Healthy Snack List

November 9th, 2015 by Candace Stone

If you are looking to feed your family healthier snacks, here are some foods to add to your grocery list the next time you head to the store.

Make-Your-Own Trail Mix. Head to the bulk section and stock up on plenty of raw nuts, seeds and unsweetened dried fruit. My favorites are walnuts, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, goji berries and unsweetened cranberries.
Low-Sugar, Gluten-Free Granola. More and more brands are popping up, but try to find the one lowest in sugar. My favorite brands, although pricey, are Paleonola and Purely Elizabeth.
Pre-Popped Popcorn. Eating popcorn is filling and a great way to get some good fiber. You can buy is already bagged (just check the ingredients) or you can make a healthier version adding Bragg’s Amino Acids instead of salt and a little nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy flavor.
Nutrient-Dense Raw Food Bars. My daughter’s favorites that don’t need refrigeration are Organic Food Bar Active Greens, Raw Revolution Spirulina Dream, PURE Food Bars Cherry Cashew and Thunderbird Energetica Cacao Hemp Walnut.
Make-Your Own Veggie Tray. Buy a variety of veggies in a rainbow of colors and have them cut and ready to eat raw with hummus or guacamole. My favorites are carrots, celery, zucchini, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, red pepper and cherry tomatoes (even though tomatoes are technically a fruit). The trick is to wash them all when you get home, but only cut what you’ll use in the next day to avoid them drying out. Store each in its own container and stack them front and center so they’re easy for you and your kids to grab.
Have Ready-to-Eat Fruits. Be sure to have plenty of organic fruits that kids can grab and take with them like apples, bananas, and stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, plums and cherries. Also, watch for sales on the most nutritious, low-glycemic fruits like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and avocado.
Pack Plenty of Protein. Since we need to eat a little protein with every meal and snack, be sure to have some good quality protein options. One of my favorites is pasture-raised eggs. Boil enough to last the week and peel them while they’re warm. That way they’re ready to eat. Another favorite is raw nut butters like almond, cashew, pumpkin seed and walnut. They also come in little one-serving packets that are great to keep in the car and your purse. Keep raw nuts and seeds in glass jars in pantry and fridge so kids are more likely to see and grab. Every Sunday, make a batch of hemp seed balls. All you need are hemp seeds, raw almond butter, a low-glycemic sweetener like raw coconut nectar and goji berries. Just mix it all up until you get the right ball-rolling consistency and keep in the fridge. Also have black beans and garbanzo beans rinsed and ready to eat. Buy or make hummus and store in a sectioned container with your favorite vegetables for dipping.