Bear Naked Morning Power Pack

Mix into plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt!

Lately, it takes all that I have to get to work on time.  And I am still late!  But, this week I am determined to make it on time and here is my trick: a grab and go breakfast.  

I love long mornings and that is part of my problem.  I love to slowly wake up, cook up a healthy and wholesome breakfast, take time to get ready, and perhaps catch a little news or some tunes.  However, most of us do not have the luxury to do this daily.  We need something quick, easy, and that will get us out the door in no time.

I found Bear Naked Morning Power Packs this weekend at Target and gave them a try Sunday and Monday morning with a little plain Greek yogurt.  Yum!  So easy, delicious, and kept me satisfied for hours! 

These are 200 calories a pop so are to be a main part of the meal.  They also have 10g of fat, but most of the fat comes from nuts and oil so not too shabby.  These packs have 5g of protein so pairing with yogurt or Greek yogurt will pump up the protein a bit more (keeping you fuller longer).  The ingredients are all ones I can pronounce.  They have more ingredients than what I typically like, but when I am in a rush convenience wins!

Let's see if I can get to work on time this week.  Got another quick and easy breakfast idea?  Feel free to share!

Eat well,
Bri

Pop to the Corn

Popcorn makes a great snack!

My mom has told me in the past that she craved popcorn whenever she was pregnant with me.  I believe it.  I love the heck out of some popcorn. 

Not all popcorn is created equal though.  Humans have a way of putting everything under the sun in different food products and not always for the better.  Ever read the calorie count for a bag of buttery popcorn at the movie theater?  You'd have to watch the movie on a treadmill to burn off maybe half of those calories.  The ingredients list in the artificial buttery spread alone is longer than the Declaration of Independence too.   

But, have no fear.  There are plenty of ways to enjoy a snack of popcorn without all the artery-clogging ingredients.  The hardest thing about eating popcorn, though, is pacing yourself.  Savor it!  And if savoring it is hard for you, have a piece of string cheese or small handful of nuts before enjoying the popcorn.  The protein will help fill you up quicker.

There are MANY options for popcorn lovers.  If you love the sound of popping corn, try an air popper.  The popcorn machines are fun to use and you get to determine what ingredients you use to season or flavor it.  If you are on the go and need something already made, try pre-made bagged popcorn.  I like the Fit brand (sea salt flavored), but there are plenty others too.  The ingredients in this one are: popcorn, non-GMO canola oil, & sea salt.  And what about boxed microwaveable popcorn?  Well, some aren't that great for you and there is a simpler way to make microwaveable popcorn (cheaper too!).  Read this recipe for a way to make popcorn in the microwave with a brown paper bag...  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Microwave-Popcorn/ 

Different flavors or seasonings I think sound tasty:

• Dark chocolate shavings
• Parmesan cheese (with or without a drizzle of olive oil)
• Drizzle of olive oil & sprinkle of favorite spice
• Black pepper & lemon zest (or squeeze of lemon)
• 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder & 1/8 teaspoon of chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon cloves, & 1 tablespoon each of 3 of your favorite nuts or seeds (think pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds, chopped pecans, etc.)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons each of coconut butter & coconut sugar plus 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

How do you eat your popcorn?  Feel free to share!

Eat well,
Bri

Summer Time Salads

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, let's officially call this swimsuit season.  Some of you have been working hard to feel and look good in that swimsuit (maybe a few extra pure barre classes?), while some would rather wear that cover up. It's all about confidence, ladies, and one way to stay confident in that swim suit is to eat light before you head out to the beach, pool, or lake.  

Nutty Nix Up Salad
(I hate food pics b/c the food never looks
as good as it really is)

One easy way to eat light, but not feel starving is to fill up on a summer time salad. One of my favorites is the Nutty Mix Up Salad from Jason's Deli (the smaller portion with dressing on the side).  This creation can easily be made at home though, too.  Here are a few keys to keep in mind for that light salad:

1. Have a nutritious base.  Fill up that bowl with spinach or spring mix.  These greens are full of antioxidants & vitamins.
2. Include plenty of protein.  To keep you full on your outdoor adventure, choose a protein source like chicken, shrimp, salmon, or boiled eggs to top your salad with.
3. Go nuts!  I personally like walnuts or slivered almonds, but add whatever nut you want.  Most nuts are full of healthy fats and some even have omega-3's, which we all know are great for the heart.  Healthy fats also help slow down your digestion (leaving you fuller longer). 
4. Color it up.  Add a colorful fruit to the mix like fresh blueberries, strawberries, or mandarin oranges.  Or if you prefer dried fruit, add raisins or cranberries.  Adding a carbohydrate from fruit will give you a little more energy & keep you from crashing later on.  Plus, can I say more vitamins?  Seriously, fruits & veggies provides so many vitamins & minerals that your body is probably rolling out the red carpet for them as we speak.
5. Keep your dressing on the side.  It is so easy to over pour dressing, which of course adds calories.  Keep your dressing on the side  & either dip as you go or sprinkle dressing on as you need it.  A little goes a long way!

What is your favorite summer time salad?

Eat well,

Bri

Nutty Bites: Cashews

Disclaimer: Nutty Bites is where I talk about healthy food items with funny, "nutty" names.  I will throw them into the blog every once in awhile... got a "nutty" food item you want mentioned?  Email suggestions to me at BriTexas@gmail.com.

Of course I had to include a nut in the “Nutty Bites”... so we will start with cashews. 

Cashhhheeeeww!   If you say it slowly, it almost sounds like a sneeze.  I regret to admit that people often stay away from nuts.  This is not because they sound like sneezes or have funny names, but because they are high in fat.  BUT, I know that all of you know fat is not to be feared.  Am I right?!  The unsaturated fats are the fats to shake hands with, while the saturated and trans-fats are the ones to slap in the face.  

Want a random fact regarding cashews?  Of course you do.  Cashews are the kidney-shaped seeds that you find on the bottom of a cashew apple, the fruit from the cashew tree, which are often found in Brazil.  The nut tastes good, is full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, blood pressure lowering magnesium, and antioxidant-rich copper.  Cashews are great as a snack so pair a handful with an apple to curb the afternoon munchies!  

Eat well,
Bri