We’ve all fallen victim to the deplorable 10 a.m. snack scenario, when you peer into the contents of yesterday’s crunchy granola bar only to notice that is has now become packaged crumbs.

Or perhaps when you come home from school, one scoop of ice cream turns into one pint of ice cream and potato chips that do little to fuel the looming six hours of calculus studying.

As growing teenagers, mindful and healthy snacking is critical to maintain energy throughout the busy days of school, homework and activities.

However, there are some delicious, and healthier, alternatives to addicting snacking foods.

For example, rather than potato chips, kale chips are an equally satisfying option. Sophomore Kate Hubbard said, “I like that kale chips have a unique flavor that isn’t far off from a potato chip and even more delicious.

Kale Chips Recipe (adapted from The Food Network):

Ingredients:

1 head kale, washed and thoroughly dried

2 tablespoons olive oil

Sea salt, for sprinkling

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
2. Remove the ribs from the kale and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
3. Lay on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and salt.
4. Bake until the edges of the leaves are slightly brown, about 20 minutes.

I Instead of eating ice cream, try concocting a delicious smoothie. Sophomore Grace Halter said, “My favorite type of smoothie is a strawberry banana smoothie. It’s a great option for breakfast or an after school snack.”

Banana-Berry Smoothie (adapted from MyRecipes.com):

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups calcium-fortified orange juice

1 1/4 cups frozen mixed berries (such as Cascadian Farm Harvest Berries)

1 cup sliced ripe banana

1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt

1/3 cup nonfat dry milk

1 tablespoon sugar

Recipe:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.

Another favorite snack option, whose beautiful presentation has landed on many social media accounts, is the coveted avocado toast. This recipe is equally healthy as it is delicious.

Salted Avocado Toast (adapted from Food52.com):

Ingredients:

1 slice of good bread

1/3 to ½ ripe avocado

Flaky salt

Drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Black pepper, red pepper flakes. paprika, or ground cumin (optional)

Recipe:

1. Toast your bread on both sides. Smash on avocado with a fork. Top with flaky salt and any other toppings that fit your fancy.

When you’re craving something sweet, homemade trail mix is a fantastic option.

Sweet and Salty Trail Mix (adapted from cheatsheet.com):

Ingredients:

½ cup cashews

¼ cup peanuts

¼ cup almonds (optional)

½ cup raisins

1 (1.69-ounce) package candy-coated milk chocolate pieces

Recipe:

1. Combine the cashews, peanuts, almonds, raisins, and chocolate in a bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Lastly, another great option is a homemade hummus with some pita bread.

Homemade Hummus Bake (adapted from MyRecipes):

Ingredients:

2 (15.5-ounce) cans no-salt-added chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Recipe:

1.) Place beans and garlic in a food processor; pulse 5 times or until chopped.

2.) Add 1/2 cup water and remaining ingredients; pulse until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
These snacks are sure to satisfy your body and taste buds far beyond that of any packaged foods and exemplify the deliciousness that arises when taste meets nutrition.