Healthy snack ideas
If you are anything like me, you like to graze. Maybe your cupboard or fridge is full of delicious biscuits, crackers, crisps and nuts? These things can all add up, often contain oil and additives, even if they are labelled low fat or healthy.
It is so easy to make your own. I really love whipping up a batch of “protein balls” and always have some in my fridge. They are easily frozen as well. And the possibilities are endless!
You will need a food processor of some description. I have a magimix that is years old and still going strong. I have had cheaper versions in the past, due to budgetary restraints! They didn’t really do the job and they broke down as I do use them quite a lot. There is also the all singing and dancing Vitamix, that I dream of getting one day! Even those these protein balls seem simple to make, once you add in dates, the work load is multiplied and it can often be too much for the cheaper mixers.
Talking of dates, I really recommend the magical Medjool! Almost caramel in texture, they are so versatile and tasty. They do cost a bit more, but it is worth it. If you are in the area, Dan’s Fruit and Veg in Crumlin do amazing package free Medjools.
My go to protein ball recipe is just dates, oats and peanut butter. 3 simple ingredients that most people have in their house already. I use around 10 dates, a cup of oats and a few table spoons of good quality peanut butter (meridian or good earth are great) and that’s it. Pop them all in the blender for a minute, maybe add a dash of water if it looks too dry, then roll them into ball shape, before refrigerating overnight. Below I have some other ingredients that I experiment with from time to time and come up with lots of different varieties:
Cacoa powder or nibs
Chia / Flax seeds
Desiccated Coconut
Dark Chocolate
Orange Essence
Grated Carrot
Himalayan Salt
Maple Syrup
Cinnamon
Vanilla
You can leave out the peanut butter, or use hazelnuts or another nut instead. Substitute the regular oats for gluten free. Use figs instead of dates. I have only had one or two fails, but otherwise it is hard go wrong! The main thing is to only add a tiny amount of liquid if it is too dry. If you add too much it really does ruin them.
Feel free to share any tried and tested ones you have made, i’m looking forward to seeing them!