Busy Moms Helper

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Healthiest Snacks You Can Eat

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Everyone knows that the three main meals are highly important in our diet, but what about snacks? You should have 3 hearty meals starting with your breakfast. We’re not just talking about calories – these meals should be nutritious and cover your daily vitamins/minerals needs. However, a proper diet isn’t focused on main courses only – it involves a lot of snacks.

Are There Healthy Snacks?

When we talk about snacks, we’re not talking about chips or flips. You should stay as far away from this junk food as possible. There are, however, many healthy snacks you can nibble on all day long to keep your energy levels up. Snacks will also fight off hunger until the next meal so you won’t be tempted to reach for chips.

Of course, just like the three meals, snacks should be nutritious and healthy. And, although many believe there are no such snacks, we’ll provide a few below you can have every day.

Vegetables

Broccoli, baby carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, peas, carrot sticks, and peppers are just some snacks you can eat as much as you want. They can be easily prepared and can be consumed fresh or baked. Just try salty baked carrot sticks and you’ll see how great they are.

Popcorn

Craving something to nibble on? Popcorn is the ideal snack. Low in calories and fat, popcorn is almost an ideal snack, especially for those trying to lose weight. Always keep a bag of popcorn in your kitchen. Whenever you crave a salty snack, make some and enjoy. Remember – microwave popcorn is nothing like the real thing.

Dry Fruit

You can find dry (dehydrated) fruit almost anywhere today. Cranberries, apricots, apples, raisins, pineapples, and papaya are all on offer with no added sugar and great taste. Eat as much of these as you want or get a dehydrator and make your own at home.

Trail Mix

Trail mixes have grown very popular these days and can be easily prepared. Simply mix some sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and some dry fruits and put them in a sealed bag. They taste great, will keep your energy up, and won’t make you gain weight.

Taco Popcorn {all natural}

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Need an after school snack?  Having a movie night? Want to add some pizazz to your snack time? I’ve got your back friend!  Try this taco popcorn!  This is a family favorite.  Everyone loves tacos right? And, everyone loves popcorn.  So why not combine the two?  Give it a try, you’ll love it!

taco popcorn

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Taco Popcorn

Besides just tasting great, taco popcorn is super easy to make.  It takes hardly any ingredients, and it’s just a winner, trust me.  If you’re used to microwave popcorn, I’m just going to challenge you today friend, make this on the stove top. It takes about the same amount of time, and it tastes so good!

At our house, we are Whirley Pop lovers.  But, you don’t need a Whirley Pop to make this.  A big heavy bottom pan is just fine.  Also, I’m going to share with you a homemade taco seasoning to make this.  You probably have these ingredients in your house already.  But, just know, if you want to use store bought taco seasoning, go right ahead.

taco popcorn

What you need~

  • popcorn kernels
  • coconut oil
  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • garlic powder
  • smoked paprika
  • oregano
  • onion powder
  • salt
  • pepper

taco popcorn

What to do~

  • Combine spices and stir well.
  • Place oil, popcorn kernels and salt in a covered pan over medium heat,
  • Gently shake the pan every so often.  After a few minutes, it will begin to pop
  • Continue to shake periodically.  When there are 2-3 seconds in between pops, take it off the heat.
  • Empty half the popcorn into a bowl and sprinkle with the taco seasoning, empty the rest and sprinkle on more, gently toss.

taco popcorn

Notes~

  • If you’re using a Whirley Pop, you don’t need to shake the pan, and I’m sure you already know this.  Just put the first few ingredients in, and start turning.
  • I love to use coconut oil, but canola or vegetable oil is good too.
  • The oil should cover the bottom of the pan and almost cover the kernels.  If you are used to using the Whirley Pop, then I’m sure you already know how much oil to use. Mine is at the point where it only takes a teaspoon.
  • You will have more than enough taco seasoning.  It really depends on how much seasoning you like. I used about 2-3 teaspoons total.
  • If you like heat, add some cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.  I’ve got little ones, so we don’t do too spicy.
  • If you like butter drizzled on your popcorn, then by all means, add it!
  • You can use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika, but the smoked adds a nice smokey flavor.
  • A little thing we discovered for the salt we include with the popcorn– if you have a coffee grinder or spice grinder, run some of it through there.  It will make it like a fine powder, and we discovered it distributes really well that way.  Totally not necessary, but a great tip if you want to try it!

Enjoy your taco popcorn!!  Do you have a favorite way to make popcorn?  I’d love to hear from you!

taco popcorn

taco popcorn
Print Recipe

Taco Popcorn

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 plus 1/8 tsp salt divided
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • coconut oil see notes
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels

Instructions

  • Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, 1/8 tsp salt and pepper, stir and set aside.
  • Place oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and popcorn kernels in a Whirley Pop or heavy bottom pan.
  • Over medium heat, periodically shake the pan until all kernels are popped.
  • Pour half of the popcorn in a bowl, sprinkle 1 tsp taco seasoning over top. Pour the other half of the popcorn in the bowl and add another teaspoon of seasoning, gently toss.
  • Add more seasoning if desired.

Looking for more fabulous snacks?  Check these out:

sweet_potato_chips-6Sweet Potato Chips

Black_bean_dip-2Baked Black Bean Dip