Here-Are-6-Outstanding-Snacks-to-Curb-Your-Cravings...with-Recipes!

healthy_snack_with_child.jpgGot the urge to crunch or munch?  Noshing is often a mindless compulsive act as you watch television or movies or indulge in recreational activities like playing cards, surfing the social media sites or hanging out with friends.

So here are snack foods that are among the most wholesome and satisfying to the palate and healthy: 

1. Nuts

Nuts offer lots of nutrition including heart healthy fats, quality proteins and they satisfy the need to have something crunchy.

Almonds, Walnuts or Cashews are very beneficial. Nuts are particularly convenient for on-the-go snacks in the car or at work. A handful (not a whole package!) helps keep hunger at bay.

2. Fruits

Fruits including Apples, Bananas, Oranges and all kinds of berries provide a good balance of vitamins and fiber. These can sate the desire for something sweet and if you want even more taste, add a pinch of cinnamon.  With all apples or any kind of berries, I highly recommend organic varieties to avoid the harmful effects of pesticides.

In warm weather, I recommend freezing organic grapes and munching a handful of them for an especially refreshing and delicious treat. If you want more impact, try sliced apples smeared with almond butter for extra protein along with natural fructose.

3. Raw vegetables

Raw vegetables offer a crunchy experience along with nutrient-dense benefits.

Sliced carrots, celery, peppers, cucumbers, broccoli or cauliflower can give you a delicious pick-me-up that’s infused with very few calories and lots of vitamins and minerals. To increase your energy and vitality, dip them in cashew butter or almond butter for added protein.

4. Seeds

Seeds are another optimal nibble and give you a dietary edge for fitness and well being as they offer healthy fats, protein and lots of micro nutrients. So keep a variety on hand from sunflower seeds, sesame to hemp seeds. Chia seeds are terrific for balancing blood-sugar levels preventing you from feeling hungry.

A favorite recipe is Chia Pudding which is an extremely nutritious snack and helps you feel full, here's a recipe:

2 TBS chia seeds, ½ cup of almond or coconut milk, pinch of cinnamon, a few drops of vanilla extract. Mix together and let sit in fridge for 30-60 minutes to thicken.

5. Hard-boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are an outstanding protein snack and easy to keep available in the refrigerator for a quick fix. Add a little sea salt or Himalayan Pink Salt and you’ve created a tasty, protein/mineral-rich nosh.

6. Snack hacks

Here are a few other recipes to try:

Kale ChipsTear kale leaves into large pieces and arrange on a baking sheet. Spritz with olive or avocado oil and bake in a 350° oven until crisp. 

Apple Slices with Faux-Caramel Topping: Simply boil a cup of apple cider down to a syrup and stir in chopped walnuts; drizzle away!

Healthy Almost Apple Pie: Slice and peel 3 organic apples after washing and coring. Place in an oven-safe casserole dish after rubbing the bottom with olive oil. Sprinkle liberally with cinnamon, 3 TBS of honey and finely chopped walnuts. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Medjool Date Treat: This suggestion comes from Rita who participated in my 7-Day Food Bootcamp Adventure.  Pit a Medjool Date and fill it with half a walnut. OMG, the burst of sweetness and crunch is amazing!!!

One ingredient rule

A great rule of thumb for nutritious snacks is to choose foods that have only one ingredient: nut, vegetable, fruit. If there are additives, chances are good you’re consuming ingredients that are less than favorable.

When you choose “real” whole food, you deliver vital nutrients that your body craves and you feel energized, healthy and eliminate cravings.

healthy_snacks.jpgAt home, keep a few small-sized containers filled with healthy snack items in your refrigerator so you won’t be tempted to deviate from foods that are good for you.

Keep your home stocked with healthy snack preparations that can carry you through the week. Take packets of these healthy munchies to work or carry them in baggies on the road.

The moral of this blog is to SNACK SENSIBLY!