by Anita Muniz | Dec 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
This classic tale of beef jerky starts in downtown Los Angeles, in 1929. A man with little more than a motive and his craft decided to open a small shop. People’s Old Market, which later would become known as People’s Choice Beef Jerky. John Bianchetti imagined a company built on honesty and hard work, with the purpose of crafting quality beef jerky. Every cut was carefully taken through a curing process free of preservatives and made with only simple seasonings – some recipes dating back to the 1920’s.
THE BIANCHETTI’S FAMILY PHILOSOPHY
At People’s Choice Beef Jerky the saying goes; “Business comes and goes. New products replace old ones, but relationships are the currency of sustainable success.” – John Bianchetti
A philosophy that carried over four generations from John Bianchetti to son Paul Bianchetti, then from Mark Bianchetti and now to his son Brian Bianchetti. Their philosophy is a huge part of what makes them great. They have employees who have been crafting each batch for over twenty years.
“I feel as though this jerky is made in my own kitchen with the perfect flavor. Each bite is a reminder that the best tastes are timeless.”–Rose Muniz, Fit Snack Founder
Though the process has remained the same, People’s Choice Beef Jerky continues to surprise us by releasing some of the best new flavors on the market. Beyond their three original flavors (Hot and Spicy, Teriyaki and Original) their Carne Seca line includes three rich flavors (Carne Seca Limon, Carne Seca Limon Con Chile, Machaca). Finally, their tasting Kitchen has everything from Siracha and Garlic Ginger to Maple Brown Sugar, just to name a few.
AN EPIC JERKY EXPERIENCE
These flavors come together in their Jerky Boxes. The People’s Choice Beef Jerky boxes are important because there’s no way you can have just one bag or just one flavor. After trying them all, you fall in love with their process and high quality beef jerky.
Healthy lean protein makes us happy!
by Anita Muniz | Nov 19, 2016 | Uncategorized
Warm Up 5 minutes (Rotating each move for 30 seconds)
Butt Kicks
Mountain Climbers
High Knees
Jumping Alternating Lunges (Intermediate Only)
You’re November Workout Plan
Mon. Legs – Cardio – Abs
Tues. Arms – Cardio
Wed. Cardio – Legs – Abs
Thurs. Arms – Cardio
Friday Yoga/Stretch
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Cardio Options
10 min Jump Rope
10 min (Rotate 30 sec each) High Knees, Butt Kicks, Mountain Climbers, Jumping Jacks
10 min Running
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Fit Snack Leg Workout
20 Four way lunges – reg., reverse, side to side and curtsey lunge
20 Wighted Squats
40 Three way Calf Raises – 1. Toes apart & heels touching 2. Middle regular 3. Toes Touch & heels apart
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Fit Snack Arm Workout
20 Staggered Push Ups – Rt arm is 1 hand higher than left. After 10 reps switch.
20 Plank to Elbows – 1 rep is lowering to elbows, then raising to a full plank.
20 Tricep Push Ups – Push up with elbows touching your. sides
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Fit Snack Ab Workout
20 Russian Twists (Position: bent knees, feet on floor, spine straight)
20 Leg Raises – Spine glued to the floor, activate lower abs tighten as you lower and lift.
20 Crunches – squeeze as you lower and raise.
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Fit Snack Stretches, hold for 30 seconds each
Runners Lunge, lower your back knee to the ground
Sitting Legs wide, reach to the right side then the left.
We hope you enjoy your November Fit Snack Fitness Challenge designed by our Personal Trainer, Anita Muniz. We hope you can stick to the program. Anita is a triathlete, swimmer, runner and weight lifter. If you want a more in depth and personalized training program check out our Fit Snack Fitness Program we are launching especially for you. Designed by yours truly, I hope you enjoy every minute of it and may you gain motivation and strength daily. We want your input and feedback as we launch our Fitness Program so we can ensure it is perfect for you.
by Anita Muniz | Nov 5, 2016 | Uncategorized
The Kombucha Starter Kit, from Cultures for Health, in your October box is our way of bringing a traditional and sustainable experience to your home this month.
Culture’s for Health was first inspired when two parents, Eric and Julie, went to a workshop for sustainable living. They created their own starter cultures for multiple products with the hope of bringing traditionally prepared, Real Food into the home. They now have a website that is truly a resource for learning everything you need to know through books, tutorials and so much more. Their goal is:
“To create a website where people making a food change in their own lives could find all the products and information they need to be successful.”
– Julie & Eric Feickert
Why Kombucha?
Kombucha has been proven to positively impact mental stress, which in todays day and age most people have chronic stress. Digestive issues are also a common factor in The combination of the two can be strenuous and take a toll.
“It [Kombucha] is also very highly recommended for sports-people and those who do strenuous mental work. Through the promotion of the metabolism, undue fat deposits in the body are avoided or removed.” – Hans Irion
The word Kombucha is the Germanized form of the Japanese name for the mushroom. However, ‘Kombucha’ is not a mushroom in the sense that you may think. It is a symbiotic colony of yeast and bacteria (SCOBY) and it does not grow in the same form as a typical mushroom. You will notice your starter culture contains a flat disk this is your Kombucha mushroom – though it’s not very mushroom like it is a part of the fungi family.
Kombucha is a beverage full of nutrients and probiotics that will increase well-being and vitality, primarily by stimulating metabolism thus detoxifying the body.
Preparation of Kombucha is an easy process using the Culture’s for Health Starter Kit. You will need only five key ingredients and it is a three-step process. If you wish to bottle and flavor your Kombucha CLICK HERE, or check out:
culturesforheatlh.com/bottling-kombucha
After the process of making your Kombucha using your starter culture, the fermentation begins (the warmer temperature in the house, the less time it will take). During fermentation (oxidation phase) Kombucha acquires its major nutritional characteristics. As it feeds on the sugar, the resulting substances are: glucuronic acid, L-lactic acid, vitamins, amino acids, antibiotic substances and more.
Gluronic Acid is the primary component for detoxification and is known to increase the body’s defenses. It has a direct impact on oxidative metabolism thus promoting restoration.
“The culture is placed in sweetened black or green tea and turns the tea into a sea of health giving acids and nutrients. The Kombucha culture feeds on the sugar and, in exchange, produces other valuable substances which change into the drink: glucuronic acid, glucon acid, lactic acid, vitamins, amino acids, antibiotic substances, and other products. The Kombucha culture is, therefore, a real tiny biochemical factory.” – Gunther W. Frank
At Fit Snack we can appreciate all of the benefits of Kombucha, but seeing as it is a rather new beverage the health benefits are still being researched. That’s why we encourage you to check out some of the quality resources at Cultures for Health. Sign up for their free e-book to learn more.
by Anita Muniz | Aug 24, 2016 | Outdoor, Uncategorized
Do you have back pain or feel weakness in our lower abdomen? Is it hard for you to sit up straight for long without slouching? We have the workout just for you.
When you think of core work, an image of 6 pack abs might pop into your mind. When our trainer thinks of core she imagines chiseled #tanktop shoulders, a strong back and finally tight abs! This sets you up not only to look great, but to feel tight and strong from front to back.
Back pain is the leading cause of pain worldwide, which is exactly why we wanted to share this full CORE workout. Normally, when we think of our core, people think of having abs and how they look in the mirror. However, if you’re ignoring the back of your body and then you likely have some muscle imbalances and need to balance them out.
Here is what your Fit Snack Personal Trainer has to say:
First, “Engage” your core.
Here’s my first tip (I teach all of my clients): Engage your core – lying flat on the ground, pretend there is a string pulling your belly button to your spine. Inhale and expand your stomach then Exhale let all of the air out and squeeze feel your belly button go deeper towards your spine.
Here’s your workout! It can be done if you are at any fitness level, it includes modifications to give you, your perfect challenge. If you’re a beginner then you need this foundation and if you’re an advanced athlete we’ve included modifications for the best results. What you put in is exactly what you get out of it. Keep in mind if you have pain that feels like an injury you need to rest and contact a doctor first. If you have pain in the sense that your muscles are burning and sweat is dripping into your eyes, then good for you, you’ve entered #beastmode!
Last tip: Keep your core tight during this entire workout. The first exercise will fully engage your abs.
Welcome to your Core Sculpt Routine, let’s build your back and abs!
Perform 20 – 50 Reps of each exercise
Trainer recommends: 20 for Beginners & 50 for Advanced
Reverse Crunches – Lying on the ground, arms down to your sides, bend at the knees with your heels touching the ground and feet flexed. Keep your spine glued to the floor the entire movement (Key here: pretend someone is trying to push a pencil between your back and the ground. NO space, keep it pressed tightly to the ground and feel your abs engage!). Now lift both feet bringing your knees in towards your chest. Lift and lower that’s 1!
Beginner – Start by slowly lifting and lowering 1 foot at a time. Keep your feel flexed (see below).
Advanced – Extend both legs out with a slight bend in the knees. Lift and lower while keeping every vertebrae in your spine glued to the ground. Make sure not even a pencil could get through.
Hip Thrusters – Same lying position, arms down at your sides and bent knees. Keep your feet flat on the ground the entire time. Engage your core and lift your hips off of the ground, pause at the top then slowly bring your hips down to the ground. Hips up and squeeze your glutes (bum) at the top, release and slowly lower butt to the ground.
Beginner – Lift and lower your hips slowly without pausing at the top.
Advanced – Lift 1 leg reaching your toe to the sky then lift with 1 leg!
Mountain Climbers ‘High Hips’ – Start in plank position jump your Rt foot to your Rt hand. Now left foot to left hand. Bring your hips as high as they can go then switch, that’s 1!
Beginner – Be sure not to drag your feet on the ground. The Key here is to: Lift each foot as you jump to that hand. Rt foot to Rt hand, then Lft foot to left hand.
Advanced – Bring hips as high as you can. You may be able to get to where your neck, shoulders and wrists are stacked almost in a hand stand when you jump. Feel it in your shoulders here and keep a tight core.
Push Ups – Start with your hands on the ground wrists below your shoulders. Push up then slowly lower down until your chest is 1 inch from the ground.
Beginner – Start with your knees on the ground. Keep your body as straight as possible, if that’s to difficult then raise your hips for an easier push up.
Advanced – You can lift 1 leg. If that’s to easy then add a clap in between each push up! Try doing both for a fun challenge.
Downward Dog Push Ups – In the downward dog position slightly bend your elbows and lower your head until you’re 1 inch from the floor (keep your spine straight). Basically a mini push up with your hips high in the air.
Beginner – Warm up before this movement with a push up on your knees then raise your hips high and slowly ease into the movement. Slow and controlled.
Advanced – Place your feet on a bench, hands on the ground about 1 foot from the bench to keep your body at a 45 degree angle with hips high.
Supermans for Lower Back – Lying on the ground with your face to the floor, extend your arms straight in front of you. Lift your chest off of the ground – keeping your feet on the ground – as your chest comes off the ground bring your arms bent to your sides. This move looks like overhead press only you are lying on your stomach.
Beginner – Keep your feet on the ground and start with a slight stretch to warm up. Lying on your stomach, slowly lift your chest and press your hands into the ground for a good pre stretch.
Advanced – Lift your chest and as you perform your lying shoulder press squeeze your shoulder blades together.
Rear Donkey Kicks – On all fours bring your knee to your chest, then raise your heel to the sky and pause then lower. The entire movement keep your leg at a 45 degree angle (perfect bend). When you raise your leg, squeeze your glutes (bum muscles). Perform all reps on 1 leg at a time.
Beginner – Skip the pause, bring heel to the sky then lower. Keep the motion slow and controlled.
Advanced – With each rep squeeze your glutes at the top and pulse for 5 seconds then lower. Keep your glutes tight and your core tight through the entire motion.
Remember: If you want RESULTS it’s all about doing it right not fast! It’s NOT a race, it’s all in the details. In this case, your form.
Subscribe now for $5 off and ask your Fit Snack trainer for fitness tips or help along the way.
Email anita@fitsnack.com for Fitness help
Comment below with your requests for what you would like to see next? Another workout? A video? Healthy Recipe?
by Anita Muniz | Aug 16, 2016 | Food for thought, Recipes, Uncategorized
Who enjoys routine meals week in and week out? A simple and basic healthy diet is one thing, but we all get to that place just like hitting a plateau when working out, our tastebuds get bored. Our body needs and craves a diversified diet, which is why we wanted to share this unique dish with you. We love to change it up in the kitchen and come up with new recipes to add to the mix. Coucous can be a fun alternative to rice or pasta. It has less calories and a bit more protein than rice.
Ingredients:
10 ounces of Shrimp 1 cup of Pearl Couscous
3 cloves of Garlic 1 Green Squash
1 bunch of Parsley 2 tablespoon Butter
2 tablespoon Tomato Paste
1 tablespoon Verjus Rouge
1 teaspoon Summer Couscous Spice Blend
2 teaspoons of olive oil ¼ cup of water
Instructions:
• In a medium pot bring water to a boil on high. Add the couscous and cook for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Reserve ½ a cup of the cooking water. Drain the couscous and return to the pot.
• Wash and dry the produce. Cut the squash in to ¼ inch thick pieces. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley & stems.
• In a medium pan, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil until hot. Add the squash and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and stir occasionally for 2-4 minutes or until softened.
• To make the sauce, add the tomato paste to the pan with eh squash. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes or until dark red. Add the Verjus and ¼ cup water. Stir frequently 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Pat shrimp dry and transfer to a bowl. Season with salt, pepper and spice blend. Add the shrimp to the pan with the squash and sauce. Cook on medium/high – stir occasionally for 2-4 minutes or until shrimp is cooked through.
• Add the couscous, butter and half reserved couscous cooking water to the pan. Stir occasionally for 1-2 minutes.
Eat up & Enjoy!
by Anita Muniz | Aug 12, 2016 | Uncategorized
The story of when Milk decided it was time to Go Dairy Free.
Introducing the worlds first Pistachio Milk. This delicious milk alternative has a history as rich as it’s flavor. Elmhurst, New York known as the “Cross Roads of the World” by the New York Times is a special place in Queens, New York.
Elmhurst is a neighborhood rich in all of the best ways, rich with culture, flavors, foodies and diversity. It is no wonder then that Elmhurst Dairy® was founded there in 1920 by brothers Max and Arthur Schwartz. In the midst of the Industrial Revolution, they started bottling milk from their cows and delivering it door to door. In 1980, to continue their legacy, Max’s son, Henry Schwartz started Steuben Foods Inc.
“We’re Nuts about Milk”
No Lactase, No Gluten, No Soy & GMO Free
Today, Steuben Foods Inc. is looking at milk in a whole new “Dairy Free” light as Steuben Consumer Products presents their delicious Elmhurst Harvest dairy alternatives. More than simply providing Nut Milks, they’ve taken on the role of creating the world’s first Pistachio-based milk. As if that wasn’t enough they went on to release the first Walnut based Milk. Each type of Nut based milk comes in multiple flavors, see their selection here.
The Pistachio milk –found in your August Fit Snack box – comes in Vanilla, Unsweetened and Original. It is lower in sugar and fat than regular milk – you also get more of your Omega 3’s aka “healthy fats”.
1 carton of 2% school milk = 8 ounces, has over 12 g of sugar
2% School Milk Carton
The same amount = 8 ounces of Elmhurst Harvest Original Pistachio Milk has 8g of sugar
8 ounces Unsweetened Pistachio Milk has 0g of sugar! 1g Protein. Only 2g fat!
If you’re looking for a low fat, delicious Pistachio milk smoothie, look no further.
Here’s a Pistachio Smoothie Recipe inspired by Elmhurst Harvest and created by our Nutritionist.
3/4 c. Elmhurst Harvest Pistachio Milk
1/2 c. Organic Strawberries 2 Tbsp Dairy Free Yogurt
3 ice cubes 1 Banana
2 Tbsp Dairy Free Dark Chocolate shavings (or a chocolate vegan protein powder)
When the kids start school and need a healthy dairy free alternative, it’s good to know Elmhurst Harvest has the best selection! You can count on their Nut Milks to be lower in sugar and fat. Shop Elmhurst Harvest for the cleanest and most delicious dairy alternatives.
