FitSugar

Breakfast Ideas to Keep You Full Until Lunch

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 05:50:08 PST

Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. Eating a morning meal not only helps you think more clearly, but studies show that regular breakfasts can help you maintain a healthy weight. I've rounded up a handful of ideas for morning meals, combining whole grains and protein, which will keep your energy levels up and your hunger at bay.

Source: Thinkstock

Nature's Path Veri-Berry Oatmeal

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:00:00 PDT

I am a fan of holistic Dr. Andrew Weil and when I saw that he had teamed up with Nature'sPath I was more than a little excited.

While I am normally a steel-cut oats gal, sometimes I don't have the time to invest in cooking that oatmeal. For those rushed mornings the Veri-Berry Hot Oatmeal is a perfect quick breakfast on the go. It is made entirely with organic ingredients (even the thickening agent inulin is organic) and flavored with dried cherries, cranberries, and raspberries.

To see nutritional information and what a bowl truly looks like

read more. read more.
I really liked this oatmeal, although the photo on the box leads one to believe there will be a lot of berries per bowl. It is whole grain, low fat, low sodium, and not too sweet. It kept me full for four hours! A box of eight packets is $4.79. Fit's Tip: I try using the microwave to prepare the oatmeal once and the texture was a bit like glue. It is so much better to add boiling water, stir, and let it sit for minute. Source

Kashi Go Lean: Blueberry Waffles

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:30:00 PDT

Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day - it helps fire up your metabolism! There are so many healthy and quick options to choose from, you really have no excuse not to eat a little somethin'-somethin' in the morning.

I love toaster waffles and while hanging out in the frozen food section recently (it was HOT outside), I discovered Kashi GOLEAN Waffles with Blueberries. I have been eating Van's Waffles for years, I thought I would push my personal boundaries and try a new waffle.

The Kashi waffle is loaded with goodness and low in the calorie department. My major problem is the waffles, no matter how long I toasted them, never became crispy. The texture is just lacking and a little sponge like. I found the Kashi waffle wasn't as sweet as the Van's, which is fine with me. Curiously enough, the Kashi waffles contain a bit more sugar and a lot more protein! Two waffles with some plain yogurt and sliced banana kept me full from breakfast until lunch - no morning snack needed.

Here's a nutritional comparison:

Brand	Serving Size	Calories	Fat (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)	Sugar (g)
Kashi Go Lean Blueberry	2 waffles - 84 g	170	3	6	8	4
Van's Organic Blueberry	2 waffles - 80 g	240	10	4	5	2

Try some for yourself - here is the Kashi store locator so you can find a grocery that sells them near you.

Foodie Friday Link Time: Low-Cal Love Potions

Susi May — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:04:21 PST

Low-calorie cocktails for your Valentine's Day celebrations - Shape
Go ahead and plate up some pasta; these recipes are healthy - Real Simple
Healthify your chocolate torte with sweet potatoes! - Vegetarian Times
9 power foods that boost your immunity - Prevention
Healthy reasons to not follow recipes when making meals - Self
Low-calorie sweets that please the palate and satisfy - Fitness
Crazy, natural ways to jump-start your stalled weight loss journey - Mind Body Green
Quick protein-packed breakfast: eggs in a mug, in a microwave - Fit Bottomed Girls
You can make a meal in a rice cooker - see how - Fitnessista
How long does it really take for food to go bad in your fridge? - Blisstree

Dunkin' Donuts Is Banking on All-Day Sandwiches

Susannah Chen — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:15:17 PST

Looks like Starbucks and McDonald's aren't the only two chains who want a piece of breakfast between bread: starting this week, Dunkin' Donuts introduces two new sandwich offerings, to be offered at DD locations throughout the day - including breakfast, of course.

The new sandwiches will "be familiar, but with a twist," said Stan Frankenthaler, Dunkin' Brands' executive chef and head of product innovation. The Ham & Cheese Bakery Sandwich contains Black Forest ham, white cheddar, and a creamy dijon mustard sauce; Turkey, Cheddar, & Bacon is made with turkey, white cheddar, bacon, and ancho chipotle sauce. Both are made to order on a croissant, bagel, or the new baked-fresh-daily French roll.

The announcement of these all-day sandwiches arrives just as Taco Bell rolls out its First Meal menu of breakfast items. Still, Dunkin' is quick to explain what differentiates the brand's ham and bacon sandwiches from similar breakfast sandwich offerings already on the market. "We think our bakery leadership is a real differentiator in our brand," Frankenthaler told us. "Our guests already know us and love us for our fresh bagels (we're the number one retailer of bagels in the United States) and croissants."

Providing all-day options is "extremely important for Dunkin’ Donuts," he added. "Breakfast sandwiches are popular with our guests, and they like the flexibility to enjoy them throughout the day."

With first Taco Bell and now Dunkin' Donuts taking the mornings to another level, it's clear that the fast-food AM wars won't be letting up anytime soon. Will you try a new sandwich from Dunkin' Donuts?

Source

Healthy Dose Link Time: Women Lie About Diet 474 Times Per Year

Michele Foley — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:59:58 PST

Are you one of the women who lies about her diet hundreds of times per year? - Newser
Stop bloody noses with bacon (seriously!) - The Frisky
Because time is a commodity: quick breakfast ideas - Real Simple
Reasons people ignore their doctor's advice - Shape
Who needs meatballs? Try this tempeh bolognese instead - Vegetarian Times
Get moving with a challenging leg workout: 100 squats? No problem! - Peanut Butter Fingers
Yet another reason chocolate is good for you - HuffPost Lifestyle UK
What every woman can learn from Demi Moore's breakdown - The Stir

Skip the Butter: 5 Healthy Toast Toppings

Michele Foley — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:37:05 PST

A piece of whole-grain toast in the morning is a quick, no-fuss breakfast. But when you add the usual toppings of butter and jam, it becomes a vehicle for refined sugar and saturated fat. Pass on empty calories and make your toast with one of these protein-packed and heart-healthy toppings. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all!

Source

Warm Up With a Healthier Bowl of Oatmeal

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:13:41 PST

In celebration of National Oatmeal Month (I know, I had no idea January was devoted to this whole grain either!), here are some tips on how to whip up a healthy bowl of this whole grain.

To increase the fiber and protein: Choose rolled oats over quick oats. They'll take slightly longer to cook, but a half-cup serving offers five grams of fiber and seven grams of protein - the quick oats only offer four grams of fiber and five grams of protein.

To increase the protein: After your oats have cooked, stir in a tablespoon of almond butter, peanut butter, or half a cup of plain Greek yogurt.

To increase the fiber: Cut up some dried apricots, throw in some fresh or frozen berries, or toss in some diced fresh pear or mango. Chia seeds are also bursting with fiber - one tablespoon has over five grams.

To get your fill of omega-3s: Sprinkle on one tablespoon of ground flaxseed. It offers 1.6 grams of omega-3s (1.1 is the recommended amount per day).

To decrease the amount of sugar: Instead of adding maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey to your bowl, sweeten your breakfast with unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or pureed strawberries.

Source: Flickr User norwichnuts

Wake Up Early and Get Motivated to Move

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:38:20 PST

If your schedule is so jam-packed that it's tough for you to squeeze in a workout, it's best to get it done in the early morning. If setting your alarm early to exercise before heading to work seems ~~cruel~~ impossible, here are some tips to get you moving in the morning.

Lay out your outfit and all the fitness gear you'll need the night before so when you wake up, you won't waste time searching for a matching pair of wicking socks, a clean sports bra, or your headphones. Also charge any gear you might need, like your iPod.
Be sure to hit the hay early so you're well rested, and set your alarm to wake up to your favorite peppy song. Lately I've been rousing from my slumber hearing Rihanna singing "Where have You Been." I'm practically dancing out of bed. If you tend to hit the snooze button way too many times, try putting your alarm clock on the other side of the room.
Make a date with a friend or fitness trainer. If you set up a time to meet in the a.m., you'll feel obligated to go, even if your mind and body tell you otherwise.
Schedule something exciting and inspirational to look forward to for your morning workout. A 6 a.m. Zumba class with your favorite instructor, sunrise yoga in a heated studio, or a new workout playlist to run to is sure to pull you out of bed.
Eat something quick before you workout, but plan a special breakfast to eat after your workout as a reward for your efforts. Nothing make me run home faster than the thought of a nice warm cup of coffee.

Foodie Friday Link Time: Feeling Moody? Could Be Dehydration

Susi May — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:18:21 PST

Drink up! Dehydration can put you in a bad mood - HuffPost Healthy Living
Quick and easy breakfasts that will literally make your day - Real Simple
Low-cal onion dip perfect for your Super Bowl party - Prevention
Skip the mayo! Balsamic tuna with celery will do just fine - Shape
Foods to fuel your next sweat session - Blisstree
Do you live in a Girl Scout Cookie capital? - The Daily Beast
Fire up your Crock-Pot for an easy black bean soup - Eating Bird Food
Low-carb wraps? Easy! Just use some greens - Vegetarian Times
A new weapon in the fight against E. coli: manganese - Newser