To Your Health: The Best Snacks Ever

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Making Better Choices With Snacks

I am changing some of the things I do and first on my list is becoming more aware of what I randomly pop into my mouth. Imagine this change...snacking your way through a day. It really is a better way to eat, as long as you keep your food choices healthy, something to fuel your body. Psst...it does not have to be boring or deprive you of anything, it's really your choice!

Join me on my journey to find healthy and quick snack alternatives to that 'break room doughnut'!

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How I Arrived Here 

Gaspard
An obstinate eater can be rather stubborn!

I am not a nutrition expert, in fact as I am discovering more about healthy choices, it's become clear to me that I have been an obstinate eater. My term, don't you dare steal it :-)

So what exactly is an obstinate eater? It's a person that thinks:
  • Age is a number...so what if I'm eating my cheesy, buttery stuff!
  • Screw exercise, I didn't do it in my 20's and 30's so why bother now!
  • Hearing all the hoopla about diets just sets up an obstinate eater to go in the opposite direction!
  • Why should we listen to Aunt Betsy or mom about their 'new healthy eating'? After all, weren't they the one's that passed us the family recipes?

On a personal note...my actions are now speaking louder then words! Mom's 'new healthy eating' is making more sense to me. Ahh, the circle of life!

My new addiction, besides Squidoo of course!

My Hummus 

This happens to be one of my favorite foods. Absolutely yummy and flavorful! A little bit goes a long way and used in lieu of mayonnaise it packs a powerful punch. Enjoy my skinny recipe.

In a blender:
  • add a 15 oz can of garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
  • juice from 1 large or 2 small lemons (about 1/8 to 1/4 cup if using bottled)
  • grated peel or zest from 1/2 lemon (keep a bit for garnish)
  • 1/3 cup roasted tahini
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO in Rachael Ray's world :)
  • 1-2 cloves of garlic
  • a pinch of sea salt
While blending add 1/2 cup of water...a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is the consistency of creamy mashed potatoes. Add more water if it's too thick.

Kick it up a notch or change the flavor by considering these additions:
~ Try pickled garlic, some brands even offer seasoned cloves. I love using lemon dill flavored.
~ Use black beans instead of garbanzos.
~ Add flavor infused EVOO.
~ Garnish this taste treat with fresh parsley sprigs, toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds, lemon zest, chopped peanuts, or any of your favorites.
~ Some interesting varieties: Jalapeno & Lime, Thai Basil, and Spicy!

Better Then Chips 

Power Pop

Sometimes I've just got to have a bowl of popcorn. Having this popper on hand makes for a quick and easy snack.

Eaten straight up or with a hint of seasoning it's a better pick then Maui onion kettle chips :)

Kickin' it up a notch?...
  • Try butter spray, many varieties now come with flavoring.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of grated parmesan cheese on top...while it's hot!
  • Make Emeril proud, add some BAM! like cayenne pepper or a shake or two of hot sauce!
  • Wanting something a little sweet? Dust with cinnamon sugar, spray on some butter flavoring.

All Yogurts Are Not Created Equally! 

No denying that yogurt is a great snack, however more and more brands have made it almost impossible to reap the benefits because of what they are adding to the mix. Namely highly sugared fruit and foo-foo things like sprinkles and cookie crunches. Try making your own yogurt with this super easy recipe:
  • 1 qt milk
  • 4 tbsp commercial plain yogurt (Nancy's is my 'best')
  • Honey or Agasweet; to add sweetness
  • Add your favorite fruit; at serving.
There are several yogurt-making devices, but you can easily make it at home in a large thermos bottle using a candy thermometer, if you choose.
  • Sterilize all equipment in boiling water before using
  • Bring milk to a boil over a medium heat, then cool to 100 degrees F
  • In a small bowl blend yogurt with 1/4 cup of the warmed milk
  • Whisk this back into the rest of the warmed milk
  • Pour into a pre-warmed thermos, seal, and set aside in a warm place for 7 hours
  • Turn yogurt out into a bowl, set this into a larger bowl filled with ice water, stir to quicken cooling
  • Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours, or until thickened
  • Sweeten to taste, if desired, and serve with your favorite fruit
Yogurt will keep for 4 to 5 days, covered and refrigerated. Yields about 1 qt. Want to read more? This is a great link: All About Yogurt

Recipe from Essence of Emeril Show

Take a peek at these yogurt making helpers...a set it and forget approach ;-)

Healthy Snack Ideas 

Quick, easy and yummy

To Your Health: The Best Snacks EverImportant points about healthy snacks:

Have good food alternatives on hand so you are not reaching for that quick-fix bag of chips or decadent donut.

Try new things or simply add a twist to your healthy food routine.

Walk the walk, talk the talk...share your newly found ideas with family and friends. They will love you for it!



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You Are Such a Dip! 

Spinach dip with a twist

Want the skinny on dips? Take the time to read a few store-brand labels and you'll be convinced to go ahead and make your own!
  • Opt for veggies and fruits instead of chips for dipping
  • Tone down your ingredients from the 'real deal' to light or fat-free...in a mixture no one will even realize the difference
  • Use spices for added flavor instead of always going for the instant packaged additions

Home-Deli Skinny Spinach Dip

  • 2 cups of fresh spinach, finely chopped or 10oz package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained (squeeze out excess water)
  • 1 bunch of chopped green onions
  • 1 8oz can of water chestnuts, drained and coarsely chopped
  • 1 package of Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix
  • 2 tablespoons of mayonaise
  • 1 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt

Combine all ingredients and chill in refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving. Shredded carrots can be added for more color. For party presentation serve in a hollowed out round loaf of rye, pumpernickel, or sourdough bread. Use bread crumbs and crisp veggies for dipping.

What The Web Says 

About Healthy Snacks

To Your Health: The Best Snacks Ever

Healthy. Happy. Life.: Seasonal Chestnuts: Health Nut Snack. All ...
Price: Small pouch was $3.99 at my corner health food store. About 3 snack servings in there. Last Word: Different. Very different. Certainly breaks the boredom if you are a nut-snacker. Get creative with chestnuts, your recipes will ...
8 Tailgating Snacks Under 80 Calories - Healthy Eating - Health.com
Don't blow your diet during football season with those game-day snacks. Eat these snacks instead for a low-cal treat.
Elizabeth Hurley Launches Organic Snacks | Ourvanity.com - Beauty ...
One Response to ?Elizabeth Hurley Launches Organic Snacks?. Canada Guy Says: November 3rd, 2009 at 6:36 pm. Organic farming methods offer several benefits for the environment and human health as a whole, but unfortunately, ...
Ziploc 100-Calorie Snack Bags: Cool or Not? | Poll, ziploc, cool ...
100 calorie snack packs of chips and cookies are big sellers in stores, but a lot of these offerings are empty carbs. My friend says these bags are a great way for her to pack her own healthy snacks while adhering to portion control. ...

Sharing My Discoveries 

Great finds on the Internet

Wheat

Bonus link: Database of common and brand foods...gives you calorie, carb, protein content... plus more.

Whole Grains Guide: A great point and click resource on The FoodNetwork.

Healthy Snacking Ideas 

Any cook would appreciate these!

Where are you coming from? 

Natural Vegetables

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I would love to hear from you! 

clouda9 wrote...

in reply to 24websurf Oh you are welcome...actually inspired me to look for something a bit different ;)

ReplyPosted August 07, 2009

24websurf wrote...

Thank you for the chocolate cookbooks, Correen! Awesome! Wow, those look good!

ReplyPosted August 07, 2009

drifter0658 wrote...

Breaks my heart to see naked strawberries...they need chocolate shorts.

ReplyPosted August 07, 2009

24websurf wrote...

I am seeing strawberries.... WHERE IS THE CHOCOLATE?? We came to see you.. now put out the good stuff!

ReplyPosted August 07, 2009

Rajays wrote...

Blessed by a Squidoo Angel. Great recipes

ReplyPosted August 07, 2009

view all 20 comments

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This work by clouda9 is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

by clouda9


Hello, my name is Correen (aka: clouda9) and I am a happily married mother of two twenty-something boys. My husband and I live in beautiful Washington... (more)
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