Snacks

Farmer Brand Roasted Peanuts

I guess if you ask me what has probably made the biggest difference for me losing weight, it has been watching my snacks. While I thought nothing of going to Starbucks and getting a tall hot chocolate with a morning bun or lemon pound cake or a Chonga bagel with two pats of butter, those calories add up very quickly. So, I made a rule for myself: eat snacks that have protein and/or fiber. That way, at least they're not just fluff.

I love Farmer Brand Roasted Peanuts. They're easy to like, but it takes a special person to love them. Sure, you might get lucky and get the perfect bag, but they're not consistent. Sometimes, it's a product of Singapore. Sometimes, Vietnam, but they are definitely Chinese-style peanuts. The nut is smaller and sweeter than American peanuts. And there's something about the experience of cracking open nuts. Anyway, rancidity is a problem with all nuts and despite the 'use by date,' even if you use them before that date, sometimes, they're not that fresh. Having said that, when you find a bag that's just right, you'll understand what love is really about. You can get these nuts at Viet Wah, ABC Supermarket, 99 Ranch, Uwajimaya. There are other varieties: dried, garlic, etc.

Apples with peanut butter

Also, good snacks are raisins or dried figs. And there's the classic apples with peanut butter. I think tart apples work best with peanut butter, but use any apple you like. I'm not an apple expert so if you are not sure, consult your local apple expert. I like fuji apples, jazz apples, gala apples, etc. As for peanut butter, I make sure that it doesn't use hydrogenated oil. This one is Maranatha creamy peanut butter. I like this one because it's organic and it's no-stir.

Celery and peanut butter is also an okay snack, but it doesn't have that much fiber compared to apples. Is that surprising?

Anyway, maybe you should think of baked goods like an ex you had children with. Okay, great, you want to have a good relationship with them, but you don't want them in your life all the time. Hear that, morning bun! It's nice to see you, but I'm with apples and peanut butter now!