Dear Fitness Friday Girl: I’d love to eat healthier foods, but so much of that stuff needs to be prepared from scratch. Whose got the time to cook all day? Plus organic food tastes yucky. I don’t want to hate my food….help!!
Signed, Life in the Fast Food Lane
Dear Fast Food: I hear you. I really do. I have a very full life myself. While I love to cook, I don’t always have time to do so, especially when I’m eating five or six times a day.
On top of that, I really love the “experience” of eating. I love to taste, smell and see great food. It truly is a daily pleasure of mine. Don’t feel badly if you want to enjoy what you are eating. God created you to do it!
So I’m going to share with you some things that are almost always in my kitchen, for quick, easy and nutritious meals and snacks. Taste tested in the Cooper Kitchen, I promise you these products are wayyyyyy yummy.
And another thing I love about all these products is they are all natural, meaning they have no artificial ingredients—at all.
No odd-tasting sweetners (aspertame!!!)
No preservatives (diglyceridessodiumglutamacticlukeskywalker)
no bright, unnatural colors (is yogurt supposed to be neon pink?)
no hydrogenated oils (outlawed in several states)…
First up: Shakeology
I’ve been drinking smoothies for years. Ā I’ve tried a number of protein powders. Ā I like some better than others. Ā There’s controversy about whether we should get our vitamins from actual food vs. a powder. Ā I understand all the pros and cons and I even waiver a bit within myself on the issue. Ā But all that aside, if you are looking for a quick and easy meal, a smoothie is a great place to start. Ā I love Shakeology and so does my entire family. Ā We’ve been drinking it for years. Ā Sometimes we just blend it with ice and water. Ā Sometimes we add all manner of fruit and greens and nut butters and milks. Ā Whatever you’re up for in the smoothie department, this is a good addition. Ā (Unless you are anti-protein powder. Ā Then just make a smoothie.)
Ā
Speaking of all manner of fruits…Always keep frozen fruit and veggies in the house. When your fresh produce runs out, it’s great to have back-up produce.
Next up: Protein Bars
I used to eat one of these every single day. I don’t much do protein bars any longer but everyone else in my family does. Ā They come in many sizes and flavors. The chocolate on these babies is the real deal (nothing fake, remember?). I’ve got my husband hooked on them too. The good news is, they sell these at TARGET for only $1.09 a piece! That’s actually cheaper than on the Kashi website. The Malted Milkball flavor tastes just like real malted milk balls. Ā We also like Cliff Bars and Kind Bars.
Need a quick lunch or dinner? These Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burgers are fabulous. Two minutes in the microwave and you’re good to go. Serve them on a whole wheat bun or cut up on a bed of greens. DE-LISH!!! I had this for dinner this evening.
Another staple item you should always keep in your home: Salad in a box. I grab a handful of this stuff and throw it on a sandwich, in a smoothie, or straight on my plate every day.
Precut. Prewashed. Pretty awesome.
Another hot lunch or dinner item: Amy’s Frozen Pocket Sandwiches and Burritos.
Again, my family loves these. I’ve heard you can get them dirt cheap at TARGET, though I always buy mine at the grocery store. Every flavor, absolutely wonderful.
Grab a handful of salad on the side of these…and VOILA!!! Dinner!!!
Try this topped with salsa, guacamole and a dollop of light sour cream.
Want to try organic yogurt but not sure which ones are yummy? I’ve tried all of them, I think, and this one wins by a mile:
Horizon Fat Free.
All flavors. All good.
I like my yogurt sweet, and this is that. So if you like yours a little less sweet,Ā try Stoneyfield Farms instead. Ā *Since I originally wrote this post, I have switched to whole milk yogurt. Ā I also like it a little less sweet, so I often just get plain.
And last but certainly not least…my absolute favorite food in the whole world. I’ve often said, if I was on a deserted island and had to choose only one food, it would be
peanut butter.
I just heart it so very much. It’s the perfect food. Ā On bananas, on apples. on celery, on grapes, mixed in oatmeal, on bread, by the spoonful…I could go on and on.
Making the switch to natural peanut butter was pretty painful for me. I didn’t like the texure, the taste or the fact that I had to stir it and refridgerate it. What else is there to hate?
Please Lord, don’t take away my peanut butter!
Now I’ve found this:
Kroger’s Private Selection Organic No-Stir Peanut Butter.
It’s slightly sweet, it’s creamy, it doesn’t stick to the roof of your mouth, and you don’t have to stir or refrigerate it!
Need a quick lunch or dinner? These Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burgers are fabulous. Two minutes in the microwave and you’re good to go. Serve them on a whole wheat bun or cut up on a bed of greens. DE-LISH!!! I had this for dinner this evening.
what a cute post and congrats to the winner š
what a cute post and congrats to the winner š
Oh I'm a Kashi nut! I too am struggling with all these do better eat better things. I've lost over 50 pounds in the last year and want to loose at least that much more. I haven't tried the shakes, I think I'm afraid of them after things like slimfast. I've got to add to this.. Kashi has a GREAT soft cereal bar.. go joint vocalpoint (check my blog for details it's FREE) and get $2 off coupons for them.
Any advice on adjusting to get those 5-6 meals in a day? I'm trying and it's suprisingly HARD!
Oh I'm a Kashi nut! I too am struggling with all these do better eat better things. I've lost over 50 pounds in the last year and want to loose at least that much more. I haven't tried the shakes, I think I'm afraid of them after things like slimfast. I've got to add to this.. Kashi has a GREAT soft cereal bar.. go joint vocalpoint (check my blog for details it's FREE) and get $2 off coupons for them.
Any advice on adjusting to get those 5-6 meals in a day? I'm trying and it's suprisingly HARD!
i came over from SITS…fun blog…love it!
first, anything Amy's is delish! i love that company and they only put out the best, or at least that's my thought. second, i totally need to get back into my fitness routine…after kiddo #4 and hubs traveling, the last 3 months have seen me working out like 4 times…not good!
i came over from SITS…fun blog…love it!
first, anything Amy's is delish! i love that company and they only put out the best, or at least that's my thought. second, i totally need to get back into my fitness routine…after kiddo #4 and hubs traveling, the last 3 months have seen me working out like 4 times…not good!
Oh…I have strayed…yep. Used to do only organic, 75% raw etc, but now….UGH!
My quick fix though is black beans. I cook up huge batches, freeze them and throw them in everything. All of my kids LOVE them and they even make up their own "dips" on a daily basis with them š
Oh…I have strayed…yep. Used to do only organic, 75% raw etc, but now….UGH!
My quick fix though is black beans. I cook up huge batches, freeze them and throw them in everything. All of my kids LOVE them and they even make up their own "dips" on a daily basis with them š
How awesome! I'm especially excited about that shake mix! YUM!
This was a cool post for me today. Food has been a bit of an issue lately….you see….we recently found out we are expecting another baby!!!! And food can be a difficult thing when you are newly pregnant!
In the midst of all the nausea and fatigue, I'm so thankful to have your blog! Fitness Fridays encourage me to stay strong and continue on in my workouts and stuff.
You rock! Have a lovely weekend, my friend!
– Kate š
How awesome! I'm especially excited about that shake mix! YUM!
This was a cool post for me today. Food has been a bit of an issue lately….you see….we recently found out we are expecting another baby!!!! And food can be a difficult thing when you are newly pregnant!
In the midst of all the nausea and fatigue, I'm so thankful to have your blog! Fitness Fridays encourage me to stay strong and continue on in my workouts and stuff.
You rock! Have a lovely weekend, my friend!
– Kate š
Well, I've falled off the wagon in a big way. Yesterday, I had a a super big gulp and donut for breakfast, a #2 at MacDonalds for dinner and goldfish for dinner.
But I will admit that the Kashi stuff isn't so bad and Amy's is pretty good too. And definatley the boca chicken patties and burgers — I like those better than Morningstar. Although morning start breakfast links rock! I used to eat eggbeaters and the breakfast links every morning. Very tasty and very filling. What happened?
Well, I've falled off the wagon in a big way. Yesterday, I had a a super big gulp and donut for breakfast, a #2 at MacDonalds for dinner and goldfish for dinner.
But I will admit that the Kashi stuff isn't so bad and Amy's is pretty good too. And definatley the boca chicken patties and burgers — I like those better than Morningstar. Although morning start breakfast links rock! I used to eat eggbeaters and the breakfast links every morning. Very tasty and very filling. What happened?
DiPaola Momma:
Wow!! You've lost over 50 pounds in the last year??? That's amazing!! Just curious, but how did you do it?
Don't be afraid of shakes, if you are working them into an already healthy diet. I think people get into trouble when they supplement lots of meals to lose weight and then go back to old habits after the weight is gone.
I do buy the Kashi soft cereal bar…you are right, they are great!
Advice for adjusting to 5-6 meals:
1. Add salad!
2. Plan meals ahead…I find if I have something to look forward to, it's much easier to walk away from the table
3. Eat every 2-3 hours. There's something about knowing I'll be eating again soon that also makes it easy to walk away.
4. Eat food you like.
~S
DiPaola Momma:
Wow!! You've lost over 50 pounds in the last year??? That's amazing!! Just curious, but how did you do it?
Don't be afraid of shakes, if you are working them into an already healthy diet. I think people get into trouble when they supplement lots of meals to lose weight and then go back to old habits after the weight is gone.
I do buy the Kashi soft cereal bar…you are right, they are great!
Advice for adjusting to 5-6 meals:
1. Add salad!
2. Plan meals ahead…I find if I have something to look forward to, it's much easier to walk away from the table
3. Eat every 2-3 hours. There's something about knowing I'll be eating again soon that also makes it easy to walk away.
4. Eat food you like.
~S
Jen…please share some of your "black bean dip creations" I LOVE black beans too!!
~S
Jen…please share some of your "black bean dip creations" I LOVE black beans too!!
~S
Have you tried Kashi Go Lean frozen waffles? I eat them every day… love 'em. Loads of fiber and protein and no refined sugar! The strawberry flavor is my favorite.
And peanut butter on apples is my favorite snack! I'm with ya!
Have you tried Kashi Go Lean frozen waffles? I eat them every day… love 'em. Loads of fiber and protein and no refined sugar! The strawberry flavor is my favorite.
And peanut butter on apples is my favorite snack! I'm with ya!
Congrats to the winner, and thanks for a list of some new things to try and incorporate in our household. I need some new things.
Congrats to the winner, and thanks for a list of some new things to try and incorporate in our household. I need some new things.
Great post and congratulations to the winner!
make it a great day!
Great post and congratulations to the winner!
make it a great day!
Our kroger just got a big redo (one of the most exciting events of my 2008, thank you very much)and we now have the peanut machine where you grind your own peanut butter. I cannot tell you what joy this brings me. Number one, because it is super fun to turn on the big noisy machine and watch the PB gloop out. And number two because it is all natural – nuttin but peanuts (did you get that? haha!) – and so much cheaper than organic, and has a great texture and does not have to be refrigerated.
Our kroger just got a big redo (one of the most exciting events of my 2008, thank you very much)and we now have the peanut machine where you grind your own peanut butter. I cannot tell you what joy this brings me. Number one, because it is super fun to turn on the big noisy machine and watch the PB gloop out. And number two because it is all natural – nuttin but peanuts (did you get that? haha!) – and so much cheaper than organic, and has a great texture and does not have to be refrigerated.
Regarding your comment of adjusting to 5-6 meals, do you put any type of salad dressing on your salad?
Regarding your comment of adjusting to 5-6 meals, do you put any type of salad dressing on your salad?
Sandy, I love that you posted pictures of each item. I love to eat Kashi cereals but never tried some of the other items they offer. Boca burgers are an item I've eaten but not those chicken ones. My husband likes Amy's brand of frozen food but I think I'll try that feta one.
I don't know if you have Trader Joe's in your area but it's a great place to buy many healthy items at great prices too. They have premade salads that are delish, low in calories and ready to eat.
I think I'm going to like your Fitness Fridays. I'll definitely be back. š
Sandy, I love that you posted pictures of each item. I love to eat Kashi cereals but never tried some of the other items they offer. Boca burgers are an item I've eaten but not those chicken ones. My husband likes Amy's brand of frozen food but I think I'll try that feta one.
I don't know if you have Trader Joe's in your area but it's a great place to buy many healthy items at great prices too. They have premade salads that are delish, low in calories and ready to eat.
I think I'm going to like your Fitness Fridays. I'll definitely be back. š
Vickie:
I do put dressing on my salad. I use the Kraft Balsamic Viniagrette on everything. I don't use a ton–just a drizzle (I don't really measure it either).
Sometimes I'll use olive oil, vinegar and Natures Seasons.
On a very, very rare day, I may use salt, pepper and lemon juice.
~S
Vickie:
I do put dressing on my salad. I use the Kraft Balsamic Viniagrette on everything. I don't use a ton–just a drizzle (I don't really measure it either).
Sometimes I'll use olive oil, vinegar and Natures Seasons.
On a very, very rare day, I may use salt, pepper and lemon juice.
~S
I love protein shakes! quick and easy meal, can't beat that. I also love the kashi bars! I buy them in bulk at sams.
I am quite late, but better late than never! Merry SITSmas!
I love protein shakes! quick and easy meal, can't beat that. I also love the kashi bars! I buy them in bulk at sams.
I am quite late, but better late than never! Merry SITSmas!
What fun suggestions for meals – I've tried some of those brands and have to agree the flavor isn't sacrificed at all!!
Also, I had to let you know, thanks for stopping by the blog yesterday and helping with my computer woes! I tried your reformatting and it works (although by that time, I was too tired to do the font/text sizes over again!) : )
Have a great weekend!
What fun suggestions for meals – I've tried some of those brands and have to agree the flavor isn't sacrificed at all!!
Also, I had to let you know, thanks for stopping by the blog yesterday and helping with my computer woes! I tried your reformatting and it works (although by that time, I was too tired to do the font/text sizes over again!) : )
Have a great weekend!