Snack Smart: 3 Deliciously Healthy Recipes You’ll Love!

These healthy snack recipes are contributed by certified nutritionist Jessica Ong, who curated her 3 favourite recipes to share!

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Hi there! I’m Jessica Ong, a certified nutritionist passionate about helping families find easy and delicious ways to eat well. Whether you're a busy parent or someone simply looking to make healthier choices, I believe that small changes can have a big impact.

Today, I’m excited to share three of my favourite healthy snack recipes that are not only nutritious but also quick to prepare—perfect for those hectic days when you need something tasty and satisfying. Let’s dive in and discover how to snack smart without compromising on flavour!

Pancakes

I absolutely love pancakes because they’re a family favourite that feels indulgent, but with a few simple tweaks, they can be incredibly healthy! I like using whole grains, like oats or buckwheat, to make them more filling and nutritious. Plus, the possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings – fresh fruit, nuts, berries, and even a drizzle of honey can turn them into a wholesome and satisfying snack.

Ingredients (5 servings):

• Dry Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
• 1/2 cup sultanas
• Wet Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup oat milk
• 1/8 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 banana

Optional Toppings:

Honey, butter, berries

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Heat a pan with olive oil or butter.
3. Pour the mixture onto the pan and cook until golden brown.
4. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
5. Transfer to a plate and add your desired toppings.
6. Enjoy your delicious, healthy pancakes!

Energy Balls

Energy balls are my go-to snack for a quick pick-me-up. They’re easy to make, portable, and packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like oats, seeds, and nut butters. I love how customisable they are, too – you can mix in anything from dark chocolate chips to dried fruit for a burst of flavour, while still keeping them healthy and balanced. Check out my version below!

Ingredients (6-7 servings):

• 2 tbsp cacao powder
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
• 15 dates (seeds removed)
• ½ cup sultanas

Instructions:

1. Chop the nuts and dates into small pieces.
2. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until well combined.
3. Scoop the mixture and roll it into balls using your palms.
4. Freeze for 2-3 minutes.
5. Ready to eat! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Granola

Granola is another favourite of mine because it’s so versatile and easy to adapt. Whether I’m in the mood for something sweet or savoury, I can make granola with ingredients like nuts, raisins, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. It’s perfect for sprinkling over yogurt, mixing with fruit, or even enjoying on its own as a crunchy, satisfying snack!

Ingredients (2-3 servings):

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts)
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup raisins/sultanas (add for the last 3-5 minutes)
• ½ tbsp cacao nibs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C.
2. Combine rolled oats and mixed nuts on a baking tray.
3. Drizzle with coconut oil and honey, then mix well.
4. Sprinkle with salt and stir again.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Add raisins and cacao nibs in the final 3-5 minutes.
7. Enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

And there you have it – three of my favourite healthy snacks that are not only delicious but also easy to make and packed with nutrients. Whether you're whipping up pancakes for breakfast, grabbing an energy ball for a quick snack, or enjoying granola with yogurt, these options are perfect for keeping you fuelled and satisfied throughout the day.

The best part? They’re all customisable, so you can make them your own with your favourite ingredients. I hope you give these a try and enjoy them as much as I do.

Many commercial snacks claim to be healthy, but if you closely examine their nutritional content, you'll find artificial ingredients hiding behind long, unfamiliar chemical names. So really, the best way to ensure you’re eating wholesome snacks is to make them yourself. 

In my next article, I'll show you how to read nutritional labels when shopping for food. Stay tuned!

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About the author: 

Jessica Ong is a certified nutritionist with a decade of experience, specialising in nutrition for fitness training. Her journey began during her student years in 2013 when she developed a passion for the fitness industry and worked as a personal trainer. Jessica offered meal plans to her clients to help them achieve their goals. With 10 years of experience in nutrition, especially in fitness training, she continues to empower others to lead healthier lives through proper nutrition and fitness.

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