HEALTHY SNACKS I’M LOVING

In February, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and have completely changed my diet. Although it’s been very challenging, I want to share my favorite gluten and dairy-free snacks in hopes it will help others! When I first was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, I had no idea what to eat, but following food blogs with healthy recipes has helped. In the last couple of months, I have been adjusting what I eat, and it has helped me so much. On Instagram, I have talked with so many of my followers who struggle with autoimmune diseases, food sensitivity, and or different diseases that cause them to eat gluten and or dairy-free. I will share below five quick and easy snacks that I have been loving! The best part is their dairy and gluten-free. Below you will see most of my ingredients are bought at Aldi’s. They have so many gluten-free, locally grown, organic food and so reasonably priced.

The first up is one of my favorite snacks to pack for a quick lunch on the go—simply cut mini cucumbers from Aldi’s in half. Add dairy-free cream cheese (found at Target), sprinkle some Everything But the Bagel Seasoning from Trader Joe’s, and sprouts, and I promise you it will be the best thing you have ever tasted. I not only do this snack with cucumbers but also peppers?​ 

The next up is one of the easiest ways to prep a quick breakfast for the morning or snack on the go. I have been loving overnight oats, and they’re so easy to make. Mix in a glass bowl 1 cup of oats (purchased mine at Thrive Market), 1 and 3/4 cups of Unsweetened Almond Milk, 2 Tablespoon Maple Syrup, and one tablespoon of chia seeds, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and drizzle honey on the top. After you mix all the ingredients​, place them in the fridge. In the morning, microwave the overnight oats for one minute and top with your favorite fruit. It’s such a quick, easy snack and so good for you! 

Smoothies have been my go-to when I’m on the go. When I want to get my nutrients in for the day but don’t always have time to sit down and eat a meal. I love switching up my ingredients, so they taste different every time. I usually have two-three kinds of fruit, spinach, dairy-free yogurt, almond milk, and some frozen fruit to make it the perfect consistency. ​It’s quick, easy, nutritious, and so tasty! 

Avocado Toast and sprouts are hands down another favorite snack of mine. Avocados are a good source of healthy fats and vitamins, high in fiber, and a great source of potassium. Not to mention avocado toast is the tastiest snack especially if you add some sprouts! 

I was saving the best for last and my recent obsession for the past couple of months. Koia smoothies and protein shakes. The Koia smoothies are refreshing real fruit smoothies with only 9g of total sugar, have one whole coconut of hydration, and are plant-based and dairy-free. ​I purchase my Koia smoothies as Target. I also love there protein shakes which have only 4g of sugar, 18g of protein all plant based, and they’re dairy free! I purchase the Koia protein shakes at Target and or Festival. They’re my favorite thing to grab when I’m on the go!