Kasia the Expert

     Do you find it hard to stay on a healthful routine once the weekend rolls around?  I don't know about you, but the scene at my house come Friday evening goes something like this:  basically, all my hard work of maintaining a nutritious diet and exercise routine during the week goes on hiatus right along with me sitting in front of the t.v. with my favorite--and-sometimes-not-so-waist-friendly--snacks in hand.  If I'm going to enjoy snacks, why not make it a whole grain movie night, instead?  For example, what better way to engage family and friends than around a hot, freshly popped bowl of whole grain popcorn?  I sat down the other night to watch my favorite show with a bowl of Orville Redenbacher 100 calorie Smart Pop!  Before I knew it, my husband, daughter, cat and dog were right there with me.  Here are some other whole grain ideas you can feel good about:

• Whole grain pizza pie--make a standing date with your friends/loved ones starting with whole grain pizza crust (my daughter loves brushing honey on top) and then add your favorite toppings!
• Prefer something sweeter?  Snack on ready-to-eat, whole grain cereals, such as toasted honey oat squares
• Try a whole-grain snack chip, such as baked tortilla chips in salsa or guacamole

     Also, according to the Whole Grains Council, studies show that eating whole grains is associated with staying healthy.  Aim for at least three servings daily, but if you don't eat any whole grain, even adding one serving daily is a great start.  The message:  every whole grain in your diet helps.

TGIF!

     The other day, my co-worker added whole grain Orville Redenbacher Smart Pop! popcorn to his salad, hold the croutons.  I bet he wasn't thinking of how the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommends making half of your grains whole, but it sure got me thinking of more ways on how to use popcorn in everday recipes.  After all, what better way to achieve this than getting creative with one of America's favorite whole grain comfort snacks--popcorn!

    Since every little bit counts when it comes to getting whole grain, try any of the following popcorn substitutions in your traditional recipes to help you cut calories, fat and sodium while increasing your whole grain--and fiber!--intake:

Original Recipe....	Replace what....	With....
1. Traditional fried chicken tenders	chicken batter	94% Fat Free Smart Pop! Butter popcorn (I really enjoyed this recipe)
2. Trail mix with chocolate chips	chocolate chips	94% Fat Free Smart Pop! Kettle Corn popcorn
3. Holiday sweet treats	your co-worker's famous holiday Bundt cake	Act II 100-calorie popcorn balls
4. Salad with croutons	croutons	94% Fat Free Smart Pop! Butter popcorn
5. Poultry stuffing with croutons	croutons	94% Fat Free Smart Pop! Butter or Kettle Corn popcorn

     Tell us, how do you enjoy your popcorn?  (please leave your comment via the link provided above).

     Tis' the season to over-indulge.  During the holidays, it's easy for my family and me to let our guard down and indulge in a variety of foods and snacks made for the occasion.  I like to think this means I can still maintain a healthy lifestyle--but how?  Here's my recipe for holiday snacking:

• For me, hot cocoa and winter holidays are the perfect match.  While my friends tend to go for the full-calorie version, I like to switch to the sugar-free variety.  Between extra foods and fewer trips to the gym, I like to save calories wherever possible.  This simple switch reduces calories, but not flavor.  Add fat-free Reddi Wip and a dusting of cocoa powder for a picture perfect cup of cocoa!
• Smart snacks--SmartPop! popcorn is my favorite--not only because popcorn is a snacking favorite among most people, but with a simple addition of raisins, sunflower seeds and mini chocolate chips, it can be transformed into a gourmet snack that can fit anyone's healthy lifestyle.
• Practice portion control to keep calories in check.  My favorite portion-control strategy around the holidays is using smaller plates.  Visit Small Ways to Cut Big Calories This Holiday Season for more tips.

     Setting smart snacking habits for life is crucial to a healthy lifestyle and my recipe for holiday snacking can easily go beyond any holiday.