Healthy Snack Ideas

A healthy diet can include snacks. Some people actually do better when they eat three small meals plus a couple healthy snacks throughout the day. Snacks can help keep our blood sugar level more even, giving us steady energy instead of the more common highs and lows in energy level.


Healthy snack ideas:

Fruits & Nuts – This wonderful combination gives us fiber and protein for a satisfying snack. Have a piece of fresh fruit and a small handful of nuts. A great twist on this one is fruit with nut butter spread on top.

Yogurt parfait – plain, low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit mixed in. Using plain yogurt you control how much sweetener you add. Also try adding a dash of vanilla or some cinnamon for different flavors. For a heartier snack add a handful of cereal or granola.

Popcorn – pop your own light popcorn for a great, tasty snack. You can even be adventurous with spices. Try adding curry, onion powder, or anything else you like after it’s popped.

Hummus & veggies – the chickpeas in hummus offer lots of good fiber and protein, it has no cholesterol and is a very fulfilling, tasty snack. Click here for hummus recipe

Ants on a Log – be a kid again and enjoy celery with nut butter and a few raisins or cranberries on top.
Be healthier while saving money

Eating healthy food does not have to be expensive. In fact preparing your own meals can be a great way to help your family save money. Be creative and have fun with it!
Some basic tips for saving money when preparing healthy food:

* Substitute veggie protein for the meat protein in some of your meals, especially if you tend to eat meat at most meals. Legumes, especially when bought in their dry form, cost a lot less than meat.

* Find a large farmer’s market where local veggies are sold. Often you can find amazing deals on very fresh produce. In addition, if you go towards to end of the market, venders often sell what’s left at even more reduced prices.

* Buy in bulk. Find a grocery store that sells grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and other items in bulk. Store the items in glass jars to keep them fresh.

* Make you own version of items such as salad dressing or smoothies. They will be much healthier if you make your own and they are very easy. Easy salad dressing: olive oil, vinegar, mustard, herbs, and a little salt & pepper. Smoothie: ½ banana, 6 strawberries, handful of blue berries, liquid of choice (i.e. splash of juice and low fat milk) and blend until smooth.

* Pack a lunch. Bring leftovers or purchase ingredients to make your own lunch. Say you spend $10 each workday on lunch, that’s $200 per month. Sandwich fixings for a week’s worth of lunches wouldn’t be more than $20 per week, which is $80 per month. Saving you $120.