Save Dough and Let the Pounds Go: DIY Healthy Snacks

Satisfy hunger and eat less by choosing snacks packed with fiber and protein. Since healthy snacks aren't always cheap, here are some recipes you can whip up in the kitchen. You'll help keep money in your wallet while also whittling your waist!

Mixed Nut Butter

A jar of organic peanut butter will run you at least $4, and if you go for almond butter, it's $5 or $6. Save money by making fresh nut butter in a food processor. You can choose to use strictly peanuts or almonds, or make this recipe for mixed nut butter.

Granola Bars

You can easily pick up a box of granola bars for around $6, but most tend to be made with a lot of extra sugar. Choose your own ingredients and make a healthier version at home. This recipe for DIY granola bars calls for pumpkin seeds, peanut butter, and dried cranberries. Still not inspired? Here are more of our favoritehomemade granola bar recipes.

Fruit and Yogurt Popsicles

To satisfy your sweet cravings, reach for homemade Greek yogurt and fruit Popsicles.

Splurge on a Zoku Quick Pop Maker or go the less-expensive route with paper cups and Popsicle sticks. You'll not only save money, but also discover a great project to do with kids, and you can customize the pops with your favorite fruity ingredients.

Fruit and Nut Bars

Are you a huge fan of Larabars? Save your $1.50 and make your own fruit and nut bars with this simple recipe. All said and done, it'll cost you 65 cents a bar.

Yogurt

Yogurt is full of calcium and protein, but it costs about $1 a container, which can start to add up if you enjoy this snack often. Did you know you can easily make your own yogurt? All you need is milk and a few tablespoons of plain yogurt (to act as a starter culture), and you can whip up a huge batch of creamy, tangy yogurt for much less dough.

Granola

What kind of a snack would yogurt be without a sprinkle of granola? Buy a bag that's homemade, and it'll cost you $8 to $12. Save your money and bake up your own batch with this recipe for almond and flaxseed granola.

Salsa

Noshing on corn chips and salsa is a healthy way to satisfy a crunchy craving, but for a fresh jar of salsa, you'll end up spending $4 to $6.

It's easy to make your own, and since you choose the ingredients, you can make it even healthier by adding fresh mango, red peppers, pineapple, and fresh tomato. For less than $6, you'll end up with an enormous bowl of homemade salsa that will last you a week.

Energy Balls

My favorite health-food store carries these yummy treats called Chunks of Energy, but they're not cheap. To save money, try this recipe for no-bake peanut butter balls. It makes a great pre- or post-workout snack and is much less expensive than buying the ones at the store.

Hummus

Veggies and hummus offer a filling, high-fiber snack, but if you're addicted to this garlicky dip, you likely spend $6 or more on every tub. Making hummus couldn't be easier. Just add chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to your food processor, and in minutes, you'll be enjoying fresh, creamy hummus, all for just a few bucks.


Source
http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Homemade-Snack-Ideas-Weight-Loss-22639771#photo-22639771
Source: Flickr User jamieanne and Flickr User franksteiner
Source: Flickr User Albertas Agejevas
Source: Flickr User Brett L.