A-Snacking We Will Go
Snacking in America, possibly our favorite past time. Boy do we love to eat. Chips, candy, and other ‘junk foods’ may suit your addiction or sweet tooth, but those empty calories will do nothing for your health, energy or waistline.
In a nation where junk food is so readily accessible and almost every television commercial is touting the benefits of 'snack food' in an attempt to convince and brainwash you to eat it, it’s no wonder we’ve made them so rich and they’ve made us so sick.
There is a way to snack more and be healthy. Oh yea, it’s possible. Are you ready to feel good and have more energy?
We turned to the experts to discover what nutritionists like to munch on between meals. Not surprising, most of these snack standbys are favorites at our home and with many of our friends.
Roasted Seaweed. I know, sounds weird. If you like salty snacks, you’ll love it and you’ll get the essential mineral iodine for a healthy thyroid.
Nuts and Dried Fruits. 1 oz. of pistachios, walnuts or almonds mixed with a small handful of dried cherries, raisins or figs. Eat only about a handful of nuts per day. Nuts are better digested (enhanced nutrient
absorption) when soaked overnight in pure water. Drain off water and refrigerate any unused portion for several days.
Apple with Almond Butter. We like to slice an apple, arranged nicely in a bowl with a dollop (1 T.) of almond butter in the middle. Celery with almond butter is scrumptious too!
Avocado. Almost every day I eat at least ½ of an avocado for its nutritional benefits. It fills me up and I love the taste. It’s also perfect in lieu of salad dressing. On bread with tomato and fresh basil, and any Mexican dish. Children love them and it’s best to get them started early as they are a super food. My boys began eating them when they were just 3 months old (in addition to plain, baked sweet potatoes). Avocados are such a healthy food it’s no wonder the Guinness Book of World Records lists it as the world’s most nutritious fruit.
Boiled Egg. I like to dip one in Himalayan Pink Salt, the flavor is fantastic and I know I’m getting my minerals. Avoid common table salt. It’s refined at high temperatures and has added toxic chemicals that wreak havoc on the body (kidneys, etc.). Check out our egg cooking tip at Kitchen Secrets.
Kale & Avocado Smoothie. Our favorite in between meal smoothie is made with a little fruit, ground flax seeds, chia seeds and powdered wheat grass. You can find our smoothie recipe in Eden's Juice Bar.
Bean Dip & Veggies. Bean dip is one of our easy to make and very filling and nutritious standbys. Make your dip early in the week and for several days you’ll have a quick snack to dip veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or celery. Although some nutrients are compromised, I prefer these a little al dente. Steam in a tiny bit of water for a couple minutes. Tortillas chips and crackers are good also, however, be mindful as these add extra calories without the comparable nutrition of veggies.
Hummus Dip. Amazing flavor. Find it in Eden's Recipes. Serve with veggies or healthy crackers such as Mary’s Gone Crackers or July Crackers.
Protein Bar. By all means choose an “all organic,” USDA bar. Any food that says “made with organic ingredients” should be avoided. It’s one of many deceptive health claims devised to get you eating their addictive GMO garbage. Our pick for a great tasting & nutritious bar is the Amazing Grass, Green Super Food, Café Mocha Protein Bar. 100% organic, plant based protein and it's vegan & gluten free. It’s a tasty combo of chocolate & coffee in a chocolate coating. Whichever bar you choose, make it organic for health’s sake!
Our Breakfast & Snack Time Cookies are awesome for an afternoon treat. They also double as bars. No sugar, and no animal fat. Make some and freeze for later.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING YOUR HUNGER:
Don’t mistake hunger for thirst. You require approximately ½ your body weight in ounces of pure water. Without it, your body will not function properly. If you’re not in the habit of drinking water throughout your day, you better get on it. Every single function in the body is dependent upon water; from the beating of your heart to the lubrication of your eyes and joints. Entire books are written about the importance of water for optimal health, with good reason.
Organic foods- despite junk food industry propaganda and brainwashing- are vital to your health. While they may appear higher in price, they are less expensive. Here's how: First of all, you do not subsidize organic farms with your tax dollars. Most importantly, organic foods nourish your body and do not poison it with the hundreds of chemicals used in conventional farming. Pay now or pay later. Invest in your health or your sick care and suffering. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine reports the American government supports unhealthful foods and between 1995 and 2009, the USDA distributed more than $246 BILLION of hard earned taxpayer money to a corrupt corporate welfare system (agricultural subsidies). Their lobbyists are good. And you thought organic food was expensive?!
Food: The good, the bad, the misunderstood…
Resources
Your Body’s Many Cries for Water: You’re Not Sick, You’re thirsty and Don’t Treat Thirst with Medication http://www.edenscorner.com/#!nutrition-books/ceec both by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.
The Water Cure www.watercure.com No miracles. Just common sense backed by Dr. Batmanghelidj’s years of research into why water works so well in keeping us healthy and pain free. It can even cure illness in some people who get sick.
Your Most Vital Nutrient http://www.edenscorner.com/#!your-most-vital-nutrient/c1lr8
