Making Better Choices With Snacks
Join me on my journey to find healthy and quick snack alternatives to that 'break room doughnut'!
How I Arrived Here

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!
Skinny Chocolate Dip Recipes
Plus more!
Chocolate Dip. Prepare a dip using 3 tablespoons fat-free sour cream, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup. Serve with 1 sliced fruit. Spear fruit slices with a toothpick for dipping fun.Low Calorie Chocolate Fondue:
1/2 cup skim milk
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 egg yolk
1 can (6 ounces) low calorie chocolate topping
1 to 3 teaspoons instant coffee powder
Several cans (8 ounces) low calorie canned fruits for dipping
Combine skim milk, cornstarch and egg yolk. Beat until blended. Stir in chocolate topping, coffee powder and 1/3 cup juice drained from one of the fruits. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture bubbles and thickens. Approximately 74 calories per serving with fruit.
Enlightened Chocolate: More Than 200 Decadently Light, Lowfat, and Inspired Recipes Using Dark Chocolate and Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Amazon Price: $17.21 (as of 02/09/2010)![]()
Customer Review: Once you have the best ingredients in stock, it is time to start cooking. The cookbook provides over 200 recipes that are low in fat and calories. There are recipes for drinks, cookies, candies, cakes, pies, souffl%uFFFDs, and even main dishes. All include dark chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder. I tested the Mocha-Chip Crispy Rice Bars and the Spiced Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. Both were delicious and easy to make. I can't wait to try the pudding, the cheesecake, the muffins, and more.
My Hummus
Mouth watering goody!
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
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!
Oster BPST02-B Professional Series Blender, Black
Amazon Price: $58.95 (as of 02/09/2010)![]()
A real powerhouse with lots of versatility!
Kitchen Stuff For Making & Serving Hummus
Snacking Your Way Through The Day!
Yummy recipes
1
Tiny Morsels: Power Ball Snack
These little 'power balls' would fit nicely into a more...1 point
2
Potato Chips Without Hips
Homemade 'chips'...from your oven with love! Inclu more...1 point
3
Cucumber, Mango and Red Onion Salad
Just fresh ingredients and no extra fat added!1 point
4
Broccoli Pesto
The veggie alternative1 point
5
Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Toes
Calling all chicken finger lovers! Why buy frozen more...1 point
6
A Visual Guide to 15 Healthy Snacks
Most vending machines are stocked full of junk foo more...1 point
7
Pita Pizza Salad
A healthy version of an old favorite. Lots of vege more...1 point
8
Heathers Cilantro Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This is a fun summer recipe that can be served on more...1 point
9
Low Calorie Snack Ideas - Good Housekeeping
For those readers who are still feeling hungry on more...1 point
10
Low Calorie Dip Recipes with Videos | ifood.tv
Enjoy our collection of low calorie dip recipes su more...1 point
Better Then Chips
Enjoy fresh popped corn!
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
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.
Presto 04830 PowerPop Microwave Multi-Popper
Amazon Price: $16.97 (as of 02/09/2010)![]()
Sized to fit most microwave ovens, including compacts, this popcorn maker pops virtually every kernel of 3 quarts of popcorn in about 2-1/2 minutes. And it works with or without oil and/or salt.
All Yogurts Are Not Created Equally!
Make your own!
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.
- 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
Recipe from Essence of Emeril Show
Take a peek at these yogurt making helpers...a set it and forget approach ;-)
Good Food Choices...
right here on Squidoo
I love giving back to my community and in this case it is Squidoo!
Lensmasters: Add your healthy food lens or one you have favorited and make sure to vote on the entries.
Not a member on Squidoo yet? Start your story today!
1
I Love Avocados
Created by awelldressedbullet3 points
2
Smoothies and Smoothie Recipes: Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie Recipes
Created by archetekt3 points
3
Organic Flavored Agave Nectar and Diabetic Sweetener - Low Glycemic Agasweet
by chefkeem3 points
4
Spicy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Some times we just don't want meat. This dish give more...3 points
5
Comfort Food that's actually Healthy
There are two types of food that I know of that ar more...2 points
6
Bento : The Art of Japanese Boxed Meal
by NAIZA2 points
7
Quick Spicy Chicken Soup for Two
It's so hard to find recipes for just two people. more...2 points
8
Vegetarian and Vegan Health, Recipes and Living Tips Revealed
Created by RebeccaB1 point
9
Pickled to Perfection: The Yummiest Veggies Ever
Created by clouda91 point
10
Foods For Health
Created by Helensmrt1 point
11
Flip the Pancake and Sing about Waffles
You can make the best waffles and pancakes with th more...1 point
12
Grandpa's Crunchy Apple Chips
Created by FledglingStudio_com0 points
13
Muffins Even I Can Bake
Created by Winter520 points
Give Your Feedback
Healthy Snack Ideas
Quick, easy and yummy
Important 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!
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

Pfaltzgraff Dip Mix Set. Set includes dip bowl and spreader
Amazon Price: $14.50 (as of 02/09/2010)![]()
Brush strokes of rosy color and a simple, elegant vine adorn the exterior of the scalloped 14-ounce dip bowl, complemented by a soft yellow interior.
What The Web Says
About Healthy Snacks

- Peeled Snacks - Healthy Snacks on the Go - icyou health videos
- http://www.nutritionalchoice.net Snacking for some is a necessity where for others its a habit. For both types, its important to choose a h...
- The battle of the prime minister's snacks | Sport and Health News
- The battle of the prime minister's snacks. Written by: Editor on 9th February 2010. Bookmark and Share. The battle of the prime minister's snacks. Gordon Brown is now snacking on nine bananas a day instead of KitKats ? but has he made ...
- Snacks for the Lactose-conscious. « My Green Health: Improve ...
- Good Morning MGHers,. Do you have to watch your lactose intake? If so, check out the list of dairy-free snacks below. You might just find your 3pm favorite? Go Dairy Free Link. This site looks like a great resource, and many of the ...
- Agriculture Secretary Vilsack pushes ambitious school nutrition ...
- Ag Secretary pushes school nutrition planWASHINGTON ? The Obama administration will ask Congress to improve childhood nutrition by ridding school vending machines of sugary snacks and drinks and giving school lunch and breakfast to more ...
Great Guides
Very practical and helpful
Eat This, Not That! Thousands of Simple Food Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds--or More!
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 02/09/2010)![]()
Customer Review: I bought this book out of curiosity and found this to be the most helpful book of my life. It's simple in its structure, small enough to bring with you anywhere, and easy to understand. It breaks out cuisine categories, grocery shopping (chicken, drinks, soup, lunch meat, etc), and many restaurants. I've tried several of the simple swaps and always feel not only satisfied but better for the choice I made. I strongly suggest anyone get this. You don't have to be a dieter. If you care about what you put in your body this is the book for you!
More Eat This Not That Guides
Where are you coming from?

I would love to hear from you!
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Reply
- clouda9 clouda9 Aug 7, 2009 @ 1:45 am | in reply to 24websurf
- Oh you are welcome...actually inspired me to look for something a bit different ;)
-
Reply
- 24websurf 24websurf Aug 7, 2009 @ 1:37 am
- Thank you for the chocolate cookbooks, Correen! Awesome! Wow, those look good!
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Reply
- drifter0658 drifter0658 Aug 7, 2009 @ 12:25 am
- Breaks my heart to see naked strawberries...they need chocolate shorts.
-
Reply
- 24websurf 24websurf Aug 7, 2009 @ 12:21 am
- I am seeing strawberries.... WHERE IS THE CHOCOLATE?? We came to see you.. now put out the good stuff!
-
Reply
- Rajays Rajays Aug 7, 2009 @ 12:08 am
- Blessed by a Squidoo Angel. Great recipes
- Load More
In Closing...
To Your Health: The Best Snacks Ever
Index
- How I Arrived Here
- Skinny Chocolate Dip Recipes
- My Hummus
- Kitchen Stuff For Making & Serving Hummus
- Join My Site
- Snacking Your Way Through The Day!
- Better Then Chips
- All Yogurts Are Not Created Equally!
- Good Food Choices...
- Give Your Feedback
- Healthy Snack Ideas
- You Are Such a Dip!
- What The Web Says
- Great Guides
- More Eat This Not That Guides
- Where are you coming from?
- I would love to hear from you!







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