snacks

The hardest thing about having food allergies is being able to snack.  Finding quick munchies on-the-go or things to shove in your mouth before you run out the door (that's what she said) is a serious challenge.  And for those of us who are concerned with eating wholesomely and getting the best and balanced nutrition packed in every little bite, choosing wisely becomes tedious. 
Some of my favorite quick snacks include:
low fat cheese sticks from Whole Foods or Trader Joe's
clementines ESPECIALLY now that they're in season
Wallaby yogurt (I'm a total sucker for this brand, and if you haven't tried it, go to Whole Foods...it's only $.99 per cup and they have deliciously unusual flavors)
allergen-free cereal
dried fruit
...and corn chips with hummus.  

Now I used to exclusively buy the Trader Joe's jalapeno and cilantro hummus or Tribe brand jalapeno hummus because I really like that southwestern flavor when I'm eating it with corn chips.  Also, I'm just an absolute fanatic when it comes to spicy food.  But today I realized that I'm out of hummus and that I had both a can of jalapenos and a can of garbanzo beans.  So, if you want a high-protein snack to tide you over this week, grab your food processor and try out this recipe:


Note: this recipe is tahini free, so it is safe for people with sesame allergies
JALAPENO HUMMUS

1 can drained garbanzo beans
1 clove fresh garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
1 whole canned jalapeno pepper, or as many canned sliced jalapenos as you wish
juice of 1/2 lemon
2 dashes of cumin
salt and pepper to taste

Put it all in your food processor and grind it as finely as possible.  Stir it a few times to make sure all your beans, peppers, and garlic get chopped evenly.  Transfer to a tub and refrigerate OR transfer to several small tupperware containers for a quick on-the-go serving to throw in your lunch box.  Oh, and if you don't have a lunchbox, go to Whole Foods...they might be hiding one behind the customer service counter if they're not on the floor.  Whole Foods has insulated lunch boxes for literally like, $2.  Then run to Target and get some little ice packs.  I use mine pretty much every day and it has made eating when not at home a complete walk-in-the-park :)