Four easy, healthy snacks for your little dancers

As summer glares down on us, it’s always fun to have an indoor activity to take us away from the heat. One of my favorite things to do is to explore new and easy recipes for healthy snacks that I can nibble on the rest of the day or after a sweaty workout -- and not feel guilty! 

Here, I’ll share four of my favorite recipes for healthy and tasty snacks that are easy enough to  make with your little dancer. 

1. Ants on a Log
 

This is a summer classic, so naturally I had to start off with this incredibly fun and easy snack. Now, the name doesn’t sound the most appetizing, of course, but when you think of a stick of celery topped with peanut butter, with little raisins sitting on top, well -- ants on a log is quite fitting. Peanut butter itself is filled with healthy fats and protein, and celery helps to reduce inflammation and supports digestion. 

The recipe too is super simple. All you need are three ingredients: celery, peanut butter and raisins are typically the normal ingredients. 

1. Wash the celery, and slice in half lengthwise. Then, cut up into finger-length pieces. 

2. Add in the peanut butter (or almond butter for those with allergies) into the cavity of the celery stick. 

3. Then, place raisins (or if you want some variety, some berries or even chocolate chips -- really anything you want!) onto the peanut butter. Enjoy one -- or all!


Photo from The Daily Meal.

2. Chips and Guac


Again, this is a classic, consisting of healthy fats from the avocado. Avocados mostly have unsaturated fats, which is good for the heart, as well as a number of vitamins. Like the first recipe, there isn’t a “set” recipe for chips and guac. You’ll need a lime, a red onion, tomatoes and avocado for this one, though.

1. Peel two avocados. Using a mashed potato masher, mash up the avocados into a bowl. 

2. Dice up a small red onion and a tomato. 

3. Add together into a bowl, and stir in well. 

4. Squeeze out lime juice from one lime.

5. Season with salt and pepper. 

6. Guac goes well with tortilla chips, but you can also opt for pretzels, or even low-carb tortilla chips. 


Photo from Clean & Delicious. 

3. Crispy Roasted Brussel Sprouts


I know -- brussel sprouts are one of the most hated vegetables of all time but I promise you can make them yummy! Brussel sprouts have been associated with lower risks of cancer, and are high in fiber as well. This one is slightly more complicated, since you’ll need to use your oven. But these crispy, slightly sweet, carmerlized, and salty brussel sprouts are the perfect way to get your kids to eat their greens for the day. 
What you’ll need: a bag of pre-washed brussel sprouts. Your spice cabinet. That’s it.

1. Preheat the oven to 450F.

2. Take a bag of pre-washed brussel sprouts, and slice each in half. 

3. Take a baking sheet, and line with aluminum foil. Spray with olive oil to prevent sticking. 

4. Place the sliced brussel sprouts on the sheet, and top with oregano, basil (whatever else is in your spice cabinet), salt, pepper, and some honey or sugar. 

5. Bake for 20 minutes, until caramelized. 

6. Enjoy on its own, or as a dinner side dish. 


Photo from Food Network. 

4. Coconut Date Bites


These are the perfect alternative to the ever-loved chocolate truffles, but a lot more healthy (and just as good!) These are also gluten free and vegan, and great for a quick bite to re-energize you throughout the afternoon, especially since dates are natural sweeteners that are high in fiber. 

You’ll need some shredded coconut, 10 medjool dates, cashews (or other types of nuts, if you’re allergic -- or no nuts).

1. Using a food processor, blitz up the ½ cup of cashews. 

2. Then, making sure the dates have no pits, add them into the food processor, along with ⅓ cup of the shredded coconuts. 

3. Add a tbs each of water and oil, so that the mixture comes together. 

4. Form little balls in your palm, and roll them in some more of the shredded coconut so they’re covered completely. 

5. Place them onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for an hour, so that they are firm. 

6. Enjoy as an afternoon snack!


Photo from The Coconut Mama. 

Hope you and your little dancer enjoy making these snacks together at home, and eating them too! Drop a comment if you try one of these recipes!