Coquille Sentinel - http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel
Taking Back the Snack
http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/1372/1/Taking-Back-the-Snack/Page1.html
Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor

 
By Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor
Published on 06/10/2009
 

Summer is the time to bare it all, and not just in your  swimsuit. Whether you're at the beach or barbecuing on the  patio, try going "au natural," starting with your snacks. This  summer, many Americans are taking back the snack, in a  natural and wholesome way.

A survey commissioned by Pepperidge Farm in early  2008 revealed that Americans love to snack and will enjoy  their snacks just about anywhere. More than 55 percent say  they snack in the car and almost the same amount admit  they keep snacks in their desk at work. Six percent even say  they give up full meals just to keep snacking.  Fortunately, you can feel good about snacking when it's  done the right way. To help encourage wholesome snacking,  celebrity natural food chef, Bethenny Frankel, has partnered  with Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals crackers to create  several tips that embrace snacking as a part of a balanced  lifestyle, as well as simple and delicious recipes to be  paired with the new line of snack crackers.

"Go ahead and ruin your appetite. Smart snacking can  help maintain a balanced lifestyle by helping keep cravings  under control in between meals," said Frankel.  Frankel offers these tips to have snacking  be part of a wholesome lifestyle:  Get Moving. Whether it's taking a walk, going for a run  or working in the garden, enjoy activities that will energize  you. Afterwards, revive with a wholesome and hearty  snack. Your body will appreciate you fueling yourself with  the best ingredients possible. Pretzel Thins are a great  choice for dipping in honey mustard or topping with melted  parmesan cheese.  Loosen Up. It's the little things that make life fun.

Take a  few minutes out of your day to share a good laugh and  enjoy a snack that makes you feel good. Try a savory snack  like Zesty Tomato Herb Wheat Crisps with a spicy avocado  dip for a well-rounded treat that's both tasty and satisfying.  Kick Back. Our lives can be so hectic -- take a moment  every day to unwind with a snack that is inviting and delicious.  Wrap Artisan Cheese Snack Sticks in prosciutto. The  balance of textures and flavors can keep you going all day  long.