Athletic-Minded Traveler

August 2009 Editor's Update: Trader Joe's has discontinued the Soy Crisps. Read more here.

Soy Crisps are one of my favorite healthy snack foods. Sort of like a chip, but with an impressive dose of protein...about 7-8 grams/serving. I love the crunch and taste--which for the BBQ flavor means a salty/sweet mix.

Calorie for calorie, Soy Crisps are a better choice over chips or other crisps (rice or potato).

We've had a hot spell here is SoCal and we capitalized on it. For our almost 3-year old, warmer weather means outdoor water fun. And that is what we delivered, courtesy of the Hyatt!Warm weather just makes working out easier! Our running friends love the ease of heading out the door for their heart pumping. Shoes? Check. Shorts? Check. Shirt? Check. GO. No more gloves, hats and other accessories needed. (Well a hat to keep the sun off and some good sunscreen are recommended.) I think cyclists must especially appreciate spring's higher temperatures.

With the recent time change, my 630am bike rides have become somewhat colder. Keeping my upper body warm is easy--layers, arm warmers, etc.--but until recently I struggled to keep my legs warm, especially during the first 30 minutes of the ride.

The crisp morning air would pierce into my knees and create stiffness and an annoying (not severe) amount of knee pain. I tried wearing leg warmers, which are helpful for those bitter cold winter days, but I find them restrictive and too warm after 30 minutes in the saddle when the temps are above 45F.

While we have griped about the irresponsibility of our neighborhood dog owners and their seemingly inability to pick up their beloved canine's crap, this is nearly as bad. 

Recently in San Diego, a parent was smoking away....Gross!

C'mon. And it stunk. And it's against the law! California has banned smoking within the boundaries of a playground or sandbox since 2002!

Other municipalities are following suit. Good. Be responsible for crying out loud. Or do we need signs like this?  Clearly we do.

Eating healthy most often costs more. Try and use mostly organic, free-range, wholesome, and non-modified ingredients and the bill adds up. Dollar menus are just what they seem: CHEAP. Fast food can be a food budget savior. And while there are sensible alternatives at nearly every national chain, the majority of these fast food menus hardly qualify as "healthy" or overly nutritious from a calorie, fat and sodium perspective. So I was irked when I read my Union Tribune Food section last evening.