Healthy Snacking in the Summer

healthy-snacksThe school year has wound down around here, and that means that routine goes out the window. My kids go from 3 healthy meals and 2 snacks per day to continuous grazing, thanks to a mostly unscheduled summer. The problem is that this lack of schedule tends to lend itself to higher fat, higher sugar and less nutritious diet because the snacks my kids gravitate toward tend to be granola bars and freezies! So, although the summer is more free-flowing, to encourage healthy snacking, I find it important to have tasty and filling snacks ready to go. I plan ahead and make big batches, and freeze them, where appropriate. Continue reading “Healthy Snacking in the Summer”

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Snack Today: Parsnip and Carrot Chips with Salt and Vinegar

carrots+parsnipsIf salty crunchy snacks are your thing, this alternative to fried potato chips will be your new favorite treat. At about half the calories of your traditional potato chips, these parsnip and carrot chips are baked instead of deep fried.

Parsnips are much like a cinnamon-infused, blonde carrot and they are loaded with potassium. Chock full of vitamin A, carrots are antioxidant powerhouses. This snack is also a good source of fiber.

So next time you need to satisfy your salty snack craving, try salt and vinegar parsnip and carrot chips!

Parsnip and Carrot Chips

4 large carrots
3 parsnips
Braggs apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
Oil spray (such as olive oil)

1. Preheat oven to 300. Liberally coat 2 baking sheets with oil spray.

2. Use a vegetable peeler to make long, thin strips out of the carrots and parsnips. Continue reading “Snack Today: Parsnip and Carrot Chips with Salt and Vinegar”

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How to Eat “Cheap and Healthy”

Are there ways to eat cheaply and healthy? Absolutely!

1. Buy “family size” packages of chicken, turkey, fish or lean beef. At one time on a few baking trays, coat some with seasoning, others with a sauce, some with dressing and some with minimal spices. Then use in soups, salads, stir frys and sandwiches.

2. It’s cheaper (but more tempting) to buy big bags of snack foods. Invest in a few boxes of snack size baggies. When you’re NOT hungry, portion out servings according to the package and then grab one baggie when ready to snack. You’ll eat less and save more.

3. Eating at home is almost always cheaper and healthier than eating out. It’s usually easier to control your choices… and portions. Continue reading “How to Eat “Cheap and Healthy””

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Healthy Snacks for Spring Sports

Longer days and warmer weather go hand-in-hand with spring sports. As we eagerly shed our winter wardrobe – and any excess winter weight we may have gained during the “off season” –  it’s helpful to have some fresh, energizing but simple snacks on hand to give us that extra edge.

The best choices are snacks that are light and portable that we can easily pack and eat before or after a competitive game, match or tryout. Remember the saying, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail”? Taking a few minutes to plan your snacking can make all the difference in giving you the sustained energy you need so you can get the most out of whichever sport you’re playing.

So, what are some snacks to choose which will fuel your body for maximum energy, health and endurance? Here are a few with the right mix of carbohydrates, protein and a touch of fat to give you loads of energy while helping you easily recover so you can “stay in the game” as long as you’d like. Continue reading “Healthy Snacks for Spring Sports”

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