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Don’t Get Burned Out | “NO-BAKE” PROTEIN BARS

June 12, 2015 By marketeditor

 

I don’t know about you, but by the time summer rolls around, I seem to run out of healthy snack ideas for my kids.

Every June, as the end of school draws near, I find myself repeatedly serving my trusty standby of carrot sticks and string cheese. Needless to say, after three weeks straight, my kids are burned-out when it comes to snack time, and are ready for some new options.

Snacks play an important role in boosting nutrition and managing kids’ hunger. A well-timed, healthy snack can provide a much-needed energy boost between meals and even out hunger spikes, especially during the summer when days are often spent on the move. When it comes to kids and healthy eating, my first rule of thumb is: Be creative. We all naturally “eat with our eyes” first and if the food looks appealing there’s a greater chance it will make it into little mouths — even vegetables.

With a little bit of planning and a trip to the Farmers’ Market to stock up on ingredients, here are some of my family’s favorite easy, appealing & healthy snack ideas that you can make this summer:

 

frozen berries

Yogurt Covered Raspberries – or blueberries or strawberries…you get the idea. All you need are fresh berries and vanilla flavored Greek yogurt. (Bonus: Greek yogurt adds protein!) Wash berries and let them dry completely. Place a sheet of wax paper on a cutting board or sheet pan that will fit in your freezer. Take a toothpick, dip raspberries in yogurt. Place on wax paper, and transport to freezer. Freeze completely. Enjoy!

 

Kabobs

Fruit kabobs – the fun is in the making of these treats. Simply chop up a bunch of fresh fruit and let the kids build them using bamboo skewers. They’ll love customizing their own kabobs!

 

 

watermelon-pops

Watermelon Pops – everything is more fun when it’s cut into shapes! Simply slice a watermelon and cut out fun shapes with assorted cookie cutters. The kids will love choosing their shapes. If you’re really feeling adventurous, insert a lollipop stick and call them Watermelon Pops.

 

Popsicles

Honey Sweetened Yogurt Popsicles – These are a huge hit in my house! Simply toss 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup raw honey, 1 pound of fresh fruit (peaches, berries, etc.), and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional) into a food processor or blender. Puree it until it’s nice and smooth. Then, pour the mixture into some popsicle molds and freeze for 2-4 hours, or until completely solid. (I love that every single ingredient for these can be found locally at the Farmers’ Market!)

 

veggies

Snack Sticks – Think long and skinny, and you’ve got the right idea for this snack. Start with healthy ingredients like carrots, celery, cheese, apples, pretzel sticks, etc. Cut them up in sticks, and let the fun begin! Add a side of peanut butter or ranch dressing for dipping and voila’!

 

bananas

Frozen Bananas (or ice cream?!) – These are a hot item at my house. When they are too ripe to eat, slice them up and freeze them for smoothies. I soon noticed eager little hands were digging into the bag, and the perfect treat was born. If you are feeling extra ambitious, try pureeing them in your food processor to make banana “ice cream!”

 

cracker sandwich

 

Cracker Sandwiches – It might take a while for the kids to catch on that these are nothing more than regular sandwiches. The crackers, however, give them some fun crunch! Three ingredients are all you need: cheese, turkey (ham, roast beef, etc.) and whole wheat crackers. You could also add lettuce, spinach or other veggies too!

 

no bake protein bars_1

Homemade Protein Bars – but don’t call them that. Shhh! These bars taste like “no-bake” cookies and your kids will never know the difference. These are a great source of protein without any added sugar. SEE RECIPE BELOW.

 

 

HOMEMADE “NO-BAKE” PROTEIN BARS

SERVES: 8-10

PREP TIME: 5 mins

TOTAL TIME: 20 mins

 

INGREDIENTS: *available at the Farmers’ Market

2 1/2 cups peanut butter*

3 cups oatmeal

2 cups honey*

2 1/4 cups chocolate whey protein powder

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup almonds or pistachios; chopped

Optional Add-Ins: raisins or other dried fruit, mini-chocolate chips, or coconut flakes

 

Mix all ingredients together. (You might need to do the final mixing with your hands.)

Press into cookie sheet with a 1-inch lip.

Consistency will be similar to no-bake cookies.

Chill in refrigerator for about 15 mins.

Slice to serve. Enjoy!

NOTE: These can also be formed into individual balls instead.

 

Here’s to a summer of fun and healthy snacking! Enjoy!

Filed Under: Seasonal Recipes

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Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendo Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendors at today’s market!
Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Grano Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Granola Day. In honor of this, all sales with our friends from @toganola are 10% off this Saturday only! Their granola products are packaged in sustainable packaging and free of gluten, dairy & soy. 

Our winter market runs today from 9:3-1:30 in the Wilton Mall food court. Hope you can make it!

Photo of and provided by @toganola 

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Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today! For every $5 you spend using your SNAP/EBT card at our market, receive $2 in coupons. FreshConnect bucks can be used to buy: vegetables, meat, milk, eggs, honey, baked items, jams, plants that bear food, and prepared foods that are packed to eat at home. Plus, there’s no cap on issuance! Stop by our information stand to learn more. We’ll be open 9:30-1:30 tomorrow. ❄️🌾

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Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ ma Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ markets are a great way to start networking and finding your customer base. For 45 years, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has provided a platform for local farmers, artisans, bakers and more build their businesses into what they are today. If you’d like to join our community, please submit your 2023 Summer Vendor application. The link can be found in our bio. Last day to apply is January 31st. DM us here or email me at sfma.manager@gmail.com with any questions!! 

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