The Heart and Stroke Foundations of Canada suggests making your own bite-size snacks instead of choosing packaged kinds. They're healthier, cheaper and have less packaging.
Here are some trans-free ideas:
pita triangles and hummus
cheese cubes
sliced celery and carrot sticks or other vegetables
fruit such as orange slices, strawberries or melon balls with a yogurt dip or applesauce
trail mix using raisins, nuts, sunflower seeds and other dried fruits
crunchy homemade granola sprinkled on yogurt
fruit and yogurt smoothies
Peanut-Packed Munch Mix
5 cups bite-size shredded wheat biscuits
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1/4 cup creamy non-hydrogenated peanut butter
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350 degree F. In a 13x9x2-inch baking pan combine shredded wheat biscuits and peanuts. Set aside. In a small saucepan heat together peanut butter, margarine or butter, and honey. Drizzle over cereal mixture, tossing to coat. Bake in the 350 degree F oven about 10 minutes, stirring twice. Cool in pan on a wire rack about 10 minutes. Stir in raisins. Store in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Dec. 9, 2003: Avis Favaro on the fight to ban the use of trans fats in processed food Dec. 8, 2003: Avis Favaro on the move to get restaurants to reveal trans fat content in meals Dec. 7, 2003: Avis Favaro reports Trans fat isn't listed on any restaurant or takeout menu -- but it's there Oct. 31, 2003:Medical specialist Avis Favaro looks at healthy alternatives consumers can use to replace trans fat Oct. 30, 2003:Avis Favaro finds children under age two may be most vulnerable to trans fat Oct. 29, 2003:Avis Favaro looks at the pros and cons of labelling for trans fat ingredients in foods Oct. 28, 2003:Avis Favaro with results of trans fat food tests Oct. 27, 2003:Avis Favaro explains how trans fats may be playing havoc with our health Jul. 9, 2003:Jennifer Tryon on new rules for labelling of trans fats
