It's Almost Ice Cream...

I'm a sucker for a big bowl of ice cream. I love the cool, creamy dessert so much so, it decided to start hanging out around my midsection daily! Well, I've had to put a stop to that.

Image Credit: SXC

I've started snacking on a treat that's close enough to ice cream for me: frozen bananas!

If you've ever made a fruit smoothie, you know frozen bananas blend into a creamy delicious texture. Here's a simple recipe from cooking guru Rachael Ray for banana ice cream using nothing but frozen bananas and milk.

Have you ever made banana ice cream? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Note: Today's post is part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Each day during the month of April I'll highlight a letter of the alphabet with a healthy snack idea. Today is day "B". Stop back tomorrow for another delicious tip!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Healthy Snack Ideas: My Blogging From A to Z April Challenge Theme!

The snow melted, the cost of strawberries plummeted and I swapped boots for flats. Spring is almost here! That means it's time for the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

During April I'll update Whole Foods Living each day with delicious, helpful advice. 

My theme for 2014 is healthy snack ideas! Personally, I'm great at whipping up a healthy meal. But when I reach for a snack, I sometimes have to think twice. Is snacking difficult for you too? Be sure to stop by each day in April for some healthy, wholesome ideas. 

If you want an email reminder, simply sign up with your email address on the top, left corner of this page where it says "Get Blog Updates Delivered to Your Email!". 

I hope to see you online in April!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Do you want to learn more about surviving the world of working online with words, please stop by Web Writing Advice during the April challenge!

5 Quick Healthy Changes to Make Today

Get up and move! Photo Credit: SXC

Let's face it, if a task isn't quick and easy, we might pass it by. Healthy eating is the same way.

If it isn't simple to make a nutritious meal, why not just pick up the phone and order a pizza or swing through the fast food drive up? It only take minutes and the food is hot and ready for you. It's convenient. 

Well, until you start gaining weight, get winded easily and have health problems due to your poor diet!

Here's five quick ways you can start moving in the right direction toward a healthier lifestyle TODAY. Seriously, skip some couch time and do these five things...

1. Open your cupboards and pantry. Remove all unopened chips, candy, processed snacks and unhealthy baking mixes. Put them in a box and donate them to the nearest food bank or shelter. If it's not in the house--you can't eat it.
2. Drink water. Your body needs the hydration and it's calorie free. Dump that pop can or forgo your stop at Starbucks today. You're probably drinking more calories and chemicals than you realize.
3. Go meatless for one meal today. Meat isn't bad for you, but when you choose processed, high fat options, you're not doing your body any favors. Instead opt for vegetable soup, a salad, steamed vegetables, rice or fruit.
4. Do something active today. Go for a walk. Use that gym membership. Go for a swim at the YMCA. Take the dog to the park. Dust off your mountain bike. Go bowling. Do anything but sit on your rear!
5. Make a batch of healthy snacks. Chop fresh veggies and fruits to keep in the fridge for go-to snacks. I like carrot chunks, bell pepper strips, strawberries and grapes. These all preserve well for several days so you always have something healthy to grab!

So, tell me what do you plan to do today to be a little bit healthier?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Dip It! 3 Healthy Dips for Snacktime

Salsa! Photo by Morguefile

Eating clean and healthy takes willpower. When it comes to snacking, I sometimes fail. A handful of chocolate chips is much easier to grab than washing, chopping and preparing a plate of raw veggies.

So, to keep things easy, a few of my go-to snacks are dips!

Skip the ranch and sour cream. Instead, whip up these three dips to enjoy with tortilla chips, baby carrots or pita bread wedges.

1. Salsa: Create a blend of finely chopped tomatoes, bell peppers and onions. I like to also add fresh garlic and herbs like cilantro or parsley. Check out my recipe for 5 Minute Rainbow Cilantro Salsa.
2. Hummus: As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for ways to boost my protein intake. A bowl of fresh chickpea-based dip called hummus is the way to go. I always add more lemon juice than the recipe calls for because it's sooo yummy!
3. Avocado Dip: My favorite dip is avocado. Sure, the green fruit is high in fat, but it's unsaturated, so eat avocado as a snack once in while, and you'll be fine. Check out my recipe for Healthy Avocado Dip.

What types of dips you like to snack on?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: This post is part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Each day during April (excluding Sundays) I will be posting a blog related to a specific letter of the alphabet. Stop back tomorrow to keep up with what I've got cooking!

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