Healthy Eating Made Simple

How many times have you started a "healthy eating plan" only to quit because it was too complicated, time consuming, or expensive? I think we've all been there - myself included. Over the past year or two though, I've learned some tips and tricks to make healthy eating enjoyable, and easy too, and something that can work for anyones budgets.

Buy produce in-season and on-sale.

Scan the grocery store sale flier in-store or on-line and try to purchase only what is on sale each week. This will allow you to get more bang for your buck and will also help you get a variety of flavors each week so you'll never get bored!

Sometimes it smarter to buy convenience items.

It's always a better idea to buy convenience items rather than throwing away unused food because it has expired before you can use it. I love buying bagged salads and spiralized veggies too because I'm way more apt to use them if the time-consuming prep work has been done for me!

If something's on sale that's a staple, stock up.

My favorite grocery store has a buy one package get two free sale on chicken breasts every 4 weeks. I always stock up during this time because lean protein sources, like chicken, are a go-to staple for healthy cooking in my household.

Bulk bins can be a great way to save.

When you eliminate the fancy packaging, bulk bins can be an incredible way to save on stales such as nuts, granola, and even dried grains like couscous, oats, and quinoa. Just stay clear of the gummy bears and other tempting candies and these can be a great way to stock up on healthy food!

Know when quality counts. 

Not all brands and products are created equal and quality still should be the deciding factor when making your grocery purchases. For example, not all waters are created equal and hydration is hugely important to me! I purchase Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water because of it's high natural mineral content and it's thirst-quenching taste.

Shop warehouse stores or online retailers for bulk savings and heavy items.

I love save on healthy staples at warehouse clubs. I frequent these stores every 2-3 weeks and love to purchase big bags of spinach (I freeze half for smoothies and to add into eggs and pasta sauce), age-free eggs, and oatmeal. I also love to purchase my heavy items by the case from online retailers like Jet.com so I don't have to haul them home myself and so that I'll always have my favorite beverage, Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water on hand!

Meal Prep.

I don't make whole meals ahead of time but there are a few things I like to prep on Sundays so that I have them ready for the week. Over the weekend I'll usually hard-boil eggs, bake a batch of sweet potato rounds (yummy for dipping into hummus), I'll wash and cut fresh fruits and veggies for snacking, and usually make a batch of healthy muffins too. Having healthy foods on hand that I can dole out for myself and my family is essential for us to eat healthily.

Never leave the house without packing a healthy snack first.

My kiddos always know that before we leave the house, I always pack a healthy snack for us to enjoy together. Some of our favorites pack-able snacks are: turkey sticks, applesauce packets, and dried fruit.

Now that I've given you some of my healthy eating tips - I'd love to invite you to participate in the Sparkling Detox with me! For five days we'll ditch our usual beverages (whether they be coffee, soda, juice, alcohol or tea) and commit to drinking only Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water.  That's it! There is no need to deviate from your typical diet or exercise routines, but if you wish, top fitness trainer Ariane Hundt will be posting functional and motivational advice on how to make the most out of your detox week in our online Sparkling Detox Facebook Group HERE. 

The challenge will run from Monday August 27 - Friday August 31.

This all sounds great, you say, what do you need to get prepared?

-Register for the Sparkling Detox Challenge - registration is open now - click HERE to register by August 15, 2018.

 -Enter the consumer giveaway! Everyone that signs up for the Sparkling Detox Challenge can enter to win one of 200 cases of Gerolsteiner. Use my personal "DoubleTheSparkle" code which is AMY18 and your chances of winning are automatically DOUBLED! Click HERE to enter to win!

-Join our online community - the Sparkling Detox Facebook Group HERE for support, encouragement, and motivation, before, during, and after the five day challenge.

-Check out the Store Locator page HERE to find out where Gerolsteiner is sold near you. There are also several online avenues to purchase Gerlosteiner: Sam's Club or Jet.com or get by-the-case discounts at Whole Foods.

-Brainstorm ways that you want to live your best life during the challenge! Maybe you'll start meditating, take a new class at a local fitness studio, or take some time for you to meet up with a friend you haven't seen in awhile. Make the challenge work for YOU and you will no doubt gain more than a little sparkle in your life!

Tips for Changing a Busy Toddlers Diaper

It seems like I blinked and my girl went from a squishy little baby into an energetic toddler. She discovers so many new things every day and doesn't want to slow down for one second - which has made diaper changes lately quite the challenge. Toddlers are so busy pushing boundaries and testing their limits that anything that keeps them still and confined will most usually result in a battle. Here are a few strategies that I've been using lately to make diaper changing time go a little more smoothly:

1. Let them help. Most toddlers LOVE to help with anything and take such pride in pitching in. I let my daughter hold the diapers, get me wipes when I need them, even throw away the soiled diaper when we are done. Anything that keeps her involved typically keeps her happy.

2. Bond with them. I know this sounds cheesy, but toddlers love and absolutely notice when they are getting your full attention. Look them in the eyes, smile, sing their favorite songs, practice finger plays and clap your hands together. Practice their favorite words. Talk to them about what you're doing, what you've already done today, and what you're going to do together later.

3. Simplify things. There will be times when you've ran through all of the above tricks and nothing seems to be working. It's these times when you'll be thankful that you have the essentials on hand so you can change their diapers quick and easy - anywhere. I have a small basket downstairs that's stocked with  the essentials (diapers, wipes, cream) in addition to the same set up upstairs in her room.

One handy tool that I was introduced to recently and had to share is the SwipenSnap. It's a diaper cream applicator that allows you to easily apply diaper cream in seconds, with one hand, and keeps your hands nice and clean (Ever tried to wrestle a wiggly toddler with messy diaper cream all over your fingers?! Not fun at all!) You just replace the cap of your favorite diaper rash cream with the SwipenSnap lid, pull, squeeze, swipe on their bum, and snap it back into place - seriously using this thing makes me feel like I belong in the Indy 500 pit crew, it's that quick and easy! You can find out what creams are compatible and buy one HERE.

4. Distract them. Have things nearby that you can grab to distract them. My daughter loves little books, so I'll often have a couple within arms reach that I can grab and place into her little wiggly hands. I'll also sometimes grab one of her stuffed animals so that we can put a diaper on them when we are finished.

What are some tried and true techniques that you use to make diaper changes quick and easier for everyone?