My fitness goals continue to lead me into new and very interesting areas. Any kind of crunchy, grainy snacks will be my friend.
Now, I like Ryvita. But, I did not always like Ryvita. A few years ago, I tried the original Ryvita Crispbread. It definitely was not my idea of a snack. I felt it more to be like beautifully packaged cardboard.My package of Ryvita Muesli Crunch
Fast track to 2011, and I am onto something new. This time around, my first purchase was the Multigrain Crispbread and I surely like those alot better. I am used to seeing Dark Rye and also the Sesame Seed versions. I do wish though, that retailers would give us more from the range of Ryvita products - Ryvita. They do Thins, Minis and Rustic Bakes, just to name a few. I can usually go through a pack of Ryvita in a week. They contain anywhere from 12 to 16 crispbread pieces (I'm sorry I don't have an exact number but having bought this package on Saturday, they were down to 8 at time of writing post on Monday night). They are sold at regular supermarkets. Popular Discount chain of stores retails their Ryvita much cheaper than the SuperCentre supermarkets. The footnote below gives further details. But, I digress. When I thought that life was sweet, enter Ryvita Muesli Crunch!! This darling treat still has the trademark goodness of Ryvita's crispbread; but with currants, for that added sweetness. Even my daughter has taken a liking to this variety.Ingredients include:
- wholegrain rye flour, currants, wholegrain wheat flour, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, wholegrain oat flakes, honey
The picture on the package shows the red currant variety. Red currants are fat-free, cholesterol free and low in calories. Black currants are more nutritional than red currants. Studies show that black currants have potential health effects on inflammation and cancer. Black currants are also very high in Vitamin A and antioxidants such as beta-carotene. Foods rich in beta-carotene protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals (unstable molecules responsible for aging and tissue damage) and help the reproductive system to function properly.
Honey is an all natural ingredient used many times for sweetening foods. It is composed primarily of carbs (natural sugars), water, amino acids, minerals and enzymes. This very natural product also contains Vitamin B6, niacin, potassium, iron and manganese, just to name a few. To boost, honey has a healthy Glycemic index which means that its sugars are gradually absorbed into our bloodstream, whereby resulting in better digestion.
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds make nutritious snacks. Pumpkin seeds are nutritionally rich in protein, iron, magnesium, and contain most B Vitamins, along with C, D, E and K. Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E which provides significant anti-inflammatory protection in the fight against asthma and osteoarthritis. Vitamin E also plays a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and lowers a person's chance of getting a heart attack. In addition, sunflower seeds also provide the body with needed selenium; a mineral needed for the proper functioning of the immune system. Both varieties of seeds, can be sprinkled onto salads or into cereals.
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Sunflower seeds
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Pumpkin seeds
So... Are you a Ryvita eater? Do you munch on healthy treats as opposed to constantly eating sweet stuff? What do you eat in lieu of sweets? Share your thoughts!
Additional information SuperCentre - Ryvita Muesli Crirspbread, 200g $8.95; Ryvita Multigrain, 200g $7.89