Easy (but essential) Snacks!

• By Eric
• 21 February, 2013
• 4 Comments

After publishing a few recipes, it dawned on me that it was probably more important that I publish some of my favourite snacks, as they are key to transitioning into a new diet.  I certainly had a few days in my early transition where I leaned heavily on snack foods, as I was a bit lost in the wilderness of new recipes and having to prepare my own food on a regular basis.  Here are my top 6!

• Kale Chips – If your love for salty snacks is anything like mine, potato chip withdrawal is something you’re probably dealing with.  You’ll notice that almost all mass produced flavoured chips contain milk products.  Much to my surprise and dismay, (but also in my best interest now that I don’t eat them) even my favourite chips, Lay’s Salt & Vinegar, contain milk products!!  Kale Chips are a fantastic alternative to potato chips, as they are highly nutritious, but also delicious!  Here’s a great recipe for beginners, courtesy my friend Erin at ChewLife.

• Raw Energy Balls – Another recipe from Erin!  These may as well be called amaze-balls!  Almond butter, coconut, raisins, cinnamon, etc. all rolled into a ball of awesome.  These are great to package and bring to work as an in-between-meal snack.  I haven’t made these in awhile, but just writing about them has me salivating.  Looks like a good plan for tonight!   Here’s the easy recipe.

• Popcorn – Yeah that’s right.  Popcorn.  Just because you aren’t eating butter anymore, doesn’t mean you can’t eat popcorn.  If you still are eating butter, at least do yourself a favour and ditch the microwave popcorn.  Google “Microwave Popcorn” to understand what I’m talking about.  This stuff does not appear to be safe.  Besides, popping it on the stove like grandma used to is much more fun, not to mention rewarding, and provides a better, crispier kernel.  Get yourself some organic kernels and coconut oil and get popping!  A simple ratio of ½ Tbs. coconut oil to ½ cup kernels is a safe bet.  Cook on medium to medium high.  Keep that pot moving and be patient.  Soon enough your pot will be full (be sure to use a lid!)  Add your favourite seasonings – salt, pepper, dill, etc. and drizzle some more coconut oil, and voila!  Best popcorn ever!

• Trail Mix – Simple simple simple.  Mix up your favourite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.  I generally use cashews, almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, raisins, goji berries, and whatever else is kickin’ in the pantry.  Spread out on a plate and then drizzle a small amount of your favourite sweetener on it.  Be it maple syrup, agave, or, wait for it, honey. (Did he just say, “honey?”  I thought he was vegan?)  More on the honey topic coming your way soon…  Stay tuned.  Mix it all together and throw in a mason jar.  A great snack for road trips, or just to have at your desk in the office.  Keeps well for a long period of time.

• Rice Cakes – Rice cakes are as close to nutritionally void as food comes.  However they aren’t necessarily bad for you either.  They’ll temporarily satisfy that craving for something crunchy when you’re in a pinch.  I certainly leaned on these bigtime in my early days of transition.  I’ve since found other options but will occasionally return.  Spread some PB or almond butter on them with some chia seeds, and you’re golden!

• Apples with Almond Butter – Saved the best for last.  Quite simply the greatest discovery of my new found diet.  A minimum of twice a day, I’ll chow one of these down.  Simply slice up an apple, remove the core, and individually butter each slice with as much almond butter awesomeness you can handle.  These taste better than they sound.  You’ll be hooked!  I prefer raw almond butter, but try whatever works for you!

What are some of your favourite vegan snacks?  I’m always looking to expand upon my snack regimen!

Peace and Love,
Eric