Sometimes, we run out of ideas for snacks. We find ourselves grabbing the same granola bar every weekend to stuff into our ski jacket or kids' backpack. Snack planning can be frustrating because providing snacks that are healthy, delicious, and fuel the body properly is a tough job when you're making them daily. Since our younger racers will sit down for a snack, here are five snacks that may alleviate that blank brainstorm moment when it comes to afternoon fuel.

POPCORN PARTY

Ingredients:

• 2-3 TBSP coconut oil/extra virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup of corn kernels

Method:

1. Add the coconut oil to a pot; heat on low until melted.
2. Cover the entire pot bottom with one layer of corn kernels. Depending on your pot size, you may need more than ⅓ of a cup.
3. Turn the heat up between medium and high; cover. Once the kernels start to pop, give the pot a shake a couple of times. The popcorn is done in approximately 45 seconds, and once there are no more popping kernels.
4. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Or, top with red paprika, Parmesan cheese, and cayenne pepper if you like a hint of spice. If you prefer a sweet version, cinnamon alongside a drizzle of honey is a kid's favourite combo.

This is a great snack to pack in a keep box for the hill.

CELERY STICK, WHO?

Ingredients:

• 2-3 stalks of fresh celery
• Your choice of nut, seed, and cheese spreads, and dried fruit, etc.

Method:

1. Wash two to three celery sticks; cut them into finger-length sizes.
2. Fill the inside of the celery sticks with a spread and top them with a sprinkle of your choice. Some combinations include:

• Tahini and cinnamon
• Nut butter of choice and raisins
• Olive tapenade and roasted sunflower seeds
• Hummus and black beans
• Cream cheese and dried cranberries
• Pumpkin seed butter and honey
• Coconut butter and chocolate chips

CHOCOLATE PUDDING

Ingredients:

• 3 TBSP milled flax seeds or milled chia seeds
• 9 TBSP water
• 2 TBSP maple syrup or honey
• 2 TBSP cacao powder

Method:

1. Firstly, mix the flax and water. Then, add in the sweeter and cacao powder.
2. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to bloom. The pudding is ready once the mixture becomes jelly-like.
3. Top with a tablespoon of nuts, seeds, or a granola mix for some extra crunch. Fresh berries are also a great option.

SUNSET SALAD

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carrot
• 1 small red beet
• 1 TBSP toasted walnuts
• 1 TBSP raisins
• Optional: 1 TBSP honey or maple syrup
• Method:

1. Shred the raw carrot and beet, add the crushed toasted walnuts; then, mix in the raisins and sweetener of choice.

CHOCOLATE SNOWBALLS

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup raw, unsalted cashews
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup cacao
• 10 large Medjool dates
• 1 TBSP hemp seeds
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Method

1. Soak the 3/4 cup of cashews in 1/4 cup of warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Cut the Medjool dates into smaller pieces and, if needed, soak them in warm water until they are soft.
3. Add the cashews (including the 1/4 cup of water they were soaking in), dates, and hemp seeds to a food processor. Process and blitz until you get a sticky, crumbly mixture.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add 1/2 cup of cacao powder. Mix with your hands until the mixture forms a firm dough.
5. Finally, form the dough into tablespoon-size balls and cover in shredded coconut.
6. Refrigerate for approximately 15 minutes before serving or packing as a snack.

Find more nutrition tips and healthy snack ideas here in the Coaches' Tips »