It’s very rare that I ever have to worry about anyone else in the house eating my food. Niko and Clarabelle don’t have thumbs, so they can’t open jars or wrappers (unless they somehow take notes from these pups!) and Shane typically tends to grab foods I buy specifically for him.
Don’t get me wrong – he’ll eat healthy things – but it’s usually after I cook it and say it’s ready for dinner. Actually…one of my favorite things? When I buy healthy food, and Shane, my chicken-fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and meat-lovers pizza-loving husband (I say this lovingly) likes them just as much as I do.
He also loves my trail mix (raw almonds, coconut flakes, unsweetened dried cherries,) Japanese sweet potatoes (aka tastes like cupcakes potatoes,) and coconut butter. However, it’s not like I have to fight him off for them.
The one thing I do have to fight for?
Popchips. If Niko had thumbs she’d be all over it. Whenever I buy chips, it’s usually some flavor of popchips, and the bag lasts approximately 10 minutes in our house. They’re that good. I don’t mind, though – they’re a healthy alternative to a lot of the other chips out there, with TONS of flavors available:
Then, this past week, Tricia from Popchips Colorado sent me a variety pack of mini bags to eat. This happened to coincide with my parents visiting, so I had my mom and dad try them. They’re hooked, too. Unfortunately, my Popchips stash is diminishing 
My mom and dad are a little like Shane and me, in the fact that she’s health-conscious and he loves all things tasty.
What my mom loved about Popchips
- They’re neither fried nor baked
- They have no preservatives
- They’re non gmo
- And gluten-free
- And have 0 grams of fat
What my dad loved about Popchips
- They’re freaking tasty!!
It’s nice to have delicious snacks around that are healthier than fried chips, but don’t sacrifice on taste. I’m not sure if you know this, but Jillian Michaels, whose new book Slim For Life just hit the bookshelves, endorses the Popchips. It’s March, and New Year’s resolutions may be wavering.
Jillian Michaels has some tips for those who may need some help getting back on track:
make a resolution…and keep it.
resolutions shouldn’t be something you wait for so this new year, resolve to do it and resolve to start now!
it’s all about balance.
eating three balanced meals (every four hours) with a snack between lunch and dinner is key. reach for a healthier snack like carrot sticks and hummus, fresh fruit, or curb salty cravings with tasty snacks such as popchips or almonds and dried cranberries.
just because it’s not fried, doesn’t mean it’s not delicious!
if you are in the mood to nosh, replace fried potato chips with a healthier alternative that still will satisfy that salty crave. popchips are a great and my favorite snack option! they taste delicious and have less than half the fat of fried chips and only 100 calories in the single serve bag.
grab a buddy.
it’s a fact that you will achieve greater success when you have the support of those closest to you. so get your friends together to support each other in being healthier in 2013.
create healthier alternatives to your favorite fried foods.
opt for cooking methods that use little or no fat such as steaming, grilling, baking, popping, broiling or roasting. you can still make these items taste great with the right seasoning! have a weakness for fried chicken? instead take skinless chicken breast cutlets, cover them in egg whites and a crushed up cereal like cornflakes, and bake. same great taste and more than half the calories and fat.
Giveaway – one reader will win:
- a copy of Jillian Michael’s book, Slim For Life
- a 1-month supply of Popchips!
To enter:
Answer: How do you make a meal/snack healthier? leave a comment below saying what’s one of your go-to healthier alternatives.
For an extra entry, tweet: “@TrainerPaige is hosting a @popchipsCO and Slim For Life giveaway! #jillianpops: http://wp.me/p2AHkE-9Pk”
Giveaway is open to US residents only. I’ll pick a winner Friday morning, 3/22.
This is wonderful! I make a meal/snack healthier by portioning out my serving before I start to eat
Allison recently posted..The Little Things
For snacks, I try to buy foods that are portion controlled like cups of greek yogurt and snack packs of almonds. For meals, I make pizzas with sprouted grain tortillas and tons of vegetables. It satisfies my craving for tomato sauce and cheese but it’s healthier and portion controlled!
I make snacks healthier by using natural ingredients.
Madonna recently posted..Couple of quick freebies
For meals, I always try to include a veggie. I love to snack on fruit with some protein. I also try to never let myself get too hungry!
I make snacks healthier by only eating raw foods or things I’ve prepared myself (except for popchips
) My go-to is hummus and carrots.
I always have one protein and at least two veggies for each meal. I always have fruit with me for snacks!
I try to buy foods that are portion controlled
I try and keep meals healthier by keeping it clean. The less fat that goes into my cooking, the healthier the meal. Also limiting portions on snacks.
I love having carrots and hummus! It is quick and easy and very filling.
I find eating healthy is easier if I just cook from scratch choosing high quality ingredients, taste better that prepackaged and good for you! I do love pop chips though.
This is great! I always try to keep my meals healthy by incorporating vegetables.
I make a snack healthier by making sure to incorporate healthy carbs with protein.
Ashley @ Life and Fitness recently posted..Dealing With Being A Quitter
I am so with you on finding healthier alternatives! That is definitely the key to achieving health goals with success. Most people think they have to deprive themselves when they are looking to eat healthy and that is not the case at all! I encourage my clients to make small changes everyday. The tricky part is that we don’t all like the same things, so starting out small and gradual really does help. When baking, start by cutting half the fat with unsweetened applesauce and/or half the sugar with stevia. When cooking meals, try leaner cuts of meat and find fun ways to include vegetables. We love doing appetizer night here with the boys. We normally grill off a pork tenderloin, have some fresh cheeses, a platter of vegetables with hummus and fresh fruits. Building your own plate gives the kids (and adults) the opportunity to try new (healthy) flavors.
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) recently posted..A Day In My Life…
I tweeted!
Ashley @ Life and Fitness recently posted..Dealing With Being A Quitter
I tweeted the giveaway!
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) recently posted..A Day In My Life…
I make my snacks healthier by actually planning what they are going to be. In the morning I think through my eating for the day and plan for healthy snacks so I definitely have them with me. If I didn’t do this, it would be a total free for all!
I make meals/snacks healthier by upping the veggies. (ie: adding extra peppers in my chili, using eggplant in my lasagna, etc.) Great giveaway!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers recently posted..New Suit
My husband and I eat completely different so its a struggle for us. Mainly I skip heavy sauces, add veggies and watch portion control!
Love PopChips. For me, I just try to make any snack or meal well-balanced. I also try to use as many veggies as I can with our meals – like subbing zucchini for lasagna sheets.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..St. Patrick’s Day Block Party
I tweeted
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..St. Patrick’s Day Block Party
I add volume to my meals by stuffing them with extra veggies!
I always pack healthy snacks whether its for a road trip, a day we are out all day or going to work. Some of my favs are apples, cut up veggies and hummus, almonds, and homemade granola bars. A little prep ahead of time and a lunch kit can do wonders!
Lindsey recently posted..Snowy Sunday
Weeee! I love this!
I make meals healthier by almost always adding an extra serving of vegetables. Either as a standalone, or mixing it in pasta, etc.
Amy @ Second City Randomness recently posted..New Year, New Chapter
This is funny because usually I don’t have to fight for my snacks but every once in awhile there’s something Jon finds surprisingly tasty & then it disappears! I usually try to focus on a good ratio of fats to protein with a snack & always make sure it has a fruit or veg included!
Katie @ KatieEnPursuit recently posted..Sleet Always Makes for a Nice Welcome Home
I like replacing ice cream with yummy frozen yogurt!
I love Jillian Michaels and listen to her podcast weekly!
I prep meals and snacks for the week on Sunday’s so during the week I have healthy options on hand. A few things I make sure to prep are fresh veggies, hard boiled eggs and raw nut trail mix
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted..Toddler Tuesday – Craft and Vocabulary Building Activity
I make snacks healthier by eating fruit and veggies for a snack!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots recently posted..Taste of the Nation Hartford Giveaway
To make my meals and snacks healthier, I try and always have some veggies with each one!
Prep is the key. I keep healthy snacks around the house so I don’t grab something I don’t need
I tweeted!
My fav thing is to add veggies to everything! So shredded carrots in a bowl with PB and goji berries and granola…YUM!
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..I’m not Vegan, I just eat that way
I make a meal healthier by added some salsa or seasonings for flavor rather than a thick, creamy, high fat sauce.
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..Trade em Up Tuesday: Let Go Your Head
For a snack I get plain greek yogurt and add fresh fruit instead of buying with fruit on bottom.
I try to make sure there’s some healthy protein in each of my snacks to help satiate me!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted..Week 37: Nursery Tour
The biggest change that we’ve made to make meals healthier is to use natural ingredients and make our own snacks/treats. This way, we always have something healthy available that will taste great as well.
By the way, we LOVE pop chips!
Khaleef @ Fat Guy, Skinny Wallet recently posted..How To Track Your Food And Exercise In A Calorie Counter App
Tweeted!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted..Week 37: Nursery Tour
I tweeted the giveaway as well: https://twitter.com/FGSW/status/314022220697583616
Khaleef @ Fat Guy, Skinny Wallet recently posted..How To Track Your Food And Exercise In A Calorie Counter App
I make meals healthier in a few ways — I never use ground beef — turkey or chicken is just as delicious. I also use low-fat cheese and sub greek yog for sour cream. And adding any veggies to a casserole is a nice way to fill up without… Filling out
I like buying snacks that are already portioned for me. If they aren’t any sense of control or moderation goes totally out the window!
Carly @ Snack Therapy recently posted..Reporting Live
I tweeted!
lots of fruits and veggies. I make homemade baked sweet potato fries and roasted butternut squash instead of fries!
I make meals healthier by making sure I have a good amount of protein in addition to eat two cups of veggies a day!
I try to either a fruit or veggie between meals or if I feel like I want a treat I usually do portion controlled snacks, including almonds and my favorite pop chips, hard to find but LOVE the sweet potatoe pop chips! YUM!
tweeted! @alewis19: @TrainerPaige is hosting a @popchipsCO and Slim For Life giveaway! #jillianpops
Allie recently posted..Surfset at TI Fitness Training
When I’m craving something sweet – I eat greek yogurt mixed with fruit and a little cereal for crunch!
one of my favorite healthier alternatives is the powdered peanut butter. I could eat a jar in a day, so being able to switch to powdered pb for snacks and meals that I don’t want the creamy taste is perfect.
Allie recently posted..Surfset at TI Fitness Training
I believe having a balance, everything can be enjoyed in moderation. I love popchips, but have only tried a couple flavors… I can’t seem to find all of them! I would love to win this, plus I’m a huge Jillian fan – I’ve listened to all her podcasts!
I love Popchips! yum
I think my easiest “make it healthier” trick is using greek yogurt instead of sour cream in dishes – as a bonus, I actually like it better!
Jane T. recently posted..Emerald Lounge at the Revere Hotel
I try to stock my fridge and cupboards with unprocessed foods that either come in portion controlled serving sizes or are easily put into containers/baggies that I can take to work. My go to healthy snacks are definitely any kind of fruit, greek yogurt, or almonds (but I have to limit myself on those – sometimes I can’t stop at just a handful;-).
Healthier versions of our favorite snacks. (granola, granola bars, etc.) I recently started making my own “flavored” yogurt. (plain yogurt, PB2 and some homemade granola, YUM!).
I try to portion out everything before I eat it. If I grab a bag of something, it’s hard to stop at just one portion.
I make sure I get enough protein and lots of fruits and veggies!
I try to have healthy options easily available so I can make the right choices.
I make meals healthier by baking, not frying, using natural spices and no salt. Always with a large side of veggies…My healthy go to alternative…apples! Good for you and filling…espeically with a little peanut butter.
Donna Hatke recently posted..God Bless the Little Children….My heart and prayers go out to the people of Newtown Connecticut…
I try to portion out my snacks at the beginning of each week so I have something healthy to grab in the morning before work. I love fruit so that usually my go to, but am trying to incorporate more veggies into my snacks.
I tweeted!
I use avocado for baking!! It’s a great substitute for oil and butter and it doesn’t add avocado flavor!
I just tweeted the giveaway. I make healthy snacks using greek yogurt, fruits and veggies
harsha recently posted..What’s going on ???
I cook a lot and use the freshest ingredients possible. If you have to buy I choose smaller portions.
My go to healthier alternative is use dates as a sweetener when I bake to cut down on sugar.
I tweeted! I try and add protein to every meal/snack.
I tweeted!
I like to grab fruit to be healthier for snacks , or look for options that are high in potein to keep me feeling fuller!
Heather @fitncookies recently posted..Exciting Day and a New Workout!
To many any meal or snack healthier, I add in some veggies!
I tweeted!
I’m eating more whole grains now & sweet potatoes!
Traci recently posted..I need it to be Friday
I make healthier snack choices when I pre-pack them. It’s a lot easier to grab a portion controlled snack then to eat just from the bag. For meals, I also try to use a lot of ground turkey or chicken.
I have a HUGE sweet tooth so a sweet snack for me is usually key! I keep them healthy by making homemade healthier baked goods ( oatmeal flax cookies, black bean brownies, etc) then freezing them! I just grab one on the go and by the time I want to eat it its nice and thawed, or microwaved for emergencies!
I like to healthify foods by packing in as many vegetables I can get away with. This works for just about anything: oatmeal, smoothies, soup, even bread.
homemade sweet potato fries instead of fast food fries
To make my snacks healthier I try to buy a bunch of veggies and cut them up on Sunday and place them into snack size baggies. From there I can just grab them and the hummus and have a perfectly portioned snack. I also love a banana and about a tablespoon of peanut butter put into the microwave. A perfect on the go snack
Whenever I pack a lunch-to-go in a plastic container, if at all appropriate, I’ll put a couple of handfuls of spinach in the bottom. When I microwave it, the wilted spinach just melts seamlessly into the dish.
Marilyn recently posted..Spiced falafel veggie burgers // good no matter how you serve them
Portion control and lots of veggies!!
To make my snack healthier I always incorporate a healthy protein and healthy fat to keep me full!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..Warm or Cool Toned?
tweeted!
I like to bake a batch of healthy muffins or protein bars at the beginning of the week, freeze them, and then defrost them each day for a snack.
Always include a fruit or veggie!
I make a fake cheeseburger with a veggie burger and a laughing cow cheese wedge. It’s delicious!
I make my meals healthier by eating my veggies first!
i switched from sour cream to greek yogurt in recipes for baked goods & for nachos/potato toppings!
I make sure my snacks include nutrients that will keep me going. With that being said…a creature of habit, I eat the same snacks every day…..mid-morning: banana, afternoon: apple, pre gym: Clif Mojo bar (this one not as natural, but powers me through teaching my evening Les Mills classes!)
For meals, I just try to bulk up on more veggies. I love pasta…and will never STOP eating my carbs…but I don’t know the last time I had it without some beautiful sauteed veggies mixed in!
I tend to keep veggies, fruit, and yogurt in my house more than traditional snack foods. That way when my 7 year old daughter wants a snack, she gets something healthy, as well as me!
I am a salty craver, not sugar. I always ensure I have snacks available during the day (fruit, almonds w/dry cranberries; sprouted bread w/almond butter.
At home, I make sure I have healthy snacks like hummus, or salsa and greek yogurt with black bean tortillas for a snack that is healthy.
Definitely portion control
Hi Paige! First off, I love love love your blogs! You are a fantastic writer!
My all-time favorite snack is spicy hummus and green peppers. So good!
Thanks for posting some information on the Popchips. My boyfriend and I are trying to lead healthier lifestyles, and chips aren’t really fitting into that. Also, I’m so happy to hear that they are gluten-free as I’ve just learned that I have a gluten intolerance which is tough since mostly everything has gluten in it. Anyways, we’d LOVE to try these chips!
I love using 21 seasoning salute from Trader Joes instead of salt as seasoning…adds so many more dimensions! I also add spinach to my smoothies
Itry to add flavor like, parm cheese to popcorn,or hot sauce to popcorn. I do love Popchips, Ihaven’t tried the new flavors. My husband and I called their info line, they were so great, we were positive there had to be some hidden badness, but NO WAY JOSE! Anyways, I would like to win lots of chips and the book to read while I eat the chips.
I try to make healthy substitutions in my cooking and baked goods whenever possible, like subbing greek yogurt for mayo and applesauce for oil!
I always try to have fresh fruit and veggies on hand. It makes it easier to cook healthy meals for the family! Tonight was salmon, green beans, carrots and baked potatoes.
I try to go for the vegetables for the crunch!
When I want to snack, I always try to drink water or tea first, to see if it’s just boredom or thirst. If my hunger remains, only then will I grab a snack (like popchips!)
I love sweet potatoes stuffed with steamed broccoli and drizled with almond butter… Soooo filling and satisfying!
I try to pair every indulgence with a fruit or veggie!
When I’m eating dairy (we have a love-hate relationship), I use greek yogurt in EVERYTHING–I sub it for sour cream, make frozen yogurt out of it (as a replacement for ice cream) and use it to bulk up my overnight oats. So creamy and tasty!
I’ve replace my regular milk with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. It’s better for me and I get a little extra protein!
I have to portion out snack sizes of foods- sandwich baggies are my best friend! For meals I include a veggie no matter what, even if it’s just carrots or peppers on the side.
I try to put extra vegetables into everything. I always have frozen spinach, peas, and beans. Every dish I just steam veggies and throw them in.
I always make sure to add vegetables and/or fruit to add in good carbs and fill me up.
I have many go-to healthy snacks! Carrots and hummus, greek yogurt topped with peanut flour and unsweetened carob chips, or a banana with peanut butter are my favorites
I love replacing oil and butter with applesauce. It’s so much healthier, and I honestly can’t ever tell a difference.
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted..A Sleigh Ride Together With You
Ooh I know I like PopChips, and Jillian’s new book sounds interesting. I’d love to give it a read!
I try to make sure my snacks have some form of protein, so that they actually satisfy instead of leaving me hungry again an hour later. Nuts and fruit are an old favorite. So are popchips and hummus… Now I go for Greek yogurt, too!
Meredith @ DareYouTo recently posted..Review: Designer Whey Protein
I’m all about finding healthy snacks because I work long hours and am often at a desk. For me it helps to have fruit and veggies around for snacking. I make sure and buy plenty of easy one piece fruits, such as apples and bananas, and then always cut up extra veggies to have on hand.
I only keep nutritious snacks in my house so I’m not tempted. I love fruit, banana soft serve, hummus with carrots and raw crunch bars
I LOVE Pop Chips! I try to make meals healthier by making sure I have protein in each meal. I am also trying to incorporate more fruits as snack/desserts.
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com