Healthy snack: Finn Crisps

Mabuhay!

Let me introduce to you the new "chips" in my life:

Finn Crackers in Caraway have pretty much replaced my potato chips (although I do sneak a bag of baked chips once in a while in our grocery cart, haha!) It doesn't have the salty goodness of regular potato chips but what it has is the same crunchy texture.

I've been eating this crackers for years and I totally forgot to share this with all of you!

Great for snacking! Kids and adults will love this!

Great with sardines...

Hummus...

And sssalsa!

Shoppingero/shoppingera, what healthy snacks have you been eating lately?


*Finn Crackers are available at Healthy Options

Healthy snack: Nestlé Fruit Selection Yogurt

Mabuhay!

Here is something we can all learn from the Mayo Clinic (Can't wait for their Mayo Clinic Diet book: A weight-loss program for life!):

Snacks: How they fit into your weight-loss plan

Well-planned, healthy snacks can complement your weight-loss plan. Here are creative and healthy ways to satisfy your hunger.
By Mayo Clinic staff

Your stomach is growling, but lunch is hours away. You could indulge yourself with a snack, but you think it's best to grit your teeth and wait for lunch. Not so, if weight loss is your goal.

Although you may feel guilty about snacking, snacks aren't necessarily bad. In fact, well-planned weight-loss diets, such as The Mayo Clinic Diet, allow for snacks to help manage hunger and reduce bingeing. Eating a healthy snack of a piece of fruit or some raw veggies can tame your hunger without ruining your appetite for your next meal.

The key to incorporating snacks into your weight-loss plan is to keep moderation and balance in mind.

Choose healthy snacks

Select foods that satisfy your hunger, supply your body with energy and provide important nutrients.

One of my favorite healthy snacks is Nestlé Fruit Selection Yogurt in Buko Pandan. Buko (coconut) is my favorite fruit in the world! Nestlé Fruit Selections also comes in mango, melon and strawberry flavors.

Opt for snacks of 100 calories or less to stay within your daily calorie goal. You can eat more of foods with low energy density, such as carrots, grapes and air-popped popcorn, for your 100 calories. Choose snacks from these food groups:

• Fruits and vegetables. Eating fruits and vegetables provides a feeling of fullness with little to no fat and only a small number of calories. Fruits and vegetables also provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients.
• Whole grains. Whole-grain snacks are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which give you energy with staying power. Look for items such as low-fat whole-grain crackers, whole-grain pretzels and whole-grain crispbreads.
• Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds provide protein, so you will feel fuller longer. They can be high in fat, but it's mostly monounsaturated, a healthy kind of fat. Nuts and seeds are high in calories, however, so don't eat them in large quantities.
• Low-fat dairy products. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products are good sources of calcium and protein, plus many other vitamins and minerals. Choose the low-fat versions. Some yogurts have extra added sugar, so look for low-calorie or "light" varieties.

Did you know? Yogurt is #1 on the superfood list. A cup of yogurt has more than 1 billion of Microorganisms that aids in digestion.

The nata de coco bits in the creamy yogurt makes this a delightful snack.

Shoppingero/shoppingera, have you tried eating yogurt? What's your favorite flavor?

Walk, walk fashion baby, work it!

Mabuhay!

Who here did not overeat during the holidays? Please raise your legs.
*cricket, cricket*
I thought so.

Well, there's no point crying over spilled milk. Speaking of milk, is anyone here still eating leftover cookies and milk from the holidays? Put. The. Cookie. Down. That means you, hun!

New Year, new mindset — a stronger mindset.
Pick up the dumbbells (or filled-up water bottles) and do a few reps at home or inside your office cubicle. You can also jog/power walk around the park. Both are free and great ways to get fit and healthy.

Remember: Bawal ang tatamad-tamad!

I'd like to share with you some of the exercises I've been doing. They are easy, inexpensive, and effective ways to get in shape:
 

My version of the Stairmasters is climbing 40-50 flights of stairs in my condo. My goal is to climb 100 floors! Great cardio workout — it's free and private.

I learned that the fastest way to burn fat is to build muscles. I lift a pair of 5-pound dumbbells and do several arms and legs exercises. You can use filled-up water bottles if you don't have dumbbells.

Find a workout that you enjoy. I like TRX suspension training. OK, TRX is not free but it's one exercise you can invest in. Contact Reema Chanco to find out about her rates. I personally got a packaged rate.

I'm so happy I met my TRX trainer Reema Chanco. The first time she offered me a free trial, I was hooked! Despite the TV/youtube commercials of Navy Seals and other bulky men using the TRX suspension straps, it actually doesn't bulk you up because you use your body weight as weights.

As some of you may already know, there are no short cuts to losing weight and being healthy. My suggestion is to focus on eating/cooking healthy meals and find a workout that you enjoy rather than losing weight. Exercise with your loved ones or friends for at least 30 minutes a day. I find that walking/jogging with the family around the park doesn't only build cardio but a healthy relationship as well.

Set realistic goals for yourself. I gave myself one year to lose my post-pregnancy weight. I did it! I set a new goal for myself this year — a bikini body for summer!

Admittedly, living healthy can sometimes be a bit expensive. The way I see it, some of us spend a lot on shoes and bags (aminin!), this year, let's invest more in our bodies. Eating healthy and going to the gym may put a dent on your budget but always remember that health is wealth. If you can afford to buy new shoes/bags, you can afford to buy a gym membership or pay a trainer and shop for healthy food.

This is my mantra in achieving a healthy, fit body: Visualize (cue music: "Walk, walk fashion baby, work it..."), materialize (clothes fit nicely on a fit body), mesmerize (bikini bodyyy!) 


Shoppingero/shoppingera, what steps are you taking to achieve a healthy body?

Healthy snack: Sahale Snacks

Mabuhay!

Eating 5 to 6 small meals a day = Faster metabolism = Avoid cravings by keeping you full throughout the day

I'm already good on the healthy meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacking in between is a challenge. I try to look for snacks that are yummy and healthy at the same time because eating bananas everyday as snack is BANANAS for me!

I have to thank my hubby for this flavorful treat! It's healthy, super delish and beats eating chips!

Sahale Snacks Pecans Valdosta Pecans with Sweet Cranberries, Black Pepper + Orange Zest is made with black-peppered pecans and sweet cranberries, this sumptuous departure from everyday snack food evokes the classic taste of the American South.
The combination of sweet and salty makes this snack perfect for me. You must try this!

Moderation is key. One pack Sahale Snacks Valdosta Pecans should last you four small snacks.

*Sahale Snacks are available at Healthy Options. Other Sahale Snacks gourmet nuts are: Barbeque Almonds, Southwest Cashews, and Tuscan Almonds


Shoppingero/shoppingera, what's your favorite healthy snack?