Snackville

I love snacking!!! Don't you? But the problem lies in snacking

1. All Day
2. All Fatty Snacks
3. When you are bored, upset or irritated
   
4. Heavy on the salty or sweet sides!
5. No balance with fruits or vegetables at all
   

A few months ago when I adopted my new eating style (a little big before I moved from Chicago to NYC): I started to eat some of the following things that have helped me a lot in terms of keeping my weight down and losing a few pounds if used in moderation.

1. Emerald 100 Calorie Packs (Natural Almonds) -- 9 grams of fat
   
2. Mott's Natural Applesauce (100 calories ) zero grams of fat / 1 gram so Fiber
   
3. Sunsweet Prunes (100 calories) - Zero Grams of Fat / 3 grams of Fiber
   
4. Fiber One Granola Bars (140 Calories - 4 grams of fat / 9 grams of Fiber)
   
5. Raisins (130 Calories for 1/4 cup serving) - Zero grams of Fat / 2 Grams of Fiber
   
6. Roasted Fava Beans (taste like peanuts and very crunchy) -- unknown calories
   
7. Ginger Snaps ( 120 Calories per 4 cookies; 2.5 grams of Fat and Zero Fiber)
8. Water (zero fat, zero calories)
9. Tea (any kind, zero calories)
   
10. Lots of fruit (normally under 100 calories)
11. Lots of Veggies (eat with a light dressing...) a few calories
    

Fun and Cool Cookie Recipes

Yam Brownies: Yes, I know you are thinking (yuck) but it's really good. If you like sweet potato pies just think of this as a smaller version.

1 Cup of Butter
1 Cup of Brown Sugar
1 Cup of White Sugar
4 Eggs ( i used 3 whole eggs and 1 egg white)
1 and 1/2 Cups of White Flour (I use half whole wheat and half white flour)
1 Tsp of Baking Powder
2 Cups of Yam (or 1 can of yams)

Bake at 350 Degrees

I normally whip up the yam with the sugars, then add the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt in one big bowl. (I told you this is simple); and then I add to a slightly greased pan and pour the entire batch in. I bake at 350 degrees until it is done. Normally doesn't take any more than 30-45 minutes. Let it cool for a bit, then cut into bars.

I take my yam brownies to work. They are sweet enough. When you do this with 1 can of yams you can also puree it for it to be smoother. Or hand whip it slowly if you like it more chunkier. It's 221 calories a bar and 9 grams of Fat. (better than a honey bun) and yams are good for you.


Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

1 Cup of Whole Wheat Flour
1 Egg
1 Cup of Rolled Oats
1/2 Tsp of Salt
3/4 Cup of Margarine or Butter
Brown Sugar (to taste)
3/4 Cup of Peanut Butter

Bake @ 350 degrees

I mix all ingredients in whatever order i like. Flour, sugar, and eggs, then the salt, peanut butter and rolled oats. Rolled Oats is better than normal oatmeal because it contains more fiber. This is an adapted recipe I received a long time ago and the cookies are very thick and tasty. Pack it with your lunch or give to the kids. If you have children, this is a great recipe to have the entire family work on together.

I will have to post the ginger cookie recipe later. It is also a good one to pack for lunch and eat. Better than eating Little Debbies (my old favorites).

Anytime you prepare meals at home you will naturally cut fat and calories. A lot of these recipes I prepared on weekends so I could have them for the week ahead and prevent myself from consuming a lot of sugar, which naturally helps me drop weight.

I also carry snacks with me all the time, in all of my bags, and drink lots of natural juices and water all day long. Easy snacks like baby carrots, celery sticks, home made trail mixes, often go well and prevent me from eating chips or sugary items every day. But I do get a chance to eat some fatty things as treats occasionally. It' s not a sin to do so~

If you have any recipe suggestions, please post them in the comment for this blog and thanks!

Happy and healthy appetites bids you adieu,
Pam