Just because it’s “Free”…

When “free” can be a bad thing

Just because something may be given to you for “free”, it doesn’t mean you should have it!

Every week I am offered doughnuts, muffins, pizza, Chinese food – the works! And yes, it is all “free’ to me. At first, I would eat all the “free” food I could get, because it was “free”, and I just couldn’t say “No” to it! Since someone already bought the food, I didnt want it to go to waste, so why not just eat it…it’s a free meal! Save on groceries, perhaps?

Then it all finally hit me.  I was eating unhealthy. Actually, I was eating really unhealthy on a regular basis, and I was gaining unnecessary weight.

The cost of “Free”

I finally realized that the cost of “free” wasn’t always worth it.  Just because it didn’t cost me financially, it was costing me my health! I am starting to realize that it’s OK to say “No” to all the “free” food, and move on.

Be Prepared!

The Holidays are coming up, and we all know what that means, right? People gain an average of 5-10 pounds of fat during the Holiday Season (so I have read and heard). That is overindulgence if you ask me!

So, how does everyone gain all that excess weight in such a short amount of time?

Everyone will give you a reason as to why you should try their special cookies, cakes, pies, etc. Everyone will say how much you “have to try it!”. Guess what? You don’t have to try anything! OK, so don’t be a snob about it, but kindly tell the person “Thank you, but…I can’t have it”. If someone keeps urging you, tell them you can’t have X, Y, or Z. If they continue to insist, tell them that you will get a bad reaction if you eat whatever it is that they are offering you (If it’s unhealthy food, you might gain weight, right?!). If they continue to persist,  they are obviously not respecting your wishes, and you need to move away from the conversation. Move on to other people whose primary focus isn’t on the food.

Again, just because it’s a family recipe, special occasion, or whatever the excuse may be – it doesn’t mean you have to give in to anything.

Think about it…

If you were deathly allergic to peanuts, and someone offered you something that contained peanuts, would you honestly eat it just to makesomeone else not feel bad? No! I take my health seriously, and I am sure you do too. Even thought I am not allergic…someone once offered me soda, and I politely declined their offer. That person insisted that I drink this soda. I told this person again that I don’t drink soda (well, I used to, but I haven’t for years now). I think this person might have been offended, but I am not going to lower my standards and risk my own health to make someone else feel better.

Be strong in your health beliefs, and stick to them – no matter what “free” desserts may come along your way!

Keep updated on the latest & greatest health articles by joining the Skinny Twinkie community!

Tags: cakes, chinese food, Cookies, desserts, doughnut, excess food, Free, Healthy, holiday, holiday weight gain, Just Say No, muffin, pies, pizza, Skinny Tips & Quotes, soda, weight gain, Weight Loss

Mini Whole Grain Sandwich Cookies by Late July

These cookies have it all –Better Nutrition, a Worthy Cause, and Great Taste!

Nutrition

What I like about these cookies, is that they are a good source of whole grains (8 grams per serving), calcium (10% of Daily Value), and they are USDA Organic. This product does not have Trans Fats or Cholesterol,  they are low in sodium,  made without any artificial sweeteners, and they do not have any High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Yes, there is sugar in this cookie. Remember, it is supposed to be a treat, not a meal.  Keep in mind, this treat is not “healthy”, but considered a much healthier alternative when compared to other cookies on the market.

Worthy Cause

The Mini Whole Grain Cookies have the “Good For All” Seal, which is Dr. Jane Goodall’s seal for ethically produced products.  Ten Percent of Profits from these Mini Cookies are being donated to the Jane Goodall Institute, which raises awareness for Endangered Animals such as the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Red Wolf, Chimpanzee, Sumatran Rhino, Pygmy Rabbit, Black-Footed Ferret, and the Giant Panda. Know when you are buying these cookies, not only are you getting a great treat, but you are also supporting a wonderful cause.

Taste

From Late July’s products, expect nothing but the best. Not only is health and nutritional value important, they don’t sacrifice taste in any of their products. Mini Whole Grain Cookies are no exception to the rule, and they taste great! There are two flavors to choose from, which is “White Chocolate” and “Milk Chocolate”. I can’t decide which one is my favorite- both taste great!

Serving: 10 cookies

Calories: 140

Keep updated on the latest & greatest health articles by joining the Skinny Twinkie community!

Tags: "Good For All" Seal, calcium, Cookies, Endangered Animals, Healthy, Jane Goodall Institute, Late July, low calorie, low in sodium, Milk Chocolate, no artificial sweeteners, no high fructose corn syrup, no trans fats, Organic, snack, support, tastes good, treat, USDA Organic, White Chocolate, Whole Grain, Worthy Cause, yummy, zero cholesterol