Travel Snacks + An Uncommon Workout Tool

by Katelyn Block on August 14, 2012 · 38 comments

Hi there! I haven’t done a “this is what I ate this is what I did today” post in awhile, so I figured I’d tell you about my day today. I’m warning you about the photo quality now. It’s not impressive.

I woke up and immediately knew I wanted coffee — not food, just coffee. So I took some of the chilled espresso I made from my fridge and mixed it with coconut milk in a mug, then microwaved! Just a small spoon of stevia in there and I was a happy gal. It was like a latte and I loved.

Halfway through the mug of coffee, I was ready for food and whipped up some eggs. We only had five left and my sister wanted one, so I figured I’d use the last four. I hate leaving an egg lonely!

With ketchup on top. I’m trying to cut down on my ketchup consumption and transition to other condiments. There isn’t a TON of sugar in ketchup, but it’s significant enough that I need to cut down. Insert: salsa and tomato sauce!

After the eggs, I was still a bit hungry, so I had some freshly ground almond butter (from Whole Foods in Maine!) with semi-sweet chocolate chips. So good, but another area in which I need to cut down on sugar. I’m considering making my own chocolate chips with 100% dark chocolate and stevia — I’ll let you know how that works out. ;)

Soon after breakfast, my friend Cory came over and helped me pack. I move back to Syracuse on Tuesday, after #ReebokNYC on Thursday and Boston all weekend for HLS. Move-in day is coming so quickly, and packing is becoming more and more daunting. We made some good progress, but I still have SO much to pack — and my stress // excitement level is reaching an all-time high. Any tips for the packing-stressed?!

After getting some packing (and Travel Channel-watching) done, I went to CrossFit in the middle of a torrential downpour and it was so worth it. Going to CrossFit always makes my day a thousand times better. It wakes me up, gives me a huge energy boost, and makes me a heck of a lot happier. There’s nothing that some high intensity sweating can’t solve, including packing stress.

Today’s WOD: 1 snatch, 4 over-head squats, and 40 double-unders. The Rx weight for women was 55 lbs, but I’m not that strong yet. I went with 35 lbs (which, looking back, was a little bit light) and subbed bar jumps for DU’s because I can’t do those yet. Which STILL drives me bananas. Just a reminder that I need more practice!

Post-WOD, I hit the gym (because I wasn’t feeling the burn — another sign that I should have gone heavier) and did some leg circuit weights, wall ball squats and sit-ups, kipping practice, and power-cleans with the Powerbags that my gym uses (above). I really liked using these! It was a lot of fun and they are deceptively heavy. They look so plush, don’t they?

I had a protein shake and then went out for some Travel Snack-hunting. Success!

Turkey Jerky (purchased because it had a much better price per ounce as well as protein content — knocked the beef + buffalo jerkys out of the water), Enjoy Life chocolate chips (mini is a good thing because then they spread out), and coconut butter. You know, the essentials. I’ll be carrying around the jerky with raw almonds and snacking 24/7 instead of spending tons of money on restaurants. Because traveling in general is so expensive (trains? hotels? food? AIR?), I’m trying to be more frugal with food and I have to say, I’m happy with my thriftiness.

Time for some chocolate relaxation….

And BED. Need to practice getting up early for my 5:30 am train on Thursday!

What are your favorite travel snacks?
Uncommon workout tools: What are your favorites? Sandbags, kettlebells, slam-balls?

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{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }

Hillary {Nutrition Nut on the Run} August 14, 2012 at 11:41 PM

I hope you still post when you go back to school. I miss ya last semester.

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Katelyn Block August 14, 2012 at 11:56 PM

Oh I will ;) Especially because I’ll have my own townhouse apartment! Full kitchen and errthanggg.

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Megan August 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM

I make my own chocolate by mixing cocoa powder, coconut oil and stevia and then freezing it. Tastes just like chocolate without the sugar!

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Katelyn Block August 15, 2012 at 12:11 AM

YOU, my friend, are a genius. #fan

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Sandra Laflamme August 15, 2012 at 12:09 AM

That almond butter sounds delicious. What else do you like to eat it with besides chocolate chips?

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Kareen August 15, 2012 at 12:15 AM

I’ve discovered a love for berries when traveling. Have fun!

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Christine @ Love, Life, Surf August 15, 2012 at 1:03 AM

Wow, what a jam packed few days you have ahead of you! I’ve never had turkey jerky before but that sounds like a pretty great travel snack. I always have trouble finding good snacks for travel. Usually, I rely on fruit. PS – I have a bit of a ketchup addiction but have also been trying to cut down on it too.

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Julianna @ Julianna Bananna August 15, 2012 at 1:59 AM

i LOVE ketchup.. and need to cut down on it too!! i also need to cut down on froyo.. i work in a froyo shop (seriously……i haven’t gotten tired of it in over a year. we’ve got problems over here) and get a free one for every shift i work. and i’ve been working my little booty off this summer – aka lots of free yogurt. half of the time i can convince myself to just get freshly cut strawberries (they’re a topping) for my yogurt instead, but after working 7 hours and watching delicious concoctions parade by i cave more than i’d like to! the only good thing is when i leave for school in september i’ll stop working and actually have to pay for froyo again, and hopefully that will be a huge deterrent!!

also can’t wait to see if making your own chocolate chips works out!!

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Meredith @ DareYouTo August 15, 2012 at 2:53 AM

I’ve been wanting to try jerkey as a travel protein option! Hm. I’m also big on traveling with fruit (Bananas and apples are so portable!) and adore Kind bars. Safe travels!

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Angela @ Happy Fit Mama August 15, 2012 at 5:06 AM

Sounds like a fun but jam packed few days! I’ll be seeing you at HLS! And btw – so jealous of Reebok NYC!

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Miz August 15, 2012 at 5:12 AM

UGI BALL!!!!!

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Katie @wishandwhimsy August 15, 2012 at 6:13 AM

My travel snacks include oatmeal, larabars, protein bars, chobani, baby carrots and celery (depending on where I’m going)

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jenna August 15, 2012 at 6:57 AM

for travel snacks i love 100 cal packs of nuts, granola bars, turkey jerky, justin’s individual almond butter packs, fruit thats easy to travel with, starkist tuna pouches etc! im a pro at the travel snacks because i’m always taking little trips for work!! SPA LOVE

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Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness August 15, 2012 at 7:09 AM

My favorite travel snacks are Larabar and KIND bars or a trail mix of some type.

I’m determined to try crossfit! Looking for a local gym or maybe an online at home workout.

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misszippy August 15, 2012 at 7:11 AM

Can I tell you that my kids favorite travel snack is turkey jerky? Always get it from Trader Joe’s before trips! Mine is almonds.

Have fun at the Reebok opening!

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Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness August 15, 2012 at 7:13 AM

It’s great to see your daily meals! they look awesome! So excited for you CrossFit adventure on Thursday and can’t wait for HLS!!! Try Cacao nibs in place of chocolate chips if you want to cut down on sugar! Enjoy life chocolate chips are pretty good too! Travel snacks for me are usually individual protein packets, lara bars, paleo kits, almond butter, trail mix, cut up fruits and veggies…

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Kaila @healthyhelperblog! August 15, 2012 at 7:17 AM

Girl relax!!! A little ketchup is NOT a big deal!!!! Every diet has room for a little moderation! Especially if its something you enjoy! Why cut it out, ya know?

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Kim@hungryhealthygirl August 15, 2012 at 7:23 AM

I would definitely like to see a recipe for homemade chocolate chips made with stevia.

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Kierston August 15, 2012 at 7:41 AM

That Almond Butter and Semi-Choco Chip bowl looks amazing.

Turkey Jerkey, I have yet to see that around my neck of the woods!

Have fun at the Reebok opening! :)

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Sarah Kay Hoffman August 15, 2012 at 10:06 AM

Ahhhh….Artisana Raw Cococnut Butter. My FAVORITE! I could eat that whole jar – plain! I’m also in need of pinning your coffee cup! Love your site :)

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Jess @ Blonde Ponytail August 15, 2012 at 11:05 AM

I love me some wall balls! Now, that I know proper form I’m more efficient. I hear you on the Rx stuff-it’s frustrating b/c I feel like I’m strong but my technique is still a little sloppy, so I scale :(

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Tina @ Best Body Fitness August 15, 2012 at 11:33 AM

Love starting my day with some coffee!! The workout sounds tough, but crazy how when you don’t hit the sweet spot with the weight used it can be alittle lackluster. Still sound like you rounded it out for a good one!

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Amanda @ Run Principessa August 15, 2012 at 12:04 PM

That jerky looks like the bomb.com for traveling. Or daily life in general. Nuts are a really big travel food for me. Pop a couple of almonds/cashews/etc. and I’m feeling good!

I can’t believe it’s time to go back to classes. Oy.

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Jen August 15, 2012 at 12:33 PM

I’ve been doing a lot of play ground boot camp lately, lots of fun workout tools: sand buckets, monkey bars etc.

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Paige @ Your Trainer Paige August 15, 2012 at 2:12 PM

I like your reasoning with the chocolate chips. That’s what I say about mini chocolate bars ;)

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Mallory August 15, 2012 at 2:27 PM

hey katelyn! did you know that heinz makes reduced sugar ketchup? i buy it at my local grocery store. like you, i love putting ketchup on eggs (among lots of other things) and while it’s not much sugar per serving, multiple servings a day can add up. the reduced sugar kind is made with splenda (not sure if you’re vehemently opposed to this sweetener) and it’s 5 calories per tablespoon vs 20, and 75% less sugar. just a thought! oh…and it tastes pretty much exactly the same (imo)

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Pavement Runner August 15, 2012 at 2:34 PM

Fresh tomato is definitely the way to go in place of ketchup… well, sometimes. I mean, that stuff is the best invention in the world. I eat it on everything. If it means running an extra 5 miles a week, I’m up for it.

Love your photos (as always).

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Sarah @ Run, Write, Conquer August 15, 2012 at 2:51 PM

My favorite “uncommon” workout tools would have to be the prowler, battle ropes, and yoke. I can’t say that I enjoy slam balls what.so.ever! Have a fabulous time in NYC tomorrow! Show Rich and Annie your awesome CrossFit enthusiasm!

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Lisa August 15, 2012 at 4:26 PM

I’m so stressed about packing this weekend…all the food and clothes, basically everything! Especially since I’m travelling across the border.
Fot ketchup try tomato paste plus stevia. Tastes like ketchup to me! I love it.
I always got to start the day with my coffee, your so right about the coconut milk + stevia. Its like a magical latte. I really hope the hotel has a Starbucks beside it, because I don’t know what I’ll do without my daily starbie trips.

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Ashley @ AlmostVegGirlie August 15, 2012 at 7:05 PM

I love the almond butter-chocolate chip combo lately, especially with a little bit of real maple syrup swirled in! I know that doesn’t really go in with your plan to reduce sugar but it tastes amazing and it’s not too much added sugar!

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Kate @ Kate is eating August 15, 2012 at 7:34 PM

OMG coconut butter?! Where has this been my whole life? Please don’t tell me it’s like, 5050382333333g of saturated fat though…

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Katie @ Goober Nut's Life August 15, 2012 at 9:11 PM

Fave travel snacks.. Definitely jerky, almonds, Larabars, and Luna bars! Quick sources of energy to-go! ;)
Have fun at the Reebok opening and HLS! :D I can’t wait for those posts!!!

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Laura August 15, 2012 at 9:35 PM

Fun times you have ahead! Im excited for ya.

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Sam @ Better With Sprinkles August 15, 2012 at 10:37 PM

Making your own chocolate chips…that’s an awesome idea!

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Julie August 16, 2012 at 5:52 AM

the RX# for the snatch WOD for women was 95#, not 55#.

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Katelyn Block August 16, 2012 at 6:13 AM

Really? I stand corrected! I DEFINITELY went too light!

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Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy August 16, 2012 at 7:55 AM

I have a chocolate chip addiction too. It’s a problem!

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