JillSnackSpot

The SmartBagel is Here

2011-02-07T14:03:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...I've been missing from the Snack Scene for a few weeks. Don't worry, I am back with a vengeance. I am happy to say I finally found a Bagel that I don't have to consume 400 calories to enjoy. Yes, there is a catch...Smart Bagels are actually bagel slices. Two bagel slices are 200 calories, add a little Laughing Cow and tomato and TA DA, a very nice way to start your day...

Finally, we are able to see the sidewalks in NYC. Hibernation is over. While I was in hibernation I found some great butt exercises from Fitness Magazine. No equipment is needed. Perfect!
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/butt/exercises/our-top-10-exercises-to-tone-your-butt/

These may look easy, don't let the picture or the cute apartment fool you....

Dreaming of Summer

2011-01-25T16:36:00.000-05:00

Ok...so summer is not for another six months, but the weather in NYC is ridiculous! Today was in the 20's and I heard someone say it was balmy out. You are probably not thinking about frozen desert right now, so this will be a nice surprise. SOYDREAM is part of the non-dairy milk substitutes that I see all across the dairy sections...RICE DREAM...ALMOND DREAM... and now SOYDREAM, something I can eat that is not used for my morning coffee. Lots of flavor, cool and creamy...http://www.tastethedream.com/products/sdfrozen_category.php

I found this strange piece in The New York Daily News today
about running in the cold. Someone wanted to know if your eyeballs can freeze.Unbelievable! If you are worried about that-STAY INSIDE! Here's the article
and BTW, it can't happen.http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/running_dialogue/2011/01/will-running-in-extreme-cold-freeze-my-eyeballs-inquiring-corneas-want-to-k

Snacking with a Legend

2011-01-20T12:14:00.003-05:00

Paul Newman and snacking...who would have thought? I am a fan of so many of Newman's Own Organic Products. But I love, love, love the pretzels. What else is so great about these snacks? All the proceeds from all the products go to charities all over the world, which makes an even better reason to buy these... http://www.newmansownorganics.com/food_pretzels.html#

Here is an interesting piece on coconut water from Elle Magazine. I personally am not a fan, but I see lots of it all over town. Do we need coconut water after a work out? http://fashion.elle.com/beauty/2011/01/14/coconut-water-not-all-its-cracked-up-to-be/#more-13237

DONT LET THE NAME FOOL YOU

2011-01-14T14:16:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know, mixed roots does not sound like a very appetizing snack, but you have to trust me on this one. Jan Maxi Mixed Roots are really really good. They are a smart and tasty diversion from potato chips. Who can resist fresh Taro, orange and purple sweet potatoes? After trying these, I sure can't. Three flavors to choose from and the best is 20 chips are 140 calories. That's two handfuls for sure. Here's the scoop on Jan and all his other goodies http://www.jansfood.com/products/products/index.php?id=53

Let me know what you think!

ITS OFFICIAL!!!

2011-01-13T14:28:00.000-05:00

LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE TO NEW YORK MARATHON 2011

Blog Love

2011-01-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

I received an email from Daria(SEE BELOW) which made me feel all warm and fuzzy! Someone is reading my blog, FINALLY! Just kidding. Its always great to hear from fellow bloggers!

Daria's blog is terrific and has lots of great info I'm sure we all could use!

Hi Jill!

I just found your blog via blog frog and am excited I did! As of last week, I have committed to losing 70 lbs. I wrote about it here if you are interested...

http://www.mominmanagement.com/1818/emptying-the-trunk-weight-loss/

I am going to go your route - track my intake and exercise, but am very much looking forward to your snack tips! That is always where I fall down...

Your pictures look great and are good inspiration.

Thank you! And Happy New Year.

--
Daria

Http://mominmanagement.com

Gettin Cozy with Kozy while Looking Sexy in your Shorts

2011-01-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

Kozy Shack still remains the Pudding Kings in my book. CowRageous have 100 calories, 4gs of protein and come in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.http://www.fatsecret.com/Diary.aspx?pa=fjrd&rid=1226295.

So here we are in NYC on the brink of another snowstorm. I often hang out at home in shorts, so just in case I get stranded I highly recommend this leg work out called Look Sexy in Your Shorts. No equipment needed, just you and your legs! http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/thighs/exercises/sexy-in-shorts-workout/?page=1

Do you know Brad?

2011-01-06T15:49:00.000-05:00

To be honest I never heard of Brad, have you? Rachel Ray recommends Brads Salsa. But do we really know who Brad is? All I know is Brad makes a damn good chip as well as peanut butter, honey, pasta sauce and the list goes on. I tried the Blue Tortilla Chips and was very impressed. Now I can say I truly know Brad or as much as I really want too. 10 chips for 140 calories. For all about Brad go to: http://www.bradsorganic.com/index.htm

I was a little upset at my new App Runtastic. Last night I had a great run, I ran for 58 minutes and my mileage said I ran 2.5 miles. I actually ran so far from my apartment I had to ask for directions back. That is a true story! You get what you pay for! Its a free App. If you know a good running app, please send it my way! Thanks!

Who Put the Peanut Butter in my Chocolate?

2011-01-05T11:36:00.001-05:00

Remember that commercial for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups? Well, when I tasted So Delicious's peanut butter flavor I had flashbacks of that commercial. The company calls this a "Frozen Dessert"...that's different...If you can find it, I guarantee you will be back for seconds. One serving is 120 calories, with protein and fiber included. For all the other cool stuff they sell go to http://www.purelydecadent.com/products/purely_decadent_Coconut_Milk_ChocolatePB.html

The race continues. On January 10, I will be signing up for The More Magazine/Fitness Magazine all Womens Half Marathon on April 11...http://www.nyrr.org/races/2011/more/index.asp. This will be my second Half Marathon, so I very excited to be part of this event.

Little wager: Anyone want to bet on me beating my time from the last Half? I all ready started training, so start your betting! The time to beat is 2 hours and 26 minutes...

Ending the Holiday Weekend with a Cutie!

2011-01-02T10:19:00.000-05:00

Sounds good, right? But I am referring to Tofutti Cuties. These snack size sandwiches are a great treat if you are looking for something sweet and healthy. The healthy is the soy protein and zero fat all for 130 calories. I tried the mint chocolate chip but the key lime pie sounds delish. http://www.tofutti.com/c-v.shtml

I found a great App if you want to track your workouts called http://runtastic.com. If you download it on your phone, you can use it as a GPS and track your miles. Its not just for running, there are at least 20 activities listed.

Welcome to 2011.

Women Health Magazine VS The SnackSpot

2010-12-30T11:03:00.003-05:00

Today I came across an article in Women's Health Magazine listing snacks under 100 calories.
Hunt's Snack Pack Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding
Skinny Cow Low-Fat Mini Fudge Pop
Kalamata Olives
Newman's Own 94% Fat-Free Microwave Popcorn
Ciao Bella Ecuadorian Passion Fruit Sorbet
Pepperidge Farm Gingerman Homestyle Cookies
Special K Crackers—Italian tomato and herb flavor
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/low-fat-snacks

What do I think about these snacks? Could it be snack envy?
Here's my take: The Hunts Snack Pack has 0 nutritional value and sugar free products can give some upset stomachs. Good if you want chocolate but not very satisfying. I can't ever say anything bad about Skinny Cow's products, I love them all! I love the olives and popcorn choices too. Ciao Bella is a great treat in the summer, but has a high sugar content and no real nutritional value. Any Pepperidge Farm Product should come with a side order of will power. Special K Crackers are tasty especially with some LC cheese of course!

So there you have it. I try and choose my snacks based not only on taste, but nutritional value. I want to make the most out of my calories. But I am human, and yes, I have had Hersey Kisses as a snack...9 pieces are 200 calories.

SEE EVERYONE IN 2011 (TWO DAYS AWAY!)
THANKS FOR ALL THE LOVE AND SUPPORT...Jill

New Years Resolutions

2010-12-29T14:56:00.002-05:00

According to some reliable sources, losing weight is one of the top five New Years Resolutions. I am thinking maybe you would have a better chance of succeeding if you don't start in January. How about starting it now?

My NOW happened to be in September a few years ago....And I haven't look back since.

Today I am snacking on cashews from my afternoon trip to Starbucks. Besides coffee, I was enticed to try these cashews. Was it the flavor? I never had a barbecued chipotle and ranch flavored cashew! Watch out snackers! These bad boys are hot! There are also fours servings in each bag. One serving is 140 calories. Watch those handfuls.

The heat is rising in NYC. Looking forward to running outside again before another blizzard hits.

Snacking in a Blizzard

2010-12-28T11:50:00.001-05:00

For the past two days I have been stranded in my apartment. I live next door to a supermarket, so I didn't have to worry about eating. Well, thats not exactly true. You would have thought the world was ending the way the shelves looked at the market. I know that there may have not been deliveries, but the store was basically empty, except for, guess what! The healthy stuff! I found Suzies Thin Cakes. Three cakes are 38 calories. Details and more details at http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/suzies/puffed-corn-thin-cakes/. Careful what you put on top!

Couldn't wait to get back to the gym this morning. Thank you New York Sports Club for always being open for all four of us this morning!. Back to the treadmill for me, at least until the icebergs melt.

Orville goes Au Natural

2010-12-26T17:41:00.000-05:00

So my friend Orville Redenbacher showed up a the local market with a new flavor from their whole grain line. Salt and pepper flavored 100 calorie packs came right on time as I was on my way to see TRUE GRIT, which was terrific, I highly recommend it. I also saw THE FIGHTER, which I also loved. Christian Bale was incredible!!! Back to the popcorn... there are a whole bunch of new flavors at http://www.orville.com/our-popcorn/microwave-popcorn-natural-popcorn.jsp. I am not sure about Lime flavored popcorn, but if anyone has tried it be sure and let me know.Last night I was fortunate to have Holiday dinner with some new and old friends. Lots of good Italian food. Hit the gym before the blizzard hit in NYC. Looking forward to some serious snowball fights in the AM. Any takers?

Holiday Celebrations at the SnackSpot

2010-12-25T10:50:00.001-05:00

Well, here we are in the thick of it. Happy Holidays to all. I was very surprised to see my gym New York Sports Club packed on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. Yes, the gym is closed on Christmas, but you can work out the day after, right? I am going to a Holiday celebration tonight at a Family Style restaurant. That's always funny to me when I see the amount of food served. Who's family eats like that? Today I started off my day with a 4 mile run and did some lunges and squats in my home gym. For any new readers, my home gym consists of a yoga mat and free weights. I found some great running tips in Womens Health Magazine for those runners at heart. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/running-tips-beginners-guide.

Today I am not adding any new snacks...I am choosing my top 2 favs which at the moment are Greek Yogurt and string cheese. Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.

Snacks for The Kiddies

2010-12-22T13:14:00.000-05:00

Chobani the yogurt goddess in my life makes a yogurt for the kiddies, which I had no problem buying for me. After all, aren't we all just a kid inside? Ok... maybe not. These Champions come in banana and chocolate flavor and as we speak, are well hidden in the fridge at work. http://www.chobani.com/products/c/champions . For 100 calories and 8gs of protein, you simply can not turn this snack away.

Today was not as cold as say Alaska was, but still pretty chilly. Its not so bad as long as its not windy. Went for a short run this morning as I am planning to do a 10k on Christmas Day in uncharted territory. I am sampling a few running groups before I join one. I want to make sure they can keep up with me! Wait! I meant, I want to make sure I can keep up with them! I am pretty sure you knew what I meant...

Monday Madness

2010-12-20T11:48:00.000-05:00

Early this morning I was at the market and whisked pass the cereal aisle, as I normally do. Then I stopped and counted how many different flavors Cheerios comes in. Eleven flavors...I picked up a box of Banana Nut and checked out the nutritional info and as simple as that... Banana Nut Cheerios has entered my life. Three quarters of cup is 100 calories and very low in sugar.

So the holidays are quickly approaching us. I went to a party the other night and had a piece of cake, it was delightful. I had eaten before the party so I wasn't starving and had gotten there late, so I actually missed dinner. It all worked out. Balance, Balance, Balance...I am practicing what I preach. The next day I went to gym and continued my day...Old habits stay back! You have been warned!

Running Against Traffic?

2010-12-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

I am munching as we speak, on this pretty cool snack called KOOLOS. Don't be fooled by the package, they look like mini chocolate chip cookies. They are actually organic(sigh) roasted soybeans with ground flaxseed. Wait! Don't run away, they are really good. They come in three flavors: Salsa, Original and Honey BBQ. http://www.seapointfarms.com/products.asp?cat=48&hierarchy=0. The whole bag has 420 calories, one serving is 140 calories. Very crunchy, loads of taste and 7gs of protein.

I am reading a book called The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchick. One of the suggestions was to run on asphalt, never on the sidewalk, and against traffic.So this morning, I did just that. While my knee felt better, the drivers were not happy to see me. Everyone was honking at me! The point of running against traffic is so you can see the cars, right?? I am going back and rereading that section of the book.

Avocados and The New York Half Marathon

2010-12-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

So I began the day checking my profile at the New York Road Runners and found out that I did not get in the NY Half Marathon for 2011. It is based on a lottery. I should have know better, I have never won anything in my life. Not a raffle, contest or free gift. I have just accepted this fact. I can live with it.

Don't worry I will still be running the ING New York Marathon next November! That is beyond my wildest dreams!

So today I am going with the Avocado and balsamic vinegar as my snack. Before you say, I thought avocados are high in calories, remember this. They are high in calories if you eat them with nachos at Taco Bell...but if you eat 1/2 an avocado, it is 150 calories and extremely beneficial, supplying you with over 20 different vitamins. Check out all you need to know about an avocado at http://www.avocadocentral.com/nutrition/avocado-nutrition-health-facts-label

See you soon!

Who Burned the Popcorn?

2010-12-12T14:07:00.001-05:00

This is an never ending question in my office. I can tell you it wasn't me. I listen for the kernels to stop popping and that's how I know its done!

Smart Balance makes a great mini bag of popcorn. I love the mini part. Its all yours for 120 calories. One serving size makes it super easy to stop eating. I always become instantly popular at work on the days I bring popcorn. Its hard to say no, but how do you ration 120 calories?

Holidays are here and I will be hitting the parties. What can I do not to overindulge? I always wear form fitting clothes when I go out. I do not feel so hot when my clothes feel tight from eating too much. This is a major change from a while back. I do appreciate all the perks of being fit. Just a small tip for those challenged during the holidays. Do enjoy yourself, as I will...Remember everything is always better in moderation...yes, I said that!!!

http://www.smartbalance.com/products/popcorns/light-butter-popcorn-mini-bags-4pk

From our Friends at Cap Cod

2010-12-09T12:57:00.000-05:00

If you were or are a fan of Cap Cod Chips you will simply adore Late July's
Multi-Gran Snack Chips. Cap Cod actually makes Late July and leaves out a few key ingredients like gluten and trans fat. Thanks Guy's! Believe me you will never notice. They come in three flavors and are everything you could ask for in a snack. Great with salsa or just plain. My fav is Dude Ranch. Thirteen chips will cost you 110 calories, not bad at all! To see the family at work, pay them a visit at http://www.latejuly.com/late_july_organic_snacks/.

I know I am supposed to be on vacation from running, but I could not resist this morning. With my new pink hat, I hit the NYC streets and my knee was happy I did. I clocked 4 miles in 42 minutes...Its a pace, not a race...Watch out New York Road Runners I will be back!

ENERGIZING MY TUESDAYS

2010-12-07T15:19:00.000-05:00

You may or may not know that Tuesdays my office stays open two extra hours. Why we do that, I do not actually know. That's just the the way it is. Today I tried Planters NUT-RITION Energy Mix, figuring that it would help me breeze through this 11 hour workday. For the exact serving size and all the cool ingredients go to http://www.planters.com/varieties/nutrition-information.aspx?Site=1&Product=2900001149 .I eat nuts a couple times a week, they are super healthy and are low in saturated fat. HINT-do not eat them out of the container. It is a trap! Before you know it you will be at the bottom, saying "How did that happen?" Take what you need and put the rest away..Trust me, you will thank me later.

Tonight I am going to try this 10 minute workout from Fitness Magazine http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/abs/express/get-a-flat-belly/?page=1
Looks great as a supplement to my workout and for someone who has a bum knee at the moment.

And no, I will not being wearing that outfit!

Meatballs for a Snack?

2010-12-06T13:12:00.000-05:00

Why not? Last night after I made my dinner, I had two meatballs left. What was I going to do with two meatballs? Looking at my food inventory, my leftover meatballs soon became Mondays snack. Shadybrook Farms makes a delish meatball for us girls on the go. (No preparation required). High in protein, low in calories. http://www.shadybrookfarms.com/images/products/450_nutrition.gif

I need a few weeks off from running, small knee injury and no rest calls for a short vacation. Back to 7am workouts at New York Sports Club. I will miss my morning runs, but looking forward to a New Year with these new babies on the left. (Great Bday present) in case someone special was wondering what I wanted...

FYI, holidays are challenging for everyone... I saw a commercial for Jenny Craig today claiming that Jenny Craig clients lose on the average of 12 pounds during the holiday season. Interesting...Losing weight during the holidays...Where do I sign?

Weekend Warrior

2010-12-03T12:42:00.001-05:00

This Sunday is a big day for me, I am running my last race for the New York Road Runners to gain entry to The New York Marathon, next November. http://www.nyrr.org/races/2010/r1205x00.asp. The longest race I have run is 13 miles, how will I get to 26? Any suggestions??? Well, I have 11 months to figure it out.

The Mediterranean Snack Food Company makes a great chip, loved the lentil bean flavor. Twenty two chips are 110 calories. I would limit the servings of this particular flavor being lentil bean, especially in a group setting. The cheddar cloud flavor looks good... but I haven't tried it yet. http://www.mediterraneansnackfoods.com/products/cheddar-clouds/

Tomorrow is more of P90X, hopefully I will look like I know what I am doing, it is my third time...Any fun fitness plans this weekend? Drop me a line...

Try P90X on me!

2010-11-30T16:27:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have been on a P90X kick for the last few weeks. Instead of me talking about it I am posting a free video it so you can try it and see what I am talking about. If you are a beginner or just want to know what I am talking about, feel free to tune in! http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/jillwolfenyc?bctid=32494669001

Let me know how sore you are tomorrow...