Snack attack

While we were waiting for the Disney Princess Half Marathon to start on Sunday (read: 2 hours shivering in the bitter Florida cold), we were discussing how great training for a long race is because you burn so many calories, and therefore, don't have to be as careful with your diet.

That might sound like a cop out, but I was burning around 500 calories (probably more) on each of my two shorter runs. And then at least 1000 on my long runs.

All that means for me is that I have become a bit lax on what I'm putting into my mouth.

Granted, I'm not stuffing candy down my gullet all day long, and we still don't gorge ourselves on cookies and cakes. But instead of just eating one Kashi cookie (yum!), I'd eat three.

You see where this is going.

While some people have a hard time with meals, and understandably so, I end up feeding my kids first, and I usually end up with a decent portion size because they've been eating so much lately. But I get in trouble when it comes to snacking.

I eat when I want, and how much I want, and I don't think too much about how much I'm actually eating.

So for the rest of the month, I'm going to attempt to be a little more careful about what I consume snack wise. I realize that I probably need to look at my meals too, but I don't want to overwhelm myself with limitations. And as I get my legs back into working order (youch) and figure out what my next training goal will be, I think this is a good way to get me back on track.

What are your suggestions for keeping the snacking under control? And what snacks do you recommend? For more healthy eating tips, check our healthy eating series, and some of Bill's awesome and simple healthy recipes.  

Comments

[Michelle Sauer]

If I snack I always snack on some string cheese or a protein shake. I am usually requiring a snack after my workout so the protein shake works great for that to help with muscle repair. I also find that berries are perfect for snacking. I try to stay away from my kids' snacks as they are terrible for my waistline! Oh, nuts are great too!

[Karen Chatters]

I try and keep lots of fruits and veggies ready for consumption. You know, wash them and chop them so when I'm hungry I don't have any excuses. I also try not to have things around that tempt me but with 3 kids, that could be way easier said than done.

[MamatoRylie]

I've been snacking on greek yogurt with strawberries in it, an apple and string cheese, ezekial bread and peanut butter and almonds. All delicious and filling.

[Stella]

I really love the 100 calorie packs for a quick, easy, controlled snack. There is such a variety of salty and sweet, it's perfect!

I'm also love this stuff called Magic Pop...kind of like a rice cake but not really...with peanut butter or hummus or ANYTHING! No fat, 10 calories, and filling!!

[Jfedds]

I am totally addicted to homeade protien shake frappachino's. 1/2 cup cold coffee, 1/2 cup skim or 1% milk, ice, scoop of Chocolate Beverly Ultimate Muscle Protien and my Magic Bullet. It is divine!