Showing posts with label Healthy snack ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Healthy snack ideas. Show all posts

Thursday, January 2, 2014

HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS









I get this question A LOT.. WHAT DO I EAT??!!! Well, I'm about to give you several ideas of what you can eat that is healthy and tasty all at the same time! I do not believe in eating foods that don't taste like food! You have to be satisfied in order to stay on track.  You don't want to dislike what you are eating because then you will continue to crave the 'bad stuff' and there will be no changes made! Let's eat yummy foods that are healthy, okay??!

These snacks are ideal and delicious! Here we go!

First thing is first-- You have to count your calories in order to stick to your daily goals. If you are trying to lose weight you especially have to watch what you are eating in order to restrict the calories to lose the pounds. It is science. So basically you will want  your snacks to be between 150-300 calories depending on your goals. And you should have 2-3 snacks a day and 3 meals.

You also need to focus on eating every 2 1/2 - 3 hours. You have to eat to lose weight! That is just how it all works! It will increase your metabolism and your body will work properly! It's not rocket science, food is FUEL! HOWEVER; it will not work if you are eating high calorie, high fat foods! Eat clean, healthy whole foods and you will notice a difference in your body almost immediately! Weight loss is 70% what you are eating! Clean eating is vital! And it is yummy :)



  • ShakeologyShakeology is a meal replacement protein shake that has over 70 NATURAL ingredients, but does so good for your health and heart, along with fighting cravings and giving you energy! You can even make yummy deserts, or on the run shake it in a shaker with water or almond milk and WALAH!!
  • 1 cup of veggies (such as carrots, cucumbers, peppers, etc. ) with 2-3 TBSP of hummus- I thought I would HATE hummus!! I even gagged it down the first few times I had it! But then I found a brand that I liked and stuck to it! Try different kinds before you throw out the idea all together!
  • 1 apple with 14 almonds OR cashews
  • 2 plain unsalted brown rice cakes with 1-2 TBSP of all natural peanut butter with 1/2 banana sliced on top
  • 5-6 egg whites with salsa
  • 1-2 cups of celery with 1-2 TBSP of all natural peanut butter
  • 2 cups of cubed watermelon with one serving of cashews 
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1/2 cup berries
  • cheese stick and one small apple
  • an orange and 3 cups of skinny pop popcorn (find at Sams)
  • 1 slice of cinnamon raisin ezekiel bread (found in freezer section) toasted with 1 tbsp. peanut butter and 1/2 a banana
  • 2 stalk of celery 1-2 TBSP peanut butter- crunchy and good! 
  • 1 cup cucumber slices and 14 almonds- you can find cocoa almonds and cinnamon almonds! They are delicious and taste like a treat! They are EMERALD brand! Try them, you'll be hooked!
  • 2 hard boiled eggs with 1 cup of sliced strawberries
  • 1/4 cup old fashioned oats (measured before cooking) with a handful of blueberries- I eat this for breakfast and for snacks! I love it! Play around with your oatmeal, it can be made so many different ways!
  • Dry- roasted Edamame- If you use ¼ cup, it is only 130 calories, 14 grams of protein and makes a delicious snack. Or try them raw!
  • Hard boiled eggs! So easy and they are grab and go! Make a bunch on Sundays so you have them all week!








Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Mini Pita Pizzas








MINI PITA PIZZAS


I am guessing that we are not the only family that has a love affair with pizza? My kids would literally eat it every single day! (Who am I kidding, so would I!!) So, with this recipe we can eat it and not feel crappy afterwards! My kids love it with or without the veggies.. it was a fight at first with vegetables, but now they don't even question them!! (Most of the time. KIDS ARE KIDS!! Sometimes they just want to argue ;) )

So, give these a try and I promise they won't disappoint!

Ingredients:
  • 100% Whole Wheat Mini Pitas
  • Olive oil
  • Shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese
  • Natural Pizza Sauce
  • Any veggies!!!!   I have used sauteed mushrooms, spinach, red peppers, garlic, red onions, fresh tomatoes and basil.  You can also experiment with sliced chicken, ground turkey, ect.
Arrange pitas on a cookie sheet and lightly brush with oil.  Top with pizza sauce, veggies and mozzarella.  Bake on 400 degrees until cheese is melted.  Enjoy as an appetizer, snack or meal!  We serve with a big side salad!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Layered Hummus Dip







Layered Hummus Dip!



This recipe is simply amazing. It is so addicting and you don't have to feel guilty for it! I was recently at an amazing leadership retreat and one of my friends made this dip. I seriously couldn't stay away from it. It is simple to make and everyone will love it. Great to bring to a party or to have on hand when you get company. Be prepared to have it go fast!


Strawberry Zucchini Muffins





This recipe was so easy and SO GOOD! I mean come on, when you are craving a muffin then this should be a go to recipe. It is clean and you wouldn't even know it! I am for one all about making things healthy and this is the way to go! Make these as a special 'treat' to go along with dinner one night this week! Your family will love them!


Strawberry Zucchini Muffins


Ingredients:
1 cup shredded zucchini
8 eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or oil)
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup coconut flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup strawberries, cut into small pieces, fresh or frozen
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine zucchini, eggs, applesauce (or oil), honey and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix well.
3. Add salt, coconut flour, and baking soda to wet ingredients. Mix until there are no coconut flour lumps.
4. Gently fold in strawberry pieces.
5. Fill muffin cups 3/4 of the way full (or more).
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-28 minutes for regular sized muffins and 15-18 minutes for mini muffins.
*Makes 12 regular muffins and 6-10 mini muffins depending on how full you fill them.


Pumpkin Dip









PUMPKIN DIP!

Fall is in full swing!! The air is crisp, the leaves have changed colors and now we are waiting on Thanksgiving!! 

This is a cleaned up recipe of pumpkin dip! It is so good and no one will even know that you didn't use added 'stuff' in it!!


1 can of pumpkin puree
1 cup plain, nonfat greek yogurt
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp. pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon


Mix this all together in a blender and serve chilled!  You can serve with fruit and cinnamon whole grain pita chips!