5 Meal Planning Snacks that are Easy to Make

Meal prepping is a game-changer for staying on track with healthy eating. It’s fantastic for planning dinners and lunches, but what about those pesky snack cravings that hit throughout the day? That’s where meal-prepping snacks come in! 

Having healthy snacks ready to grab can prevent impulsive trips to the vending machine or reaching for unhealthy processed options. It saves time and money, and most importantly, it keeps you feeling your best.

I get it; finding healthy and satisfying snacks can be a challenge. That’s why I’m excited to share some meal prep snack recipes that are delicious and easy to make in bulk and store for the entire week.

1. Energy-Boosting Quinoa Bites

These little bites are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them the perfect pick-me-up for busy days. They’re also incredibly versatile – you can customize them with your favorite ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup nut butter of your choice (almond, peanut, cashew)
• ½ cup chopped dried fruit (dates, cranberries, apricots)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• ¼ cup seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin)
• ¼ cup protein powder (optional)
• 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, nut butter, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, protein powder (if using), and honey/maple syrup.
2. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Use your hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
4. Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
5. Store the quinoa bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Meal Prep Tips

• Double or triple the recipe to make a big batch for the week.
• Experiment with different flavor combinations. Try adding chocolate chips, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or other spices.

2. Overnight Oats Parfaits

Overnight oats are a classic meal-prep breakfast and make a fantastic snack! The combination of oats, yogurt, and fruit balances protein, carbs, and healthy fats to satisfy you.

Ingredients

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ cup yogurt (Greek yogurt works well for extra protein)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• ¼ cup fruit (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon granola or nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. In a mason jar or container with a lid, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Top with fruit and granola or nuts (if using).
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.

Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare multiple jars at once to have them ready for the entire week.
• Experiment with different flavor combinations by using various fruits, yogurts, and toppings.
• Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness if desired.

3. Veggie-Packed Hummus Cups

These hummus cups are a great way to get your daily dose of veggies and protein. They’re also super easy to assemble and perfect for on-the-go snacking.

Ingredients

• 1 container hummus
• Assorted pre-cut vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes)
• Individual containers with lids

Instructions

1. Wash and chop your favorite vegetables.
2. Portion the hummus into individual containers.
3. Arrange the vegetables around the hummus in each container.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare a large batch of chopped vegetables at the beginning of the week to save time.
• Use different types of hummus for variety (roasted red pepper, garlic, etc.).
• Add whole-grain pita bread or crackers for dipping if desired.

4. Homemade Trail Mix

Trail mix is a classic snack that’s perfect for meal prep. You can customize it with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a personalized and satisfying snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans)
• 1 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia)
• 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots, mango)
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips (if using).
2. Mix well to combine.
3. Divide the trail mix into snack-size bags or containers.

Meal Prep Tips

• Make a big batch of trail mix at the beginning of the week to have it readily available.
• Experiment with different combinations of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
• Add a pinch of sea salt or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

5. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Hard-boiled eggs are a protein powerhouse and a great snack option for meal prep. Adding everything bagel seasoning takes them to the next level of flavor.

Ingredients

• 6-12 eggs
• Everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

1. Place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan.
2. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by about an inch.
3. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
5. Drain the hot water and immediately run cold water over the eggs to cool them down.
6. Peel the eggs and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.

Meal Prep Tips

• Boil a dozen eggs at once to have them ready for the week.
• Store the peeled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning just before eating.

Conclusion

So there you have it, five fantastic meal-prep snack ideas to keep you energized and satisfied throughout the week. With a bit of preparation on the weekend, you can say goodbye to unhealthy snacking and hello to a week of wholesome, delicious treats. Remember, meal prepping is all about making healthy choices easier. Happy snacking!