Cranberry-Orange Multi-Grain Snack Mix & Giveaway

So it's almost April. I'm guessing that back in January many of us made goals to eat healthier this year. Are you still working towards that goal? Or has your resolve dwindled? Eating healthy isn't just for those who are watching their weight, it's also an important factor for maintaining a low cholesterol. Don't let the fact that January has come and gone be a deciding factor in your nutrition. It's never too late to change your eating habits. Need an excuse to start over? March is National Nutrition Month.

For my family, I have found that the easiest road to maintaining a healthy diet it to simply not buy unhealthy foods. That might sound obvious and easier said than done, but I found that if it's not in the house then I'm not tempted to eat (or over eat) it. Not only do I want to eat healthy, I don't want to spend our money on foods that have no benefit to my body. Instead of "junk food," we rely on healthier snacks in between our meals. Foods like granola, yogurt, string cheese, fresh fruit, and snacks made from nuts or whole grains are popular choices in our home. Many of these choices are packed with soluble fiber, which is proven to help lower cholesterol levels.

This isn't to say that I don't enjoy the occasional sweet treat or dessert. It's obvious from my blog that I've enjoyed my fair share of cookies and cakes, but the key is in moderation. Rather than filling my body up with ineffective fuel, I fill up on what's good for me before I eat something that I'd consider a treat.

Need a sweet treat, but want to fill your body with the right kind of fuel? Try this healthy and tasty snack mix. Packed with whole grains and polyunsaturated fatty acids, this snack is a great way to manage your hunger and reduce binge eating at meals.

Cranberry-Orange Multi-Grain Snack Mix

• 2 c Multi-Bran or Wheat Chex Cereal
• 1 1/2 c Multi-Grain Cheerios
• 1 c almonds
• 2 Tbs butter, melted
• 4 1/2 Tbs orange juice concentrate, thawed
• zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 Tbs brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 c Multi-Grain Cheerios
• 2/3 c dried cranberries
• 1/2 c yogurt covered raisins

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Combine the butter through ginger, set aside. Combine the Chex, 1 1/2 c Cheerios, and almonds in a bowl. Pour butter mixture on top of cereal and stir until well coated. Spread mixture on a cookie sheet and bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Cool completely. After mixture has completely cooled, stir in the remaining 1/2 c Cheerios, cranberries, and raisins. Store in an airtight container.

Want to help raise awareness of women's heart health? Now through January 31, 2010, for every code (inside specially marked boxes) entered at Cheerios Helping Hearts, Cheerios will donate $1, up to $200,000, to raise awareness for heart disease and provide free cholesterol screenings for women in need, through its partnership with WomenHeart. In addition, as a reminder to keep our hearts healthy, Cheerios is offering 3 goodLife {eats} readers a freshwater pearl bracelet with a heart charm.

The Rules:
-Leave a comment ON THIS POST telling me why you want to win. Anonymous comments must be signed with your first name and last initial so I can contact you if you win.
-You have until MIDNIGHT PST on March 27th to enter this giveaway.
-Three randomly chosen winners will be announced by midnight PST on March 28st.

Extra Entries:
Additional entries can be earned by doing any of the following, giving you up to 5 total entries. Leave a separate comment for each of these items.

1. Follow goodLife {eats} blog. How do I follow? OR Subscribe to goodLife {eats} with one of the subscription options (see right side bar).
2. Follow me on Twitter @goodLifeEats. Leave a comment with your twitter name and let me know you're a follower. (only new followers eligible)
3. Tweet about this giveaway. Leave the link to your Twitter post in a comment.
4. Post about this giveaway in your blog. Leave the link to your post in a comment.

Open to US and Canadian residents!