Can you say, "Antioxidents?"

Going on the berry theme from yesterday's snack, I just have to plug the blueberry for it's nutritional value!  They are low in calories and rank near top on antioxident lists (foods to help prevent cancer)!  So, when they are in season and on sale, buy a carton and add to as many snacks, deserts and meals as possible.  You can put them in smoothies, mix with cream cheese in a bagel, add to yogurt, eat them just plain, etc.!  

Healthy Yogurt Snack

Ingredients:

Plain Yogurt

Organic Granola

Blueberries

Mix desired amount of each together!  Yum!

Tips:  I buy generic, plain yogurt for less than $2.00 a tub.  I also buy the generic granola for less than $3.00 a box and will sometimes subsitute raspberries, or bananas for this snack.  Berries are usually better priced in the spring and summer months!

Car Food Box

A tip on how to save some mega $$ when in the car.

We've all been there.  We're out and about with the kids (or just ourselves) and hunger strikes!  What to do?  The strong temptation, of course, is to pull through the drive through window of a nearby fast food joint.  If you're looking for a way to tame the fast food monster, save some money, yet not let hunger linger on--consider keeping a box of food and drinks in the car.  It doesn't have to be huge or elaborate, just functional.  We keep a small box in the back of our van filled with cheese/cracker snacks, juice bottles, water bottles, a jar of peanuts, a few bags of dehydrated fruit, and plain crackers.  Make sure anything you keep back there is "non perishable."  

Picante Chicken

Ingredients:

Chicken (any cut)

Jar of Salsa

Brown Rice

Shredded cheese (any kind)

Place chicken in caserole dish and pour salsa on top of chicken.  Bake for about an hour (more if using frozen chicken).  Meanwhile, cook brown rice.  Spoon brown rice on plate, then spoon chicken (cut up) on the rice, then place some shredded cheese on top.  Serve with green peas and corn.  Round out meal with a glass of milk.

(hint)--buying frozen peas and frozen corn are much cheaper.

Iron Absorbsency

Looking for ways to boost iron? A great way to encourage iron absorbency is to combine it with a vitamin C. For example, spaghetti is a great because the combination of iron in the ground beef and the vitamin C rich tomatoes enhances iron absorption in your body!

Egg Scramble Meal

Ingredients:
Eggs (beaten)
Shredded cheese (Cheddar, Co-Jack, Monterey Jack, etc.)
Splash of Olive oil
pinch of Salt
dash of Pepper

Splash oil in a skillet (non-stick is preferable). Add beaten eggs, salt and pepper and scramble over medium heat. Add cheese just before eggs are done. Spoon onto plates. Compliment with slice of whole wheat toast, apple slices and grapes. Serve with juice (one part juice, one part water).