5 Grab and Go Anti-Inflammatory Snacks

Coming up with ideas for snacks is one of the biggest challenges a lot of my clients and people in my support group face. It's so easy to fall off the wagon of an anti-inflammatory diet when food cravings in between meals takeover. That's why I am putting together this list of 5 grab and go snacks to have on hand or take with you so that you can satisfy your food cravings and not go off your anti-inflammatory food plan. 

1. Carrot Sticks and Guacamole

Carrot sticks and guacamole make a great snack. The carrots satisfy that need for something crunchy and the guacamole is loaded with healthy fats to satiate you in between meals. I like to cut up carrot sticks when I'm preparing a meal and put them in a container in the fridge so they're always on hand. You can make your own guacamole by mashing together 1 avocado,  1 tbsp lime juice, and a pink of sea salt, adding some cilantro if you like it. Often the store-bought guacamole has dairy, nightshades and other additives so I prefer to make my own. Placing the pit in the guacamole helps it keep better and helps prevent the guacamole from turning color. One store-bought brand available at Costco which does not have any nightshades in it is Wholly Guacamole Minis and comes in individual little packets. I really like this brand because it is organic as well.  Note that the bigger containers of the same brand DO have nightshades, but not the Minis.   

2. Nuts and Coconut Flakes Trail Mix

Nuts and coconut flakes make an excellent snack. The nuts are full of healthy fats which are very satisfying and the coconut flakes give it a little sweetness. Put the two of them together and you got a really easy grab and go snack which can fill you up between meals just mix together your favourite kind of nuts and coconut chips or coconut flakes. Avoid peanuts which are actually legumes. Try to get organic nuts and soak them for 24 Hours then dry in the oven or food dehydrator. Take it easy on the nuts though. Limit your intake to no more than one half a cup per day.

3. Celery Sticks and Almond Butter

Celery has a great satisfying crunch and it is also very good for you. Either fill the groove with almond butter or simply dip the stick in a jar of almond butter to make a great snack. Even when you use raw almond butter it's got a sweet kind of taste and so you feel like you're getting a sweet snack. And of course the fats do help fill you up as well. 

4. Turmeric Chocolate Fudge

This isn’t sweet like traditional fudge, but it’s a fantastic treat! I make it in a silicone mold so the squares can be easily popped out once it has hardened.  Ghee is clarified butter which has been melted and had the solid proteins removed.  These proteins are what give some people trouble when it comes to dairy. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup grass-fed butter or ghee 

1 cup tahini

1/4 cup cacao powder

1 tbsp turmeric

1/2 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tbsp maca powder

1 tsp vanilla

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter/ghee and whisk in tahini.  Add the rest of the ingredients and continue to whisk until all ingredients are well combined.  Pour into mold and place in the freezer until hardened.  Remove from mold and store in freezer until ready to devour.  Note that these get soft fairly quickly so will need to be on a cold pack if you are taking them with you.

5. Vanilla Chai Energy Balls

Oh so aromatic and delicious!  These are a real treat and a little sweeter than the other snacks here because they include dates.  Lots of good fuel to tide you over on a hike or as a dessert to go with lunch-on-the-go.  

Ingredients:

1 cup pecans

1 cup almonds

1/2 cup coconut flakes or chips

4 dates, pitted (pre-soak in hot water for 10 minutes if dates are dry)

1/4 cup almond flour

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 cup coconut oil, softened

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cardamom

Pinch of cloves

1/4 tsp sea salt

Combine all in a food processor until mixture resembles coarse meal texture.  Form into balls and refrigerate until hardened. 

Now … do you want to give any of these a try? Try doing a batch session so you have lots of choices during the week.   I’d love to hear if you try them and what you think. Post in the comments below.

A great way to help improve your health is choosing to create peace and calm while you are eating.  HOW you eat can be as important as WHAT you eat.  I have a great resource for you to implement TODAY to help you become empowered in your health.  Click on the image below to receive it.