More DROP IT Snack Options

I’m still thinking snacks this week – probably because snacks are my personal kryptonite – it’s very easy for me to snack on unhealthy things thus negating my DROP IT plans. If I am not careful, I nosh on biscuits, low calorie juices, crisps and so (more wrong choices). I guess that’s why I am hung up on healthy snacking and finding options that work.

 

To emphasize, why is snacking helpful?

Snacking on the right foods (healthy protein and complex carbohydrates) will help give the midday energy flunk a boost. It also regulates blood sugar that should help keep energy levels up.

Previously I would deprive myself of food (in the name of some diet) and end up getting so hungry that I would binge/overeat because I had become ravenous. Not only would I overeat, but I would end up eating everything in sight – the good the bad and the ugly. I’ve learnt that I stay on track when I graze/snack intelligently. By intelligently I mean snacking on the right things, at the right intervals.  

I had a serious talk with my Doctor about nutrient deficiencies; when I started my DROP IT lifestyle, I kept coming up with one nutrient deficiency after the other –potassium today, calcium tomorrow…and on and on. She scolded me to ensure that I didn’t compromise my health in my bid to DROP IT, and advised that I opt for healthier meals and snacks to ensure that I get all my nutrients. Her recommendation was that I snack on fruits and nuts! I actually think that this is what set me on this path of snacking or grazing intelligently.

So now for the main deal this week… snack ideas:

Here are my efforts at intelligent and healthy grazing (aka snacking) -I can imagine some eyes popping asking ‘what has Liz come up with again?’ These are veggie and fruit chips (L-R apples, carrots and beets).

What you need:

• 1 large beet root (sliced using a potato peeler)
• 2 carrots (sliced using a potato peeler)
• 1 large apple (I removed the core and sliced as thinly as possible – using both a corer and a knife)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon black pepper (I used a tablespoon because I really like black pepper)
• Olive oil (I used the spray variety) – just enough to moist not saturate

What to do:

• Fire up the oven (at my first attempt I burnt my veg to a crisp – so please be careful here) - the recipe I adopted calls for 130˚C.
• After slicing, I blotted the fruit and veg (I kept them in separate bowls) with a kitchen towel to mop up excess liquid. The sprinkle the cinnamon and black pepper on the veg and fruit, then toss to ensure everything is coated evenly (this mixture is what you see on the output – this batch didn’t burnJ).
• Line an oven tray with baking paper (I personally prefer this to foil)
• Line the baking paper with the sliced veg and fruit and spray the oil on the sliced veg & fruit
• Place mid-point in the oven (not too high, not too low – so it doesn’t burn)
• Roast for 30minutes – tossing the nibbles intermittently.
• Take the nibbles out of the oven and allow to cool.

I store mine in a clear plastic container and store in a fridge. One container like this lasts me an entire week – I don’t eat it all in one sitting, afterall it’s a snack not a meal.

 

I have offered this to friends and they all love it. But don't take my word for it... try it for yourself! And don't limit your options to beets, apples and carrots - this also works with sweet potatoes or parsnips. I cannot think of other options, but I am sure that there are other fruits and veg that can be used. Any ideas? Care to share?

 

So, what do you snack on? Nuts, Fruits, Smoothies (I just discovered a fantastic Green Smoothie recipe - I don't snack on it though, it is my main meal - but I think it may work as a snack - this is what my cup of Green Smoothie looks like - I know..the green puts many people off - but I promise it tastes nice!)?

Do you have any snack ideas or recipes to share? I would love to hear from you.

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