Treats for the New Year

Here we are again at that time of the year that we all THINK about losing a few pounds.  The holidays and the yumminess of the food and treats can be brutal on our waistlines.  If you are like us, we are finally getting to the end of the special treats that we have had around the house.  Those that we haven't eaten have gone into the freezer!

It is now time to start eating better and having healthier snacks.  We don't ever NOT have snacks - because then it seems that you are depriving yourself - and that in turn makes us want more!
So we try to eat healthy snacks.

We love fresh fruit.  Yes, fruit still has calories, but it is better than eating so many sweets.
If we have the ingredients on hand - we love to eat a small salad for a snack.


YUM COOKIES
3 mashed ripe bananas
1/3 C applesauce
2 C oats
1/4 C almond milk (or reg. if that is what you have)
1/2 C raisins or craisins (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
Mix, drop by spoonful and bake at 350* for 15 to 20 minutes
These are healthy and absolutely NO sugar or flour!


YOGURT POPS
We make these from time to time.  I get the 4 packs of low calorie yogurt on clearance once in a while, and when I do we freeze and make yogurt pops.  They freeze pretty darn hard - so it does take a while to eat one (which is a good thing).
Insert popsicle sticks (we scald and re-use).  Freeze till hard.  YUM

 

 

 

TROPICAL POPS
1 1/2 C pineapple
1 banana
1 1/2 C coconut milk (I have used reg. milk)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Blend and freeze.  You can freeze in popsicle molds or re-use your yogurt containers. 
I am thinking you could also substitute peaches for the pineapple.  Experiment with your favorite fruits.


FRITATA
10-12 eggs
1/2 C milk
1/2 C shredded cheese (your fav)
ANY pieces of ham, sausage, beef, etc. that you have on hand.  Approx. a cup of your choice of veggies diced - onions, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, etc.
Salt and pepper to taste
This is a great dish to use up all your leftovers!

Mix everything together and bake in a lightly greased 8 x 8 pan at 400* for 50-55 minutes (until the middle is set).
This makes a great healthy alternative for dinner with a salad (very filling) - or you can cut into sections and have an easy breakfast alternative as well.  Great to take with you and heat up at work.
So much healthier than stopping and getting fast food and cheaper too!

I hope this gives you some ideas for healthy eats that shouldn't hurt the waistline or the budget!
Do you have any HEALTHY yet FRUGAL treat suggestions?