Slimming snack recipes for women

Snacking is part of our daily lives — we nosh on small nibbles to keep our energy up and to quash hunger pangs in between meetings. So it’s important we learn to snack smartly.

According to research, women should have two to three 150-calorie snacks on a daily basis. These smaller meals should contain a healthy mix of carbs, protein and fibre. Here are some of our favourite midday recipes.

Kale chips baked with Canadian Parmesan cheese recipe

Serves 4-6

These kale chips are incredible — not only are they low in calories, they’re crispy, delicious, full of nutrients and are high in fibre. Top with delicious Canadian Parmesan cheese for an added nutritional boost, and these bites become the perfect way to curb any afternoon snack attack.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch curly kale
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Canadian Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190.5 degrees C).
2. Cut kale leaves into large pieces off of their thick stems. Wash leaves and dry thoroughly.
3. In a large bowl, toss kale leaves, olive oil, Canadian Parmesan cheese and salt.
4. Spread kale leaves out on a cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until leaves are crisp when shaken in pan.

Cucumber dill crackers

Fancy enough to make you feel like you’re at High tea, these cracker-like sandwiches have all of the nutrients you need to quash hunger pangs. Use Canadian cream cheese and top with fresh dill to up your daily calcium intake. The protein in the dairy will also help keep you full!

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounce) brick Canadian cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Italian dressing
• Cucumber, peeled and sliced
• Dill
• Crackers

Directions:

1. Mix the cream cheese and Italian dressing.
2. Spread the mixture on crackers, and then top with cucumbers and dill. Serve immediately.

Cheddar apple quesadillas

Add a little sizzle to your day with these sweet and savoury quesadillas. The best part is you can create the snack with completely local ingredients: sweet Ontario apples and delicious Canadian cheddar cheese.

Ingredients:

• Butter or non-stick spray
• 2 tortillas
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• Shredded Canadian cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a large pan, or use non-stick spray. Place one tortilla in the pan and spread apple slices across the tortilla.
2. Cover the apple slices in cheese, and then top with the second tortilla.
3. Cook on medium heat for two to three minutes, or until the tortilla begins to brown. Flip the tortilla over and brown the other side. Slice the quesadilla and serve immediately.

Homemade granola

Yields 2 cups

For something sweet instead of savoury, you cannot beat a cup of fresh Canadian yogurt topped with berries and delicious granola. The healthy mix of foods in this dish will provide you with the added nutritional boost you need to make it through a work day.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons organic brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons organic grade B dark maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten but not foamy (optional)
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 2 cups gluten-free thick cut rolled oats (not instant)
• 1/4 cup each seeds, nuts, dried fruits (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (148 degrees C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the sugar, maple syrup, olive oil (optional), egg white and salt in a small bowl until well incorporated and the sugar is well moistened.
3. Place the oats in a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar mixture to the oats and gently stir until the oats are coated well. Mixture will be sticky. Add (optional) seeds, nuts or dried fruits at this time and stir to incorporate.
4. Pour the oats onto a parchment lined baking sheet and, using the back of a spoon, spread and press into a thin, single layer.
5. Bake 40 minutes or until granola is golden and just crisp around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool 15 minutes on the baking sheet. Break into clusters and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

More healthy meal ideas

5 Easy (but healthy!) family meal ideas
1,500 Calorie full day menu
5 Foods that burn fat