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Saturday, February 27, 2010

10 More!

Here are 10 more ideas to eat better when out, brought to you by ADA dietitians :)
10. Split your order. Share an extra large sandwich or main course with a friend or take half home for another meal.

11. Boost the nutrition in all types of sandwiches by adding tomato, lettuce, peppers or other vegetables.
      ** try sliced avocado or even apples (really delish in turkey sandwiches and adds a crunch!)

12. A baked potato offers more fiber, fewer calories and less fat than fries if you skip the sour cream and butter. Top your potato with broccoli and a sprinkle of cheese or salsa.


13. Eat your lower-calorie food first. Soup or salad is a good choice. Follow up with a light main course.

14. Ask for sauces, dressings and toppings to be served “on the side.” Then you control how much you eat.


15. If you do choose the buffet, fill up on salads and vegetables first. Take no more than two trips and use the small plate that holds less food.

16. Load up your pizza with vegetable toppings. If you add meat, make it lean ham, Canadian bacon, chicken or shrimp.


17. Build a better breakfast sandwich: replace bacon or sausage with Canadian bacon or ham and order your sandwich on a whole grain English muffin or bagel.
18. Refrigerate carry-out or leftovers if the food won’t be eaten right away. Toss foods kept at room temperature for more than two hours.

19. Grabbing dinner at the supermarket deli? Select rotisserie chicken (without skin), salad-in-a-bag and freshly baked bread. Or, try sliced lean roast beef, onion rolls, potato salad and fresh fruit.

20. Always eating on the go? Tuck portable, nonperishable foods in your purse, tote, briefcase or backpack for an on-the-run meal. Some suggestions are peanut butter and crackers, granola bars, a piece of fresh fruit, trail mix, single serve packages of whole grain cereal or crackers.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

10 tips

From ADA's Article, 'Healthy Eating on the Run: A Month of Tips' on eating at restaurants!


1. Think ahead and plan where you will eat. Consider what meal options are available. Look for restaurants or carry-out with a wide range of menu items.  

2. Take time to look over the menu and make careful selections. Some restaurant menus may have a special section for “healthier” choices.

3. Read restaurant menus carefully for clues to fat and calorie content. Menu terms that can mean less fat and calories: baked, braised, broiled, grilled, poached, roasted, steamed.

4. Menu terms that can mean more fat and calories: batter-fried, pan-fried, buttered, creamed, crispy, breaded. Choose these foods only occasionally and in small portions.

5. Order the regular or child-size portion. Mega-sized servings are probably more than you need. For a lighter meal, order an appetizer in place of a main course.

6. It’s OK to make special requests, just keep them simple. For example, ask for a baked potato or side salad in place of French fries; no mayonnaise or bacon on your sandwich; sauces served on the side.

7. Hunger can drive you to eat too much bread before your meal arrives. Hold the bread or chips until your meal is served. Out of sight, out of mind.

8. Think about your food choices for the entire day. If you’re planning a special restaurant meal in the evening, have a light breakfast and lunch.

9. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. No more than one drink for women and two for men. Alcohol tends to increase your appetite and provides calories without any nutrients.

10. Tempted by sweet, creamy desserts? Order one dessert with enough forks for everyone at the table to  have a bite.

10 MORE to come SOON! :)

Pre-Gym Snack

To get fueled before the gym I made a yummy PB-chocolate milkshake- minus the ice cream. I poured about 1 cup skim milk (I prefer the organic cause it lasts longer) into the blender with ice cubes, 1/2 tablespoon all natural peanut butter and 1/2 packet no added sugar Nestle hot cocoa mix...It was delicious!

It's important to fuel up prior to and after workouts to reap the most benefits from exercise and to allow your body to recover properly. I find I am able to work out harder and longer when I have a pre-gym snack and when I am well hydrated!! Drinking water throughout the day is better than chugging a huge amount of water beforehand of course, cause that just fills up your belly. I like shakes like these because its an excellent balance of carbohydrates and protein, which is needed during times of high physical activity to replenish glycogen* stores and  build and repair tissue. Because this snack is a liquid- I don't have to worry about it bouncing around in my stomach while I'm working out. If you don't have a blender or the time, a low-fat chocolate milk will do the trick!!

*Glycogen is stored glucose (energy). Your body breaks it down to glucose and uses it when energy is needed.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Nutrition Quote

To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”
 ~ La Rochefoucauld

Monday, February 22, 2010

Burrrrrrrr, it's cold in hurrrrr

There are healthy frozen foods out there!! Perfect for quick meals and it keeps longer than fresh. I should seriously be getting paid for advertising these products, but when I find something good I like to share. As I often tell my 3 & 5 year old nieces, 'sharing is caring'...I even have a little song to accompany it! haha!




Kashi Go Lean Waffles...made with whole grains and all you have to do is pop them in the toaster. I top with low-fat fruited yogurt instead of syrup...DELLLLLLLLLLISH!





Frozen Veggies... always have some in your freezer. Purchase brands that don't have a droppy, salty sauce. All you have to do is pop these bad boys in the micro and you've got a side. Can also add to stir-frys, sauces, sandwiches, dishes, and casseroles too.

Amy's Burritos...Found with the vegetarian meals/'natural'  section. At 280 cals a pop you get fiber & protein. I pair with salsa!

Trader Joe's Frozen Brown Rice...seriously all you have to do is microwave and you've got your rice. Comes in a green box.



Morningstar Farms...meat-less products...not just for vegetarians! I'm not a vegetarian but love their veggie burgers/chickenless chicken patties and nuggets! Their sausage patties are a perfect substitution for the real thing and very tasty! Visit the website for ideas.

Edy's Slow Churned...ice cream and yogurt varities...for the inner ice cream lover in you. It's creamy texture mimics the high fat version. Lots of flavors to choose from (and you get your calcium too!).

Edy's All Natural Fruit Bars...only 30 calories a pop, they have delicioso flavors and are highly addictive! Made with splenda.