Healthy snacks that won’t break your New Year resolutions

Getting back into a routine after the summer holidays isn’t always easy and only made harder by the unrealistic New Year’s resolutions we set ourselves. So whether you’ve decided to run a marathon this year, become a better morning person, start meditating or just make your bed each day – we are here to help.

Firstly, in the form of snacks! Because let’s face it, we all need them to keep on keeping on! It’s all about recharging and refuelling so we can kick those goals we set ourselves. So as you embrace the back to school and work routine, here are some handy snacks we think you’ll love!

Roasted Chickpeas

We love chickpeas here at HelloFresh! Whether they are thrown into a salad, a curry, blended into hummus or roasted for a snack, they are a seriously dynamic little gem packed full of protein and goodness. Try this recipe and add a new bow to your snacking repertoire!

What you’ll need:
2 cans chickpeas (drained)
Oil (for misting)
1 teaspoon paprika powder
1 teaspoon chilli powder
⅕ teaspoon cumin powder
Salt

How to make:
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Drain, rinse and dry the chickpeas. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
Step 2. Mix the chickpeas with a little bit of oil, sprinkle with spices and shake until all the chickpeas are well coated.
Step 3. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once at half of the baking time. Remove and let cool completely before transferring to a bowl.

Popcorn

Air-popped and eaten plain, popcorn is a healthy whole grain food that is low in kilojoules and high in fibre, especially when compared to snacks like crisps! And once you pop, you really can’t stop! Good thing these ones are a bit lighter on the butter and salt than your regular movie popcorn so you can devour it guilt free.

What you’ll need:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup popcorn kernels
Salt, to taste

How to make:
Step 1. Add oil and 2-3 popcorn kernels in a large heavy-duty pot. Cover and heat over medium-high heat until the kernels pop – this will signal that the oil and pot are the right temperature.
Step 2. Remove the pot from the heat and add the rest of the popcorn kernels. Giving them a shake to coat the kernels in oil.
Step 3. Place the pot back on the heat, cover and carefully shake the pot back and forth constantly once the heavy popping starts.
Step 4. After a few minutes, the popping should slow down; when you can count to five without a pop, it’s ready.
Step 5. Remove from the heat, and give the pot a final shake. Transfer to a large bowl and season as you like.

Bliss Balls

They’re moist, chewy and packed with healthy ingredients like nuts, dates, cocoa and coconut. We thought these babies were just another trend but they have really stuck around – probably because they pack a punch nutritionally, kick sugar cravings and are totally delicious, all at the same time!

What you’ll need:
2 2/3 cups (500g) pitted dates
1 cup cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups shredded coconut
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup desiccated coconut

How to make:
Step 1. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Put all ingredients, (except desiccated coconut) in a food processor and blend for 1 minute. Add 4–5 tablespoons of hot water and blend until mixture is finely chopped and just smooth.
Step 2. Roll tablespoonfuls of mixture into 24 balls; then roll in desiccated coconut. Place balls on prepared tray; refrigerate until ready to eat.

Nuts / Trail mix

A popular snack – for good reason! Nuts are high in healthy fats, protein and fibre. Throw them into your own perfect mix with seeds, dried fruit and even some dark chocolate, and you have a combination that will satisfy your hunger and contribute to good heart health and weight management. What a snack! Enjoy a handful each day!