The Return of the Fanny Pack (Vegan Snacks)

With the new year beginning with many people trying to get healthier and establish some new routines, picking the right snack is absolutely crucial. And by right snack I don’t mean a fanny pack full of Skittles. Although that is convenient. You know I feel the fanny pack has gotten a bad rap. Maybe if it had a better name? The booty bag? I feel the next big trend is about to happen.

All because of me.

And my awesome renaming skills.

You don’t agree?

OK, well how about my favorite snacks? They’re pretty awesome too and filled with protein to keep me from eating (more of) my roomies gingerbread house.

1.       Chunky Monkey Shake. We all know I like to get funky and down with my bad self and that I try to shake it (key word try) but I’ll spare yall the awkwardness and just share my latest post-run protein snack. Blend 1 medium banana, 1/2-1 tablespoon nut butter ( I use raw almond), and 1 cup light chocolate milk (I use Blue Diamond unsweetened chocolate) with 1 cup of ice.
2.          Quickie Oatmeal-Raisin Cookie. In a microwave-safe mug, mix 1/4 cup oats, 1 teaspoon Splenda Brown Sugar blend, 1 tablespoon flour (you choice), 1 egg white (or egg replacer or flax seed egg), 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 tablespoon raisins. Flatten mixture into bottom of mug and microwave for 45 seconds. Let it cool, pop it out of the mug and enjoy!
3.           Overnight Choco-Oats. I like to make this the night before a really crazy day. In a container with a secure lid, mix 1/2 cup oats, 3/4 cup non-dairy milk and 2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder (I use Manitoba Hemp powder) until well combined. Let it sit in fridge overnight (or up to a few days). Delicious!
4.           Salt and Vinegar Chickpeas. Cape Cod Salt and Vinegar chips, you have met your match. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take 2 cups canned chickpeas and 3-4 cups white vinegar and place in a medium sized pot. Bring to a boil and then remove from heat and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Then preheat the oven to 425F and place chickpeas on baking sheet. Sprinkle a little coarse sea salt if you like and then roast for 45 minutes, flipping once half way through. Check frequently after 35 minutes to make sure they don’t burn. Crispy and golden is delicious, black and charred is charcoal.
5.           Lower Calorie Almond Butter. Double you pleasure, double your fun! In a blender add ¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk then 3/4 cup almond butter (I use raw), 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or agave or none if you don’t want it sweet; I like the natural taste) and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Blend until smooth. Store sealed in the fridge. This yields about 28 tablespoons or 1 3/4 cup. Spread 1 tablespoon on an apple, banana or a spoon J
6.           Quickie Gingerbread Almond Butter. Mix 1/2 tbsp almond butter in a small bowl with 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk. Stir until the almond butter is dissolved. Then add in a dash of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and 1/8 tsp blackstrap molasses. Sweeten to taste. Stir it again and then microwave in 15-second increments until thick. It will thicken as it stands post microwaving.
7.            Lemon Lime Recovery (from Thrive Fitness) This is my absolute favorite post-run drink.! Blend the following ingredients:

1.     4  Medjool dates (no pits)

2.     2 cups water

3.     1 tbsp hemp protein

4.     1 tbsp ground salba

5.     2 tbsp buckwheat (sprouted or cooked)

6.     juice from ½ lemon

7.     juice from ¼ lime

8.     1 tsp ground dulse flakes

9.     1 tsp maca

10. 1 tsp spirulina

Now you go try some of these recipes and I will be off perfecting my marketing campaign for the Booty Bag! Don’t come begging me for one when Vogue calls them the “it accessory” for 2013.