Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Let's talk Snacks and health(ier) cheat foods

When you are working out hard and trying to eat clean there will be times when you are craving
snacks. The best thing you can do is not even bring it into the house, and keep your fruits stocked up. However, there will be times when you are traveling or just don't have access to your clean foods.
So, what foods can you eat?

Nuts, seeds, and more nuts!

1) Pistachios
One ounce of these provides about 6 grams of protein and an amazing 310 mg. of Potassium.Pistachios have been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. They are high in vitamins A &E, and help prevent heart disease. Some studies show that pistachios may even reduce Type 2 diabetes. These are also a great source of healthy unsaturated fat.
2) Peanuts
One ounce of these provides about 7 grams of protein and 2g of fiber. These are the highest in protein of the nut varieties and are great for helping you feel full. They contain high levels of niacin, potassium, folate, magnesium, and other great stuff! Definitely one of my favorites for a quick pick me up. Also, the honey roasted varieties help me get rid of my sweet tooth but try not to have too many.

3) Cashews
Cashews have to be my favorite all around nut. I can eat these and never get enough. They are great for making nut milks, butters, and are used in a bunch of raw recipes. The cashew has the lowest amount of fat in the nut family. Cashew nuts are rich in folic acid, zinc, magnesium, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are a particularly good source of vitamin K, dietary fiber, vitamin B, folate, copper, magnesium and zinc.


4) Nut Butters

These are great to keep in the car, or kitchen cabinet as well. There is nothing better than nut butter to calm that sweet tooth. Additionally, they are a good source of protein and very easy to make. As I said better, cashews blend really easily so they are my go to nut for butters. However, peanut butter and almond butter can be made easily as well. 




Try to avoid the processed crackers,  chips, and cookies!!!
However you can make your own RAW versions of these!

If you have a dehydrator you can make healthy kale, apple, banana, or sweet potato chips! The video below will give you an example of how to do sweet potato chips but the concept is the same for any other chip you desire to make as well. Give them a shot! They are actually quite tasty!

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