Snap Into Shap Sunday! (The Dave Diet)

Snap into Shape Sunday!

(The Dave Diet)

So a few weeks ago, my dear amazing beloved Uncle Dave passed away. Since he was always such a traveler, it doesn't quite feel like he's missing yet, so besides the shock, nothing has really set in yet. He died unexpectedly from a heart attack or blood clot. After hearing the results of cause of death, I was surprised because I had never thought of him as overweight. He was always just the best bear hugger on the PLANET. I think most people don't realize how easy it is to have an “unhealthy” heart. I know a lot of us have done some type of dieting or exercise regime at some point or another in our lives, however, I think we're making a big commitment out of something that can be simple and easy.

So now I'm going to make up for it, and I'm inviting you to do the same. I am going to start a weekly Snap into Shape Sunday Segment !! Every week I'll give a fun exercise idea, activity, or recipe that will help all of us snap into shape as a family. They will be easy things (I'm not sure if you know how truly lazy I am, I PROMISE they'll be easy) that everyone can take 30 minutes out of their day or evening to do (set a timer!).

Today we start with snacking because everyone loves a good snack:

PEANUT LOVES SNACKS!

We usually go to the chips and salsa or crackers and cheese because it is simple, easy, and right at our finger tips. Take a few minutes on the weekends to make yourself pre-made snack baggies like good old carrots and celery with Smart Balance Peanut Butter, or hummus. Baggies are you friend! Simply baggy these foods in small portions on Sunday, and you'll have them around all week. If you're feeling ambitious and have a blender around, go one step further and make your own hummus to cut down on the sodium and processed sugars. Here's a recipe of things you probably already have in the kitchen:

Recipe makes 2 cups:

• 1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• 1/3 cup pitted Spanish Manzanilla olives
  
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
  

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
  
• 1 teaspoon cilantro leaves (or basil if cilantro tastes like metal to you)
  
• salt and pepper to taste 
  
  Place garbanzo beans, olives, and garlic into the bowl of a blender or food processor. Pour in olive oil and lemon juice; season with basil, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Cover and puree until smooth. Hummus can be served immediately, or covered, and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  
  
  Here are some helpful Snacking hints from www.heart.org: 
  
  
  To satisfy a crunchy mood:
   
• Apples (dip in citrus to keep from browning for a few days)
  
• Carrot and celery sticks
  
• Green pepper sticks
  
• Zucchini circles
  
• Radishes
  
• Broccoli spears
  
• Cauliflower
  
• Unsalted rice cakes

To Quench thirst:

• Fat-free milk
  
• Unsweetened juices
  
• Low-sodium tomato or mixed vegetable juice
  
• Water

For those good ol' munchies:

• Whole-grain breads or toast
  
• Unsalted sunflower seeds
  
• Cherry or grape tomatoes
  
• Low-fat or fat-free cheese
  
• Plain, low-fat or fat-free yogurt
  
• Bagels
  
• Unsalted almonds, walnuts and other nuts

And for sweets instead of Chocolate (say it isn't so!!!!):

• Unsweetened canned fruit
  
• Thin slice of angel food cake
  
• Baked apple
  
• Raisins
  
• Dried fruit gelatin gems
  
• Frozen bananas
  
• Frozen grapes
  
• Fresh fruit
  
• Low-fat or fat-free unsweetened fruit yogurt

See more ideas on MyHeartMyLife.org . See you next week!

Love, Char