Thursday, February 17, 2011

The 411 on Sea Salt or Table Salt

Sea salt or table salt…what’s the difference? As you may see in tons of advertisements, now fast food chains are buying you in by saying that they use all natural sea salt on their french fries; first it was the type of frying oil now it's the salt...what next?

Well, they may say it's "better" for you but what gives? taste, texture and how the salt is processed are the basic differences between the two. According to the Mayo Clinic, sea salt is the product of evaporated seawater. One advantage of sea salt is that some people may use a little less because of its courser texture and some people prefer the taste. However, the sodium content and nutritional make up of each is essentially the same.

Salt is salt so if your looking for a low-sodium option, try salt-free seasonings and herb blends instead like Mrs. Dash!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Avoiding a [workout] Slump

I have been run-ragged the last couple of weeks- between work, moving, training for the half and just trying to have a life I obviously have been super busy. During this time it is hard to find ways to get in my workouts, specifically runs; this isn't the first time I have had trouble fitting in long workouts so I thought I would share with you what helps me avoid a [workout] slump...

- Meet friends for more than food and drinks. Yes, it is nice to just post-up at a restaurant and catch-up but now I find myself meeting friends for a walk, run or gym class. This way I am getting in my social hour and my workout! Especially, during my training meeting a girlfriend for my long runs on Sunday's (6+ miles) makes my workout go by a lot faster ; )

- Switch it up. It can be quite monotonous to stick with the same routine week to week; I try and add a new class at least every 2 weeks and change my run location every Sunday.
- Fuel makes perfect. Meal planning and preparation is always key for a successful workout regimen. It keeps your energy up, makes you feel good and keeps you on track. The better you eat, the better you feel, the more successful you will feel when you complete your workouts. If I know I definitely cannot squeeze a workout in, making sure I eat smart helps!

Some of my favorite pre- or post-workout snacks
(Not pictured- after workouts I may have a small cup of chocolate milk or coconut water)

- New outfit- new outlook? Sometimes it takes a new piece of workout gear to get you going! I just got a new app on my iPod..."iMapmyrun". It's a great motivator for outside running; with it's GPS capabilities and ability to record my pace, distance and calorie burn, I am excited to hit the pavement!


How you do you avoid a workout slump?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Making Peace with your Food- Mindful Eating Vol. 2

My ode to Mindful Eating continues as I work toward my half marathon goal...

Photo Credit
-Honor your feelings without using food. Anxiety, loneliness, boredom, and anger a few of the many emotions that trigger emotional eating. Identify which of these emotions send you to the pantry and write down how you're feeling. Take a walk, get on the phone and talk with a friend, drink a glass of water or tea, exercise, find what works for you.
-Accept you for you. You are who you are; it’s your genetic blueprint. Be proud of whom you are and make that body the healthiest it can be; you only have one. Don’t be unrealistic and overly critical about your body shape, no one is alike and you are beautiful as you are.
-Eat to live. Ever stop to think about the foods we crave? Cookies, cakes, chips, candies…all foods prepackaged; doesn’t that make you wonder why you don’t crave vegetables, bananas, apples…the whole foods? Think additives and preservatives in food that cause your body to produce cravings for these sugar and sodium laden foods...yikes! I challenge you to change a habit every couple of weeks. Add a piece of fruit to your breakfast and take away that bag of chips at lunch…notice that just in a couple of days your body will stop craving the chips. Take it one step at a time…establish realistic, timely goals.
-Most importantly, remember you won’t gain weight from the one piece of cake you ate at for dessert at dinner last night. It is what you eat consistently over time that matters. Progress not perfection is what counts.

Did you miss the first post? Mindful Eating Vol. 1
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