Have you every had the urge to grab a bag of chips or cookies OR even a bowl of ice cream? I get those urges all of the time. Although I allow myself the occasional treat...some times not so occasionally :), I try to be more aware of what might be the driver behind the craving. Today, I want to share with you some of my favorite snacks to enjoy. Please keep in mind that even the things that are good for you can be bad for you if over consumed.
Having a bowl of fruit, nuts, and cheese help me add a little fun into my snacking by mixing the combination of flavors and textures. You have the creaminess of the cheese, the crunch of the nuts, the tartness of the blackberries, and the sweetness of the mango. I added an additional punch of flavor by sprinkling the bowl with some cinnamon.
According to the Mayo Clinic, nuts are a really good source of health fat, fiber, and they are good for your heart. I love the tasted of nuts because they add a nice flavor to both sweet and savory dishes, especially when toasted.
Fruit is really good for you for a number of reason. However, much like anything else, it is best in moderation. Especially for diabetic/pre-diabetic patients. For more information about a healthy balanced diet and how to incorporate fruit, check out the US Department of Agriculture website.
Not everyone is a fan of cheese. Although I am a vegetarian, I still include cheese and some dairy into my diet. Not for nutritional reason, but because I enjoy it. There are many alternatives to dairy for those who practice a more strict vegetarian diet or vegan, as I'm am sure that you are aware. But for those who love dairy, it is a great source of Vitamin D and other nutrients.
At the end of the day, if you can enjoy what you eat and be healthy at the same time, then why not...right?