How to Make Easy, Healthy Snacks When You Can’t Get to the Store

Hiya Gorgeous!

Today I’m sharing some recipes for easy, healthy snacks that I think you’re gonna love. I chose them because, in times like these, we need simple foods that aren’t just tasty, but also full of fabulous nutrients. And I’m focusing on snacks because I’ve noticed that when it comes to recipe sharing, they often get left behind! Since you’re probably getting lots of healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas from your favorite bloggers right now, I’m hoping I can help fill that hole.

Now, to be clear, I’m not suggesting that you overhaul or get strict about your diet right now (unless you REALLY want to—I’m not here to tell you what to do!). There’s a lot of stressful stuff happening in our world, so I encourage you to make caring for yourself and others the number one focus for the time being. If you find yourself reaching for your favorite comfort foods, it’s ok. You’re doing the best you can under the circumstances, and beating yourself up definitely isn’t gonna help!

But I do know that many of you are looking for healthy recipes that you can make with limited ingredients. Maybe your kids are home, so it’s harder to find time for your normal grocery store run (not to mention that snacks may be disappearing from your home at a much quicker rate!). And while social distancing doesn’t restrict us from going out for essentials, you might prefer to play it safe (especially if you’re over 60 or have a chronic health challenge). Plus, even if you can get to the store, you might find that the shelves are bare and you’re not able to get your go-to ingredients.

The best part about these recipes is that they’re all really flexible. You can easily make adjustments based on your preferences and the ingredients you do/don’t have right now. I’ve included substitution ideas throughout the article, but I don’t know exactly what you have access to, so let your pantry, fridge and freezer be your guide! A general rule of thumb for substitutions is to use ingredients that are similar in flavor and texture to whatever you’re subbing out.

Ok, toots, whaddya say we go raid your pantry together?!

Easy, Healthy Snacks to Make When You Can’t Get to the Store

Satisfying Smoothies

Would any list of mine be complete without a shout out to green drinks? I think not! Smoothies are one of my favorite easy, healthy snacks because I can blend in advance and store them in airtight mason jars (they usually last up to 12 hours in the fridge and a month in the freezer!). Plus, unlike many recipes, the ingredients are usually flexible. If you don’t have a certain ingredient on hand, just sub in something similar or leave it out—voila, your very own creation! For more green smoothie tips, check out this post and this post from my blog archives.

My Body Builder smoothie is great for those times you’re feeling especially peckish because it includes protein-packed peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter you like). And the Raspberry Revitalizer smoothie is a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. You can use any frozen berries in place of the raspberries, and the coconut butter/oil is optional. (Psst… all of these recipes are from Crazy Sexy Juice!)

Delightful Dips and Dippers

Veggies and hummus or apples with almond butter are my go-to plant-based snacks when I’m short on groceries. No recipe needed! When I don’t have fresh produce available, I opt for pantry staples like whole grain crackers or dried fruit with no added sugar.

If you want to make your own dip, this Smoky Southwestern Hummus from my Test Kitchen Tuesday series is a total crowd pleaser (though you might not want to share!). No worries if you don’t have the spices it calls for—feel free to experiment and try different spice combos, or keep it simple with a little salt, pepper and garlic. If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, check out this yummy recipe for Sweet Potato Hummus.

Have a hankering for fries that aren’t deep fried? You only need four ingredients to make these delightfully crispy Oil-Free Rosemary French Fries. Dip them in ketchup for a classic snack, or get a little wild and pair them with your homemade hummus!

Need more snack ideas? Grab this free downloadable cheat sheet to learn about my top 10 recipe-boosting ingredients and how to use them (includes 3 more recipes for you to try!).

Energy Balls, Bars and Bites

What’s better than a bite-sized treat that packs a serious nutritional punch? Nada! I fill my bites with lots of plant-based protein and complex carbs so they fill me up and give me sustainable energy ‘til my next meal. I suggest whipping up a big batch of these easy vegan snacks ahead of time so you have plenty on hand for your busier days.

I love these No-Bake Cherry Vanilla Protein Bars because they’re quick to make and more affordable (and eco-friendly!) than buying individually wrapped bars at the store. Most of the ingredients are easy to swap out for whatever you have in your pantry, so have fun with it!
For example, any dried berries could sub in for the cherries—cranberries would be especially good because they’re tart, too!

Have some matcha hanging around in your cabinet? These Matcha Pistachio Bliss Balls are also on regular rotation in my kitchen. They’re perfectly sweet and have a cookie dough-like consistency, YUM! Or if you’re in the mood for chocolate, try these Raw Brownie Bites. And no worries if you don’t have dates on hand—try this recipe for Raw Protein Energy Balls!

Crazy Sexy Trail Mix

One snack you’ll always find in my pantry is the trail mix from Crazy Sexy You, my 21-day total wellness program—and today I’m sharing the recipe publicly for the very first time! It’s chock-full of nutritious goodies, like selenium from the Brazil nuts and vitamin A from the goji berries.

But the best thing about this recipe is that there’s no one right way to make it. If you don’t have some of the ingredients, just sub in whatever nuts, seeds and dried fruit you can find in your kitchen. I can’t wait to hear what combos you come up with!

Crazy Sexy Trail Mix

Serves 6 (about 1/3 cup or 80 ml per serving) | Prep time: 5 min

1/2 cup (67 g) Brazil nuts
1/2 cup (62 g) raw walnuts
1/3 cup (40 g) raw cashews
1/3 cup (48 g) raisins
1/3 cup (25 g) dried goji berries
2 Tbsp flaked or shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together.

2. Transfer to wide-mouth mason jars or to a large glass storage container.

Storage tip: Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month.

Make it nut-free: Replace Brazil nuts, walnuts and cashews with 2/3 cup (80 g) raw, shelled pumpkin seeds and 2/3 cup (46 g) raw, shelled sunflower seeds.

Happy snacking, sweet friend!

I hope that these recipes bring you some comfort (and of course, nourishment!) during these challenging times. Preparing food for yourself, no matter how basic it is, is a healing act of self-care that goes a long way. And remember: Above all else, keep it simple. Fruits and veggies baby, that’s where it’s at!

And speaking of fruits and veggies, here are some tips to keep you safe the next time you do decide to brave the market:

• It’s important to limit your trips to the store.
• Wash your hands before and after you go (and don’t touch your face!).
• Try to limit what you touch when you’re there (no fondling produce, etc.).
• Remember to practice social distancing (six feet!) from staff and other patrons.
• It’s also super important to respect the folks working at the grocery store. They’re also on the front lines and they’re scared. Let’s keep each other as safe as possible!

One more thing before you go. I love sharing tips and recipes with you because it’s my mission to help you take care of yourself—body, mind and soul. But it’s especially important to me now because, as we navigate the coronavirus crisis, I recognize that it’s more important than ever for us to share and connect with each other. Just know that I’m so, so grateful for you.

Your turn: What are your favorite easy, healthy snacks? Can’t wait to hear about your plant-based picks!

Peace & scrumptious snacks,