Tasty plant-based snacking by Deliciously Ella

Are you trying to switch up your snacks to plant-based but not sure where to start?

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Whether you’re on a new-year health kick or trying to help save the planet, it’s never been easier to find satisfying and delicious plant-based foods – especially snacks! Since the launch of her first cook book, Ella Mills has been helping Brits switch-up their snacks to plant-based  alternatives by helping to change the preconceptions of bland and boring to interesting and full of flavour.

Ella’s story

Ella’s journey to plant-based cooking started in 2012 after being diagnosed with a condition called Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Ella became unwell at university and spent about four months in and out of hospital, followed by months in bed taking a host of medication. Rock bottom hit about a year later, so turning a negative into a positive she became interested in the power of diet and lifestyle. From this, she quickly fell in love with plant-based cooking and it ended up making a massive difference to her health.

Ella is on a mission to make vegetables cool, so let’s take a look at her hints and tips on all things plant-based snacking…

The ultimate on-the-go snack

Having a plant-based diet can mean a lot of planning in advance; after all, you can’t just eat anywhere as you need to make sure the menu caters to your diet. To help yourself when on-the-go, remember to always have a healthy bar or snack so you’re not caught out. Whether you’re on the road a lot or need a snack in between shopping or even meetings, try looking for one that has natural ingredients and delicious flavours!

Ella created her own oat bars for busy, plant-based lifestyles with a combination of natural ingredients, delicious flavours and a hit of fibre. They’re the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up or a breakfast on-the-go.

The afternoon pick-me-up

Ever since she changed her diet, Ella has been making energy balls so she always has a simple, sweet bite on hand for the afternoon. Ella believes mixing up ingredients is key to a delicious outcome. The beauty of a plant-based diet can mean trying new things all the time and finding that ingredients you didn’t think would work together, actually do! Each of Ella’s energy balls is made with just four to six natural ingredients – and as well as vegan, they’re gluten free too!

These energy balls can be perfect for the 3pm slump – most of us get to that time and need a little pick me up, so make sure to carry something with you at all times for emergencies!

Indulging in sweeter snacks

Going plant-based doesn’t mean you have to give up indulgent snacks, as a little bit of what you fancy does you good. Try living by the idea that for anything to be sustainable it’s got to be enjoyable! You’ve got to love the way you eat, which means feeling satisfied after your meal rather than deprived. When looking for sweeter, plant-based snacks look out for ones that include your favourite things – one of Ella’s most delicious energy balls are made up of peanut butter, dark chocolate and sea salt. What’s better than sweet and salty together?

Savoury snacking

When it comes to savoury snacking Ella believes simplicity is key, which makes hummus a great go-to snack as it’s quick and easy to make. It’s full of plant protein and is an easy way to sneak extra veggies in, too – try dipping cucumber, pepper and carrot into your hummus! But don’t feel like you have to stick to the standard hummus either, try adding the following ingredients to mix it up (maybe not all in one go!):

• Roasted red peppers

• Chilli

• Smoked paprika

• Roasted sweet potato

• Miso

• Smoked aubergine

• Sesame oil

• Beetroot

Hopefully you can now see how easy it is to switch up your snacking to plant-based. So let’s get celebrating plant-based food and drink!