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Lo-Cal Snack Ideas That Work

Snacking may be the most popular pastime in the world. The results is that obesity... in adults and in children is quickly becoming an epidemic. The reality of obesity affects more than a third of young Canadians leading to a multitude of health concerns such as an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

While it is nearly impossible to shield children from high calorie snacks and sugars outside the home, there are simple ways to encourage healthy eating inside your home. One way to cut back their sugar intake is to use Splenda* low calorie sweetener, it's created from sugar so it tastes like sugar and they'll never know the difference.

It's simple to provide healthy foods for your family snack times or for serving at parties. You can whip up delicious and nutricious treats to enjoy for parties, school, camp, and other snack time fun. Instead of buying high-calorie, ready-made foods, try these quick and easy treats. They work well for your kids and for adult snacker, too!

Top 10 Low-Cal Treats

1. Popsicles… Freeze your child's favourite pure fruit juice in popsicle makers and add Splenda* Granular to taste.

2. Mini Wraps… Roll sliced veggies into a tortilla with low fat cream cheese.

3. Baked Chips and Salsa… For salsa, combine chopped tomatoes, diced oranges, onion, lime juice, orange juice, salt, Splenda* Granular, and cilantro.

4. Mini Kabobs… Thread fruit such as pineapple and strawberries and cheese such as mozzarella onto toothpicks.

5. Strawberry Banana Smoothie… In blender, combine strawberries, banana, yogurt and Splenda* Granular; blend until smooth. Gradually blend in milk to make it extra creamy.

6. Ants on a Log… This is definitely a kid's treat...Spread celery with peanut butter and top with raisins.

7. Guacamole and Pita … Dip triangles of pita into mashed avocado, lime, salsa, salt and pepper.

8. Banana "Ice Cream"… Peel several ripe bananas, break into one-inch pieces, and freeze in a closed plastic bag. Just before serving, blend with small amount of water or juice.

9. Melon Balls… Scoop out some watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe and serve them on a tray with colourful toothpicks in each one.

10. Snackers Medley… Fill each cup of a muffin tin with different treats such as nuts, raisins, cheese cubes, pretzels, carrot slices and sunflower seeds.

For additional recipes with go to www.splenda.ca.

- News Canada

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