Healthy Kids' Snack ~ DIY Trail Mix

I've been making my own trail mix for about four years now. It's great as a healthy snack for the whole family and added to whole grain cereals (e.g., quinoa, steel-cut oatmeal or millet) for breakfast in the morning. Many pre-packaged trail mixes are full of sweetened ingredients like M&Ms, mini-yogurt chips, or chocolate chips. It's a shame to take something healthy (nuts & seeds with a little dried fruit) and add sugary stuff that renders it unhealthy.

This recipe uses organic raisons and dried baby pineapple as natural sweeteners—a better alternative, making this a healthier snack that kids will love.

Other ingredients include a variety of nuts and seeds—nutrient-rich super foods—high in fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential fats. Besides supporting overall wellness, they help curb appetite and are beneficial in maintaining or losing weight.

NOTE: I suggest you buy organic raisons and grapes because the Environmental Working Group (EWG) classifies grapes as one of The Dirty Dozen, which means unhealthy levels of pesticides are detected in the conventionally grown fruit.

Step 1
Gather the ingredients. I purchased all the ingredients listed here at Trader Joe's.

Raw Almonds
Raw Cashew Pieces
Organic Raisons
Raw Pecan Pieces
Dried Cranberries
Raw Sunflower Seeds
Raw Pumpkin Seeds
Dried Baby Pineapple slices

Step 2
Find an appropriate-sized container with a tight-fitting lid to make and store your trail mix. Add equal amounts of almonds, cashews, raisons, pecans and dried cranberries. Add a larger amount of the seeds.

Step 3
Cut the pineapple slices into strips with a scissors, then cut cross-wise to make small chunks. Add to mix, secure the lid and shake to distribute.

What's a healthy snack you enjoy?

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A Healthy Snack For Getting B17

One of the important supplements that I take to fight cancer in my body is B17. To learn about foods that contain B17 and the reason I take it, read My Cancer Answer Arsenal, Part 2.

Apricot Power, makers of the B17 supplement I take, has introduced ApriSnack™, a healthy food bar packed with B17. This raw food treat is filled with nutrition that will satisfy your hunger for hours because of its healthy fats and 8 grams of protein. ApriSnack is 20% larger (by weight) than a Clif Bar, which contains added sugars like evaporated cane juice. The only sweetener in ApriSnack is a smidge of stevia leaf powder—the last ingredient.

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Roasted Red Pepper Spread Recipe

This dip or spread is a twist on a recipe from Kalyn's Kitchen. I made it friendly to my diet with chevre goat cheese instead of yoghurt and cream cheese. The chevre adds a mild tartness to the spread. I used this dip/spread on everything from crackers and veggie sticks, to a spread on tortillas for fish tacos. Yummmmm! Everyone loves the mint flavor in the dip.

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Eating Healthy While Traveling

When you travel and find yourself having to eat in restaurants, here are some tips on how to eat healthy.

1. Don't be afraid to ask for food not on the menu. At one fine restaurant, I asked the waiter to steam whatever vegetables they had in the kitchen and bring it out.
2. If you choose beef, the usual vegetable accompaniment is potato. Ask to substitute another healthier choice.
3. Look for healthier choices on the menu. Many restaurants are now offering lighter, healthier fare. Take advantage of it.

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Healthy Snacks for Super Bowl Sunday

So you've decided to make healthier choices in eating, but you're having a Super Bowl Party. Don't panic! There are plenty of healthy choices you can serve at your party. Here are some of my choices:

• Grapes
• Plate of cut-up veggies (carrots, celery, broccoli, jicama)
• Hummus dip (tomato basil or roasted garlic)
• Cowboy caviar (see recipe) with tortilla chips
• Fish taco bar: flour and corn tortillas, grilled fish, grated cheese, shredded cabbage, cut-up tomatoes, chopped onions, peppers and salsa

Leave a comment to share your favorite healthy snack.

Enjoy the game! ...and go Packers!!!

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