Go-to Snack(s)

Hi bloggies! Yep, that's one of my favorite go-to snacks to have around the house; A simple fruit salad. Fruit salads remind me of my Mom; she makes them a lot and with such love! I always try to replicate hers, but there's just something about the way she does it that makes it ohhh sooo goood!

I made this one yesterday to have with my "brunch inspired" sunday meal. I had a ton of fruit in the fridge that I knew I wouldn't be able to get to before more than half of it spoiled so I threw it all together and made a tasty, refreshing and healthy snack.

"Everything in the Fridge" Fruit Salad:

Strawberries

Blueberries

Granny Smith Apples

White Peaches

Splash of lemon juice

Drizzle of Agave Nectar

I love bananas in my fruit salad so when I go to serve it I will cut the banana up. This will keep the banana from getting mushy in the mix!

So on top of my "Everything in the Fridge" Fruit Salad, I managed to pick up more fruit today to snack on [as if I didn't have enough]! I ventured out to the grocery store in hopes to throw a couple of meals [in mind] together for the week and I found some irresistible fruit in the process and to make it even MORE unavoidable...it was ON SALE. So what's another couple go-to snacks [and desserts!?]...

...and no I didn't devour all of that watermelon already!! I simply chopped it up and put it in some tupperware to make it even more go-to!

Enjoy the rest of your Monday! I'm off to the gym soon for some serious group fitness therapy ;)

NB+W

Hello, hello! Hope your enjoying your Saturday! I sure am; I got up early and attended my two favorite group fitness classes, caught some rays by the pool and even found time to relax and try some of my new snacks!

My two classes this morning (bodypump and rpm) usually start my day off with a 800-900 calorie burn! So, before I head to class it is only fit to have a good breakfast that will be sure to keep my body humming...especially all the way through the tricep and bicep tracks of bodypump...if your a bodypumper you know just what I am talking about! ; )

This morning I decided to try something new NB+W
(Smart Snacker's Nut Butter + Waffle)

I got these waffles when I was trying out the gluten free diet [simply for fun and as an experiement. Also it didn't hurt to see what prospective clients and friends can and cannot eat]. I ended up loving them! Not much of a surprise as I am a sucker for breakfast sweets!

The waffles are, as they read, gluten free, wheat free and a vegetarian product. For a serving of 2 they hit you with 180 calories, 6 g fat, 1 g fiber and 2 g of protein. Not too shabby said the Smart Snacker...but when I slab some of my sample of Justin's Natural Maple Almond Butter this waffle doesn't even know what hit it....and neither did my mouth!

Let's just say, it's the cadillac of nut butters!...this stuff is creamy, flavorful, savory...and oh, SO satisfying. Even the littlest bit goes a long way!

...is your mouth watering yet?!?

Justin's claim to fame: simple ingredients, gluten and dairy free and made free of hydrogenated oils! THANK YOU!

Nutritional profile: 1 sample packet (a little over 2 tbsp): 200 calories, 17 g fat, 3 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 6 g protein

On my waffles today I barely used half of the sample packet! The slightest spread gave it all the flavor. It's no wonder there full sized jars are kind of pricey...; ( The justification? it would last a while!?

Great snack: one waffle and 1/2 Tbsp of Justin's (approx. 140 calories)

Fuel-filled breakfast: two waffles and 1 Tbsp of Justin's (on my second one I even added some fresh strawberries...I am finding new ways to use my 4 lbs everyday) (approx. 280 calories)

Have a nutty night : )

Mock Creamsicle

So my Mock Creamsicle is my newest obsession! Simply peel the orange and dip it into a vanilla flavored yogurt. My personal favorite for this creation is Yoplaits Light, Fat Free Very Vanilla. With only 110 calories from the yogurt and the orange pushing approx. 70 calories; this is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, at your desk or on the go!

The yogurt gives you ample Vitamin D and Calcium, the orange provides the Vitamin C and the combination of the two gives you a feeling of satiety! ding ding ding!

Visit the link above and receive a $1.00 off towards your next Yoplait Light purchase and try this combo today!

I ate a whole orange but by the time I remembered to snap a photo...well, it was too late!!

A little history behind this medley: while interning one of the dietitians [I was working with] would always do this but I never reaaaaally tried it until now...I am telling you this because it is a great, healthy snack but I, of course, cannot take all the credit for inventing it ; )

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!

Munchies

So if I had a “Smart Snacker” award this would win it…nutrition facts aside these little chips are tasty as ever!

Rice Works Parm and Sundried Tomato flavored chips...to...die...for!

 
Available in a ton of flavors and are gluten-free/ celiac friendly! wahoo!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

If you squint hard enough you can see but I'll just hit the noteworthy points...

Serving: 10 chips
140 calories
6 g fat

Lacking terribly in the fiber and protein departments...but hey like I said these taste delicious and that's more important sometimes :)
 
 
 
 
 
Just realized I have got to run...spin is in a half hour! yikes!
TGIF bloggies:)