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SUPER SNACKING

Snacks are a way of life for people of all ages, but especially children, who consume about 25% of their daily calories from snacks, according to research published in the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.” Providing nutritionally balanced snacks for your children at home can make for a happy and healthy day. Planning snacks that are as delicious as they are healthy is a winning solution, and snacks are a simple way to add more nutrition to your child’s diet.

Red, White and Blue Greek Yogurt Bark

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Prep time: 5 minutes

Servings: 12

3 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt

1/3 cup honey, plus additional for drizzling (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup strawberries, sliced into rounds

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 cup raspberries, halved

In medium mixing bowl combine Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup honey and vanilla.

Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip

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Prep time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4

3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 dash cinnamon

apples, graham crackers or other dipper of choice

In bowl, six Greek yogurt, peanut butter and cinnamon until smooth.

Serve with apples, graham crackers or another dipper of choice.

Frozen Banana Pops

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Prep time: 2 hours

Servings: 8

4 large bananas, peeled

8 wooden ice pop sticks

2 cups vanilla non-fat Greek yogurt

1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter

Cut each banana in half and carefully insert wooden ice pop stick in bottom of each, about one-third into banana. Place bananas on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze bananas until partially frozen, about 30 minutes.

5 tips to combat loneliness during social distancing

(StatePoint) As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are staying in their homes to help prevent the spread of the disease. Feeling lonely from time to time is natural, but this unprecedented time of social distancing could lead to increased loneliness.

There are some easy ways to feel connected to others, even when you aren’t seeing them in person. Consider these tips from Dr. Doug Nemecek, Cigna chief medical officer for behavioral health.

Join a virtual club or group

Protecting your financial health in these uncertain times

(StatePoint) With expected delays in bill payments, unprecedented layoffs, hiring freezes and related hardships, many Americans are facing new financial challenges.

“COVID-19 has impacted all industries and individuals from all walks of life,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of Consumer Education and Advocacy for Experian. “With all of these rapid changes, you might not be thinking about how your credit report may be impacted yet, but you likely will soon.”

Can you name these songs?

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I remember making the statement. I remember being sincere about it.

But I was surprised when the collegestudent-daughter recalled it.

“Do you remember when you said you needed to read more good literature?” she asked in a telephone conversation.

“Yessss,” I said, with a lilt of skepticism.

“Well, I have just the thing for you,” she said, working on her usedcar-salesman approach. “You should read William Blake’s ‘Songs of Innocence’ and ‘Songs of Experience.’ I think you would like them.”

As a parent, there are several ways I could react:

Tasty Tomatoes

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(metrocreativeconnection) – Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient in many meals that are just as delicious in a garden salad as they are stewed and simmered in a favorite sauce. Tomatoes are a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which can reduce one’s risk of heart disease and cancer. Tomatoes also are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. It’s easy to include more tomatoes into one’s diet with tasty fixings like this light and versatile recipe for “Bruschetta” from “Vegan Cooking for Beginners” (Publications International, Ltd.) by the PIL editors.

Better-for-you family foods with satisfying flavor

If spending additional time in the comfort of your home has you rethinking the family menu and looking for new ways to enjoy nutritional meals, rest assured you can make better-for-you food choices without losing mouthwatering taste.

Bite-Sized Breakfast

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(Culinary.net) Appetizer-sized portions and small bites of all sorts are ideal for breakfast spreads, and these Pastry Brunch Cups are perfect for a quick morning snack. Try baking a batch and separating into appropriate serving sizes for a simple way to meal prep heading into a new week.