Quick Foods
Dips glorious dips...
Salsa
Either homemade if you're a kitchen whiz or shop bought if you're shortof time, salsa is a great low-calorie snack, perfect for livening upchicken breasts and salads.
Yoghurt and Dill/Cucumber
So delicious you'll be looking for the catch. Luckily there isn't one.
Something crunchy to go with them...
Oat cakes are great and are no longer limited to health food stores.They have a low GI (glycemic index) therefore helping you feel fullerfor longer. They come in a range of flavours and taste excellent eitheron their own or with your dips.
Better than crisps...
This is a number one favourite of mine as it's so tasty and a farbetter alternative to crisps. Give them a try and you'll never buyprocessed crisps again.
What you need:
Wholemeal pitta,
Mixed herbs,
Olive oil,
Instructions
Heat up the oven to about 180/200F
Cut up the wholemeal pitta into triangles
Place the pittas into a baking dish, sprinkle with the mixed herbs and splash a little olive oil over them
Cook in the oven
Give them a bit of a shake around every 5 minutes or so to ensure they are evenly cooked
They should be done in about 10 - 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy
Popcorn
If you can make it at home all the better, otherwise you can get organic popcorn if you shop around.
Nuts
Nuts are such a great food as they provide a natural high source ofprotein and contain 'good' fats. There are however a few pitfalls withnuts that you need to be wary of. They are high in calories, (15 cashewnuts contain 180 calories). In light of this, a small handful isenough. Also, be cautious of salty, cheap versions. 'Dry roasted' or'with' any kind of flavour are off limits.
Ryvita Power snack
This is a brilliant, high energy, snack that you can pre-make and keep to hand for emergency snack situations!
What you need:
Ryvita
Chunky peanut butter
Honey
Instructions:
Create a sandwich encasing the peanut butter and honey in two slabs ofRyvita I know it sounds weird. I normally cut this in half so I've gottwo pieces, one for now and one for later.
Portion control
The key thing with all snacks is portion control. There is definitely atemptation to have twice or dare it say it, three times as much if youthink you are being healthy. A great way to get around this is toinvest in some small-sized Tupperware pots. Decant your nuts orpretzels into these. Your are 100 times more likely to then stop at oneserving rather than accidentally eating an entire packet!
Sweet Tooth
There is nothing wrong with fancying something a bit sweet. Luckily,there are lots of quick and easy fruity snacks that can satisfy yoursugar cravings!
King smoothie
Even the most innocent looking smoothies can have hidden nasties inthem so homemade is definitely best. It is also much kinder on thepurse strings. This recipe is my all-time favourite.
What you need:
Plain bio-yoghurt
Strawberries
Banana
Ice
Organic low-fat milk
There are so many variations on the smoothie I could write an entire article,but here are a few ideas of other great smoothie extras:
Blueberries
A spot of honey
Oats
Raspberries
Seeds
Fruit Kebabs
Try threading strawberries, pineapple chunks and apple on to skewers. You can use any fruits that take your fancy for this lovely summer fruitfix.
Frozen Grapes
This requires a little forward planning but is well worth it.Any colour grape will do.
Instructions
Rinse grapes thoroughly and then dry them off with a paper towel
Place on a baking tray or similar
Place in the freezer overnight
The result is a truly delicious taste explosion.
Cherries on ice
Another delicious snack, low in calories, low in fat and high in water.Keep your finest cherries cool in a bowl of ice and enjoy!