Happy Snacking! Instead of reaching for the ice cream, chips and leftover Halloween candy (if you have any) take a brain break and make these healthy snack alternatives during finals. Your body and mind will thank you when you reach for the low-calorie, vitamin-infused kale chips instead of the fatty ones.
For Chocolate Lovers – Dark Chocolate Bark
Get:
- Dark chocolate bark (about 70% cacao)
- Shelled Pistachios
- Dried cherries (optional)
Make:
- Heat chocolate bark
- Stir in pistachios & dried cherries
- Pour in an even layer on parchment paper
- Let harden, break into pieces & reach for this instead of other candy
Adjust:
- Like sweet and salty? Sprinkle a little sea salt on top
- Substitute pistachios and dried cherries for any other “healthy” alternatives
For Chip Lovers – Baked Kale Chips
Get:
- Kale
- 1 tbs Olive oil
- Salt (sea salt or season salt – whatever you prefer)
Make:
- Preheat oven to 300
- Wash, dry, & break kale into desired “chip” size
- Toss with olive oil
- Sprinkle with salt
- Bake for 20 minutes (or until crisp) on a cookie sheet lined with parchment
Adjust:
- Like it spicy? Maybe sprinkle on some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes!
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference
For Sweet Lovers – Cool Whip Fruit Salad
Get:
- Cool Whip
- A package of frozen fruit
Make:
- Allow frozen fruit to thaw
- Stir into Cool Whip
- Enjoy a light, sweet, fruity alternative to ice cream or candy
Adjust:
- Use your favorite Cool Whip – low fat, vanilla, chocolate…
- Frozen fruit options are endless
~Guest Blogger Amanda C., Wayne State University, Campus Health Guru
