February 23, 2009

100 or Less for Wintertime Snacks

          As our ND winter seems to continue and continue, we don't spend as much time outdoors walking, jogging or biking and may not even venture out to one of our local health clubs.  Many of us would rather curl up on the couch with a good book/movie and something warm and comforting to snack on. The problem is many of those warm comforting foods we like to snack on in the winter are full of calories and fat.

          Here are a few ideas for fit but satisfying snacks.  They not only will satisfy your snack cravings but also keep you energized and ready to stay active all winter long.

          Instead of a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows treat yourself to a cup of hot Mexican Coffee. To prepare bring two cups of water to a boil. Once water is boiling, add two cinnamon sticks, reduce to a simmer and cover pot. Let cinnamon sticks steep in water for 3 to 5 minutes to make a tea. Place a teaspoon full of instant coffee and one pump of sugar free chocolate flavored syrup (for coffee) or fill mug half way with brewed chocolate flavored coffee. Fill the cup with cinnamon tea, stir and sweeten with sugar or sugar substitute to taste.

          Substitute a baked apple for a slice of pie to save hundreds of calories.  Bake apples, sprinkled with cinnamon and a small amount of sugar of sugar substitute at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. If you want a crunchy topping, top with two tablespoons of oatmeal before baking so it gets crunchy.

          Try one of the new 100 calorie size bags of microwave popcorn for that great theater taste without being supersized.

          Dozens of fruits and vegetables fall in the 100 calorie category.  Enjoy –

          - 2 C. raspberries

          - 1 C. melon chunks

          - 30 grapes

          - 18 average size strawberries

          - 10 red and green pepper strips dipped in low-fat dressing

          The dairy food group is sometimes associated with high calories from fat but there are several 100 calorie treats with the goodness of dairy calcium.  They include-

          - ½ C. low fat cottage cheese

          - 2 pieces of string cheese

          - 8 oz of fat-free yogurt

          And finally if your favorite snacks are carbohydrates reach for 20 roasted peanuts, 40-45 goldfish crackers and 35-40 pretzels sticks.