AmericaNowNews.comHealth-smart ways to satisfy your sweet tooth

Health-smart ways to satisfy your sweet tooth

Concerned about counting calories to keep those pounds at bay, but frustrated with fat-free, sugar-free treats that don't really satisfy? Wellness expert Peggy Hall has the answer.

Peggy says there's no need to deprive yourself of a sweet treat now and then -- especially when they actually help to trim your tummy! Here are a you a couple of Peggy's favorite "flat-belly foods" that are easy to make and cost only pennies per serving.

Cucumber-Pineapple Rounds

1 English or Persian cucumber
1 bag dried pineapple slices

"I like to use organic, English or Persian style cucumbers" Peggy says, "but any kind will do. You can also leave the skin on for extra vitamins, but you can peel the cucumber if you prefer."
 
Slice the cucumber into 1/2 inch rounds and top with a piece of dried pineapple. That's it -- simple, quick and good for you! "You won't believe how delicious these are," Peggy says.

Bonus: Cucumber is a natural diuretic, and pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties. That means together they help to expel excess fluid and beat belly bloat! One piece of the cucumber-pineapple round is only about 10 calories.  Check out this link.

Apple-Pecan-Date Bites

1 sweet, crisp apple like Fuji or Gala
1 package plump dates, like Medjool
1 package raw, unsalted pecan halves
Lemon juice (optional)

Remove the pit from the dates, keeping the date intact.
Slice the apple into 1/2 inch wedges, then cut crosswise so you have small slices about the length of the date.
Stuff each date with one apple slice and one pecan half. If you are preparing these in advance, dip each apple slice into lemon juice first to prevent browning.

"These gorgeous little guys make a really impressive dessert to take to a party or event...but I like to snack on them around 3:00 every afternoon!" says Peggy.

The plump dates are full of fiber and naturally sweet; apples are low in sodium to help reduce water weight; and pecans help to rev up your metabolism and satisfy your appetite!

Even better - they taste like bites of caramel apple pie!

"One piece is about 35 calories of pure delight," Peggy says.

There's no need to cook, bake or buy pricey packaged snacks; you can have these simple ingredients on hand and whip up tasty snacks in seconds -- and you can have seconds, too.

Fact:
Harvard School of Public Health recommends nuts, including pecans, as a good-for-you source of monounsaturated fat.  Check out this link.

  •  - Get Peggy's free report: The Do's and Don'ts of Detox Diets  link
  •  - Sign up for Peggy's free weekly wellness tips  link
  •  - Get free yoga stretches from Peggy  link

Copyright 2011 America Now.  All rights reserved.

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