Guest post by Ashley Koff, R.D.

When it comes to satisfaction, a lot of times all we need is a good crunch. Yet keeping the “good” in “good crunch” can be challenging in stores and often cupboards stocked with less good quality crunch options.

Here are some ideas for Crunch Time:

• Jicama: Toss it in lime juice and cayenne pepper (for a metabolic boost as well).
• Celery and cucumber: These water-based veggies help hydrate and are great scoopers for everything from hummus to pesto, salsa, guacamole, mustard, egg salad, and more.
• Radishes: Great for you, these tart tasties are also crunchy when made into chips.
• Popcorn: DIY (do-it-yourself) and add oil after its popped (shake it up in a paper bag so excess gets soaked off the corn), and spices or even parmesan cheese. Practice portion control, with 2 handfuls being a good portion
• Apple and Pear slices: Fall is their season and if you top them with nut butters, you get a complete eating occasion as well as a high-fiber snack.

Ashley Koff is an internationally renowned registered dietitian on a mission to improve the health of people across America and beyond through raising public awareness of the value of quality eating.

Ashley will give a talk—A Case for Quality—at Zenergy on Tuesday September 19, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.