Pantry Snacks

I often buy our pantry "snacks" in bulk from a Farmer's Market/health food store. Not only is it cheaper than buying packaged/processed foods, it's delicious and healthy. We usually go for some kind of trail mix, nuts, or dried fruits/vegetables. We also love to keep Stretch Island fruit leather on hand (from Costco).

Other healthy pantry snack ideas: mini brown rice cakes, baked tortilla chips (to serve with homemade salsa), dark chocolate chips, popcorn you can air-pop

I would love to hear your snack ideas!

Fruit Bowl

We watch our fair share of Sesame Street around these parts. I often think of a clip where the children are being taught that they'll have more/longer energy if they'll eat an apple instead of junk snacks. This is a lesson I want my children to learn. The natural sugars in fruit make it a tasty treat, but it still adds nutritional value and gives energy to their busy little bodies. I keep a bowl of our favorite fruits on the counter for snacks. Fruit is the perfect after-school snack, and my children (though small) have learned how to peel/wash them without my help, so it's a win-win for all of us!

Homemade Whole Wheat Bread

This tried-and-true recipe has been a family favorite for several years. It tastes better- and is better for you- if you buy real wheat berries, grind them in a wheat grinder, and make the bread within a few hours. Nothing beats the smell of healthy, homemade bread that was just pulled out of the oven!


4 cups warm water
8 cups whole-wheat flour (or until it scrapes sides of mixer clean or feels like grandma's arm when dented ☺)
2 Tablespoons yeast
2/3 cup oil
2/3 cup honey
1 generous Tablespoon salt
optional: 2 Tablespoons gluten

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add remaining ingredients (1/2 flour, and then remainder of flour as mixer is mixing). Mix/knead bread 10 minutes. Let raise approximately 20 minutes. Knead into greased bread pans. Let raise approximately 45 minutes.

Bake at 350 about 30 minutes (or until golden brown). Makes 4 loaves.

Vegetables & Hummus

Vegetables are such a great snack. It's real energy and nutrients so you feel great and don't get hungry five minutes later!

Buy a rainbow of vegetables, wash/cut them right when you get home (this is important), and store them in small containers in the fridge. My children know that it's a snack they are welcome to have any time of the day. Change up the vegetables each week to keep things exciting.

Vegetables are an especially enticing snack if there's a little hummus to dip it in (which is high in fiber and protein). Make sure to get hummus that is low in calories (around 150-200 per 100g) or make your own. Baked pita chips or fresh pita are also delicious hummus dippers.