HEALTHY SNACKS FOR ALL

Snacks are a normal part of any healthy diet.  If you have children you need to be a role model for them in what you put in your mouth and how you exercise your body.  When you stock your shelves be sure to put healthy snacks on the lower shelves of the pantry and fridge for your children to reach.  Definitely make sure the snacks are lower in fats, sugars, and salt.

Here are some healthy snack ideas for you:

* low sugar ready to eat cereals
* whole grain crackers, graham crackers, and bread
* popcorn (make sure this is not a choking hazard for too small of children)
* peanut butter spread thin on bread or crackers (make sure your child is not allergic)
* veggies with low fat dip (some are choking hazards for small children)
* hard cooked eggs
* bean dip spread thin on crackers
* canned or fresh fruit chunks (grapes: can be choking hazard for small children)
* 100% fruit juice (1/2-2/3 cup per day)
* cheese (slices or strings)
* low fat yogurt
* cooked veggies
* small muffins
* small bagels
* fat free or 1% milk
* pudding
* cottage cheese with fruit chunks
* luncheon meat (rolled) or small pieces of cooked meat (make be a choking hazard for small children)

SOME SMALL TRIVIA FUN QUESTIONS ~~~

1) What is a better snack choice in each pair?  
     a) potato or french fries
     b) peach or pie
     c) frozen yogurt or dark chocolate bar

How are you doing on those December workout challenges or the Advent challenges?  
They are all very good workouts that work all areas of your body.  If you have not tried one or all you still have time or just start now and continue through January, where we all may need extra assistance from those holiday meals and drinks we enjoy. 

ADVENT SEASON WORKOUT

Advent season has started last week and what is more fun than doing a fun, healthy workout during the season.  I did this workout last Advent season (2014) and LOVED it and I am doing it again this Advent season.  Even the burpees exercises are fun!! I know how few people like doing those.  Enjoy and happy working out! 

 

SLOW COOKER GARDEN CHICKEN

Here is a eating clean new recipe to try for anyone who would like to try it.  It serves about 4. 

INGREDIENTS:
4 boneless chicken breasts 
1 Tbsp olive oil
Mrs. Dash garlic and herb seasoning, to taste
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
1/2 onion, sliced
4 rubs celery, coarsely chopped 
1 cup baby carrots
1/2 head cabbage, cut into chunks (I used broccoli instead and it was still good.)
1 cup vegetable broth

DIRECTIONS:
1) Rub chicken with olive oil and place in the bottom of slow cooker (crock pot) and sprinkle with seasoning.
2) Place veggies on top of chicken (cabbage or broccoli, whichever you choose, on top) and sprinkle with seasoning.
3) Pour broth over the top.
4) Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. 
5) Serve on top of brown rice or with a baked potato on the side.

ENJOY!

HEALTHY TIPS ON VEGETABLES

Have you ever wondered if you don't have any fresh vegetables in your refrigerator or don't have time to prep and cook them what do you do?  Well before you grab for unhealthy eats, Target stores or Aldi stores have frozen fresh cut vegetables for about $1.00 or $.99.  Just make sure you don't grab the vegetables that have fatty or creamy sauces.  Eat away......

DECEMBER FIT CHALLENGE

The holidays are tough for many, so why not join me and continue our fit and trim before they start.  This starts TODAY, December 1 with stating your goals you want to accomplish this month of Christmas.  

My fitness goal(s) is to continue staying fit and eating healthy, BUT trying hard not to grab those extra SWEETS all the time.  Sometimes I just want grab them even though I do not need them.  One of my weaknesses.  

SQUATS

Who doesn't love doing squats, jumping jacks, crunches, lunges, etc?  Well I have a December challenge for you.  I am going to be doing this challenge as well.  So why don't you join me in doing 25 times(X) workout! 

HEALTHY TIP......

Sorry for the breaks in posts, I have been on vacation.  Now that I am back I will share with you a tip on how to stay healthy and still workout while on vacation, so you don't have to feel guilty that you didn't do anything while away.

Yes, it is alright to still splurge while on vacation, but TRY not to go overboard.  If you eat out, eat at someone's house, or cook meals on vacation still try to choose foods that are more healthier for you rather than all the sweets and breads.  I know you can do it! We would eat out and I would grab a salad, but I made sure that my salad was not covered with tons of calorie items and stuff that I would regret later.  We did a road trip vacation so I had packed some meals and snacks and only the healthier treats and meals.  

As for a workout, if you going anyway that requires walking that is always a great one, especially places with stairs.  Always take the stairs versus the elevator.  Where we went our relatives had a huge backyard and it was snowing.  So I went out with my two boys and played and ran in the snow and we even did some shoveling (great for lifting and working your whole body).  Just make sure you bend with your legs so you don't hurt your back.  

So while on vacation you can STILL EAT HEALTHY FOODS and FIND A WORKOUT where ever you go.  THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING!!