I’m a snacker. A grazer. I always have been. Typically, I’m really good at munching on the healthy stuff but lately, I’ve found myself in a rut. I’ve grown rather tired of my usual snacks and have found myself eating bites of my kids’ goldfish crackers or teddy grahams or sneaking something from the pantry far too often. It really doesn’t make me feel good, especially when I am usually better about what I reach for when I’m hungry. So, I asked my friend Jane if she would help pull me out of this rut!
I met Jane after she guest blog posted on BalancedAmes with some really great recipes (like these Better For You Breakfasts) that we tried and loved in our house. Jane has an amazing Instagram account (( @realjanefood )) where she shares a huge variety of food ideas that are vibrant, wholesome and tasty.
I can sometimes get overwhelmed with recipes and food ideas because I like to keep things simple + healthy + affordable. I’m not a master chef, after all. What Jane shares all seems (as has been, from what we’ve tried) realistic in terms of food preparation for a busy mama like myself.
My question to Jane: Can you help me? I need some new snack ideas and would love to share them on my blog because I can’t be the only mom who has fallen down the kids snack rabbit hole. Help us stay healthy… please?!
And this is what she sent:
Five quick, easy, healthy and affordable snack options, whether you’re home with kids, in an office job, or studying at school. Enjoy, plant-strong friends!
| 1 | If you like yogurt and granola, you’ll love a…
Banana with Cinnamon and Toasted Pecans
Top a ripe sliced banana with toasted crushed pecan pieces, a big shake of ground cinnamon and a sprinkle of sea salt for a creamy, crunchy combination.
Make it breakfast: Use your banana, pecans and cinnamon to top overnight oats (1/2 cup rolled oats + 1 cup nut milk + a swirl of maple syrup in the fridge overnight).
| 2 | If you like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you’ll love a…
Berry Bowl with Almond Butter Drizzle
Microwave a cup of frozen berries for one minute (opt for the mix that includes only blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries – low on the glycemic index and fiber-filled) and drizzle with natural one-ingredient almond butter. The juicy berries and rich creamy nut butter are a delicious combination.
Make it breakfast: Smash the thawed berries onto a slice or two of sprouted bread topped with almond butter.
| 3 | If you like a baked potato with butter, you’ll love a…
Coconut Stuffed Sweet Potato
This wonderfood is jammed with vitamins, and the coconut oil brings in healthy fat that will keep you super satisfied, and help your body absorb nutrients. Microwave a large sweet potato for 4 minutes and slice in half, then back and forth, topping with a spoonful of coconut and sea salt.
Make it lunch: Add a spinach salad with sesame oil, almond slivers, and chia/sesame/flax seeds.
| 3 | If you like a turkey on wheat, you’ll love…
Sprouted Avocado Toast
Sprouted grain bread is as unprocessed as possible, touting a host of health benefits (and lots of filling fiber and protein!) Smashed avocado adds that creamy, satisfying healthy plant fat, and a sprinkle of sea salt is all the added flavor you’ll need.
Make it lunch: Add red pepper flakes or Everything Bagel Spice, and serve with an olive oil, lemon, and cracked pepper arugula salad.
| 4 | If you like baby carrots and ranch dressing, you’ll love…
Tri-Color Carrots with Chick Pea Hummus
The more colors you can incorporate through whole plant food, the more easily absorbed vitamins and nutrients you are adding to your plate. Five minutes to peel and slice a bag of these beauties is so worth it! They are so much more flavorful than their baby counterparts and hummus brings the fiber and protein to keep you full and feeling strong.
I’m really excited to add these snack options into my rotation. And I’m sure that as soon as I start eating these snacks, my kids will want them too! Because that’s what always happens, right?
About Jane:
I’m thrilled to be here, sharing quick, easy, affordable snack ideas (and offer simple ways to turn them into meals.)
While I’m not a nutritionist or dietician, I am someone who struggled to find balance with food for over a decade, and left disordered eating behind after adopting a clean, whole food, plant-based diet.
Caught in a cycle of restriction and binging from high school through my twenties, I related to food in a fearful, frantic way. After trying every trend, I discovered this kinder, gentler diet and truly started to heal my relationship with eating. Focusing on nutrient dense food (veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, and grains) in its natural form became a passion, and helped me to feel both energized by food and at ease with eating.
Since discovering this way of fueling my days, I’ve felt stronger and fitter in body, mind, and spirit…even through two pregnancies and now with a two-year-old and a three-month old! Freedom around food and eating has changed my life and I credit a plant-based diet for this positive shift.
Two mantras stay at the forefront of my mind each time I assemble a meal or a snack:
- “Fat + Fiber + Protein” These vital elements work together to create long lasting, satisfying fullness – and to increase health, wellness, and longevity.
- “Color + Flavor + Texture” These three attributes ensure both a balanced nutrient profile – and the most delicious, FUN experience with food!
If you’re looking to add more vibrant, colorful, healthy food into you weekly plans, come say hi on IG @realjanefood and find loads of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert and ideas. I began sharing what I’m making each day after friends and family kept requesting fresh simple recipe ideas for Meatless Mondays, January reboots, Spring Break vacations, and just to feel lighter, stronger, and more energized. It’s such an honor to help bring about a kinder, more sustainable way of eating; thank you for popping by!
Now go show Jane some love + go make yourself a snack, mama! You deserve it — even if you have to eat it in the pantry with the door closed. ?
XO