Dozens of streaming video providers are making it easier than ever to watch the TV programming you want when you want it, and exclusive programming released an entire season at a time is transforming the way Americans watch TV. The flip side of this convenience is a surge in binge-watching, which can have some negative side effects, including binge eating.
When your favorite show is available back-to-back, it’s easy to let substantial blocks of time get away as you watch “just one more” episode to follow the twists and turns of the plot. In fact, according to a recent survey by Dole, the average binge-watching session clocks in around 5 hours. The same survey found that more than two-thirds of people prefer healthy snacks to fuel their marathon viewing.
Treating yourself to an occasional binge session may give your brain a well-earned break, and it’s easy to do many forms of exercise in front of the screen. The trick to keeping your binge-watching session in check and getting rid of the guilt is to exercise good habits when you head to the kitchen.
- Opt for snacks that include valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Keep your kitchen stocked with ingredients such as high quality, ready-to-eat Dole Jarred Fruit so you can create quick and easy snacks with a serving of fruit in between episodes or during a commercial break.
- Look for quick solutions that help trim prep time and skip the cutting, peeling and mess.
- Avoid waste or spoilage with convenient, re-sealable lids that let you use what you need for a single serving and save the rest for later.
- Get creative to satisfy cravings. Instead of reaching for cookies or cake, dip fruit in melted chocolate and pop it in the freezer. Let it sit while you watch a few episodes of your favorite show and then enjoy.
Find more quick and easy snacks that can be made during a commercial break at dolesunshine.com.
Fruity Flatbread
- Pre-made flatbread crust
- Broccoli rabe
- Cooked and chopped turkey bacon
- Dole Jarred Mandarin Oranges
- Cover flatbread with chopped broccoli rabe, turkey bacon and oranges.
Peach Parfaits
- Low-fat yogurt
- Granola
- Dole Jarred Sliced Peaches
- Mint
- In cup or jar, alternate layering yogurt, granola and chopped peaches. Top with mint and serve immediately.
Brightened Up Caprese Salad
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Dole Jarred Sliced Peaches
- Fresh basil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze
- Arrange alternate slices of mozzarella and peaches. Sprinkle fresh basil, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Avocado Toast
- Avocado
- Whole-wheat bread
- Dole Jarred Sliced Peaches
- Salt
- Pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Slice avocado in half, remove pit and scoop out avocado into bowl. Smash until desired consistency.
- Toast bread, layer with avocado and top with peaches. Season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
1-2-3 Chicken Wrap
- Whole-wheat tortilla
- Spinach
- Dole Jarred Mandarin Oranges
- Cooked chicken, chopped
- Yogurt-based dressing of choice
- Lay tortilla flat and add spinach, oranges and chicken. Top with dressing. Fold, cut and serve.
- Substitution: Preferred greens can be added in place of or in addition to spinach.
Tropical Fruit Salsa
- Dole Jarred Tropical Fruit
- 1 white onion
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1 jalapeno
- 1 lime, juiced
- Tortilla chips
- Chop 2 cups fruit, dice onion, chop cilantro and seed and mince jalapeno.
- Combine ingredients and stir in lime juice. Serve alongside tortilla chips.
SOURCE:
Dole
