What's Your Afternoon Pick-Me-Up?

Many people like to go to Starbucks for a little energy boost to carry them through until dinnertime. A plain coffee is one thing, but a vanilla soy latte or another sweet drink can lead to unnecessary weight gain. Did you know an additional 100 calories a day, leads to an extra 10 lbs. per year? An additional 300 calories a day, is an extra 30 lbs. per year! Know your nutrition! A Grande, Skim Vanilla Latte is 250 calories. A Tall Skim Mocha Frappuccino w/ whip is 280 calories! Check out more of your favorite drinks at: http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverages.asp

Keep your energy up throughout the day by eating every 2-3 hours. Have a small, healthy snacks between meals, such as nuts & fruit. This can go a long way to keep your blood sugar even & avoid that late afternoon slump.
Examples of Healthy Snacks: (think, unprocessed!)
- 1/4 c. raw nuts (cashews, almonds & walnuts) and an apple
- 2 percent Fage yogurt w/ grapes
- 1 Tbs. natural peanut butter on one slice of whole wheat toast
- Grapes or Apple & 1 serving mozzarella string cheese
- Raw veggies & hummus or string cheese
Examples of Non-Healthy Snacks:
- chips
- crackers
- candy bars
- candy
- cereal/granola
- cereal/granola bars
- fruit juice/soda/Gatorade
- muffins
- sweetened yogurt

Look at ingredients and avoid:
- Sugar
- Enriched wheat flour
- Partially hydrogenated oils
- Aspartame
- High Fructose Corn Syrup

Shop ahead of time & be prepared when you leave the house w/ a lean protein & low-fat snack. Make it part of your routine! Planning + preparation = progress!