30 Day Challenge – Life Savers

Although doable, I wouldn't say that this 30 Day Challenge has been easy. There have been several times where I've wondered to myself, "WHY am I doing this?" It's usually when I really want a beer. Or some nachos.

But I've definitely learned some lessons, and meal times have gotten easier and easier. I strive to eat enough snacks throughout the day, so I never feel hungry or desperate. Here is a list of my "Life Savers":

• Larabars - Without a doubt, Larabars have been the greatest saviors during the challenge. They are filling, easy to find, and great for stashing in a desk drawer, glove compartment, or purse. The only flavors that are no-go are those containing peanuts (because they're actually legumes, not nuts), but that's only a few. We recently found them on sale for $1 apiece (at Baker's) so we stocked up!

• Juice - We're not usually big juice drinkers unless it's juice we've made ourselves. However, I've found that when I'm out and about and hungry, a bottle of Odwalla or Naked juice comes in so handy. I've also been drinking it mixed with coconut water during my long runs.

• Paleo Muffins - Katie has been whipping up a batch of pumpkin muffins each week for easy breakfasts. They are made with almond meal instead of regular flour, and are really good. I like them with a smear or sunflower or almond butter.

• Bananas & Apple Slices - I'm actually craving fruit again! Bananas and apples are the easiest, although I won't eat an apple whole (it hurts my teeth.) Other fruit has been tasting so delicious and indulgent, too. Strawberries and green grapes are great as evening snacks.

• Pickles & Olives - If I get home from work late and still have to make dinner, I will munch on a few pickles or olives when I walk through the door. They help stave off my hunger while I cook, and the saltiness satifies my craving for something savory.

• Eggs - Many a meal have been built around eggs. I can have one cooked in just minutes, or I can pull a hard-boiled one out of the fridge for salads. I'm amazed at how many eggs I've eaten over the past few weeks...I actually had to start making sure I only eat 1-2 per day!

• Hail Merry Coconut Macaroons - These vegan, gluten-free, raw macaroons (with no refined sugar!) are simply amazing. All of those labels may make them sound iffy, but I bet you'll love them even if you don't follow a vegan, gluten-free, or raw diet. I prefer the blonde variety, but the chocolate is great, too! We found them at Whole Foods.

We've also been surprised by a few things while reading ingredient labels.

• Many nuts are roasted in peanut oil, even if they are not peanuts.
• Kind Bars contain rice (they look like just fruit and nuts.)
• Almost all salad dressing contains canola oil, even if it is labeled as having olive oil. (Apparently it's only part olive oil.)
• If you want honey mustard that is truly just honey + mustard, you're better off just making it yourself. Everything I've found at the store uses sugar.
• The "original" varieties of coconut milk and almond milk contain added sugar. We look for the "unsweetened" variety.
• Frozen sweet potato fries oftentimes contain flour and dairy.
• I have yet to find a bottled tomato sauce that doesn't have either dairy, sugar, or oil, so I've been making my own.

Luckily, reading labels comes second nature to me. I started doing it religiously 9 years ago when I became vegetarian. Plus, I think it's good to be reminded what you are actually eating.