healthy snacks

Healthy Snacks: Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Healthy Snacks: Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Mommy and baby party day

(Mommy and baby party day)

This past week Alexander and I hosted our first party since he was born. He is now 4 moths old and I have learned a lot about healthy eating with babies especially since making meals one-handed is a skill I have not yet mastered. I learned that with a baby, the best meals are ones that are good at room temperature or cold, they can be eaten one-handed without the need to be cut, preferably no utensils at all.

My menu for this party was filled with healthy snacks for my new mommy friends. After having Alexander I notice I am hungry all the time and constantly looking for simple healthy snacks that I can grab easily or take on the go. These Coconut Almond Lime Bites are a perfect protein-packed healthy snack for anyone with a busy lifestyle.

Healthy Snacks: Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Looking for power-packed healthy snacks that taste great? Try these Coconut Lime Almond Bites to eat well on the go.

Healthy Snacks: Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Start to Finish: 45 minutes

Makes 20-24 Bites

These coconut lime almond bites are great for an on-the-go snack that will keep you energized.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, plus additional for rolling
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped unsalted almonds
  • 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
  • Zest from 1 lime
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

In a medium bowl, combine ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in additional coconut flakes to cover. Store covered in refrigerator.

The Top 8 Foods That Feed Your Heart

heart-friendly foods

February is not just a month about love because it contains Valentines Day. February is also American Heart Health Month.

This month, look out for your heart and of for the ones you love by incorporating these “Top 8 That are Great” heart-friendly foods into your diet.

 

almonds heart-friendly foods1. Almonds.  These nuts have heart-healthy nutrients like the antioxidant vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. These “good” fats help lower cholesterol. Studies show that almonds may help improve the lining of the arteries as well. Almonds are a calorie-dense food, so stick to small portions for snacks or introduce them by grinding them up to add crunch in chicken breading, salads or oatmeal toppings.

Impressions at Home spinach2. Spinach.  High in folate, potassium, fiber, calcium and co-enzyme Q10, spinach helps lower blood pressure and is essential for the strength of the muscles. With the heart being one of our larger and more important muscles in the body, this is key for keeping it strong and healthy. Popeye had it right; eat your spinach or other dark leafy vegetables every day. Substitute it for lettuce in salads and on sandwiches, add it to an omelet, lasagna, and soup, or even blend it in a smoothie.

avocados heart-friendly foods3. Avocados. These are high in calories but loaded with healthy fats. Avocados have monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, fiber and folic acid, and avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and nutrients to the diet. Add a little guacamole to your dinner or a few slices to a salad or sandwich. You can even make chocolate avocado mousse for dessert.

berries Heart-friendly foods4.  Blueberries. Blueberries have an abundance of antioxidants. They are also a good source of beta-carotene, calcium, vitamin C and fiber that can help maintain a healthy heart. Blueberries are perfect eaten out of hand as a snack, or added to a salad, cereal or yogurt. They even freeze well for smoothies and baking.

2-7 oatmeal5. Oatmeal. This versatile, healthy grain is known to lower cholesterol levels significantly. It is a great source of fiber, Omega 3s, vitamin B1 and magnesium. Lower cholesterol levels help support a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. Oatmeal is a neutral base, so add in some extra heart-healthy goodness by adding fresh berries and nuts.

2-7 rice

6. Brown rice. Swap white rice for brown rice. It tastes similar and has much more added benefits than the stripped-away white rice varieties. Brown rice is high in manganese, a good source of vitamin B and iron. Brown rice provides cell protection, and works to lower cholesterol. Cooked rice is great as a side dish, in stir-fry dishes, or even mixed into desserts and eggs.

2-7 salmon7. Salmon.  Salmon is one of the best sources for Omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential to circulatory function. These “good fats” keep blood pressure levels within normal limits. Look for wild salmon over farmed for the best quality and nutrients. Bake or broil it with a little seasoning or dressings for dinner and use leftovers in a salad for lunch. Not into salmon? Try one of the other oily fish varieties for the same benefits, like mackerel, tuna, or sardines.

2-7 legumes8. Legumes.  Legumes are relatively inexpensive and shelf-stable, so keep a few cans on hand at all times. They are rich in protein soluble fiber, calcium and fatty acids. They help keep you feeling full and clean out all the old stuff that may be clinging to your artery walls. Mix a can into rice, soup or pasta for healthy, quick meals.