MISSION, Kan., Aug. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features)
When hunger strikes, it can be tempting to reach for the closest
treat, even if it's laden with fat and empty calories. Make it
easier to enjoy better-for-you snacks with these three simple steps
that appeal to your taste and your waist.
1. Know that choosing more healthy snacks can still be quick and
convenient. Learn to recognize your hunger patterns and keep foods
on hand to fit your cravings. For example, if you tend to need a
mid-afternoon pick-me-up at work, prepare snack-size portions of
finger foods that feel hearty without weighing you down.
2. Make flavor count in every bite. Watching what you eat
doesn't have to be bland. In fact, an eating plan that cuts back on
your calorie intake is the perfect reason to pay more attention to
what you eat and thoroughly enjoy it, rather than wasting a portion
of your daily consumption on foods that don't taste great.
3. When your sweet tooth is screaming, answer it with the
refreshing indulgence of a fruity dessert. Fruit-based desserts are
naturally sweet and deliver some of the key nutrients your body
needs, so you can feel extra good about bypassing other options
laden with unhealthy ingredients.
3 Steps for a Snack
With just three ingredients and three steps, it's easy to choose
and prepare a quick, healthy snack. All you need is celery, peanut
butter and raisins.
1. Wash celery then cut stalks in half and trim to desired
length.
2. Spread or pipe peanut butter into recessed side of
stalks.
3. Sprinkle with raisins, as desired.
Fill Up with Fruit
Creating delicious desserts can often require a ton of time and a
variety of complicated steps. Rather than wasting minutes making
dessert instead of eating it, try Pineapple Cherry Minis made with
Dole Canned Fruit, a convenient and easy ingredient to use in all
of your dessert recipes. Pineapple Cherry Minis require just 20
minutes of preparation before chilling in the refrigerator, and the
fruit makes them a healthier dessert option than most after-dinner
sweets. For more quick and healthy dessert options, visit
dolesunshine.com.
Pineapple Cherry Minis
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 3 hours
Servings: 12-14
1 can (20 ounces)
Dole Crushed Pineapple
2 cans (6 ounces)
Dole Pineapple Juice
1 package (6
ounces) cherry gelatin
1/2 teaspoon ground
nutmeg
1 cup frozen Dole
Dark Sweet Cherries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Drain pineapple, reserve juice. Bring reserved juice plus canned
pineapple juice to boil. Add gelatin; stir at least 2 minutes to
completely dissolve. Chill until mixture thickens slightly.
Fold in pineapple, nutmeg, cherries and pecans. Spoon into 12-14
foil-lined muffin cups, lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking
spray. Chill until firm. Store leftover gelatin in
refrigerator.
A Healthy, Frozen Treat
Maintaining a healthy diet is key to staying fit, but that doesn't
mean you can't have a sweet treat every now and then. Make smart
snack choices that taste delicious, such as Dole Jarred Fruit,
which contains five servings of high-quality, ready-to-eat fruit
packed in 100 percent fruit juice in every jar. With a convenient,
re-sealable lid, you can just scoop out what you need to top your
favorite dish with fruit or make quick and easy good-for-you
treats, such as these Peach Crisp Pops. Find more healthy snack
ideas at dolesunshine.com.
Peach Crisp Pops
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Servings: 6
1 jar (23.5
ounces) Dole Sliced Peaches, divided
4 teaspoons maple
syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup granola
1 cup vanilla
flavored Greek yogurt
Measure 1 1/2 cups drained fruit and 6 tablespoons juice. In
medium bowl, combine juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, granola and
yogurt. Stir to blend well.
Place 2 peach slices in each frozen pop mold. Pour yogurt
mixture into molds or small paper cups. Place on tray and freeze
about 1 hour, or until partially set.
Insert frozen pop stick into center of each mold; freeze 2 hours
longer, or until firm.
Healthy Hummus for a Happy Snack
When snack time rolls around, a quick, convenient bite to eat is
often the way to go. With easy-to-make Hummus Pinwheels, your
light, healthy snack can be a breeze. Because any of the 14
varieties of Sabra Hummus work for this simple recipe, your taste
buds have the final call on flavor. Plus, since hummus can boost
fiber intake and helps keep your calorie count low, you can count
on it as a healthy alternative to common snacks. To find more tips
for light snacking, visit sabra.com.
Hummus Pinwheels
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
1 cup Sabra
Hummus, any flavor
2 large soft
tortillas
1/2 cup thinly sliced red pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup thinly sliced cantaloupe
4 leaves
lettuce
Spread thin layer of hummus on both tortillas.
Divide red pepper, cucumber, cantaloupe and lettuce between
tortillas. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
Slice into pinwheels and serve.
Michael French
mfrench@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com
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