As the weather gets cooler, we don't want to go out for a jog as much as we did during those colorful fall months. In fact we'd rather curl up on the couch with a good book and something warm and comforting to snack on. The problem is many of those warm comforting foods we like to snack on in the winter are full of calories and fat. Here are a few ideas for fit fall snacks courtesy of our friends at MenuBook.com. They not only will satisfy your cravings for those sweet winter favorites, they will also keep you energized and ready to stay active all winter long. Instead of a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows treat yourself to a cup of hot Mexican Coffee. To prepare bring two cups of water to a boil. Once water is boiling, add two cinnamon sticks, reduce to a simmer and cover pot. Let cinnamon sticks steep in water for 3 to 5 minutes to make a tea. Place a teaspoon full of instant coffee and one pump of sugar free chocolate flavored syrup (for coffee) or fill mug half way with brewed chocolate flavored coffee. Fill the cup with cinnamon tea, stir and sweeten with Splenda brand sweetener to taste. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. This drink is virtually calorie free, fat free, full of flavor, has a wonderful aroma and the cinnamon will keep your metabolism burning like a furnace! Do you crave a piece of pie? Why not bake some apples, sprinkled with cinnamon and Splenda brand sweetener in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes. If you want a crunchy topping, top with two tablespoons of oatmeal before baking so it gets crunchy or top two tablespoons of your favorite healthy cereal (crushed over apple slices) after baking or a tablespoon of slivered almonds or your favorite toasted nuts instead of granola. Curling up with a movie or a great book and you need a treat? Then pop a bag of Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop 100 calorie bag popcorn. One buttery flavored bag contains about 100 calories and it's 94% fat-free! For more fit recipe ideas, make sure and check out menubook.com.

Dec 13, 2007