The government blew it when they created the food pyramid. (The USDA’s guide to healthy foods divided into sections to show the recommended daily allowance for each food group.) They forgot to add a section for snacks! Who could live without them? Especially in the summer in Arizona where there are days it’s just too hot to cook or eat a big meal! So if you’re looking for some healthier ways to snack, I’ve got a few delicious ideas!
When you taste these three snack ideas, it will sort of feel like cheating, but it’s anything but! With the right ingredients, you can snack away all summer long guilt free because snacking on the right foods, in moderation, can be a good thing, if it helps satisfy your cravings!
Watch my How To Video for Healthy Snacks here!
- These crunchy delights are made with one ingredient---egg whites! Just blend about 6 large egg whites (you can add a little salt to the egg whites for flavor) and whip to stiff peaks. Then, spoon a very small amount (tablespoon size) into a mini muffin tin coated with zero calorie cooking spray and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Out comes a crunchy, tasty cracker that’s a perfect replacement for chips and great for dipping
- These make a terrific grab and go snack using fresh eggs, nutritious veggies and a muffin tin. For each egg white bite, you’ll need two egg whites, and any veggies you love (like steamed broccoli, cauliflower, squash and onions, diced bell peppers), pico de gallo and maybe even some new items on the market like micro arugula and micro broccoli. Once your veggies are chopped, all you do is add them to your greased muffin tin. You can even add a little lean protein like sliced turkey, and then pour the 2 egg whites over the veggies. Do the same for each cup. Add a little salt and pepper for flavoring, and then bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes! Wow! They are so tasty, healthful and low in calories and are perfect for a snack or a light meal. Want to add a little more flavor? You have lots of choices in zero calorie dressings like Walden Farms, and the individual packets like Italian, Thousand Island, Creamy Bacon, Ranch, and Honey Dijon are perfect when you want to pack your snack for a grab and go!
- There are more and more choices on the market for zero calorie sauces like chocolate and caramel. So take one crisp apple and slice it into wedges. Take another apple and core out the center. Then fill the cored apple with a calorie free caramel sauce (Walden Farms) and dip away! Or pack it away for a sweet and satisfying snack.