Health Information and Facts: Low calorie California Raisin snacks

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that not all snacks are created equal when it comes to filling up kids’ rumbling tummies. The new research found that California raisins, when compared with other snacks such as grapes and potato chips, helped kids feel more full off of fewer calories.

“We found eating raisins as a snack prevented excessive calorie intake, increased the feeling of fullness and thereby may help contribute to the maintenance of a healthy weight in school-age children,” said lead researcher G. Harvey Anderson, a professor of nutritional sciences and physiology at the University of Toronto.

This small but mighty snack does more than just satisfy hunger. Raisins are an all-natural, no-sugar-added snack that is fat- and cholesterol-free. They are also a good source of potassium and fiber. In fact, a quarter cup of raisins is a whole serving of fruit.

Try out this fun raisin recipe for a filling afterschool snack that doubles as a fun art activity from www.loveyourraisins.com.

California Raisin Rice Cake Doodles

10 multigrain rice cakes
2 cups California raisins
5/8 cup peanut butter or cream
cheese (1 tablespoon per rice cake)
5/8 cup shredded cheese (1 tablespoon per rice cake)
1-1/2 cup various vegetables such as broccoli, radishes, zucchini, carrots and celery
1/4 cup various nuts, such as almonds, cashews, pecans and walnuts and seeds
Different shaped pretzels, gold fish and sesame snacks for decoration

Use rice cakes as the base for the doodle, and use peanut butter or cream cheese as the “glue.” Design the rice cake with a variety of toppings. Have fun and be creative.