Bake from Scratch for Healthy Snacks

Balanced snacks are just as important as balanced meals. A balanced snack includes foods that contain protein, carbohydrates and a little fat. The protein slows down absorption of the carboydrates, keeping you fuller longer and keeping blood sugar levels constant. Also try to include yogurt, cheese, peanut butter and other protein foods when you snack.

When baking you can also keep these healthy ideas in mind so you can bake up healthful and nutritious snacks.

• Add whole grains, such as oats, flax and white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour to your favorite baked cookies, quick breads and cakes in order to get more fiber in your diet. 
• Add dried fruit to quick breads such as pancakes and muffins.
• Stir in mashed sweet potato, grated zucchini or banana into corn bread, waffles and cakes.

Here are some of our favorite snacks to bake up from scratch!

Spring Berry Oatcakes - rolled oats, whole wheat flour, almonds and lots of goodness make this a delicious and healthy snacking cookie!

Five Grain Berry Muffins - The whole wheat pastry flour assures these muffins are light and the agave syrup keeps them sweet-but-not-too-sweet. Throw in any quickly absorbed grains you have on hand just to boost the nutritional profile of this muffin.

Healthy Orange Noshers Cookies - whole wheat flour, oats and flax seed, are heart-healthy and have a delicious orange flavor!

Cranberry Almond Breakfast Bars - great for home snacking and brown-baggin' it for that afternoon pick-me-up snack.

Honey Cereal Bars - flavors of cereals, dried fruits and a little brown sugar to round it all up.

Make your snacks from scratch helps you avoid over processed foods and unnecessary sugars that can be found in snacks already baked and purchased at the grocery store.