My Favorite Late Night Snack Recipes

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

Let me declare this right up front: Eating late at night is wrong. It's neither good for the waistline nor the digestive system. That being said, eating late at night is one of my small vices. I have a few favorite late-night snack recipes that I'd like to share with you.

Banana Sandwich

This one, from what I understand, is a Southern favorite going a couple of generations back. I'm still amazed at the number of folks who look at me askew when I describe the joys of eating a banana sandwich.

What's Needed:

2 slices of bread (I prefer honey wheat)
1 ripe banana
Mayonnaise (some people prefer Miracle Whip)
Peanut butter

Spread mayo in an amount to your preference on one slice of the bread. Do the same on the other slice of bread with the peanut butter.

Slice the banana in half, then slice each half in half lengthwise. Arrange neatly on one of the bread slices.

Close the sandwich with the slice of bread not used as the bed for the banana slices.

Enjoy!

Believe it or not, this sandwich is a nice source of protein (the peanut butter), carbs (the banana), and fats (the mayo).

Popcorn with a Kick!

Popcorn on its own doesn't appeal to me at all. However, when I prepare it as I describe it below I can't keep my hands off of it; neither can my husband.

What's Needed:
A bag of microwaveable popcorn
Real butter
Seasoned salt
Garlic powder
Spicy Chili Powder
Cinnamon
Pancake syrup

Pop the popcorn in the microwave as per the instructions on the bag.

Melt butter in a measure of your taste in a saucepan.

Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. Pour melted butter on top.

Sprinkle seasoned salt, garlic powder, spicy chili powder, and cinnamon to taste over top of buttered popcorn.

Drizzle pancake syrup over the top.

Toss everything to blend.

Enjoy, and be sure to share with someone else.


Strawberry-Banana-Orange Smoothie

The preparation for this is unbelievably easy, and it will leave your taste buds begging for more.

What's Needed:
1 large ripe banana
6 large strawberries
8 oz. of orange juice
3 ice cubes
Agave nectar

Place ice cubes in blender.

Add banana, strawberries, and orange juice. Drizzle with agave nectar.

Blend.

Pour into a glass and enjoy.
As you can see, late-night snacks don't have to be boring and you don't have to settle for something that won't satisfy. I hope that you enjoy these recipes. Let me know what you think in the comments box below.

Source:
Personal experience

*Photo: Seth Anderson via Flickr


[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 06/01/2014 (no longer published there).]

Low-Sugar Dessert Recipes That Will Wow You

Simple, Healthy Recipes

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

As summer approaches, many folks, including me, are making the effort to up their fitness regimen. Losing weight for both health and appearance is a top priority, and the most important factor in achieving these goals is in the area of nutrition. To this end, I'd like to suggest three low-sugar desserts that will propel you on your way to a svelte and shapely figure.

First, a few tips:

• Keep it simple.
• The best recipes are the most simple. Limit your ingredients to around three or so.
• Use natural, unprocessed ingredients.
• As much as possible, use ingredients that are close to nature, such as natural sweeteners, e.g., honey, agave nectar.
• Buy organic.
• If your budget allows, buy organic produce. It's a much healthier alternative.

 

Recipe #1 - Apple Berry Walnut Delight

This one is one of my personal favorites that I created during a period of time when I was working with a personal trainer.

Wash and slice a green apple and place the slices in a bowl.

Rinse and clean a handful of blueberries and add them on top of the apple.

 

Drizzle a little agave nectar on top of the fruit.

 

Sprinkle two tablespoons of candied walnuts on top of the blueberries.

Add a dollop of low-fat, low-calorie whipped cream on top.

Enjoy!    


Recipe #2 - Peach Mango Smoothie Thrill

This is a great recipe for those who tend to have a strong sweet tooth for milkshakes. A wonderful way to wean your way back to the healthy side.

Wash and slice a ripened peach and place it in a blender.

Wash and slice a ripened mango and place it in a blender.

Add two tablespoons of dried cranberries.

Add a splash of lemon juice.

Add ¼ cup of filtered water (more if you like your smoothies of a thinner consistency).

Blend until all ingredients are liquefied.    

 
Recipe #3 - Watermelon Slush

This is another of my summertime favorites that I created as I pursued my weight loss goals.

Place two cups of chunked watermelon in a blender.

Add a splash of squeezed lemon juice and squeezed lime juice.

Add two tablespoons of brewed, unsweetened mint tea.

Drop in three ice cubes.

Add ½ cup of water.

Blend.

The above recipes are both nutritious and delicious and should help curb your cravings for sweets and give you a feeling of satiety.

There's no excuse to keep you from meeting your fitness goals if you use low-sugar dessert recipes and keep them simple and healthy.

Source: Personal experience

*Photo: Valerie Everett via Flickr


[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 05/13/2014 (no longer published there).]