On the Road: Grain-Free Snacks

A lifelong friendship could have very well been a polite acquaintance had it not been for one thing.

Pretzel rods.

Kim and I were making the journey from northeast Indiana to Chicagoland for the 2013 Wisconsin Half Marathon. Like any good toddler moms would, we came packing. Apples, carrots, nuts, pretzel roods and raisins filled bags and, later, bellies until we were able to stop for lunch.

Just one thing: A suitable dining spot was hard to come by. We spent much of the four trip lamenting that we were hungry as we ate another pretzel rod ... and another ... and another. As we were both running 13.1 the next day, we just considered it carb loading.

But carbs and me aren't on the greatest of terms since I adopted my no sugar, no grains lifestyle (which is about 80/20). So when it came time to pack snacks for our road trip to Colorado, I was at a bit of a loss. Sure, I could fill a bag with fruit snacks, yogurt-covered raisins, granola bars and crackers for the boys. But what was I going to pack?

Plenty, as it turns out.

UGo Bars. I found these at my local running store, and I couldn't resist. The bars are made in Bloomington, Indiana, and feature recognizable ingredients and an actual expiration date. They are comparable to Larabars but the taste is off the charts. I had the Ultra Cherry and Cacao, which had dried cherries, pecans, raisins, flax, cinnamon chia seeds and cacao nibs. They do have brown rice syrup, which hedges the line of no sugar, but it's still a good option.

Snack pack olives. I'll admit, these weird me out a bit. The black olives come in a plastic container with no liquid. And, at nearly a $1 per serving, these aren't cost effective but it's nice to have something salty and fatty to tide you over.

Shelled pistachios. I love, love, love pistachios and often get them on car trips when we make a pit stop at a gas station. The only problem is that they come in the shell, making them difficult to eat while driving and messy. It's worth it to spend the extra money and get them pre-shelled. I bought snack pack plastic baggies and portioned them out. Other nuts are great, too.

Peeled boiled eggs. This option is best for consumption within a few hours but I packed a few eggs in a plastic container with freezer ring. As we left at 4 a.m., I was able to grab these when I was ready for breakfast and eat something familiar.

Almond butter packets. A container of fresh ground almond butter can almost always be found at my desk. I eat it with fruit or on a sweet potato but mostly I eat it with a spoon. So why would I stray from a favorite on a trip? The combination of fat and protein is great for satiety.

What are your must have snacks?

Healthy snacks: Does eating this make me weird?

There's nothing like getting the side eye in the office to make you questions all life choices.

Maybe it's the stain on your pants from a toddler unwilling to use a tissue. It could be a rash decision to take leftover tuna casserole to work and heat it up in the communal microwave. Or, it might be the time you wore a shirt from the junior's department without a camisole or cardigan.

As for me, it's usually my choice in snacks, which - if we're being honest - I'm eating for a good part of the day.

SOY JOY | Dry Roasted Edamame
One of the things I always hated when I was doing Weight Watchers was everyone telling me that almonds were the healthiest of the healthy snacks. Yes, there are a lot of redeeming attributes about the tree nut but they were also a ton of points. I could eat four almonds or a mini bag of popcorn. Four almonds ... WHOLE bag of popcorn. Easy choice. Until one day when I found Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame at Marshall's. It's 130 calories per serving and offers protein and crunch like almonds without the calories.

Why eat it? It's high in protein - 14 grams per serving - and fiber (7 grams per serving). The ingredient list is also simple. For the lightly salted, it's soy beans and sea salt. That's it.

BITTER SWEET | Raw radishes
For most of my life, I disliked radishes - or at least said that I disliked the root vegetable. Then, one day, my grandma put them on a veggie tray and changed my life. The bitter vegetable was tolerable - maybe even good - dipped in ranch dressing. Since then, I've been noshing them regularly though my style has changed. The ranch dressing is gone, and I typically eat them apple-style at my desk. It's definitely turned some heads in the office but I hate to mask its bitter fire by slicing and dipping.

Why eat it? Radishes are low in calories (16 calories for a cup) and full of fiber and nutrients. According to this article, they have been known to eliminate toxins, ease sore throats and keep you hydrated.

SEA FARING | Roasted Seaweed Snacks
I first bought these on a trip to Trader Joe's when I was in Cincinnati. They were 99 cents a package, and I was antsy to fill my cart with something as I was underwhelmed with the offerings. I took them to work as that's where I do most of my snacking, figuring that I'd grab them from the snack drawer on a desperate day. Well, desperation came about 4 hours later. It would be easy to be put off by the smell and cellophane texture but I found the wasabi flavor to be palatable and liked the snack "melt" on my tongue.

Why eat it? I really, really liked that the snacks are 30 calories a serving. Oh, and it's a pretty awesome way to get in some minerals.

Other things I love: Cut vegetables dipped in salsa, dried cranberries + popcorn, cottage cheese + jelly, hard-boiled eggs with salt and pepper.

What about you? Do your snacks turn heads?

Have a Ball: Caramel Coconut Energy Bites

You want to know what makes me excited? Balls. Sweet, chewy balls.

Let's set the scene: I'm at work on a long Thursday afternoon, snacking on Inner Peas from Trader Joe's, when my mind goes to balls. I leaped out of my chair excitedly, thanking heavens I didn't trip on the cord to the heating pad on which I was sitting, and quickly poured myself a cup of coffee. It was an hour past my caffeine cutoff but there's nothing better than a hot cup of joe and balls.

And before I get in too far over my head with this, let's be clear. We're talking about edible balls. I mean balls that you make out of food stuffs and are acceptable to eat in public. After all, I'm old and married and have a toddler.

Now back to the balls. I know these things have been everywhere and no one really cares much about another "energy bite" recipe. I'm probably the last person on the planet to put dates in a blender, pulse until the cord is hot and put the hot mess in my hands.

But I did. And it was wonderful. Mostly because I'm doing 99% well on my no desserts during Lent and it finally gave me a use for the dates I bought on Manager's Special at Kroger for no reason.

Hey! Look! It's turds on a paper plate! From a different angle!

I wasn't expecting success when I got out the ingredients - and even less so during the process - so there's no cutesy photos of ingredients or action shots of the food processor. As if you didn't know how to press on and pulverize till oblivion.

But here's what I used:

8 ounces of dates, which I had to pit
1 scoop chocolate protein powder {I used GNC Lean 25 Rich Chocolate}
1 tablespoon reduced fat Jif peanut butter
1/3 cup unsweetened coconut

I put it in the food processor - obviously - ground it until I didn't see it changing anymore. It was hot and gross. So I got out the scooper, formed it into messy balls and refrigerated. Cooling them off did wonders because they were firm yet moist and reminiscent of a Samoa cookie with the dates taking on the caramel flavor, the chocolate protein powder and coconut.

Almost too reminiscent of a Samoa, I might add. I've found myself indulging in them when I don't need energy, you know like when I'm drinking coffee or after I'm finished with my tempo run. And while I'm thinking about it, why would anyone think these things give you energy? It's not a steroid.

It's a ball. So shut up and eat it.

Note: I apologize if you either found this post offensive or not amusing. I blame the balls. They are always at fault.

Pucker up: Snacking smarter

My advice was succinct: KISS -- otherwise known as Keep It Simple, Sassypants.

I was recently contacted by Joy Bauer's people, who were seeking "unique" tips for weight loss and maintenance for a potential segment - "Real People, Real Weight Loss."

While I am real person who really lost weight, I initially gaffed at the request. People always seem to be looking for new tips, the next best thing, but I believe that the old tips are still round because they still work.

However, in this Pinterest-dominated world, I've found an increased pressure to include crazy concoctions in my daily meals. I've also found that these extravagant dishes often have more than a visual impact - they have a nutritional one, as well. Greek yogurt with berries and nuts might be a great source of protein, healthy fat and antioxidants but it will likely come in at more than 250 calories - and that's with good portioning. It also is a mess to put together. Or maybe that's me.

Hence the KISS principle.

As the premise is simple, it's not all that difficult to implement, especially in terms of snacking. I like to be able to grab a few items (totaling 150 calories or so) and throw them in my lunch bag. And that's it. Simple for this sassypants.

There's a Babybel cheese with fruit. I prefer apples but pears were on sale this week. As for the Babybel? I prefer them all. There's eight flavors, including White Cheddar and Gouda (oh so good-a!), and I purchase many of them on a regular basis with my own money. Well, Mark's. I like to buy things with Mark's money. This mozzarella round is mild and creamy, allowing it to pair well with a variety of fruit.

Laughing Cow wedges with high-fiber crackers. Bonus points: Keep the crackers in the desk drawer. I do not get bonus points as I relied on the options in the vending machine. These Wheat Thin Veggie Chips are not quite the Doctor Kracker ones I was hoping to pick up at the co-op but not too bad if you are mindful of portions.

A little appetizer platter - baby carrots, crackers, Babybel ... and RADISHES. I eat all.the.radishes.

If you insist on being fancy, try a packable version of the caprese salad. Dice tomatoes and Babybel Mozzarella, put it in a plastic container with a drizzle of olive oil and seas salt. Eat solo or with the crackers you stashed in your desk.

Or the ones you steal from a friend's desk. Shh, don't tell him.

How do you snack smarter?

Find more ideas by visiting www.mini-babybel.com or following them on Twitter at @Babybel or on Facebook.

Disclosure: Mini Babybel® Cheese provided me with product for this review. However, thoughts and opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the brand.

Friday finds

It's almost the weekend. Put your party hat on!

Sorry - that was just a shameless introduction to use this photo of Miles. Deal.

So this morning I had planned to go to Piloxing since the Train Like A Mother plan had me doing a fun workout. And Piloxing is definitely fun. When I showed up to the studio, though, I learned that it was on spring break. Well, not Piloxing itself but the instructor or the people who run the studio - either way, I wasn't going to get in my planned workout.

Womp, womp.

I was slightly disappointed but I had packed clothes to runch (fun workout = fun workout + 3 miles for Kim). I was fine. And, Fresh market was next door so I could pick up an apple for a mid-morning snack and freshly ground almond butter ... and whatever else caught my eye.

Hint Fizz in watermelon. I've been avoiding this stuff, thinking it had sweetener, but low and behold it's just a calorie-free sparkling water. Huzzah! The sparkles reminded me of nuun and it had a sharpness in flavor (because it's unsweetened) but I really liked it. Not get a "blow the grocery budget and buy out the store" like it but "could get again for funsies" like it.

Snapea Crisps. I decided to look for kale chips and then stopped looking for them when I realized they were $7.99. On the shelf right below, though, were Snapea Crisps. They looked interesting enough, have 130 calories per serving and were a mere $1.99. I'm hoping they can fill a snack void during the #sugardetox.

Seapoint Farms Dry-Roasted Edamame. My favorite snack disappeared from my diet when the nearby Marshall's closed, and it's been missed to say the least. As luck would have it, I found it right next to the Snapea Crisps. Also 130 calories per serving. Also $1.99.

Red Curry Paste. OK, this probably isn't unusual but they definitely don't have it Aldi. I was impressed with myself that I thought to look for it while I was there as I have a Thai Sweet Potato Soup on the books for next week.

Smart & Delicious Soft Wrap Minis - Three Seed. Also on the menu books next week? Curry tuna salad. It would be delicious on a mini bagel but I thought it might be smart and delicious on these wraps. Ha. I made a funny. Anyway, no sugar plus 50 calories each makes it a winner ... assuming it doesn't taste like my sweaty sports bras.

Any good food finds to share?

Breaking tradition: A giveaway

Graham crackers with strawberry Laughing Cow Cream Cheese and sliced banana. Peanut butter and apple "sandwiches."

All of which sound delicious to me ... and all of which received an initial snub from the group of kids who come to the office once a week for tutoring.

But last week I really did it. Oh, lordy, did I do it. I blended 4 ounces of cream cheese with half of an avocado. The mixture was spread on a tortilla and topped with bite-size pieces of broccoli, zucchini and carrot, rolled up and cut in half. It looked insanely good to me but you would have thought I was giving them liver with applesauce on top. It was, hands down, the most rejected snack I've ever made.

I don't take their rejection personally as they'd much rather have a combination like goldfish crackers and ranch dressing or, better yet, Hot Cheetos and root beer but I did feel the urge to redeem myself this week.

I wasn't quite sure how I would do it, and do it on my terms, until I saw a recipe for Coconut Oil Rice Krispie Treats from Gimme Some Oven in my Google Reader. While the treats have more sugar than I prefer, my personal use of organic whole grain cereal and coconut oil, one of the hottest food trends of 2013, made me feel a bit less guilty.

I was recently given the chance to try coconut oil through Tropical Traditions' generous blogger program and thus had some on hand to try Ali's treats.

I combined the oil with butter, gingerbread marshmallows and cereal just as you would any other cereal treat. Genius got the best of me, and I scooped the mixture into a greased muffin pan rather than put it in a brownie pan. No cutting = no temptation to eat the crumbs.

I'd be lying if I said the kids jumped for joy when they saw the little cereal balls. In fact, I think I scared them so much with the veggie wraps that they would have been trepidation of a candy bar. However, with one bite, the kids were happy. One third-grader ate two, trading a Yoohoo for it, and a fifth-grader asked me for the recipe.

I'm pretty sure I struck gold - and not just with the label. And you can, too. Tropical Traditions will give one reader a 1-quart jar of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil! (Scroll down for Rafflecopter giveaway and rules.)

 

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

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Food Friday: All Greek to me {+ giveaway}

There were two things I missed when I was limiting dairy during marathon training: cheese and ice cream.

Wait. Make that three things. I missed cheese, ice cream and Greek yogurt.

Whether it's topped with berries and nuts or the occasional granola, stirred into oatmeal or a topping pancakes, it's a delicious snack or breakfast. And healthy, too. Greek yogurt has more protein than traditional yogurts, fewer carbohydrates and less sodium.

But of course you already knew that.

There's a dizzying array of Greek yogurt brands - Chobani, Fage and Oikos (my first foray into Greeks) - and more traditional yogurt brands such as Dannon and Yoplait have come out with their own versions. It's a $5 billion business {source}, with each brand trying to create its own niche. Chobani has a loyal following in the blogosphere and Fage has its own group who appreciate its tang.

But Yoplait is targeting someone else. Someone who can't afford to "spend" 150+ calories on the sugary concoctions of other producers. Someone who budgets snacks. Someone who is busy and needs a quick snack on the go.

Yoplait's Greek 100 is 100 calories and just 2 Points Plus if you follow Weight Watchers. It has 10 grams of protein for staying power and 9 grams of sugar (there are artificial sweeteners in this yogurt). And though it has no fat, it still has a thick consistency that Greek yogurt fans enjoy.

I sampled a bit of this yogurt during the summer, and I found it to be good. A tad sweet but good. It's something easy you can throw into your purse .... I mean lunch bag ... for a quick snack at work without having to worry about calories or portions.

And I do mean you. The folks at Yoplait have generously offered to send a case of the new yogurt to five - yes, 5! - readers.

Happy snacking.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end on Sunday, Nov. 18. Winners will be selected at random and announced on the blog Monday, Nov. 19. Winners have 72 hours to claim their prize (by emailing hlthystrides at gmail dot com) or new winners will be selected.

Food Friday: Snack finds

I've been snacking. A lot lately, so it seems. And while I have my go-to snacks - sliced cucumbers, fresh fruit, 100-calorie packs of almonds - I've come across some new (to me) things that I thought I'd share.

Seapoint Farms Dry-Roasted Edamame,  Spicy Wasabi flavor. I first discovered dry-roasted edamame in a Go Picnic! pack but have since seen it at Marshall's and niche grocers. I love it as a salty snack alternative to nuts or crackers with a punch of protein. A quarter-cup serving has 130 calories, 4.5 grams of fat and 14 grams of protein. And if you get the Spicy Wasabi flavor, I promise you that it has enough POW! that you won't be going back for seconds. I am a wasabi lover - it's a good part of the reason I like sushi - and this did not disappoint. Some pieces can have more wasabi powder than others so if you have a sensitive tummy, I would go with the traditional flavor.

Yoplait Greek 100. Greek yogurt for a dairy free gal? I know, I know. The company had contacted me before my decision to limit my dairy so when it came to my door, I thought I should at least give it a try.

{what I love about it} It's only 100 calories, still thick like fuller fat Greek yogurts and just 2 Points Plus if you are following Weight Watchers. I had a hard time finding plan-friendly yogurts when I was regularly attending WW and it's even tougher with Points Plus. It's also a bit more affordable than some of the other brands such as Chobani and Fage.

{what I didn't like about it} It is sweet. Almost sickeningly sweet. So much so that I felt an insane sense of mother's guilt giving Miles bites of it. I will say that I had been accustomed to eating Fage 0%, which I get ridiculously cheap at my butcher, and has about 16 grams of sugar from fruit. Yoplait Greek 100 is sweetened with sucralose (brand name Splenda), which explains the sweetness.

Earl Grey Latte with soy. OK, it's not so much a snack as a beverage - sue me. I picked up one of these the other day at Starbucks, and I fell in love.

Since I got my Keurig Vue, I've been obsessed (to say the least) with coffee, and I'm trying to balance it with something I can pretend is a bit better for me. The tea latte is just that. I got mine unsweetened (later added stevia) and was singing its praises for the three-block drive to work as I listened to a podcast of "This American Life" (also an obsession). It is a bit of a calorie-buster at 140 for a tall but it's a nice treat.

Snack drawer. I made a pit stop at Target this week to replenish my snack drawer (that's my reason, and I'm sticking to it), and I picked up a few things for the afternoon munchies - mandarin oranges in light syrup, 100-calorie packs of raisins and Fiber One Strawberry PB&J bars.

And maybe some fun-size Snickers Almond. Maybe ...

Anything else you would add to the drawer? I may or may not need another reason to hit up the Target.