Snack Smarts

Be prepared for your next camping trip or hike!

2011-06-20T03:45:00.000-07:00

Do your summer plans include a camping trip or a hike? If so bring some essential tools for fun and emergencies. It never hurts to be prepared. Here is a list of recreation tools that will be helpful for your next outdoor adventure:

water

matches or a lighter to start a fire if needed

a compass (maybe there is an app on your phone but a phone battery or service isn't dependable)

a deck of cards for raining days

first aid kit

rain gear

sun screen

pocket knife

a whistle if you get in trouble and need help or to scare large creatures away

energy packed snacks: nuts, dried fruit like our fruit snacks, chocolate, cheese

camera

flash light/ head lamp

Ziplock bags to keep things dry

bandanna - used for multiple purposes

When you are out and about, please keep in mind to Leave No Trace, to leave the area like you found it. It's important to invest in future generations and to pick up after yourself. Also, no matter where you go or for how long you are gone, be aware of hypothermia. If you get wet, especially cotton clothes, change into dry clothes immediately, it will save your life especially if it's cold out or night is going to fall. If you don't know what hypothermia is please 'Google' it before you leave. Lastly, be aware of where you are. Be aware of silent dangers like poison ivy or poison oak, a rock or root that will make you trip, if it's wet slippery surfaces, and of course other animals. Don't underestimate Mother Nature, if you respect her your outdoor adventure will be a bittersweet experience. Have fun!

Don't forget to pack our great tasting all-natural or organic dried fruit strips. Packaged in air-tight packaging, long shelf-life, and they don't melt or freeze. Gluten Free, nut free, and dairy free. Simple ingredients that taste great and provide a natural energy boost. Go to www.shop.snacksmarts.com to purchase. Thank you.

Latitude-licious: farm market season!

2011-06-07T04:23:00.000-07:00

It's farm market season and it's time to enjoy the delicious flavors your latitude has to offer. Not only do the local veggies and fruits taste better but they are better for you! So indulge, enjoy, and feel better your body and mind will love you for it!

Don't know how to find out about farm markets? 'Google' keywords: farm markets in (insert your state or city). Or go here: www.farmersmarketonline.com You can also call your city government offices and ask.

If you are traveling this summer and need a healthy on-the-go snack that doesn't need refrigeration and doesn't spoil, go to our online store: www.shop.snacksmarts.com and stock-up on Kettle Valley Dried Fruits Real Fruit Snacks. They are 100% all natural OR organic fruit. Gluten free, nut free, and dairy free. Pure deliciousness and made in the Northwest. Competitive prices and high quality service.

Christy

How to buy produce for your summer tastebuds!

2011-05-23T04:54:00.000-07:00

How to buy produce for your summer tastebuds. This can be rather tricky especially if you are in a hurry, so here are some tips to help you shop a little smarter and quicker this summer.

Cantalope a.k.a. Muskmelon: look for light color gold color between the webbing of the rind. Also choose one that is heavy for it's size.

Pinapple: for a whole pinapple (not cut) look for bright green leaves on top.

Watermelon: for a whole watermelon you want it heavy for it's size. Look for a yellow spot on the melon, this is where the melon rested on the ground and it indicates that it was ripe when it was picked.

Corn on the Cob: look for plump kernels and eat the day you purchase.

Green Beans: look for bright color and crispness.

Tomatoes: you want deep color and smooth skin. Beware of stores that try to make their tomotoes look rip.

Zucchini: pick small ones that are firm all over.

Hope that helps! Please visit our online store for organic and all natural fruit snacks (fruit strips). They are 100% all natural, no added sugar, no preservatives, no artificial anything. They are great for travel, the park, the office, the car, or the beach. Soft and delicious! www.shop.snacksmarts.com

The Joy of Spring!

2011-04-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, Spring is here. In Michigan Spring is such a joyous time. We see our neighbors again, everyone comes out of their winter caves, and there are birds chirping in the morning. With Spring there is an urge to clean. And cleaning is a great way to get in some extra exercise. Cleaning is a workout and the bonus part is when you're done cleaning you can see what you did, so gratifying! Just be sure you keep your blood sugar controlled and you have some energy to burn. It's tough to get motivated when you feel light-headed, dizzy, or tired; and a good healthy snack can fix that! Visit our store for some all-natural and organic fruit strips, they are a great pick-me-up when doing chores. Get 3 free Real Fruit Snacks with every order $18+ while supplies last! Go to http://www.shop.snacksmarts.com today.

Reaching Your Goals

2011-01-12T12:49:00.000-08:00

Reaching Your Goals: "Reaching your goals can be really easy if you set your goals too low or reaching your goals can be really rewarding if you set your goals high and reach them. What do you want, easy or rewarding?

So how do you reach your big goals?
1- For the past few days the word 'discipline' has been popping up all around me. I think God may be trying to tell me something. If you can't discipline yourself to do a little bit each day to reach that big goal, then it might not happen.
2- Tell someone else your goal, it gives you accountability. Plus they might encourage you too!
3- take baby steps to get there, not just one or two giant steps. If you break your big goal down into little ones it doesn't seem that big anymore and much more achievable.
4- vision yourself having made your goal.

To help with your smarting snacking goal, visit our online store for all natural and organic fruit strips and twists made by Sunopta Fruit Group. They are awesome, otherwise I wouldn't be selling them. http://www.shop.snacksmarts.com/"

Tangent

2010-11-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

I want to first apologize for not posting something for over a month. The reason is that I am pregnant with my 2nd and am suffering from extreme morning sickness....hyperemsis is what some Docs call it. Look it up, you wouldn't want to be me. So food does not sound good to me at all! Don't get me wrong, I am very excited for #2 to come, but I would be happy to just sit on an egg for 9 months verses going through what I am going through.

What I will share with you, is what I have learned from this experience so far. When you go through storms in life, and I know you will, remember to feed your soul with wholesome 'food', 'snacks' throughout the day. When you are at the bottom of your pit, and I have been there very recently, remember that your strength is the only thing that will get you out. I know that is not what you wanted to hear. But when you are there, sobbing, not understanding, you will come to realize that whatever anyone says to you...it's not going to snap you out of it. You need to pick yourself up, breathe, and remember that you are not alone.

Now, I am a Christian, and I know that some of you may not be. But what has really truly helped me is soulful 'snacking': praying, asking for help, reading scripture, talking with my family and friends EVERYDAY. I have heard of people praying for me that I don't even know. The love and grace that the Lord has given me has gotten me through this storm. And He will continue to guide me out of this pit. It's not easy to trust an invisible God, but don't give up. His grace WILL shower you with relief and love. And those tears of sorrow WILL turn into tears of thanksgiving and joy.

I hope this didn't rub anyone the wrong way, I just felt that it was important for me to share with you what I have gone through; and I pray that it will help you in your storms to come.

MC
www.SnackSmarts.com
www.shop.snacksmarts.com
The store is still open and fresh product is here! However, no more Real Fruit Bars, the manufacturer discontinued them.

Fight-off the sickness season!

2010-10-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Oh no.....scratchy throat, clogged nose, headache....you know what I'm talking about when you wake up to that. UGH! Sickness, it's a drag but we are going to help you put some smarts into your ammunition for fighting off the sickness this season. Here are 10 tips to get you stronger before it hits.

Tip#1: get plenty of rest, take a nap, and go to bed early.
Tip#2: the moment you feel that you are coming down with something take those 'Cold-Ez' lozenges
Tip#3: eat right. Eat fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains, lean meat and LIMIT the sugar, chips, and fried foods. Those sugary fatty foods just make you tired and weak, there is no nutritional benefit in those....although they are yummy, they are deceiving.
Tip#4: exercise regularly
Tip#5: drink plenty of water, water flushes your body out, so even if you are sick drink A LOT of water and flush out that sickness.
Tip#6: eat red onion, there is something in there that fights the flu directly. Super power veggie!
Tip#7: GARLIC! Yes, a reason to have bad breathe.
Tip#8: eat those veggies and fruits that are high in Vitamin C: oranges, strawberries, broccoli, red peppers
Tip#9: WASH your hands before touching any food or your face.
Tip#10: if you're going to cough or sneeze do it in your arm.

Don't forget to visit our website for more tips on snacking smarter and to purchase delicious all natural and organic fruit strips and fruit twists! Yumm yumm in the tumm tumm.

www.SnackSmarts.com
www.shop.snacksmarts.com

Do More Than Exist

2010-09-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

There is only so much that you can talk about when it comes to snacking. So we are going to tell you about our sister company that just launched. It's Do More Than Exist. We highly encourage you to take a look at the website: www.DoMoreThanExist.com Most people interpret"Do More Than Exist" their own personal way, which is great. But they have interpreted two different ways...kind of neat.

There is a lot of power behind those four words. And we hope you find some encouragement there. So, grab a healthy snack and check them out. Please tell your friends too!

And of course don't forget about our healthy and all natural fruit twists and strips. Shipping only $2.95 to anywhere in the United States. Great variety packs and great flavor. www.shop.snacksmarts.com

Snacks, School, Smarts!

2010-08-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

School is approaching or maybe it has started already. So how do you keep your kid or yourself fueled up for learning and sports? I am going to try and keep this short and to the point: protein, fiber, veggies, and water. If your kid eats healthy, meaning not many processed foods or sugary foods/drinks, then they are going to be healthier and stronger. Look at Popeye! O.k. sorry that is way old school...look at Mr. Goodbody! Yes, I know that is still old school. ANYWAY....

Stick with simple food with not a lot of ingredients: whole fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cheese, Daisy Cottage Cheese, natural peanut butter, jam or fruit preserves, eggs, legumes/beans, fresh veggies, high fiber bread...6 g of fiber per slice is ideal (Aunt Millie's 12 Grain), yams, homemade quick bread like zucchini bread, yogurt but read the label, etc. Yeah, it's a lot more work verses buying those quick processed snack bars or sugary fruit snacks, but your kid will be healthier, stronger, thinner, and more alert.

Oh yeah, water. Use a straw if you have to, crushed ice, a cool water bottle. If you buy the bottles water please recycle the bottles....you will save money every month on your trash bill!

Visit our online store for awesome real fruit twists and fruit strips. All natural, no preservatives, no added sugars. We have organic fruit strips too! Perfect for lunches or a little fuel before practice! www.shop.snacksmarts.com

Snack Smarts gives back

2010-07-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that since the start of Snack Smarts we have been giving 5% of monthly sales to people in need either locally or globally. The money might be used to buy supplies for a mission trip or to help out at the local food truck. We want to thank you to all who have ordered to make this giving possible.

Remember shipping is only $2.95/order to anywhere in the USA. We also ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses. Please check your snack stock to see if you need more. www.SnackSmarts.com or www.shop.snacksmarts.com

Foods that Fight Stress

2010-07-12T11:44:00.001-07:00

How many people have been a little stressed during this busy summer? I have, I have! AND I have been fighting it too by eating. Let me share with you how. A person can help reduce their stress just by eating some simple delicious foods. There was a great article in the Parents Magazine for August 2010 about "Stress Fighters" (pg 100). Good stuff.

A good point that they made in the stress article was that when you are anxious your body focuses on survival not on fighting off illnesses. When you are stressed a lot, your body will get worn down and eventually get really sick; AND then it's harder to fight that sickness off, especially if you are still stressed.

SO! what you can do to help your body is to eat better, to build that shield of armor to protect you against stress. Here are some foods they listed as "stress fighter": Berries, blueberries and strawberries. Chocolate! Yes, chocolate, the dark kind. Legumes. Fish: salmon, tuna, and halibut. Yogurt and milk: helps produce that wonderful serotonin. To get more specifics on these foods I recommend taking a peak at the article.

Other foods that fight stress include: whole wheat pasta, whole grain breads, whole grain cereals, rice cakes, tofu, egg whites, brown rice, veggie burgers, cottage cheese, oatmeal, and nuts. It's also really good to drink plenty of water to flush out the stress. And to workout. I love working out when I'm stessed. Get sweaty and feel the burn!

With that being said, when you are stressed out at the office or at home with the kids. Just pick up that pint of blueberries, tip your head back, open up, and pour into your mouth! That would be a good comic strip picture. Ha ha ha!

We hope you learned something new and enjoyed this post. Please visit SnackSmarts.com for more great info. and visit our store for great all-natural and organic fruit strips and bars.

Help! I ate too much over the weekend!

2010-06-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Help! I ate too much over the weekend and feel like I gained 20 lbs.

I think we are all guilty of doing this at some point. Heck, I over ate this past weekend. And yes, I don't like over eating but I am moving on and looking forward. And that is just what you need to do....move on and look forward. Eat regular size meals and snacks the next day. Stick to whole foods like fruit, lean meat, and lots of veggies. Don't starve yourself, you will mess up your metabolism and make things worse. Drink water and go for a walk or do some type of exercise. You will feel much much better!

So we are not perfect robots. You will over eat; especially on Holiday weekends like this coming weekend. Maybe you won't over eat this weekend? But the temptation will be there. So, be smart about it primarily on portion control.

Here are some quick tips:

try to only have one helping, don't go up for seconds....wait 15 minutes first
have a protein snack before you go to the party, it will help you not to over eat
stay active and drink plenty of water. Sometimes when you are dehydrated your body will tell you that you are hungry when you really aren't. Tricky.
Try not to graze all day....keep a water in your hand and chew some gum. Play a game with the kids or something. Or if you want to graze choose veggies and fruit.

You won't look weird going up for one helping or eating veggies, you will look smart and attractive....that's right I said attractive. If you demonstrate to others that you care about what you put in your body then you will glow with confidence. There have been studies about this! It's true. Test it, I dare you!

Have fun, don't stress about it. You will do good. At least you are already aware of over eating and that deserves a "good job!".

Visit our website and web store for more tips and smart snack products. www.shop.snacksmarts.com

Just Eat It!

2010-06-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Got a major craving for that mouth watering pizza or that crispy yet soft donut? What about that Philly cheese steak or that greasy messy burger? Sure you do, you're human!

So how can you face your craving smartly? Just eat it! Biting into your craving is the best thing you can do. Why? Because if you don't and try to substitute eating something else in place of it, you will still think about that pizza and just eat more of that substitute to make up for it. Leading to probably more damage than it would be to just eat that special treat!

Here's the secret to eating what you want: don't over do it. Be smart about it. Don't eat it every week. Maybe once a month. Try it, waiting makes it all the more special when you don't let yourself eat it regularly. And when you do eat it, do you really need to eat the whole thing? No. Share it with someone.

Be sure to check-out our fruit bars and strips in our store. Perfect on the go snacks for kids and adults.

Busy busy busy, help I need a snack!

2010-06-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

"Hi Honey! How was your day?" reply, "Busy." or "How have you been?" reply "Busy".

Oh my goodness, in today's world we are so BUSY. And society wants everything instantly! Talk about a high stress life we are living in these days. No wonder there are so many health problems. Sometimes I wished we lived back in time where life seemed to be less stressful and less demanding. Less cancer too.

Being busy and eating go hand in hand. You're on the run and need something to eat so you grab a cookie, bag of chips, or a preservative filled snack cake. And you wonder why you are so tired and feel crappy. Eating those kinds of things will affect your performance, health, mood, and attitude. Rule of thumb "Keep it Simple, Silly".

Choose snacks that are simple, like fresh fruit (grapes, apples, blueberries, bananas), choose mixed nuts, or string cheese. A fruit bar or high fiber granola bar. Regular yogurt, not the light yogurt. Those light yogurts have artificial sweetener in them and can make you feel hungrier after you eat them. It's true. Just like diet soda.

One more tip. Be a good example around your kids. They watch every move and everything you put in your mouth. Now a days a kid 'needs' a snack before the soccer game, a snack at half-time, and a post game snack. No wonder our kids are obese! When I was in soccer we didn't get squat. Kids don't need all that food during their sports, they'll get a stomach ache! You don't need all those energy bars or gels during your little workout either....they'll give you a stomach ache. Now if you are training for a marathon or Iron Man, that's different.

Plan your snacks, prepare your snacks, and feel great! Try it. You will feel a lot better and have more energy at the end of your day.

Carb-o-rama

2010-06-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Carbohydrates. You can't live with them and you can't live without them. As we all know if a person consumes more carbs than the body needs it will be stored in the body as fat. For you calorie counters: there are 4 calories per gram of carbohydrate.

Here is a little carb education. Carbs not only provide energy for your body, but they also contribute to the nervous system, connective tissue, and our favorite, hormones.

There are 'Simple' carbs and 'Complex' carbs. The Simple carbs are sugars (fruits, honey). Complex carbs are the starches and fiber (potatoes, beans). So, which one are you suppose to eat? Both, silly.

The hard part with carb control is control and balance. It is so wise to have a meal plan and stick to it. When you wake up in the morning know what you are going to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This helps you visualize your meal. It's less stressful. You don't have to think when you're under pressure.

Bread, potatoes, and pasta are the most common carbs that Americans eat. If you eat white carbs: white potatoes, white rice, white pasta, or white bread try switching to whole wheat or whole grain, brown rice, and yams. They are much much better for you, they have more nutrients, and more fiber. Plus they won't leave you feeling hungry. And they actually help control blood sugar better than those white ones.

Let's talk about bread for a minute. You don't have to eat bread at every meal. That's old school. What I do is eat bread for one or two meals. If I eat it for just one meal then I have a carb snack. If I eat it for two meals I have a non-carb snack. That just bread, not pasta, potatoes, fruits.

Some people try to not eat any carbs at all so they can lose weight. They'll lose weight, but they might also mess up their system, not fun. So not a great idea. A better idea is limiting the amount and type of carbs a person eats.

I sure hope you learned some thing new about carbs. They're delicious but also dangerous.

Air Snack? WHAT?

2010-05-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

Air snacks. No it is not breathing in helium or other stupid things. An 'air snack' is something I made up, but people have been doing it for years! Yet, it's one of the healthy snacks you can have.

Take a 5 to 10 minute break and go outside. Take a few deep breaths of fresh air and just be. It's so incredibly delightful that many people miss out on this little time of bliss. In this day and age people are so into being busy it's like a contest of who is the busiest. It's so ridiculous, yet sometimes I find myself in that trap. So, what do I do to bring myself back to planet earth? I have an 'air snack' or two or three....heck, I can have an unlimited amount!

Do not go out and have a smoke or go somewhere where you smell cig. smoke...that is not an 'air snack'. If you can go somewhere where you don't have to talk to anyone. Go alone to get the full experience.

So yes, I say that an 'air snack' is a smart snack.

Write for your waist's sake

2010-05-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Write for your waist's sake? What does that mean? It means starting your own food journal. Yup. Facing the truth but on paper! If you can't remember by memory what you ate for three days in a row, then get your pencil out and start pushing.

Food journaling is such an effective tool when trying to manage your health and weight goals. You can see what you have been consuming, how much, and how often. It's a reality check. I, personally, hated it the first week, but after that week I found it to be a challenge and a game...kind of like our 'Bingo Bites' game for kids. I journal my workouts too: for example, I will write down: walk 50 minutes.

Write down everything you put in your mouth, even liquids. Remember this is not calorie counting. The purpose of the food journal is for you to be aware of what you are doing to your precious body. It's important that you either do it on a calendar where you can see the whole week or use an actual journal that has the date in it. I'm a visual person, I like to see the big picture.

Here is an example for one day:
Monday
breakfast-1 whole grain toast with Peanut Butter and drizzled honey, 2 cups coffee, 1 glass water
snack - 1 glass water, 1 apple
lunch - mixed greens salad with tuna fish, dried cranberries, cucumber, cranberry salad dressing, 1 granola bar, 10 MM's, 1 glass water
snack - 6 cheese and crackers, 1 glass 100% juice, 1 glass water
dinner - 1 grilled chicken breast, 1 baked yam with butter, grilled asparagus, 1 whole grain toast with olive oil and salt, 1 glass water
snack - 1 helping of apple crisp with lite ice-cream, 2 glass water
Ran 30 min. Yoga 15 min.

Just try it for three days. No less than 3 days.

In the Snacking Made Smart page at the bottom there is a 'chart' that can help you get started. This is great for kids to do too. Especially in this day and age. Try the 'Bingo Bites' game!

The "O" word.

2010-05-04T11:56:00.001-07:00

Obesity. We don't like talking about it, we don't want to know the truth, and we don't want to hear it from others. It's nothing new....food is comforting, and junk food is cheap. Too much junk food can also be deadly. Diabetes in young children is growing like wild fire! Very scary.

Just this week, the Washington Post came out with an article about childhood obesity in the U.S. For some reason I thought we were getting better about this, but apparently not! The article is a good one and truthful one. Saying that it's hard to beat obesity "with the effects of poverty, race, and family history". Not to mention high crime areas where kids can't safely go outside to play.

It is possible to beat obesity without using poverty, race, and family history as an excuse. There is really no excuse to be obese unless you have a medical condition. People can change no matter who they are or where they have come from. I have seen it many many times and have so much respect for those people who did something about their condition. It takes bravery, commitment, faith, and determination.

In fact, I have experienced that once you stop eating all that junk food for a few days, you don't crave it anymore. It's weird how it works, but it does work. Maybe the body is getting rid of all the toxins and says to the brain, "stop eating that junk, it's hurting me!" The hardest part about doing this is getting over that hump, the 2nd or 3rd day. After that, it's easy. Try it, I dare you!

As for our cute little dependent children. We need to feed them healthy snacks and meals; and make sure they are drinking more water and less soda and sugary juices. Eat by example. The whole house will be happier. And Exercise, exercise, exercise! It's a great way for kids to manage their stress and release their energy. It feeds their soul joy and imagination. Who doesn't like to play outside? Play with them!

I can't express enough how delicious, healthy, and low-fat the fruit snacks we sell in our store are. My 22 month old LOVES the Kettle Valley Real Fruit Snacks. He devours it in two minutes or less. It's a perfect healthy snack that kids love.

Taste the flavors of your latitude.

2010-04-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

What to know about organic foods. At first, eating organic was a 'fad' a 'status'. I didn't think much of it except that it was expensive! But now, I think it is more important than it was before to eat some foods that are grown organic.

I never could understand why the simplest foods, including organic were the most expensive in stores. It doesn't makes sense. It costs more to produce and manufacture a sugary, gelled, preservative filled artificial fruit snack than it does to grow an apple. It's so backwards it makes me mad. Mad because families who can't afford the all natural or organic foods are filling their bodies with preservatives, sugar, and empty calories....no nutrition.

Recently, my family and I watched Food Inc. on PBS. Not only was I saying 'AMEN' to just about everything they were talking about, but I was in shock of what really goes on behind the grocery isle. My jaw dropped a couple times and my heart went out the farmers that try so hard not to get wrapped up in the unnecessary mess. For instance; one of the new shopping tactics that I'm going to start doing is buying eggs and poultry from a local farmer. I highly recommend either watching the movie or reading the book. Here is their website: http://www.foodincmovie.com/

OK...off my soapbox. Organic. Let's say you are shopping in the grocery and you don't know if the produce you are buying is organic. Here is the secret to know how to tell: if the PLU code on the sticker or packaging starts with the number 9, then it's organic. Neat, eh?

My rule of thumb for buying organic is that I buy fruits or veggies that don't have a natural package. Meaning I don't buy organic bananas because they have a peal, I don't buy organic melon because I'm not going to eat the rind, you get the picture. Another tip is to just go to your local farm market and buy locally. Taste the flavors of your latitude.

Food is a necessity, keep it simple and healthy.

Recycling - save money and the earth!

2010-04-19T04:29:00.001-07:00

Earth Day is this week so in celebration we are going to talk about recycling. My husband and I started recycling over a year now. Yeah, we were slow to get started. We always knew we should recycle but for some reason just never took the effort to. Then one day my sister was telling me how much money they save from their garbage service by recycling, and the next week we started.

To get started I checked out our local recycling center verses going through a curbside service. Mentally thinking going to a recycling center didn't limit us on the amount we recycled verses curbside where most services have a container size which might limit your efforts. So, at our recycling center we can put all glass, cans, plastics in one bin. And all paper and light cardboard (like cereal boxes) in another bin. The last bin is for thick cardboard like boxes you get from UPS, etc. Very easy!!

The cost for recycling $0, unless you count gas to get to the recycling center. We no longer have a garbage bin because we don't have very much trash now. We use garbage bags bought from our garbage service. We save $10 a month or $120 a year!

Just knowing that you are helping to keep the earth clean feels so good. It was and still is amazing to see how much we recycle every week! Try it, you gotta see it for yourself.

Tip on cleaning out the peanut butter jar: put steaming hot water in the jar and put the lid on it. Let it sit overnight. Next day take your sink sprayer and the peanut butter comes right off!

Celebrate Earth Day in style....start recycling! Snack Smarts recycles too. We recycle as much as we can, mainly boxes and paper.

Would love to hear your tips on recycling.

What pat is best? Butter pat that is.

2010-04-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

Butter. So good, but so bad for you, right? Well, kind of right, but not totally. My grandma lived to be 93 and she ate butter, lard, etc. You would think that our society would get the picture that eating simpler foods in moderation would help you live longer.

Back to butter. So figuring out what butter or margarine is the healthiest is a funny concept because neither is really healthy. But if you were to eat a pat of butter or margarine, choose butter. Butter has only one or two ingredients, naturally simple. Just don't overdo it.

Now if you want a spread try using real butter first. Take a stick of butter and put it in one of those butter dishes (the dish that a stick of butter fits into) and leave it on the counter. It stays good for about 10 days. But if you just can't do it, then choose the spreads that have the least amount of ingredients in them. I used to buy the tanish/brown container...no names, which tastes great and is a popular spread; but then I switched to the olive oil spread. It's a little more expensive but it has less ingredients and good fats in it. And NOW I am using the good old fashion stick butter.

All in all, stick to the natural stuff and be aware of your portions. You don't need to put butter on everything that society is used to buttering. Skip the butter when you can.

Portions with snacking

2010-03-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

O.k. I know that this is a basic rule of thumb but it really does help especially if you are having the munchies: put your snack in a bowl or baggy and eat only what you have there. You can see the amount of the snack and register it in your brain that this is my snack and nothing more. Having your snack in a visible amount helps prevent binges and helps you become more aware of how much you are eating. My hardest snack to control with the bowl method is white cheddar popcorn...that's a toughie. What is your hardest snack to control?

What to do with Sweet Cravings

2010-02-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

This totally works for me, but remember what works for one person might not work for another. Usually after lunch, my mouth says 'GIVE ME SWEETS' but my mind says 'You're better than that, don't do it' So instead of heading for the cookies I go to my stash of raisins. Yes, raisins. They are a little old fashion but the taste of them satisfies my craving and they are healthy. I buy the big long raisins. However, if I want something with a little more substance I eat an Apricot Real Fruit Bar. Try it sometime maybe it will work for you too.

However, if you must indulge in a little sweet something. Have it, but just a little.

Using healthy oil instead of butter experiment

2010-02-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

Just posted a great pdf conversion chart for substituting oil in place of butter on the Food Facts page at SnackSmarts.com. Very cool! Use Canola or Olive Oil in place of your butter or margarine. Canola and Olive Oil have healthier fats than the other oils, butter, and margarine. I actually made chocolate chip cookies with Canola oil instead of butter, and I used whole wheat flour instead of white...and the cookies were awesome! They had a little crisp on the outside and they were soft and chewy on the inside. Note that the batter did look different but it was worth the experiment. I will do it again!

Daniel Fast (Diet)

2010-02-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

My husband and I just finished a 21 day 'Daniel Fast'. During the fast you could only drink plain water and eat the veggies, fruit, nuts, legumes, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oils. You don't eat dairy, meat, fish, eggs, butter, anything with yeast in it, sugar, preservatives.

At first I thought it was going to be really hard, but after the first four days it was awesome. I felt so good. My energy was up all day long and I could think clearer. I HIGHLY recommend doing this once a year. In fact, this morning I tried to drink coffee...something I used to do every morning...and I spit it out. It tasted nasty.

More info here about the fast, the purpose, etc.: http://danielfast.wordpress.com/ We really enjoyed the cooking and wholefoods. Yes, it totally makes a difference what you put in your body!!