Coconutty Snack Mix

 

 

I HAVE to start by saying THANK YOU to everyone who liked, shared, commented (via facebook because I didn’t know how to turn on comments), reposted, called, texted, etc in support of Cheat Day! It means SO much to me and I am just so happy and excited to have gone through with making this a reality. I have a lot in the works for a formal launch, including a new logo and I just can’t wait to share it all with you!!

 

I wanted to do a recipe today that addresses one of my hurdles in losing weight: SNACKING! I am a Snack Queen (cue Fetty Wap) and it’s no joke. At any given time, you can stop me and ask me if I have snacks and the answer is probably yes. Now asking me if I will share is a completely different situation 😛 — And this is not to say that snacking is against the rules in losing weight, it’s actually encouraged! The problem is if there are no healthy snacks available, I’m going to eat whatever is around and that can get me into trouble. I have had weeks blown on calories/fat/sugar simply because I snack sabotaged myself because of poor planning. Not only was I snacking on things that had more calories than my meals, they weren’t adding any nutrients to my body. Now that I try to eat more purposefully, I’ve decided to share something that has worked for me!

 

I found that while meal prepping the entire week does not necessarily work for me, snack prepping absoutely does! The awesome thing about this one, is that you make it ahead and it can last for a week prepackaged, or you can freeze and just take it down when you want to eat a little! My favorite part about this snack mix is that you can make it into a bar or a crumble, eat it alone or with fruit, yougurt, cheese…the possibilities are endless!

 

Today’s recipe is a simple, sweet and satisfying snack mix (say that 3 times fast!) that only takes about 30 minutes total to make! The essential fats come from nuts in this recipe, but in addition, you get protein, energy, along with several vitamins and minerals. One of my favorite things about this recipe is it’s so versatile, you can switch out ingredients to make several different variations (I’ll include three bonus recipes at the bottom). With the crunchiness of the nuts and sweetness from the coconut and honey, I foresee you making these over and over again!

 

What are your go-to snacks?

 

Coconutty Energy Crumble

*Serving size 1/4 cup – Makes 10 servings

 

• 1/2 cup Cashews, unsalted
• 1/2 cup Almonds, unsalted
• 1/2 cup Pistachios, unsalted
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds, unsalted
• 1/2 cup Coconut Flakes, unsweetened
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1/2-1 tsp sea salt
• est of 1/2 orange
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven  to 350 degrees and line a 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Spray lightly with nonstick baking spray.

2. If desired, chop all nuts and seeds to desired sizes and add to a medium bowl with salt. Add in coconut oil, zest and spices. Toss with a large spoon to 

3. Drizzle honey into bowl and turn bowl ingredients to coat evenly until all ingredients are covered and mixture is forming into a loose, sticky ball.

4. Turn ingredients into pan. Using back of spoon, press mixture down to take square shape of pan. Press firmly to make sure mixture is tightly set. If needed, use hands oiled with coconut oil to press and keep from getting sticky.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes and leave in pan to cool slightly for 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled remove from pan onto sprayed parchment paper and use hands to reform into square shape if needed (for bars).

6. For Bars: Once cool, cut into 2×4 inch bars and wrap individually to keep for later. Can keep for 1 week!

    For Crumble: Once cool, break into large pieces and store in a air tight jar. Use as a snack or topping. Can keep for 1 week!

 

VARIATIONS:

Fall Favorite

• 1 c pecans
• 1/2 c walnuts
• 1/2 c dried cranberries
• 1/2 c pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp all spice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• est of 1/2 orange

*Follow above directions

 

Coco Loco

• 1 c pecans
• 1/2 c  coconut flakes
• 1/2 c macadamia nuts
• 1/2 c pistachios
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1/2 c white chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup wildflower honey
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• est of 1/2 lime

*Follow above directions

 

German Chocolate Cake

• 1 c pecans
• 1/2 c walnuts
• 1/2 c coconut flakes
• 1/2 c dark chocolate chips
• 10  dates (chopped finely)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup caramel
• 1 tsp vanill

*Follow above directions

** Drizzle caramel after baked and cooled