Oscar Mayer P3 Portable Protein Packs

While I was on my high protein kick I ran across these brand new Oscar Meyer P3 Portable Protein Packs in Walmart. They're basically small packs of nuts, meat, and cheese - I guess that's where the P3 comes from. I live the convenience of being able to grab my food out of the refrigerator and head out. I have been trying to cut out processed foods but I do slip up every once in a while. 

They have three different varieties and average 170 calories per pack with 11 grams of fat and 14 grams of protein. I tried the dry roasted peanuts, cheddar cheese and turkey breast. I also had the one with almonds, cheddar cheese and ham. To be quite honest, I wasn't too impressed. The nuts and cheese were okay but the meat was slimy and left me with a sick feeling. I would have rather had a stick of mozzarella cheese and a handful of almonds. The entire thing seemed like a waste of calories. They were $1.68 each so it's not like they broke the bank but it just seemed like a gimmick. I have no interest in purchasing these again - I'll just make my own snacks.

Soda with no artificial sweetners?! Say it ain't so!

Since I have been on my weight loss journey I really hate drinking my calories. I would much rather save them for something tasty and salty I can snack on. I absolutely love pineapple juice but it isn't the lowest calorie beverage. Unfortunately most sodas, (or pop if you're in the Midwest), have some type of artificial sweetener. The only one that doesn't is Diet Rite and I like them, but I get tired of regular cola or orange. I have to admit I got really excited when I ran across a coupon for Zevia zero calorie soda. They claim there is no sugar and no artificial sweeteners - and this includes the controversial Aspartame. So what do they use as a sweetener? Stevia. They also have a number of neat flavors. *photo courtesy of Amazon.com*
It will probably be better for me in the long run if I cut down on my soda consumption but in the meantime, these sound like a nice alternative.

New Products

Ran across some new products at Walmart. The bars look pretty tasty and I'll probably try them if I can grab a coupon.  I'm not too familiar with the Slimful brand, but I love the Special K bars. Now the Nutrisystem 5 day weight loss kit is a bit costly for me when I can plan everything myself. Some people won't mind paying for the convenience. 

New Products

Earlier this week I ran across some new products at my local Food Lion and I wanted to share -

I'm a big fan of Yo Crunch products. They have everything from 100 calorie yogurts to Greek yogurt, which is a new favorite of mine. Now they have a lowfat variety with trail mix toppings. Here is the nutrition information.

Quaker is now offering a variety of fruit and note bars. They have Peach Almond, Apple Nut Harvest and Cherry Pistachio.

Kellogg's NutriGrain Cereal Bars have Strawberry Greek Yogurt inside. Seems like an interesting combination.

Review: BODYPUMP™

Photo by: LocalFitness.com.au

I have been seriously slacking on my exercise for months. Various obligations and prior commitments have made it virtually impossible for me to work out on a regular basis. Now that things have gotten back to normal for the most part, I'm ready to get in tip top shape. Now why I chose BODYPUMP™ to start everything off, I don't know. I probably should have gone with power walking. My ultimate goal is to tone and build muscle, and a friend recommended I try this class. Started in 1991 by Phillip Mills of the Lester Mills International, it is a group class that focuses on free weights and toning. The choreography and music is standard in all classes and changes every three months.

The class is offered at my local YMCA so it is very convenient. Yesterday morning I arrived only about five minutes before class started and couldn't really figure out which weights to use so I chose one 2.5 pound and two 5 pound. There is also an aerobic step involved. I took my place in the back and got ready. After a short warm-up we went right into it. Each song works a specific muscle group and I literally worked every part of my body. Biceps, triceps, quads, glutes, abs, you name it, it was worked. We also did squats and push-ups and after an hour I sure did feel it, but that was nothing compared to how I felt this morning. It was so bad that as soon as I woke up, which was early since I could barely sleep, I went straight for a soak in an epsom salt filled bath. My legs or sore but I can barely move my arms. I hope and pray I didn't strain a muscle I haven't really used in months or didn't even know existed.

Overall I loved the class. I hate being sore but I love the feeling of actually getting a work-out. I have heard really good testimonials from others who have taken the classes and seeing real changes in their bodies. As soon as I recover from my soreness I'm going right back. I'm really excited about seeing results.

Free Slurpee at 7-11

I recently posted a review of the Lite Slurpee from 7-11 and I'm truly a fan. Well the good news is on July 11th 7-11 is offering a free small Slurpee from 11am - 7pm at participating locations. Yum!

Thank you Cheesecake Factory!!

The Cheesecake Factory is my favorite restaurant - the Alpha and Omega for me. Unfortunately the closest one is about two hours from me so I rarely get to indulge in my very favorite dish - the Cajun Jambalaya Pasta. I have looked for copycat recipes online but always find some complicated mangled mass of foreign ingredients. Well I was so excited to find that The Cheesecake Factory had released their recipes on their website. My beloved Cajun Jambalya Pasta was on there but staying true to this site, I have to mention that they also have items from their Skinnylicious™ menu.

The SkinnyLicious™ Grilled Chicken has 560 Calories and 3 grams of fat. The SkinnyLicious™ Pear & Endive Salad has 500 calories and 23 grams of fat.

I have to admit, whenever I go to The Cheesecake Factory I have to have the Jambalaya but I may try these recipes at home. What's your favorite dish at The Cheesecake Factory?