Raw Food for Thought - Sensible Snacking

There is growing concern among many people regarding healthy eating, and the majority of us know we don't always eat like we should. Raw food is finding its way into many people's diets, and adults and children alike are discovering that healthy foods can be tasty and delicious. Just because something is labeled "healthy" does not mean it can't taste good.

More grocery stores are becoming aware of the consumer's desire for organic and nutritious raw foods. In addition to planning for healthy meals, we also should be concerned with sensible snacking. More parents are teaching their children to reach for healthy snacks rather than sugar loaded ones.

Many fast food restaurants are offering healthier choices on their menus, such as fruits and vegetables instead of fried potatoes and juice instead of sugar filled sodas.

When we shop for our groceries, we should keep in mind a few basic shopping guidelines:

#1 - Most processed convenience foods contain high levels of sodium, sugar, and cholesterol. Read the labels of the foods you buy and educate yourself regarding what the labels mean and if you can’t pronounce it you probably shouldn’t be eating it!

#2 - A good rule of thumb is to purchase non-UPC labeled foods. Granted, some stores do place a UPC label on some fruits and vegetables, but the overall concept is to buy foods in their most natural state. Choose apples, bananas, melons, berries, grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, lettuce, mushrooms, pineapple, peaches, nectarines, carrots, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, and kiwi fruit.

#3 - Don't stock up on salt and cholesterol loaded chips and avoid the soda pop aisle. Opt instead for nutritious juices, unsweetened teas, bottled water, and fiber filled healthy snack choices.

Raw foods are simple to prepare, delicious to eat, and so healthy for you. If you are concerned with weight loss, stabilizing your diabetes, having healthy looking skin and hair, a raw food diet will help you reach your dieting and health goals and improve the way you feel all at the same time. Here are a couple of raw food snack ideas you might want to try:

Recipe #1 - Celery and Apple Snack Delight

Ingredients:

* Celery and a Juicy Apple
* Peanut Butter

Instructions:

1. Wash and slice celery and apple into serving pieces.
2. Top with peanut butter.

Recipe #2 - Marinated Cucumbers

Ingredients:

* Cucumber
* Red Wine Vinegar
* Salt & Pepper

Instructions:

1. Peel cucumber, slice, and place in bowl.
2. Sprinkle lightly with salt & pepper.
3. Add red wine vinegar to cover cucumbers.
4. Marinate 2-3 hours.
5. Enjoy as a snack or in a salad.