DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE:
8 Snacks to Keep You Energized While Gift Shopping
by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD
Go! Go! Go! 25 Days till Christmas! Long lines and crowds can sometimes delay getting home for that next meal. So here are 8 great snacks to satisfy you on the go!
1. Roasted Chickpeas from The Dolce Diet Living Lean Cookbook
Chickpeas contain healthy protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are super easy to throw into a Ziploc baggie or small Tupperware.
2. Grapes & Nuts
A handful each of grapes and nuts go great together! Grapes have a high nutrient content, and play an important role in ensuring a healthy and active life. Nuts contain both protein and fiber, which help boost energy and then keep it stable.
3. Trail Mix
1/4 cup cashews/almonds + ¼ cup raisins/dried cranberries (Nuts: Because, well, see above. And cranberries are great for their antioxidants, which work hard to flush out the harmful toxins which suppress the immune system. Going with the raisins? Great! Scientists say that raisins can help power the body when exercising (I mean shopping!) just as well as expensive sports nutrients bars.
4. 1 apple + 2 tbsp. almond butter
Try cutting the apple before leaving and sprinkling with lemon juice to delay browning – precut apples are much easier to eat on the go. Apples are an excellent source of fiber (so keep the skin on), and almond butter is filled with protein, non-heme iron and healthy fats!
5. Natural Protein Balls
Makes 30 balls
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp.vanilla
• 1/4-1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
• Line a tray that will fit in your freezer with parchment paper. Set aside.
• In a food processor, crush almonds until they are a fine crumb.
• Add chickpeas and process until they are fully broken down. Next, add the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla and process until you have a smooth mixture.
• Remove blade from the processor and stir in the chocolate chips, if using.
• Roll the mixture into small balls and place on your tray. Continue until you use all the mixture; you should have 30 balls.
• Freeze for at least 20 minutes before serving.
6. Avocado + walnuts
Both avocado and walnuts are optimal sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are responsible for helping to fight off inflammation
7. Berries & Greek yogurt
Berries are excellent sources of fiber with some of the highest fiber content of all fruits. Greek yogurt is an ideal source of protein due to its carb-to-protein ratio (in this case it’s 1:2 which you don’t see very often). Most nonfat, plain varieties have 7g of carbs and 18g of protein, on average, in a 1 cup serving. Remember, pairing carbs with protein is ideal for optimal blood sugar control.
8. No Bake Protein Peanut Butter Bars
Makes 16 bars
Ingredients
• 1.5 cups oats
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 4 scoops “The Dolce Whey Protein Isolate”
• 1/2 cup of water or unsweetened almond milk
• Stevia, to taste
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Himalayan salt
Directions
• Line a 8×8 baking dish with wax or parchment paper
• Mix all ingredients by hand in a medium size mixing bowl
• Press mixture down into dish, using a spatula to flatten
• Freeze for approximately 30 minutes.
• Cut into 16 bar and refrigerate.
