Reasons Why You Need to Snack

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I think it's safe to say that most of you know by now that I'm a busy woman. Not only do I have my kid's school and after school activities to manage - but also my part time blogging schedule and on call nursing career. I do so well making sure the kids have all of their gear ready with water bottles and snacks - but I seem to always manage to forget one big important thing: feeding myself.

There has been so many times over the years that I've kicked myself for not remembering to eat before I left the house or at the very least remembering to pack a snack. Perhaps the worst times are when I'm working as a nurse because even though I bring a lunch with me, it doesn't guarantee that I will be able to have the time to sit down and actually eat it. It can get pretty hectic at times and it's unpredictable. Sometimes it gets so busy that I'll literally just have a few minutes for a couple of bites of food, so I want to make sure that it's nutritious enough to keep me going.

I've found that these new P3 Portable Protein Packs (which are available at Walmart) are great to have on hand and have just enough in them to tide me over until I can sit down for lunch or dinner. They are really convenient because I don't have to chop, slice, or pack anything - the cheese, meat and nuts are all packaged and ready to eat!

The P3 Portable Protein Packs come in four different varieties and each have 13-14 grams of protein. They are great for me to have on hand while I'm in the car, at soccer games, at work, and when I'm out running errands.

But seriously, why is it important to have snacks? I know sometimes the hardest thing to do for us as a parent (and people in general!) is to practice what we preach. Well, here are some reasons why you need to snack:

• It keeps you from overeating later on in the evening.
• Snacking balanced foods helps maintain your body's blood sugar levels.
• Having a nutritious snack will give you the energy your body needs to get through the day.
• Wholesome snacks help provide you with extra vitamins - something most of us don't get enough of.

How often do you snack, and what do you look for most when choosing something to eat? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

~Melissa

Create.Simplify.Inspire. #59

Welcome back! I've been busy learning all about food and food science this week at the Research Chef Association's Culinology Conference. Let's just say my day began with learning the history of cheese and sampling 18 different varieties, and ended with a food reception at the Portland Art Museum. I guarantee I'll have lots of pictures for you soon!
In the mean time I'd love for you to link up your latest creations or inspirations for us to see.

           ~Melissa

 

Create.Simplify.Inspire. #59

  

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This Week

Sweater: NY Collection, Jeans: Hudson, Necklace: Maurice's 

This week is full of new adventures. Today I had what seemed like meetings upon meetings. The kind of day that you know is going to be busy so far in advance that your stomach is in knots just wondering how you will pull it off. As I went jogging with a friend tonight after everything was said and done I had a huge sigh of relief knowing that I did it!

The company that I work for is in the process building a new facility and our move date is scheduled next month. Lots of changes happening soon and as I'm sure you know, even good changes can be hard and scary too. Then we had a P.T.S.O. (parent teacher student organization) meeting and I admit I have been putting the agenda off and procrastinating because I was feeling overwhelmed. Over half of the board members aren't participating and its frustrating for a newby like me who is just guessing what to do next. Luckily there has been a handful of parents that have been more than supportive. I felt renewed after the meeting.

The rest of the week is filled with a conference in Portland. Its a Culinolgy conference put on by the Research Chefs of America. I was invited to attend the 4 day long event with a media pass and learn more about the research side of the food industry among many other things. It's going to be challenging schedule wise, but I'm excited. I love learning. I love peering into other people's careers and ideas, and I am happy to hear about the latest in food trends. I can't wait to share it with you!

~Melissa

5 Ways to Stay Healthy in the Winter

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As much as I love the winter months (when we are lucky enough to get snow) and all of the fun holiday activities - it;s hard for me to stay healthy sometimes, partially because of the weather, and partly due to the extra stress that seems to happen with busy schedules and cabin fever. I think the worst part about being mentally stressed is how our body physically reacts to it. I, for instance, always seem to carry my stress in my shoulders and my digestive system balance is non-existent. It seriously goes completely out of whack. 

I've realized over the years just how closely staying healthy and minimizing stress goes hand in hand.

If you are stressed you are less likely to make healthy lifestyle choices

But,

Making healthy lifestyle choices will help you better cope with whatever kind of stress comes your way.

It's taken a few years for me to finally figure this out, but I've been implementing some things this winter that have been helping me out a lot, and I wanted to share them with you!

1. Take time for yourself. I used to feel guilty about leaving my family for a couple of hours or not having all of the laundry folded - but now I realize that when I take time for me I'm a much better wife and mom. Some things I do to relax include: write, get a pedicure, take hot baths, read a new book, sip coffee in a coffee shop (alone!), and catch up with my friends.

2. Stay Active. Just as much as you need downtime, your body also needs physical activity. Our bodies are all about balance. In past years I did so well with walking and exercising in the summer months, only to find myself taking a four month long break when the rainy weather set in. This winter though, I've been doing better. I got a gym membership and workout a couple of hours a week as well as walk/jog with a friend around our high school track 2-3 evenings a week - even in the rain. It's actually almost like dancing in the rain, which I hear is good for your soul. Anyways - just try it. You won't melt! I promise. 

3. Laugh. Believe it or not, laughing will help you stay healthy and fight off stress. It's hard to be in a good mood sometimes when your whole family is cooped up indoors, but watching a funny movie together or playing a silly game with your kids will do wonders for your mind - and body. 

4. Eat all of the colors of the rainbow. I've been guilty of it...making a meal and then sitting down only to realize how bland the colors are! I'm personally not one for dieting, but eating whatever you'd like as long as it;s in moderation, and the best way to know you are maximizing the nutrients in your meals is by having a variety of colors on your plate. It's a simple trick to stay healthy, plus bright colors in cloudy months are always appreciated. 

5. Recognize when your body is stressed - and do something about it. Like I mentioned earlier - when I'm stressed my shoulders tense up and my stomach and digestive system just shut down. In addition to figuring out what is stressing you so you can minimize or eliminate it, you also need to do things to alleviate the symptoms caused by it, like using heat packs for tense muscles and probiotics for digestive health. I've been taking Insync Probiotic for about 3 weeks now and it's been helping me get my digestive system balanced again. Insync Probiotic's have a bunch of beneficial bacteria (the kind your body needs to maintain digestive health). Insync Probiotic's are also time released, so after you take the pill it gradually releases the good bacteria into your stomach so that will help protect the probiotics from your stomach acid. 

If you are interested in trying probiotics, Insync Probiotic can be found at most Walgreens!

Above all remember: happy people are generally healthier people.

What are some things you do to maintain your health in the winter months? And what do you do when you realize you're stressed out? Comment with your thoughts and ideas below!

~Melissa

Find out more about Insync Probiotic by visiting them on Twitter at +Insync Probiotic  and Facebook.

Create.Simplify.Inspire. #58

Sorry this is late everyone! Better late than never, right? Yesterday I had a long day at work, but tonight I'm going out to dinner with a couple coworkers and then a comedy show which is benefiting our work's charity. You know there will be pictures soon :) In the mean time I'd love if you'd 

 us something that you've created; something that inspires you. I love to read them all!

           ~Melissa

 

Create.Simplify.Inspire. #58

  

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