Celery is often an under-appreciated vegetable and doesn’t get much attention in the shadows of powerhouses like kale and broccoli. But, celery has some amazing health benefits that should not go unnoticed! Celery has both a high water content and a ton of insoluble fiber, which, together, help promote normal digestion and keep you full. It also has several antioxidants and protects against inflammation in the digestive system. Plus, it has an amazing crunch and is the perfect snack. Remember snacking on celery with peanut butter & raisins as a kid (or as I used to call it, “ants on a log”)? Here are some grown up ways to bring back that childhood favorite and integrate celery into your diet.
“Ants on a log” are not restricted to peanut butter and raisins–you can top your celery sticks with almost anything. Here are the two super quick versions I made, but the possibilities are endless:
| For the traditionalist:
❖ 4-inch celery sticks ❖ Almond butter ❖ Red grapes ❖ Cinnamon |
A Mediterranean Twist:
❖ 4-inch celery sticks ❖ Hummus ❖ Olives, tomatoes, or other toppings ❖ Chili powder (optional) |
Top each celery stick with 1 teaspoon almond butter, 2 halved grapes, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. |
Top each celery stick with 1 teaspoon hummus, chopped olives and tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chili powder. |
Happy crunching!