Sublime snacks

vSometimes, you just need something to munch on. These snacks are perfect for whatever mood you’re in, and far more healthy than anything you’ll find amid the junk food aisle! 

Sweet Potato Chips
If you bake your own sweet potato chips, they are loads healthier than regular potato chips. Less oil, more nutrients, and more natural. These are absolutely delicious when sprinkled with a few drops of lime juice or a bit of coarse sea salt.

Serves 5-6 as a snack

2 medium sweet potatoes
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp coarse sea salt (optional)

Fill a pot with cold water and set aside. Scrub the sweet potatoes (skin them only if you want!), then use a mandoline slicer or a sharp paring knife to cut the potatoes into slices no thicker than 1/8 of an inch. As you accumulate slices, drop them into the pot of cold water. Let them all sit for at least five minutes, and preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Drain the potatoes of water, and pat dry using paper towels or clean kitchen towels. When dry, add to a bowl along with the olive oil and toss to coat. Lay out on wire racks atop baking sheets, and add to the oven. You may need to do this in batches! Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces once halfway through cooking (and removing smaller pieces that may be crisp and done). The middle will still be slightly soft and the edges crisp when the chips are finished. Remove from the oven, let cool, and sprinkle with salt (if using). Enjoy!

Nutritional info per serving: 47.5 calories, 1.6 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 14 mg sodium, 180.5 mg potassium, 8 g carbohydrates, 1.3 g fiber, 3 g sugar, .8 g protein. 45% RDV Vitamin A, 9% RDC Vitamin C.

Garlic Roasted Chickpeas
These crunchy, salty delights are perfect to snack on for movie night, while you read, or just as a pick-me-up at work. So simple and easy to make! Add your own combination of spices if you like.

Serves 3-4 as a snack

1 can chickpeas (about 15 ounces)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, finely minced)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Thoroughly drain the chickpeas and transfer to a bowl. Top with the olive oil and garlic powder, then stir to coat. Transfer to a baking sheet, spreading out the chickpeas, and roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Check every ten minutes or so, stirring the peas around to encourage even cooking.

When done, they should be crunchy. If desired, toss in more olive oil, or add more spices to your preference (like paprika, garam masala, dried herbs, etc). When cool, store in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.

Nutritional info per serving: 174 calories, 4.7 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 358 mg sodium, 210 mg potassium, 27.4 g carbohydrates, 5.3 g fiber, .1 g sugar, 6 g protein. 29% RDV Vitamin B-6.

Oatmeal with Caramelized Bananas and Pecans
This could double as a breakfast, but it’s the perfect treat—rich and satisfying while actually being healthy! The fat content comes from the nuts, but no worries; it’s all healthy omega-3 oils. 

Serves 2

1 banana
1/4 cup pecans or walnuts
1 cup oatmeal (steel-cut, instant—whatever you like)
2 dashes cinnamon
1 tsp brown sugar

Slice the banana into quarters, then add to a small saucepan over medium-low heat along with the pecans. The sugar will begin to caramelize the banana. After a few moments, begin to stir, making sure the nuts also are coated in the glaze the banana gives off. Set aside when the bananas and glaze are slightly amber in color.

Prepare oatmeal as usual—over the stove or in the microwave (about 1 minute on high heat with just enough water to coat the oats). Split into two bowls, topping with the banana pieces, pecans, and a dash of cinnamon. Enjoy warm.

Nutritional info per serving: 288 calories, 11.5 g of fat, 0 mg cholesterol, .9 mg sodium, 289.5 mg potassium, 42.7 carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, 8.6 g sugar, 7.5 g protein. 20.4% RDV Vitamin B-6.