“Mommy, I’m hungry.” I can’t tell you how many times I hear that in a day from my 4-year old. Just like any health-conscious mom, I try not to feed little T with pre-packaged goodies from the grocery which are mostly filled with artificial ingredients and sweeteners. Although that sounds convenient, fast and cheap, but my son’s health is also a priority for me. So preparing healthy snacks made from real food, that doesn’t come in a pack is something I’ve been trying to master the last few years.

So here are a few smart snack ideas that you and your little ones can also prepare together. These are NO-BAKE as well and can be done in minutes. Are you ready?

GREEK YOGURT BERRY POPSICLES

INGREDIENTS: makes about 8 popsicles

• 1 cup greek yogurt

• splash of almond milk (or choice of milk)

• 1 cup frozen mixed berries 

• 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds  

• sliced fresh fruits 

COMBINE all ingredients (except fresh fruits) into a blender.   PREPARE the popsicle moulds.  POUR the blended mixture halfway.  ADD fresh fruits.  POUR more mixture all the way to the top.  COVER the moulds and FREEZE for at least 2 hours. 

CHOCOLATE BANANA LOLLIES

• 5 fresh ripe bananas

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

• 2 teaspoons coconut oil

• all-natural peanut butter

• toppings you like: cacao nibs, shredded coconut

PEEL the bananas.  INSERT a popsicle stick halfway thru the banana.  MELT the chocolate chips in a small bowl with the coconut oil until smooth and silky.  TRANSFER to a deep bowl or glass.  DIP a banana halfway into the chocolate mix.  PLACE on a tray with parchment paper so it doesn’t stick.  ADD your fave toppings.  FREEZE for at least 15 minutes or until the chocolate sets.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BLISS BALLS

1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter (label should only say 100% peanuts)

• 1/2 cup pure honey

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/3 cup shredded coconut

• melted dark chocolate

• Optional: chia seeds, protein powder

Mix the peanut butter and honey until smooth.  ADD the rolled oats, shredded coconut and other additions.  Mix well (with hands preferably).  Roll into balls.  Dip into melted chocolate.  Freeze for at least 15 minutes or Enjoy right away.

MY SMART SNACKING TIPS TO KEEP YOU FROM BINGE-EATING
  KEEP IT NATURAL.   Avoid processed food like pre-packaged biscuits or chips that are high in preservatives, artificial ingredients, and refined sugar. 

1.   KEEP IT BALANCED.  Have a mix of sweet and savory options.   Have fruits and also veggies as snacks.  Carrot, celery sticks with nut butter is another favorite healthy and quick option of mine.

2.   SNACK IN-BETWEEN MEALS.   I usually snack around 10 am and 3pm.  This keeps my sugar levels in-check and keeps me from binging in the next meal.  So depending on when you have your meals, try to sneak in a healthy snack in-between to avoid sugar crashes.

3.   INCLUDE SUPERFOODS WHEN SNACKING. Superfoods are packed rich with anti-oxidants and they are excellent for your immune system too.  My top picks are raw cacao (or dark chocolate at least 70%), flaxseeds, berries, chia seeds, goji berries, shredded coconut or coconut flakes, which can all be enjoyed or added in the above snack recipes.

4.   MEAL-PREP YOUR SNACKS.  You can double the recipes like the bliss balls, popsies, banana lollies, pancakes, and store some of it in the freezer.  In this way, you have healthy snacks ready whenever you have that craving. 

To make it easier for you, I have prepared a FREE RESOURCE for you which has 10 NO-BAKE HEALTHY SNACKS! Make sure to hit the download button and enjoy these healthy, guilt-free treats.

Share this to your family and friends and tag me #TheFitFoodieMommy if you post it in social media. I always love to see my creations come to life!

Happy snacking!

x,