Healthy Snacking on a Budget
Snacking can be part of a balanced diet, providing the energy and nutrients needed to stay focused and active throughout the day. However, finding healthy snacks that won’t break the bank can be challenging. Healthy snacking offers numerous benefits such as improved energy levels, better concentration and sustain nutrition between meals. Smart snacking can also prevent overeating during main meals and support weight management.
By choosing budget friendly nutritious snacks you can enjoy these benefits without straining your wallet. Let’s explore practical tips and delicious ideas for nutritious snacking on a budget! Here are some helpful tips for budget friendly snacking:
Make Your Own Snacks at Home
Making your own snacks at home is a cost-effective way to ensure you’re eating wholesome ingredients and avoids the need to purchase snacks when you’re out and about.
- homemade granola bars (recipe below)
- trail mix: mix together nuts seeds dried fruits and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips
- yogurt parfaits: layer Greek yogurt with fresh or frozen fruits and a sprinkle of ground flaxseed or granola
Buy in bulk
Purchasing stock staples like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits can significantly reduce costs. Store these items in an airtight container to keep them fresh and ready for snacking.
Prepare Snacks in Batches
Prepare snacks in batches can save both time and money. Store pre-portioned snacks in the fridge or pantry so they are ready to grab for work or when hunger strikes.
Simple Snack Ideas
- apple slices w/ 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- whole grain crackers with cheese
- greek yogurt with honey and berries
- popcorn seasoned with chili lime
- cottage cheese with fruit like pineapple or berries
- hardboiled egg w/ a fruit like peach, plum, banana
Recipe for homemade Granola Bars
Makes 12-16 bars depending on how you cut them
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line of baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine oats nuts and seeds.
- In a small saucepan, heat honey and peanut butter until melted, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Press the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Let it cool then cut into bars and store in airtight container
Eating healthy on a budget is achievable with a bit of planning and creativity. Feel free to share your own budget friendly snack ideas in the comments below.
Medical Advice Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. No material provided in this blog, including images and graphics, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before making any dietary changes or starting a new health care regimen. Do not neglect professional advice because of what you may have read in this blog.
About the Author: Cassandra is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She graduated with a B.S in Nutritional Science with a concentration in Dietetics in from San Jose State University. Cassandra believes nutrition information, as it exists today, does not fully accommodate all cultural traditions and backgrounds. Cassandra’s goal is to work with individuals step-by-step to help them achieve their personal nutritional health and wellness goals. It is her passion to help individuals cultivate positive, sustainable healthy nutritional habits that they can carry with them throughout life.
