Tasty Snacks & Healthy Too!

We turned to the experts to discover what nutritionists like to munch on between meals. Some are quick and easy, others you can make ahead and freeze. Treats that taste good and are healthy too!

 

Roasted Seaweed I know, sounds weird. If you like salty snacks, you’ll love it and you’ll get the essential mineral iodine, for a healthy thyroid.

Nuts and Dried Fruits

 

1 oz. of pistachios, walnuts or almonds mixed with a small handful of dried cherries, raisins or figs. Eat only about a handful of nuts per day. Almonds are better digested (enhanced nutrient absorption) when soaked overnight in pure water. Drain off water and refrigerate any unused portion for several days. Almonds may be frozen also. 

 

Apple with Almond Butter

 

We like to slice an apple, arranged nicely in a bowl with a dollop (1 T.) of almond butter in the middle. Celery with almond butter is scrumptious too! 

 

Avocado

 

Almost every day I eat at least ½ of an avocado for its nutritional benefits. It fills me up and I love the taste. It’s also perfect in lieu of salad dressing. On bread with tomato and fresh basil and also in most any Mexican dish. Children love them and it’s best to get them started early as they are a super food. My boys began eating them when they were just 3 months old (in addition to plain, baked sweet potatoes). Avocados are such a healthy food it’s no wonder the Guinness Book of World Records lists them as the world’s most nutritious fruit.

Boiled Egg  

 

Eggs dipped in Himalayan Pink Salt are a healthy snack provided they're certified organic. Avoid commmon table salt. It’s refined at high temperatures and has added toxic chemicals that wreak havoc on the body (kidneys, etc.). Check out our egg cooking tip at Kitchen Secrets. 

 

Kale & Avocado Smoothie in a Bowl

 

Coconut water, 8 oz. chilled, 1 frozen banana, ½ avocado peeled & pitted, ½ c. packed kale leaves.

 

Add ingredients to blender and blend for 30 seconds or until smooth.

Pour into a bowl, add banana, kiwi or your favorite fruits and seeds.

Almond milk may be substituted for the coconut water.

 

Breakfast Smoothie

 

Our favorite breakfast smoothie includes freshly made orange & apple juice with lots of fresh ginger, 2 c. of preferably in season fruit, ground flax seeds, chia seeds and powdered wheat grass/super green food from Amazing Grass. You can find our smoothie recipe in Eden's Juice Recipes. 

Bean Spread/Dip & Veggies

 

Bean dip is one of our easy to make and very filling and nutritious standbys. Make your dip early in the week and for several days you’ll have a quick snack to dip veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or celery. Although some nutrients are compromised, I prefer these a little al dente. Steam in a tiny bit of water for a couple minutes. Tortillas chips and crackers are good also, however, be mindful as these add extra calories without the comparable nutrition of veggies.

 

Hummus Dip

 

Amazing flavor. Find it in Eden's Recipes. 

Serve with veggies or healthy crackers such as Mary’s Gone Crackers or July Crackers.

 

Protein Bars 

 

By all means choose an “all organic,” USDA bar. Any food that says “made with organic ingredients” or the words, “All Natural,” or “Natural,” should be avoided. It’s one of many deceptive health claims devised to get you eating their addictive GMO garbage. Our pick for a great tasting & nutritious bar is the Amazing Grass, Green Super Food, Café Mocha Protein Bar. 100% organic, plant based protein and it's vegan & gluten free. It’s a tasty combo of chocolate & coffee in a chocolate coating. Whichever bar you choose, make it organic for health’s sake!

 

Breakfast & Snack Time Cookies

 

These are awesome as an afternoon treat.  No sugar, and no animal fat. Can be made as bars also. Make plenty and freeze for later. Recipe here.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING YOUR HUNGER:

 

Don’t mistake hunger for thirst. You require approximately ½ your body weight in ounces of pure water daily. Without it, your body will not function properly. If you’re not in the habit of drinking water throughout your day, you better get on it. Every single function in the body is dependent upon water; from the beating of your heart to the lubrication of your eyes and joints. Entire books are written about the importance of water for optimal health, with good reason.

 

Why Organic Foods Matter

 

Despite junk food industry propaganda and brainwashing- naturally grown foods are healthier and vital for your good health. While they may appear higher in price, they are less expensive. Here's why: First of all, you do not subsidize organic farms with your tax dollars. Taxpayers currently pay out around 5 billion dollars per year, on April 15th.  Most importantly, organic foods nourish your body and do not poison it with the hundreds of chemicals used in conventional farming. You can invest in your health or your sick care and suffering. Seems like a no-brainer to me. 

The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine 

 

The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine reports the American government supports unhealthful foods and between 1995 and 2009, the USDA distributed more than $246 BILLION of hard earned taxpayer money to a corrupt corporate welfare system (agricultural subsidies). Their lobbyists are good. 

And you thought organic food was expensive?!