ANYTIME SNACKS FOR ATHLETES

One of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy body is fueling it properly, but sometimes that’s hard to do. Especially when you’re training, you need to eat at least every couple of hours, but when you’re going to school or working, making that happen can be difficult.

Even if you’re a stay-at-home parent or you work from home, it can be tough to cook a meal that often, so the following healthful snacks are a great option for those hectic times and will keep you going. Then there are those moments you’re just looking for something to munch on but want to avoid potato chips with ranch dip. These tasty recipes have got you covered there, too!

Super Simple Trail Mix

Packed with a combination of good carbs and protein, this blend will keep you moving until you can get in a real meal. The crunchy saltiness will ease your craving as well as help your body restore lost electrolytes.

• 1/4 cup almonds • 1/4 cup cashews • 1/4 cup pecans, quartered • 1/4 cup coconut flakes

• 1/4 cup dried pineapple • 1/4 cup dates, chopped • 1/4 cup dried bananas • 1 pinch unprocessed sea salt

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl, and toss well to combine.

Store in an airtight container—if it lasts that long!

Yields 1 3/4 cups.

Cajun Sweet Potato Chips

If you’re looking for crispy, salty, and satisfying, then these chips are for you. We’ll even go so far as to say that they taste way better than the saturated, fat-laden, plain old potato chips. Try them and see!

• 2 sweet potatoes, sliced extra thin • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

• 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (see Cajun Tilapia in Chapter 10)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Place sweet potatoes in a medium bowl, and drizzle coconut oil over them. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and toss to coat.

Layer on a parchment paper–lined cookie sheet, and bake 10 minutes or until chips are crisp.

Yields 4 servings.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Creamy and flavorful, this nutritious dip is terrific with Cajun Sweet Potato Chips or your favorite veggies—it makes you feel good about eating right.

• 1 box frozen organic spinach • 1 (14-ounce) jar of artichoke hearts • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 scallions, chopped • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon unprocessed sea salt • 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper • 1 cup cream cheese or cashew cream

Drain and chop the spinach and artichokes.

Warm the olive oil in a medium skillet on low heat, and sauté the garlic and scallions for about 1 minute.

Add in the spinach, artichoke, lemon juice, and spices, and heat until hot.

Add the cream cheese or cashew cream, and stir till combined.

Yields about 2 cups.

Cucumber Turkey Sammies

These crunchy little crowd pleasers will be a hit with all of your friends and family, regardless of whether they’re eating healthfully or not. Packed with antioxidants and protein, they’re sure to be a staple snack.

• 5 slices of turkey breast cut in half • 5 cherry tomatoes, halved • 1/2 avocado, peeled, cored, and sliced

• 10 cucumber slices, 1/2-inch thick and cut lengthwise • 3 red onion rings, chopped

This one’s really simple. Just place 1 slice of turkey breast, tomato, and avocado on each of 5 slices of cucumber.

Sprinkle onions over them, and top with another slice of cucumber.

Yields 5 sammies.

Paleo Ice Treats

Though these popsicles taste sugary and fruity, they actually pack quite a nutritious punch. They make an excellent post-workout treat, helping you to replace lost electrolytes and get rehydrated.

• 2 cups strawberries • 1 cup sour cherries, pitted • 2 bananas

• 1/2 cup frozen spinach • 1 cup apple juice

Six-ounce yogurt cups are the perfect tool for this job, and you can buy ice treat sticks at your local craft store or department store. If you can’t find them, just freeze your puree in the yogurt cups, and eat them with a spoon.

Put all ingredients in the blender, and mix until smooth. Pour into molds or yogurt cups and freeze.

Yields about 6 treats.