Easy Healthy Snacks...Simple And Tasty

More and more of us are becoming aware that what you put in your body determines how well it functions. As we begin to move away from the standard American diet, we need alternatives that are more nutritious.

The most difficult area of change for some people is that of quick healthy snack food. This is not as hard as it may seem however. There is a huge selection of simple snacks that are also healthy. It is just a matter of changing the way we think.

If you have been addicted to sugar and refined carbohydrates, it may take a little time and will-power to re-educate your taste buds, but that won't take long. For instance if you are used to eating a sugary donut, a handful of raisins will not be as fulfilling at first. But persevere and you will soon find that you do not want the sugar-loaded foods you once did.

Here are some ideas for easy healthy snacks that you can use to replace unhealthy junk foods. You may want to visit your local health food store to find some of these ingredients as well as even more already made snack selections.

1. First the obvious ones such as the above mentioned raisins and other types of dried fruit. (An important note: some dried fruits are dipped in sugar and other chemical preservatives. For ultimate health, buy organic whenever possible and always read ingredients.)

2. Raw nuts such as sunflower seeds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, etc. Raw, uncooked nuts do not contain health damaging ingredients like hydrogenated oils, chemically washed sodium, etc. They DO contain beneficial oils and many other vitamins and minerals when unroasted and raw. Nuts are a good source of fiber and protein as well. If you wish to add a bit of cold-pressed virgin olive oil and sea salt to a cup of raw nuts, that will give you some variety, flavor and the added nutrition of the olive oil.

3. All fresh raw fruit, organically grown where possible, make for quick healthy snacks. Berries of all kinds are loaded with antioxidants and many other vitamins to build health and bolster the immune system. If you wish for a sweeter snack, purchase some raw honey and mix a bit of it into your fruit. (Nuts can be added as well.)

4. Throw a banana (or your favorite berries) and some almond (rice or soy) milk into the blender with honey and cinnamon for a tasty drink snack.

5. A healthy alternative for chip lovers is air-popped popcorn. Not the kind that comes soaked in butter and artificial flavors, but plain jane popcorn. You can add a little sea salt and a cold-pressed, non-hydrogenated butter substitute (or olive oil) after popping. For variety, try seasoning it with your favorite spices, such as onion powder, etc.

6. One last idea for now is to slice and peel some organic apples, cut up some fresh celery, and dip them into organic, unsweetened peanut or almond butter.

These ideas will at least give you someplace to start in coming up with easy healthy snacks.

Author - Holly S. Wise