Who doesn’t love to snack? That little indulgence in-between meals to help keep metabolism energy levels going and consistent. Some people love sweet, some love salty, and many love both as long as it’s delicious – but more importantly, healthy! Below are some of my favorite and simple recipes for a healthy snack Paleo-style! Remember to send me your own favorite Paleo snack recipes. Enjoy!

Baked Zucchini Chips
For the chip eater in your home! Preheat oven to 225° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil, and spray with canola oil. Set aside. Slice 1 zucchini into thin medallions, about the thickness of a quarter. Place slices on baking sheet sprayed with and spray tops lightly with additional cooking spray. Sprinkle with seasonings of your choice. Place in preheated oven and bake 45 minutes. Rotate baking sheet, and bake an additional 30-50 minutes, until chips are browned and crisped to your liking. These are best eaten within a couple hours of removing from the oven, as they start to get chewy if left out. One zucchini yields one serving, 1/4 to 1/3 cup of chips depending on the size of your squash.

Carmel Apple Dip
Perfect in the fall and year round! Combine 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 8 to 10), 2 tablespoon full fat canned coconut milk, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Scrap down the sides if needed. Scoop out and place in a bowl. Serve with your favorite sliced apples and enjoy! Store extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Cauliflower Popcorn
A healthy makeover of a family favorite! Soak 1/4 cup raw cashews in 1/4 cup of water for 1 to 2 hours. Pour off the soaking water, and transfer your soaked nuts to a blender. Add another 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to your nuts in the blender. Blend until smooth. In a large bowl, pour the cashew mixture over the 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets and toss to coat. Spread out on teflex sheets or parchment paper. Dehydrate at 115° F for 12 to 24 hours.

Cinnamon Glazed Almonds
These are simply irresistible! In a saucepan, mix 1/2 cup water, 1 to 2 tablespoons cinnamon and 1 cup coconut palm sugar and bring to a boil. Stir in 2 cups soaked raw almonds and reduce heat to medium. Continue stirring mixture for about 25 to 30 minutes until mixture becomes very chunky. All liquid must evaporate to cause mixture to crystallize on the almonds. Immediately spread the almonds out on a sheet with aluminum foil or wax paper. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before eating. Serves 6.

Energy Bars
Running around during the day? Make these ahead of time to bring with you! Place 2 cups hulled fresh strawberries and 13 pitted Medjool dates (about 2 cups) into a food processor or high-powered blender. Process into a slightly chunky puree and not completely smooth. Pour fruit puree into a bowl and evenly mix in 1/4 cup flax seeds, 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup sesame seeds, and 1/8 cup chia seeds. Add sea salt to taste (optional) if you are using salted pumpkin seeds. Spread the mixture onto a food dehydrator tray lined with parchment paper or a dehydrator sheet. The mixture should be about one-eighth-inch thick. Dehydrate at 105° F for about 24 hours. After about 12 to 18 hours and when the top is no longer sticky to the touch and the bottom can easily peel off the parchment/dehydrator sheet, flip the mixture over so the top is now the bottom. This will help evenly dehydrate both sides. The bars are done when they have a fruit leather texture, not completely crispy like a cracker. Cut into bars using a pizza cutter and store in an airtight container, in a cool dark place. Can be stored six months to one year and less if not in an airtight container and the environment is warmer than 70° F.

Raw Cashew Balls
These are great for picnics! Place 1 cup pitted and chopped Medjool dates in a food processor and process until smooth. Add 1 cup cashews and 1/2 cup cashew butter. Process until the mixture forms a dough ball. Once a dough ball has formed, move the dough to a plate and form the mixture into 16 equal sized balls, refrigerate for at least an hour to harden and enjoy! You can also substitute the cashews and cashew butter for almond and almond butter.

Stuffed Apples
This is super easy and one of my favorites as I love the combination! Select your favorite apple (mine are the green Granny Smith!), one for each person you will be serving. Wash, dry and core the center of the apple without cutting it open. Scoop your favorite nut butter in center (I use almond). That’s it! It’s ready to eat! Wrap it in plastic if you are taking it on the go.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana