Healthy Christmas snacks

Christmas is approaching quickly so it’s probably time to begin stocking up on the organically certified snack and finger foods. I’ve decided to avoid most of the unhealthy ones this year. These include salt laden chips, peanuts, toffee, marshmallow, and those syrupy rum balls which Granddad likes. To avoid harsh judgments from all and sundry, it’s important to come up with alternative snacks which reasonable minded people will accept and enjoy. Here’s a list which comes readily to mind.

Rice crackers offer a healthy alternative to potato chips. These authentic Japanese snacks are baked instead of fried, consequently they rate low in the unhealthy saturated fats. Better brands depend on natural ingredients like seaweed, spices, and herbs to provide flavour. Try to purchase organically certified crackers made with wholemeal rice and definitely avoid the cheaper substitutes which rely on artificial flavours and colouring agents.

Raw nuts and seeds are consistently rich in protein, essential fats, and minerals. Consider a selection of Almonds, Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Brazil Nuts, Cashews, and Sesame Seeds. When purchased from good health food suppliers, these are vastly superior to the roasted and processed nuts which overload the salt, saturated fats, and artificial flavours.

Why not replace sugar-based confectionery with small quantities of dried fruit such as Apple, Apricots, Raisins, Pawpaw slices, Banana, Currants, and Figs? Certain fruits may be difficult to obtain in their dried form and this is indicative of the fact that only premium grade produce is suitable for selection. The colour of dried fruit can sometimes provide an indication of the variety and preservation process. Bright orange apricots might have been treated with sulphur dioxide or artificial colouring agents. The brown and darker coloured ones can appear less attractive but may be much closer to the natural product.

I haven’t got around to thinking about Christmas gift shopping yet. Like many people, I tend to leave shopping for gifts until the last minute. For some seasonal gift giving ideas and inspiration, you might like to check out the Alternative Consumer’s recent post on Green Holiday Gifts.