Healthier D.I.Y. snacks for the junk food addict!

We all have our vices. For some people, it's drinks with friends every weekend; for others, it's shopping; and for many, it's the seemingly lesser evil of eating too much junk food. As much as you love opening up a bag of chips while watching a DVD or cracking open a bottle of soda to quench your thirst, you know how bad it really is for you. Instead of completely cutting out those things that make life worth living, why not make you own healthier versions instead? Here are a few suggestions:

• POTATO CHIPS
  Who doesn't love potato chips, especially late at night or while watching TV on a weekday night in. The problem is that a small bag can be a whopping 400 calories, not to mention all the cholesterol and sodium pumped into these mass-produced snacks.
  To make a healthier version: Simply slice a potato, sweet potato or any root vegetable as thinly as possible and toss in some olive oil. Bake in the oven until crisp and sprinkle with salt and pepper and other dried herbs.
  
• ICE CREAM
  Do you scream for ice cream? It’s irresistible on a hot day (or any time you get a craving). If you think you go overboard on this sweet treat, consider making your own icy goodness at home.
  To make a healthier version: Simply pick your favorite fruit and puree with some water and honey (if needed) freeze in an ice tray and voila! To make it even better, mix and match your favorite fruits together for more tasty treats.
  

• CHOCOLATE SPREADS
  Addicted to dessert dips and spreads? In order to cut down on a few calories and a lot of chemicals and preservatives, make your own!
  To make a healthier version: Simply buy some good-quality baking chocolate and melt down in a pan on low heat. Add some all-purpose cream and stir until smooth. Use as a dip with pretzels, fruits or anything else you fancy! You can keep this in the fridge for up to a week.

• SODA
  Can't stop drinking fizzy drinks? Commercial made sodas are filled with sugar and other additives and if you can't stop popping open a new can, here’s an alternative.
  To make a healthier version: Buy some soda/carbonated water and mix with some juice or flavored syrup. Add some fresh fruits to it and voila, homemade soda!

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Article Source: By Erica Paredes, Hippie In High Heels
http://ph.she.yahoo.com/healthier-d-i-y--snacks-for-the-junk-food-addict-020149726.html