Healthy snacks and Bluetooth headphones

I am not a big fan of headphones in general because i can't get them to stay in my ears and are just uncomfortable. I got these for a really discounted deal so i figured i would give them a try. They are "wireless" bluetooth headphones but there is still a wire that connects them around the back of your head. Its better that having a wire connected to your phone that can get pulled out or tangled around you somehow. The only time i ever wear headphone is on a plane and i must say its much more convenient so not watch a movie with a wire connected yo my iPad. the sound quality seemed pretty good compared to other head phones i have tried and the ear wrap arounds were not too bulky or tight. no discomfort at all. i suppose the wire is good to keep them together so you don't lose one but its not quite wireless. Accidentally left them on for a few hours after getting off the plane so the battery life in these is pretty good at at least 5 hours of play time at a moderate volume. The volume is also adjustable on the right ear piece so you don't need to use your device to adjust the volume.

#DeificDesignEarbuds

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYN3VPD/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=&tag=dailydeal0c6-20

We are big Fans of snacks too!
http://www.greatsnackbox.com/GREAT-Kids-Snack-Box-p/gks-subscription.htm

Patriotic Snacks & Laptop cover

Feeling patriotic working on the next GREAT Kids Snack Box today. Might have sampled a few of the snacks too. November is almost over and we have a few boxes left to ship out. Be sure to order yours so you can receive both the November and December snack boxes before the year is over. #GREATKidsSnacks #snacks #healthy #healthysnacks #kids #kidssnacks #momlife #workingmom #fitmom #healthykids #dadlife #fitdad #family #parenting #America #madeintheusa #singlemom #singledad #sahm #sahd #wfhm #fitkids #activekids #organic #natural Always keeping my laptop safe and protected with the neoprene #ToteUp cover.

 https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Neoprene-Laptop-Compatible-ToteUp/dp/B01N0C6LII/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1479395282&sr=8-2&keywords=toteup

Great Kids Healthy Snacks

Swinging Snacks with Amazing Swing

Today we went to the park and made our own swing with Amazing Swing's #Swingstraps. We Used an old chair piece that was going to the trash and converted it to a swing for the day. The kids loved playing in it and it provided a nice backdrop for a photoshoot with the GREAT Kids Snack Box. The strap it self was easy to instal, throwing it over the tree branch and looping it through itself. The strap has a load capacity of up to 1000lbs and the carabiner has a load rating of up to 4000 pounds. This is plenty of weight and much more that the bamboo chair could hold itself. Overall we had a fun day playing, shining, and snacking at the park.

   

 Amazing Swings provided us with a fun activity to do at the park and I am sure we will be making more swings in the near future. Maybe an old fashioned tire swing is next. To get your swing making kit checkout http://amazingswing.com/swing-hanging-kit/

Hanging in the park!

Just hanging out at the park. Hammocks and snacks. Always have to bring the organic and all natural snack box to the park to keep the kids healthy and happy. Recently the light weight camping hammocks have been a fun addition too. Living the healthy outdoor and active lifestyle one day at a time. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J0CA7VK

#GREATKidsSnackBox #healthy #healthysnacks#active #fitfam #activekids #fitmom #fitdad#hammock #snacks #park #outdoors#healthylifestyle #sandiego #missionbay #play#eathealthy

Hanging in the park!

Just hanging out at the park. Hammocks and snacks. Always have to bring the organic and all natural snack box to the park to keep the kids healthy and happy. Recently the light weight camping hammocks have been a fun addition too. Living the healthy outdoor and active lifestyle one day at a time. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J0CA7VK

#GREATKidsSnackBox #healthy #healthysnacks#active #fitfam #activekids #fitmom #fitdad#hammock #snacks #park #outdoors#healthylifestyle #sandiego #missionbay #play#eathealthy

Fun With Falafels

We put our Vegan Diet for Beginners cook book to the test today and made Falafels. They were a family fun activity and delicious too. The kids loved rolling them into balls. This book is actually more than just a cook book, it is an 8 week meal plan of entirely vegan meals. Telling you what to make for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. We aren't following the 8 week plan so we opted to have a snack today. The kids loved the Falafels. Get your book here and start enjoying vegan meals and snacks. Vegan Diet for Beginners

   

 So delicious. Who knew eating vegan could be so fun and yummy! There look to be a lot of tasty looking recipes that we can not wait to make and eat. https://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Beginners-Vegetarian-Smoothies-Cholesterol-ebook/dp/B01M3RKXBR/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1476949724&sr=1-5&keywords=vegan .

Sunset Paddle Boarding

Its a gorgeous night with a breathtaking sunset. As the colors all flow together and the sun begins to disappear its important to have a light to guide you home. 

I use the #Luxolite, which has a very bright LED light. checked it out and stupidly looked in the mirror last night and blinded myself for a good 20 seconds. Took it out on the paddle boards at night and it provided ample lighting. The red lights could also come in handy for biking. Have yet to try out the waterproof capabilities of this light yet, but the seal on the inside around the batteries looks solid. I received this product for free in exchange for a review. Get your Luxolite here. 

https://luxolite.headlampluxolite.com/

Sunset Paddle Boarding

Its a gorgeous night with a breathtaking sunset. As the colors all flow together and the sun begins to disappear its important to have a light to guide you home. 

I use the #Luxolite, which has a very bright LED light. checked it out and stupidly looked in the mirror last night and blinded myself for a good 20 seconds. Took it out on the paddle boards at night and it provided ample lighting. The red lights could also come in handy for biking. Have yet to try out the waterproof capabilities of this light yet, but the seal on the inside around the batteries looks solid. I received this product for free in exchange for a review. Get your Luxolite here. 

https://luxolite.headlampluxolite.com/

Banana Hammock

Banana hammock! Setting up our camping hammock and apparently it's a good snack holder too. The kids love this lightweight hammock that we can pretty much set up anywhere with trees. This is a double hammock that has plenty of room for the kids and can hold up to 450lbs. Love the outdoors and staying healthy.



#GREATKidsSnacks #healthy #bananahammock #hammock #outdoors #camping #liveinfinitely @live.infinitely #family  #greatoutdoors #snacktime #banana http://www.liveinfinitely.com/collections/all-products/products/double-camping-hammock

Massages and snacks at the park

More healthy snacking and muscle relief at the park today. This deep tissue massage roller stick by @live.infinitely did wonders on my calves and quads. The pain hurt so good. Might have hurt a bit at first but the end result was worth it. Goodbye muscle soreness. The kids enjoyed playing around at the park before and after snacks.

#GREATKidsSnacks #healthy #active #massage #momlife #dadlife #fitmom #fitdad #liveinfinitely #activekids #fitfam

https://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Roller-Stick-Increases-Circulation/dp/B01C0QRQWG/ref=sr_1_133?ie=UTF8&qid=1474954052&sr=8-133&keywords=muscle+roller+stick

Snack Out & Roll Out!

What better way to spend your Tuesday than providing your kids with healthy snacks, and to roll out your sore muscles on the foam roller. We played at the park and stayed fueled with #organic and #allnatural #snacks. Then took some time to roll out the overworked muscles with the @live.infinitely #foamroller. The spinal channel in the middle is supposed to help while rolling out your back, but I was just rolling out my quads from yesterday's squats. It was plenty firm for that with the strong PVC core. Now the whole family is ready to take on the rest of the day. 

#GREATKidsSnacks #healthy #activekids #fitmom #fitdad #momlife #dadlife #healthyfamily #happykids #parenting #liveinfinitely #nomoresoremuscles #hurtssogood #happyfamily 

Get your own Live Infinitely Foam roller here. 

https://www.amazon.com/Live-Infinitely-17%E2%80%9D-Features-Channel--Massager/dp/B01CS9RJ9A/ref=sr_1_50?ie=UTF8&qid=1474951554&sr=8-50&keywords=foam+roller

Healthiest Halloween Candies & The Ones To Avoid This Halloween

What Are The Healthiest Halloween Candies? (They’re NOT What You Think!)

by Grace McCalmon 

https://smartypantsvitamins.com/the-healthiest-halloween-candy/

Is there such a thing as healthy halloween candy? Not really, but Grace breaks down what could be the healthiest possible options. If you are forced to eat candy then you might want to go for the ones on the top of the list rather than the bottom of the list. You could always skip giving out candy all together and give out money or toys, but kids want treats to eat. Then there is the GREAT Kids Snack Box, packed full of healthy organic and all natural snacks for kids to discover and enjoy each month. Order your healthy snack box today

Three hundred and sixty-four days out of the year (give or take a couple of days) I usually walk through the candy aisle without a second glance, or avoid it all together. Yet, just a couple of days ago, I found myself in CVS, my arm being crushed under the weight of a basket piled high with bags of milk chocolate, sugar, artificial dies and flavors, featuring ingredient lists a mile long. Should I go for the Hershey’s, KitKat, and Twizzlers fun pack? Or the MilkyWay, Twix, and 3 Musketeers? What about Starburst, Skittles, and Reese’s? Maybe I should get them all?

Of course, eating candy on a regular basis is not part of a healthy diet. Too much processed sugar can impair our insulin response, alter blood sugar levels, contribute to weight gain, and rob us of vitamins and minerals, among other nasty things. But sugar is just a nutrient, and can be tolerated in moderation, when balanced with other nutrients like fat and protein. And it’s Halloween after all! You don’t want to be the only house on the block giving out toothbrushes.

In an effort to stay healthy, while still enjoying the Halloween fun (and maybe a couple treats ourselves), we took a look at the 30 most popular Halloween candies, and ranked them from best to worst.

 In this case, “best” doesn’t exactly mean “healthy,” but, rather, the “least scary” of these awesomely delicious evils.

We tried to keep serving size around 40g, and ranked the candy in order of:

• Grams of sugar versus fat content – if a candy has a high sugar content, you want some fat to help keep blood sugar levels stable.
• Any additional nutrients like protein and fiber
• Number of ingredients
• Quality of ingredients
• Calories

We’re willing to bet these rankings are not what you think!

BEST

1. Hershey’s Mini Chocolate Bars – 3 pieces, 38g

• 190 calories
• 11g fat
• 21g sugar
• 3g protein
• 7 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy

2. Payday Fun Size – 2 pieces, 40g

• 180 calories
• 10g fat
• 16g sugar
• 5g protein
• 2g fiber
• 2% calcium
• 4% iron
• 10 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup

3. Mounds Fun Size – 2 bars, 37g

• 160 calories
• 9g fat
• 14g sugar
• 2g fiber
• 1g protein
• 8% iron
• 14 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup

4. Almond Joy Fun Size – 2 bars, 34g

• 160 calories
• 9g fat
• 16g sugar
• 1g fiber
• 1g protein
• 2% iron
• 20 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup

5. Twix Fun Size – 2 bars, 47.6g

• 250 calories
• 14g fat
• 17g sugar
• 5g protein
• 26 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • Wheat
  • “Artificial flavor”

NOT-SO-BAD

6. Butterfinger Fun Size – 2 bars, 40g

• 180 calories
• 8g fat
• 18g sugar
• 2g protein
• 17 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup

7. Milk Duds – 13 pieces, 39g

• 170 calories
• 6g fat
• 20g sugar
• 2% calcium
• 21 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup

8. KitKat Fun Size – 3 two-piece bars, 42g

• 210 calories
• 11g fat
• 21g sugar
• 3g protein
• 16 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Wheat

9. MilkyWay Fun Size – 2 bars, 34g

• 160 calories
• 6g fat
• 21g sugar
• 1g protein
• 2% calcium
• 20 ingredients
• Contains
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavor”

10. Nestle Crunch Fun Size – 2 bars, 40g

• 200 calories
• 10g fat
• 22g sugar
• 2g protein
• 12 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy

11. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Minis – 5 pieces, 39g

• 220 calories
• 13g fat
• 23g sugar
• 1g fiber
• 4g protein
• 4% calcium
• 6% iron
• 14 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy

12. Whoppers – 18 pieces, 41g

• 190 calories
• 7g fat
• 24g sugar
• 1g protein
• 6% calcium
• 2% iron
• 15 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”

13. York Peppermint Pattie – 1 piece, 39g

• 140 calories
• 5g fat
• 25g sugar
• 14 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup

WORST

14. Dots – 11 pieces, 40g

• 130 calories
• 0g fat
• 21g sugar
• 6+ ingredients
• Contains:
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artifical flavors”
  • Red 40
  • Yellow 5
  • Blue 1 

15. 3 Musketeers – 3 bars, 45g

• 190 calories
• 6g fat
• 30g sugar
• 1g protein
• 2% calcium
• 14 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”

16. Twizzlers – 4 pieces, 45g

• 160 cal
• 5g fat
• 19g sugar
• 1g protein
• 18 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”
  • Wheat
  • Red 40

17. BabyRuth Fun Size – 2 bars, 36g

• 170 calories
• 8g fat
• 20g sugar
• 2g protein
• 20 ingredients
• Contains
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”

18. Peanut M&M’s Fun Size – 2 bags, 36g

• 180 calories
• 10g fat
• 18g sugar
• 3g protein
• 2% calcium
• 2% iron
• 28 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”
  • Blue 1 Lake
  • Red 40
  • Yellow 6
  • Yellow 5
  • Blue 1
  • Red 40 Lake
  • Blue 2 Lake
  • Yellow 6 Lake
  • Blue 2

19. Starburst – 8 pieces, 40g

• 160 calories
• 3g fat
• 22g sugar
• 0g protein
• 10 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”
  • Red 40
  • Yellow 6
  • Blue 1

20. Snickers Fun Size – 2 bars, 34g

• 160 calories
• 8g fat
• 17g sugar
• 1g fiber
• 3g protein
• 19 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavor”
  • Partially hydrogenated soybean oil (trans fat)

21. Tootsie Rolls – 13 minis, 40g

• 140 calories
• 3g fat
• 19g sugar
• 8 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”
  • Partially hydrogenated soybean oil (trans fat)

22. Jolly Rancher – 6 pieces, 36g

• 140 calories
• 0g fat
• 22g sugar
• 7 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavor”
  • Red 40
  • Yellow 5
  • Yellow 6
  • Blue 1

23. Tootsie Pops – 2 pops, 34g

• 120 calories
• 0g fat
• 20g sugar
• 13 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”
  • Partially hydrogenated soybean oil (trans fat)
  • Red 40
  • Yellow 5
  • Blue 1

24. Skittles Fun Size – 2 bags, 30g

• 125 calories
• 1g fat
• 23g sugar
• 19 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”
  • Red 40 Lake
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Red 40
  • Yellow 6 Lake
  • Yellow 6
  • Yellow 5 Lake
  • Yellow 5
  • Blue 2 Lake
  • Blue 1
  • Blue 1 Lake

25. M&M’s Fun Size – 3 bags, 40g

• 190 calories
• 7g fat
• 26g sugar
• 2g protein
• 25 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavor”
  • Blue 1 Lake
  • Blue 1
  • Yellow 6
  • Yellow 6 Lake
  • Yellow 5
  • Red 40
  • Red 40 Lake
  • Blue 2 Lake
  • Blue 2

26. Charms Blow Pop – 2 pieces, 36g

• 140 calories
• 0g fat
• 26g sugar
• 11 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”
  • Red 40
  • Blue 1

27. Sour Patch Kids – 16 pieces, 40g

• 150 calories
• 0g fat
• 26g sugar
• 11 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavoring”
  • Yellow 6
  • Red 40
  • Yellow 5
  • Blue 1

28. Candy corn – 19 pieces, 39g

• 140 calories
• 0g fat
• 28g sugar
• 12 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavor”
  • Yellow 6

29. Smarties – 6 rolls, 42g

• 150 calories
• 0g fat
• 36g sugar
• 8 ingredients
• Contains:
  • “Artificial flavors”
  • Red 40 lake
  • Yellow 5 Lake
  • Yellow 6 Lake
  • Blue 2 Lake

30. Nerds – 3 tbsp, 45g

• 180 calories
• 0g fat
• 42g sugar
• 17 ingredients
• Contains:
  • Corn syrup
  • “Artificial flavors”
  • Blue 1
  • Blue 1 Lake
  • Blue 2
  • Blue 2 Lake
  • Red 40
  • Red 40 Lake
  • Yellow 5
  • Yellow 5 Lake
  • Yellow 6
  • Yellow 6 Lake

THE DEAL WITH ARTIFICIAL COLORS…

There has been a lot of conflicting research around artificial colors. Some studies link certain colors with major health conditions, but much of this research has been limited to animal studies, and many studies used inordinately large dosages. A common phrase in toxicology is: “The dose makes the poison,” and, according to the FDA, the dosage of colors in these candies is safe for human consumption. In our opinion, occasional exposure to food dye is probably okay, but why not avoid it when you can?

AND SATURATED FAT…

Although the type of fat contained in these candies is mostly saturated, recent research has shown that saturated fat may not be quite as bad as previously thought. Additionally, fat – any type of fat – will slow nutrient absorption, meaning it will help keep your blood sugar from swinging out of control. If you’re a sucker for the super sweet stuff (i.e. Nerds, Skittles, Smarties), try and eat these candies after a meal that contains fat.

THE TAKEAWAY 

Come November 1, when you’ve got kids with overflowing pillowcases, or a pumpkin-shaped bowl filled with leftovers, use this as your guide. Remember, we’re not saying these candies are “healthy,” but if you’re going to eat candy, it’s best to know what you’re eating so you can minimize the negative impacts.

Try and stick with the candies that contain the least amount of sugar, a little fat, and the fewest ingredients and additives.

If you know you or your family is going to be snacking on Halloween candy for a little while, there’s no need to worry and feel guilty. Just have a plan. Reduce processed sugar consumption in other meals and save your treats for once a day.

When you do indulge, enjoy it. 

Halloween only comes once a year.

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Know anyone planning on giving out dental floss this year? Share this with them – the neighborhood will thank you!

What are you giving out this year? What’s your favorite Halloween indulgence? We’d love to hear how you have fun with this holiday in the comments below!