To buy or pack???

To buy or pack ? That is the question! I spent so much time on Sunday at my weekly shopping ritual gathering wonderfully healthy choices for my sons lunch box. The first words that come out of his mouth Monday morning... Can I buy lunch at school? It almost feels as though he ripped my heart out at that very moment! Now don't get me wrong I am not against lunches at school, but I sometimes get frustrated when foot-long hot dogs, burgers and pizza seem like a better choice than my healthy lunch! It is the school lunch choices that I'm not in favor of! What  I am in favor is feeding kids lunch when they might not otherwise have one! So until he asks again... to buy or pack that is the question?

The Skinny Sandwich!

My product review for the week is the Skinny Cow Ice Cream sandwich! Coming in at only 140 calories this little wonder is a surprise to the taste buds! For an evening snack or a hot summer treat you can't go wrong with these! Instead of wreaking a great day with a high calorie ice cream creation from an ice cream joint, pick  these up from your local grocery store!Skinny boasts that their ice cream sandwiches are simply irresistible. Six creamy low-fat flavors, all sandwiched between two delicious, chocolaty wafers. Good for kids and adults, you could win over any party with a package of skinny's ice cream sandwiches! Don't forget to try yours today! Healthy Mom gives this one a healthy rating for her family!

More Veggies Please!

OK I have great news!!!! Last night I went out to dinner with my hubby and friend! A nice evening, great conversation and a healthful meal! First we ordered a healthy app (lettuce wraps) really good, shared with three people! Then ordered  one main dish with a side of steamed veggies!! Again we split everything by three! Our bill  smaller but or bellies full with a least 3 servings of veggies! Definitely the way to go!

• Split an entree
• Order extra veggies
• Look for a healthy soup, salad or app  to get started
• Enjoy the company as much as eating
• Put you fork down and chew
• Pass on ordering dessert
• Look ahead on the website for nutrition info

You will POP over this one!

My next new healthy item is Kim's Magic Pop! These fresh grain snack cakes are great for dipping in hummus yogurt or layering the with the toppings of a taco! Even my one year old loved them, they melt in your mouth ! For only 15 calories per large disk they are a little piece of heaven!Magic-Pop: the crunchy, delicious, grain snack that’s incredibly versatile and magically fresh!  Popped right in your local supermarket, this crisp and tasty treat is perfect right out of the bag, topped with sweet or savory spreads, or paired with soup and salad…the possibilities are endless! Here's what Kim's has to say...You’ll love Kim’s Magic Pop because of the airy, crispy texture and the delicious, filling flavor!

- All Natural
- Vegan
- Only 15 calories
- Low in Carbs & Sodium
- No fat or cholesterol

  This is how it is packaged!  OK all you healthy moms check out there website at Kimsmagicpop.com and enjoy and snack healthy!

Be Thankful

Be thankful today for your family and your health! Enjoy!

Lucky you there is two!

OK because I love reviewing products so much this week you get another Always Healthy Moms pick! So check back after the holiday! You will POP over this one...

Dr. Oz Challenge: The Just 10 Challenge

Dr. Oz Challenge: The Just 10 Challenge

Happy Healthy Thanksgiving!

This holiday does not have to be a belt buster! Remember take advantage of the lean white turkey meat! Also make sure you have plenty of vegetable sides and fruit options to fill you up! How about instead of stuffing have a wholegrain rice dish??? For dessert make sure to think healthy and use pumpkin or fruits like a healthy apple crisp! 
*****Just spray  your dish with a no calorie butter spray and dice apples (3-4cooking apples). Then shake Cinnamon and splenda over them and  add a little vanilla.  Take a few packages of oatmeal (I love maple pecan) and add a little water and applesauce, mix until gooey and crumbly then pour over diced apples. Bake at 350 for about 30-40 minutes or until apples are cooked and topping is crispy. Now enjoy!

Check it out PB2

My first review is this great health invention! I don't know how I would survive without this tastey option! It is powdered peanut butter with only 45 calories per two tablespoons compared to the whopping 190 in regular peanut butter.There is no denying that this is a home run! I can't resist dipping my apples in it and adding it to my chocolate protein shake for a peanut buttery treat! But my new favorite is a flat out 90 cal with PB2 and a sliced banana, it is such a great snack on the go! If chocolate  is  your style you will love the Chocolate PB2 option!  OK all you healthy moms enjoy!  Check them out at Bellplantation.com

All Bell Plantation products are preservative free and contain no artificial sweeteners. And in the case of PB2 and Chocolate PB2, you won’t find 85% of the fat calories of regular peanut butter.

Nutrition facts:

---

PB2: Powdered Peanut Butter
Ingredients: Roasted peanuts, sugar and salt.
Serving size: 2 Tablespoons (12 grams)
Servings per container: 15
Amount per 2 Tablespoon serving (when mixed with water):
Calories: 45
Calories from fat: 13
Value and % Daily Value*
Total fat 1.5 g  3%
Saturated fat 0 g  0%
Trans fat < 0.01 g
Cholesterol < 0.01 mg  0%
Sodium 94 mg  4%
Total carbohydrate 5 g  2%
Dietary fiber 2 g  8%
Sugars 1 g
Protein 5 g
Vitamin A < 1%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium <1%
Iron 0%

Starting Monday...

Don't forget to check back Monday for Always Healthy Moms first healthy product review! There will be many more to come! You can't miss reading these informative reviews to know what is what in the world of healthy!

ALL AMERICAN COMBO ?!?

Yes this is actually a sign I read for a hamburger joint! It's all American right down to the calorie count! This is just not something we should be shouting from the roof tops with banners and bright colors! We should should be ashamed that we as Americans are known by our high calorie fast food options! Seriously get a new slogan!

Serving one or two?

I went out to breakfast yesterday... have you seen the size  of omelette's today? Either our chickens are laying abnormally large eggs or restaurants need a few tips on portion size!  We need to wake up and start being responsible for what and how much we put in our mouths at one sitting! YES!!! The restaurants will probably continue to keep serving too large portions so we need to wise up! Here's to a box to go!

It's as easy as 1,2,3!

OK I know its seems like whenever we turn around its five o'clock freak out time ! But I have some advise! Sometimes it can seem easier to go thru a drive thru and get whatever is the cheapest and quickest! But you do have some secret weapons, don't forget to use them!
Number one make use of left overs they can double as a second meal, number two the crockpot, this silly invention can make everyones lives easier, and don't forget you can make things up ahead of time and freeze them so they will be ready when you are!!!

What's in that school lunch?

What's in that school lunch?

In the media

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Coming soon...

Look for reviews of healthy restaurants and healthy products every Monday!

EMOTION!

There is a lot of feeling and emotion that goes along with your health journey! I have had people tell me they have felt guilty and disappointed in themselves when something goes wrong! BUT it's OK to have those feeling, they are natural and part of the process. The big thing is what you do with the emotions and the new behaviors you adopt after them. If you let the emotion get the best of you the you will continue to see failure and weight gain! Let your emotions motivate and empower you! GOOD LUCK!

It's hard work!

No one said this healthy thing was easy it will take hard work on your part. There might be a few occasions when throwing in the towel seems easier! But if you did that then you would be saying that it would be better to go back to your old behaviors and unhealthy ways. Lets face it changing over night will not happen it will take practice and learning from mistakes. No one ever got obese by one cookie... it was the one dozen that came after that!

Would you, should you , could you?

Are you one of those people who looks back and says would of, could of,  should of? Well if you are seize this moment! I always tell people Think TWO steps ahead! Instead of thinking about what you want right now like the huge muffing staring you in the face, think of what you want a week or even a month from now! Don't give in to temporary indulgences when you have concrete goals! You might be tired at the end of the day and might now feel like exercising but what is your decision when you are thinking TWO steps ahead?

Come on all you sexy mamas!

Stop looking in the mirror with regret! Make a healthy change in your day! You're super mom with all your talent and creative powers you can take on any situation! First item of business... YOU! How much time do you focus on your well being? If the answer is none.... Its time to make a plan!  What are yours goals, where do you see yourself in 6 months?

Stop while you're ahead!

My kids each junk, all my husband does is snack, I always get into the ice cream... Does this sound like you? If it does STOP buying it! Really if it's in the house you will eat it, so don't buy it! I told my husband I was not going to buy pop, because when I do all he does  is drink it and the kids will not stop asking for it! Very simple answer, don't buy it! Make a list, and don't go to the store hungry. take some time to menu plan, then you will have a solid plan for the week, with no 5 o'clock freak outs!

Do it for you!

I have heard many reasons for getting healthy! The top  most popular reason is for my kids or family! How about for yourself! When you  model great behaviors to your kids they will understand and learn why it's so important to do the same! Share this gift by example, seriously do it because you deserve it!

A Kind Reminder!

I love the new Toyota Highlander commercial. The young boy says "just because you're a parent doesn't mean you have to be lame!" This is just a kind reminder that we can still be cool. Sometimes we get too caught up in the mommy mode and forget about the woman we aspire to be, and the goals we still want to achieve. Don't give up on those dreams, they can still be a reality! For gosh sake we don't have to be lame!!!!

Fall

There are so many great things about Fall. Some of them are the memories and opportunities to get outside before it's cold! Take a walk with your family to look at the leaves, rake the leaves, clean up the garden, or take a bike ride. Although my husband likes to pack up all the summer goods too soon there is still opportunities for grilling veggies on the grill, and taking a family bike ride! You can even enjoy the orchard by picking your own apples.So open the door and enjoy the fresh air! Get moving today!!!!

Health is Priceless...

Your health health will never mean as much to you as the moment it is no longer in your control! So while it is in your hands 70% anyways "take care of it"!  I have never seen something more precious than  the breath of life and the gift of family!
To my grandmother who I will love a lifetime and more!

Healthy parents, Healthy families!

Life is crazy, and it probably will not slow down any time soon! But take a minute to ask yourself... What will your life look like it if you don't make the changes you  need to? There is never a good time to make the changes but there is no time like the present! The only mistake is being afraid of making one!

Holiday Rush!

Soon many things will be begging for your time... shopping, family, celebration, cleaning , traffic, etc.  Don't forget what your priorities are!!! Remember your health and wellbeing. if we don't take to focus on us, we will be left with the holiday blues! So take action to prevent this... Plan, Prepare and Pull it off! You are super mom you can do it!

Eating Out!

Dinner out can be fun, but challenging! This past weekend I went out to dinner, with a mission. I was going to push the veggies and order healthy! So first I skimmed the menu, but had a good idea of what I would order! Lean protein number #1 then 3 servings of veggies! To pull this off I had to speak up! I had to ask for
a la carte items like steamed veggies with no oil and salad with dressing on the side! Another great tip is to split an entree. My chicken Marsala had 2 pieces of chicken, one for me and one for my husband. We saved money and our waistlines!

TIPS...
1. Split a meal
2. Ask for sauces on the side, hold the oil and butter
3. Order extra veggies and fruits to fill you up
4. Focus on lean proteins and skip the pastas

Truth be told...

OK truth be told I have a messy house! Well not really, but my mom says it is. By the way I also have the best mom a daughter could ask for. She loves my kids like her own, and she helps me out always. So yes my clothes are not always folded, the baskets are overflowing my carpet is probably one sweep behind, the sink could be half full of dirty dishes, but I don't care!!! I am healthy, my kids are well and guess what it will be there tomorrow! I will not loose sleep over these things that could stress me out, I have made my priority's my family and health! The messy house does not matter at the end of the day! Don't stress over the little things focus on the big picture!
PS Thanks mom!

Skill power not Will power!

Someone I know told me it's not about will power its skill power. That is so true! So many people try to rely on will power and strength, inevitably the journey will get tough and we need skill power to be successful. How many years have you learned and practiced your current behaviors, don't expect them to change over night, or for it to be easy! It will not, but when you have the right skills you can do it!!!

Take home message...

Small frequent meals are the best throughout the day, a new study has show when people tend to have a majority of their calories in the evening it could be harder to lose weight. Spread out the calories throughout the day, eat every 3-4 hours! Eat before you get hungry, because when you are hungry you will not be reaching for the right things! Snack healthy!