Whether you’re a parent prepping your kids’ lunches or just looking for some healthy snack inspiration for yourself, we’ve got you covered with these quick and easy recipes! From beetroot hummus to carrot cake energy bites plus ten after school quick-prep options, these ideas will make getting back to school (almost) stress-free.

1. Roasted Beet Hummus

Ingredients

• 1 small roasted beet
• 1 ¾ cup chickpeas
• juice of half a lemon
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tahini
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Peel and slice your beet and roast it in the oven for about 40 minutes at 370 F.
2. Once your beet is roasted and cooled, place the pieces in your food processor.
3. Blend until only small bits remain.
4. Add remaining ingredients except for the olive oil and blend until smooth.
5. Drizzle in the olive oil as the hummus is mixing.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of water.
7. Enjoy with fresh carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, or your favorite crackers

2. Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Muffins

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup oats
• 2 scoops protein powder (or sub ¼ c oats)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter or sunflower seed butter
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ⅓ c chocolate chips
• ⅓ c walnuts for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease muffin tin with coconut oil.
2. Add all of the ingredients (minus the chocolate chips and walnuts) into a food processor and blend everything together.
3. With a spoon, add in the chocolate chips and stir to incorporate.
4. Pour the mixture evenly into your muffin tin. Garnish each muffin with crushed walnuts.
5. Bake at 350 F for ~20 minutes or until golden. To make sure they are ready, insert a toothpick and if the toothpick comes out clean then they are done.
6. Let cool and enjoy!
7. Place in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for a few days (if they can last that long!).

3. Carrot Cake Energy Bites

Ingredients

• 1 medium carrot
• ¼ cup almonds
• ¼ cup walnuts
• ½ cup coconut (+ more for rolling)
• 3 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1½ teaspoon of coconut oil
• 1½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger

Directions

1. Finely grate the carrot. Set aside into a bowl.
2. Put the almonds and walnuts in a food processor until they begin to break down into small pieces.
3. Add remaining ingredients except for carrot and mix again.
4. Add the carrot and stir until well combined.
5. Form the mixture into balls.
6. Place in refrigerator for an hour to set.
7. These are best kept in the fridge and will stay good for a week.

Looking for some more ideas?

Try these nutritious quick prep snack ideas to quickly curb that after school (or after work!) hunger.

• Peanut Butter Drizzled Popcorn – Ditch the microwaved popcorn and try popping your own organic popcorn with some coconut oil. Top with a drizzle of melted peanut butter with a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt.
• Rice Cakes with Hummus and Cucumber – This light and refreshing snack are perfect when you want to opt for something more savory.
• Kale Chips – If your idea of a snack is a bag of potato chips, I recommend switching over to kale chips. Filled with fiber and magnesium, kale chips make the perfect nutrient dense snack when you’re looking for something crunchy.
• Yogurt Parfait – Who said that parfaits are only for breakfast? Take your favourite yogurt, top with granola, fresh fruit, and a dollop of your favorite nut butter.
• Dates Stuffed with Almond Butter – This combination is divine! Take a few dates, remove the pits and stuff them with almond butter. If you want to take things to the next level, add some shredded coconut and dark chocolate chips.
• Apple Rings – Thinly slice two apples and sprinkle them with cinnamon, hemp seeds, and some nut butter. Perfect for when you’re short on time!
• Fresh Fruit with Nuts and Seeds – This classic never fails. Some of my favourite combinations are blueberries and walnuts, raspberries and walnuts, or apples and cashews.
• Toast with Almond Butter and Sliced Banana – Toast your choice of bread, slather on your favourite nut butter and add some sliced banana and cinnamon for the perfectly balanced snack.
• Roasted Chickpeas – Wash 2 cups of chickpeas, pat dry, and drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder and some paprika. Bake at 425 F for 25 minutes.

Looking for even more ideas? Check out 49 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids and 49 Healthy Snack Ideas for Adults. What’s your favourite snack idea? Comment below!

Looking for more healthy recipe inspiration? Book an appointment with Danica to get started on your customized meal plan that’ll fit your family’s lifestyle!