snacks for you today Thinking of you OCS I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Whole Grain Toast with Almond Butter and Sliced Strawberries.

Upgrade your love for the classic PB&J with a more cholesterol-friendly version. Whole grain toast is high in fiber to lower your total cholesterol level. Eating nuts like almonds has been proven to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Instead of sugary jam, add fresh strawberries for a satisfying snack with about 218 calories per slice.

Chipotle Lime Avocado Salad

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and sliced

• 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

• 2 large tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices

Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory

Directions

• In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, maple syrup, chipotle pepper and, if desired, cayenne until blended. In another bowl, combine avocados, cucumber and chives. Drizzle with dressing; toss gently to coat. Serve over tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 191 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.

Honey Lime Berry Salad

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, halved

• 3 cups fresh blueberries

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, cubed

• 1/3 cup lime juice

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint

Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries and apples. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, honey and mint. Pour over fruit; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 93 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.

Ants on a Log

Berry White Ice Pops

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups whole milk, divided

• 1 to 2 tablespoons honey

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1-1/2 cups fresh raspberries

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

• 10 freezer pop molds or 10 paper cups (3 ounces each) and wooden pop sticks

Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory

Directions

• In a microwave, warm 1/4 cup milk; stir in honey until blended. Stir in remaining 1-1/2 cups milk and vanilla.

• Divide berries among molds; cover with milk mixture. Top molds with holders. If using cups, top with foil and insert sticks through foil. Freeze until firm.

Nutrition Facts 1 pop: 51 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.

Strawberry Watermelon Slush

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, halved

• 2 cups ice cubes

Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory

Directions

• Place first 4 ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add ice; process, covered, until slushy. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts 1-1/4 cups: 112 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.

Arts and Crackers

Ingredients

• 2 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese

• 2 slices reduced-fat cheddar cheese

• 1 large apple, peeled and chopped

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 tablespoons peach preserves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 20 reduced-fat Triscuits

Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory Directions

• Cut cheese slices with assorted 1-in. cookie cutters; set aside.

• In a small skillet, saute apple in butter. Add preserves and cinnamon; heat through. Serve with cheese and Triscuits.

Nutrition Facts 1 cracker with cheese and topping: 42 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1/2 starch.

Mini Zucchini Pizzas

Ingredients

• 1 large zucchini (about 11 ounces), cut diagonally into 1/4-inch slices

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1/3 cup pizza sauce

• 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup miniature pepperoni slices

• Minced fresh basil

Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory

Directions

• Preheat broiler. Arrange zucchini in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Broil 3-4 in. from heat just until crisp-tender, 1-2 minutes per side.

• Sprinkle zucchini with salt and pepper; top with sauce, cheese and pepperoni. Broil until cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with basil.

Nutrition Facts 1 appetizer: 29 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

Ingredients

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, halved

• 1-1/2 cups green grapes

• 8 ounces cubed cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, or a combination of cheeses

Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory

Directions

• For dip, mix first 4 ingredients. On 12 wooden skewers, alternately thread strawberries, grapes and cheese cubes. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts 1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

Apple and Peanut Butter Stackers

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples

• 1/3 cup chunky peanut butter

• Optional fillings: granola, miniature semisweet chocolate chips and M&M's minis

Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory Directions

• Core apples. Cut each apple crosswise into six slices. Spread peanut butter over six slices; sprinkle with fillings of your choice. Top with remaining apple slices.