For Better Living, Eat and Snack Differently

By: Sandra Cain

Too many snack foods are low in nutrients and high in calories from sugar, fat or both. Eating too many of these extras often becomes nothing more than consumption of empty calories.

Sweets, chips and sugary sodas account for nearly one-third of the calories consumed by Americans. It’s important to know that sweets, desserts, snacks and alcohol are contributing calories without providing vitamins and minerals. In contrast, healthy foods such as vegetables and fruit make up only 10 percent of the caloric intake in the U.S. diet. Many Americans are undernourished in terms of vitamins and minerals. You can actually be obese and still be undernourished with regard to important nutrients. So, in many cases, instead of eating less, we may need to eat differently.

We all enjoy having extras or treats, but the problem is how much and how often. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting discretionary calories, which are calories left in your calorie allowance after meeting your nutrient needs. The bad news is that most of us don’t keep close enough track of what our calorie allowance is, and an extra 100 calories per day can result in a weight gain of 10 pounds in one year. It’s easy to exceed our discretionary allowance when the average calories in a serving of soda, beer, wine, candy bar or chips can exceed 100 calories.

Here are a few ideas of how to make gradual changes that may start you down a new path of better nutrition.

• Limit how often and how much extras are eaten. If you pack your lunch, include only one small treat. Eat your fun food only once a day – perhaps for a morning or afternoon snack. Candy bars come in a “fun size,” which average around 40 calories. Sodas are available in 8 oz. cans for 100 calories. Share a dessert when you eat out.
• Reduce temptations. Even though the economy size bag of chips is a good deal for your wallet, it’s not necessarily the case for your waistline if you can’t control how much you eat. Buy the small single-size packages instead. Cut down on the snacks in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer.
• Look for healthier choices that are similar to the high-calorie options. If you like salty snacks, choose pretzels or popcorn over chips. Try a cup of hot cocoa made with nonfat milk if you want chocolate. If you crave ice cream, look for lower fat versions. Keep your favorite fresh crunchy veggies on hand, washed, ready-to-go and, most importantly, easily visible when you want a snack.
• Do something physical to take you away from food temptations. Take a walk. Weed the garden. Clean out a closet. Organize a drawer.

Changing your diet and snack habits takes time. Some of the benefits that you may see include better sleeping patterns, less indigestion, less irritability, increased stamina and even weight loss for some.

Don’t be surprised if you find you have less interest in returning to your former eating style. Healthy habits can make you feel great!

Source:  Colorado Cooperative Extension

Devil’s Food Cookies

1 package devil’s food cake mix

2 eggs

2 tablespoons butter, softened

3 tablespoons water

½ cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, butter and water.  Batter will be thick.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets coated with nonstick spray.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 – 13 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned.  Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

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