The Super Awesome Super Food

Ah, the blueberry.  Since you are so delicious, yet so many people completely ignore you, I've decided to interview you in hopes that you can explain to the world why you are so wonderful. So, here we go.

Me:  So tell me, my sweet, favorite super food, why are you so blue?
Blueberry:  Oh, it's just a tint due to my high anthocyanin content.  In layman's terms, that means that I am a pretty color with lots of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber and phytochemicals.
Me:  What are your other benefits?
Blueberry:  In various studies, I am known to be a natural anti-inflammatory (why take ibuprofen?) and have even been known to reduce risks of cancer.
Me:  Wow, I'm impressed!  Do you have any affect on blood pressure?
Blueberry:  Good question!  Yes, I have been in study after study, proving that I have the ability to control blood pressure, lower any high cholesterol levels and improve memory in older adults.  I'm also linked to reducing symptoms of depression!
Me:  That is amazing!  Are you high in calories?
Blueberry:  No, quite the contrary.  Check out my calorie content and other macronutrients here.  You'll be surprised.
Me:  Where do you come from?
Blueberry:  Although I can be found in Europe and Asia, I have more brothers and sisters than you can imagine that come from North America.
Me:  You seem to be really popular on YouTube, so I will leave our readers with this video to enjoy!

Snacker on the Loose?

Are you completely obsessed with snacking?  

It's time to make a change!

How many times a day do you snack out of complete boredom?  Of course, you may have several long lists of to-do items, whether you work from the local coffee shop on your computer, are a stay-at-home mom or have a typical office job, but you just...get...bored. Guess what?  It's a habit.  Good news!  You can break habits!

Cutting down on your snacking does not mean that you have to completely cut out snacks.  Your metabolism actually needs small amounts of healthy foods every 2-3 hours to keep your energy levels up and to burn fat.  If you only eat 1-3 times per day, your body will actually store fat because it has no idea when it will get more food.  You may lose weight, but that weight is in the form of muscle, not fat.  The less lean muscle that you have, the slower your internal furnace will burn fat.

In my opinion, here are several tips and suggestions to help you change your over-snacking or potato-chip-grabbing habits:

1)  Most hunger pains are the result of dehydration.  If you drink water throughout the day, you know that your hunger pains will be real.

2)  You hear people say that healthy snacking is not convenient.  Really?  I have been able to grab 2 stalks of celery and a jar of natural peanut butter a lot faster than I can open up a package of Ding Dongs and run out the door.  You have a choice to make a healthy decision or not.

3)  If you have purchased a bag of trail mix or raw nuts from your local wholesale grocery store, more than likely the bag is as big as your pantry door.  Be sure to break servings out into small snack size Ziploc baggies so they are easy to grab and go.  Allowing yourself to take the entire bag with you could potentially end up a complete disaster.

4)  Always carry healthy snacks with you in your car, briefcase or purse so that you are never tempted to raid the vending machine or stop for fast food.  Small serving sized bags of raw nuts (walnuts or almonds), OStrim Ostrich & Beef Snack Sticks or fresh fruit that does not require refrigeration (apples, oranges) are great options when you're on the go.

5)  Brag about your new changes to everyone that you know!  It's almost like writing the lyrics to a song on paper, over and over.  You are more likely to remember the lyrics if you write them down, right?  By telling others about your new "better" habits, not only are you more likely to stick with it, but the more people you tell, the more accountability you have.  Shoot, why not announce it on Facebook?

6)  Get a FREE membership at www.myFit5.com and track your foods.  (It's free until beta testing is over, so if you join now, you'll be free for life!)  Logging your foods is a super idea when you're wanting to tone up or lose weight.  Most people are completely shocked when they finally track their daily calorie intake.  What you learn from logging your foods can help you become a better planner when it comes to meals and snacking.

Don't just walk the walk.  Talk the talk!