Healthy Snacks

 This post is written in response to a reader, Nicole, who asked for some ideas of healthy snacks.  I am going to share some of my favorite and hope that you will share some of yours in the comments below.  

1.  Hummus:  I love this bean dip and it is healthy for you.  It tastes a lot better when you make it yourself and you can put the spices YOU want in it.  You can also eat it with carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell peppers and cucumbers.

2.  Peanut Butter Banana Muffins:  For those who hate the slimy texture of oatmeal, these are a great alternative to get your oats.  They have less sugar than most muffin recipes, include bananas and peanut butter.  I have used fresh ground peanut butter in them and like them even better.  I have also tried using applesauce instead of bananas.  I make a batch and freeze them.  Otherwise, I would eat them too quickly.  I would like to make these next time I visit one of the other Spendwise Moms, since her little girl won't eat oatmeal.

3.  Dried Fruit:  I have to add this to my list because it is quick and easy.

4.  Nuts:  I love nuts for protein.  I put them in oatmeal, eat them plain and put them in muffins as well.  It isn't good to eat too many each day, but a few is great.  

5.  Refried beans with No Salt Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips:  Chips are my weakness, but these no salt chips can be eating with feeling like it is an addiction. 

6.  Whole Wheat Bread with a Healthy, Natural peanut butter or yogurt cheese.

7.  Fresh Fruit and Veggies

8.  Homemade Granola Bars:  You can put what YOU want it them.  They taste better, are better for you, and you control what it is them.  

There are a lot of recipes out there for healthy snacks.  These are just a few of my favorites.