Most of us do it. Some of us sneak it. Some of us even have attacks over it. Yes, snacking! If done in moderation and by making healthier choices, snacking can fit into a healthy dietary pattern.
Here are some snack ideas to add:
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups 2% low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped, unsalted almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped mango
- 1/4 cup blackberries or raspberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
Directions:
- In medium bowl, mix yogurt and honey.
- Line 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Use spatula or knife to spread yogurt over entire bottom of dish.
- Pour chopped nuts over yogurt. Use fingers to slightly press into yogurt. Top yogurt with mango, blackberries and blueberries and slightly press into yogurt.
- Cover with plastic wrap or foil and place in freezer overnight.
- To serve: Lift parchment paper from baking dish onto cutting board. Use hands to break bark into pieces.
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
Stuffed Strawberries
Ingredients:
- 12 Large strawberries
- 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- chopped almonds or nuts, optional
Directions:
- Halve strawberries lengthwise. Core out the center but leave on the stem. Dry on paper towels.
- Melt the chocolate chips. Add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Melt chocolate in 30-second increments and stir until melted.
- Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
- Hold the strawberry by the stem and dip it into the chocolate, covering half of the strawberry. Place on the wax paper lined sheet. Repeat with the strawberry halves.
- Beat together cream cheese, honey, and almond extract. Spoon into a pastry bag.
- Pipe cream cheese filling into strawberries. Sprinkle the optional nuts on top.
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Balsamic Drizzle
Ingredients ( Servings 4 Serving Size 2 kebabs per serving)
- 1 pound hulled strawberries
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 2 cups watermelon chunks
- 2 medium bananas, peeled and cut into thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon canola oil or 1 tablespoon corn oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
Directions
- Soak eight 9- to 12-inch wooden skewers for at least 10 minutes in cold water to keep them from charring, or use metal skewers. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill on medium high.
- Thread the fruit onto the 8 skewers in this order: strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, banana, strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, and banana. Transfer the skewers to a platter or baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, using a fork, whisk together the vinegar, oil, and honey. Using a basting brush, brush about half the vinegar mixture over the fruit to glaze it.
- Grill the kebabs for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the fruit is caramelized, turning the kebabs several times and basting with the remaining vinegar mixture.
SOURCE: American Heart Association
