Healthy Snacking Alternatives

Around my house I am always looking for ways to switch out junk food for something healthier without losing the fun.  My 6 year old is a picky eater who loves crackers and chips and turns up his nose at fresh fruit and vegetables.

I decided to try adding yogurt dips to lure Jaxon into healthy snacking.  I'm so underhanded, lol.  But it's for a good reason.

We love Chobani yogurt and now they have introduced Chobani Meze Dips .  The sad news around here is, the Chobani Meze dips aren't available in my area.  But no need to sulk.  I just grabbed some plain Chobani Greek Yogurt and whipped up a ranch dip.  Who doesn't love ranch?

I used one plain Chobani Greek Yogurt, two BIG spoons of mayo and a tablespoon of homemade dry ranch mix.

I'm happy to say Jaxon loved the yogurt dip.  He pretty much dove in.  I have to admit I had a pretty healthy helping of the veggies and dip myself.  However, why should I feel bad.  I switched out the sour cream with healthy, yummy Chobani Yogurt and used homemade ranch mix.  Now if I can just get my hands on some of the Chobani Meze Dips.

Do you need some inspiration for healthier snacking?  Check out this cool infographic from Chobani:



Give healthier snacking a try.  You won't regret it.

Thanks for stopping by,
Natosha  <3

{Dandelion Greens Smoothie Recipe}

I wanted to share a easy smoothie recipe I made this morning using some dandelion greens I got the other day at Whole Foods.

Ingredients:
2 cups whole goat's milk (you can use any liquid you like)
Frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries)
scoop of protein powder
1 cup of dandelion greens, torn or chopped
1 whole banana
drizzle of honey

Blend until smooth.  I would have added baby spinach, but I was out.  The dandelion greens are bitter, so next time I would do 1/2 dandelion and 1/2 spinach.  But it wasn't so bitter I couldn't drink it.  Now that is some nutrition in a glass.

Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of the finished product.

What is your favorite smoothie recipe?

Thanks for stopping by,
Natosha

{Trying To Lose Weight? Me Too!}

I haven't been good at all regarding living a healthier lifestyle.  But better late than never, right?  Today I began on my goal to eat less processed foods and more home-made.  I cook all my meals from scratch already, but I do use processed foods.  I'm not starting all at once because that would be overwhelming and I would just end up quitting.

First, I've decided to curb my intake of processed carbs:  chips, crackers, breads, etc.  I am also not serving them to my 3 year old.  Man are we gonna miss the pretzels and Little Ceasar's bread sticks.  I pinned a couple of recipes for home-made cheese crackers a while back.  I plan on trying them soon and will let you know how they turn out.

My second goal is to drink water.  I hate water.  But I know it is good for me, so I'll drink it.

Third, I am going to eat breakfast, every day, at home.  I have developed a bad habit of leaving the house in a rush, dropping my son off at daycare and then heading to McDonald's.  I always get the large sweet iced tea and the $1 sausage breakfast burrito.  That's $2 per day ($40 per month) and 580 calories (280 from the tea) and 16 g of fat!  What I would rather spend $40 on:  jewelry, my son, savings.

Those are what I am starting with.  I downloaded the app for My Fitness Pal.  I use an Android device, but I am sure it's available for iPhone too.  There is also their website at:  www.myfitnesspal.com.  It is free to sign up.

I just really want to be healthy.  For myself and for my son and husband.  I am going to be 42 in May and I have a 3 year old.  I want to be around for him as long as possible.  I would like to see my grandchildren one day.

What are you doing to live a healthier lifestyle?  I would love to hear about it in the comments.

Thanks for stopping by,
Natosha