Friday 12 February 2016

Cranberrylicious

    Brought to you by Nuffnang and Ocean Spray
 
It's February already. How did it get to be February already? I feel like the year just started. I feel like I'm still making resolutions and figuring out where I want this year to go. Already the holiday season is far behind us. We are in the middle of Chinese New Year celebrations, and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. In our house, those last two things mean lots of delicious food and plenty of sweet treats. Bring it, I say!

Of course, my metabolism isn't what it used to be. I used to be able to eat all the things with no consequences, but those days are gone. I do try to work in some incidental movement where I can but it's tough. Rushing to do day care drop off and pick ups mean I can't just get off the bus a few stops earlier at a whim. Having two boisterous children in tow means I can't dash off and do a quick few laps around the block... it's more likely to be a slow meandering stroll while stopping to look at every ant and flower! I sometimes try to use the playground play equipment as a free style gym but it's hard to exercise and make sure that I'm always keeping my eye on the kids. That's ok, they're worth it.

I've never been one to 'diet' or 'exercise' in the traditional sense... I'd rather eat all the yummy things and do something fun like cycling or touch football. My idea of yummy varies from quite a few people's though I'd say. I naturally gravitate toward brown rice instead of white. I'd choose my homemade sourdough over shop white bread any day. My home grown vegetables are superior to anything I can buy in the shops. If I'm going to have a treat I'd rather indulge in home baking full of good quality chocolate, good fats and whole ingredients rather than something with lots of chemicals, numbers and ingredients I can't even pronounce. In fact, given a choice between supermarket chocolate and some fruit, I'd probably choose the fruit (quality, rich, dark chocolate however is a whole 'nother story!). What I'm trying to say here, is that I try to do everything in moderation, and make food choices that are smart without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
I've recently discovered the Low Sugar Cranberry Fruit Drink by Ocean Spray. It's become a bit of an everyday treat for me, and I'm trying to convince Mr Fork to give up his daily fizzy soft drink habits and swap over to cranberry juice. I'm even willing to mix it with soda water for him so it's fizzy.
 
At only 10 calories a serve, I think it's a great alternative to other 'unhealthy' beverage choices. I'm still feeding Jimmy, so I drink a daily minimum 3-4 litres, and I love that I can switch it up to something a bit different and know that I'm not adding unnecessary sugar into my diet. The cranberry Ocean Spray drink is sweetened with stevia, but it's not sickly like some drinks can be and it doesn't lose that great cranberry taste. I like to have it straight out of the bottle, or even mixed with a bit of soda water to make it fizz.
 
I'm trying to set a healthy example for my children, so I'm making it a point to swap in healthy foods and get rid of some of the unhealthier options. Ocean Spray low sugar cranberry drink ticks that box!

4 comments:

  1. I like your stance on health and moderation :) The drink sounds great too - I don't think I've seen it over here but then don't drink many flavoured drinks so could have missed it.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kari :) I think the drink is made specially for Australia and New Zealand but I'm sure there would be something similar there. I'm not a big flavoured drink person but this one is delicious

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  2. I'm with you on the soda water and cranberry juice. The kids love it on a hot day.

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    Replies
    1. I'm inspired to attempt ice blocks after your comment...

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