I told you I’d occasionally fill you in on items that might help you along in your quest for fitness. So, here are a few of my best picks:
Zone Perfect Bars: If you’ve struggled in your time-crunched world for a way to get fast, balanced, mini-meal replacement that tastes good, these bars are for you. “Zone Bars”, as I call them, have an acceptable split of protein, carbs and fat to give you quick energy, with a little “staying power” to boot. Not gummy, chalky or gritty like many “healthy” bars; they run around 200-220 calories each, have 14-16 grams of protein (much better than a granola or fruit snack bar), and are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and even Omega 3’s. And the best thing is, they taste GREAT. Even my husband and 18-year old likes them. If you’re a chocoholic, Zone Perfect’s got your fix: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Caramel Cluster, Fudge Graham, Chocolate Mint (Sorry, this one’s yucky to me!) and, my current favorite – Double Chocolate. Yum. Don’t care for chocolate? Try the Strawberry Yogurt or Cinnamon Roll. I don’t know how they got the taste of a cinnamon roll in this bar, but they pulled it off nicely! They’re good enough that my husband no longer runs by the donut shop for his morning carb-fix! Prices I’ve found around town for these bars run from 96¢ to as high as $1.59 apiece, and occasionally you can find the “Buy-5-Get-1-Free” box promotions. Buy all you want – just be sure to leave a box of the Double Chocolate on the shelf for me!
Ryka Shoes: Ladies, if you feet are talking to you at the end of your workout, or even at the end of the day, I have found a shoe that may possibly make you forget to take your shoes off when you get home. Ryka shoes (pronounced "RI-kah") are made from a woman’s “last” (the mold used to make shoes). Did you know most athletic shoes are made from a man’s last? Yup, even if the shoes are sold in women’s sizes; most likely they are scaled-down versions of the men’s shoe, made from the man’s last. Look at a man’s bare foot and compare it to yours. Most likely, you will find your heel a little narrower and the forefoot a little wider, in proportion to his. Rykas more closely conform to the natural shape of the woman’s foot. In addition, have you noticed your body is shaped a little differently from men through the chest and hips? Well, Rykas compensate for the different way women balance on their feet, as well. They have shoes for both land and water aerobics, walking, running, treadmill and studio work. They even have a couple of casual models. In 2003, in spite of much pleading from me, they sadly stopped manufacturing my Size 5’s, but carry sizes 5-1/2 to 11 in most styles. Visit Lady Foot Locker stores to try on a great selection of Rykas, or go online to www.ryka.com to see the latest designs and place your orders there. They are very comfortable, durable shoes at a reasonable price. I believe once you wear Rykas, you will not be satisfied with another athletic shoe.
Jonny’s Grilled (not fried!) Chicken Salad in Duncan, Oklahoma: If you haven’t tried this for lunch or dinner, you’re missing out. Loaded with five ounces of grilled chicken breast, some chopped boiled egg, and diced tomato on a bed of fresh lettuce; this is one filling and flavorful salad. It’s relatively low in fat, high in fiber, and has plenty of protein for those growing muscles. I’ve guess-timated the salad alone, with Jonny’s homemade honey-mustard dressing, at around 350-375 calories. TIP: To shave some calories off of this meal, order light, rather than regular, honey mustard dressing (it’s good!) Skip the packets of crackers (around 35 calories per packet!) that usually accompany the salad, and drink water, or unsweetened iced tea with lemon, instead of a soft drink.
Just so you know, I didn’t receive compensation for any of the products I listed; although, I would REALLY like to see Ryka start manufacturing those Size 5’s again! My feet have not been happy since I’ve stopped wearing them!
I will, from time-to-time, continue to provide more best picks, favorite products and foods, and valuable information sources. If you have a best pick of your own, send me an email to Dawn@DawnBranchOnline.com and tell me about it!
Ripe For the Picking