When I heard celebrity nutritionist, Keri Gans, was partnering up with Thomas’ Bagel Thins, my first thought was…”Really?” As much as I love them, when I think of anything-bagel, I don’t necessarily think of it as the healthiest meal option. I guess I didn’t really pay attention to the “thins” part of it. Here, Gans shares some of best tips to stay active and healthy!
Beauty and the Feast: For someone who literally has 10 minutes to spare before running out the door, what are some quick and nutritious breakfast ideas?
Keri Gans: Try
Lowfat plain Greek yogurt with ½ cup high fiber cereal & cup of berries
Thomas’ Whole Wheat Bagel Thins bagel with 2 TBSP natural peanut or almond butter
1 cup high fiber cereal (like Kashi Go Lean) with 1 cup low fat milk, sprinkle of almonds and sliced banana
Quick cooking oatmeal made w/ ½ cup dry oats and 1 cup lowfat milk, topped with TBSP of chia seeds, cinnamon and ¼ cup of lowfat cottage cheese
BATF: What are some good snacks to overcome an afternoon slump at work?
Gans: Try:
A piece of fresh fruit with a handful of nuts
Individual serving size of cheese (like Mini Baby Bell) and piece of fruit
Thomas’ Light Multi Grain English Muffin topped w/ 3 slices of turkey, mustard & tomato
Individual can of tuna with fresh lemon on multi-grain crisp bread (i.e. WASA)
Raw veggies with ¼ cup hummus
Roasted edamame ¼ cup
Glass of chocolate milk
BATF: What are some foods we can implement in our diet more to benefit your skin?
Gans: Walnuts, fatty fish (i.e. salmon, tuna, sardines), fresh fruits, veggies, and LOTS of water!
BATF: I recently went to Dr. Oz’s summit, and various health experts were recommending incorporating more fiber in your diet for weight loss — what are some great sources of fiber?
Gans: Try
Thomas’ Light Multi Grain English Muffin™ – 8g / serving
High Fiber cereals, i.e. Kashi Go Lean, Shredded Wheat, Fiber One
Whole grains, i.e. barley, quinoa, buckwheat, 100% whole wheat pasta, 100% whole wheat cous cous,
100% whole wheat bread
Chia Seeds
Fruits & veggies
BATF: When do you know you’re consuming “too much” coffee? What are some substitutes we can take in the morning?
Gans: You’re consuming too much when you get the jitters and for some feel a little anxious. First off, 2 cups of coffee per day (caffeinated) is ok to consume. If you want more energy in the morning I suggest:
1. Getting a good night sleep
2. Making sure you have a breakfast that consists of high fiber carbohydrate, lean protein, healthy fat – as suggested above.
3. Try and get some exercise or at least a short walk in before your day begins.
I feel like I’m constantly on the go, and I’m sure many working women/moms, feel the same way.
BATF: What are the best on-the-go foods you can recommend that will keep someone full and their energy up?
Gans: To begin with, do not skip any meals. Also do not wait too long in between meals to eat. I recommend eating every 4-5 hours to keep your energy up. Food is fuel for our bodies and without it we will not run too well. Grab and go snacks –nuts, “granola” bars (i.e. Luna, Kashi, Lara), soy crisps, fruit and lowfat Greek yogurt.
BATF: Do you have any favorite vitamins/supplements that you take daily yourself?
Gans: Before anyone begins a supplement regiment they should consult with their doctor or a registered dietitian. I personally take Omega 3 fish oil, Calcium and Vitamin D3.
Psss, here’s a list of 10 more tips from Gans!
Tip #1
Don’t skip breakfast! Try half of a toasted Thomas’® Bagel Thins™ bagel spread with some natural peanut butter. It will give you the energy needed to start your the day!
Tip #2
Try making small, gradual changes in your diet. Once the change becomes a new healthy habit, go for another one. Your success will become contagious.
Tip #3
Take a moment to sit and enjoy your breakfast. Eating slower makes you more conscious of what and how much you’re eating. You are likely to feel more satisfied with your meal.
Tip #4
No time for breakfast? Do your prep work the night before! Cut tomatoes and onions, hard boil eggs, or organize what you want to eat in the morning the night before.
Tip #5
For breakfast, toast a Thomas’ 100% Whole Wheat Bagel Thins™ bagel, spread with light cream cheese, then top with smoked salmon, a slice of tomato, and a slice of onion.
Tip #6
Instead of butter on your morning Thomas’ English Muffin, try drizzling a little olive oil and topping with scrambled egg whites as a better-for-you alternative.
Tip #7
Take advantage of the weekends and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with the family. Alternate each weekend by letting a family member choose the meal to be served.
Tip #8
If you’re hungry, eat! Top half a Thomas’ Light Multi-Grain English Muffin with a tablespoon of almond butter to get through ‘til your next meal.
Tip #9
Enlist a friend to help you along the way—whether it’s a workout buddy or a co-worker to eat healthy with—it’s easier when you can motivate each other!
Tip #10
Lighten it up today and use hummus, low-fat or tofu cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese on your Thomas’ Bagel Thins™ bagel or Thomas’ English Muffin.
x
Shy
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I can’t believe a nutritionist would repeatedly suggest Thomas’ English muffins – “whole wheat” or thins. There isn’t even real whole wheat in these products instead it is unbleached flour and tons of ingredients most of us cant pronounce. So many of her suggestions are not whole foods it is hard to imagine taking Gans seriously she must be getting paid by Thomas’