I want to kick off today with one simple question: who’s hungry?
Having been given an informative speech assignment, I juggled several topics in my head, wondering what can I talk about that would apply to — and interest — a room full of college students of different ages?
It didn’t take me long to think of a topic that I could peak anyone’s interest with: food. I decided to reveal some of my favorite snacking foods (other than avocado toast, of course) to my class. And then I got to thinking… Why shouldn’t I share them with you, too?
As a foodie, I’ve found simple combinations through experimentation for quick and easy eating.
Today, I’m going to introduce all of you to a few of my favorite 3-ingredient snacks.
I’ll show something healthy first. Then I’ll discuss a portable option. And last, I’ll walk you through making a smaller version of a favorite classic.
I think most people looking for something other than the typical gas-station cuisine seek a healthy option at snack time, but it’s not always fun to pick up a plain apple. In her 2017 online interview titled “What does a healthy snack look like?” Lacoviello received several healthy snack recommendations from clinical dietitian Diane Javelli, including fruit, nuts, nut butters, hummus, eggs, popcorn, pretzels, or a protein smoothie.
I combine some of these in one of my favorite 3-ingredient snacks: hummus with dippers. This combination is awesome because it is endlessly customizable to the snacker’s preference. Personally, I love roasted red pepper hummus with pretzels and garden carrots. The one pictured above is my first attempt at homemade hummus using some green peppers from our garden that I roasted. Mmm!!
Now, hummus is great when I’m on the couch with a good book, but unless I’m buying the expensive pre-packed kind, it doesn’t always travel well.
One of the hardest parts of packing snacks to-go is resisting the urge to grab a favorite junk food, whether you’re a sweet or salty snacker.
I’m salty all the way.
The 2015 MedBlog online article titled “Good news – a healthy diet includes snacks,” states that light snacks throughout the day reduce the chance of overeating later in the day, and suggests choosing nutrient-rich snacks. To tide myself over between meals and avoid a carb-overload later, I like to grab something higher in protein.
For a protein-filled snack that’s perfect to throw in my book bag, I like to chop one cheese stick and one turkey pepperoni stick, and then add some grapes for sweetness or some almonds for more crunch. These are a good bite-size option without having chips or (even worse) boring old baby carrots.
Dash wasn’t too impressed with me having this snack and not sharing it with him. Sorry, pup!
Alright… we know that we can munch on healthy food and bite-sized protein bits… but Chara, can’t you show us something new… something exciting?
We’ve finally made it to the part I promised… the spin on a classic.
“Snacks for adults,” a 2016 online article from Medline Plus, says, “pairing protein and carbohydrate will help the snack to keep you fullest for the longest.”
Not only does this snack imitate the expensive Lunchables version of everyone’s favorite food, it also follows that guideline. How do I make this unique snack? I grab a mini rice cake. I add tomato sauce to my desire. I top with a piece of pepperoni or a slice of cheese. It’s that simple. In less than 30 seconds, I’ve made myself a pizza. It’s not quite Italian-bistro quality, but I think it’ll do in a pinch.
So there we have it:
With a little help from a few (very credible) online sources, we’ve navigated the world of easy, simple, quick, and adaptable 3-ingredient snacks.
We’ve reviewed a healthy option, a portable option, and I even treated you to pizza (or, my snackified version, anyway).
Now that you’re all snacking experts, it’s your turn to come up with your own… and share them with me 🙂
Until next time,
Chara
References
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. (2015). Good news – a healthy diet includes snacks. Retrieved from https://utswmed.org/medblog/healthy-snacks/.
Lacoviello, C. (2017). What does a healthy snack look like? Retrieved from https://www.washington.edu/wholeu/2017/03/20/what-does-a-healthy-snack-look-like/.
MedlinePlus. (2016). Snacks for adults. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000338.htm.
Just Me 
Leave a comment