The Toaster Pastry War

I love Pop-Tarts. I always have. I used to love going to my friend Michelle's house as a child because her mom always had CHOCOLATE POP-TARTS. (Of course, I NEVER ate the last one because of a scary story they told about what happened to those who dared to eat the last chocolate Pop-Tart . . .)

Anyway . . . the other day while strolling the aisles of the grocery store - I found something that excited me! Fiber One Chocolate Fudge Toaster Pastries. Could it be? Could I have found a healthier alternative for my beloved Pop-Tarts?

Well - let's check out the nutritional information:

Well, it still isn't the BEST choice - but Fiber One's version does have less calories, less sugar, less fat, less sodium and less carbs - and it also has potassium, more fiber, and more protein.

So as a treat - it might work for breakfreast some mornings, but it can't be something I eat every day. And I can only eat ONE at a time (what a bummer that they package them in twos.)

I do have to say though - I tried them and they are really good. You can tell that they have more fiber in them, but I've started to really like that nutrititious FIBER BUZZ I get when eating food with added fiber. Again I caution you though - don't eat a lot of fiber before bed!!!

Have a great Thursday - the week is almost over!!!

Foods that help with stress!

I found this post that discusses 10 foods that can help with stress . . . alas, chocolate isn't on this list. But these things are:

1. Blueberries - Vitamin C is supposed to help your body deal with stress and Fiber regulates blood sugar levels.
2. Skim milk - high in protein and Vitamin B to protect nerve health, and protein to stabilize blood sugar levels.
3. Oranges - more Vitamin C!
4. Brown Rice - B Vitamins, fiber, and serotonin producing carbs.
5. Green Vegetables - filled with vitamins - and many contain potassium which can help calm nerves.
6. Dried Apricots - Vitamin C, Fiber and stress-busting magnesium.
7. Turkey - contains L-Tryptophan which is documented as a calming agent. (Which would be why we all fall asleep after thanksgiving dinner!)
8. Soy - Add foods with soy to your diet, soy contains B vitamins, protein, calcium AND magnesium.
9. Sweet Potatoes - they can help curb your craving for sweet stuff and they are high in fiber and other vitamins!
10. Water - even mild dehydration can cause your body to stress. Plus - water can curb the urge to eat something fattening!

And some studies have shown that a little chocolate CAN be good for you (especially dark chocolate) - so if you have to give in to it . . . just give in a little bit.


How about you? Do you know of any other stress reducing foods?

Any ideas on how to deal with stress?

(image from http://sevendaymother.com/2008/10/12/what-i-learned-from-stress/)

Yes, I am still here and still with you. I didn't do any "formal" workouts over the weekend - but I did a lot of cleaning, and a lot of pacing . . .

Over the past month my daughter was in the hospital with pneumonia, my Dad had a heart attack, and last night I had to take my hubby to the ER - they diagnosed him with Bell's Palsy. It is treatable and will hopefully get better really soon. But I am SO SICK of hospitals and the stress that comes with them!

So - what do you do to DE-stress? At this point in my life, it is impossible to AVOID it - but I have to learn to DEAL with it . . . WITHOUT turning to the refrigerator and it's trusty chocolate goodness. ;-)

I'm going to be looking for inspiration over the course of this week on dealing with stress - but I would love your input as well!!

Happy Monday!

How to eat Heart Healthy and other things . . .

Due to my Dad's episodes this past week, I'm educating myself on eating diabetic friendly and heart healthy. It is difficult for people who eat out quite often to change their habits and start eating a healthier diet. I found a couple of really good websites that can help with this:




This link gives great tips on how to eat out and still make heart healthy choices. Here are some of their main tips (paraphrased) for eating out:

• Study the menu and ASK how foods are prepared. Don't be afraid, it's your health!


• Ask for substitutions, many times you can get margarine instead of butter or skim milk instead of whole. ASK!
  
• Ask for salad dressings and sauces ON THE SIDE and order LIGHT when available.


• Experiment with lemon juice or vinegar and oil instead of salad dressing.


• Skip the mayo or get it on the side - use mustard or ketchup instead.


• Ditch the french fries and dive into the veggies!
  
• Get a veggie pizza with half the cheese and extra sauce.


• Sometimes, plain is good . . . order a regular hamburger or broiled chicken and skip the toppings/sauces. Although it may bum you out in the beginning - it is better than the alternative, and you can grow to like it!


• For dessert - try frozen yogurt, sherbet, jell-o or fresh fruit!


• Try splitting your meal with your dining companion. Or ask for a box when you first get your meal so you can put half of it away for the next day. That way you aren't tempted to overeat.

And what about diabetic friendly foods? The Mayo Clinic site has some simple tips for eating healthy as a diabetic. Many of the tips are the same as eating heart healthy - don't be afraid to ask for substitutions, watch your portion sizes and get sauces/dressings on the side. The principles of diabetes nutrition are really quite simple:

• Variety! Eat a variety of HEALTHY foods.


• Limit fat and salt.


• Watch portion sizes.
  
• Eat at the same time every day.


• You don't have to skip dessert! Just plan for it and keep track of your carbs!


• Most important: Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor!
  

It is all about making a change in your lifestyle and STICKING TO IT. We all CAN do this if we really try.

Be sure to check out the links above for more great information - and even if you don't have heart issues or diabetes - following these tips are good for all of us!!