Easy-to-Make Work From Home Snacks the Whole Family Will Love

Image Credit: Annie Spratt | @anniespratt

DISCLAIMER: While early introduction to allergenic food (like nuts) can actually help protect your little one from allergies, we always recommend checking with your pediatrician before giving your child any kind of nut they have not previously consumed. It is also recommended that children under four years old should always be supervised and seated when eating nuts, as they can be a choking hazard.

As a Clinical Nutritionist and Postpartum Chef, an important part of my job is helping provide healthy meals to postpartum families. Over the last year, as working from home has become the new normal, there are more opportunities than ever to find the perfect nutritious and tasty workday snack. These three options are plant-based, full of protein, and loaded with fiber to keep you fuller longer. And the best part? They are easy to prepare with 5-steps or less. So, little ones can participate in the process, making it a fun midday project when you aren’t sure how to entertain your kids in between zoom meetings! The next time your family has a snack craving, try one of these to get everyone through the day happy and healthy.

Roasted Chickpeas

Credit: Jennifer Dolorte

12g of protein - full of Iron, Folate, and Vitamin A

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

• Paprika, curry powder or zaatar (optional) 
  

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Spread the chickpeas on a kitchen towel and pat them dry.

3. Transfer the dried chickpeas to the baking sheet and toss them with a drizzle of olive oil and any optional spices you’d like to add.

4. Roast the chickpeas for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. After that time, taste test; if you want them crispier, keep checking until they’re crisp to your liking.

Turmeric Chia Cashew Mix

Credit: Tina Witherspoon | @tspoonphoto

25g of protein - full of Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, and Omega 3s. Turmeric is great for inflammation as well. But be careful, it can stain your fingers orange! 

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup raw cashew nuts

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 275F

2. Place cashew nuts in a large bowl, then add chia seeds and turmeric.

3. Spread nuts evenly on a rimmed baking tray and place in the oven. Bake the cashew nuts at 275F for 10 minutes. Remove, toss nuts around, and spread evenly. Bake for another 10 minutes until a shade darker and starting to turn golden.

4. Let cool and enjoy!

Coconut Chocolate Almonds

Credit: Tetiana Bykovets | @tetiana_bykovets

Those of you with a sweet tooth, this snack is for you! 36g of protein, full of Fiber, Iron, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B12. 

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups of raw unsalted whole almonds 

• 1/2 cup of unsweetened chocolate 

• 3 tbsp of coconut flakes 
  

Directions:

1. Melt chocolate in a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, take a small pot, boil water. Add a small bowl to sit on top of the pot without touching the water. Pour chocolate into a bowl and slowly stir until melted.

2. Place almonds onto a parchment-lined sheet pan.

3. Using a spoon or spatula, drizzle chocolate all over almonds in any fun design to add chocolate to each piece.

4. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top. Option to add salt before chocolate hardens.

5. Place in fridge or freezer or until chocolate hardens. Then store in a container in the fridge for one week.