Joining us in March as the Featured Guest Blogger of the Month is California Raisins. They’ve got a team of nutrition professionals who want to ensure all of us are living as healthy as possible, providing information about healthy, natural snacks.
Eating right is important not only during meals, but at snack time, too. Wise snacking delivers important nutrients throughout the day to maintain energy and help prevent overeating during mealtime.
But, when hunger hits, you don’t want to wind up empty-handed — planning is key. Keep snack-sized portions of healthy foods on hand at all times. Goodies such as low-fat, whole-grain crackers, nuts and dried fruits, such as California Raisins, are ideal. Put them in your lunch box or keep them in your desk drawer, gym bag or briefcase so you always have a healthy snack at the ready. California Raisins are an ideal source of all-natural energy and perfect for on-the-go snacking. Also, just one-quarter cup of raisins provides one fruit serving.
In addition to keeping raisins on hand for a portable snack, there are many other easy and delicious ways to incorporate them into healthy snacking. Toss raisins on top of cereal or yogurt, or pack a small, snack-sized bag of trail mix for energy before a workout or at the office.
In celebration of National Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day, March 24, (no kidding, it really is Chocolate Covered Raisins Day!), the following is a snack recipe that will satisfy the sweet tooth without compromising your healthy diet. With only 60 calories per cluster, these bite-sized treasures are an easy make-ahead snack to have on hand. You can find this recipe – along with 800 more raisin recipes – at www.loveyourraisins.com!
Chocolate-Covered Raisin Clusters
Ingredients
- 1 package (6 ounces) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1-1/2 cups California raisins
Procedure
Combine first three ingredients and place over hot (not boiling) water until chocolate melts, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in raisins, coating well. With teaspoon, drop in small clusters onto waxed paper. Chill until firm.
Yields: 30 clusters
Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories 60 (25% from fat); Total Fat 2g (sat 1g, mono <1g, poly <1g); Cholesterol 0mg; Protein 0g; Carbohydrates 11g; Fiber <1g; Iron <1mg; Sodium 0mg; Calcium 5mg;
Guest Blog Series: Look for the following badge on your favorite health sites to see if they have been a featured guest blogger on DietsInReview.com. See other posts in the Guest Blog series.
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