Healthy Snack Reflection

Orange Cranberry Muffin Recipe

• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F
2. Mix the orange zest, orange juice, egg, oil and honey.
3. Add in the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt; whisk to incorporate. Stir in the cranberries.
4. Divide the mixture among the muffin tins, filling the tins about 3/4 full, and bake until the muffins are golden and push back when gently pressed, 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

1. I thought that my snack was pretty healthy, because I swapped out sugar for honey, had lots of Vitamin C, and checked all ingredient labels. I had no processed sugar, just natural. However, I could have improved the recipe by using whole wheat or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Also, it didn't have too many vitamins and minerals, so it's not something that you should have instead of fruits. After some modifications though, it could be healthy and good.

2. I always think about whether my snack is healthy or not healthy, because if I'm not careful, I could get hooked on to bad things. I like cooking as well, so I want my food to be full of good things. Not only that, my household is rather nutritious, so my home often has good snack alternatives.

3. Food should be eaten with other people because you have someone to talk to. First, there are people around you, and you don't feel left out. When you feel good, you tend to eat better meals. Around people, humans feel happier, and moods can affect your eating habits. When I eat out though, I tend to eat less healthy and more. Both sides of the argument make sense, but I think it's more fun to eat with friends.

4. I do enjoy preparing my own food a lot, as I get to choose how the dish gets to be. If I don't want an ingredient, I can choose whether or not to put it in. When cooking for yourself, you can make things healthier, and it adds a thrill to eating it. Cooking your food causes you to be more excited to eat, especially if it looks really good. When I make my food, I add lots of vegetables and sometimes a salad, which I eat whether I like it or not.