Some of my favorite snacks and things I use for successful weight loss and maintaining the weight loss

It is not by chance that a person can lose weight after weight loss surgery and keep it off. It is a lifestyle change, not a diet that is temporary, but healthy changes that they can live with for a life time. I think some of the changes I have made makes it possible for me to keep the weight off and not feel deprived or have those horrible cravings that I had before Weight Loss Surgery.

Sometimes we need a quick snack and have not planned for it. I have compiled a few of the things I would eat if I were going to have a snack. I hope these tips and ideas can help you.
There are a lot of healthy alternatives when it comes to snacking Be open minded and creative And if you have any tips for me, please pass them on. I would love to hear about them!

Remember that all food even healthy food has calories and they add up. Whatever you put in your mouth you have to work off! These are just some ideas for you, and you can be creative with what you like and switch them up a little.

I wish you much success on your weight loss journey!

Ginger


After a workout I will sometimes eat a Balance Carb Well Bar, I like the Caramel ‘n Chocolate, tastes great and has 14 grams of protein. But remember there are calories!
Also comes in Chocolate Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fudge. Caramel ‘n Chocolate is my favorite.
Balance Carb Well Bar Overview
Balance Carb Well Bars aren't just for dieters or bodybuilders or athletes or seniors, they're for everyone. With a balanced nutritional profile and great taste, about the only thing Carb Well bars don't have is a lot of carbs. Balance uses natural, plant-derived polyols to sweeten Carb Well Bars, so their great taste comes without sugar's high metabolic price tag. Add a box to your cart and you'll have a healthy low carb snack on hand anytime and anyplace you need one.
Balance Carb Well Bar Description from BALANCE BAR
A great nutrition energy bar from Balance for those managing their carbohydrate intake! New BALANCE CarbWell bars are delicious triple layer nutrition energy bars with only 2g of net carbs. BALANCE CarbWell comes in two delicious flavors - Chocolate Fudge and Chocolate Peanut Butter. BALANCE CarbWell bars are based on the Balance Bar principle of helping individuals like you get the credible nutrition needed for healthy living.

** Percent Daily Value is based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.† Daily Value not established.
Chocolate ‘n Caramel/Supplement Facts
Serving Size:1 barServings per Container: 15
Ingredient
Amount
% Daily Value**
Calories
200
Calories From Fat
70
Total Fat
8g
Saturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
<5mg href="http://www.iateapie.net/reviews/archives/2006/07/trader_joes_dry.php">Trader Joes Dry Roasted Edamame
By: Tanya Taylor, PhD Jul 10, 2006
On a recent trip to Trader Joe's, I came across their "Dry Roasted Lightly Salted Edamame" snack. Edamame is the same thing as soybeans, and in this case, the beans have been removed from the pod and dry roasted, in a manner similar to peanuts. What really drew me in was the fact that something - anything - in Trader Joe's only costs 99 cents (even chewing gum is $1.29). The lightly salted edamame was crunchy, crispy, and I really, really liked it. The taste was a teeny tiny bit different from the more popular nuts such as peanuts, but I honestly slightly preferred the lighter tasting edamame to peanuts - AND I certainly preferred the price. I also must confess that I am a bit of a salt addict. I tend to dislike 'lightly salted' foods, BUT the light salt goes very well with the light taste and feel of the edamame.
The table below compares the nutrition facts of one serving of Trader Joes Lightly Salted Dry Roasted Edamame (30 grams) vs. Planters Lightly Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts (28 grams).

Edamame
Calories
140
Total Fat (% daily value)
9
Sat Fat (g)
1
Sodium (mg)
5
Fiber (g)
4

Protein (g)
14
Iron (%)
20

One serving is a 1/4 cup or 30 grams (which is actually measured out in the picture). I thought that 1/4 cup wasn't much at all, but when I actually measured it out, there was certainly enough for a snack. It is also an excellent source of fiber and protein! This particular brand was purchased at Trader Joes (a 5.5 ounce bag), but I'm sure there are other brands available in stores. The Seapoint Farms brand is available online [link] - this is a non genetically modified brand. There is no information on the Trader Joes Edamame regarding whether it uses genetically modified soybeans (81% of the World's soybeans are GM).
Rating Taste: Nutrition: Price:
Overall:
At many restaurants you can order Edamame Beans as an appetizer you can also get it at the grocery and prepare it at home. Please refer to nutritional facts below and also understand the nutritional facts can be more or less depending on the preparation.
Edamame Beans Appetizer
steamed and tossed with salt


In the mood for crunch, Blue Diamond Almonds has some great new flavors. But always remember to take into count the sodium content and calories. Sometimes you can really get carried away with eating nuts and eat more than you thought you would. I put them in small snack size bags so I can keep track of how many I eat.

Blue Diamond Almonds

BOLD Jalapeno Smokehouse 1.5 oz
BOLD Salt N Vinegar 1.5 oz
BOLD Jalapeno Smokehouse 6 oz
BOLD Wasabi & Soy Sauce 1.5 oz
BOLD Lime 'n Chili 1.5 oz
BOLD Wasabi & Soy Sauce 6 oz
BOLD Lime 'n Chili 6 oz
BONUS PACK, Wasabi, 19.2 oz pouch
BOLD Maui Onion & Garlic 1.5oz
VALUE LINE, Lime & Chili, 1-lb, pouch
BOLD Maui Onion & Garlic 6 oz
VALUE LINE, Wasabi & Soy Sauce, 1-lb, pouch
BOLD Salt & Vinegar, 6 oz Can
BOLD Salt & black Pepper, 6 oz Can


THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE!!!
****Healthy Snack that I really like. Don’t say yuk until you try it!*****
2 thin slices of provolone cheese top with 1 slice Sarah Lee Honey Roasted turkey dollop with1 teaspoon Jiff reduced fat peanut butter and roll up…..really yummy, all protein, sweet and salty!




You don’t have to use Salt to season your food, try Mrs. Dash, it comes in all kinds of Salt-Free Seasoning Blends and Marinades।

Mrs. Dash® Salt-Free Seasoning Blends
Try all 15 flavors of Mrs. Dash® Salt-Free Seasoning Blends and add delicious taste to everything in your kitchen from seafood to salads, and always with no MSG. Each Mrs. Dash® Seasoning Blend is an all-natural blend of 14 natural herbs and spices and adds unique flavor to every dish.
Spice things up in your kitchen with the bold, exciting flavors of two new varieties - Mrs. Dash® Caribbean Citrus Seasoning Blend and Mrs. Dash® Citrus Lime Seasoning Blend
Add the robust flavors of the Caribbean and Mexico to your menus, and always salt-free and no MSG.
caribbean citrus, fiesta lime, garlic herb, extra spicy

Italian medley, lemon pepper, original, table blend


onion & herb, southwest chipotle, tomato basil garlic

Grilling Blends
chicken, mesquite, hamburger, steak

Mrs. Dash® Marinades
Mrs. Dash® Marinades presents an exciting new look, with the same great taste. As always, Mrs. Dash® Marinades are salt-free and have no MSG! And like all seasonings from Mrs. Dash, our Marinades are made with an all natural blend of 14 herbs and spices and a touch of real fruit essence. From bold, beefy steak marinades to our zesty chicken marinades, each of our six varieties add just the right flavor to any dish at a moment's notice. Just pour it on, and in ten minutes bake, broil or grill to create a healthy, tender and delicious meal. They add just the right flavor to chicken, beef, pork, fish or vegetables at any moment's notice.


Marinades
mesquite grille, garlic lime, zesty garlic herb


lemon herb peppercorn, spicy teriyaki, southwestern chipotle



Are you in the mood for something sweet? Check out Dannon Yogurts new flavors। They now come in Light & Fit Carb & Sugar control.


****I like to have fresh Blueberries, Dannon Vanilla Yogurt with a sprinkle of low fat Granola (without raisins). It is really yummy! Makes a great breakfast or snack!******

Bear Naked Granola
Our 100% Pure & Natural Granola
Made with REAL whole grains
All-Natural, Bearly Processed and Utterly Naked Ingredients... that you can actually pronounce!
NO Artificial Flavors, NO Cholesterol, NO Hydrogenated Oils, NO High Fructose Corn Syrup, NO Preservatives, Og Trans Fat
Vegetarian friendly
Kosher certified
http://bearnaked.com/estore/

Dannon Light & Fit Carb & Sugar Control
CupsThe rich and creamy 3-carb Cup (4 oz.) has 45* calories and 85% less sugar than regular lowfat yogurt.
SmoothiesThe delicious 4-carb, on-the-go Smoothie(7 fl. oz.) has 60 calories and 90% less sugar than other dairy-based smoothies.
Both are a good source of calcium and protein, and made with active yogurt cultures.
* Strawberry contains 50 calories per 4 oz.
Single Serve 6oz CupsEach delicious Cup has 0% fat and 80 calories per 6 oz। serving. Available in 17 delicious flavors!

Dannon Light & Fit
"60 Calorie Packs" Multi-packsEach 4 oz. Cup in our "60 Calorie Packs" multi-packs has 0% fat and 60 calories per 4 oz. serving. Available in 12-pack and NEW 6-pack flavor combinations.
QuartsOur delicious Vanilla and Strawberry flavors are also available in 32 oz. quarts. Great for making dips, smoothies and desserts.


South Beach Diet High Protein Cereal Bars
All have 10 grams protein and 3 grams fiber. Sugar varies between 6 and 7 grams.
The High Protein Cereal Bars come in Cinnamon Raisin, Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Maple Nut and Cranberry Almond.

South Beach Diet carries several bars, but the High Protein Cereal Bars are the only ones with 10 grams protein. So if you want to go this route try to get the most bang for your buck with the extra protein.

****If I am on the run for breakfast I will eat a High Protein Cereal Bar with a banana. I like the Cinnamon Raisin tastes like a cinnamon roll.***


Crystal Light vs Walmart Great Value Drink Mix Stick Packs
When I compared the 2 I decided I like Walmart Great Value Drink Mix better। It had more flavor in the same size Stick Packs (I put it in 32 oz of water). It cost less than Crystal Light and it has no calories. Crystal Light had 5 calories. Remember this is only my personal preference.



Try dried fruits (with no sugar added). I love dried blueberries; they taste like candy to me!

Check out different stores that carry a variety of healthy foods.
You can get things you never thought of and try new recipes. I love to stop people in the Asian, Hispanic or Middle Eastern grocery stores and pick their brain for ideas…they are always so nice and willing to help!
· Local Farmer’s Market
· Trader Joes
· Harry’s Farmer’s Market/Whole Foods Market
· Dekalb Farmers Market http://www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com/
· Asian Grocery Stores
· Hispanic Grocery Stores
· Middle Eastern Grocery Stores


Not a food but….this maybe a useful tip for you!
I LOVE THESE SHOES….I have a bad right knee and the rocking motion make my knee not hurt when I walk and I will walk 3 – 5 miles at a time for exercise. It’s kind of feels like walking in sand until you get used to them. I truly feel like they are making my legs look better and more tone!

Curves® for Women Toning Sandal

Sole encourages a rocking motion that challenges muscles to work harder with every step. You can order on line from Avon: http://www.avon.com/1/1/12146-curves-women-toning-sandal.html or http://mrafeedie.avonrepresentative.com/ or from your Avon representative.


Instead of going to the tanning bed or lying in the sun try this:
Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Body Glow (it is a self tanner) I have tried several brands but this one tans me darker and more golden.

Can Certain Foods 'Arouse' Your Brain?

This was on ABC Good Morning America and I thought it was really worth sharing! I used to feel this way about food and I am so glad I no longer have these feeling toward food......


Can Certain Foods 'Arouse' Your Brain?

Expert: Abnormal Brain Activity Linked to a 'Helpless' Overeating
By ANNA WILD
July 28, 2009 —
Wendy Wessler, who is divorced and lives on New York's Long Island, lost 150 pounds after gastric bypass surgery, but the weight is creeping back. She says she just can't understand why she can't say no to food.
"If I am upset or I am really stressed out, I just think I am going to get home to get a bag of chips," Wessler told "Good Morning America." "I just keep telling myself I should know better. I should be stronger, just as a person [says], 'You are intelligent, you shouldn't be doing this. This is not grown up behavior. This is child behavior."
Contrary to her opinion, Wessler's behavior is fairly common among adults, affecting an estimated 70 million Americans, according to former FDA commissioner Dr. David Kessler. Kessler too has struggled throughout his life with food compulsion.
In Kessler's new book, "The End of Overeating," he describes how the part of the brain the amygdale, which is the area of the brain that controls our desires, can affect overeating.
For most of people, when they see a tempting snack like a potato chip, it's the area of the brain will light up with activity and send feelings of anticipation and want. And once they start eating it shuts off. But for an overeater the amygdala remains activated while eating, creating that feeling of want, even after five, 10 or even 50 chips.
"We now know that the brains of millions of Americans are being excessively activated. Not everybody," Kessler said. "Let me give you [some] characteristics. Hard time resisting foods, a lack of feeling full, hard time stopping, a preoccupation, a thinking about foods between meals. And the foods that really arouse our brains are a combination of sugar, fat and salt, in other words, junk food."
Christine Zuccarelli overcame her struggle with food and became a dietitian, but she still feels the intense pull from some of her old favorite snacks.
"I call it food porn, because it excites me," she said. "It's something that gets me outside myself and I want more."
When overeater Mary Crean's favorite guilty pleasure, a Twix bar, is placed near her, she seems to lose concentration on a conversation as her mind floats to the chips.
"It calls to you," she laughed.
Similarly, Wessler said she becomes distracted when potato chips are placed in front of her.
"If there's something there that's edible, I cannot go about my business until I consume it," she said.
The Science Behind the Overeating Desire
According to Kessler, the food is actually causing a form of arousal.
"Intuitively, [Wessler] understood what we now know scientifically. Based on her past memories, past experiences, just looking at that label activated her brain circuitry. It causes arousal. It caused increased attention. It caused thoughts of wanting," he said.
Once the brain's attention is captured, for some people it's hard to let go, said Dana Small, a scientist at Yale University.
Small conducted an experiment which observed the brain activity of overeaters. She had them smell and then taste a chocolate milkshake, while recording brain activity through an FMRI.
Small noted there was an area of the brain that "should be shut off when you actually taste what you've been smelling."
"In people that are overweight or obese, the area's not being shut off. It's still so high," she said.
But there is something to the old saying "mind over body," Kessler said.
"One of the ways to cool down the power of that food is to look at food in a different way," he said. "We need food. Food has to be pleasurable. But I now look at huge plates of food, and I say, 'I don't really want that. That's not going to make me feel good.'"
It's a method that worked well for Greg Wells, 44. He lost 135 pounds in 14 months and said that now when it comes to food, he has the power.
"[The food] is like a Christmas ornament," Wells said. "Shiny and nice, but it's not edible."
Copyright © 2009 ABC News Internet Ventures

TACO SALAD

This is a great salad to accompany any main dish!
Hope you like it!

Ginger

TACO SALAD
1 Head Lettuce
1 Bell Pepper (diced)
1 Onion (diced)
1 Can Ranch Beans
1 Small Bottle Light Catalina Dressing
12 oz Grated Cheddar Cheese
7oz Bag baked Doritos (Crushed in bag for topping)

Chop lettuce put in large bowl. Add one at a time in layers Bell Pepper, Onion, Ranch Beans. Sprinkle cheese on top.
Pour approximately ½ - ¾ of the bottle of Light Catalina dressing on.

Do not toss Salad until ready to eat. At that time toss and sprinkle on Crushed Baked Doritos.

*This salad can be made in advance, but remember do not toss and add chips until ready to eat. Doritos are optional.