Roasted Pumpkin Seed Snack
Who else likes to snack throughout the day? I am a big snacker, I try to eat whenever I'm hungry, which means I travel with snacks or mini meals. A lot of the people I work with talk about the afternoon as being a particularly challenging time for making healthy snack choices. It often is the time we are searching for energy before heading home. A great strategy to help curb your cravings is being prepared with healthy snacks during your trigger times (i.e. late afternoon). Perhaps try having a snack right before you leave work or on your ride home (something easy to eat - i.e., a fruit or seeds).
Pumpkin seeds make for the perfect portable and nutritious snack. They are filled with protein, iron, zinc, phosphorous and much more. They are considered small nutrient powerhouses because of their strong antioxidant properties and mineral support. Below are 2 simple roasted pumpkin seed recipes for you to try.
Side note: I purchased raw pumpkin seeds (without the shell). You can use shelled pumpkin seeds as well. If you do, increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cracked Black Pepper and Parmesan Seeds
Ingredients:
2 cups raw de-shelled pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp. olive oil
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
Black pepper to taste (I like A LOT)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix together pumpkin seeds and olive oil. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake for 6-9 minutes or until they start to lightly brown.
Remove from heat and enjoy! Recommended serving 1/3 cup.
Sweet Cinnamon Seeds
Ingredients:
2 cups raw de-shelled pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp. coconut oil (melted)
1.5 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. brown sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix together pumpkin seeds and coconut oil. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake for 6-9 minutes or until they start to lightly brown.
Remove from heat and enjoy! Recommended serving 1/3 cup.
Cheers to happy and healthy eating. :)
Until next time,
Eat Right Feel Right - Angela XO
