5 Raw Food Snack Hacks

So, since starting this "as much raw food as I can" diet, I've realized that it may be hard to find, or make, snacks that are raw, nutritious, and are worth eating. This is a list I have compiled of my go-to snacks when I'm hungry, or I'm craving something sweet, or savory. The things on this list aren't too expensive, and you should be able to find them at any grocery store, or, at least, a health food store.

Bottom's Up!

1. Raw Bite Sized Pecan Pie

These are so great, and taste just like pecan pie! This is perfect when you want something sweet, or when its Thanksgiving, and you really want some of that good ole Pecan Pie. ;)

What you need:

Dates (pitted)
Pecans (one for each date)

Equipment required:

Fingers

Take one date, and one pecan. There should be a hole going through the date because is has been pitted. Push the pecan through the hole, into the date. Voila! Bite Sized Pecan Pie!

2. Raw Coconut Covered Dates

These are delicious! (If you love coconut!) The coconut compliments the date AMAZINGLY. The coconut reminds me of a white Ferrero Rocher. It doesn't taste like that, though. Which is not to say its not delicious. Medjool dates work best with this because of their moistness.

What you need:

Dates (medjool) 

Raw shredded coconut

Equipment required:

small bowl

Fingers

Pour some of the shredded coconut into the bowl. Choose how many dates you want, and roll them one-by-one in the coconut. Eat them as you roll them, or put them on a plate! Your choice! These would also make a wonderful dish to make for a party. 

3. Smashed Avocado

This is literally what its called. Smashed avocado. This great because you can add whatever you want to the avocado, and make it taste how you want. I like mine to be savory, so I'll tell you the spices that I like to use.

What you need:

1/2 Avocado

Spices (I use Organic No-Salt Seasoning, curry powder, and pepper)

Equipment Required:

bowl

knife

fork

Cut the avocado in half long ways, take the seed out and discard, and put one half of the avocado in an avocado saver (or tupper ware), and place in the fridge. Using the half still out, scrape the "meat," or inside of the avocado into the bowl. Using your fork, start mashing it. Its kind of like you're making guacamole. When the avocado mush it to the consistency of your liking, sprinkle the seasonings you like on it. Mix, and taste. If you want more of something, shake it on in there! If you use salt, make sure you don't use too much! And there it is! Smashed Avocado (with some spices).

4. Spring Rolls

These are a nice, oriental themed snack, that are healthy, tasty, and easy! You can use whatever veggies you want, and make or buy an oriental sauce.

What you need:

Collard Leaves (however many spring rolls you want)

Carrots, shredded or julienned (1 large carrot = 2 rolls)

Celery, chopped finely (1 large stalk = 3 rolls)

1/4 Onion, sliced thinly (1/4 = 4 rolls)

Mint, chopped finely 

Serrano optional for spice, chopped finely

Oriental sauce (i.e. tamari, coconut aminos, soy sauce, sweet and sour, etc.)

Equipment needed:

knife

cutting board

First, cut all of the veggies as is stated how to. Then, take one collard leaf, and lay it flat. In the center, add the carrots, celery, onion, mint, and serrano. If you want to put the oriental sauce of your choosing inside, do that at this time. Don't put more than a few drops. Fold one side of the collard leaf over the veggies, and then fold the other side over. Start rolling from one end, making sure the leaf stays straight and together. When you get to the end, you can brush the outside with some more sauce, if you want. Continue this sequence for the remaining leaves. Put some sauce in a small bowl, dip, and enjoy a healthy oriental snack!

5. Raw Seasoned Nuts

These nuts are great because they're raw and satisfying to your taste buds! Choose what spices you want, and go from there!

 What you need:

Some type of nut (cashews, almonds, etc.)
Water or Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar

Equipment Needed:

Baking Pan (keep in mind, we're not baking these.)
Parchment paper
Spray bottle


Line the baking pan with the parchment paper. Put however many nuts on the pan as you want to make. Pour some water or Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar into the spray bottle. Using the spray bottle, spray the nuts. Do not over saturate them. You just want them to be lightly misted. Next, start sprinkling the nuts with the spices you want. Cayenne pepper would be a good one, if you like spice. You could also make them a little sweet by sprinkling cinnamon on them. When you have sprinkled enough on the top, shake the pan back and forth. This will help to cover the nuts entirely with the seasoning. Let them dry for about 30 minutes. You could also put them in a dehydrator for a few hours, if you have one. There you have it! Raw Seasoned Nuts.