Things that Make Me Go Hmmmmm...

I always see the most interesting things when I go to the gym. Some things make me wonder what the hell were these people thinking and others make me bust out laughing. Here's a list of things that leave me quite befuddled, amused, and annoyed. They're in no particular order.

1. People Who Wear Regular Street Clothes to Work Out
It never fails that when I go to the gym there are people who are working out in clothes that are clearly NOT workout friendly. Denim jeans, button up shirts, cargo shorts, silky blouses, and even flip flops are just a few of the clothing choices of these people. I understand that you want to workout but you  can't possibly be comfortable in that get up. It's awkward looking and the chaffing has to be out of this world. Ouch!!

2. Not Cleaning Off the Machines After Use
This is not only poor gym etiquette, it's just plain old nasty. Last week I watched a man sneeze into his hands, grab the handle of the treadmill, sweat for 20 minutes while using the treadmill, get off and NOT wipe off the machine...EWWWWW. So the lucky person who went to use the treadmill after him was left with a sweet mix of sweat and boogers. NICE!!! I always make sure to wipe off my equipment before and after use. You should do the same because you never know what you may be touching.

3. Chatty Kathys
I'm sure that you all have had an experience or two with these individuals. This person can be a male or a female. These are the people who always want to start a 20 minute conversation with you when all you want to do is workout and go home. There is nothing worse than trying to do sprint intervals or a strength training circuit with Chatty Kathy breathing down your  back. In case you are  unsure if you or someone you know qualifies as a Chatty Kathy let me break it down for you all. If you or someone else insists on talking to someone mid workout despite the fact that the person has his/her headphones plugged in their ears, has not made eye contact with you, and/or gives you short, one word answers...then you or that person is a Chatty Kathy!!

4. Scantily Clad Chicks
Now, I have no problem with females being proud of their bodies. However, there is never and I repeat never a reason why you need to workout in spandex booty shorts AND a sports bra.  I have seen entirely too much of your body and I don't even know you like that ma'am. It never, ever, ever gets that hot in the gym for that attire. I sweat a lot and have never considered donning that wardrobe. I'm sure it's great eye candy for the fellows, though. There should be a compromise, either wear the sports bra with longer pants or wear the spandex booty shorts with a longer top but never together. Otherwise, people may get confused about their location and try to "make it rain" on you. If you are unsure about what "make it rain" means, click here for some clarification.

5.  Leisurely Use of the Equipment
You're either going to shit or get off the pot. I never understood people who spend an hour or more on a piece of cardio equipment moving as slow as turtles during peak hour at the gym. If you want to read a magazine, peruse your book selection on your Nook, or talk on your cell phone, please do it somewhere else. Just don't do it on the piece of cardio equipment that I want to use.You haven't broken a sweat and it's been 45 minutes, come on man! You can easily waste less time by increasing your intensity. You will burn more calories. I'm just saying, people!!

6. People Who Talk on Their Cell Phones
The occasional conversation is okay but if you are having a straight out argument on your phone with you girlfriend, boyfriend, baby mama/daddy then please don't do it within earshot of other people. I have been witness to this and the man damn near fell off the treadmill arguing with his woman.

7. Passing Gas Repeatedly
This is gross. Now, everyone has probably let one rip every now and again while working out. However, I have had the unfortunate pleasure of working out near individuals who clearly have some sort of gas leak going on in their lower region. If your gas is that bad, please do us all a favor and excuse yourself and go fart it out in the restroom. We won't judge you...maybe.

There are dozens of more things that I could add to this list but I will stop here. What are some of the strange things you've witnessed? Let us know and leave your comments...PEACE!!

Where's the Beef...I Mean Turkey??

I know you all remember this commercial!! Beef will always be a favorite for many people but it seems like turkey is a close second for favorite meat. Some restaurants have even taken notice and now offer the turkey burger as a menu option. Ruby Tuesday, for as long as I've been familiar with the restaurant, has always offered a turkey burger option. Arby's, Hardee's, and Red Robin are just a few other restaurants I can think of off the top of my head. 

There are always people who will swear by the beef, I prefer the turkey burger.  However, I do appreciate the taste of a nice juicy beef burger every now and again. But is there really a health benefit of choosing one over the other?? Here are some stats on ground turkey and ground beef based on 4 ounces of extra lean meat.

                                                               Ground Beef                                  Ground Turkey 

                                                                                                                       (Shady Brook Farms)

Calories                                                  140                                                  130

Protein (g)                                              23                                                    27

Total Fat (g)                                           4.5                                                   2

Cholesterol (mg)                                    65                                                   70

Sodium (mg)                                          70                                                   65

If you look at these nutritional facts for both meats, there isn't much difference between the two. Surprising??? If you choose the lean version of either meat you should be good to go. However, ground turkey not labeled "lean" may contain dark meat and skin, which will increase the amount of fat in the serving. Therefore, don't assume that all ground turkey is equally as healthy.

As far as the nutrients found in both meats, each is proven to be a good source of B-complex vitamins. These vitamins assist with the functioning of the nervous system. Ground beef had a slightly higher amount of certain vitamins, such as B-3, which helps produce energy in the body's cells, as well as B-6. B-6 breaks down protein. 

Ground Beef has twice as much zinc as ground turkey and more potassium. It also provides more iron per serving. All those things are great but you can also get these vitamins and minerals from other sources. Therefore, whatever your choice is, as long as it's lean, is all about preference. Ground turkey is a bit on the dry side when compared to beef, so that's something else to consider.

As mentioned earlier, you can find turkey burger options at many restaurants. However, don't get caught in the trap that because it's turkey it has to be healthy. Many of those burgers have calorie and fat counts that are out of this world. Once you add the bread, toppings, etc. any healthy aspect about the burger has gone out the window. Plus, I doubt they are using the leanest ground turkey available. You can order a beef burger with minimal toppings and ask for a wheat bread option, or go sans bread and this will limit your calorie and fat intake. If you don't want to opt out of bread you can have an open face burger. You simply remove the top bun, my husband has done this on many occasions. 

Whatever your choice is, just make sure it's lean. Happy eating!!

What's your preference? Leave it in the comments.

Peace!

My Big Fat Greek Yogurt...

Taken on my kitchen counter

If you have read any of my previous posts you may have caught the hint that Greek yogurt is one of my favorite treats. Greek yogurt has a very distinct bittersweet taste.  I would definitely say that it's an acquired taste and if you're interested in adding it to your little bag of healthier alternatives, please make note that not all Greek yogurt is created equal.
There are many Greek options out there. Chobani, Fage, Oikos, are some of the most popular selections. Greek yogurt is yogurt that has been strained to remove the whey. The lack of whey makes this type of yogurt higher in protein and lower in sugar. The straining technique also adds to the rich texture that Greek yogurt has.

Below are of some of the brands that I've tried with a little feedback. My go-to brand is Chobani so for some brands it's been a while since I've had a taste. However, I wanted to refresh my taste buds so I went to my local supermarket and purchased a few for review.

Olympus (Cherry Lowfat)

• This flavor was unusually sweet for a Greek yogurt
• Very smooth and creamy
• The taste was very similar to regular yogurt
• Thick, rich texture
• Visit the website for more information

I think that if someone isn't quite ready to ride the Greek chariot then this brand may be a good option because it reminded me a lot of regular yogurt.

Oikos (Vanilla)

• EXTREMELY tart - this is probably the tartiest of the bunch for me. Despite the extreme tartness I really liked it. I don't recall this brand tasting as tart as the one I purchased today. So maybe it was just a fluke.
• The color and consistency reminded me of sour cream.
• Strong smell
• The vanilla taste was very faint. It was dominated by the tart flavor.
• These Greek-style yogurts seem to have fewer calories than their counterparts
• Other flavors come with the fruit on the bottom
• Visit the webpage for more information.

Cabot (Vanilla)

• We really liked this brand and flavor
• Good mixture of sweetness and tartness
• Creamy and a decent amount of vanilla flavoring
• Check out the website
  

Dannon

• Definitely not a fan of is brand
• The flavor is too faint
• It doesn't really have the texture that most Greek yogurts have. 
• Nutritional Information is about the same for many of the Greek yogurt brands.
• Read more about it here

Fage

• Tasty
• Tangy
• Many flavors to choose from
• Rich and thick
• Check out more information here
  

Chobani

• Flavorful
• Fruit on the bottom options
• Great combination of sweetness and tartness
• Thick and smooth

This brand is by far my favorite brand!! Not only is it good but it's ALWAYS on sale at my local supermarket. Greek yogurt can be a little pricey depending on the brand. If I purchase it using my customer value card I can get 10 yogurts for 10 bucks...can't beat that! I love this brand so much that I contacted Chobani and was able to have their Communications Manager, Emily Schildt, answer a few questions about the product. Sure, I'm a little bias when it comes to Greek yogurts...but it's my blog and I can do whatever I want...hehehehe! See below for the Q&A.

Chobani Questions

1. What separates Chobani’s Greek yogurt from the rest of the Greek yogurts on the market?
1. The yogurt story in this country is just getting started, and we’re simply happy to be a part of it. Our CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya, founded Chobani with the belief that Americans have great taste, they just need better options.  That’s why we’ve created a creamy, delicious yogurt using only the best natural ingredients for an authentic taste that packs twice as much protein.
2. How much of the sugar in Chobani’s yogurt is from added sugar?
1. There is no added sugar in our yogurt. Our recipe’s about as simple as food gets- just milk and cultures. To the fruit in our fruit-on-the-bottom flavors, we add less than a teaspoon of evaporated cane juice, an all-natural, unrefined sugar. This helps keep the fruit separate from the yogurt, maintaining its thick texture.
3. How many Chobani flavors are on the market? Which flavor is a customer favorite?
1. We currently have 14 flavors on the market, and are continuously coming up with more. Our best-selling flavor is Blueberry, though Pineapple has a very fanatic following.
4. How did the Chobani brand get its name?
1. Chobani is derived from the word “chopani” which means shepherd in many Mediterranean languages. It’s a symbol of safety, giving, and good.
5. How did the idea of creating a Greek yogurt develop?
6. Is this product safe for individuals who are lactose intolerant?
1. Many Chobani fans with lactose sensitivities find Chobani goes down easily, as the majority of lactose is removed during our straining process. That said, it’s always best to proceed with care.
7. How is Greek yogurt different from non-Greek yogurt?
8. What are the health benefits from eating Chobani yogurt?
1. Where to begin?! Chobani is packed with twice as much protein as regular yogurt, made with only natural ingredients, and contains low or no fat.
9. Does the company have any plans on expanding the Chobani brand into other products (i.e. smoothies, shakes, etc.)?
10. How long has Chobani been on the market?
1. Four years.
11. How can fellow yogurt lovers find out if Chobani is available in their area?
1. Fellow yogurt lovers, hop here: http://chobani.com/products/where!
12. Are there plans on making the low-fat flavors into no-fat versions?
1. We carefully develop each flavor according to a combination of fan request and level of deliciousness. Should a certain number of requests lead us to take a 2^nd taste of any of our low-fat flavors, we’re open to the offering, so long as it’s tasty of course!

Whether you choose regular yogurt or Greek yogurt you are making a healthy choice. Both yogurt types have probiotics, which are healthy bacteria or yeasts and both are good sources of calcium. However, if you look closely at the nutritional data on some Greek brands, you may find that Greek is the better option. Remember to read the labels before you purchase and always eat in moderation! Cheers to healthy eating!!

Do you eat Greek yogurt? What's your favorite brand?

Peace!

Is it Really the Hair??

I really did try to avoid this topic like the plague because I feel as though it's like beating a dead horse. But hey...let's commence with the beating. Recently, Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, had the internet all abuzz with her comments about Black women, obesity, and lack of physical fitness.  She partially linked the problem of obesity amongst Black women to us making our hair a priority over health. Although this was only one of the possible reasons the Surgeon General attributed to why Black women have a higher obesity rate than other demographic groups, this really got people up in arms. It lead me to ask the question, "Well, is it really the hair??".

The facts are the facts...some Black women don't workout for fear of ruining a perfectly coiffed hairstyle. I remember being a little girl and dreading hot summer days, fearing that my freshly pressed hair would revert back to those kinks I learned to hate. Oh and let's not mention gym (physical education for you southern folks). I think one semester I skipped everyday because the teacher actually made us do physical activity...how dare he?!?! I would hide from the rain as if it was acid trying to melt my skin off the bones. It all sounds exaggerated but it was the truth, child!! This mentality did transfer over into adulthood for me.

Women in general are taught that their hair is their crowning glory, regardless of ethnicity. Therefore, it has to look good at all times. You had to get that wig split every other Friday or whenever, sitting in the hair salon for hours, waiting to emerge with beautiful hair that other ladies envied. But at what cost are Black women willing to sacrifice their health in order to maintain gorgeous locks??

According to The Office of Minority Health (OMH), Black women have the highest rates of being overweight or obese. About four out of five Black women are overweight or obese. Things that make you go hmmmm. In addition, when it comes to diseases that can be linked to being overweight or obesity, Blacks (male and female) are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than their White counterparts. Black people are 1.5 times more likely to suffer from high blood pressure. Black people are also more likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease and more likely to die from heart disease. Now, there are some stats for you!!

This information is not new. So, if this data is accurate, which I am sure it is, why wouldn't someone want to manage their weight?? It has to be much more than a hair issue. I believe that in addition to hair, it's a lack of knowledge, support, finances, time, and resources. However, we can work around these issues. If lack of knowledge is the issue, go to the library and borrow any fitness magazine to find routines that work for your fitness level, speak with someone who is active and get tips, or simply Google it. If you need support, join a group, download a training app, start a blog or join an online fitness forum or support group. You don't need money to workout, so don't let finances stop you. All you need is space not necessarily in  a gym. There are items around your house that can assist with your workout. I plan on writing a post about being fit on a budget, so be on the look out.

With all that said, I still cannot deny that hair is part of the issue. Therefore if hair is your issue, here are some tips for that, too.  I will always recommend that you choose to wear your hair natural because you won't have the issue of the hair reverting back to kinks, coils, naps, curls, whatever you call it, because it's already in that state. I wear my hair natural and sweat like crazy during my workouts. The natural hair allows my hair to remain unaffected by those sweat sessions. It would be a waste of money if I wore my hair in any other form. However, I understand that this is not an option that many women are willing to choose. If you prefer to wear your hair straightened, wigs are always an option. They have come a loooonnngg way from the days of our grandmother's wigs...LOL. No, no Brillo pad wigs in 2011.  Lacefronts, half wigs, full wigs, hair pieces, oh my!! Just choose a style and have fun with it!! I've worn my share of wigs and loved it. They are very low maintenance.

If this is still not your cup of tea but you are determined to put your health first, try wrapping your hair and tying it with a scarf during your workouts. A gym buddy, who has relaxed hair, says that she lets her hair dry completely before unwrapping it to avoid a poofy style. You can choose to blowdry your hair after each workout but I wouldn't recommend that due to potential heat damage. Putting the hair in a high ponytail has also worked well for a few of my gym buddies.

One day while in Sally's Beauty Supply, I ran across the product Dri Sweat Edge Women's Headband. See photo on the right. It's designed to absorb sweat and help maintain your style. I've never tried it because my hairstyles aren't really affected by my workouts but it may be worth a try. If you try it out please let me know how it works out for you! Braids, Senagalese and kinky twists are also great options!! You can wash and style many braided styles as needed.

I don't have a definitive method that will solve the hair and workout epidemic that has plagued the nation (sarcasm) but I can offer you suggestions. What's the point of having great hair if the rest of you (inside and outside) is jacked up?!?! At least your hair looks good, right?!?! Uhhh, no...LOL. The benefits of exercising and proper nutrition are amazing.Whatever your reason is for not working out, get rid of it.  Find reasons why you should workout. If you can't find any reasons, please scroll up and reread this post. Please encourage all the women in your life to get out and get active. NO EXCUSES!!

I'm curious to know your thoughts on the subject. What do you or your friends do about their hair when working out? Share in the comments section.

PEACE!!

Really, Doc??

I went to the doctor earlier this week to have my knee poked and prodded due to some knee pain I have been experiencing. The appointment was really quick, which is always a good thing. However, the doc had me lay down to examine my knee. The problem with that was that I had on a dress and I felt like he was getting a clear view of my goodies during the examination...LOL. This is a prime example of why my mother always said "Nikky, make sure you always have on a clean pair of undies." You have to read my previous post to understand the significance. After the exam and a few x-rays the doc concluded that I have runner's knee. I've always prided myself on remaining injury free for years, well so much for that.

Runner's knee isn't the worse injury that a person can be plagued with. My poor husband has illitotibial band syndrome (ITBS), which has nagged him for over a year now. I like to think it's really IBS, you know, irritable bowl syndrome. It's common among runners but not limited to that group. The medical term for runner's knee is patellofemoral pain syndrome. But because we are an informal group of people I will just stick with runner's knee. Runner's knee is pain behind the kneecap. It can occur from overuse of the knee from running, walking, jumping, or biking. There are also other reasons why runner's knee occurs. Typical symptoms are pain behind the knee, pain when you walk, or run or sit for a long time. Sometimes the knee swells and you may feel or hear a snapping, popping, or grinding in the knee.

I think I can pinpoint exactly when the injury began to surface. Back in May I started to get really serious about strength training. After each strength training routine I would perform high intensity interval training (HIIT). This included sprint sets for 20 minutes and finishing out the run to get 3-4 miles in. This meant that I was running on back to back days. Typically I would run every other day. One long run (6 miles) and three short runs (3-4 miles). I believe the running on back to back days with such high intensity caused my injury. Initially the pain was inconsistent. In recent months (July and August), the pain has become constant and has required me to use the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method. This prompted me to seek some medical help.

After looking at the x-rays, the doc stated that I have some unevenness under the left side of the kneecap due to some wear in that same area. He recommended two options. The first was to get an MRI to rule out something more serious than runner's knee. The second was to treat it with an anti-inflammtory medicine and perform some daily exercises to help treat the condition. I am what one would call a frugal person, so I opted for the meds and exercise. For those who are unaware, an MRI, although covered by insurance has a huge out of pocket expense. A few hundred dollars to be exact and I ain't (yes I said ain't) paying that if I don't have to. The doc said to give the second option three weeks to see if there's any improvement. If not, I am to call him and schedule an MRI.

There should always be a lesson learned from an injury. My lesson is that I need to take it easy and listen to my body. I will be diligent in my exercises and take my meds twice a day as prescribed. Oh, and I will continue to use the RICE method. Hopefully, this will heal my condition because if I can't run this going to be one cranky lady. My husband better stay clear!!

Here's an internet article about runner's knee if you want to read more.

Peace!

What's in Your Fit Kit??

My mother used to tell me that I need to be prepared at all times, no matter what the situation. For example, she would say "Nikky, you should always wear clean underwear...just in case. You never know what could happen". Now, it's not as if I walked around in dirty undies but I guess the preparation was just in case I was knocked unconscious and the EMT workers had to strip me naked, they could say "Wow, those are a pristine pair of panties"...who knows. She had some strange moments. This concept of always being prepared should apply to all aspects of our lives. Being healthy is no exception.

Ask yourself, "What's in my fit kit?" or better yet, "Am I adequately prepared to maintain my healthy lifestyle at all times?". You wouldn't go to the store without any money to make a purchase, you wouldn't jump in the deep end of the pool if you didn't know how to swim, and you wouldn't let a doctor perform surgery on you if she didn't have the required knowledge. Therefore, YOU should be armed with the appropriate knowledge and tools necessary to begin living a healthy life or to help you to continue on a path of nutritional bliss. This post will provide you with some tools that you can keep in your fit kit.

Fitness apps are all the rage now. You can download the apps to your phone or MP3 device. Some fitness apps will track your food intake, miles ran or biked, or even walk you through a workout routine. Pretty neat, huh? Here's a breakdown of some apps that have been recommended to me.

My Tracks

This application is for your Android phone. It allows you to track your distance, speed, time, mileage, and even elevation. You can use this app while you run, bike, or hike.

Jeff Calloway's Ultimate 5k

If you are an avid runner then you are probably familiar with Jeff Calloway. His app is great for someone who is training for a race or who simply would like to become a better runner. It has an interval timer for speed or hill drills, a 7-week training program for 5k preparation, and music. An added bonus is that it works on a treadmill or outside. The only downside is that it is only available for Apple devices (ipod, ipad, etc.).

MapMyRide

This website has created a mobile app (iMapMy) that allows you to track the distance, pace, speed, calories burned, elevation, and duration of your workouts. This is another app that works with a variety of workout choices. Running, biking, walking, and hiking are all exercises that you can track. However, some devices such as the Blackberry, are limited to only the running and biking apps. One of the cool things about this app is that you can upload the recorded data from your workout onto the MapMyRide website and keep a log of all your workouts. This is great to monitor your improvement from workout to workout. What's even better is that this app can be downloaded to some of the most popular smartphones. The app is free to download on the Blackberry phone. Apple charges a fee to download the app on the Iphone.

Fit Sync

This app is available for Blackberry, Iphone, and Android users. It provides strength training exercises that you can download and use at your will. After you have completed the routines you can upload your workout to an account on fitsync.com, which allows you to compare your data to previous workouts. It's a great way to monitor progress. The online account is free if you aren't using it in conjunction with your phone, however an annual subscription is required if you want to include the phone app.

Exercise TV

Most cable companies offer the Exercise TV channel. Now, you can access workouts via an app by the same name. The Exercise TV app provides FREE daily workouts, between 10-45 minutes in length. Workouts include but aren't limited to strength training, cardio, abs. bootcamp, and yoga. Android and Iphone users can enjoy the benefits of this app.

Jillian Michaels Fitness Motivation

Most people know Jillian Michaels from her balls to the wall approach on The Biggest Loser. She too has joined the app world attaching her name to several fitness apps. This Fitness Motivation app provides video workouts, allows an individual to track the distance ran, calories burned, and weight lost. The GPS and motion features track your workout in real time, which allows you monitor your workout's intensity. You may need to step it up!!

Jillian Michaels Slimdown Trainer

Because I love Jillian Michaels so much...here's another one. This app gives you daily fitness, diet, and motivational tips, recipes, a variety of exercise routines, along with some heartfelt advice. This app as well as the one above can be downloaded free of charge for most Apple devices.

Calorie/Food Tracking Apps

There are a plethora of calorie/food tracking apps available on many smartphones. I won't even begin to list them. However, the benefit of having an app such as this is that you can be aware of what you are putting in your body and make conscious decisions regarding what you eat. To eat or not to eat, that is the question. It allows you to be an active participant in your healthy lifestyle. Some of the apps allow you to scan, or type in an item's name and you can view all the nutritional information about that product. Do an internet search or simply go to the app store on your phone to view your many choices.

If fitness apps aren't your thing, there are plenty of other options for you. When I really decided to take control of my health and physical fitness I purchased a book titled "Calories are King". I am not a huge fan of calorie counting. A person cannot look at calories in isolation, he/she must consider all other nutritional components in addition to the calories. Do you remember my previous post that mentioned those infamous 100 calorie snacks?? Despite the name of this book I purchased it and it was one of my best buys. It not only listed calories, but fat, carbs, protein, etc. for every food imaginable. The book also includes a restaurant guide for some of the more popular restaurants. This was great because I didn't have to feel overwhelmed when I went out to eat. I even gifted one to my mother, I highly doubt that she has taken it off the shelf to use, but it's the thought that counts, right???

Another great tool to have is a food journal. Now, when I recommend starting a food journal to some people, they rebut with "Who has time to write in that thing after every meal, snack, whatever?". It's actually not as time consuming as a person may think and it's beneficial. My food journal helped me keep track of how many calories I was consuming, make deliberate choices regarding what I put in my body, and it made me think twice about over snacking because I knew I would have to write it in that little white book. I didn't want to cringe at what I read. Check out this article, which outlines some of the benefits of journaling.

If you're struggling with workout ideas, you can keep a little binder with workouts that you have found online or inside magazines. I have a binder full of workouts that I go to when I am absolutely out of ideas. You can mix and match the routines and modify them anyway you see fit. My fave magazine to get ideas from is Muscle and Fitness Hers. There is a male version of this same magazine. Occasionally, I will find decent workouts in Women's Health. Bodyrock.tv is also a great source, challenging, but great material.

Attack your fitness from all angles. If you need that extra push download a personal trainer app, if you need to keep track of your goals or food intake write it down. Whatever your needs are there is probably something out there that you can include in your fit kit. If you refuse to make failure an option by always being prepared you will achieve your health/fitness goals in no time.

Peace!

Smart Snacking

Eating well is paramount when it comes to leading a healthy life. Eating well means feeding your body the proper nutrients in the correct amounts and at the right times. Paying close attention to nutritional labels is a great start. If you need a review of how to read the label, check out my previous post Dissecting Nutrition Labels and Packaging. If you read the labels accurately, choosing a smart snack is easy.

One question that people often ask me is what types of food do I snack on. I enjoy food and I don't like to deprive myself of things that I like. My inner foodie would have it no other way. Therefore, I try to choose or make a healthier alternative to my fave foods. Here are some items that my husband and I like to munch on as well as some ways to choose healthy options.

My ultimate snack is fruit. I love fruit because it gives me the sweet taste without the added sugar. Bananas, berries, grapes, cantaloupe, apples, and oranges are my go to fruits. Many of these fruits have a low Glycemic Index (GI) level. The Glycemic Index ranks carbs based on it's effect on our blood glucose levels. Foods with low GI levels allow glucose to slowly be released into your bloodstream, which promotes healthy energy levels. A low GI level would be 55 or lower. You can find a list of GI levels here.

Many of these fruits also have multiple nutritional purposes. Bananas are a great pre-workout snack and are a great source of potassium. Berries are great antioxidants. Grapes are just friggin' delicious and apples are a fabulous source of fiber. Always remember that moderation is key even when it comes to fruit. So don't go crazy and start slamming down boat loads of fruit.

Another sweet treat for me is the sweet potato. No, I'm not talking about the twiced baked sweet potato, with the brown sugar and cream cheese so stop salivating (hahaha). Although, that is quite delicious. I eat these either steamed or as baked fries. Sweet potatoes are inexpensive and have excellent health benefits. The beta-carotene in the potato is an antioxidant which changes to vitamin A. The vitamin A contributes to healthy skin. Think about that Halle Berry glow. Plus, the beta-carotene eliminates free radicals from the body, thus, helping to reduce wrinkles. Adding a little cinnamon will enhance the flavor of the sweet potato. If you want them french fry style, you can slice them thinly, sprinkle with a little salt (optional), then rub with a little olive oil. You can spread them out on a baking sheet, place in the oven at 350 degrees, and let them cook for about 20 minutes or until they are crisp enough for you. DELICIOUS!!!

Another fam fave is Garden of Eatin' chips. When I want a salty fix I opt for these tortilla chips over Tostitos brand. They are certified organic, many of the options are low in trans fat and saturated fat (bad fats), and there are soooo many options (inner foodie on the prowl). These are tasty with or without salsa!! Explore your options here. Yummm!!

Veggies are always a good snacking option. I am not going to lie and say that I am a veggie snacker because I am not. I think I would rather listen to Elizabeth Hasselbeck talk than eat raw veggies...wait...that might be an over exaggeration. The cold, crunch, bland taste of the veggies just isn't appealing to me. However, I understand the benefits of snacking on them. Veggies are a great source of the nutrients you need like vitamins. Some are also a good source of fiber. Fiber will make you feel full between meals. I primarily eat my veggies with meals. Raw veggies however contain high levels of nutrients because they haven't been cooked out. Celery with peanut butter, carrots, snap peas, cut peppers, broccoli are all great options if this is something that you would like to try. Me, not so much.

Almonds...mmmmm...another favorite. I love almonds because of the taste, texture, and nutritional benefits. They are (at least for me) a good source of fiber, a decent source of protein, and you only need about 28 almonds to make a great snack. You can pair almonds with a fruit or a protein shake. Speaking of which, protein shakes are also a great snack option.

If you like those 100 calorie snack options, my suggestion is to be mindful. The fact that those Oreos and Twinkies come in 100 calorie options doesn't make them any better for you. You still need to pay attention to the nutritional labels. A healthy food is always going to be a healthy food. Packaging it in a smaller quantity doesn't magically change an unhealthy food (i.e. ding dongs) into a healthy option...abracadabra...not really. 100 calorie packs like almonds or whole wheat crackers may be a better choice because you get the portion control with the nutritional benefits.

Some other things I love are peanut butter with a whole weat slice or 1/2 of a whole wheat bagel, boiled eggs, low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt (I will post more about this one later) and popcorn. The calorie amount for your snacks really depends on your dietary and fitness needs. I choose snacks that will keep me full and keep my energy levels balanced. With the intense workouts that I do this is important. Also, I eat my snacks in MODERATION. Even healthy foods in excess can set you back in your goals to lose weight or just improve your overall health.

If you have difficulty with portion control...perhaps because you have hands the size of Big Foot's hands (men) or even after you've given birth you're still eating for two (that was me), try portioning out your food into ziplock bags. Read the product label to figure out how much of that food equals 1 serving and store it in a ziplock bag to prevent overeating. Instead of eating from the bag, get 1 serving and put it in a small bowl or on a small dish. Don't eat at the kitchen counter; it's just too tempting to grab more than you need. It helps to prepare your snacks in advance so that you don't risk making an unhealthy choice or eating too much.

Choosing a healthy snack isn't complicated. Most people know what healthy foods are so make the choice to put down the cookies and pick up an apple. Step outside of the box when it comes to your snacks. If you like to eat something that wouldn't necessarily be considered a snack, like a sandwich for example, cut the portion down and eat it anyway. As long as it's healthy, you're good to go. Who's judging?? Not me! In addition a good review of the nutritional label should set you straight. Here's to healthy snacking...yummm!!!!

PEACE!