Food Rehab Restart – 6 Simple Snack Recipes to Help You Cut Out Junk Food

Since we are dedicated to cutting out junk for 21 days this month, I thought that you could use some new snack recipes.  Try these 6 simple, healthy snacks between meals or when those junk food cravings come calling.

Bagel With Ricotta and Strawberries
Spread ½ toasted whole-grain “flat” bagel with 2 tablespoons fresh ricotta. Top with ⅓ cup sliced strawberries. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar. This snack is also great when paired with lean protein for breakfast or lunch. (via Real Simple)

Veggies with Cottage Cheese Dip
Mix the cottage cheese, ranch dressing and lemon pepper in a bowl to make the dip (approx. 150 calories)

• 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 tbsp of low fat ranch dressing
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/2 cup each baby carrots and snow (or snap) peas (or other veggies of your choice)

Apple Sandwiches
Use the apple slices as “bread” and smear on the peanut butter first. Then sprinkle on as much granola and/or nuts as you like.  You can also add a drizzle of honey. (approx. 300 calories)

• 2 small apples, cored and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 3 tablespoons peanut or almond butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 3 tablespoons granola (optional)

Low Carb Turkey Wrap
Use the lettuce leaves like bread or a tortilla wrap and layer in the meat, veggies and pesto. (calories will depend on the brand of pesto and sliced turkey)

• 2 romaine lettuce leaves (the larger the better)
• 2 slices natural sliced turkey
• 1/4 red bell pepper (sliced thinly)
• 1/4 red onion (sliced thinly)
• 1 tbsp pesto sauce

Greek Yogurt and Berries
Combine a 1/2 cup of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and/or sliced strawberries with a container of plain, unsweetened, low-fat Greek yogurt.  Add a bit of honey on top for more sweetness.  This is a great snack for when you’re craving ice cream.

Make Your Own Trail Mix
One of the most simple and healthy snacks you can make is homemade trail mix.  The list below are just some suggestions for what to put in it the mix to give you something to start with.  You can choose the fruits, nuts, seeds, etc that you like.  I suggest you mix up 1/2 to 3/4 cup of each of the ingredients, then add a sprinkle of cinnamon, brown sugar or salt…which ever you prefer.  Great alternative to chips or salty snacks.

• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Raisins
• Dried Coconut
• Pumpkin Seed
• Dried Fruit – Raisins, mango, apples, dates
• Almonds
• Cashews
• Freeze Dried Fruits
• Chex Cereal
• Whole Grain Cereal
• Cheerios