auntie anne's

It really doesn't get much better than warm twisted pretzels sprinkled with salt except for maybe free warm twisted pretzels sprinkled with salt. If you're with me on this one, then you'll be pleased to hear that this Saturday, Feb. 2, mall favorite Auntie Anne's will be giving away free pretzels. The promotion is to celebrate their 20th birthday and completely free pretzels will be available from 10am to 4pm at participating locations. Oh and if you're not a salted pretzel fan, you should know, they're giving away cinnamon-sugar ones too.

And, in addition to free pretzels, they're also launching their What a Difference a Family Makes: A New Twist on Giving Back program that will recognize families who volunteer to make their communities better. If you know a family who deserves the recognition, the website will be open for nominations starting Feb. 2.

The mall is almost unavoidable during the holidays, and something about all that running around and waiting in lines makes me hungry. What's worse: Not only am I hungry, but I also know there is a place where food is easily accessible. That place, like the fast food holy land, is the Food Court.

Don't worry, we can get through this.

I already shared a few survival strategies, and another idea is to bring your own snacks. Healthy snacking options are limited at the food court: Think french fries, bagels, candy, and cookies. Last year user redsugar suggested carrying a zip top bag full of nuts so you can satisfy your hunger without heading to Cinnabon.

If you forget your baggie of healthy munchies, then pretzel shops are not always a bad option. The Jalapeño Pretzel without butter from Auntie Anne's has 270 calories and no trans fat (this was the best I could find at Auntie Anne's in terms of nutrition) — not horrible. If you're cutting out white flour, then try the Whole Wheat Pretzel (no butter) with 350 calories and 1.5 grams of fat.

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