Tricks for treats…

The trick is not to let the treat add on the pounds!  As far as I am concerned – this is the start of the Holiday season!  I know when I walk into the office today, there is going to be Halloween candy EVERYWHERE!  It actually started last week, but now everyone will be pawning off their bounty around the office!

I am not encouraging this, but there are some options if you have the need to indulge!  I know I will break down at some point (Twizzlers are my downfall) and will keep these guidelines in mind:

Before you chew, know the difference between Snack Size, Fun Size, and Miniatures;

Miniatures/Minis are the square-shaped morsels -- those babies are each about a quarter of an ounce in weight.Candy

A Snack Size or Fun Size chocolate treat weighs in at a little more than half an ounce and is usually about 2 inches long.

Example;

Kit Kat Mini - 42 calories, 2.2g fat 

Kit Kat Snack Size Bar - 70 calories, 3.7g fat 

                                                   serving size       calories 

Best Chocolate

Tootsie Roll Midgets          2 pieces         47

York Peppermint Patties     1 piece           50

Junior Mints                1 snack-size box  50

Milk Duds                   1 snack-size box  53

Rolo                             2 pieces        54

Best Nut Candies

Snickers                       1 fun-size bar  80

Butterfingers                 1 fun-size bar  85

Baby Ruth                    1 fun-size bar  85

PayDay                     1 snack-size bar  90

M&M’s Peanut             1 fun-size pack   90

Best Other Candies

Double Bubble                   2 pieces      40

Twizzlers                 1 snack-size pack  47

Smarties                         2 rolls        50

Mike and Ike              1 snack-size box  50

Hot Tamales               1 snack-size box  50

Peeps Ghosts & Pumpkins  (2 Pumpkins or 1 Ghost) 28 - 37

Happy Halloween Weekend...

Halloween Costumes Inspired by Fitness Icons - Thank you Shape Magazine!

Just in case you are still in need of a costume...

FLASHDANCE

She's a maniac! Maniac! On the fl-oo-r! Admit it, you've already practiced dancing in a large sweatshirt with the neck cut out to hang off one shoulder. All you need now are legwarmers, a headband and a beat to be the star of this party!

BRUCE LEE

Channel your inner Kung-Fu warrior with a 70's Adidas tracksuit and runners.  To really sell the look, insist on roundhouse kicking over everyone's heads at the party.

Until Monday - keep thinking veggies and protein!

Antioxidants Are Also Anti-Fat...

Free radicals are now blamed not only for making you look old but also for making you fat. Zane Andrews, PhD, a neuroendocrinologist at Monash University in Australia, says these oxidizing molecules damage the cells that tell us we're full. Free radicals emerge when we eat (something even the keenest dieter must do to survive), but they're especially prevalent when we gorge on candy bars, chips, and other carbohydrates. With every passing year, these fullness signifiers suffer wear and tear-causing the "stop eating!" signal to get weaker and appetites (and possibly our stomachs) to get bigger. The best way to fight back? Avoid the junk and load up on colorful, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

1/2 Marathon...

What did I get myself into?  I had all intentions of really go all out for the half marathon on Saturday, I even had a goal set to try and finish in 2 hours and 20 minutes!  I now have no goals or expectations!  I got up to almost 12 miles and it wasn’t easy!  I am still going to go out on Saturday and hopefully will get inspired and caught up in all the adrenalin and hopefully run the distance!  If I have to walk some, that’s OK!  It is still getting off my butt and getting in the exercise!

Good to the Bone...

We all know dairy is an excellent source of calcium - one glass of nonfat milk contains 299 mg, a third of your daily dose, but it’s not the only one!  Think outside the carton with these surprising options:

Tofu - choose a block made with calcium sulfate (a curdling agent) and you will get 431 mg per quarter cup.

Sardines - this sustainable fish packs 351mg per can, much of which is found in the soft (and completely edible) bones.

Collards - you’ll find nearly 270mg in one cup of cooked greens, plus 7 grams of filling fiber.