A Little Cheating

Every now and then even the most health conscious foodie falls off the healthy grub wagon. Let's face it , unlike other addictions bad food is all around us.It exists in stores  at parties , even within in our grasps. It's hard to keep a healthy diet - however sometimes a little cheating can actually help.

Salt and sugar are the worst temptations. They're everywhere. However once in a while some fries or milk chocolate can satisfy. If you're planning on a salty treat, then just have a handful or share with someone.There are all natural chips such as The Good Earth olive oil fried potato chips or Food Should Taste Good chips and crackers. These are all natural as are the Back To Nature brand cheese crackers which also have unbleached flour and no preservatives. Barbecues are big this time of year and there's all sorts of stuff being offered. Stick with a few nibbles to satisfy yourself  and then make a beeline for the vegetable platter. Fill up on the healthier option of tomatoes, broccoli florets and cauliflower bits.

Sweets are always a factor in cheating. Let's face it , it's hard to resist cookies or cupcakes.It's the time of year too for ice cream in any form. The best bet is have a mini cupcake than a larger one and nibble a few cookies to satisfy that sweet tooth. You can also try the Back To Nature brand which has a wide variety of the kinds of cookies people love. As for ice cream, a kid size cone or cup will do nicely. You still get the taste but not all the calories or fat that would go with the  adult sized one.Another alternative is trying an Italian or plain ice ,sherbet or sorbet which has no dairy in it. These are water based so you don't have that fat. You can also freeze fruit like grapes or peach slices and have them as a different frozen treat.

Cheating on a healthy diet is OK every now and then. Satisfy that salt or sugar craving and then go back to what's good for you. Temptation is fine. Just sate it and then go back to eating better.

Healthy Movie Food

The summer movie season is right around the corner and with it endless hours of eating. However most theaters offer a cornucopia of bad foods. There are ways to combat this  and eat healthy while watching your favorite stars.

Popcorn , that perennial movie favorite and must have, is always at the movies. Unfortunately most have some kind of buttery coating which is loaded with transfat and calories. Depending on your movie theater you can decline the topping and just ask for just  air popped or plain. You can also sneak some of your own home popped in too.Some theaters also offer snack sized bags of Planters nuts and almonds. Again these are better for you than the usual movie candy fare however be careful of the salt and whatever flavoring. Again sneak in a small baggie of plain almonds or even walnuts to tide you over. As for drinks, always opt for bottled water. It's the most refreshing and luckily theaters do push it more so than sodas these days.

What about sweets? Yes, those chocolate covered raisins and M and M s are tasty. They're not good. If you do want M &Ms see if they have the dark which has antioxidants and less fat than the milk  chocolate and peanut ones. Some theaters do sell fruit strips or leathers which are great snacking.However again, think about bringing bags of "non messy" fruits, such as grapes or bananas(nothing too juicy because it could leave seats sticky). Also bags of Back to Nature cookies are always a fun treat . Remember to bring milk or all natural juice boxes with you to wash them down.

The  summer movie season is coming and that means long hours sitting and snacking, Make those snacks healthy and enjoyable  ones. They'll be as powerful and helpful as those super heroes on the screen.

Back To Nature Healthy Fun Treats

Is there such a thing as a good for you cookie? Or a healthy baked mac and cheese dinner? Or nutritious snacks that aren't fruits and veggies. The answer is yes. Thanks to a great all natural company, Back To Nature conscientious foodies can enjoy not only healthy treats but also fun ones too.

Back To Nature is a California company that started in Pasadena in 1960. In an era when most Americans were clamoring for processed TV dinners and mass produced snacks, Back To Nature started its' line with granola. Fifty years later it has expanded to include everything from all natural juices to prepared dinner along with fun snacks. Their philosophy is simple make everything with unbleached flour and cane juice along with honey and fruit concentrates. It works. Foodies who want tasty treats without all that fructose and transfat turn to Back To Nature for cookies , nuts and crackers.

I bought their Classic Creme cookies and was instantly hooked. It's hard to find a relatively all natural cookie in the grocery store however I did. I like the fact that Back To Nature's spin on the classic Oreo is even better than the original cookie. It was just as chocolate-y with the right amount of filling. I am looking forward to trying some of the other flavors, namely the Fudge Stripe and Crispy Oatmeal. After looking through their site I also want to try some of their nuts, crackers and definitely their version of a more wholesome baked mac and cheese.This is a must have brand all households should have.

Back To Nature puts the fun back into healthy eating and snacking, Their wide variety makes snack time as well as dinner time a pleasure. Best of all the products are not processed. They're pure and simple - the way food should be.