Go Nuts For Yogurt!!!

I was thinking about the old Mounds versus Almond Joy commercials and was somewhat inspired. I happen to love Almond Joy's but I wanted to make my 220 calories  a lot more healthy, so here's what I came up with!!

I first started with coconut flavored greek yogurt. I chose Yoplait here but I also like Dannon Light & Fit which has about 30 less calories to worry about.

*Greek yogurt has become very popular with its double protein content and thicker consistency over regular yogurt. It also is high in calcium which is great for bones and teeth but also your heart and nerves. The live and active cultures are also an excellent way to maintain probiotic (bacteria in your tummy) health.*

 


I next opened a 100 calorie pack of Emerald natural almonds and counted them. There were 15 almonds inside so deeming this package 100 calories would mean that each almond is about 6.67 calories. Total calories =6.67x7, 46.69 or 47 for 7 almonds.

 





I then just simply crushed the 7 almonds  (I wanted the almond content to be 50 calories or less) in a plastic sandwhich bag. My Fisk University mug worked rather well since I did not have a rolling pin handy.





For the the addition of chocolate I used one Hershey kiss which has a calorie content of 25.



 The Hershey kiss was crushed in a plastic sandwhich bag as well.

Next just mix all of the ingredients together!!!

 

Enjoy!!!!!!! 

Full calorie content: Coconut Greek Yogurt: 110

            7 Almonds: 47

                   1 Hershey Kiss: 25

                                             Total: 182

On the Road Again?!

Last week I had to take a 3 day business trip to a small area which did not offer a wide variety of foods to eat. There was basically an Applebee's, (click here  for an Applebee's coupon, hurry!!) a mexican restaurant, a BBQ place, and an Italian restaurant to choose from. What I found quickly happening was one, that I was eating out! Although it is okay to out every now and then, I personally get burned out very quickly. Secondly, I found myself trying to force myself to eat all of my food in an effort to "get my moneys worth."

For anyone who has experience this first hand or who is trying to stick to a specific dietary plan I have some suggestions for you!!!

1. Look for the nearest grocery store.

This sometimes means that you would have to drive 20mi outside of your location which is why it is important to think about these things in advance. You can either bring your food along or stop somewhere on the way. Although it would have been a little out of the way, there was a Kroger in the area in which I couldve bought food from. While cognizant about my calories consumed I did however order a salad for dinner at Applesbee's with my dressing on the side. By choosing to have your dressing on the side you can control the amount used and reduce calories this way. Some may choose to eat their salads without any dressing but I sometimes add a small amount  for flavoring. Applebee's also has a section on the menu with items that are under 550 calories without skimping on the flavor!

Applebees Nutritional Facts

2. When you order your meal ask for a to-go container.

Once your food is brought to you can divide you meal by putting half into the to-go container, (assuming this is a dinner or large portion.) While eating also drink water which I recommend as your default beverage, which will help you to obtain that full feeling faster and also help supply your daily water intake.

3. Utilize the work-out facility on the premises.

If you'd also prefer to work off those extra calories consumed take advantage of the gym offered at your hotel. Sometimes the gym may not be very new or as nice as what you are used to but something is definitely better than nothing! And if all else fails as I am sure you read in my Heart Walk 2012 post, try walking. You can do that anywhere!!

4. Don't Be Afraid To Be Different!

It may put you in an awkward situation but you definitely do not want to sacrifice all of your hard work over a couple of days of "hangin with the crew." I had to eventually tell my coworkers one night that I was going to eat a can of Campbell's soup that I brought from home instead of eating out. Which worked well for me because I also wanted to relax, but tagging along for the convo is totally fine too!