One of our favorite quick and easy snacks to make this time of year is something we call Power Apple Slices. They are seriously not a big deal, but sometimes what we need are simple ideas from others. I don’t know how many times someone has, in passing, mentioned a habit or something that they do daily at home, and I thought “why didn’t I think of that?” ….and whatever that was made life so much easier! So I would consider this idea to fall in the same bucket. Sometimes its those little things that really are life-changing.
This has been a great snack solution for my kids, because they can spread peanut or almond butter on themselves, and then top it as if it were a little sweet and crunchy pizza.
I have been weaning my kids from traditional peanut butters to only eating the kind that I love – the peanut butters where the ingredients list have one item, maybe two: peanuts, or just peanuts and salt. That’s it! Once you start using those pure peanut butters, you’ll never go back. They are so delicious, and the peanut flavor comes through more strongly. Most of us however, and kids especially, may need to wean off the sweeter peanut butters. This is where the apples come in….it is perfect to pair a sweet apple like Gala with a pure and simple peanut butter or almond butter.
I call this a “Power Snack” because it should leave you feeling energized, not fatigued. Train your brain to eat (and give your kids) snacks that a little dose of protein, paired with a boost of sweet, fiber-filled carbohydrate. Here’s why: the sweet part will dissolve those sugar cravings, while the fiber will make you filled and satisfied, and the protein will make that energy last the afternoon. Typically it’s in the afternoon or evening we get those sweet cravings….and eating sugar leaves us feeling fatigued. (Or am I the only one?)
And if you’ve ever wondered why pumpkin seeds are good for you and what else to do with them, watch this quick health tip video here! They are less expensive to use this time of year, and nutritionally excellent for many reasons.
Looking for the exact recipe I used? Head over this way, and I’ve got the details laid out for you to keep it simple! Let me know what your favorite toppings are!
