Homemade Energy Boosting Snacks

Snacking throughout the day provides nutrients and fuel your body needs for energy. Try these quick and simple recipes for snacks that will give you a healthy and sustaining boost.

Homemade Energy Bar

There are a number of recipes available for energy bars, but the following recipe is quick and easy and made with the simplest ingredients

Ingredients

1 egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
l cup granola
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

• Butter an 8 x 8-inch square pan/
• In a bowl, mix the egg and brown sugar thoroughly.
• Stir in the granola, cranberries and walnuts.
• Transfer mix to the pan and press down firmly with fingers.
• Bake for 25 minutes.
• Cool and cut into squares.

Banana Raspberry Smoothies

The vitamins in fruit smoothies are important in maintaining and boosting energy levels.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups orange juice

1 cup raspberry sherbet

1 large banana sliced and frozen

1 cup frozen strawberries or blueberries

Directions

• In a blender, combine all ingredients and serve in chilled glasses

Energy Boosting Snack Mix

Variations of this recipe are popular during holidays but can boost energy any time of the year.

Ingredients

6 cups of chex and shredded wheat cereals (whole wheat cereals for the most energy)

3 tbsps butter

1 ½ cups cashews

1 tbsp oil

4 tsps worcestershire sauce

1 tsp salt

½ tsp garlic powder

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine cereals and cashews.
• Combine remaining ingredients in a separate bowl
• Pour mixture onto cereal and toss.
• Transfer mixture into a baking pan coated with non stick spray.
• Bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cinnamon Honey Grapefruit

The citrus acid in fruit provides our bodies with energy. Try this simple grapefruit snack with other citrus fruit as well.

Ingredients

1 grapefruit

2 tsps honey

Dash of cinnamon

Directions

• Cut the grapefruit in half
• Cut around each section to loosen the fruit.
• Place open side up in a baking pan.
• Drizzle each grapefruit half with the honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the grapefruit is bubbly. Serve warm.

Homemade Energy Trail Mix

Making your own energy boosting trail mix is the simplest of the snacks. Just combine all of your favorite dried fruits, pretzels and nuts. Add cereal or for a special treat, M&M candies or chocolate chips. It's an easy snack to take along for a quick boost. This is also a popular and healthy snack for children.

You can replace the ingredients in these recipes with any of your favorite whole wheat grain cereal, nuts, fruit or even vegetables to create a quick, refreshing, energy boost.