afternoon snack recipes Archives

Date Smoothie

Okay it may sound weird at first. Dates in a smoothie? Yes, it is true… Combine milk, pitted dates, almond butter, and cacao powder with ice, and you’ll have a breakfast or dessert smoothie that is so filing and good! Dates are sometimes overlooked but they provide energy and are great when you’re craving something sweet. They do have calories but also fiber so they are good to help regulate digestion and contain vitamins such as B 6 and niacin. Paired with milk, almond butter and cacao powder, this recipe can be a healthy breakfast, afternoon snack or dessert. If you’re not familiar with cacao powder, you can find it at specialty grocery stores. It’s healthy alternative to chocolate with great flavor but without sugar and any processing. It’s also raw, vegan and a source of antioxidants, iron and fiber. This only takes 5 minutes to prepare, so blend and enjoy!

5 Amazing Healthier Cookie Recipes

If you are looking for something to satisfy your sugar cookie, check out these 5 amazing healthier cookie recipes starting with my recipe for Trail Mix Cookies on Fitness Republic and 4 others that I have tested and tried. These are great for those looking for flourless, Paleo, or to fill your child’s lunchbox. They also make a great afternoon snack and of course, dessert.

Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie on Bakerita

Two Ingredient Cookies on Naturally Ella

Tofu Oatmeal Raisin Cookies via Ingredients, Inc.

Flourless Chocolate Cookies via Ingredients, Inc

Berry Yogurt Bowl

Are you burned out on your everyday breakfast routine? I am. I have been trying to change up my morning routine such as drinking warm lemon water before my cup of coffee, drinking more water and eating a healthier breakfast other than a nutritional bar. This Berry Yogurt Bowl starts with nonfat Greek yogurt (plain, vanilla or you favorite flavor), fruit of your choice and your favorite seeds and nuts. This can also be made as a smoothie bowl recipe using my recipe for 3 Ingredient Banana Smoothie or Berry Peach Smoothie as the base and then top with the remaining ingredients. This recipe is fabulous for breakfast or even afternoon snack.

Banana Oat Smoothie

My daughter, Leigh, has been on a major heath kick for several months. She has been making smoothies quite often, and this Banana Oat Smoothie recipe has been one of our favorite in-a-hurry breakfast smoothies. It’s so simple, and I bet all of you have all of these ingredients in your home. In 5 minutes, it’s ready to go, and it is great for a or pre- or post workout snack, afternoon pick-me-up or breakfast.

Apple Pie Granola Parfaits

Who loves apple pie? These Apple Pie Granola Parfaits a a great recipe for breakfast, dessert or afternoon snack recipe. With this recipe, you will think outside the pie pan. Deconstructed apple pie layered with spiced Greek yogurt and Pumpkin Flax Granola, make apple pie parfaits a pretty, crunchy twist on Turkey day dessert too. I used the Pumpkin Flax Granola from Nature’s Path which our favorite store-bought granola. This recipe only has 281 calories per serving with 2 grams of fiber so enjoy! I can’t believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner! What’s on your menu?

Apple Snack Mix

Are you looking for something new for an afternoon snack mix? Or how about a healthy snack your kids can take to school? This Apple Snack Mix recipe has all of my favorite ingredients, and it’s made with freshly homemade dried apples. This snack recipe has been my go-to back to school snack for the kids. This would also make a great holiday gift idea, holiday open house snack. or fun idea for holiday school parties. For the apples, you can use almost any type such as Honeycrisp, pink lady or Braeburn or Granny Smith.

Banana Granola Smoothie

My favorite new smoothie recipe is this very simple Banana Granola Smoothie. For breakfast or an afternoon snack, this smoothie will satisfy you and the kids. My son, Zachary, started football practice this week. Can you believe it? Where is summer going? I have been making him this Banana Granola Smoothie before his rigorous practices, and he loves it! This will also be on our list for a back to school breakfast recipe. Feel free to add protein powder and 1 (6-ounce) container of nonfat Greek yogurt. If your bananas are not quite ripe yet, add 2 teaspoons of honey. I this smoothie recipe with only 4 ingredients, and I use Kind Granola which is gluten-free, high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. I got this smoothie idea from my friends at Lifetime Fitness where I enjoy a healthy smoothie after my own workouts. Try it, you’ll love it!

Mini Banana Bread Loaves with Flaxseed

This recipe for Mini Banana Bread Loaf has to be one of my all time favorites for so many reasons. First, it’s an awesome recipe and makes moist flavorful bread perfect for breakfast or a snack. It is also so healthy because it is made with nonfat Greek yogurt and ground flaxseed. I am a huge fan of using nonfat Greek yogurt because it has no fat, very few carbohydrates and is high in protein. Flaxseed is often called the “most powerful” plant food there is. It’s linked to so many benefits including reducing cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, constipation and arthritis. It also aids in protection against cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Lastly, you don’t even need a mixer so cleanup is a snap. When I taught the Kid’s Cooking Class a week ago in Park City, this recipe was a huge hit!