by Cecilia Diaz

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: December 02, 2008

You eat a nice healthy breakfast, keep busy all morning, take a thirty-minute power walk at lunch and top it off with a delicious wholesome lunch. You are in control of your life, on top of the world until mid afternoon when your body slows down, your mind takes on a foggy dimension, and your stomach begins to growl with hunger. You tell yourself, "This soon will pass." However, the rumbling continues defying those mental proclamations until you are ravenous enough to eat anything that gets in your way.

What can you do? Before you reach for those chocolate chip cookies or that candy bar stashed in the back of your pantry, open your freezer. What kind of snacks can you find there? Actually, one of these ten tasty frozen snacks can get you through the rest of the afternoon until dinner.

First, frozen vegetables cannot be beat. They are low in calories, low in fat and high in vitamins necessary for a healthy body. You just pop them in the microwave for a quick pick-me-up. Sprinkle them with your favorite seasoning and enjoy.

Second is an all-time favorite, frozen grapes. They come in their own little package. You can rinse them off, put a few in a freezer bag and put it in your freezer until you are ready for a cool treat. You just open the bag and pop one in your mouth. If grapes are not what you like, try a few frozen banana slices. Even a frozen banana on a stick is a fun treat; just dip it in some orange or lemon juice to keep it looking fresh.

Third, if you like a variety of fruits, bags of assorted frozen fruits are available in your favorite supermarket's freezer section. You can divide them into serving sizes by placing a serving in a freezer bag or you can use a measuring cup to measure the amount you would like when you are ready to enjoy some.

Fourth, Popsicles made of apple juice or grape juice are delicious and fun. You can pour some juice in an ice cube tray or a paper cup and put a wooden Popsicle stick in it. Wallah! Homemade Popsicles! If you want to get fancy, plastic Popsicle molds are available and reusable.

Fifth, while we are in Popsicle mode, you can mix a package of Jello gelatin or Jello pudding mix and pour it into ice cube trays, paper cups or Popsicle molds and freeze for homemade frozen Jello Popsicle treats.

Sixth, if "cooking" is not your thing, prepackaged sugar-free Popsicles are available at your grocer.

Seventh, if you are craving a creamier frozen treat, several wonderful ice cream companies have created "no sugar added" ice cream that tastes just like the real thing, just better for your waist line.

Eighth, if you prefer sugar-free ice cream, those made with Splenda brand sugar substitute are available and are pleasing to the palate.

Ninth, if ice cream is not exactly what you are craving, Weight Watchers makes a line of lower calorie desserts and treats.

Finally, if you just have to have the real thing, go ahead and splurge, but limit yourself to one serving, three quarters of a serving, or even half a serving. Serve yourself on your best china with a nice place mat and napkin. Include chilled water in a fine water goblet. Don't save these for the company that may never come over until Thanksgiving or Christmas. Go ahead and use them yourself. You are special. Treat yourself like royalty. That is the real treat!

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