Healthy Snacking: 101

Everyday, I get several emails from readers asking me about the specific types of snacks I ate while I was losing weight. I always reply with the same types of answers, but since this is such a hot topic for my fans, I figured I'd take it one step further, by providing you with a crash course in snacking. Welcome to Healthy Snacking: 101!

Get Real About Snacking
Like I always tell people, I didn't get to be 100 pounds overweight because I hate food... I got that way because food rocks! I love to eat, and I'm not shy about it. I've seen those sites that tell you to spend your days snacking on things like homemade oatmeal balls or lemon water, and I just don't find that to be realistic. Every snack featured on my list is simple to get your hands on, totally delicious, and designed to curb your cravings!

The Top 25

1. Blueberries with a Dollop of Fat Free/Sugar Free Cool Whip
2. Dark Chocolate
3. Almonds
4. Special K Cereal Bars
5. Low Fat String Cheese
6. A Bowl of Cereal – Sorry, but Sugary Cereals Don’t Count! Think Crispix or Corn Flakes!
7. Hard boiled eggs
8. Sliced Tomatoes with Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper
9. Cranberry Juice
10. Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges with Cucumbers
11. Pretzel Sticks with Peanut Butter
12. Heavenly & Healthy Everything Dip
13. Sugar Free Jell-O
14. Watermelon
15. Animal Crackers
16. Yogurt Coated Pretzels
17. Yogurt Parfaits
18. Low Fat Graham Crackers
19. Fig Newtons
20. Whole Wheat Toast with Sugar Free Jam
21. Sugar Free Popsicles
22. Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom Double Strawberry Ice Cream
23. Fresh Fruit Sorbet
24. Low Sodium Beef Jerky
25. Sugar Free Lifesavers

By combining these snacks with a healthy workout routine and balanced meals, you'll be able to take your health to a whole new level! Happy Snacking! :)
 

Strawberry Banana Creams

I love, love, LOVE strawberry cheesecake, but I do NOT love what it does to my thighs! So, I've found a way to make my not-so-healthy indulgences completely guilt-free: strawberry banana creams. At less than 150 calories per serving (8 strawberries), you can afford to splurge whenever the craving strikes! 

The best part? These tasty little numbers are quick to whip up and made with a bunch of stuff that you probably already have laying around the kitchen, which means you don't even have to make a special trip to the grocery store!

Here's What You'll Need

• 8 strawberries
• 2 oz. Vanilla Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 Banana
• 1 Tbs. Sliced Almonds (See Additional Topping Options Below)

Let's Get Cookin'

1. Use a fork to mash the banana in a medium sized bowl.
2. Once the banana is mashed, mix in the yogurt.
3. Using a knife, carefully remove the middle of each strawberry.
4. Fill the center of the strawberries with your freshly-made banana yogurt mixture, and top with sliced almonds.
5. Chow Down!

Additional Topping Options
If you're feeling creative, you can modify your toppings however you wish! Some of my favorite substitutions include:

• Blueberries & Dried Cherries
• Chopped Cashews
• Crystallized Ginger
• Granola
• Raisins

 















Find all of these recipes, and all of my favorite recipes, on my Nutrish & Delish Board on Pinterest!

Oven “Fried” Pickles

Summer bar-b-que season is finally here, and I am loving it! Here’s a tasty little number that you can add to the menu of any outdoor picnic or summer celebration. Like all of my recipes, my oven “fried” pickles are lacking in calories and bursting with flavor. You’ll love them!

Ingredients

Makes six servings.

• 1 jar pickle chips
• 2 eggs (cut calories with Egg Beaters!)
• 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp seasoning salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs

Step-By-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to highest broiler setting.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together eggs (or egg beaters) and flour. To the mixture, add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, garlic salt, Cajun seasoning, seasoning salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Place the panko bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Coat each pickle slice with your egg mixture, then smother the pickle chip in the panko bread crumbs.

Coat a baking rack with non-stick cooking spray, and place it on top of a baking sheet. Place coated pickles on top of the rack, and position on the middle rack of your oven. Broil these delicious little pickles for about three minutes on each side.

Serving Suggestions

Want a little something extra? Serve these with ultra-healthy homemade Greek Yogurt ranch dip, and watch as they disappear, and you become everyone’s favorite party host :-)

Enjoy!