by Dr. Alexa Rauscher, Naturopathic Doctor
Here are two healthy snack ideas for you to try. So, instead of reaching for the cookies or chips, try some of these healthy snack ideas. But be careful, you may catch yourself eating the whole lot.
Baked Kale Chips
This first recipe, baked kale chips, is slowly gaining popularity as a healthy snack. Kale is such a versatile vegetable that comes with so many health benefits. I myself can’t get enough of it. It seems to be making it onto my weekly grocery list. Whether I am sautéing it, baking it or just eating it raw, I am loving it.
What is great about this vegetable is that is it high in vitamins and antioxidants. Some health benefits include:
- Strengthens your immune system by fighting bacteria and viruses
- Kale is very high in iron, having more iron than beef, thus preventing iron deficiency anemia
- Aids in detoxification due to its fiber and sulfur content helping with digestion and liver health
- Kale contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids, acting as an anti-inflammatory
- Kale also contains the antioxidants Vitamin C, thus increasing the immune system and liver support, and Vitamin A, supporting your vision and skin health
- Kale also contains calcium, having more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing osteoporosis and maintaining metabolism
Enough about the health benefits, here is the recipe. This one is quick and easy!
Serving Size: 6
Preparation and Cooking Time: 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 Bunch of Kale
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Seasoned Salt
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a non-insulated baking sheet with parchment paper. With a knife or kitchen shear, carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle the kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt. Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10-15 minutes.
And that is it! How simple. How delightfully delicious!
Onto the next recipe…
Roasted Spicy Chickpeas
This one is my favorite right now. It is Roasted Spicy Chickpeas. These crunchy snacks are dangerously addictive.
Just like kale, these chickpeas come with an abundant amount of health benefits, which include:
- Chickpeas are low on the glycemic index. They contain high amount of protein and fiber, thus controlling hunger and helping control weight.
- These legumes help to reduce cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Chickpeas contain molybdenum, helping to detoxify sulfites, an additive found in wine, luncheon meats, and dried fruits.
Serving Size: Makes 1 Cup
Preparation and Cooking Time: 40-50minutes.
Ingredients
- Two 15-Punce Can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- ½ tsp Sea Salt
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange the rack in the middle of the oven.
Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and toss with the remaining ingredients until evenly coated. Spread the chickpeas in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 40 minutes. Occasionally check in and give the chickpeas a shake, rotating them.
I encourage you to try both of these recipes. They are simple to make, always taste great and a great healthy option for snack time. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Good luck and Enjoy!
