This is one of my go-to snacks when I’m craving something fresh and healthy. Broccoli has always been one of my favorite vegetables, but only fairly recently have I started actually liking it raw. Somehow I’ve become the person who steals all the broccoli from the vegetable trays at a party or from craft services… or maybe it’s just that I’m happy that all the broccoli is usually still there.

Anyways, there’s usually always ranch dressing or some other kind of dip to serve with raw vegetables, but I’d rather eat them with cottage cheese instead of dip any day and at the same time it happens to be a bit better for you too. Broccoli and cauliflower are both a highly nutritious source of fiber and calcium. They have tons of vitamin c as well as other antioxidants and also have anti-inflammatory benefits that can help reduce redness in your skin and repair sun damage. The combination of phytonutrients in broccoli are what help your body’s detoxification system. They are also great for helping boost your immune system and are said to help lower the risk of certain cancers, particularly lung and breast cancer (among others).

So how much should you really eat?

It’s good to make sure you have a minimum of 1.5 cups of broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables at least twice a week. It’s even better if you can do 2 cups, three-four times a week. *Lightly steaming it will help bring out many of the nutrients*

Oh & the cottage cheese!! Well, I love cottage cheese. It’s perfect to go along with fruits and vegetables, with pasta, on sandwiches and probably pretty much any way. It’s also a great way to add some extra protein to your diet, especially if you don’t eat meat. (Which I definitely do, though).

What are some of your favorite healthy snacks and why?

 BLOGLOVIN’ / FACEBOOK / TWITTER