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Health and Fitness
Power Snacks
by John Pierre
We are a country obsessed with snack foods. We mindlessly eat package after package of high fat, super sweet, preservative-laden and extra salty junk foods. And yes, even vegan snacks can be on this list, particularly if they are heavily processed and if they resemble some of our favorite foods. Often times we fill up more on snacks then our meals and reach for them first thanks to the ease and convenience of obtaining them. When we fill up on junk foods, we are missing out on beneficial nutrients and are adding unnecessary calories, preservatives, sugar and wasteful packaging to our lives.
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So should we avoid snacks all together? No way! Snacks are important to help maintain our blood sugar and to boost our body's energy during the day. Snacks also provide additional opportunities to supply our body with vital nutrients that help protect us from damage. Here's how to make snack foods work for you and your family:
- Be sure to always have an attractive bowl of fresh fruit available, especially ripe and colorful fruits.
- Pre-cut a wide variety of vegetables and store them in the refrigerator along with several types of dips, such as: hummus, guacamole, salsa and nut butters.
- Whole grain pretzels, air-popped popcorn, raw nuts and food bars, such as the Organic Food Bar or Alp Snacks are sure to please; organic and unsulfured dried fruits also seem to hit the spot.
- Pack healthy snacks and take them wherever you go. The vending machines and fast food establishments will seem more appealing if you do not have any "power snacks" on hand.
- Finally, and most importantly of all, let your children experiment in the kitchen with their own healthy snack creations. This can help encourage them to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
John Pierre is a nutrition and fitness consultant who lectures throughout the United States on the benefits of a plant-based diet. He speaks regularly at conferences and conducts fitness boot camps for groups and individuals. Visit his website at www.practicecompassion.com.
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