Almond Snack Mix
Here’s a heart healthy snack recipe from the American Heart Association (AHA). Try it instead of reaching for fried munchies or other foods high in saturated fat, trans fat or cholesterol. The AHA also recommends trying to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking, on most or all days of the week:
— Go out for a short walk before breakfast, after dinner, or both
— Work in the garden or mow the grass
— Park farther away from the store and walk the extra distance
You’ll feel better and your heart will thank you for it!
Almond Snack Mix
Making your own healthy snacks can be easy. To get started, pick up the ingredients for this recipe on your next trip to Wegmans, Tops, or wherever you shop. This recipe is a healthful twist to traditional trail mix. It’s easy to take with you when you’re on the go and great to munch on while relaxing at home. Just a handful of this hearty snack will satisfy your hunger.
Serves: 4 (1/2-cup servings)
1/3 cup whole unsalted almonds
2/3 cup multibran or whole-grain cereal squares
1/2 cup low-fat granola cereal without raisins
1/4 cup dried apricot halves, cut into strips, or golden raisins
1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread almonds in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring once or twice to ensure even baking. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together remaining ingredients. Stir in cooled almonds.
Cook’s Tip: If all the snack mix isn’t likely to be eaten on the day you make it, we recommend using golden raisins instead of apricots. The moisture of the dried apricots may cause the cereal to lose its crispness over time. Be sure the almonds are completely cooled when you add them to the mix; otherwise, they will make it soggy.
Nutrients per serving: 174 calories; 6.5g total fat (0.5g saturated, 1.5g polyunsaturated, 4g monounsaturated); 0mg cholesterol; 72mg sodium; 29g carbohydrates; 14g sugars; 5g dietary fiber; 4g protein
Dietary Exchanges: 1 starch; 1 fruit; 1 fat
This recipe is reprinted with permission from “Love Your Heart,” Copyright © 2006 by the American Heart Association. Published by Publications International, Ltd. Available at shopgored.com.
To learn more about reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke through good nutrition, visit americanheart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 for your free copy of the “Shop Smart with Heart” brochure.
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