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In honor of skipping out on yoga this morning
I woke up to lots of thunder, lightning and torrential rain.  It made for great sleeping weather for everyone in my home.  It was a great morning to curl up with a book and type away on a laptop.  I had little boy guests over so cooking breakfast was also a luxury since we didn't have to rush out the door to get to a sport event.  I even declined hot yoga for the "hometime". 


I have a few great things I came across this week.  I'm here to share with you!

 I am a constant snacker, so this is a great list of good  munchies.  I tend to get in a rut so I love some new ideas.


Sliced apples and almond butter with cinnamon are the top choice for Dolvett Quince, Atlanta’s star trainer, who helps people shred it on NBC’s The Biggest Loser

A protein shake seems like an obvious choice—but make sure you blend grass-fed whey protein [with liquid] for max benefits.



Almonds are an indisputable go-to for most fitness trainers. They taste good and also provide protein in-between meals.  Try to eat only 12 at a time as they are calorie dense.

Cucumbers are often overlooked, but they make a perfect on-the-go snack.  Because they’re packed with water, cucumbers rehydrate your body, prevent muscle cramps, strengthen your connective tissues and help maintain strong bones.

Greek yogurt is a natural probiotic (with healthy bacteria), it contains easily digestible protein—twice the amount of regular yogurt—and is nutrient-dense, without excess sugar.


Pineapple  helps reduce muscle soreness because it contains bromelain, a natural digestive enzyme, which breaks down lactic acid in the muscle.

Protein bar. Look for ones with at least 10 grams of protein and fewer than 6 grams of sugar. 
 

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This was a favorite from yesterday. A rice cake with 1 T almond butter and banana slices.
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I loved this at Starbuck's drive-thru! The calorie count on my Skinny Vanilla Latte . . . 120 calories!
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This is pretting telling . . .
This is an article from Runner's World written by Kristin Armstrong recently.  Her friend, Ross Ehlinger, died of a heart attack during the swim part of a triathalon.  He was only 46 years old and left behind a wife and three children.  It is beautifully written.  If you scroll to the bottom she also has a lovely piece "Pain is Luxury".  I hope you take a minute to read these pieces.  http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/if-then#.UToTdEJjo3U.email.  Thanks for sharing, Mere!
I'm making out our Easter Menu for next Sunday and really want to try these Hot Cross Buns from Rhee at Pioneer Woman.  There are a lot of steps, though, so I'll have to block off some time . . .but don't they look so worth it? http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/hot-cross-buns/

I have also learned a couple of things this week.  

Parenting teenagers takes a special breed of patience, smarts and sheer willpower.  

And I continue to find lessons like this one in daily life and in daily reading:
Guess that's it for the week!  We're getting geared up for the 8 WEEK CHALLENGE!  JOIN US!!  Here's to a Great Weekend!  Hope it's restful and relaxing!

What do you do on rainy mornings?  What about your favorite snacks?  I'd love to hear them!
 
 
Just a Few of My Favorite Things:
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Last night as I spoke to a group about nutrition (and I know I did not tell them anything they did not already know!) I brought along a basket of my kind of "goodies". This is what it looks like and here is a list of common things I keep in my house to keep me going and satisfied.  I hope there is something here you might want to try!

Pirates Booty (for the crunch)
Snapea Crisps (by Calbee)
Special K cracker chips
Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice (Ready Rice - it's good in a pinch)           Black Beans (in and on anything!)
Hummus
KIND Bars
Lara Bars
Oikos Greek Yogart
Peter Pan Whipped Peanut Butter (it's not organic, but less sugar and 
                a little goes a long way)
Sparkling Ice (comes in really good flavors)
Vita Coco Coconut Water
Dark Chocolate
LaTortilla Factory whole wheat tortillas
Apple Cranberry Bran Muffins from Trader Joes (13 g of fiber)
Laughing Cow Light Cheese wedges
Juice Plus Protein Powder (or try any type you like)
Sunflower Seeds (unsalted of course!)
Almond Milk 
LOTS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES!