healthy snacks

Fit Blogger We Love: Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen

April 19, 2012 at 3:33 pm
By Samantha Shelton

Remember the oldie-but-goodie film, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids?” That was a great flick. So we can’t help but smile every time we type Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen into our search bar, waiting to hop onto Gretchen’s blog and catch up on her weight loss journey. From the fun, witty adventures to the serious, self-reflective posts, she knows how to entertain us while keeping it real. We wanted to find out more about this blogger’s  must-haves, so we went straight to the source. Read on to find out what keeps her motivated and what indulgences she still struggles with today.

My favorite way to work out: With variety! When I first started to get healthy, I tried to force myself into long distance running because I thought that’s what I needed to do in order to be “healthy.” Turns out, I don’t really like running! So while I recognize the need for cardio for my overall weight loss and fitness goals, I’m much better at maintaining a regular workout schedule if there’s a lot of variety involved. Now I switch it up between short runs, weight training and fun classes, like Zumba!

My fave fit snack: In between meals, I’m a huge fan of the peanut butter/almond butter and celery or apple slices combo. You get a little sugar to energize you, a little fiber to keep you full and some delicious, filling healthy fats to stave off hunger. Win-win-win!

My biggest indulgence: As much as I love to cook, I also tend to eat out a lot. I’m a huge foodie and love trying new restaurants, and it’s difficult for me to pass up the pastas, steaks and creamy, dreamy dishes when I do. I’m really working on finding the balance in eating out without always overindulging because I don’t believe you should have to completely give up something you love in the name of health.

5 things I can’t live without: My family (we’re super close), sushi (it’s my favorite!), my iPhone (how did we exist before smart phones?), Harry Potter (confession: I am a huge nerd), and my two amazing miniature schnauzers, Harry and Daxter.

My motivation comes from: My blog, funnily enough! I weighed 246 when I started it, but didn’t have any kind of “Eureka!” moment where I saw a photo or someone said something that made me decide to change my life and get healthy. I simply said, “I want to start a weight loss blog.” A year and a half and 60 pounds later, it’s my blog that keeps me going. Having that accountability that writing every day provides, as well as the amazing support of my readers, has really been the key to making it all stick this time around.

Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Leave a comment below or email us at blog@fitnessmagazine.com

---

Fit Blogger We Love: Bee Goes Bananas

April 5, 2012 at 1:28 pm
By Samantha Shelton

Bee Goes Bananas reminds us of the simplicities in life. Even when her days are jam-packed with activities, she takes the time to relax with her loved ones and just be (or bee!). Her most important rule? Make sure you’re having fun! We think that’s something everyone should incorporate into their daily routine more often, don’t you?

Bee let us in on exactly how she likes to live it up and what piece of technology she can’t live without. You might be surprised!

My favorite way to work out: I used to spend day after day at the gym just going through the motions, doing the same interval workout on the same elliptical machine. That isn’t fun! I’ve learned to incorporate fitness into my daily life, whether I’m horseback riding, hiking with my dog, taking cycling classes or keeping up with the kids at work. I try to switch it up as much as possible to keep me excited and always wanting more!

5 things I can’t live without:

1. My loved ones! My husband; my dog, Zeke; my family; friends; horses—I love them all!
2. My camera. Ever since I owned my first one, it’s been attached to my hip wherever I go. I always have two cameras on me at any given moment, if not more!
3. Cereal. I’ve tried giving it up, but I just can’t do it. I’ve learned moderation with cereal, though—I only eat one bowl a day now.
4. Asics GT2150 running shoes. I have flat feet and I overpronate, but these shoes keep everything in alignment so I can comfortably move around all day. [Editor's note: Find your perfect sneaker in our 2012 sneaker guide in the April issue!]
5. My cell phone. I know, it’s so bad! But I use it for everything. It’s my cookbook, interval timer, nutrition consultant and camera, along with many other things.

I’m happiest when I’m: On a horse! There’s nothing more peaceful and grounding than spending time with one. My favorite way to unwind at the end of a hectic day is to hop on one of my favorite horses bareback and feel connected to their every step.

My fave fit snack: A small peanut butter and banana wrap. I spread a bit of the nut butter on a small whole wheat tortilla wrap, then roll it around a banana. Sometimes I even sprinkle a bit of chocolate protein powder on top of top of the banana before rolling it up. It’s easy, fast and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.

My fitness mantra: “Do what you love and love what you do.” This isn’t exactly a fitness mantra, but I think it’s something that carries over to all areas of life. You only live once! I can’t stress that enough. Why do something if you don’t enjoy some aspect of the process? Try a new sport, pick up a hobby, experiment with healthy versions of your favorite foods. Do anything that will get you moving and help you live a healthy lifestyle, and make sure you’re having fun while doing it!

Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Leave a comment below or email blog@fitnessmagazine.com

---

#140Wednesdays: What Are the Ingredients of Your Favorite DIY Snack?

March 28, 2012 at 1:32 pm
By Colleen Moody

Ever since we were in kindergarten, snack time has been something to look forward to. After all, the options are pretty endless. (Sweet! Salty! Crunchy!) That’s why for this week’s #140Wednesdays we want know what your DIY go-to nibble is when hunger strikes. Read some of the responses below to get some healthy noshing inspiration.

@Shazsc06: Ants on a Log: Put peanut butter in the crease of a celery stalk, then place the raisins on top of the peanut butter.

@jrs14usa: I dip grapes in Greek yogurt and freeze them! Awesome when you want a guilt-free frozen treat!

@lcarolinec: Multigrain Cheerios and unsweetened almond milk!

@15Sunshyne: A banana protein shake.
Now tell us: What is your favorite healthy snack?

More from FITNESS: Healthy, Homemade Snacks Under 100 Calories

---

Dancing With the Stars Pro Chelsie Hightower Dishes On the New Cast

March 19, 2012 at 12:09 pm
By Karla Walsh

Now that Bachelor Ben proposed to Courtney, it’s time for a new crop of characters to fuel the water cooler talk. Tonight, you’ll see FITNESS cover model Maria Menounos, The View co-host Sherri Shepherd and former “Steve Urkel” Jaleel White, among others, showing off their moves for the premiere of season 14 of Dancing With the Stars.

We caught up with one of the show’s pros, Chelsie Hightower, while she was promoting a Greek Island vacation sweepstakes with Old London to have her handicap the season and fill us in about which dance move we need to be doing to be beach-ready stat!

How are things going so far with your new partner, Disney Channel star Roshon Fegan?

He has a great attitude and our training is going very well. He really wants to have fun and I think that’s the most important thing.

Viewers have questioned whether this season’s cast has the star power to draw ratings, as compared to past seasons. How would you respond?

I actually thought the same thing until I met the cast. There are so many great personalities and the dance skill level is high. Great characters, dancers and storylines behind the pairings are what really shape a season, and I think this cast has all of that.

When we interviewed you for FITNESS previously, you mentioned that your dream partner would be Justin Timberlake. How about if you were the celebrity and could pick your pro partner?

Justin Timberlake would be pretty fantastic! Derek [Hough] is patient and has a great work ethic, so I think I’d go with him.

Read more

---

Fit Links: Healthy Snack Options and Stress-Fighting Secrets

March 16, 2012 at 3:41 pm
By Karla Walsh

This week’s fit links from around the web:

• Yum! Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or a savory mini-meal, these smart snack ideas are wholesome, satisfying and delicious. — Peanut Butter Fingers
• Fess up: What are you really wearing under those workout capris? — Fit Bottomed Girls
• We are intrigued by the idea of avocado pudding (especially if you add chocolate)! — Edible Perspective
• One woman tells you the secret to finding the perfect work/life balance. — MizFit
• Feeling frazzled? These five steps will help you find (nearly) instant bliss. — Diets in Review
• Hey, we’ve all stolen a bite of cookie dough before baking. But if you find yourself continually ruining your dinner appetite by taste-testing, try these tricks. — The Great Fitness Experiment

---

Fit Blogger We Love: Eat: Watch: Run

March 1, 2012 at 3:10 pm
By Samantha Shelton

If you’re in need of a good laugh with a mix of running and tough workouts, head over to Eat: Watch: Run. We love that Paula isn’t embarrassed easily and incorporates a balance of “everything in moderation” into her life. Keep reading to find out what pushes her to the finish line, then head to her blog for more comedic action.

My fave fit snack: I love bananas or saltines with sunflower seed butter. If bananas or saltines aren’t available, I’m not against dipping a finger in the jar.

Most embarrassing song I’ll admit I work out to: “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio. Actually, I didn’t think it was embarrassing until it came on my iPod in the car and my husband said, “Coolio? Really?”

Olympic sport I’d love to try: Figure skating. I love how graceful it looks. Also, it’s the only sport where you’re expected to wear sequined leotards, which I fully support. When I ice skate though, I have to hold on to the sides of the rink to stay vertical, so it might be best to go with Olympic ribbon twirling instead.

My “I Did It” moment: Finishing my second marathon. You think it would have been my first, but I was so miserable after that first 26.2 that I only focused on the disappointment. My second marathon showed me that trying again is so important and that failing doesn’t define you, but shapes you.

My motivation comes from: Inside myself. Wow, that sounds cheesy. But it’s true. Staying active is what makes me feel happy, healthy and grounded. I can’t be happy in other aspects of my life when I’m not happy with myself, and that feeling is what keeps me going.

Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Email blog@fitnessmagazine.com

---