How to Make Healthy and Fun Rice Cake Snacks

Though the thought of rice cakes may bring to mind the initial thoughts of "boring" and "health food," these crunchy, functional snacks are anything but boring! In fact, there are tons of fun and exciting ways to spice up the traditional rice cake. With a little creativity, you can enjoy these delicious cakes in a whole new way. To note, rice cakes come in various flavors and varieties, but traditional, low-sodium cakes can pack as few as 35 calories each. Use these for optimal nutritional results.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rice cakes

1. Love peanut butter and jelly but want to cut carbohydrates? Try a peanut butter and jelly rice cake-wich. This creative twist on the favorite sandwich replaces the two slices of bread with two rice cakes, adding a whole new crunch to this classic. Even better, rice cakes carry fewer calories than bread but actually feel more substantial, filling you up easier. Simply spread peanut butter on one cake, jelly on the other, and combine to create a new sandwich.

2. Another fun and healthy way to incorporate jelly and rice cakes is to make a delicious jelly and banana rice cake sandwich. Choose your favorite jelly, jam or other spread. Fat free and sugar free carry fewer calories as well. First, spread jelly on one side of two rice cakes. Then, take one whole banana and slice it into 1/4 to 1/2 inch sections. Then, take the banana slices and "stick" them onto the jelly, creating two open-faced sandwiches. Making smily faces with the banana slices is also an option for entertaining kids.

3. Mexican rice cakes are also a zesty way to spice up these snacks. Simply take two rice cakes and spread salsa on one side of each cake. A spin on chips and salsa, this Mexican treat comes with the same great taste and crunch but with far fewer calories and less fat. If you want to spice things up even more, consider adding sliced avocado to the top of the salsa spread. This delicious fruit is a great source of natural fat.

4. Who doesn't love the mix of chocolate and peanut butter? By using rice cakes as opposed to cookies or other sweets, this mix is a healthy and tasty treat for all. Simply spread any peanut butter or nut butter along two rice cakes. Remember, low fat or fat free butter is best. Then, sprinkle on about 1/4 cup, give or take, of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the peanut butter. Again, for some added fun, make a smiley face or write initials with the chips and pack away for a surprise at lunch time for the kids.