Every day, I eat three meals and two (sometimes three) snacks. I started snacking like clock work when we started our Family Challenge as a way of keeping me on track with my eating. Back then, I didn't always feel hungry for a snack; these days, I snack like my life depends on it because of my workouts.
I keep my favorites in my office as well as at home and also have options to keep in my bag.
I eat breakfast each morning by 8:30 a.m. and then have a snack around 10:30 a.m. If I'm going to have fruit, I have it at that time because I've read about it being better consumed earlier in the day to maximize my burn of the sugar. But, I don't think fruit is a bad option in the afternoon. I love to have a banana with peanut butter smeared.
My other current go-tos are:
Noosa yoghurts - This is my favorite brand of yogurt. I eat just half the container as a serving because they are higher in calories than many others. Also, half is actually quite filling.
Quaker granola bars - I'm pretty basic with granola bars ... I'm good with a simple chewy chocolate chip bar. But, I recently discovered Quaker's Girl Scout Cookie Granola bars. Listen, that's the best 100 calories I'll eat all day.
Cucumber slices - I peel, slice and top them with fresh black pepper and a drizzle of low fat ranch dressing. I'm willing to give up some calories to the dressing.
Wheat Thins - I love that they're light but hearty and now that there's a cracked pepper and olive oil option, I'm extra satisfied.
Oatmeal - This is both a favorite meal and snack for me. Steel cut oats with sauteed broccoli, yes.
Interestingly, if I feel more hungry throughout the day and I've eaten what I normally would, I will drink more water. I've found that sometimes when I think I'm hungry, I'm actually just under hydrated.
What are your favorite snacks? I'll try virtually anything once.
It’s not difficult to be sold on a weekend, just minutes from the ocean in South Beach Miami. Add to it three days in boutique accommodations curated especially for adults, only; and a complimentary French-inspired breakfast spread that includes croissants and vegan banana bread or an olive loaf and wine during the evening wind down, and you have the makings of a satisfying escape.
The Julia, a 29-room hotel in the South of Fifth
neighborhood, is named after the iconic founder of Miami Julia Tuttle. A
complementary addition to the restaurants and shops sprinkled throughout the
relaxed and walkable residential area, its fresh and modern aesthetic begins
from the street — the traditional, yet atypical, Art Deco facade and
Mediterranean Revival architecture are from its original build in the 1930s. The
Julia is built from the foundation of the third oldest hotel in Miami Beach.
Crafted by renowned architect and interior designer Stephen
Busto, the property’s interior begins with an eclectic Mediterranean garden
party-styled lobby — antique touches intermingled, including the original
Cuban tile flooring and artwork from local and international
artists. Modernities like a Starbucks coffee machine, floods of natural
lighting and plenty of periodicals make the hub of it all an apt meeting place
that feels both chic and proper.
The adults-only concept is precisely delivered in The
Julia’s minimalist and smart guest rooms. Outfitted with custom-designed furnishings,
solid oak plank flooring and modern artwork throughout, the details have been
fine tuned. In each room, paper cutouts in the style of Matisse, by Canadian
artist Edward Bader, feature faceless vacationers floating in serene pools of
color. The message: you bring yourself to this artwork … and you were top of mind in the design of this stay. For a little
extra, book one of the five two-story “Ibis” rooms featuring vaulted ceilings
from which hand-crafted art installations of the Scarlet Ibis, a native to the
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And when you’re taking in the surroundings from its patio,
you’ll likely christen “break from the norm” that is The Julia both just right
and just enough.
Nightly rates start at $189.
Do this while there.
Sunrise Yoga:
Stroll down a couple of blocks to the beach for yoga alongside the ocean.
Bliss.
The Brickell City
Centre: Shop a spell and then grab lunch at the Big Easy Wine Bar & Grill. Inspired by the lifestyle and spirit
of South Africa, the unfussy, woodsy digs backdrop comfort fare like hand cut
steaks, Cauliflower Samosas, Chili-Coffee Rubbed Pork Flat Bread and Mini Malay
Veggie Bunny Chow.
Phillip and Patricia
Frost Museum of Science: Recently opened in downtown Miami’s waterfront Museum
Park, Frost Science is dedicated the core science behind living systems, the
solar system and known universe, the physics of flight, light and lasers, the
biology of the human body and mind, and much more. Guests can explore the world
of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in an experiential setting
with interactive exhibitions and unique shows.
Lobster Bar Sea
Grille (Miami Beach): World-class seafood, prime steaks, and superior
service in a dazzling, upscale setting. The Lobster Bar Lobster Bisque Au
Cognac is a must.
