When it comes to bridal shower foods, keeping things light, fresh, and elegant is always on point. Find inspiration in these 21 recipes that will help you build a healthy menu that everyone will rave about. In addition to lightened-up classics, there are inventive gluten-free and vegan ideas to make sure that everyone will have something to enjoy at your celebratory soiree.
The right foods are essential for fueling runs — it can help prevent fatigue, cramping, and next-day soreness. While most experienced runners already have their running meal plans down to a science, marathon expos are always a great place to check out what new products are about to hit the market. Maybe trading your tried-and-true bowl of oatmeal for one of these new offerings will be what it takes to get you to that extra mile!
Koru Yogurt
If popularity was any indication, it looks like Koru could be the biggest thing since Greek yogurt. At the expo, vendors couldn't keep the product in stock fast enough! Described as "creamery style yoghurt," Koru is made from cow's milk and comes in five fruity flavors including mango, passion fruit, and peach. While not as thick as Greek yogurt, the smooth consistency is not thin like most cow's milk yogurt on the market. Koru offers a substantial amount of vitamin D and calcium, and protein clocks in at seven grams per serving. The carbs-to-protein ratio makes it a great snack to have before a longer workout.
Frozen Kefir
Lifeway's frozen kefir treat was the editor favorite by far. A mix between ice cream and frozen yogurt, we loved how tart it tasted while still providing the sweet satisfaction of a dessert. Made from ingredients you can pronounce, it's also high in protein and calcium and full of good-for-you probiotics. Even better is that one serving is less than 100 calories!
REBOOTizer
The REBOOTizer booth seemed to have the largest group of curious onlookers — and for good reason. It's not news that marathons are taxing on the body, and REBOOTizer sets out to reverse this stress through its blend of proprietary plant enzymes known for their antioxidant levels and natural detoxifying properties. Skeptical? Here's the science that backs up its claims — take a look and then tell us what you think!
A dried mango addiction is no laughing matter to your wallet. A small container can run you almost $10! That's just insane when a fresh mango costs about $2. Aside from costing too much at the health-food store, some dried mango is made with added sugar or preservatives. Save triply on money, calories, and chemicals by making your own homemade chewy treat.
If you need more fiber in your diet, then it's time to turn to the smooth and satisfying avocado. Just half an avocado contains seven grams of fiber. Although high in fat, avocados contain the good-for-you monounsaturated fats (MUFA) your body needs to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and maintain the HDL (good) ones. Here are nine delectable ways to snack on the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of an avocado.
It's time to upgrade your standard bowl of steamed edamame. Roasting the fiber-filled soybeans brings extra crunch and flavor and serves as a satisfying post-workout snack or creative salad topper. Keep reading for this healthy recipe.
Many pre-workout snacks involve too much prep time, but this quick fix will help you reserve all your energy for the gym. These peanut butter protein balls taste like chocolate chip cookie dough but offer the ideal blend of protein and carbs you need before a tough strength-training session. Roll these up ahead of time, and pop two an hour before your workout. If you need this simple snack in your life, keep reading for the recipe.
If you're tired of grabbing a sugar-laden bar or greasy bag of chips every time you're in the mood for a snack, we don't blame you! Now more than ever, there are plenty of healthy (and creative) snack options readily available on the market. No need to worry about having fridge access for these five products — each tasty snack will hold up in a desk drawer or gym bag.
Eating every few hours is a must when you're trying to drop pounds. It keeps hunger pangs at bay so you're not famished when you head into a meal, preventing you from inhaling way more calories than you normally would. Snacking also keeps blood sugar levels stable, so that low-energy, shaky feeling doesn't cause you to reach for a high-calorie pick-me-up. Eating often also keeps your metabolism going so you burn more calories all day long.
If you're trying to lose weight, it's important to stick to a snack that's 150 calories or less. Choose something that has both fiber and protein to fill you up, and avoid sugary, nutritionless foods. 150 calories might not seem like a lot, so in order for your brain to register that you're fueling up, eat your snack slowly. Make your snack last at least 15 minutes, and really savor each bite. Slowing down when eating your snack will help you feel satiated by the time you finish, which will prevent you from wanting to reach for more.
Snacking can be a helpful tool for weight loss — or the main way you sabotage your goals. For snacking success, we asked healthy chef and fitness trainer Katy Clark to share with us which healthy snacks keep her on the right track. Stock your fridge and pantry with these go-tos.
Making a smoothie is an easy way to whip up something nutritious when you don't have a lot of time, but they don't always have to replace a meal. This low-calorie cinnamon, honey, and green tea smoothie, for example, makes for an excellent frosty caffeine break when temperatures rise.
Not only will the caffeine in the green tea give you much-needed energy, but cinnamon and green tea have both been shown to have metabolism-boosting properties. In addition, research has shown that honey may help regulate blood sugar levels, meaning you won't feel groggy after this afternoon snack. The next time you're feeling like you could use a frosty, sweet caffeinated beverage, forgo the Frappuccino for this 139-calorie smoothie instead.
