Tag Archives: healthy snacks

Jan 19 2015
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

…Merchandise Evaluation: Candice Foods Energy Bars…

java_candicefoods

I have had the amazing opportunity to try out a different kind of energy bar.  For those of you who know me, you know that I am somewhat of a energy bar/protein bar addict.  With my hectic lifestyle energy bars and protein bars are a perfect thing to pack and travel with you.  So when I am able to find some bars that taste amazing and provide the nutritional values that I am looking for they become a staple in my diet.

Candice Foods  is a company that provides a line of bars for those of us who enjoy 100% natural and healthy things to incorporate into your diet. Candice Foods Energy Bars are FREE OF GLUTEN, DAIRY, ALL NUTS, PEANUTS, CORN, SOY, EGG, CASEIN, are all natural and protein packed with energy boosting sunflower seed butter.

Overall Comments:

These bars are VERY yummy! They are pretty dense (due to the products used to make the bar).  It does not have the texture of a typical protein bar or “nut” bar.  It is a nice texture but just something that is different from what I am use too.

banana_candicefoods

 

 

 

Quality for Price:

The bars are about $3.20 per bar of you can save some money and buy a whole box of 12 bars for $27.00 (or get the variety pack box for $28.00).  Getting a box of bars will cost you about $2.25 per bar (a much better deal).

For the price of a box of bars, this is very comparable to other popular bars that you can find at the store or online.

So yes, for the quality of this product it is well worth the cost that they are offered.

Smell/Taste:

The aroma of these bars when you tear open the package is very enticing! They smell is very fruity and pleasant.  The Java bar (one of my favorites out of all of the bars that I tried) has a slight coffee smell.  I am not a huge coffee fan so I was slightly hesitant about trying that flavor.  But, as I bit into the bar it was clear that there was a plethora of other flavors swirling around in my mouth as I chewed.

Each bar that I tried was packed with that same amazing taste.  There was not one particular bar that tasted horrible.  They all were delicious and true to their flavors.

This is the type of bar that I would have after a workout, in between meals, or even as an addition to my breakfast (or another meal).  This bar can be eaten any time of the day and will satisfy that sweet tooth if you happen to have one. The bar is indeed filling and leave you feeling satisfied if using it as something to fill your stomach until you have your next meal.

Side Note: 

Their customer service was beyond amazing. Any questions that I had they were very prompt to reply to me.  I am HUGE on customer service and how a company treats their customers no matter what the circumstance may be.  So, it was very refreshing to have that happen.

So all in all, I would have to highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a good healthy alternative for energy bars. They have a handful of flavors to choose from, but all of the flavors taste AMAZING. So if you do buy one bar…or even a full box…you will NOT be disappointed.

Ranking Scale: (on a scale from 1-5)

Price: 4.0

Overall Taste: 4.0

Quality for Price: 4.5

Overall Ranking: 4.2






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Dec 05 2014
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

…Gas Station Snacks: Healthy Hidden Treasures…

Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of traveling quite a bit to participate in various endurance races.  YES, IT IS HARD to eat healthy and make healthy food choices while traveling (and in your everyday life).  BUT, there are healthy alternatives out there for you to choose over the non-healthy snack choices.

Yes, it is clear that in every gas station or small food shop there are an abundance of unhealthy food choices. These unhealthy choices also tend to be a lot cheaper.  BUT, when I look at the price of a healthy option compared to a non-healthy option I consider it an investment. An investment to my health and an investment to help me reach my health and fitness goals.

2014-10-29 23.49.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the first thing you typically see when you walk into the gas station or convenience store? That heavenly rack of full of chips, marked down candy bars, or sometimes even “Fresh Baked Donuts”.  Although all of these things are very delicious snack options…they may not be the best option especially if you have a long car ride or if you are diligently working towards your fitness goals.

Typically the “healthy isle” is hidden in the back of the store.  But, I have found that more and more gas stations are starting to carry healthy snack options.

Here are a good food options that I have been able to consistently find at gas stations:

  • fresh fruit
  • Dried fruit
  • beef jerky
  • mixed nuts & seeds
  • trail mix
  • cheese
  • peanut butter
  • popcorn
  • sandwiches and wraps
  • energy bars
  • protein bars
  • pretzels
  • protein drinks
  • yogurt
  • small veggie trays
  • water

Sunflower seeds:

One of my favorite “go-to” snack options.  It is low-calorie, low high in fiber, and rich in monounsaturated fats.  Although this snack packs a lot of sodium and more fats than I would like, I like to have these to snack on when I have a long trip and I feel as if I am getting tired. I have found that snacking on something like this helps me to take my mind of off zoning out while driving and helps to keep me alert and awake.

Beef jerky:

Another snack that may have a lot of sodium but it will help to deliver a nice dose of protein and does not pack a lot of calories.  You can get a variety of flavors such as turkey, spicy, BBQ.  BUT be careful because some flavor contain sugar to help make it sweet.

Energy or Protein Bars:

Another option that is great BUT you also have to be careful about which bar that you grab.  ALWAYS check out the nutritional label when searching for something like a protein bar.  Some bars contain just as much sugar and carbs as candy bars!! You want to grab a bar that is high in protein, low in carbs, and low in sugars.  There are so many great options.  You will just have to take a second, stop, and read the label before you walk away with it.

Dried Fruit:

This can include varieties such as raisins, cranberries, banana chips, apple chips, etc.  These are a great option for a longer car ride if you want fruit but do not want to grab fresh fruit.  Make sure to also look at the label to make sure that there was not flavoring or added sugar added to these.  Some companies just freeze dry the fruit and only adding agents to help preserve the fruit.

Baked Chips:

I do understand how hard it is to walk away from the gigantic chip isles that consume most convenient stores.  If you do choose to grab a bag of crunchy goodness at least try to get the least heart clogging option!  There are a lot of great varieties that are regularly being carried in stores.  POPchips, baked kettle chips, and Special K also have a cracker chip that is also a good option. BUT if you have the time grab some popcorn and pop it at the gas station! Most gas stations have microwaves for you to use. Popcorn is lower in calories, carbs, and is a healthier option.  You can also consider Rice cakes or even Quest Nutrition recently came out with a healthy chip option (I have NOT seen these in the stores but I purchase mine online and pack them in the car with me for my trips).

Beverages:

As always water is the BEST option. Keep in mind that you want to sip on your water and not guzzle it down.  You can guzzle it down as quickly as you would like…but that may require you to stop at more gas stations while trying to reach your destination.  A lot of stores are also carrying milk, fruit juice, and flavored carbonated water.  As always, try to stay away from the drinks with empty calories.  This applies to pretty much 90% of the drinks at a gas station.  Some are starting to carry unsweetened tea and other healthier options for you to enjoy

I hope that this list was somewhat helpful.  I know that when I first started traveling it was a continuous battle to stay away from the chip and candy isle.  Some stores do not carry a variety of healthy options.  That is why I typically carry my own “traveling snack pack” that has all of the healthy snacks that I typically crave while on a trip.  I do enjoy going into gas stations and checking to see what items they do offer.  I honestly tend to stop at the same locations if I know that they will have something that I may want or need for my trips.  It does take time to look and plan these things out BUT it is so worth it.  Like I stated above…Think of it as an investment! An investment to your health and an overall investment to your fitness goals.






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
May 01 2014
6 Comments
Uncategorized

…MORE Healthy Snacks Part 4…

Tired of trying the same quick snacks that you have gotten accustomed to eating? Well no worries! There is a WIDE variety of snacks that you can try that are not expensive, quick to grab, and yummy that will satisfy your cravings until your next meal!

These are some good snacks that you can keep in your purse, desk, or lunchbox that you can snack on to help keep you on track with your healthy eating habits.

1. Watermelon (serving size is about 1 cup cut into cubes or balls that can be created by scooping out with an ice cream scoop)

2. Cubed Apples and Cubed Cheese (suggested serving size is 1 cup)

3. Craisins (suggested serving size 1 cup. Also great to have on a salad or in yogurt!)

4. Goldfish Crackers (suggested serving size about 55 pieces)

5. Roasted Asparagus (you can also try four spears spritzed with olive-oil spray and topped with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, baked for 10 minutes at 400°)

6. Turkey Roll-Ups (Four slices smoked turkey rolled up and dipped in 2 teaspoons honey mustard you can also add low fat swiss cheese to add a little more taste)

7. Strawberry Salad (1 cup raw spinach with ½ cup sliced strawberries and 1 tablespoon balsamic dressing)

8. Oatmeal (try to stay away from the flavored oatmeal those add a lot of sugar. you can get plain oatmeal and add brown sugar or honey to add some flavor.  you can even add fruit or yogurt!)

9. Banana Smoothie (½ cup sliced banana, ¼ cup nonfat vanilla yogurt, and a handful of ice blended until smooth)

10. Lime Sherbet (1/2 cup suggested serving size ) with sliced kiwi or any other fruit

11. Apple Chips (dehydrated apples! My favorite are Fiji apples or honey crisp because those retain the best flavor and sweetness)

12. Black Beans (mix 1/4 cup black beans with 1 tablespoon salsa and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt for an added twist! Can eat this plan or on ONE piece of whole wheat bread)

13. Lettuce wrap (try two slices honey-baked ham with 2 teaspoons honey mustard rolled in a lettuce leaf)

14. Pecans (try five pecans roasted with 2 teaspoons maple syrup and 1 teaspoon cinnamon this could also go great on a salad!)

15. Chocolate Covered Strawberries (dip 5 strawberries in 2 squares of dark chocolate)

16. Honeyed Yogurt (½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt with a dash of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon honey)

17. Tropical Juice Smoothie (¼ cup pineapple juice, orange juice, and apple juice, blended with ice)

18. Turkey and cheese wrap made with a whole wheat tortilla (Add mustard for flavor and don’t be afraid to add lettuce and other veggies)

19. Fruit and Cheese Kabobs ( You can alternate chunks of fresh fruit and cheese cubes and thread them on a bamboo skewer for a fun and healthy snack)

20. A couple of hard-boiled eggs with carrot, celery sticks, and hummus (roasted red pepper hummus of a low-fat cream cheese or peanut butter)

You can also check out past post for more snack options:

http://infinitelifefitness.com/2011/11/02/healthy-foods-that-are-unhealthy-part-1/

http://infinitelifefitness.com/2012/01/17/more-healthy-snack-ideas/

http://infinitelifefitness.com/2012/02/02/more-healthy-snacks-part-3/

So there should be No excuse as to why you can not snack on HEALTHY things during the day as opposed to a bag of chips of your favorite candy bar.  Those are good to have every once in a while BUT if you want to reach your health and fitness goals you have to dedicate yourself to eating things that are beneficial to your body.

Any day is a great day to start obtaining your own health and fitness goals!!






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
Apr 25 2014
1 Comment
Uncategorized

…Infinite Life Fitness Recipe: Peanut Butter Protein Fudge…

2014-04-23 21.34.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just because you want to eat healthy and lose weight does not mean that you have to cut out ALL things that are yummy! Reaching your goals is all about a balance.  You have to figure out when the proper time is to have the items that you crave and love.  And the other battle is figuring out foods you can add to your diet to help take the place of unhealthy treats that you would usually have.  And in all honesty, some of these healthy recipes taste just as good (or BETTER) than the unhealthy version!

Today I would like to share with you a recipe that was made by my close  friend Melissa. When I tasted these they were MOUTH WATERING! So it was an easy choice for me to try to make them and have them stored in my freezer as a quick and healthy sweet treat.

What you will need:

  • ¾ cup peanut butter (preferably all natural peanut butter) 
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • 3 scoops vanilla protein powder (you can even possibly use peanut butter protein powder or possibly chocolate!)

What you will do:

  • get a small Tupperware container (or a glass or regular baking pan.  Use something that you can easily mix all of the items together and also place it in the freezer)
  • Mix all of the above ingredients into the same container
  • After mixing them together very well make sure to spread it out evenly throughout the container.
  • Place container in the freezer and allow it to get HARD (the time will this will vary!! The best way to monitor this is by sticking a tooth pick in the corner or middle.  If the tooth pick easily slides in, the fudge is not ready.  But if the tooth pick does not go in easily your fudge is done!)
  • After it is frozen, cut the fudge into desirable pieces.
  • It is advised to keep them stored in the fridge or freezer! If not they will become room temperature and somewhat melt.  Keeping them in the fridge or freezer also extends it shelf life and allows you to keep the fudge for a longer period of time.

*** You can also add other things to this fudge if you like.  This can include things like nuts, chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, or any other types of goodies.  BUT remember to not add too much because the more you add, the more you risk making this healthy alternative into an unhealthy sweet treat. But it is fun to get creative and just have fun when making this recipe.

This is a perfect treat to grab when you have a sweet tooth and want to grab something small.  This treat will guarantee to satisfy! You can even get your family member to enjoy it (and they will not even know that it is healthy! 😉  )






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Apr 19 2014
7 Comments
Uncategorized

…MORE Healthy Snacks Part 3…

Its about to be the start of a new month and some of you may have plans to do some grocery shopping. When you look at your grocery list do you ever wonder what are some healthier snack options that you can pick up at the store to help start to eat healthier? Well you are in luck because today’s post will have MORE healthy, QUICK, and AFFORDABLE options that you can pick up on your next trip to the store.

Having low calorie healthy snacks during your day will help you to lower the calorie intake you have for that day.  The ultimate goal is to manage how many calories you are eating so that you can balance that with a great workout.  The key to shedding those extra pounds is to eat things that will be beneficial to your body, fill you up until your next meal, and knowing the right portion sizes so that you are not overeating and consuming extra calories.  If you do these things plus incorporate a great calorie burning workout several times a week you should be bikini ready just in time for the summer!

Don’t forget, you would like to make your snacks about 300 calories.  You don’t want to use most of your calorie intake on your snacks! A snack is suppose to be a filler to help you in between meals when you feel that you are hungry.

Here are some more great healthy snack ideas that are easy, quick, and not expensive! Thanks to SixSistersStuff.com for sharing some of these amazing ideas of snacks that you can grab on the go!

1. 1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes (can mix these with one serving size of crackers to make a great filling afternoon snack!)

2.  Small Green Salad with light dressing (suggested serving size is about a handful of lettuce. Try a light vinaigrette dressing.  Try to stay away from the creamy thick dressings. Those carry the most calories)

3. Mango smoothie (frozen mango, mango Greek Yogurt or plain Greek yogurt, and a small amount of orange juice or any other juice that you like.  Try to use no more than one serving size of juice and make sure that it is 100% fruit juice)

4. Kabobs (thread low-fat meat, low-fat cheese, pineapple and cherry tomatoes onto a stick.  You can always substitute other fruit/veggie options)

5.one slice of WHOLE WHEAT bread topped with peanut butter and banana slices (make sure it is whole wheat bread. this is one of the best options when consuming bread products)

5. Grilled Pineapple (throw them on the grill or a skillet on med. heat for two minutes or until golden. The best option for these is the whole round cuts and not the chuncks)

6. Baked Apples (one tennis ball-sized apple, cored, filled with 1 teaspoon brown sugar and cinnamon, and baked until tender.  You can also cut the apple into desired sizes and sprinkle the toppings onto the slices. Makes for a less messy version)

7. Strawberries dipped in fat-free Cool Whip (suggested serving size is 1 to 2 cups of strawberries and 2 tablespoons of the Cool Whip)

8. Low-fat tortilla (or whole wheat tortilla) topped with egg salad, shredded carrots and cucumber slices (you can also top is with egg whites, feta cheese, cottage cheese, or any other type of low fat topping that you like)

9. Parfait (build your own with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt, fruit, and granola.  Make sure to not use to much granola! some granola can pack a lot of sugar)

10. Bowl of bran flakes with 1/2 cup skim milk and berries

11. Guacamole with you choice of veggies (suggested serving size is 1/4 cup of guacamole)

10. Triscuit’s Thin Crisps dipped in cottage cheese or hummus (this is MY personal favorite afternoon snack. i spread low fat laughing cow Swiss cheese on my crisps which is also just as good!)

11. Cashews (suggested serving size is 1 ounce. It is also good to mix this in with cottage cheese, low fat yogurt, or anything else)

12. Pretzels (suggested serving size is about 17 pretzels)

13. Sun Chips (don’t forget portion control! Read the serving amount on the side of the bag but it is usually about 1 ounce which is usually about a handful of chips)

14. Cheesy Breaded Tomatoes (Two roasted plum tomatoes sliced and topped with 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese)

15. Sugar Snap Peas (a great snack if you sprinkle your own spices on it.  If you dip it into a veggie dip make sure it is low in calories and stick to the portion size)

16. Steamed Veggies (steam non-starchy vegetables in a microwave safe bag and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese or 1/4 cup pasta sauce)

17. Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedges ( you can spread this on crackers, veggies, or even fruit)

18. Snack/Granola bar (around 150 calories or less, like Kellogg’s All-Bran, Kashi TLC Trail Mix, or Fiber one Bar)

19. Baked chips (about 7-10) with salsa (you can make your OWN healthier version of baked chips by toasting whole wheat tortillas! Check out THIS post for the recipe)

20. Protein Bar (great snack after your workout.  Make sure to get a bar with low sugar.  Be careful to get a bar that is also tasty.  Some bars do not taste very well and can leave a bad taste in your mouth.)

21. Sweet Potato Fries (one light-bulb sized sweet potato sliced, tossed with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and baked at 400° for 10 minutes)

22. Snack Wrap (I like a slice of turkey, Swiss cheese, baby spinach leaves, and cranberry relish wrapped up in a tortilla)

23. Pumpkin Seeds (2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, sprayed with oil (just a spritz!) and baked at for 400° for 15 minutes or until brown. Sprinkle a tiny amount of salt on top)

24. Bean Salad (a handful of lettuce, 1/2 cup of your fav beans, top with feta cheese or some other topping makes the perfect pre-lunch snack!)

25. Peaches and Cottage Cheese

26. Chopped Red, Green, or Yellow Peppers (dipped in fat free dipping sauce or sprinkle with spices for a lower calorie snack)

27. Tuna with Triscuit crackers (yes DRY tuna is a great option but i always like to add a little relish or mustard to give it more of a taste)

28. Cooked and Cubed Chicken Breast (you can season it or toss it into a salad for a great snack or healthy meal option!)

29. Homemade Popsicles (puree watermelon, strawberries, mango, banana, etc and freeze in popsicle molds or use your ice cube tray as an alternative.  You can also use small disposable cups and peel off the cup and enjoy the frozen treat!)

30. Quesadilla (whole wheat (or corn) tortillas w/cheese (or not) melted in microwave – adding on tomatoes, beans, corn, olives, avocado or guacamole or whatever sounds good. This can be a great snack or a great meal option depending on how much you add to the quesadilla!)

So keep these options in mind when making your grocery list and getting ready to make your next grocery purchase.  The key to reaching your health and fitness goals is sticking with a consistent healthy diet AND working out.  You will need to do both in order to see the results that you want!  If you fail to do one or the other it will hinder your progress (or you will not see any progress at all!!)  Work hard…and you will start to see the hard work pay off!

Stay tuned for even MORE healthy, quick, and affordable options!

 






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Mar 30 2014
6 Comments
Uncategorized

…MORE Healthy Snack Ideas…

Ever wonder down the grocery store isles wracking your brain on what kind of new and healthy snacks you can buy to add to your diet? Well I have decided to share a list of items that are sure to satisfy your appetite without packing on  to many calories, or without hurting your pocket-book!

You may be trying to get back in the groove of work and things may be busy and hectic.  But that should never be an excuse to NOT sneak in some healthy snacks during your every day routine.  Just think, if you substitute a few of these items for you usually snack of chips or a candy bar just image how many calories you will be cutting per week! And in the long run, it will help you shed those extra unwanted calories!

Don’t forget, you would like to make your snacks no more than around 300 calories.  You don’t want to use most of your calorie intake on your snacks! A snack is supposed to be a filler to help you in between meals when you feel that you are hungry.

Here are some more great healthy snack ideas that are easy, quick, and not expensive! Thanks to SixSistersStuff.com for sharing some of these amazing ideas for this list of snacks that you can grab on the go!

1. Frozen Grapes (or any type of your frozen fruit! Suggested serving size is 1 – 1.5 cups)

2. String Cheese (preferably the low-fat sting cheese)

3. Banana (Also try a  Frozen Banana.  Make sure to peel it first, stick in the freezer overnight it’s like a popsicle!)

4. Low-fat Yogurt (there are several options…Yoplait…Greek Yogurt…and Dannon even has some yummy options)

5. Sugar-free or fat-free pudding

6. Apple slices dipped in Peanut Butter (or spread peanut butter on top of apple slice and top with pecans or another favorite nut. Organic peanut butter is a little more expensive but it is usually the better option)

7. bag of popcorn (not the movie extra butter popcorn.  Try the popcorn with little to no salt and butter.  Try using spices to add the extra flavor to your popcorn for a healthier option)

8. Applesauce

9. Raw veggies with hummus or any other type of low-calorie veggie dip

10. Almonds (or any other type of nuts.  Suggested serving size is 1 cup)

11. Skinny S’more (two graham crackers with one roasted marshmallow and one small square dark chocolate)

12. Smoked Beef Jerky (about 1 oz- look for the  low-sodium! options)

13. Chocolate Milk (try to get the 2% option if available!)

14. Hard Boiled Egg (suggester to have one…maybe 2 if you are having a big craving between meals!)

15. Sunflower Seeds (suggested serving size about 1 cup)

16. Cottage Cheese (suggested serving size 1 cup…also try to add fruit on top or sprinkle some nuts on top for added flavor)

17. Sliced Cantaloupe

18. Raisins (suggested serving size about 1 cup)

19. Pita Bread and Hummus (suggested a few slices of pita bread with about 1/4 cup of hummus to equal about 275 calories)

20. Rice Cakes (try also having these with a banana and about 1-2 table spoons of peanut butter for added flavor to equal about 220  calories

21. Jello (try not to add the whip cream and other high sugar extras on top of it. Try it with nuts or fresh fruit for a healthier option)

22. Dried Fruits

23. Frozen Yoplait Whips Yogurt (these seriously taste like ice cream when they are frozen!)

 24. Pistachios (suggested serving size is about 1 oz which is about 149 calories)

25. Clementines (the “Cuties” you may find at the grocery store)

26. Fruit Smoothie (make sure to make the smoothie with low-calorie options…not ice cream or whip cream…or any type of cream. Stick to 100% fruit juices and real/frozen fruit. Try adding in yogurt into the smoothie to add flavor and thickness)

27. Handful of olives

28. Pickles

29. Handful of blueberries with 2 tablespoons fat-free Cool-Whip

30. Ants on a Log (celery with peanut butter and raisins)

31. 1 cup mixed berry salad (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and/or blackberries) tossed with one tablespoon fresh-squeezed orange juice.

32. Peanut Butter and 1 whole  Banana on whole wheat bread

33. Trail Mix (make your own! Throw in dried fruit, sunflower seeds, nuts, low-sugar cereals, and even the occasional piece of candy for something sweet.)

34. Plain Yogurt with fresh berries (with 8 oz of regular plain yogurt and 1/2 cup of fresh fruit or veggies to make a 180 calorie snack)

35. Tuna on 1 slice of whole wheat bread ( you can have 4 oz of plain tuna on 1 slice of break to equal about 250 calories. Add condiments sparingly to help keep the calorie intake down!)

The Key to reaching your health and fitness goals is having the right diet! YES what you eat really matters!  If you are not eating the right things it will be hard for you to get the maximum results and it may take you longer to reach your goals.  The key is to stay consistent with your physical activity and healthy eating and with time you will start to see progress!






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Mar 04 2014
8 Comments
Uncategorized

…100 Calorie Snacks…

Those new “100 calorie” snacks are becoming so popular where days! But, today I would like to share a tip with you that might help you save money and some calories…

 

 

MAKE YOUR OWN 100 CALORIE SNACKS!

What does it take? Measuring cups, sandwich bags (or reusable bags/Tupperware that you may want to use), and some snack options!

Most of these companies that sale the 100 calorie snack packs are charging you extra for putting the correct portion size in sealed packages for you.  You can save money by measuring out your own portions of your favorite snack.  Buy a box (or two or three if they are on sale) and portion them out when you get home.  Put the bags in your fridge, cabinet, or whatever storage space you want to use and grab them when you are on the go.

This will allow you to have low-calorie snacks available to you when you are in a hurry!

This trick is something I learned when I was a kid.  My mom was a professional at not letting us over indulge on snack foods or sweets.  She would portion them out in small sandwich bags and only allow us to grab just one! So this is also something you can do with your children to help them to learn portion control.  A great thing to learn young so it will help them to realize what is not enough or what is too much when it comes to eating snacks or preparing meals.

Here are some great options for you to consider to make your own “Grab and Go” snacks for you and your family!

Here are some great HEALTHY and cost friendly 100 calorie snacks you can make on your own! Thanks to Greatist.com for these great suggestions!

Everyday Snacks: 

Oats n’ Berries:  ⅓ cup rolled oats (cooked with water), topped with cinnamon and ¼ cup fresh berries.

Citrus-Berry Salad: 1 cup mixed berry salad (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and/or blackberries) tossed with one tablespoon fresh-squeezed orange juice

Frozen grapes (any color): 1 cup (about 28 grapes), stuck in the freezer for 2+ hours

Honeyed Yogurt: ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt with a dash of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon honey

Spiced Orange: One orange— about the size of a tennis ball— sprinkled with cinnamon

Maple-Pumpkin Yogurt: ½ cup non-fat regular yogurt with 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Make Your Own: Banana Chips: One sliced banana dipped in lemon juice and baked (CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS).

Cereal and Milk: ½ cup rice krispies with ½ cup skim milk

Cheese n’ Crackers: Five Kashi 7-grain crackers with 1 stick reduced-fat string cheese

Grilled Spinach and Feta Polenta: 3 oz polenta (about the size of a deck of cards) cooked with 1 ½ cups water and topped with 1 teaspoon feta cheese and a handful spinach

Crunchy Curried Tuna Salad: ½ cup canned tuna with 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 tablespoon chopped red onion, and two ribs celery (chopped)

Shrimp Cocktail: Eight medium-sized shrimp boiled and served with 2 tablespoons classic cocktail sauce

Cheddar and Tomato Soup: ½ cup tomato soup with 1 tablespoon shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

Sweet Potato Fries: One light-bulb sized sweet potato sliced, tossed with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and baked at 400° for 10 minutes

Cucumber Sandwich: ½ English muffin with 2 tablespoons cottage cheese and three slices of cucumber

Turkey Roll-Ups: Four slices smoked turkey rolled up and dipped in 2 teaspoons honey mustard

Spinach and Feta Egg-White Scramble: Three egg whites scrambled and mixed with ½ cup raw spinach and 1 tbsp feta cheese. Cook in frying pan or zap in microwave until egg whites are no longer runny (about 1-2 minutes)

Pretzels & Cream Cheese: 15 mini pretzel sticks with 2 tablespoons fat-free cream cheese

Rosemary Potatoes:  ⅓ cup thinly sliced potato tossed with 1 teaspoons olive oil and a teaspoon of chopped rosemary

Spicy Black Beans: ¼ cup black beans with 1 tablespoon salsa and 1 tablespoon non-fat Greek yogurt

Goldfish: About 40 fishies

Apples and Cheese: 1 non-fat mozzarella cheese stick with half of a baseball-sized apple (any variety), sliced

PB & Celery: 1 medium celery stalk with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

Strawberry Salad: 1 cup raw spinach with ½ cup sliced strawberries and 1 tablespoon balsamic

Sugary Treats: 

Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Five strawberries dipped in two squares melted dark chocolate

Grilled Pineapple: 2 ¼-inch thick pineapple rounds (about 1 cup), grilled (or sautéed) for two minutes or until golden

Berries n’ Cream: 1 cup blueberries with 2 tablespoons whipped topping

Chocolate Pudding: One 4oz package. Try a fat/sugar-free version or a homemade one

Skinny S’more: Two graham crackers with one roasted marshmallow and one small square dark chocolate

Cinnamon Graham Crackers & Peanut butter: Two graham cracker squares with 1 teaspoon peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon

Citrus Sherbet: ½ cup lime sherbet (about one standard-sized ice-cream scoop) with ½ sliced kiwi

Make Your Own: Popsicle: 8 ounces lemonade frozen in an mold, or use a small paper cup as a mold.

Smoothies/Drinks:

Tropical Juice Smoothie: ¼ cup pineapple juice, orange juice, and apple juice, blended with ice

Chocolate Milk: 6 ounces skim milk mixed with 2 teaspoons chocolate syrup

Vanilla and Banana Smoothie: ½ cup sliced banana, ¼ cup nonfat vanilla yogurt, and a handful of ice blended until smooth

 

So the next time you are at the store, try to notice the price difference between the “100 calorie” packs and the regular packages of your favorite treats.  It seems like they make “grab and go” packs for almost all snacks (nuts, chips, even yogurt!)  With a little time, planning, and preparation you can create your own that will hopefully save you some money!






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Dec 07 2013
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

…healthy “butter”…

tumblr_ly0895ziGM1rn1o6eo1_500

 

Peanut (and other nut) butter is a great food to incorporate into your diet (if you are not allergic to it).   When searching for your favorite peanut butter try to find the most natural peanut butter that you possibly can. When you find your peanut butter grab the jar…and turn it around and look at the ingredients label.  The only ingredients that should be in the jar should be peanut butter, salt, and possibly oil.  NOTHING ELSE. Buying the peanut butter that is “Low in Fat” or has other health phrases on it are usually not the best for you.  They usually have MORE ingredients, more calories, more sugar, and are not as healthy for you!

Peanut butter has a good serving of fiber and protein.  You will not want to go overboard with the peanut butter seeing as there is 180-200 calories per servings (which is typically 2 tablespoons).  Try to stick with the serving size and you will be ok!

Peanut butter has a ton of the “good fats”.  These fats are called “monounsaturated fat” and are great to help you reach your health and fitness goals.

There are some companies that have made peanut butter that are nut free (they have the flavor or peanut butter) but they do have a lot of ingredients as well.  They also have powdered peanut butter (you simply add water to the mix and stir it up).  These versions are lower in calories and fat and are a great options for those who have to watch those macro-nutrients.  They have also made some peanut butters that are higher in protein and that come in various flavors (such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, and many other sumptuous flavors.

Spreading peanut butter on vegetables, fruit, crackers, or even a slice of bread can be a great snack or small meal for you and your family. You can also get almond butter, cashew butter, and a variety of nuts made into butter.  But also be cautious because those may have higher calorie, fat, and sodium macro-nutrients.

So the next time you head to the head to the grocery store make sure to stop when you are walking down the aisle with the peanut butter and try to find a new treat to add to your menu!






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
Oct 16 2013
4 Comments
Uncategorized

…”Healthy” foods that are UNhealthy: Part 1…

199811_174330146024131_2050434999_n

If you see any of the following words on a package make sure to think about how “healthy” they actually are for you…

  • Reduced Fat
  • Sugar Free
  • Diet
  • Fat Free
  • Low Fat
  • No Added Sugar

These type of words are used to help grab your attention and to help you think that they are indeed the healthier option for you. In most cases it is “healthier’ than the regular product that they sale. But is that product good for you to eat in the first place?

Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter:

Why is it good?

It contains monounsaturated fat. This is the “good” kind of fat that you can have in your diet.

Why is it bad?

Most of these types of products that are made to be “reduced fat’ are jammed packed with MORE sugar! And, in most cases this sugar is HIGHLY processed which makes it not as good for you. So how is it “reduced fat” with more sugar? great question!!

Eating an excess amount of this kind of sugar has been proven to cause tooth decay and lead to unwanted weight gain.

Both regular and reduced fat peanut butter carry about the same amount of calories. The biggest and most problematic issue is that the reduced fat usually contains a lot more sugar.  It is safe to steer away from store-bought and try to get all natural peanut butter in this case. There are all natural organic peanut butters available (or almond butter).  You can also find these items for a great price if you look around and maybe consider purchasing it online.

Bran Muffins Bagels with Cream Cheese:

Why is it good?
To be honest it is not good. They have been given the reputation for being healthy and a healthy option for breakfast or a snack.
Why is it bad?
These are jammed packed with sugar and refined flour. Two things that you should try to limit in your diet or steer clear from it.  Yes it does contains a small amount of fiber, but other than that there is actually minimal nutritional value in bran muffins.

Bagels with Cream Cheese:

Why is it good?

This is a quick and easy meal option and is filling.  It is great to have on the go!

Why is it bad?

First of all it is just a lot of bread to consume at one time for one meal.  It has about 60 grams of carbohydrates and could also have MORE than 300 calories.  And that is without the cream cheese or jelly most people pile on top of both slices of their bagels.  Again items like this are made with the over processed flour you should shy away from and of course corn syrup.  It also has minimal nutritional value.  So it is wise to have only one 1/2 of the bagel with eggs or some other kind of substitute to increase nutritional value and to get more nutrition with your meal.

You always want to reach for the 100% whole grain or whole wheat options when it comes to bread or pasta.  It is better for you and has more nutritional value than regular “white” bread or pastas.

Granola Bars:

Why is it good?

They are packed with oats, nuts, dried fruit, and can also contain seeds.  All of these are indeed good for you! So why would you think negative about a snack containing all of these things?

Why is it bad?

Granola Bars are not as good for you because of one simple thing…the “glue” that holds the granola together to create that delicious granola bar you like to snack on. That glue is nothing more than high-fructose corn syrup.  All this does is quickly increases your blood sugar which in returns limits how you actually digest the oats and nuts and other healthier things that are in the granola bar.  Along with the high sugar content comes the high calorie count.

Yogurt cups with the fruit or granola in the bottom:

Why is it good?

Yogurt is high in nutrients.  It also contains active cultures which are great for digestion and your immune system.

Why is it bad?

Despite the high calorie count, this too is packed full of sugar! And yes that preserved fruit in the high fructose corn syrup mixture is not any better for you either.

Try plain yogurt with you favorite FRESH fruit (or thawed out frozen fruit that was not preserved in syrup).  It is a healthier options not to mention cuts down the calorie count dramatically!

Pretzels:

Why is it good?

It is a healthier option that potato chips.  Not to mention that there is a low-fat content in each serving size.

Why is it bad?

These are nutritionally empty! They don’t have a big nutritional value at all. Not to mention all the sodium that is packed into the salty seasoning covering every small piece of the pretzels. Not to mention it too is made of the over processed flour that should be limited in your diet.

Try to find a whole wheat or whole grain option.  You can also substitute pretzels for other things such as vegetable, fruits, or even a handful of nuts.

I hope this gave you an insight on some food to watch out for the next time you go to the grocery store to buy your food.

Stay tuned for part two! There are dozens of food on grocery store shelves masked as “low-fat” or “healthy” when they indeed are not as healthy as you think they are.

 






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
Oct 15 2013
17 Comments
Uncategorized

…The Perfect Snack…

224546731390995683_eD1WnjZG_c

Recently I was giving some advice to a friend about what snacks are good snacks to snack on during the day or between meals.  I will be the first to admit that I am a BIG snacker.  I would not make it through the day if I did not have my snacks.  But the key to maintaining a healthy eating habit is to find the right kind of snacks to consume throughout the day.

Of course you can snack on fresh raw veggies and fruit.  These are my favorite and some of the easy things to grab especially in a time crunch.  With some fruit and veggies, I have found some healthy dips to use on them to make them a little more enjoyable.  The key to allowing yourself to splurge on these type of dips is to make sure that you do not use too much and to find a dip that is not packed full of calories.

The key to snacking is not to eat something that will make you full.  The idea is to consumer something that has nutrients that will satisfy you until you have your next meal.  And since a snack is just a snack, you want something that is low in calories.

I will now give a few examples of some great snacks to have during the day! And the best part is that most of them are 150 calories or less!!

Hummus with Pita and Peas

3 tablespoons hummus; 1/2 whole-grain pita, cut into pieces; and 1/2 cup pea pods

 

Strawberries with Chocolate Sauce

1 cup strawberries drizzled with 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

 

Apple and Peanut Butter

1 medium apple, sliced, with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

 

Pumpernickel with Swiss Cheese

3 slices mini pumpernickel with 1 slice Swiss cheese

 

Oatmeal and Berries

1 packet low-sugar oatmeal topped with a handful of berries

 

Spiced Maple Yogurt

Spiced maple yogurt: 6 ounces plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon

 

Green Tea with Cookie

Unsweetened green tea with 1 oatmeal dark-chocolate cookie (such as TLC by Kashi)

 

Granola Bar

1 trail-mix granola bar

 

Chocolate Pudding

1 chocolate pudding cup with 1 graham-cracker square crushed and sprinkled on top

 

Cafe Mocha

12-ounce nonfat cafe mocha (with no whipped cream)

 

Tomato Juice and Cheese

8-ounce V8 juice with 1 piece of string cheese

 

Chips and Dip

2 tablespoons low-fat spicy bean dip and 18 baked tortilla chips

 

Crackers with Honey Soy-Nut Butter

4 whole-grain crackers with 1 tablespoon honey soy-nut butter

 

Oranges with Walnuts

4-ounce mandarin-orange cup topped with 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (or you can substitute your favorite nuts for the walnuts)

 

Apple and Cheese

1 small apple Apple and 1 ounce of Brie Cheese (or substitute in your favorite cheese for the Brie cheese)

 

Pudding with Cherries

4-ounces of low-fat vanilla Pudding with 1/2 cup of Cherries (fresh or thawed out frozen cherries)

 

Coffee and Cookies

2 whole grain fig cookies and 12 ounces of black coffee (with one teaspoon of sugar)

 

Red Grapes and Almonds

1 cup of red grapes and approximately 11 almonds

 

Cereal and Yogurt

6-ounces of light yogurt and 1/2 cup of whole grain cereal (Kashi cereal is a good choice for this snack)

 

Cheese and Crackers

1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped chives, and 6 whole grain crackers

 

 

For that late night snack…

Lemon Sorbet with Raspberries

1/2 cup of lemon sorbet and 3/4 cup of fresh berries

 

Spiked Pomegranate Lemonade

1 1/2 lemon lime vodka, 1 1/2 ounces of light lemonade, 1 1/2 ounces of pomegranate juice, and 4 ounces club soda

 

Root Beer Float

12-ounces of light root beer and 1/2 cup of light vanilla ice cream

 

Beer and Nuts

12-ounce light beer (such as Bud Select 55, Michelob Ultra, Miller Light, Bud Select, or Coors Light) and 12 pistachios

 

Like I said there are 100’s of snacks out there for you to have, it is just about finding the right snack for you.  I hope some of the snacks suggested will cater to you and your snacking needs.

So go ahead and get your grocery lists ready so you can have some amazing snacks to have when you need them!!






Photobucket

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
← Older posts

Facebook

Likebox Slider Pro for WordPress