Wholesome Nighttime Snacks For Teenagers
Teenagers are notorious for being night owls.
Late night television, texting and last minute homework are a set up for hungry bodies to raid the kitchen of whatever satisfies a sweet tooth or salt craving.
More often than not, these snacks are pure junk food not conducive to health.
This can make getting to sleep even harder, much less getting up the next morning.
Snacks are generally thought to be a no-no and don't normally equate with wholesome healthy foods, but that simply isn't true.
Healthy snacks in small portions are good in that they keep hunger at bay so you don't over eat during meal times and also helps to keep your energy going throughout the day.
They can actually lessen your desire for sugary or greasy foods because your body is getting the nutrients it requires.
So, throw out the junk and bring in the good stuff! Here is a list of five easy to make, but satisfying and wholesome snacks: Homemade Microwave Popcorn - Put ½ cup of organic popcorn kernels into a regular brown paper lunch bag.
Fold it over several times and throw it in the microwave on high for a few minutes until the popping slows way down.
Open it up and drizzle some olive oil over it and add a little dried crumbled rosemary or other herb of choice.
Toasted Pita Chips and Black Bean Dip - You can make all these ahead of time and store them in an airtight bag.
Preheat the oven to 325 F.
Take a package of whole wheat pita rounds and cut them in half.
Cut the halves into triangles and arrange on a baking sheet.
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and bake for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Sprinkle with herb of choice.
To prepare the bean dip, drain and rinse a 15oz can of black beans (read the label and make sure there are no preservatives).
Add ½ cup of prepared salsa (again, buy only pure ingredients with no additives, or better yet make your own), 1 red pepper finely diced, 2 Tablespoons of fresh squeezed lime juice and 2 Tablespoons of coriander.
Combine in a food processor until blended.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Store in the fridge until cool.
Fruit Slices and Peanut Butter - Slice up some apples and bananas with a couple tablespoons of creamy peanut butter (the natural kind) on the side as a dip and enjoy! A Handful of Mixed Nuts - Make sure it includes walnuts.
Walnuts contain a form of the hormone melatonin, which can help you sleep.
Avocado and Pineapple Salad - This may sound weird, but it's actually quite good! This is enough for several people.
Cut 1 large avocado into chunks, add 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks, add 1 small diced red onion, shredded iceberg lettuce (optional), olive oil and cider vinegar with salt and pepper to taste.
This should give you a good start in offering your teens better snacking choices that satisfy late night hunger without eating an entire meal.
Good snacking!
Late night television, texting and last minute homework are a set up for hungry bodies to raid the kitchen of whatever satisfies a sweet tooth or salt craving.
More often than not, these snacks are pure junk food not conducive to health.
This can make getting to sleep even harder, much less getting up the next morning.
Snacks are generally thought to be a no-no and don't normally equate with wholesome healthy foods, but that simply isn't true.
Healthy snacks in small portions are good in that they keep hunger at bay so you don't over eat during meal times and also helps to keep your energy going throughout the day.
They can actually lessen your desire for sugary or greasy foods because your body is getting the nutrients it requires.
So, throw out the junk and bring in the good stuff! Here is a list of five easy to make, but satisfying and wholesome snacks: Homemade Microwave Popcorn - Put ½ cup of organic popcorn kernels into a regular brown paper lunch bag.
Fold it over several times and throw it in the microwave on high for a few minutes until the popping slows way down.
Open it up and drizzle some olive oil over it and add a little dried crumbled rosemary or other herb of choice.
Toasted Pita Chips and Black Bean Dip - You can make all these ahead of time and store them in an airtight bag.
Preheat the oven to 325 F.
Take a package of whole wheat pita rounds and cut them in half.
Cut the halves into triangles and arrange on a baking sheet.
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and bake for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Sprinkle with herb of choice.
To prepare the bean dip, drain and rinse a 15oz can of black beans (read the label and make sure there are no preservatives).
Add ½ cup of prepared salsa (again, buy only pure ingredients with no additives, or better yet make your own), 1 red pepper finely diced, 2 Tablespoons of fresh squeezed lime juice and 2 Tablespoons of coriander.
Combine in a food processor until blended.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Store in the fridge until cool.
Fruit Slices and Peanut Butter - Slice up some apples and bananas with a couple tablespoons of creamy peanut butter (the natural kind) on the side as a dip and enjoy! A Handful of Mixed Nuts - Make sure it includes walnuts.
Walnuts contain a form of the hormone melatonin, which can help you sleep.
Avocado and Pineapple Salad - This may sound weird, but it's actually quite good! This is enough for several people.
Cut 1 large avocado into chunks, add 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks, add 1 small diced red onion, shredded iceberg lettuce (optional), olive oil and cider vinegar with salt and pepper to taste.
This should give you a good start in offering your teens better snacking choices that satisfy late night hunger without eating an entire meal.
Good snacking!