What'sSnackin'?

Crudités and Yogurt Dip

Benefits: About four servings of veggies, plus vitamins A and C, which help your immune system fight against germs.

How to make it: Prepare four of each of the following: broccoli florets, carrot sticks, celery sticks and sliced bell pepper strips. To make the dip: Combine 3/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt with 2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro and 1/2 tsp each chili powder and garlic powder.

Spicy Edamame

Benefits: Iron, a nutrient that's crucial in promoting healthy blood cells.

How to make it: Boil 3/4 cup preshelled edamame in a small saucepan for 5 minutes. Drain. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp chili powder (or garlic salt); toss to coat.

Sweet maple popcorn

Benefits: Fiber, a waist-whittling wonder that's also good for your ticker.

How to make it: Drizzle 5 tsp pure maple syrup over 1 3/4 cups hot air–popped popcorn. (If popcorn is hot, syrup will melt and distribute more easily.) Sprinkle with salt or add almonds if desired.

Chocolate-yogurt pops

Benefits: Protein, key for building muscles, as well as calcium, which helps maintain strong bones.

How to make it: In a blender, puree 1 1/2 cups lowfat vanilla yogurt, 1/3 cup cold water, 2 packets sweetened cocoa powder mix and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Pour into four 4-ounce ice-pop molds. Freeze 4 hours.

Pomegranates

Benefits: Provides about 16% of an adult's daily vitamin C and is a good source of vitamin B₅, antioxidants, potassium and polyphenols, such as tannins and flavonoids. The juice of the pomegranate is also effective in reducing heart disease and dental plaque. 


Pomegranates are delicious in salads, soups and on their own!


Thanks to www.Self.com 

3FavoriteDips!

 Some of my favorite vegetarian dip recipes! 

Easy, quick and tasty! Perfect for parties during the holiday season!!! 

"Guilt- Free" Hummus 

Ingredients:

1 Can of low- sodium chickpeas, rinsed

1/2 Cup plain Greek yogurt

1 garlic clove

Dash of ground cumin

Dash of ground cayenne pepper

Fresh- squeezed lemon juice

Directions:

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, yogurt, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper and lemon juice. Process until well blended. 

Use immediately or refrigerate for up for 3 days. 

Serve with your favorite veggies, pita bread or crackers! 

Thanks to www.shape.com!

Healthy Guacamole 

Ingredients:

1 Can drained white kidney beans

Fresh- squeezed lime juice

Fresh- squeezed lemon juice

1 Whole avocado

Sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

Blend in a food processor until desired consistency.

Refrigerate or serve immediately. 

Serve with tortilla chips, on a salad, or with veggies!

Thanks to www.goodhousekeeping.com!

Fall Pumpkin Dip

Ingredients:

1 Can pumpkin pie filling

1 Cup light cream cheese

Directions:

In a food processor, combine cream cheese with pumpkin pie filling. 

Refrigerate or serve immediately. 

Enjoy with graham crackers, ginger snaps or apple slices.

Hope you enjoy!