Snacking is a perfect small pocket of joy we can sneak into every day to make pushing through it more accessible. Unfortunately, most of the snacks out there are either so played out or so unhealthy that it’s more like eating an extra dessert in the middle of the afternoon. If you want a unique snack and still want the pick-up of energy that good snacks can give you in the middle of the day, here are some ways to make your snacks more interesting.
Remix The Classics
Are there some snacks that you feel like you could eat every day? If it’s not the flavor that calls to you, is there a texture you adore? Instead of crunchy chips, you can enjoy crispy and salty nori squares for a snack. You can make these kinds of trades and have a generally similar snack that’s hugely different at the same time.
For those with a sweet tooth, instead of an afternoon yogurt, you can easily make chia seed pudding the night before and enjoy it the day of! The smooth and thick texture is like gelatin, while you can flavor it to taste like anything you want. Boysenberry and cream chia seed pudding? Yes, please!
Toss In Fresh Flavor
Maybe you don’t want to give up your main attraction, but you want to mix it up some. If that’s the case, sauces are where it’s at. Using bacon jam on a peanut butter sandwich instead of grape jelly can give you a fun and unique salty-sweet sandwich unlike any other. Don’t be shy about trying new combinations: it’s only a snack, you can always try again if you don’t like it!
Theme Your Snacks
If you’re the type of person, who cares deeply about symmetry in your life, having snacks that go along with your breakfasts or lunches can be a fun way to add more of a theme to your day. If you packed yourself chickpea masala for lunch, you could roast peanuts with curry powder and salt for an afternoon snack that goes with it.
Another way to do this is to make low-calorie lemon bars to enjoy in the afternoon if you have lemon pepper chicken and veggies for dinner. Of course, you don’t have to be matchy-matchy for the whole week, but having themed days can help each day feel a little more special.
Make, Don’t Buy
Although it’s easier to purchase protein bars, granola snacks, and other foods: we don’t know what goes into them and can’t control the ingredients. On top of that, making things from scratch makes them taste better and allows us to personalize them to our taste buds.
Instead of buying a pack of oatmeal bars, consider making your own sweet, salty, crunchy, and soft treat! Pistachio oatmeal bars can be easily made in the afternoon, allowing you to premake snacks for the week on Sunday. Calling for natural ingredients like oats, maple syrup, pistachios, and coconut flakes: you’ll be able to count all of the elements on your hands. A perk about this recipe is just how customizable it is! Use it as a template and create something unique.