healthy snacking

snacking was a little bit of a problem when i started to change my eating habits, but with some research and experimenting, i have stocked my kitchen with healthier guilt-free treats.

here's a whole list of snacks processed without animal products.

however, it is best to eat as little refined, highly-processed foods as possible. unprocessed foods are in their natural state, the way nature intended. which leads me to my number one snack on the list:

1. fruit

eat it plain, with some natural peanut butter (be sure to avoid pb that lists PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED OIL as an ingredient) or throw some in a blender and make a smoothie.

basil-mint pineapple smoothie

when i see a good sale on fruit, i try to stock up. when the fruit gets nice and ripe, i clean it, cut it up, and store it in a ziploc bag in the freezer. i save herbs in the freezer in ice cube trays . in this smoothie i threw in a few pieces of frozen pineapple, banana, an apple, half a lemon (squeezed) about 1/8 cup apple juice, few Tbsp lite coconut milk, mint, basil, and gradually added water until it was all mixed up and smoothie-like.

we all know fruits are packed with essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function healthily. they contain anti-oxidants which shield our bodies from damage caused by cancer-causing free radicals. want to protect your body from illness and disease? eat more fruit! mother nature created fruit for a reason! but be sure to buy organic whenever possible and wash your produce well to limit the amount of pesticides you consume.

2. veggies

some may think it strange to consider veggies a snack but carrots or celery sticks dipped in hummus or peanut butter...? yum!

Basic Hummus Recipe

1 can chick peas (aka garbanzo beans)
1/4 C liquid from the can (or less)
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 Tbsp tahini (more if you like it creamier - you can even leave it out if you don't have it)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp salt (or less)
1 Tbsp olive oil
pinch cumin
pinch cayenne pepper (to taste)

Directions~
Combine all ingredients except for the liquid in food processor or blender. Add liquid slowly and mix until you reach your desired constistency.

Try different variations by adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, basil, or spinach and artichoke.

3. cereal

i know frosted flakes and lucky charms are grrreat and magically delicious, but there are HEALTHY whole grain cereals out there that you can grow to love just as much. add dried cranberries and other fruit if you want to make it sweeter.

i don't drink cow's milk anymore for many reasons, so i have been using soy milk instead. however, i don't like what i've been reading about processed soy products (and i've noticed my mouth is itchy after i drink it), so i'm limiting the amount i consume. i will soon be trying to make my own milk varieties (rice, almond, oat) with recipes from this site. i'll let you know how it turns out.

4. PB and J on whole wheat bread -always hits the spot!

i think it's the combination of sweet and salty that makes pb&j sandwiches so effin scrumptious. it's best to use whole grain bread (not just wheat - the first ingredient should be WHOLE wheat.) switching from white bread takes some getting used to but your body will thank you for it!

again, natural peanut butter is better because it's free of hydrogenated fats and added sugars. my pb ingredients read: peanuts and salt. simple yet delicious.

5. non-dairy ice cream

if i can give up dairy ice cream, anyone can. now i occasionally indulge in non-dairy ice cream (made with soy or coconut milk) and frozen fruit concoctions that are just as satisfying.

since i'm trying to limit the amount of processed foods i eat, i've tried making my own frozen treats. i used this mango sorbet recipe and loved it. however, the longer it was left in the freezer, the more it reminded me of frozen fruit bars, so next time i will pour the mixture into popsicle molds. i will post a pic when i make them - i'm still waiting for a good mango sale.

Mango Sorbet

4 C frozen mango chunks (4-5 mangos)
1/4 to 1/2 can coconut milk (depending on how creamy you'd like it)
1/4 C organic cane sugar
1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional)
some fresh mint leaves (optional)
1 tsp lime juice
pinch of salt

Method:

Ahead of time, peel and slice 4 to 5 very ripe mangoes and cut into chunks. Place in plastic storage bag and freeze overnight.

Take mango out of the freezer and allow it to thaw at least 10 minutes. Warm coco milk and sugar in a small saucepan over med low heat. In blender puree ginger, salt, and mango to a fine paste while adding coco milk and sugar mixture. When smooth, add lime juice and mint and blend some more. Pour in container and freeze for at least 4 hours.

the best advice i can give someone trying to change their eating habits is to be patient with yourself, stay positive, and try to make it fun. take it one day at a time and try to avoid negative thoughts like, 'i'll never be able to give up this or that'. don't worry about how you are going to eat in the future (it's so silly if you think about it) and focus on today! 

it does take time and energy, but your health is the most important factor YOU can control. if you're not motivated to do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones. they want to enjoy you here on earth as long as possible, and it's a wonderful time to be alive! =)