Hope your week is turning out to be a good one!  I’m so happy that its August!  Coming up we’ve got 2 whole weeks of relaxation and fun at a cabin…can’t wait!  Last year we went for 1 week, so that extra week is going to be awesome!  I love looking at a calendar and half of it being crossed out for vacation!

I’ve gotten a couple questions lately about snacks.  What is quick, and what do I have regularly.   So here are some of my favorite snack ideas that are QUICK! Click here to see them!

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite healthy shortcuts that help me maintain a healthy lifestyle.  With most diet plans, losing weight is the easy part, KEEPING IT OFF is what can be the challenge. Statistically, most people that go on diets end up gaining it all back, plus some.  What I think happens is people get un-creative with food, get bored and go back to their old eating habits…which are usually bad.

So—-> My FAVORITE shortcuts!  I always have these items on hand.

1) Bagged Salads & Veggies

With what’s available now, why would I ever buy lettuce on its own and make a salad out of it?  Same goes for the already washed & Mann’s Stringless Snap Peas, Dole’s Cabbage Mix, broccoli florets & cauliflower already cut into pieces, baby carrots (although my fave is the bunch carrots, love the taste) & celery hearts.  If its easy, your more likely to stick to it!!

2) Commercial Salad Dressings

I have every intention on making salad dressing, but do I ever have time?? NOPE!  I really like the Renne’s Gourmet line of salad dressings as they don’t have a bunch of additives.  But stick to the Vinegarette’s & the Wellness line.  Plus most are gluten free, egg free, dairy free—which usually means less junk in them overall…and they taste so good.  My fave’s are the Tangerine Lime & Honey Mustard.  The Asian Sesame is also great to have on top of stirfry. You do have to be careful with dressings and watch serving sizes, you can’t just dump it on (duh right?)

3) Protein/Energy Bars

The only 2 bars I eat on a regular basis are the Fit Stars Iso-Bar’s & Lara Bars.  Compared to a lot of the “sports bars” out there, they have the least amount of junk in them.  The only unfortunate thing about the Lara Bar is that they don’t have much protein in them, so I don’t find them as filling.  Higher in sugar as well so they are more of an energy bar.  I’d also really like to try the Gnu bars, but they are only available in the US, and I haven’t found a way to ship them here.  So people over at Gnu…would love if you sent me some please! *wink* *wink*

4) Store Bought Hummus

I’ve made my own hummus, but I don’t see much point as there are a lot of them out there now that contain just a few ingredients, have the calorie counts on the label and taste GREAT!  Raw veggies and hummus is soooo good.  Also hard boiled egg whites with hummus & topped with paprika…a yummy deviled egg!

5) Tuna & Salmon pouches

Cloverleaf makes these tuna steaks.  They are soooo good, and the sodium isn’t bad (300mg per pouch).  The lemon pepper one over salad greens is very yummy.  Since it already comes in sauce you don’t even need salad dressing!  The Thai one is also great.  I’ve yet to try the curry, but only because I’m not a big curry fan.  Canned salmon is also a huge time savor, especially if you despise tuna.  I posted a recipe a while back for Salmon Cakes, and they are super quick as they use canned salmon, but you’d never know!!

6) Pre-cooked turkey breast strips

95% of the time I pre-cook chicken breasts to have for the week, but if I’m so busy that its not possible, or I’ve run out of chicken, pre-cooked and sliced turkey breast can be a lifesaver.  Just look for the one with the lowest sodium and least amount of ingredients & seasoning.  Another great go-to is rotisserie chicken (but stick to the white meat and don’t eat the skin)

What are some of your favorite healthy go-to items???

xo Kristine