Almond Theft

I have a confession to make. I steal Almonds from the Kiel's buffet (my name for the bulk food aisle) without shame. I feel like because I shop there on an almost-daily basis, it gives me the right to snack at my leisure. The guys that work the produce aisle don't even bat an eye anymore when I come calling. Immoral? Perhaps. Mortifying to my wife? Absolutely. Filling? Definitely.


I also steal almonds from any buffet at any store - I don't discriminate based on location. Years ago, I used to snatch Mike and Ike's, jawbreakers, something chocolate or something else sugary and delicious. No mas. 


Why, you ask, the change in heart in my buffet pilfering choices? It's pretty simple, actually: my switch to a career as a health pro has affected my diet in some ways more than others, and snacking is one of the most impacted. And my almond theft is really just an extension of my fondness for snacking. Also, once I tried including almonds in my diet, I found that I 1) love the taste of just about any variety 2) had no idea how nutritionally dense -- and generally awesome for you -- they are. 


Anecdotally, I have to say that I have never found a food that "fills me up," in the same way as whole almonds. I can eat just a handful or so, and truly get the sense that I've eaten more. For a person that eats more than the average two people combined, this is very beneficial.


Some specific things we should all know about our friend the almond:

• They're low in saturated fat and contain many other protective nutrients - calcium and magnesium - for strong bones; they're also high in fiber
• They're high in vitamin E and compounds called phytochemicals, which may help protect against cardiovascular disease and even cancer
• They have 8 grams of protein per 1/4 cup, which is about a handful; not a fantastic source of protein, but not bad, either, considering the lack of prep time and ease of consumption
• Eating almonds helps lower LDL (the bad cholesterol), and gets the body higher amounts of antioxidants, which are awesome for many reasons

Do you have to steal them? No. Should you work some into your diet, for the reasons listed above and because they're super tasty? Probably. Dig in!

What type of almonds are your favorite? Personally, I'm a smoked kind of guy, but also enjoy the sea-salted. 

Balancing Vacation and Exercise, Holiday Version

If you don't spend some quality time stuffing your face in the next few weeks you're doing something wrong. The Holidays are about enjoying things - food, candy, pastries, etc. Ok, maybe some other favorites like family, friends, traditions. One thing is almost certain - you'll be away from home or with your family/friends.

One thing that makes all the face-stuffing easier is if you can keep some kind of workout routine going. It's likely that you have seen many articles about how to "keep active while on vacation." In similar fashion, here are my five favorite tips for staying active (while enjoying your trip) during the holidays/away from home:

1) Find things you can do with your family and friends. Walks, basketball with a brother, bike rides, surfing. Just do something active that allows you to combine being with people and getting some exercise. In my family, we're gym rats so we go at the same time/together. Whatever works for you.

2) Calisthenics. Push-ups, sit-ups, pull ups (if you have a bar handy), dips and other bodyweight exercises are super easy to do and require zero equipment. Also, you can get them done pretty quickly and get on with things.

3) If you're going to pack equipment, keep it light and SIMPLE. Think jump rope, yoga mat, exercise bands. My favorite piece of "equipment" to pack on vacation? Running shoes. Done and done. Nature's gymnasium awaits.

4) Eat high fiber foods for breakfast and lunch (before big meals). Fiber makes you feel full, has a million health benefits, and also bonds with fats the body would otherwise store to help get them out of your system. High fiber food throughout the day will help you avoid ridiculous amounts of carbs in the evening. Notice I said ridiculous amounts. Please don't skip a roll or a piece of pie. Skip 5 rolls or 4 pieces of pie.

5) Live your life! Relax! If your nephew is around and you don't normally see him, don't go for a run ... Play peek-a-boo! If your grandparents are in town for the weekend, skip the gym and look through a photo book. Life's too short to miss those opportunities. Just take the time that you would normally have to yourself and make the best of it!

Any tips you care to share? Things that have worked for you in the past?

Happy Holidays! Be fit and well and I hope to see everyone soon.