Whether you feel like something sweet, salty, tangy, warm, quick... it's all here. Here are my top 8 treats that won't destroy your goal of eating healthy. Now go ahead, snack away!
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Article Summary:
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- Apples by themselves are a good snack, but you can make them even better.
- Making a parfait or smoothie are great snacks that will almost feel like cheating.
- Who needs potato chips when you can make cucumber and kale chips instead?
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 8 Tasty Treats That Will Help You Transform In 2011
Snack Attack! The truth is, we all have them. It's that little "want" which can sometimes feel like a "need" to have something... anything! These cravings could be for salt or sugar or anything else, all you know is, it's for something bad. There is a lot of truth in saying that there are reasons why you are craving certain foods and this is most likely related to your hormones.
Anyone that knows me, understands that hormonal balance is one of my first concerns to address when looking to improve health and fitness. However, there are just those times even in hormonal bliss that you deserve a treat and you may as well make it something good!
There are some general guidelines to snacking you want to follow. A snack should contain between 100-200 calories and control your hunger. If it feels indulgent, good! If it didn't you would most certainly be on the prawl for something else. Make sure you are not just craving a snack because you are bored or thirsty, as this is often the case.
Take a walk and drink some water. Then ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" If you are still feeling like a little 'something-something', here are 8 of my favorite remedies for those dreaded snack attacks.
 Click To Enlarge.
Cravings Can Be Caused By Boredom And Thrist. Make
Sure These Are Not The Case Before Finding A Snack.
Whether you feel like something sweet, salty, tangy, warm, quick... it's all here. Now go ahead, snack away!
1. Baked Apples Or Pears
Apples and pears are great when warm. I just discovered this recently and other than in pies, I've never had it. It's my new found love. Wow! Serve with cinnamon or even stuff with dried fruits (raisins, dates, papaya apricots etc). If you feel like going all out, add some granola on top.
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Apples And Pears Are Great When Served Warm.
Serves 2
If you are using pears, cut them in half. Apples; just removed the core (don't cut in half). Take dried fruit mix and stuff apples (core) or place into pear belly. Sprinkle cinnamon. Granola on top if you are using (optional). Bake until slightly brown (375 for 35 minutes).
2. Quick and Fancy Apples
Another way to snack on apples - this one is quick and sweet and it can be done a million different ways. The best part... it only takes 2 minutes. Just cut an apple up (I love Fuji apples) and add chopped walnuts, or a mix of nuts if you prefer. Add some maple syrup or have it with almond butter or peanut butter. Up to you. Mix it all up... Ah, what a delight!
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Just Cut Up An Apple Add Chopped Nuts With Maple
Syrup, Almond Butter, Or Peanut Butter.
Serves 1
This ones easy! Mix it up and Enjoy!
3. Greek Yogurt Parfaits
This is great for entertaining while still serving a healthy treat that gets high presentation scores. Be sure to serve it in a clear glass- to impress. Greek Yogurt has no fat, making it onto my list of favorite treats.
Serves 2
Combine half of yogurt to honey and zest (with lemon juice) and chopped mint. Make mixture by adding to bowl of fruit to coat. In glass, spoon in a layer of fruit, then a layer of plain yogurt, followed by a layer of fruit and yogurt mixture. Finish with granola and mint to garnish.
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Fresh Mint Will Add A Nice Flavor As Well
As Make A Great Garnish For This Dish.
4. Vegetable Salsa
I like to make this on Sundays; it will last me until the next Thursday. It is the perfect guilt free treat. I enjoy mine served on Ezekiel bread. Any leftover are great added to chicken, so make a big batch. It's important here that you chop everything up very small.
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Make Sure You Chop Your
Ingredients Up Very Small.
Serves 4
Grill tomatoes, zucchinis, eggplant and squash until softened. Let them cool off. Chop into small pieces and mix in the rest of the ingredients. Let chill in fridge.
5. Almond Milk Smoothie
A smoothie sometimes can be just as satisfying as ice cream (serious!). Add in more ice to make it thicker and you can even pretend by eating with a spoon. Add protein to make it a meal. The options here are endless. This treat is great as it gets me potassium, calcium, fiber and omega 3's in one delicious treat... with a hint of sweetness!
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A Smoothie Can Be Just As Satisfying
As Ice Cream, But Much More Healthy.
Serves 1
No brain-work here... all ingredients in a blender and enjoy!
6. Garlicky Hummus
Hummus... need I say more? Here is a twist to an all-time favorite snack. When it comes time for garlic, crushed will do. If you can make garlic ahead of time it will really pay off, especially in this recipe. Take an entire clove and cut the top off, pour a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil on top (wrap in foil) let it do magic in the oven at 375 for 40-45 minutes. I use this garlic on everything... so good! My suggestion - make more than one clove. You'll love it!
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You Can Use Crushed Garlic If You Must,
But Using A Whole Clove Will Really Pay Off.
Makes 3 cups
Bust out the food processor for this one (or a magic bullet if you have one). Combine chickpeas and liquid with tahini, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons oil, garlic, ginger, and cumin and puree. Stir in cilantro, tomato, and scallions, season with salt and pepper. Drizzle remaining oil over the top of the hummus. Taste. Feel free to add in more of that yummy roasted garlic... don't be shy!
7. Homemade Cucumber Pickles
Skip all the usual steps of heating and cooking and 'pickle-ing' and try this short cut version. In my opinion this is an underestimated staple to healthy snacking. Cucumbers are super low cal and having them pickled adds a ton of flavor.
Let it sit(the longer the better)... it's that simple!
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Place Sliced Cucumbers In Rice Vinegar
And Let It Sit. It's Just That Easy.
8. Homemade Kale Chips
Another low cal snack! Low calories and a fraction of the badness of any other chips.
Remove stems from washed Kale and tear into small pieces. Toss with oil and salt and place on baking sheet. Bake at 375F for 10-12 minutes.
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Kale Will Offer Calories At Only A
Fraction Of The Badness Of Other Chips.
Conclusion
There you have it! These are my top 8 healthy treats that don't get in the way of eating healthy. Hopefully you have some inspiration to try one of these the next time it's treat time. Enjoy!
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