Snacking For An Active 50+ Lifestyle

So let’s see, I’ve been retired from my full-time corporate job for almost two months now. I’m loving my carefree, on-the-go lifestyle and my flexible schedule.

I get up at 8:00 a.m. instead of 6:00 a.m., get on my stationary bicycle, take a bath or a shower and rush to yoga — oftentimes gulping down a fruit smoothie or grabbing a quick bowl of cereal before I leave. (Okay, sometimes I don’t get out of bed until 9:00 a.m. because I go to sleep too late after watching all the Katie shows (as in Katie Couric) I’ve taped on my DVR. I’m so proud that I learned to use this technology that I keep on taping more shows and I don’t have time to watch them all. Plus, I just subscribed to Netflix so I can watch House of Cards with Kevin Spacey – which is fab by the way. And I just signed onto YouTube and there is so much content on that site.

Ooh, ah. Ah, ooh. What’s a retired gal to do? By the time I get back from the gym, it’s time for lunch. Most days I prepare my favorite sandwich — crunchy peanut butter and strawberry jam on whole wheat potato bread — coupled with a tall glass of skim milk or a cup of Joe (the one I missed at breakfast time). Then I’m out running errands or following up with contractors, watering my plants or gardening (likely replanting my petunias in the ground since the bunnies like to dig them up), reading all my books, newspapers and magazines, or blogging and writing away on my computer. Before I know it it’s 6:00 p.m. and I wonder – how did I ever manage a 50+ hours a week job for 30+ years and take care of my family too?

But there is always time for “fruitful snacking.” In fact, according to research from the NPD Group’s Snack Track, American women are 15% more likely to snack than their male counterparts. That’s why when the team at BlogHer asked me to sample a new unique cookie from Newtons I said, “send them my way.” While I don’t keep many cookies in my empty nest anymore, my philosophy, especially during my life after 50, is that sweet treats can be part of my daily diet as long as I consume them in moderation.

The new Newtons Fruit Thins Banana Drizzled with Dark Fudge and Fruit Thins Coconut Drizzled with Dark Fudge cookies arrived on my doorstep a few weeks ago. I like the fact that these cookies are made with real fruit and contain 8 grams of whole grain per serving – which I might add includes three cookies. Each package contains eight servings so I was sure to share my cookies with all my friends, including my boyfriend L and my best friend L (and her millennial son A). All agreed that the cookies were crispy, not too high in fat, not too sweet and a tasty snack. 

I also enjoyed reading all the fruitful ideas for home, health, beauty and travel on newtons.com. Check out the videos and top ten lists too.

What are your favorite snacks during your life after 50? I like nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or mixed nuts; dried fruits including raisins, dried apricots, and yes, prunes; and lots of fresh summer fruits including kiwis, peaches, plums, cherries, and all types of berries – blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Ah yes, and dark chocolate. All in moderation.

My yoga teacher N reminded us that while snacking is okay, we should try some plank poses during commercial time instead of running to the fridge or cookie jar. Holding a plank for 30, 60 or 90 seconds can build arm strength and tone your abs too. I’m going to try to build up to a 5 minute plank by October for the “Planks for Pink” campaign at our local JCC to benefit breast cancer prevention. How many minutes can you hold a plank pose before you grab a snack?

Judi

Be sure to visit newtonscookies.com to take a look at all the new Fruit Flavors and also get access to great tips!  And read other bloggers’ posts on the Newtons brand page on BlogHer.com!