Shine and Rise

It’s a fact that people are likely to consume more calories when eating in front of the TV than at the table. With our minds distracted on what’s going on on the screen, we are less likely to recognize or pay attention to fullness cues that our stomachs are giving our brains. Not only does our brain’s inability to sense hunger cues contribute to over indulgence in calories, but the fact that many typical TV or movie snacks are characteristically high in fat, calories, and salt makes it easy for us to get off our daily calorie track.  If you still want to stay within your daily caloric goal, but don’t want to give up a good munchie while vegging out to your favorite movie, or still want to make your husband a game day snack without watching his waistline grow, try some of these, what I call,  “mindless munchies.” These snack ideas will satisfy your cravings and leave you guilt-free. 

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FENNEL WITH VINAIGRETTE:

Ingredients:

1 bulb of fennel

1 1/2 tbsp vinaigrette dressing (I prefer Garlic Expressions, or you can make your own)

Let the Fun Begin:

Rinse fennel bulb and cut off stem

Chop remaining bulb into 2 inch long pieces and place in bowl

Toss fennel with vinaigrette. Serve.

ROASTED GARBANZO BEANS WITH SPICES

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans (chick peas)

1 1/2  tbsp olive oil

whatever spice you prefer (I prefer chili powder or cayenne pepper)

Let the Fun Begin:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Rinse and dry beans. Place on a baking sheet.

Drizzle oil over beans and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove beans from oven and sprinkle preferred seasoning to taste over beans. Serve warm.

SLICED APPLES WITH LEMON JUICE

Ingredients:

1 granny smith apple

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Let the Fun Begin:

Wash and slice apple into half inch wide chunks. Place into bowl.

Toss apple slices with lemon juice and serve.

STOVE-POPPED POPCORN

Ingredients:

1/2 cup whole grain popcorn kernels

3 tbsp grape seed oil (this is the preferred oil because it can withstand high temps)

Preferred seasoning

Let the Fun Begin:

Pour the oil and popcorn in a heavy bottomed pan. Cover and set heat to medium high.

When popping begins, hold lid on pan and shake occasionally.

When popping slows to about 2 or 3 seconds, remove from heat.

Place popcorn in bowl and sprinkle with desired seasonings. (I prefer chili powder or cayenne pepper). Serve and enjoy!