What Are You Craving?

I ran across these snacking options while reading the other day and I thought a lot of them sounded good.  I love that you can choose between sweet or savory craving options.

If you're craving sweet:

• Cherries (1 cup) + almonds (10)
• Orange (1) + pistachios (30)
• Peach (1, sliced and grilled) + "cream" (puree 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon honey and cinnamon until smooth)
• Berries (1/2 cup) + low-fat vanilla yogurt (6 ounces).  Craving chocolate?  Stir in 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Apple (1, chopped and baked in microwave for 1 minute) + almonds (10, chopped).  Sprinkle with cinnamon. 
• Banana (1) + walnuts (5 halves)

If you're craving savory:

• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup) + low-fat mozzarella cheese stick (1)
• Olives (5) + edamame (1 cup, steamed in shell)
• Celery (1 rib, sliced) + peanut butter (1 1/2 tablespoons)
• Cucumber (1 cup, sliced) + tuna (3 ounces with 1 tablespoon light mayo)
• Grapes (1/2 cup, whole) + turkey jerky (1 stick)
• Pea pods (1 cup) + hummus (4 tablespoons)

Snack Time Favorites

Snack Time

You don't have to feel guilty about snacking.  Healthy snacking can help you reach your weight loss goals by controlling hunger and preventing a binge.  Looking for a snack?  Here are some of my snack time favorites; all around 100 calories.

• The Laughing Cow Mini Babybel Original - 70 Calories
• Rold Gold Braided Twists Honey Wheat - 8 for 110 Calories
• Mini Caramel Rice Cakes - 7 for 60 Calories
• Clif Crunch Bar White Chocolate Macadamia - 1 bar for 95 Calories
• Hershey Bliss Dark Chocolate Squares - 3 for 105 Calories
• Sundae Shoppe Italian Ice Strawberry or Lemon - 100 Calories

Almond Joy Trail Mix

I ran across this simple recipe in a magazine.  I love Almond Joys and this sounds so yummy and easy!

Almond Joy Trail Mix

Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes and 12 almonds. To add more volume, add a handful of popcorn.

Fight Hot Flashes

Fight Hot Flashes

Tired of suffering from hot flashes and night sweats?  Relief maybe be as far as your kitchen.

Fill up on a variety of these fruits and vegetables:

• Garlic
• Peppers
• Mushrooms
• Salad Greens
• Strawberries

Recent studies have shown that eating a variety of these fruits and vegetables can help reduce symptoms by 20%.  It certainly can't hurt to try!

Good For You Egg Salad Recipe

Protein packed eggs are one of the most versatile foods.

One large egg only costs you about 75 calories.

Good For You Egg Salad
3 extra large eggs
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon of slivered almonds
Pinch of fresh ground black pepper

• Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water.  Bring to a boil, turn off the heat, cover the pot and let it sit on the hot burner for 8 minutes.
• Remove from stove, drain water and run cold water over eggs.  Peel eggs, discarding two of the yolks. Place the whole egg and the two whites in a bowl.
• Mash with a fork.  Add the celery, parsley, mustard, almonds and pepper and mix.

Eat as is or serve on flatbread.

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Nutrition:  173 Calories

Fluid Retention and Weight Loss

I have been retaining fluid this week.  And, as I shared in my last post, my weigh-in this week was very disappointing with a five pound gain.  So, I did a little research and I found the following tips:

Diet Changes That Can Help Relieve Water Retention

• Reduce your sodium intake.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. 
• Drink up to eight glasses of water a day.
• Add 15 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, especially on the days you are retaining fluid. (Exercise reduces stress and promotes blood circulation, which creates a positive effect on your metabolism and this in turn assists the body in regulating itself.)

This morning I got up and did a 30 minute workout of walking/jogging in place, leg lifts, stretches and a little bit of dancing.  I hate watching a video to workout.  I prefer to either turn on some peppy music or just watch television and get moving.  

After my workout, I went to take my shower.  The whole time I was in the bathroom the scales were calling out to me.  So, against my better judgement, I decided to weigh again today.  (I usually don't allow myself to weigh more than once a week.)  But, it proved to be a positive experience; I had lost one and half pounds.

It was a relief to see a little bit of that gain was gone and it really gave me a boost of motivation for the week to come.

Till next time....God bless!

Weigh-In Friday

My morning did not start off "happy, happy, happy."  My weigh-in results almost had me bolting for the candy aisle to comfort myself.

I gained five pounds this week!  I know part of the reason is that I am retaining fluid; but I don't know why. I feel puffy and my hands and feet are swollen.

One of my medications was changed to a different brand, but it's basically the same thing I have been taking. I am getting more than my required water intake, it's basically all I drink.  I have been snacking on baby carrots and cucumber slices.  It's just so frustrating.

The good news:  I'm happy to report that I did not lose control or have a pity party while stuffing my face full of unhealthy junk foods.  I did allow myself a moment of pouting and then shook it off.

I am more determined than ever to stay on track and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I'm getting my health back one day at a time.