Need more energy at school? It just takes a few simple steps – and a snack – to get the energy you need. Our Nutritionist has the perfect tips to guide you to healthier habits or simply to get you back on track. This time of year life gets busier and the days get shorter. Whether it’s school, work or family it becomes easy to lose track of healthy habits we need to get dialed in for ourselves. Take a moment to really think about the time just before this busy period started up again. Exactly what were those healthy habits you were more focused on?
Here are a few things we do at Fit Snack to get refocused this time of year. It all starts with the most basic foods and snacks that are whole food based, with no added sugar and nutrient packed with fruits and veggies. Think about the 80/20 rule…every trainer you talk to (at least most of them) will tell you it’s 80/20 – 80% healthy eating and 20% staying active. That’s not just for looking your best, it’s for feeling your best. It’s important to get the fuel your body needs especially if you expect to be on your A+ game.
Here are a few tips from our Nutritionist and the perfect snack for the job.
First, focus on whole foods.
Eliminatefoods with ingredients you don’t recognize and added sugarsyou don’t need.
Learn about ingredients and their health benefits-or to see if they have any.
The third point which emphasizes educating yourself on ingredients, is critical. If it looks unfamiliar it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unhealthy. However, many unrecognizable ingredients indicate that a food is highly processed. These highly processed snacks are filled with preservatives and chemicals that do more harm than good.
Too busy to grab fresh produce to snack on or are you always on the go? No problem. We have the snack, smoothie and drink powder that will do the work for you.
We found the perfect every day snack for you. It’s full of vitamins straight from organic fruits and veggies. LYNQ drink powders. Love yourself no question (LYNQ). Finding healthy foods and snacks is an important part of self care. That’s why we included LYNQ in our Fit Snack box.
The highest quality nutrition comes from whole foods, but these foods are not always the most accessible or convenient. LYNQ just might be the missing link in your life. It’s not everyday you find a snack or drink mix that energizes your body by giving you the nutrients you need most.
Introducing the highest quality, healthy drink powders
InvincibleEmpowderedBeautéBrainiac
Each LYNQ product is Non-GMO, Gluten free and Soy free and Nut free.
“These are the cleanest powdered drinks on the market. They’re packed with organic whole food ingredients and all of your daily vitamins. Finally a drink that actually gives you energy and fuels your mind. What more could you ask for from a Fit Snack?”
-Anita Muniz, Fit Snack | Nutritionist & Personal Trainer
When searching for a healthy veggie based drink powder it is a challenge to find one without additives and preservatives. Even powdered mixed greens you find at the grocery store are often filled with ingredients we don’t recognize and junk we really do not need. Here’s one for ya! Just because it says green, does not mean it’s clean.Let that be your rule of thumb. Ingredients tell all, that’s why we knew when we found LYNQ they are the best drink powder we can put in your Fit Snack box.
In just one packet of Empowdered you get:
Nutrients from 12 organic fruits and vegetables
50% of your daily recommended value of Vitamins A,B,C,D,E and K
6 g fiber
Vitamins C & E are key in strengthening your immune system
LYNQ is perfect for kids and adults alike!
Code: FIT25 for 25% off Expiration: 9/15/18 redeem at www.lynqlife.com
LYNQ not only represents loving yourself, but the story behind the company is one that will inspire you to get the best fuel for your family. LYNQ was founded by a Mom, like most moms she was on a mission to improve her son’s health, and sought to do so by changing the family’s diet, focusing on the health benefits of fruits and veggies.
How It All Began… A determined mom goes on a personal mission to integrate more fruits and veggies into her kid’s daily diet after her 5 year-old stumped numerous medical professionals with a combo of symptoms.
Click here to learn more about the story behind LYNQ.
Now that’s a snack the whole family can enjoy. Which LYNQ Superpowder would you want to see in your next Fit Snack box? Comment below.
Cooking a delicious, healthy dish is all in the details. When selecting foods to add to a meal we should be selecting foods that taste amazing (that’s a given) and have a health benefit to go with it. If the food we eat does not have a health benefit, then what purpose is it serving us?
A good rule of thumb: If it’s not working for us, then it’s likely working against us.
Whole foods are the way to go! Combining colorful (especially dark colored) vegetables typically will increase the nutritional benefit because certain vitamins are better absorbed when paired with other vitamins. Therefore we have greater access to the nutrients stored in our food, the good stuff. Some examples of using food combining include using foods to make a complete protein and combining vegetables to increase nutrient absorption. You can combine foods from dark chocolate to turmeric and much more.
Why would we want to make a complete protein?
Protein is the building block of our tissues, meaning we need protein to build muscle and any cell in our body if you think about this. This is why protein is also important for healing and recovery. Often times people think increasing protein intake with increase bulk, however protein is crucial to maintaining a lean and cut physique. If our diet is vegan, vegetarian or primarily vegetables we likely are not getting foods with protein that is highly bioavailable. This is just a big word that means the food contains all of your body’s essential amino acids. Complete proteins are easily absorbed and taken up by the cells. A complete protein is typically an animal based protein or grains such as amaranth, quinoa, chia etc. When you do not have a complete protein it is best to create a complete protein by combining the right foods.
Food combining to make a complete protein:
Eggs and oatmeal make a complete protein. Try it! Add 1 egg to your oatmeal, then cook the oat meal for a thicker more filling meal. Don’t be afraid of change, if you think about it these are the key ingredients to oatmeal cookies.
Combining foods to increase nutrient absorption:
Add Black Pepper and Tumeric to a dish to eliminate inflammation. Tumeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties in curcumin the major anti-inflammatory component of tumeric.
Snack on a sweet and healthy treat of Dark chocolate and Apples. We have the perfect Dark Chocolate, packed with nutrients and flavor with very low sugar. Introducing our June Fit Snack partner FlavaNaturals. Learn about the immense benefits of flavanols from Flavanaturals.com. This is the dark chocolate highest in the plant based antioxidants, flavanols. Flavanols ultimately help your body maintain nitric oxide levels to relax your arterial walls and increase blood flow. This combo includes the powerful antioxidant quercetin and essential flavanols.
Chocolate was your weakness, now it’s your strength!
It’s great to take vitamins, but don’t you want to tap in to your body’s natural ability to absorb nutrients you need from food you eat. In other words don’t let your body get lazy. If you support the process, you’ll be surprised your body is capable of some pretty amazing things.
Dark Chocolate and Apples. Don’t forget the perfect dessert for either of the two meals below.
Fit Fajitas
1 Beet Tortilla
1/2 c. Broccoli Leaflets
1/4 c. Red Bell Pepper, chopped
1/4 c. Red Onion, diced
1/2 c. Red Cabbage, chopped
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
1 whole clove Fresh Garlic
Seasoning: Garlic powder 1 tbsp, Sea Salt 1 tsp, 1 tsp Turmeric, Black Pepper 1 tsp, Oregano 1 tsp
1 chicken breast, boiled & shredded into large chunks
1 tsp coconut oil
Aminos Spray (Braggs)
Boil chicken and 1 whole garlic clove, for 20 minutes or until light pink in the center and let cool 5 minutes.
Using hands shred chicken into large chunks and lightly coat with Aminos spray. Coat chicken with garlic powder, then add the pepper, oregano and Sea Salt. Stir and mix well before adding to pan.
Sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic with red onion and red cabbage in coconut oil while adding turmeric for 2 min. Add broccoli, red bell pepper and chicken. Sauté until chicken is fully cooked and has no pink in the center.
Tip: if chicken is dry add 2 tbsp water and sauté for 1 more minute
Nutritionist Tip: By boiling the chicken first helps to ensure you do not over cook your meat and keep the moisture. Over cooking meat can have a negative impact on your gut and can increase inflammation. This meal is great for healthy digestion.
Whisk eggs, adding SunFresh Spirulina, Oregano, Parsley, Turmeric, Garlic powder, Sea salt and Black pepper.
Saute Onion and 1/2 garlic clove in coconut oil for 2 minutes. Add Red Bell Pepper, Red Cabbage and fresh Cilantro leaves.
Add more coconut oil to the pan then pour in egg & spirulina mixture. Scramble eggs with vegetables or combine to make an omelet.
Nutritionist Tip: Macros and Micros at work! Notice the variety of seasonings, each one has major health benefits and all contribute to fighting inflammation. Inflammation is caused not only by poor food choices, but also by stress. Keep inflammation down and increase your lifespan.
SunFresh proteins and Flavanaturals are two amazing Fit Snack partners both making the best of their particular product. SunFresh Proteins ensures they have the highest quality spirulina though a sustainable means. Flavanaturals is your Sneak Peek at our June Fit Snack box and is unique in that it contains the highest levels of flavonoids which are super nutrients that support brain, heart and skin health.
Enjoy and don’t forget your tasty treat apples and flava bars. If you want to try Flava Naturals sign up for our June Fit Snack box today.
Do you enjoy doing your monthly Fit Snack workouts, but want to make them even more effective?
We love exploring new exercise strategies – it really helps to keep inspiration high and boredom low.
Let’s start with discussing strategies for Circuit training. Blasting fat, building strength and full body sculpting can all be achieved with just a few adjustments to interval timing and exercise.
Our friends at Fitness Magazine, have done an excellent job breaking down these strategies. In summary,
Melting fat and firming muscles can be achieved by rotating between 1 minute of strength exercise and 1 minute of cardio. You can do approx. Choose 5 strength exercises (pushups, squats etc.) and 5 cardio exercises (jumping jacks, high knees, butt kickers etc.). Complete the circuit 3 times! It’s that easy!
Sculpt all over by doing 6 strength exercises for 1 minute each. Don’t rest in between and complete the circuit 3 times.
Bust Boredom and blast calories by doing 5 minutes of low, medium and high intensity cardio. Rest for 10 seconds between each interval and complete the circuit two times. To get really fancy, change your cardio options for the 2nd time through. Some of our favorite cardio options include: walking uphill, stairs, and jump roping.
Remember to respect your fitness level and adjust each of these exercises as best for you and your body.
Learn more and view detailed exercise examples at Fitness Magazine.
Now that your exercise game is on point, lets talk about habits. The most important thing to success is making a habit out of it. We love the way that Fit Girl’s Diary sums up the the list of Fit Girl Habits. Here are the top 5 and they apply to both Women and Men:
Always workout on Mondays
Always eat a healthy breakfast. Did you know breakfast is the first and best opportunity to get your greens and veggies?
Workout 5 times a week, change it up with our circuit training recommendations above!
Prioritize Proteins. We recommend whole food protein and supplementing with some of your favorite Fit Snack brands like SunFresh Proteins or Fizzique when your in a crunch for time!
Start your day with water! A favorite water bottle or big glass pitcher infused with fruit or lemons keeps it refreshing!
Don’t forget that fuel and nutrition are the most important part of your Fitness Journey. After all, abs are made in the kitchen. When you don’t have quite enough time to cook, Fit Snack is here for you! Check out all of the goods in this month’s Fit Snack Box:
A clean cookie made with love and whole food ingredients
Rickaroons are made with love…by Rick. These nutrient packed treats taste like dessert, so you know they are made with lots of love. What you wouldn’t know is that each Rickaroon only has 4-5 ingredients. The ingredients list is as beautiful and healthy as it is tasty!
Inspired by love.
The love of being healthy and the love for a special woman. Rick set out to simply create a healthy comforting treat for a loved one during her battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Over time he perfected his recipe to make an on-the-go snack that is as simple as it is sweet. Designed to fuel workouts and satisfy cravings, the combination of coconut, nut butters, and chocolate does both perfectly!
The Rickaroon line now has 5 delicious flavors so you can have one for every occasion.
Chocolate Blonde
Peanut Butter Protein
Mint to be – Mint Double Chocolate
Mocha – Double Chocolate Espresso
Megaroon – Superfood filled = Chia Seeds + Cocoa Nibs Today Rickaroons is a family run business and it’s a special team effort to bring these beautifully crafted treats to you.
Beautiful Ingredients for a beautiful life.
Only 6-8 ingredients. I bet your wondering “What can they be and why beautiful?”
All Rickaroons flavors are built around coconut. Every flavor includes 3 forms of coconut – Shredded Coconut, Coconut Palm Nectar, and Coconut Oil. Combine the coconut with Almond Butter or Peanut Butter, a hint of Vanilla, and sustainably sourced dark chocolate and you get perfection. Some of the key ingredients you will see here are high in antioxidants, and combined they make for an anti-aging friendly treat. Antioxidants primarily serve to fight damage to your cells (the oxidation process) whether caused by stress or imbalances. So relax and enjoy a Rickaroon in your August Fit Snack box. Warning: Rickaroons may cause big smiles, happy taste buds, and a healthy body.
We’re kicking off the New Year right with snacks that will make your mouth water and energize your hardest workouts. Every box is 80% Gluten Free, low in sugar, high in protein and did we mention filled with super delicious snacks. Did we mention they’re healthy too! We just want you to feel spoiled this New Years and YOU deserve It ALL. Treat yourself to the highest quality snacks out there, each hand picked by a Nutritionist. Your Sneak Peek into this beautiful box starts with pure gourmet goodness.
You are what you eat! So take a peek at this box and then take a peek at yourself because you’re about to make some serious strides in becoming your best this year!
Start by using the highest quality product to increase your energy levels throughout the day. . .
Honey. If you guessed it then honey, you’re on to something as sweet as the success of completing your news years resolution. Also as simple. Remember when you keep things simple like snacking and eating whole food you will succeed every time.
If you know Fit Snack, then you know we love convenient, healthy and delicious snacks. No bs, no junk ever. This Honey is extra special.
Don’t take our word for it. Here’s the breakdown straight from Weeks Honey Farm. . . .
Weeks honey farm honey is sustainably sourced.
No better all natural energy snack is available! Weeks Honey Straws are always the perfect way to level up in your workout, increase your mental awareness, and get past that afternoon slump! Excellent source for pre and post workout energy. Made in USA. Product is Kosher and Gluten Free.Raw honey has been called “the perfect running fuel.” It provides an easily absorbed supply of energy in the form of liver glycogen, making it ideal for energetic morning starts and as a pre- and post-exercise energy source. Studies have shown honey to be one of the best choices of carbohydrate to consume right before exercising. Additionally, studies have revealed that as a sporting fuel, honey performs on a par with glucose, which is the sugar used in most commercial energy gels.
Proven Success as The Perfect Running Fuel
Energize Your Workouts and Recovery Naturally
No ‘Sugar’ Crash After Consuming
Three Versions Available: Clover, Orange Blossom, and Wildflower
Easy Carry No Mess Straws Make Snacking Easy
So whether you workout, work 9-5, or just play as a kid- Weeks Honey Farm Honey Straws make a delightful snack and energy boost without the processed sugars and artificial sweeteners you don’t want.
Why Bars start with simple and wholesome ingredients that satisfy the body, the mind and the spirit. We combine them to create a bar that’s packed with nutrition and full of flavor — truly the best tasting and most fulfilling energy bar on Earth!
A beautiful combination of flavors and healthy ingredients all perfectly combined to make the most of any simple dish. Add your seasonings to a breakfast omelet or a simple steamed veggie tray.
Plant fusion packed with 21g of plant-based proteins, fortified with digestive enzymes and free of major allergens. Certified Non-GMO, Gluten Free & Vegan. As part of our Purity Promise™ we are also committed to being free of dairy, soy, rice, eggs, nuts, fish, tree nuts, shellfish, artificial flavors and colors.
Each cookie is gluten free and packed with 20g of protein per serving. Close your eyes, make a wish, and blow out the candles and enjoy our delicious Birthday Cake Protein Cookie.
Bada Bean Bada Boom is roasted broad beans in bold flavors with a delicious crunch. Vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO!
Recipe’s
Recipes and Healthy Treats: 1. Weeks Honey Farm – use the best quality honey and the spread filled with health benefits and flavor. Taking Honey to the next level, because of where their honey is sourced from you are not only getting all of the benefits, but none of the junk that can be easily added to honey. This is the taste of TRUE honey straight from the original source.
Add honey to Nairn’s Oatgrahams, a bowl of fruit or enjoy a stick before a run. 2. Fit Snacking done right can be as simple as dip your Chocolate Nairn’s Oat Grahams into a cup of Sweet Cheat Hot Cocoa
3. Nairn’s recipe (see recipe below pic)
KEY LIME PIE: Nairn’s have brought out a gluten free new product and it is perfect for tart/pie bases. @nairnsoatcakes new Oaties have a lovely buttery taste and crumbly texture. The sharpness of the limes in this recipe go perfectly with the new Oaties. Recipe below: Ingredients (and options for substitutions which our Nutritionist added): 1 1/2 packs of Nairn’s Oaties 120g of butter 3 medium egg yolks 1 tin of condensed milk / sub coconut milk finely grated zest and juice of 4 limes 200ml double cream / sub coconut milk 1 tbsp icing sugar / sub monkfruit extra lime zest, to decorate
Method: 1)Smash the biscuits in a plastic bags until fine and add 120g of melted butter, press into a tart tin and bake in the oven – gas mark 3 for 15 mins. 2)Put 3 medium egg yolks in a large bowl and whisk for a minute with electric beaters. 3)Add a can of condensed milk and whisk for 3 minutes, then add the finely grated zest and juice of 4 limes and whisk again for 3 minutes. 4)Pour the filling into the cooled base then put back in the oven for 18 minutes. Cool then chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. 5)To decorate, softly whip together 300ml double cream and 1 tbsp icing sugar. #keylimepie#nairns#glutenfreekeylimepie
Does the thought of a “healthy” or “healthier” lifestyle overwhelm you? Do you ever consider changing your life then suddenly change your mind. Well I’m here to help change it back.
You were on the right track you just have to start small with some reliable advice -today in the form of Fit Life Hacks. The media tells us to do the latest fancy diet. Next thing you know all of your fancy money is gone, you’ve lost 5 lbs just to gain 10lbs, not exactly what you signed up for. It’s true. FACT: 95% of people who lose weight by dieting will regain it in 1-5 years. (PsychologyToday.com)
Diets may work for some people.
Of course they do. Diets may work for the people who invented them, simply because they created THIER perfect diet for THEIR body and needs. A fun fact is, some of these DIETS people create have made those same people sick. Many diets are unrealistic because they don’t contain what you need and are not sustainable. Every individual has a specific lifestyle surrounding their eating habits. Their diet is not a food plan, but the food they naturally eat, which fits their lifestyle. Fit Life Hack: You need a permanent change, not a temporary fix.
Time for change.
First, find a qualified pro. A Nutritionist and a Personal Trainer who will guide you through your lifestyle changes and create the ideal program to fit you. Perform a credentials check. Find a Nationally Certified Trainer and a Nutritionist with an education you can count on (a degree from an accredited university). Our Fit Snack Nutritionist has a B.S. in Human Nutrition and over 10 training certifications NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) is at the top of the list. Fit Life Hack: Work with a pro who can help you be the best you! Ready to get started?
Let’s take the focus off of the DIET and put it on our HABITS.
If you want to change your habits the best way to do so is…one by one. Fit Life Hack: Change certain behaviors without focusing on food, but focusing on what is surrounding your eating habits. Let’s start with:
Three tips for your eating habits make over!
Client: “I don’t like to eat breakfast.” Nutritionist/Trainer: “No problem, start your day with a light 20 min fasting cardio session. Within 30 min drink a green smoothie (5 almonds, 2c. kale & Purely Inspired vegan Protein). Hearty Snack Tip: Get this, lunch time is the best time to indulge. Indulge smart. Eat a high protein snack like a Snickerdoodle Cookie from Buff Bake -gluten free & NonGMO- with fruit. An apple boosts metabolism and the fiber will keep you full. If you have a sweet tooth add a spoonful of Nutiva Hazelnut Spread to half and eat the other half plain. You’re probably thinking, “Did my Nutritionist just tell me to eat a cookie and chocolate as a snack?” The answer is yes, but the point is you enjoy a high quality cookie that is a high protein snack. Indulge smart. Regular cookie NO, Buff Bake cookie YES~! If you crave sugar this can be a good time to get that out of the way for the day. It’s about changing your habits and moderation is key.”
Client: “I graze and eat junk, no time for meals.” Nutritionist/Trainer: “You can graze, just graze on the right things and let’s talk about small, convenient meals. Spend a little time buying the right foods, your reward is a lot more energy. Something as simple as chips and a salad can be perfect for grazing. Rise Buddy chips has all of the best flavors and are baked, NOT fried and made with rice. Make your salad using Spinach or Kale, Chicken and/or Nuts for protein and Dried fruits from Made In Nature – free of all of the junk (sugar and sulfur) that is usually added. No time to add meat to your salad? Just choose a meat bar as a snack. Bricks Bars has delicious flavors made with veggies in their ingredients.”
Client: “I eat most of my food at night and am eating late every night.” Nutritionist/Trainer: “Make your dinner plate with half veggies. Green veggies can really fill you up, then you eat less of the stuff you don’t need as much. Second, plan a few snacks that will satisfy those salty cravings we get in front of the T.V. or after a long day. Edamame is great, instead of salt get it frozen or fresh and just make an awesome sauce for flavor. Awesome sauce: Aminos Coconut flavor and Siracha. Have some fun with sauces, this will make your night time snacking so tasty you won’t crave junk. Then if you’re eating late, brush your teeth around 8pm and you won’t want to eat after that.”
Nutritionist/Trainer: “Take everything I’ve said with a grain of salt. Change your lifestyle to fit your personal style. Add your small touch to each tip. Here’s an example. Say you don’t like breakfast, apples or chocolate. That’s fine, what DO you like?”
Client: Peanut butter and banana
Nutritionist/Trainer: Great, add those to a plain Rice Cake and you’re good to go! Keep it simple and have fun.
It’s time we change our thinking. Switch out eating junk food for whole foods and snacks that are made with real foods. The Real Food Bar from Complete Nutrition is the perfect example and the snacks in your Fit Snack box. Think real food equals simple ingredients. Happy Snacking! Looking forward to our next chat.
Raw honey has been called “the perfect running fuel.” It provides an easily absorbed supply of energy in the form of liver glycogen, making it ideal for energetic morning starts and as a pre- and post-exercise energy source. Studies have shown honey to be one of the best choices of carbohydrate to consume right before exercising. Additionally, studies have revealed that as a sporting fuel, honey performs on a par with glucose, which is the sugar used in most commercial energy gels.
