Travel Healthy (or “healthier”)

As I mentioned, I recently went to California. Traveling, especially in airports, can often wreck your healthy eating. Although I definitely indulged in some excellent food (prosciutto wrapped seared tuna, Chilean see bass, lobster mac and cheese, escargot… not to mention fabulous drinks) I didn’t waste splurges on greasy airport burgers or inflight snacks. Here are some of my healthy travel tips.

1.  Pack an empty water bottle. I have been using an Aladdin bottle that opens with a click button only when you have your finger pressed on it and then seals shut (fantastic). If you’re like me and the taste of different water bother you (or you get bored with water) pack propel zero packets (or crystal light or any other drink flavor). Although it’s not as great as naturally fruit infused water, it’s all about the small things that can help while traveling. I didn’t have to spend lots of money on airport waters and I was able to stay hydrated.
2.  Pack food. Believe it or not, they don’t care if you pack food in your carry on. I packed dried crasins, a couple apples, some granola bars and a few other healthy snacks. I knew part of my trip would be in a hotel and it’s hard to come by fresh fruit (at non-ridiculous prices) in a hotel. An apple is also a great mid flight, healthy snack.
3. Choose wisely. When I was stuck in the airport for supper (airport delays) I needed a healthy choice so I grabbed a subway salad (and filled my water bottle up from their machine) and a Chobani greek yogurt. You can also easily find whole fruit (apples, bananas) or fresh fruit cups (in airports) to grab for your bag for the flight (just be prepared it’s more expensive than packing your own whole fruit).

When traveling, don’t forget to pack your normal vitamins and anything you take daily, along with some airborne or vitamin C (airplanes are a germ pool!). What are your healthy travel tips?  

I'm sorry I'm not sorry.

So as you can tell, lately I talk a lot endlessly about living a healthier lifestyle and running. So if I annoy you, I'm sorry I'm not sorry. Don't read my blog or click "don't show posts" in facebook.

These two things (becoming healthier and running) have changed my life. I'm so thankful for supportive family, friends and strangers. My lifestyle is completely different than it used to be.

I said from the beginning it's lifestyle lifetime change and I can definitely tell that was true - it's a conscious decision I must make every day.

May 2011 (Honeymoon in Mexico)

 December 2011

May 2012

 

October 2012

Eating Healthier in a Busy World

One of the hardest parts of a healthy healthier lifestyle is time. Time to workout. Time for food prep. Time for rest. I know everyone is busy and summertime means it’s even busier! Here are some of my go to healthier foods in a hurry (in no particular order):

Edamame

1. Frozen Edamame
   Microwave for 3 minutes and ta-da, a healthy snack or lunch side! I buy mine from Costco.
   
2. Yogurt (Dannon Light & Fit Vanilla or Plain Greek Yogurt)
   The Dannon Light & Fit is my go-to in a hurry. Scoop it in a bowl and go! If I didn’t mix cinnamom & a pack of stevia in my greek yogurt, it’d be just as quick.
   
3. Cereal Snack Bags
   Yes, this requires a little bit of prep time, but it’s quick and you can make a bunch at once. Grab a healthy cereal (fiber one and cheerios are my favorites), a measuring cup and snack size zip loc baggies. Scoop a serving into each baggie and zip. I keep these in my drawer at work (along with number 4 & 5) – I haven’t hit the snack machine in the last year. 
   
4. Granola Bars (Fiber One, Archer Farms, Quaker Oats, Kellog)
   Usually 100 calorie, hungry curbing, bars of goodness. Lots of brands available, so find your favorite (always read nutritional information). Also great for the sweet tooth are the chocolate chip or peanut butter varieties, like a candy bar but healthier!
   
5. Oatmeal
   Forget breakfast? All you need is oatmeal, water and a bowl (I do not add the salt that the oatmeal container calls for). You can buy the plain packets or buy the large container and make a bunch of pre-portioned baggies ready when you need them (this is what I do).

Just a few ways to avoid grabbing a bag of chips or a candy bar when you’re in a hurry (#dietdownfalls for sure!).