HEALTHY SNACKING

Healthy snacking is an oxymoron that’s easier said than done ~ all things in moderation, including snacking, and while you’re at it, make sure it’s healthy!   

I’ve come across some options that are definitely healthier than many "snacks" and also tasty.   Some of these options can even be combined to create a quick on-the-go breakfast or lunch, by adding a container of yogurt or a small salad.  Having a variety of eating choices is also key to eating healthy, since monotony leads to boredom and temptation into the realm of the “forbidden”.  Whatever you snack on, make sure it’s satisfying, healthy and not tempting or a meal replacement.  Good luck!

  

Bolthouse Farms Shakedowns ~ These handy small packs of baby carrots come with a Ranch or Chili Lime seasoning section embedded in the packaging; once it’s released and its contents “massaged” onto the carrots, the perfectly seasoned baby carrot becomes a tasty and healthy treat.  Each single serve pack is 2.25 oz., only 25 calories and zero fat grams.  http://www.babycarrots.com/

Crispy Green Crispy Fruit ~ These freeze-dried fruits are naturally sweet; the process preserves the flavor and nutritional value.  Flavors I tried included Mango, Crispy Apple, Asian Pear, Banana, Tangerine, Crispy Pineapple and Crispy Cantaloupe.  Great eaten alone, or crushed and used as a topping on cereal or yogurt, or as an added treat, crush and add to your favorite granola.  Each single serve pack is .36 oz., 40 calories (or less), with zero fat grams; each pack is equivalent to a single serving of fresh fruit.  http://www.crispygreen.com/

  

G. H. Cretors Popped Corn ~ Okay, I lied; I’m including these as an indulgent snack that when consumed in moderation, is in fact healthy; there, I’ve said it.  I tried their Just the Carmel Corn, Just the Cheese Mix and Chicago Mix.  The latter is actually the iconic combo Chicagoans love by combining Carmel Corn with Cheese Corn, to get their sweet and savory on.  Each variety is locally made in Waukegan, IL.  Each is incredibly fresh and delicious and tastes just popped.  The only thing missing is the wafting aromatics of the fresh-popped corn variety and the warmth of the popper, they’re that GOOD!  A definite indulgence that is easily addictive.  Did I say they were GOOD!  http://www.ghcretors.com/

 

  

Vitalicious Wild Blueberry Vita Tops ~ These all-natural tasty and delicious Wild Blueberry “muffin tops” are only 100 calories with one fat gram and 8 grams of sugar; they’re also packed with 4 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber and lots of real fruit.  Great toasted or warmed in a microwave.  http://www.vitalicious.com/wbb24.htm

 

T-Fal Non-Stick Mini Grilled Cheese Griddle ~ This is a really cute 6.5” quality non-stick grill pan that isn’t just limited to grilling the iconic comfort sandwich.  Use your imagination for cooking up some small amounts of foods, or use it to reheat leftovers; I enjoy wrapping a leftover in foil and then placing it on the surface to reheat on a low flame.  It’s also great for toasting frozen waffles or pancakes, but as an indulgence, it’s best for creating your own grilled cheese sandwich.  http://www.t-falusa.com/

~ END GAME ~

Snacking isn’t a bad thing; it just becomes a bad thing when the wrong types of food items are snacked on and consumed as if the end of the world is right around the corner.  Enjoy your snacks, but choose them wisely.  Healthy snacking is possible; you just have to know which ones are the better alternatives to others.  Happy snacking!

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating…happy drinking.

By Terry Herman

Terry Herman continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle; she is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and Tripatini.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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N.B.  Google’s blog platform is incompatible with my Mac OS X and Firefox browser latest software versions, which is why some web links appear in different colors and why when attempting to have embedded images their sizing is consistent and/or can’t be sized.