Start your holiday meals with these 4 healthful snack recipes

written by Dani Higgins, student intern with Dining Services


The holiday season is a wonderful time to see friends and family, many times around the dinner table. While most will be filling up on main courses consisting of beef, pork, turkey, and more; we've picked out some healthful snacks for lighter, less filling options.

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Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oat Bars

• Pumpkin – rich in Vitamin A, which can boost your immune system and help fight off bacteria.
  
• Applesauce – contains insoluble fiber which can promote digestion and make you feel full longer.

• Chickpeas – helps control your blood sugar due to having a low glycemic index and is rich in soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels.
  
• Olive Oil – a monounsaturated fat that has been shown to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the body, which is the unhealthy cholesterol in the body.

• Apples – contain flavonoids, which are compounds that protect your body from harmful agents and boost your immune system.
  
• Peanut Butter – helps the body control cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure due to the presence of oleic acid.

• Lettuce – a great source of hydration, as it's over 95% water, and is rich in Vitamin K to boost bone health.
  
• Ginger – contains gingerol, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound to guard the body against harmful agents.