Importance of HEALTHY snacks

We all know that eating three meals a day is CRITICAL to losing or even maintaining weight, but it is also important to not go into those meals starving.  

Here's how I space my meals: 

6:00am breakfast

9:00am snack

11:30-12:00 lunch

2:30-3:00 snack

5:30-6:00 dinner

7:00-8:00 snack

Today I went to Aldi's, yes Aldi's, the discount super market.  They have great healthy options.  It's so amazing to see! I have just recently re-discovered this store and I am so glad that I have. 

Here are some of my purchases from today, I focused on healthy snacks to eat between class, work, and workouts: 

I like using these with hummus or a slice of cheese.  Super easy to throw in my backpack or work bag. 

The produce is ridiculously inexpensive. These blackberries were $1.29! They also make an awesome dessert with ready whip...yes, you can eat that.

Love these 100 cal packs for the lunchbox or to keep in my school bag. They are a great way to satisfy that salt craving without killing your entire day. 

Yes, you all know that dessert is my weakness, so these are obviously not the best with 6 grams of sugar, but that is so much better than a piece of cake from the dining center.  Obviously don't have one after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it is always better to have healthier options on hand, in your bag or your purse than to put yourself in a bad situation. 

Here is one of my infamous carrot or "veggie bags" as my kindergartners call them.  I always have it open on my desk because when I am working I like to be chewing on something.  whether I'm in the classroom or doing homework this is a great thing to munch on while working.  I also always have them pre-bagged up so I can just grab one and go. It's always better when you don't have to think about your snacks.

MY FAVE snack right now.  A serving size is 1/4 of a cup so even if you just grab a couple to munch on you are still getting all the good fiber and protein. 

Here's a little workout motivation for tonight or tomorrow morning.  Lord knows that I have needed it lately.

 Rachel Fredrickson, my inspiration right now.  I am a huge fan of the biggest loser and her being from my hometown and a swimmer makes her that much more relate-able for me.  Through the entire season she was determined to win and she wouldn't stop at anything.  In 16 weeks she went from 260 pounds to 105 pounds.  If that isn't amazing I don't know what is.  She overcame so many obstacles: running, eating, finishing a triathlon, new clothes, makeover week, difficult workouts, and now the press. After all she's gone through she should be basking in the glory of winnings, but now she has to defend herself against rumors of eating disorders and drugs... What ever happened to the idea of someone wanting something so bad they won't stop until they get there?

Congratulations Rachel on your win. You deserve to be happy and live a healthy lifestyle :) 

Until tomorrow :) 

C