Snacktime

I have completely changed my entire diet this past month. I eat more sensible meals now, but the meals aren't the problem, it's the snacks that always get me! I have a weakness for chips and dip, sneaking in some cookies here and there and basically anything sweet, I have a hard time turning down. With the nice warm weather we've been having here in Texas, I crave fresh fruit and vegetables. Around this time I tend to eat more seafood, sandwiches, grilled veggies, and fruit salad etc. During my main meals, I always have a healthy snack. Here is a list of goodies that get me through my day:

1) ALMOND BUTTER- I just discovered almond butter! Where have you been all my life?!!!! I had always wanted to try it, but didn't want to buy a whole entire jar until I knew what it tasted like. Walmart had these sample packets and I instantly threw one in my cart. We bought a jar the next week and my dear husband says, "$8.00?? This better have some gold in it or something??!" FYI: It's not your average $4.00 peanut butter. LOL

2) CINNAMON APPLE CHIPS- As these say on the package they are bake-dried. It has the crispness of a chip, but just as fresh as an apple. I'm not a big apple fan, so if I'm going to eat them, this is an easy and tasty alternative.

3) MANGOS-I eat several fruits throughout the week. I eat grapes, strawberries, oranges, pineapples and one of my absolute favorites: mangos. Being from the Philippines, I have ate these my whole life. There are several types of mangos, but pictured below are Ataulfo Mangos. They are in my opinion the best. They have a very sweet, delicious and fragrantly citrus taste. Packed with lots of vitamin C and other nutrients.

4) TRAIL MIX- Of course there are several trail mixes out there and occassionally I like to make my own, but I picked this particular one up at our local natural grocery store. Gourmet Nut makes a variety to your liking: http://www.gourmetnut.com/. They have fiber, boosting antioxidant, high energy, but I prefer the Health Mix.

This trail mix is packed with a combination of soybeans (my fave), raisins, cranberries, shelled pumpkin seeds, and almonds. It provides protein, iron, fiber and essential vitamins. ALL NATURAL, no preservatives and cholesterol/trans fat free.