[Happy Canuk]

A Dozen Healthy Pantry Pick-Me-Ups:

1- Carrots — Cut them into sticks and dip them in salsa, light salad
dressing, yogurt dip or peanut butter.

2- Bananas — On their own, they're great, but add them to a smoothie,
or freeze them for a fun treat, and they're even better.

3- Celery — They're as versatile as carrots and even lower in
calories. And they're crunchy enough to help die-hard chip fans get
through the munchies.

4- Cucumbers — Slice them up and sprinkle lightly with salt for a
refreshing snack.

5- Dried cereal — Mix this up with nuts and dried fruit for a healthy
post-gym treat. Just make sure to keep your serving to 1/2 cup.

6- Nuts — Peanuts, almonds, pecans and other nuts can be tossed with
dried cereal and raisins or mixed into a 6-ounce yogurt for a healthy
bite.

7- Orange juice/Other juices — If you have Popsicle molds or even just
ice cube trays, pour in the juice and pop it in the freezer. In just a
few hours, you'll have a cool and tasty refreshment.

8- Peanut butter — Slather on an apple or to add a tablespoon or two
to a smoothie for a protein-rich treat.

9- Quesadillas — Use black beans or any other canned beans you have on
hand. Add in a sprinkling of cheese, a dollop of salsa and you're in
business.

10- Raisins — sprinkle these high iron and fiber-rich gems into plain
yogurt or mix with 1/3 cup of nuts for instant trail mix.

11- Salsa — makes a great dip for veggies and also can be used on
sandwiches as a low fat spread instead of mayo.

12- Yogurt — If you have plain yogurt in the fridge, you're ready to
go. Add some fresh herbs (parsley, dill or thyme will all work), along
with a dash of salt and pepper, and you're set.

[Elanajel]

Great list!

I would add canned chickpeas--rinse and add to a salad, mash and make a homemade hummus or add to soups for extra protein/fiber.

Quick-cooking brown rice (the 10 minute kind)

a really good-tasting olive oil

canned sardines as a source of calcium and Omega3s.

[gailr42]

I can't believe I never thought of making a "savory" yougurt with herbs etc. Great idea! I add honey or preserves to make dessert.

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

THANX for that list ANNE ~ some really good ideas here. I also like the little SOURCE yogurts; only 35 calories each (no fat; no sugar;splenda), and they come in many flavors like strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, nectarines, etc.

I really like the celery sticks and a dip on no-fat sour cream or yogurt; adding some chili sauce and onion soup mix for a quick dip.

CUP-A-SOUPS have only 60-80 calories each; just add hot water and what a filling snack.

RICE CAKES only have 60 calories and with light peanut butter; what a yummy low-cal snack.

I also like to dip apple slices in yogurt; yummmmm ...


ROSEBUD

[BlueToBlue]

My suggestions for this list:

• Hot Cereal: I love a bowl of oatmeal or cream of wheat as a snack.
• Apples, apricots, pluots, pineapple, grapefruit, or whatever fruit you are partial to and is in season. When in season, fruit is so sweet and easy to eat--just grab and eat, no added sugar.
• A 50-calorie wrap spread with a wedge of laughing cow cheese.

[housewife]

Great list!! Now all you need is ideas on how to keep the teenages out of it!! I know I shouldn't complain that mine like heathy food but honestly there has to an easier than hinding things or writing notes to keep it in the house. Yogurt disappears like magic around here!! They even like rice cakes!!

[Happy Penguin]

thats such a great list and its full of yummy things!