Have you ever thought how to snack so that it is actually beneficial for your body? I’m not just talking about reaching for a healthy apple. Your snacks can be much more powerful, well rounded, and complex. Snacks should be a good ratio of plant protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fat so that you feel as if you’ve had a mini meal.
When you’re constantly eating throughout the day, your metabolism stays in high gear and your food turns into energy faster. Your body can then use this energy more efficiently, preventing it from storing as excess weight. Eating upwards of 5 times per day is key! You need to have regular snacks in addition to your three meals a day. Here’s a delicious guac recipe you can use for one of your snacks, with other suggestions below!
Wholly Guacamole
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked green split peas
- 4 green onions
- 3–5 tablespoons lemon / lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon garlic granules or 1 clove fresh garlic
- ½ bunch parsley
- ¼ teaspoon Sunwarrior Sea Salt
- 2 large ripe Haas avocadoes
- ¾ cup chopped tomatoes
- Optional: 1 jalapeno / chili finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
Put peas, green onions, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley, jalapeno, and salt into a food processor and blend until smooth.
Cut avocadoes in half, remove pits, and scoop out flesh into a medium size mixing bowl. Mash avocadoes and mix in ingredients from food processor. Stir in the tomatoes, adjust seasoning.
Serve with organic tortilla chips, slices of jicama, or whole grain crackers.
Snacking can be good for you? Who knew!
Marni’s favorite (and way healthier) replacements for some common snacks:
Potato chips: Choose kale chips or organic corn chips with salsa or hummus.
Soda pop: Choose natural, 100% fruit juice, coconut water, or kombucha, which is bubbly and refreshing. Don’t know what Kombucha is? It has become a very popular fermented tea beverage with many detoxifying qualities and gut-healing benefits. It aids in digestion, increases your energy, and promotes the growth of healthy gut flora. My Fermenting For Dummies book covers all the basics on how to make your own at home!
Candy bars: Make your own balanced energy bar instead. They’re easy to make, and are great as a snack when you’re on the go!
Fried foods: You would be surprised to know that many fried treats are even more delicious when baked. Try baked sweet potato fries! They have more flavor and nutritional content than white potatoes.
Lattes or chocolate milk: Instead, make a chocolate smoothie to keep your energy going, and add natural sweeteners to prevent a midday crash!
Donuts: Make a batch of muffins instead and top them with almond butter or cinnamon dip (see the recipes in my book!) to make your snack even more well-rounded.
