Chic-Shuk Secrets

Trust me- I know what it`s like. I`v been there, done that- yes, my many diet mistakes, especially while working eight or more hours a day in a public office. Agree with me on that one- It can be very difficult to eat healthfully and stick to your diet routine and the secret is simple: plan your desktop snacking- ahead of time!
Research shows that eating every four hours helps in keeping your metabolism charged and your energy level high, however before you turn into the vending machine, which normally contains fatty snacks that can easily ruin your healthy diet, plan ahead and stash low-calorie, high in fiber, nutritious snacks in your cabinet, drawer, or even in your briefcase. Each of these snacks will normally be less than 200 calories and/or 5 grams of fat and will keep you full and satisfied throughout the work day, before and after lunch time, right when the craving hits!

My favorite recommended office snacks are:

When I crave for REAL Chocolate, I pick one Kudos Milk Chocolate Granola Bar that has only 100 Calories and 3.5 grams of fat per one snack! I buy the large variety pack that contains 50 bars with different original flavors which last a few months and make sure its handy!!!

When I feel like something salty I grab a bunch of Special K Crackers! You need up to 17 of them in order to reach 90 calories!  They are multi-grains with fiber and dont taste like diet ones!!!  

If I more into crunchy or salty snacks then popcorn is the perfect low calories option (when you choose the right kind!)
Orville Redenbacher- Gourmet Microwavable Popcorn, the  Butter Light kind, is my favorite one since it is low calorie and low fat yet tastes very real and buttery! love it! I simply through it in the microwave for 2 minutes and I get a bag full with diet snack!!!!

Santa Barbara is a beautiful California city, somewhere on the pacific coastline in between Los Angles and San Fransisco, however, this is Not a traveling blog, therefore I would like to mention the real reason why I mentioned Santa Barbara Bay. It is actually the name of a great seafood products company which I am absolutely in-love in their healthy, low fat and low calories Seafood Spread! 

It is delicious and versatile spread, made from high-quality imitation crab with snow crab, bay shrimp, fresh celery, and some spice blend. It is a truly original and unique food product, has some wonderful nutritional benefits and most important thing- I can enjoy having it with some fresh celery sticks and keep up with my daily diet routine!!!

Yummmyy!!!

Seriously guys, one of the best secret I can share with you should be my `guilt free` nutrient snack, since you can`t always be in the mood for carrot or celery sticks, right?! A plain popcorn, my friends! It ranks the highest in the snacks category since contains natural fiber and whole grains which are great healthy benefits, and the good news is that according to a recent study many whole grains foods are as rich as fruits and vegetables in health promoting polyphenols which is a type of antioxidant. Now, why do I call it “guilt free”? that is because it contains no sodium or sugar, is a fat free snack and very much low in calories. Besides, even those calories it contains are well known as the healthy ones, so… it makes it a great, healthy choice!!! Enjoy, and don’t forget to go for the plain version when making you some, in order to keep your weight watching or diet routine…

Some people would never dream of switching from regular peanut butter to a healthy, low fat version since lets face it- you get “low taste” as well!!!  I was sure to be one of those people, however, at my last trip to the local Trader Joe`s market, I`v noticed the “Better`n Peanut Butter” and apparently it is loaded with calcium, vitamins E & C, antioxidants and contains only natural flavors and colors! Well, I couldn’t resist buying it, and I have to admit this stuff is pretty tasty… It is creamy and soft, has a rich flavor, low sodium and contains only 2 grams of fat and 100 calories per 2 tbls!!! Very. very recommended product!! plus plus!

Now, since you can`t find it on the shelf of most of your local grocers, I would check thier website first, for a store locator : http://www.thirdperspective.com/bpb/storeLocator.html 

Enjoy!

Many of us travel and fly during a holiday season therefore finding yourself at the airport at that time of the year is very common. You must agree this might make it a bit hard watching your weight and eating your regular, everyday weight watcher diet food especially when there are fewer choices on board! However, on-the-go eating doesn’t have to result in extra ponds! I have checked around for the best meal options available to choose from while spending long layovers at the airport, and these were my favorite ones as far as taste, saving on calories and not ruin your diet!!! How said I can’t make a smart choice whenever I want too?!?

For Breakfast:

STARBUCKS Perfect OATMEAL- plenty of energy and only 140 Calories and 3 grams of fat!!!

For Lunch:

McDonald’s Hamburger. (Yes, I know… Hamburger!!!)- With 250 Calories and 9 grams of fat you can add a side of salad with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette which adds 60 calories and 3 grams of fat to your meal however makes it DELICIOUS!

For Dinner:

PIZZA HUT EXPRESS: !/2 Personal Pan Cheese Pizza will provide you with 295 Calories and 12 grams of fat. Again, it is not a lot of food, and not the healthiest or most nutritious one, however, since we`r trying to keep it low on-the-g0, that is not so bad of choice!