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Stay on Track with Healthy Snacks

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Heart-y Antioxidant Almond Snack Mix

(Family Features) - The key to staying on track with healthy eating is to make smart choices that keep you satisfied.

Cynthia Sass, sports nutritionist, TV personality and co-author and creator of the diet plan for the New York Times bestseller "Flat Belly Diet!" says that, "the secret is eating MUFAs - monounsaturated fatty acids - like almonds, to curb hunger and give you energy."

In addition to being a great source of MUFAs, almonds provide a host of other key nutrients. One ounce, or 23 almonds, is an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium, and offers satisfying protein (6g) and fiber (3.5g).**

Almonds can be added to sweet and savory dishes and are great for snacking, which make them very versatile MUFAs. For example, Sass recommends this Heart-y Almond Snack Mix as a nutritionally enhanced take on the sweet party mix often referred to as puppy chow. "By cutting butter and sugar in the recipe and adding fiber and antioxidants," she says, "this version doesn't have to be reserved just for parties. Portion out a few servings in plastic bags at the beginning of the week for a satisfying grab and go snack!"

The Almond Board of California Unveils Winning Recipe from National Consumer Contest

Hungry sports fans from across the country have cast their vote for the ultimate almond snack from the four finalist recipes created by notable chefs. The Almond Board of California is pleased to announce the "Ultimate Snack-Off Recipe Contest" winning recipe is Chef Cory Barrett's "Beer and Bacon Glazed All-Mans." Chef Barrett - Pastry Chef at Michael Symon Restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio - has created a snack masterpiece: two kinds of crunchy almonds enrobed in a salty-sweet glaze flecked with savory bacon and cracked pepper. With more than 3,300 votes, his recipe deserves a place in the snack hall-of-fame. Go to www.AlmondsAreIn.com and download the final four recipes for an unbeatable game day spread. 

**Good news about fat.  U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that the majority of your fat intake be unsaturated.  One serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated fat and only 1g of saturated fat.

Heart-y Antioxidant Almond Snack Mix

Ingredients
  • 3 cups multi-grain cereal squares
  • 3 cups fiber cereal twigs
  • 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate morsels
  • 3/4 cup almond butter
  • 1/2 cup enriched margarine spread (may use butter)
  • 3/4 cup almond flour*
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Preparation
    1. Line a large sheet pan with waxed paper. Place cereals and dried cranberries in a large resealable plastic bag. In a microwavable bowl, add chocolate chips, almond butter and spread (or butter).
    2. Microwave on High heat, uncovered, for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds; remove and stir until smooth. Pour chocolate mixture into plastic bag, seal and shake to coat evenly.
    3. Add almond flour, sliced almonds and confectioners' sugar. Reseal and shake to coat. Spread mixture on waxed paper and cool completely. Refrigerate in an airtight container; mix can be stored for up to 1 week.

Preparation Time
8-10 minutes

Start to Finish Time
10 minutes

Serves
Makes 9 cups

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
*Almond flour is available in most health food stores, many supermarkets, and is widely available online. To make almond flour, grind blanched slivered almonds in a food processor until finely ground; do not let it become a paste. Refrigerate until use.

SOURCE: Almond Board of California

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