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Healthy Snacks for the Weekend and Pre-Holiday Season

As the temps drop and the days become shorter, many of us become less active.  And with the holidays approaching, it's super important to watch what your waistline now so that you'll be able to treat yourself to that extra serving of macaroni and cheese and slice (or two) of pumpkin pie, later.  To plan your snacking strategy, Everything She Wants has compiled a short list of healthy treats and beverages to nosh on before the holiday gluttony begins.

Pass the Peeled Snacks, please.

1. Brooklyn-based Peeled Snacks makes the first certified organic, baked pea snacks. Peas are a uniquely nutritious veggie--they're packed with fiber, iron and protein. The brand of non-GMO (non-genetically modified) snacks also makes dried fruit, apple clusters and trail mix. Available at Whole Foods and online.

2. New to the U.S. market, 1907water from New Zealand is naturally alkaline balanced, which helps your body balance its acidity levels by mitigating the negative effects caused by stress, lack of sleep and poor diet. The water comes from a true artesian source and its high alkalinity and low mineral content give it a silky smooth finish. We received a case and enjoyed every drop. Each BPA-free bottle is made of 75 percent recycled material and are always 100 percent recyclable. Available at Fresh Market, Whole Foods and Shop Rite.

3. Appropriately named Boxed Water, another natural water we love comes in a box. Because the packaging is mostly made of paper, it reduces the carbon footprint.

Dancing Deer Baking Co. Chocolate Delights Sampler ($29.99).

4. Although cookies aren't the first thing that come to mind when you think of healthy snacks, if you're gonna cheat, make a quality choice. Dancing Deer Baking Co. goodies are made from scratch with wholesome ingredients. The preservative-free and Kosher sweets come beautifully packaged and they make great gifts. Choose from a variety of cookies, gingerbread bites, and the best brownies and blondies we've ever had. Dancing Deer has gluten-free treats, too. And with each Sweet Home gift purchased, Dancing Deer donates a portion of proceeds to help homeless and at-risk families. Save 20% on any cookie, cake or brownie gift with the code DEER6 (expires 12/31/2015) at DancingDeer.com or call (888) 699-3337.

5. Green tea is packed with antioxidants that can improve your health. For instance, green tea has been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent breast and colorectal cancer, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.  Green tea is also a natural fat burner and in conjunction with a balanced diet is often used to promote weight loss. Our pick is Chai Diaries Organic Green & Skinny, a fragrant and potent blend of Indian organic green tea.

Chai Diaries also makes Ayuverdic teas based on your individual dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), which governs your temperament and body type. Our dosha is Pitta (Fire), which means we need cooling and stabilizing ingredients like chrysanthemum, saffron, green cardamom, hibiscus, lemon, peppermint and raspberry leaves.

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