergy friendly snack ideas:
- dried coconut / dried fruit
- banana chips
- glutino pretzels with sunbutter
- home-made bean dip
- tortilla chips with salsa/guacamole
- avocado on wheat free crackers*
- pepitas / sunflower seeds
- hard boiled eggs
As you’ll notice, several of these require you to make them yourself. In the safety of your own kitchen, you have 100% control over what goes into your food. Time consuming, for sure; but at least you’ll be less stressed because you will be sure of the exact ingredients.
Other ideas?? Feel free to chime in!
*If you are eating something pre-packaged, be sure to check ingredients lists carefully. If it’s a gluten free product, it may still have some other source of allergen (case in point Mary’s Gone crackers, which are wheat/gluten free but do have sesame seeds). Unless something is made in a certified peanut/tree nut-free facility, there’s always a risk of contamination. I’ve called a few companies and so far everyone has been really helpful in making sure their customers are informed. Be a responsible consumer – don’t be afraid to get in touch with customer service and ask questions!
These aren’t all snack ideas but I thought you might enjoy these!
http://damndelicious.net/2013/03/25/kale-salad-with-meyer-lemon-vinaigrette/ (Doubled the kale since the dressing was a lot for the little amount of kale!)
http://blog.freepeople.com/2013/12/gingerbread-cookie-balls/
These were a big hit in our house… Just change up the nuts!?
http://withstyleandgraceblog.com/2011/11/02/baked-cinnamon-spiced-apple-chips/
http://www.loveandzest.com/2013/12/cranberry-kale-turkey-burgers.html (These are my favorite burgers ever!!!, I used POMS instead of cranberries)
http://pinchofyum.com/chopped-brussels-sprout-salad-creamy-shallot-dressing
http://www.cottercrunch.com/2014/01/super-easy-gf-super-bowl-recipes/ (This apple nut Hummus we both love.. You could swap out the peanut flour for coconut & use switch the nuts!)
http://www.simpletruth.com/recipes/breakfast-recipes/mango-coconut-quinoa-oatmeal/
Whew Got a little carried away! Oops 🙂 Anytime I see coconut I instantly think of you!
I’ve made these for years. I like to add a healthy fat. Sometimes I add a nut butter which i know will not work for you but i also have added avocado. Oatmeal flour can firm them up if needed I also roll them in some ground seed , coconut, etc. for a little texture. There is so many was to change them up.
you are so sweet 🙂
these are great!! i love finding new blogs too so I’m excited to add some of these to my rotation. and the turkey burgers sound awesome!
Yum! These look delicious!
We always make up big batches of healthy baked goods and store them in the freezer for quick and easy snacks. Usually I’ll just pop one in the fridge the night before so when I grab it in the morning it’s defrosted and ready to go!
these look delicious!
Some of my favorite snacks:
http://paleomg.com/fudgy-brownies/ (you can sub cocoa powder and more coconut oil for the chic chips) She also has a tasty gingerbread version. Both freeze well.
http://purelytwins.com/2013/10/01/grain-free-paleo-gluten-free-plantain-bread/ Great with coconut oil spread on top. You can make it in large batches and freeze.
Olives and sliced cucumber.
Fruit leather and coconut butter.
Long time reader but never commented before. Love your blog!
Thanks Ellen! These both look and sound great!!
You mentioned making hummus with avocado or olive oil. I LOVE hummus made with sunflower butter instead of tahini!
I’ll have to try that vanilla chai flavor! I’ve made lots of larabar style balls and such, even using raisins or dried apricots soaked in hot water and drained and fewer dates with a seed nut mix- i’m sure you could use a hemp seed/pumpkin seed/etc
I made this smoothie the other day and it was a great :
http://www.thisrawsomeveganlife.com/2012/10/blueberry-hemp-smoothie.html?m=1
I’ve been eating lots of roasted chickpeas, or the ones from The Good Bean
good ideas! i love hemp right now. definitely in a smoothie phase, despite the fact that it’s feb!
good call! thats sounds like a great tahini replacement!