How do you and your family eat healthy on-the-go? The trouble is that many popular grab-and-go snack foods contain a long list of added preservatives, artificial flavours, and genetically modified ingredients. To avoid these, nutrition experts recommend looking for foods made with whole, simple ingredients, no refined white sugar, and limited added salt – which can be tough to find and even tougher to get kids to eat. Fortunately, there are dietitian approved options available, like raw nuts and dried fruit packs, hummus with veggies or crackers, popcorn with sea salt, or varieties of snack bars like Qi'a Superfood Bars with 5 grams of protein and 6 grams of fibre. “My four-year-old loves snacks in bar form,” says Desiree Nielsen, a registered dietitian. “We take Qi'a bars travelling or pack them as after school snacks.” Alternatively, try making your own snacks like these easy five-ingredient Chocolate Energy Bites, naturally sweetened with whole dried dates and crunchy coconut granola.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Nature's Path Coconut Chia Granola
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut, toasted
Instructions
- Add granola to food processor; pulse until coarsely ground. Transfer to bowl; set aside.
- Add dates to food processor; purée until only small bits remain. Add ground granola, cocoa powder and coconut oil; pulse until combined. Return to bowl; stir in coconut.
- Scoop mixture into 2 tablespoonful portions. Roll into balls.
- Transfer to parchment paper–lined tray; refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.
Notes
www.newscanada.com
Latest posts by Canadian Home Trends (see all)
- Capilano Outdoor Living - October 6, 2024
- The Mighty Mudroom - October 6, 2024
- Patio Makeover with Maria Killam - October 6, 2024