FitSugar

Holiday Survival: 10 Healthy Snacks For Road Tripping

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:00:00 PST

"Over the river and through the wood, to grandmother's house we go." I love a Thanksgiving road trip, but I don't love the unhealthy food options on the road. I could splurge a little and order a Whopper, but truthfully, I know if I eat it, I'll feel like crap. With a little planning, you can avoid the dieting pitfalls associated with road tripping. The trick is to have a travel-size cooler with you since healthy foods often need refrigeration. Here are some of my faves.

Edamame: Take the bag out of the freezer the night before and put it on the fridge. It'll be defrosted but not soggy and ready to pack in the morning.
Veggie sticks: Chop your own the night before and place in ziploc baggies, or buy precut carrots, celery, and broccoli florets at the store. Pack a container of hummus in the cooler for dipping.
Apples and cheese: A simple snack packed with protein and fiber. You can preslice them or bring a knife with you. If you're not into apples, pack some whole grain crackers like Kashi TLC party crackers or Doctor Kracker flatbreads instead.
Fruit slices and yogurt: Cut up apples, pears, pineapple, and nectarines and place them in a container. Pack them in the cooler with vanilla yogurt for dunking.
Banana and peanuts: This is always a satisfying combination and very convenient since you don't need utensils. Just stick the peanuts in the banana before you take a bite.

To see more healthy snack ideas

Trail mix: Make a big bowl of your favorite nuts, dried fruits, dark chocolate chips, and granola. Then place half cup servings in individuals baggies.
Cereal mix: Choose whole grain cereals that have at least three grams of fiber per serving. Some of my favorites are Kashi Go Lean Crunch, Barbara's Shredded Oats, Kashi Honey Sunshine, and Barbara's Puffins. Mix them up, measure out serving sizes, and bag them.
Rice cakes with almond butter and cinnamon: These can be premade right before you leave. Place them in a plastic container so they stay fresh and mess-free.
Air-popped popcorn: It'll satisfy your crunchy, salty cravings. Pack a bag; it's easy to munch on whether you're the passenger or driver.
Energy bars: These are so convenient and satisfying, but be sure to choose ones that contain nuts, fruit, and whole grains. Some great choices are Larabars, Luna Sunrise Bars, Bora Bora bars, or Odwalla Bars.

Source

Do You Pack Healthy Snacks For Your Road Trips?

Leta Shy — Sat, 26 May 2012 03:44:05 PDT

It's finally here - the weekend where you pack up, suit up, or eat up to celebrate the start of warmer weather. For many, that also means packing up the car and heading somewhere to celebrate Memorial Day.

Staying healthy on vacation, no matter how short, can be difficult, especially when you're on the road. It's so easy to pull over and grab fast food or gas station fare instead of searching out healthier options, and sometimes packing your own snacks can take too much time to prepare.

If you're taking a road trip this weekend, will you be bringing healthier options with you, or will you be stopping for fast food? (If you need quick snack ideas, then check out these 150-calorie travel snack packs you can make fast!)

Olympic Pros Shawn Johnson, Natalie Coughlin, and Mia Hamm Share Their Healthy Snack Ideas

Leta Shy — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:25:59 PDT

Being an Olympic veteran means three things: you're a world-class athlete, you're used to hectic schedules, and you know how to travel smart. So who better to ask about how to stay healthy while being on the go than a few famous Olympic athletes? Whether you're snacking at home or need something to grab and go, here are recommendations from veteran Olympians Natalie Coughlin, Mia Hamm, and Shawn Johnson.

When traveling: It's all about "making sure you plan ahead and bring stuff with you, whether it's trail mix or an [energy] bar," soccer star Mia tells us. Gymnast Shawn recommends KIND bars because they are all natural and come in "fun flavors such as almond and coconut and apple cinnamon and pecan. They're surprisingly good," she tells ESPNw. Swimmer Natalie loves making her own energy bars - get her dried plum energy bar recipe here.

At home or work: Natalie is more than just a decorated Olympic swimmer; she's also an avid home cook and gardener. Natalie shared with YumSugar one of her favorite healthy snacks for Spring: "I love just having a really good baguette with good, high-quality butter (just a tiny bit of butter) and fresh sliced radishes with salt on top," she recommends. Shawn is all about snacking on veggies as well: she pairs peppers with hummus for a crunchy, filling snack.

Read on for more snack ideas from these famous Olympians!

Natalie Coughlin: An Olympian Who Loves Food as Much as We Do

Camilla Salem — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:30:37 PDT

What do backyard chickens and 11 Olympic medals have in common? Natalie Coughlin, that's what. The gold medalist and world champion is gearing up for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, while cultivating a healthy interest in all things food-related. From growing vegetables in her own backyard in Lafayette, CA to her highly effective method of kitchen organization, Natalie gives us the scoop on her experiences with food.

YumSugar: You raise chickens in your backyard and you consider yourself an urban farmer. What do you grow or produce yourself that you're most proud of?

Find out her answer and so much more when you keep reading.

Your Diaper Bag Must Haves

LilSugar — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:46:50 PDT

You've got the baby, the stroller, now you need the goods for your diaper bag. What to stash may seem like a daunting task, so we've streamlined the process for you. The below necessities are all you really need, and it's a good idea not to overstuff your bag to the point of it becoming a backbreaker (remember, you've also got a little person to tote around). As for the extras, pick and choose what's important for you.

The Necessities

Diapers: Follow the rule of always bringing a few more than you think you'll need.
Wipes: Stock up on travel-sized packages so that you'll always have some ready to go.
Diaper Cream: Save any sample-size tubes that you get from the pediatrician or baby store, and keep them in your bag.
Changing Pad: Most diaper bags come with them, so only purchase an extra if it's necessary.
Change of Clothes: You never know when a diaper's going to explode or spit-up's going to become a mess.
Sealable Plastic Bags: These become trash bags in a pinch.
Bottle, Formula, or Snacks: Pack accordingly, depending on the length (or potential length) of your outing.

The Extras

Bottled Water: For you to drink, to use with powdered formula, or to rinse off any other surprises that may come your way.
First Aid Kit: It can never hurt to be prepared . . .
Toys and Other Distractions: You know your baby best! If there's a go-to stuffed animal or "lovey" that he or she can't live without, bump this up to the "necessities" category.
Sling or Wrap: If your baby prefers to be carried, this may save tears when you arrive at your destination.
Blanket: To serve as a shade, nursing cover, changing pad, or burp cloth in a pinch.
Hand Sanitizer: If you're looking to streamline, wipes can do double-duty here. Otherwise, a little bottle doesn't take up much room.

Diaper Bag Pictured Above: StorkSak Isabella Nylon in Black ($235)

Sugar Shout Out: Books to Get You Into the Holiday Spirit

Lauren Turner — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:55:53 PST

Soleil Moon Frye Shares Her Tips For Taking a Family "Time Out"

Guest Writer — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:07:33 PST

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Soleil Moon Frye, Target's mommy ambassador, author of Happy Chaos, and mom to Poet, 6, and Jagger, 3. This week Soleil shares her tips on traveling with kids.

I'm a huge believer in the importance of taking the occasional "time out" as a family and planning an escape to recharge and reconnect.

Last year, Jason surprised me and the kids with an impromptu jaunt to Mexico. Although it was stressful to think of dropping everything on such short notice, the trip turned out to be exactly what we needed. It was an invaluable treat to spend quality time together without the distractions that pull us in a dozen different directions every day.

Whenever I'm traveling with my girls, my carry-on always includes these essentials:

An assortment of portable activities like books, a few toys, and paper and crayons. I have the girls pick out a few of their favorite things from home to take with them - this way we're not overloaded with too much stuff, but they feel connected to what they are bringing.
A first aid kit with Band-Aids and other Doctor Mom must haves in case of emergencies.
Wipes, wipes, and more wipes. They're quick and easy for cleaning up spills and sticky fingers on the go.
A change of clothes for both girls, including a sweatshirt in case they get cold.
A stash of yummy snacks is the best way to combat the inevitable crankiness that comes with restless flights and travel delays.

A successful family trip doesn't require airplanes or lush accommodations. When I was growing up, my mom would delight us by laying blankets on the small balcony of our apartment and letting us sleep under the stars. I've inherited her passion for making an adventure out of everything and am also a big advocate of "staycations." In my house, we love to camp out in the living room and decorate the space to look like an exotic location. You can go all out and cook foods native to those places and do activities inspired by their cultures.

The idea is to carve out time to be together and create a special experience that the kids will always remember. The extravagance of a getaway isn't what will factor into the memories.

I'm always looking for fun family bonding ideas, so please share your cost-cutting travel tips and creative "staycation" plans with me on the Target Baby Facebook page!

. . . Soleil

Bollywood Basics: An Indian Food Primer

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:55:03 PDT

So many people in my life are terrified when I bring up the idea of going out to my favorite Indian spot in the city. Indian flavors are not for the faint of heart, but most people think that Indian food is just about a super-spicy curry; that couldn't be further from the truth. Indian food is bold, flavorful, and indicative of the country's rich and vibrant history.

The regional flavors are as valiant and varied as the different, beautiful layers of culture coexisting in the Indian subcontinent. If you're a little nervous about what to order, or you've never considered enjoying some Indian cuisine, here's a quick primer on some flavors you can probably find at your neighborhood haunt. Continue reading to get to know a few staples of Indian cuisine.

Ways Your Vacation Is Making You Fat

Heather Dale — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 03:06:16 PDT

Vacations are all fun and games until you realize your pleasure trip is taking a toll on your waistline! Some of us give our diets and exercise a break when we bon voyage, but if you're a regular jet-setter, you may want to take into consideration these primary culprits for weight gain when you're on a trip.

The food. Whether you're on a cruise or staying at an all-inclusive resort, there is always an abundance of food right in front of your nose. Rather than starving yourself from all that food, eat three-square meals a day (with healthy snacks in between) and order foods that are either baked, broiled, or grilled while keeping an eye on portions. All of these suggestions will help reduce both fat and calorie content.
The cocktails. Of course you want a colorful cocktail with a cute umbrella as soon as you check into your hotel. Unfortunately some of our favorite drinks are filled with calories, which is why the drinks can sometimes do more damage than the actual meal! Don't fret - you can have your food and your drinks too if you try incorporating some of these smart solutions for cutting down on cocktail calories.

Here are some other reasons why your vacation may be packing on the pounds.

Celebrity Trainer Harley Pasternak Dishes About Food

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:50:18 PDT

Harley Pasternak says that if you follow his 5 Factor diet, you will see results. First, eat five times a day: two meals and three snacks. Next, everything you eat should have five components: lean protein, low glycemic carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and a sugar-free beverage. And to keep it real, there's a cheat day once a week.

The in-demand trainer recently came out with a new book - the 5 Factor World Diet - that draws on lessons learned from constant travel. Harley selected 10 countries with the lowest obesity rates and highest life expectancies and studied what they eat, how they eat, and how they burn it off. Although busy bopping between clients, Harley took some time out of his day to talk all things food: what you should be eating, why fresh food isn't always better, and yes, even he has a cheat food.

To see the interview,

FitSugar: Your latest book, The 5 Factor World Diet, is based on the insights you’ve gained while traveling. What are some healthy eating tips you’ve picked up from other countries?
Harley Pasternak: I saw a lot of fish - not beef - in the healthiest countries, and whole grains, vegetable, and whole soy - especially in Okinawa where everyone is 100 years old. In Sweden, sandwiches are made with one piece of bread, not two - it’s always always an open-faced sandwich. Physical activity is very much tied to meals too. In Italy they have something called a "pasa giatta," and when the meal ends they all get up and go for a walk together. And in other parts of the world they go grocery shopping every day, so you’re basically burning off half the meal to pick up ingredients, and when you’re preparing your food, you have more control over what you put into it.

FS: What advice do you have for people who can’t walk to pick up fresh food because the nearest market is 30 miles away?
HP: I’m a big fan of frozen food and canned food. I know that’s not what we’re used to hearing but frozen and canned food can be as healthy, if not healthier than fresh counterpart options. Fresh produce is not the end-all be-all - when I make smoothies I almost always use frozen fruits, and when I make soups I often use frozen vegetables. You can use canned beans and frozen vegetables for dips as well. Also, don’t be afraid of canned fish, canned salmon, canned tuna, and frozen seafood like shrimp cocktail. It’s another great way to get seafood into your diet, if you can't get fresh.

FS: What are some of your favorite meals from the 5 Factor World Diet?
HP: Gosh, there are so many. As I wrote the World Diet book, I was looking abroad for some good fiber recipes and fell in love with Japanese food like soba noodles. I also love the idea of ceviche. Going to Spain and learning to make ceviche was great. It's absolutely foolproof, even for someone who has no idea how to cook.

FS: What about snacks - especially when you’re on the go?
HP: Snacks - as should a meal - [should] have a lowfat protein and a fibrous carbohydrate. I tell my clients to grab some plain nonfat Greek yogurt and some frozen berries and mix that together. Soy snacks are great too: edamame, Soy Joy bars, and soy milk are all great. I often make a dip out of nonfat Greek yogurt and natural peanut butter for protein and calcium. It’s 1:2 ratio of peanut butter to yogurt and it’s delicious with apples or pears.

FS: Now that you’ve brought up fruit, one of our readers wants to know why there are no grapes or bananas on the 5-Factor Diet?
HP: No one is going to live a shorter life if they have bananas or grapes, however there are much, much healthier fruits. I try and tell my clients to choose those fruits over others. I tell my clients to stick to fruits that either have edible skin, edible seeds, or citrus - bananas do not have edible skin, nor do they have edible seeds really, nor is it citrus. Most of the fiber and nutrients that are in a fruit are in a fruit’s skin. A banana is just the densest piece of fruit that you can put in your body, and since it doesn’t have much fiber, it won’t keep you full. It’s kind of a shame to have a fruit with no fiber.

Grapes are an exception to the rule because they have a special sugar in them called dextrose, which is the highest glycemic sugar that you can possibly put in your body. They actually make grape pills for diabetics so that they don’t become low.

FS: Are there any foods that you think people should avoid, even on their cheat days?
HP: Absolutely no, not at all. Life is short and you have to enjoy it, and you should indulge when it’s time to indulge. At some point, I think everyone should eat everything at least once.

FS: And what’s your cheat food?
HP: My cheat food? That’s easy, it’s chocolate chip cookies. I’m the biggest chocolate chip cookie freak in the world.

FS: And do you give yourself some cookies every week?
HP: At least every week.

To get a taste of Harley's diet, try his recipe for five-spice halibut. It's tasty and easy to make.