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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Tips on Healthy Snack Prep

Good morning!

I love this time of year, but really does the sun NEED to come up at 5:30am? I woke up thinking it was at least 7:00...but low and behold it was 5:45....ugh.

Before I get to my healthy snack prep tips, did anyone hear of Panera's latest idea? They opened a regular old Panera Bread (same food, same prices, etc.), but here's the kicker - you pay what you can. Whether that be a penny or a $20 bill. I know!

Their idea is that many people will overpay, which in return will help offset the ones who under pay. I think this is a great idea. This location was in Missouri...let's hope the next location is one state north:) Not only will this help someone who is struggling, but it also gives reason for some with an overflowing wallet to help a good cause.

Your thoughts?

Now, I'm guessing each and every one of you has a cupboard or pantry section in your kitchen devoted to "snacks". Especially if you have kids. My sister's pantry is a kid's dream, she has snacks available for them all the time.

And maybe the occasional sister that drops by.







Here are some easy tips to follow, whether you have kids or not...

  • Prepare snacks ahead of time - when you come home from the grocery store, prep all snacks for the week as you put things away.
  • Cut and wash all produce first thing - then place in baggies (or better yet containers!) in individual sized portions.
  • Assemble sweet and salty snacks for the week - you never know what you'll be in the mood for come Wednesday!
  • Dedicate a drawer in your fridge just for snacks, so your not searching past the leftovers for a quick bite.

Snack Ideas

  • Trail mix - mix together your favorite cereal, nuts, marshmallows, and chocolate chips for a sweet and savory bite.
  • Cut up veggies - personally I don't think it is wrong to eat your veggies with a little salad dressing on the side, at least your eating your veggies!
  • Fruit and yogurt - mix cut up apples, kiwi, and oranges into some yogurt with a dash of cinnamon. This will keep in the fridge for a couple days.
  • Assemble sliced cheese, ham, and your favorite cracker for a quick "crackwich".
  • And my personal favorite - take a slice of ham spread with a little cream cheese and pop a pickle in the middle, otherwise known as a pickle roll-up.

What are your go-to healthy snacks?

Would you like to comment?

  1. I love having carrot sticks, strawberries, and Greek yogurt on hand. I have to wash and chop them as soon as I get home from the store or they go bad every time.

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  2. We eat a lot of string cheese and Fruit Island fruit leather. I always have 100 calorie popcorn on hand, as well as 90 calorie granola bars. I could definitely do better in the veggie department and should cut some up and have them ready. Great tip.

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  3. Pickle wraps + crackwichs! Im coming over for snacktime!

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  4. YES, I did read that story about Panera yesterday. I think it's a risky idea, but a great one at the same time. Hopefully it will work in favor of the company...I'll be interested to hear a follow-up story on that store.
    P.S. - LOVE Panera! :)

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  5. Wow, I hadn't heard about Panera's idea. I like that. I think it makes cents (get it, cents?! yeah, I'm weird). But really, it is a great idea. Hopefully they do get people to pay more so they can keep this going and rotate it into more locations. I actually really like Panera. It's fresh food and it's good food. Mmmm, that sounds good right now. ;)

    And great healthy snack ideas. Everyone can use a re freshener on this one.

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  6. What a great idea! I've heard of restaurants like that before, but never a chain!

    Almonds are my go to!

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  7. I love the Panera story! That is wonderful!

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  8. I love Paneras! And great snack ideas. :)

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  9. Great snack idea. Most days I snack on nuts and dried fruit when I get home from work. I realize I often forget to post that I did that. It's tasty, easy and healthy! though sometimes I go over the edge with nuts and eat too much!

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  10. I would probably underpay. But I'm cheap like that.

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  11. I would probably underpay. But I'm cheap like that.

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  12. Great snack idea. Most days I snack on nuts and dried fruit when I get home from work. I realize I often forget to post that I did that. It's tasty, easy and healthy! though sometimes I go over the edge with nuts and eat too much!

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  13. I love having carrot sticks, strawberries, and Greek yogurt on hand. I have to wash and chop them as soon as I get home from the store or they go bad every time.

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