Thank You Real Simple

Since becoming a mom, I have become a more avid magazine reader, for a couple reasons. One, it's much easier to read a quick article and process it, and two, a magazine won't keep me up all night compulsively reading, like books always have.
So, I purchased Real Simple, the August 2009 issue. It's a favorite for me... and I just had to blog this one (pardon my plagiarism, I did some modifications)!
I have been trying, trying, trying to eat healthier and ditch the junk that I have loved... so this will certainly be posted on my fridge.
So, here's a synopsis of the article "How to Snack Smarter"
Mastering the Mini Meal... this is great for me, a person who eats small portions, but LOVES to snack!! The benefits of incorporating appropriate snacks between means are as follows:
- keeps metabolism efficient
- prevents overeating
- improves nutrition
- boosts mood
- stops cravings
Here are some of their suggestions that sound fantastic!
- one inch cube hard cheese with 4-6 dried apricot halves
- air popped or 94% fat free popcorn topped with some dark chocolate shavings
- Melba toast with cream cheese and berries
- apple slices dipped in almond butter (I like natural peanut butter)
- handful almonds and dried cherries/blueberries
- small bowl tomato soup with a dollop of sour cream
- 2-4 tablespoons hummus with veggies
- cucumbers with Laughing Cow cheese or Baby Belle cheese
- greek yogurt with honey and chopped walnuts (yum!!)
- whole wheat enhlish muffin with peanut butter

Now doesn't that sound better than a bowl of chips? I am going to exert a little more effort and try some of these yummy sounding ideas. You too?