Healthy snacks that will last in your fridge
Brittany Newton
| 3 min read
No matter how committed you are, those in-between-meal snack binges can take a toll on any diet. When 3 p.m. rolls around and your stomach starts to growl, potato chips are easier to grab than a mini garden salad. This is a constant battle we face every day. There is a way to avoid this diet cheating. Instead of reaching for the processed snack in the cabinet, reach for a long-lasting, pre-cooked and healthy snack in your fridge. If you have wholesome food that’s already prepared in your fridge, you are less likely to eat unhealthy snacks, out of convenience. Here are some simple food ideas that will stay fresh in your fridge for at least a week.
Lentil salad– This refreshing Mediterranean salad made with lentils, vegetables, capers and olive oil is under 200 calories and low in fat. When you have free time, you can make this healthy salad in just 30 minutes and provide a yummy snack for you and your family.
Baby carrots with hummus – Pita bread is traditionally paired with hummus for a tasty snack, but baby carrots are an equally satisfying substitute. Hummus is a Middle Eastern food dip which consists of puréed chick peas, tahini (sesame seed butter), lemon juice and seasonings. This blend creates low-fat and high-fiber dip for all to enjoy. While pita bread may need to be heated, baby carrots are ready-to-go and will last three to four weeks in the fridge. Together, baby carrots and hummus are a healthy combination.
Oriental salad – This Asian salad is light, crunchy and will go a long way in your fridge. The combination of cabbage, dry noodles and vegetables will deliver a satisfying snack before dinner. It can be made in large portions and the simplicity of this salad will overwhelm your taste buds.
Gazpacho – When it comes to recipes, it doesn’t get much easier than this. This dish is made of entirely vegetables. Gazpacho is a Spanish-style dish made of raw and chopped vegetables, and served cold. This healthful dish is made with tomatoes, tomato juice, onions, celery, cucumbers and red bell peppers. The freshness of this dish allows it to last for a week in your fridge. You can’t go wrong with a full serving of vegetables in one bowl.
Couscous salad with tomato and basil – This dish can be served hot or cold and last a decent amount of time when refrigerated. The granules of semolina from wheat, also known as, couscous, are low in fat and healthful for you and your family. After adding vegetables, this can be a quick and easy salad to snack on.
These are just a few ideas for healthful recipes that can last in the fridge. Instead of grabbing the potato chips that are high in trans-fats, refrigerate a couple of these dishes to satisfy that afternoon snack-attack!
Photo credit: Marisa McClellan
