Diet soda seems like a better option than regular, doesn't it? All the sweetness with none of the calories? Too bad it doesn't really work like that. Koff explains why:
"If you drink a Diet Coke and get all that sweet in your mouth -- but your body doesn't get any energy from it -- you've signaled your body that nutrients are coming, but then you don't deliver," says Koff. "Then you wonder how you ended up stopping and buying a small pizza for yourself two hours later."
If you're thirsty, get something that tastes a little sweet, gives you some nutrients, but doesn't break the calorie bank. Coconut water is a great option, as is the FRS drink mentioned earlier.
Oh thank heaven for 7-Eleven. It's fast. It's convenient. It makes any road trip with screaming kids somewhat bearable.
Unfortunately, if you don't have the willpower to avoid the chip and candy aisles -- and of course, that delicious Slurpee machine -- those quickie mart pit stops could cause you to pack on some serious pounds.
To help make eating on the go a little less diet wrecking, we asked Ashley Koff, RD, a celebrity dietitian and author of "Mom Energy," to go shopping with us at our local 7-Eleven. She happily accepted the challenge.
And trust us, it was quite a challenge. Because convenience stores are, to put it bluntly, fat traps. With their "freshly baked" donuts, hot dogs, and endless amounts of pre-packaged snacks, it's hard to find something remotely healthy to choose when you're looking for a quick bite. Until now.
To avoid the common pitfalls dietiers -- or anyone trying to eat healthy -- will face at quick-stop shops like this, read on. Luckily, when you're armed with Koff's sneaky tricks, you can pull up without packing on any unwanted pounds.
