There’s never an off season in life, is there? No matter what time of year it is, it seems like our days are busier than ever, with full days spent at work or school, squeezing in workouts and planning and eating healthy meals, too! You need food that is convenient and energizing without breaking the bank, expanding your waistline or demanding a nap 30 minutes later. 
Stock up on these plant-based snacks to feel better today:
1. Trail mix
This classic never gets old. Sure, you could buy pre-made trail mix, or you could go out on a limb and mix your own. Start with a base of roasted or raw nuts, add in dried fruit and then throw in exciting extras, like non-dairy chocolate chips, spicy pumpkin seeds or coconut flakes.
2. Vega One Meal Bar
Instead of another cup of coffee, grab a Vega One All-in-One Meal Bar. Indulge and relax knowing you’ve covered your nutritional bases with satisfying layers of chocolate-dipped goodness (hello, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Chocolate Mint flavors). Made from plant-based, whole-food ingredients, Vega One Meal Bar is a convenient meal on the go. Each bar is packed with 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram of healthy omega-3s, plus vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics and greens.
3. Hummus and crudité
Yes, we could have said “carrots” but crudité sounds so much more civilized, no? Try a DIY hummus by blending garbanzo beans, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice and garlic in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Serve with sliced veggies, pita chips or pretzel sticks.
4. Vega Snack Bar
Stock your bag or desk drawer for strategic snacking with a whole food bar you can feel good about. Manage the mid-day munchies with a mouthwatering, plant-based Vega Snack Bar. Non-GMO Project Verified superfood ingredients in Vega Snack Bar fill this gluten-free, get-you-through-to-the-next-meal morsel with satisfying protein and 1 gram of omega-3s.
5. Apple and PB
With a healthy balance of carbs and protein, this couldn’t be a more perfect pairing. Of course, you can swap the peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter or even chocolate hazelnut butter. Get a little crazy and swap in a pear when you get tired of apples. If you’re concerned about calories, look for single-serving nut butters to keep portions under control.
6. Kale Chips
Kale chips are easy to make, nutrient dense and delicious! What more could you ask for from a snack? You can start with a basic kale chip recipe and add your favorite flavor combinations. We love these nacho kale chips.
Fiesta Nacho Kale Chips
Originally posted on MyVega.com
Ingredients
1 bunch of kale
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 ½ Tbsp. lemon juice (optional)
2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. sea salt (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 200°F.
- Thoroughly wash kale and let it dry. Tear kale leaves away from stem, getting about 6-8 pieces from each leaf.
- In a bowl, mix kale pieces, olive oil, seasonings and lemon juice. It may be easier to use your hands to massage the oil and seasonings into the kale.
- Lay kale out on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
- At 30 minutes, remove from oven and gently lift kale from pan if it has stuck. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until kale is dry and crispy.
- Let cool before eating. Kale chips can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
What’s YOUR go-to snack?