So, the more I learn about food and nutrition, the more passionate I become about it, the more I want to learn about it, and share that with others. It is a cycle that keeps repeating, but it is making my life better, and that of my precious family. Lately, I have been eating clean, exercising 5 days a week (an hour each weekday), and making sure I am keeping up with my probiotic and vitamin intake. In addition to being gluten-free, I am now "bread free," caffeine free, flouride free, and refined sugar free (almost completely...every now and then I get some of the evil white stuff through vit C, almond milk, or the like).What a difference these things have made in life. I have always been health-conscious, but now, I am committed. I enjoy feeling stronger, having more energy, and I love the absence of the side effects of a sugar craving/crash. Finding new ways to get the most power-packed nutritional punch into my husband and kids' diets is a continued but fun challenge. Below are some of my favorite new snacks...things that give us energy and help steer us away from the simple carbs and sugary treats. Hope these snacks inspire you to find healthy snacks to incorporate in your weekly menus.
Apples and Almond Butter
1 apple
lemon juice
Justin's Almond Butter (any flavor) or your fav brand
Slice up an apple into thin wedges, drizzle lemon juice over them. Spread Justin's Maple or Classic (or Honey) Almond Butter...enjoy!
Rice Cakes and Cream Cheese
Organic Brown Rice cake
1/3 less fat cream cheese (I prefer organic)
cucumber slices and/or shelled pumpkin seeds
Spread cream cheese on your rice cake...top with thinly sliced cucumber (I prefer English) and or Pumpkin seeds...or both! So satisfying!
Protein Smoothie
Ice
1/4-1/2 c. Almond milk (I prefer original flavor, Almond Breeze)
2 TBSP nonfat plain Greek Yogurt (no sugar added)
2 tsp. chocolate flavored Almond Butter (I love Justin's)
Arbonne Vanilla Protein Powder (1/2 single serve packet)
Mix all ingredients in blender or Magic Bullet and enjoy with a fat straw or a spoon.
This is excellent as a post-workout recovery shake or as a meal replacement. It took me a while to enjoy protein powders, but this recipe actually made me LOVE it!
Strawberries with Balsamic and Basil
Hulled, sliced strawberries (of course, organic are preferred)
Dried Basil
Black Pepper
Balsamic Vinegar (I love Moderna)
Simple mix ingredients together to taste and refrigerate for several hours....soooooo good!
Maple Cottage Cheese
1/2 c. lowfat or nonfat cottage cheese
1 tsp. organic pure maple syrup
Heat cottage cheese in microwave for 30 sec- 1 min. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup and enjoy!
This is only a few of my fav snacks...I will write more, soon!
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