Spring into Healthy Snacking!
As the weather warms up and we spend more time outside, healthy snacking is top-of-mind. Whether you’re planning a day trip, hanging out at the park, or just wanting to curb a case of the munchies, we’ve got you covered. Keep snack-time essentials (chia seeds, almond flour, goji berries, quinoa and organic trail mix) on-hand to give hunger a healthy fix.
1) Chia Seeds
With springtime comes hikes, nature walks, and after-school sports so make sure to stay energized and hydrated! Chia seeds are packed with fiber to curb hunger and keep energy levels up so that you can feel your best on-the-go. They’re also one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids, to support a healthy heart and brain. Just a one-ounce serving (appox. 2 tablespoons) of chia seeds provides nearly 15% of the daily value for fatigue-fighting iron and 18% of the daily value for bone-strengthening calcium. A great snack for outdoor activities, chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, and release it slowly as they’re digested, keeping you hydrated longer. Try a simple chia seed pudding or enjoy some blueberry chia jam bars before you head out of the house.
2) Almond Flour
We might not be looking forward to spring cleaning, but spring baking is just our cup of tea! We’re keeping our baked goods low-carb by making a simple swap for almond flour in our recipes. Our finely blanched, gluten-free almond flour can be used as a one-to-one replacement for wheat flour in recipes, so it’s a great option for paleo and gluten-sensitive dieters. Just like the almonds it’s made from, the flour is chock-full of protein, healthy fats, fiber, calcium, iron and vitamin E. Talk about a nutritional powerhouse! Make a batch of these healthy vegan chocolate truffles for a post-workout protein source or whip up this gluten-free almond cake for a dessert that contains no refined sugars or wheat-based flours.
3) Goji Berries
Considered the world’s most powerful anti-aging food, goji berries are a snack we can go for any day. These delicious red berries boost levels of antioxidants, the compounds that protect against cell damage associated with age-related degeneration. The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, a widely-accepted method of measuring the antioxidant levels in foods, rates goji berries as one of the richest food sources of antioxidants. A small handful of these tasty, sweet berries also provides vitamins A and C, protein, and iron. Toss them in your oatmeal, trail mix and yogurt, or enjoy them in teas and smoothies. They’re also a delicious treat to snack on all by themselves.
4) Quinoa
Beat the afternoon slump by eating foods that combine the right balance of protein and carbohydrates. Quinoa, the popular grain-like seed, is one such food that can help sustain your energy levels. A source of all nine essential amino acids the body needs on a daily basis, quinoa is considered a complete protein. It contains seven grams of protein per serving, and is also a complex carbohydrate with over 10% of the daily value for dietary fiber. Quinoa also generously packs a whopping 26% of the daily value for energy-boosting iron. Our certified gluten-free and organic quinoa is already pre-rinsed and ready for cooking! This recipe for quinoa tabbouleh salad makes a delicious and satisfying snack that you can bring for work or school.
If you’re just looking for a quick and healthy snack that you can just grab-and-go, then you’ll appreciate our organic trail mix. In it, your taste buds will discover a delicious combination of certified organic snacks including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, almonds, walnuts, cranberries, banana chips, Brazil nuts and cashews. The nuts and seeds provide plenty of protein, fiber and healthy fats, while dried fruits and banana chips lend vitamins and minerals like potassium. This snack mix is a pantry staple for those times when you find yourself short on time!
What healthy snacks will you be enjoying this season?
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