Quick [lunch & money saving] Tip!

Smart Snacker meets Football Stadium--

Remember this gal from my Navigation series? She's Back!

Over the weekend I went to a NFL game. As a certified Smart Snacker I am always looking for great ways to eat healthy but still live my life and have fun! I know some of the reasons we go to stadiums are for the food but this time I wanted to save some loot; I had recently gone grocery shopping and wasn't feeling the stadium grub. So, I decided to throw together some sandwiches for the football junkies!

Barney Butter and Crofters Jam Sandwiches on Great Harvet Honey Whole Wheat

And for those not too fond of the AB&J...Turkey and Cheese on rolls

By bringing sandwiches, we saved on money, knew exactly what was in our food (regarding preservatives, blaah) and it was healthier than the stadium eats.

Of course, my crowd still wanted to get some sort of snack (peanuts/ cracker jacks, etc) but thankfully they were the more wallet-friendly picks and everyone didn't need their own because believe it or not, the sandwiches made a dent!

I managed to have a blast and still keep my waist line in check!

Faaah-riday!

Happy Friday!

I started my morning bright and early with my friend at the gym! We got up before our internship interview day and did a nice 45-minute cardio sweat session with some abdominal work afterwards. Man, it was nice to have a gym buddy again! I like getting my workouts in, in the morning [when possible]...especially on Fridays this way, once work is done...I can relax!

Usually I would do the hour-long RPM class Friday evenings but I was told today that I have impromptu plans so I won't be attending (good thing I got my workout in this morning, yikes)!
Side note for all you fellow Lifestyle Family Fitness go-ers: Our Friday night class is sufferring because the attendance is low (and obviously, I am not helping out like I need to be with a ton of traveling lately it's been hard to commit) but together let's try and kick up the attendance so our favorite classes stick around!

Incase you're interested...

Today's Cardio Workout (on the Elliptical)-

0-5 min: warm-up
5-10 min: resistance 4
10-15 min: resistance 6
15-20 min: resistance 8

20-25 min: resistance 10

25-30 min: resistance 8

30-35 min: resistance 6

35-40 min: resistance 4

40-45 min: cool down
*try and keep the same pace throughout (even on the hardest resistance)
More resistance= more calories burned
(approx. 350 calories burned, based on the machine- I was not wearing my HR monitor, sorry!)

So, as I said I have last-minute plans! I am going with a group of friends to a Carolina Mudcats Game! Fun, right? Believe me, this trip to the baseball stadium will definitely prompt a "Smart Snacker meets Stadium."

Stay tuned for navigating your way through the stadium and see how your Smart Snacker takes on this colossal food challenge ;)


See ya, ball fans!

Smart Snacker meets Continental Breakfast

To gear up for my big vacation this week I thought it would be fit to do a navigation series about your typical continental breakfast while staying in a hotel!

 I will be leaving this Thursday for a 6 day, 5 night vacation in which I will be staying in all different hotels. Obviously, I am going to enjoy myself on my trip but I don't want to come back 5 pounds heavier either! So, stick with your Smart Snacker as I take you through the quick tips to navigate [healthfully] through your typical continental breakfast...

GO:
-Protein powerhouse hard-boiled eggs
-Fresh Fruits (whole or cut)
-Low fat yogurts
-Hot cereal (oatmeal or grits)
-Scrambled eggs
-Wheat Toast or english muffins

-Omlete bar (load on the vegetables, ask for egg beaters of egg whites when available)

SLOW:
-Assortment cereals (be weary of the sugar-loaded favorites like frosted flakes). On the up-side, these are usually pre-packaged and are good for portion control.

-Juices
-Bagels (split with a friend)

-Make-your-own waffle (split with your other friend)

-Homefries (be the judge of these...sans oil please)!

NO:

-Baked goods (muffins, scones, donuts, danish's and pastries)

Whatever you do, don't skip breakfast (that too is a rookie mistake)! It is the most important meal of the day. It will jump-start your brain, energy and of course, your metabolism! Let it revvvv!

I haven't been in a hotel in a while, is there anything I am missing?

Smart Snacker meets Cocktail Party

Let me help you navigate your way through your next cocktail party. Cocktail parties are always exciting because you get to dress up, eat tons of good food, socialize and drink a favorite cocktail. Well, sometimes we may feel a little uneasy prior to the affair when the thought of “eating tons of good food” sets in. As you navigate through your party with the Smart Snacker, you will realize you can have tons of fun, indulge and that number [on the scale] will still remain the same.

-Don’t arrive with a monstrous appetite. Have a small snack consisting of a complex carbohydrate, lean protein and healthy fat (ie. banana with peanut butter) prior to the event. This will take the edge off and you’ll be less likely to scarf down all the food in sight

-Don’t skip meals. This is a rookie mistake. People think they are doing themselves a favor by saving up their calories from breakfast and lunch to splurge at dinner. It definitely doesn’t work like that. Please, for the love of food...do not skip meals.

-Walking apps. Choose wisely, pick one and be done. Try to avoid the fried items (ie. coconut shrimp)

 -Factor in the liquid. All alcohol has carbohydrate and thus has calories. Stick with the lower calorie options; light beer or diet soda/soda water with vodka (vodka tends to be the lowest [liquor] in calories).Try drinking a sparkling water in between drinks to cut back as well. Daily Alcohol recommendations for moderation: no more than 2 drinks for men and no more than 1 for women (1 drink= 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz liquor) per day.

-Don’t set up camp by the food. In other words, don't be the person gaurding the chip bowl otherwise, you will keep putting your hand in the bowl (we’ve all done it). Instead make it more about socializing and catching up with friends. Out of sight, out of mind; that visual cue won’t be there to tempt you.

-Focus on the nutritious foods. Look for the healthier options; ie. Fresh vegetables, dishes containing vegetables, if there is fresh fruit eat that as your dessert.

-Plan. You know your coming to the party so mentally prepare. You have the will power, just put it into action...I know you can do it!

-When in doubt. Offer to bring something (I did that for this years superbowl party, check out my healthy contribution) That way you know you have at least that healthy option. Bring a light dip, veggie tray or fresh fruit dessert.



Remember, it only takes an extra 250 calories/day to lead to a ½ pound gain by the end of the week. You’ve worked so hard; don’t let this one event drag you down!

Navigation Series- Smart Snacker meets Camping Grounds

Hello readers! I had an eventful weekend in the VA mountains...I went camping with some friends this weekend in Martinsville, VA for the NASCAR race. I am not much of a camper (this was my first time) however, I was told by my fellow camp buddies that I was a natural :)

I didn't really know what to expect but I thought I would "just roll with it!" Being the Smart Snacker I am I knew I could contribute to the trip with healthy snack options. Of course camping out means burgers and hot dogs and I'm all about it...but some ways that I made sure I didn't over indulge and still enjoyed the camping experience...

-Keepin' it lean (We bought 93% lean burgers; I don't eat dogs but a dog here and there isn't unhealthy...moderation!)

-Packed fruit (I brought some apples and bananas; both are easy to eat and are easily packed)

-Watched my portions (I had a little bit of everything but just like I said...a little bit)

-White Cheddar Rice Cakes (excellent alternative for chips; 1 cake is 45 calories)

-It was a beer drinking affair (I had a couple of light beers but made sure I was drinking TONS of water in between and after)

-Dense foods with high nutrition (We snacked on trail mix; while trail mix may be high in sugar and dense (highly caloric), I made sure I only ate about a handful here and there. The nuts are a healthy fat and about 1 oz a day is adequate)

-Bars (I packed some clif bars incase of "hunger emergencies!" In the Speedway venue I may have gotten hungry, instead of going for some fat laden racing snack I would have this healthier alternative)

-I didn't revolve my camping experience around the food (bonfire and smores, drinking or constant snacking) instead I focused more on hanging with my company and making it a social event!

-I took advantage of the outdoors (We went for a ton of walks and "explored" the area. Enjoyed the scenery while burnin some cals...double whammy!).

Inspired by this trip I am going to start my

Smart Snackers Navigation Series

This will be a series of blog posts that contain tips about navigating your way through different events, social gatherings and vacations. How to live your life and have fun but snack smart while doing it; to help you realize you can lose weight/ maintain your weight doing the things you love!

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Stay Tuned for the next Navigation Series post- Smart Snacker meets Cocktail Party