Avoid eating in front of the TV – You will eat up to 288 calories more, according to research from the University of Massachusetts. Instead, eat at the table, and trade an hour of TV for a casual walk. Together, that is 527 calories burned.

Get in tune with your tummy – Pay attention to how full you feel, and put down your fork when satisfied. Listen to your body’s cues — instead of looking at whether the plate is clean — and save up to 500 calories a day.

                   Unless it’s a big bowl of this!

                                                                                                       Post Snap

Katie Curran is another success story with a Snap love affair. Like others before her, it was a desire to lose weight that changed Katie from a “sampler” to a regular. A little over a year ago, she decided to buckle-down and get serious about changing her diet and exercise routine. “I signed up to work with a local fitness, nutrition & lifestyle professional, but I was somewhat daunted when I saw his nutrition plan” explained Katie. “I wasn’t concerned about being able to commit to eating that way – I wanted to lose weight and was willing to try what the plan called for – but I was concerned about the time it would take to shop for and prepare dinner every night, breakfast every morning, and having grilled chicken or fish or hard boiled eggs to take to work for lunch.”

As a self-proclaimed “grab-n-go hound” with a penchant for prepared foods, Katie found all this prep-work daunting. And we can’t blame her! Changing your diet and exercise routines is a challenge for anyone, with some guaranteed speed bumps for even the most determined. Throw in another routine change – this time with shopping and cooking – and getting started can start to feel like an insurmountable challenge. So, Katie gave us a shot, and never looked back. “I signed up to have Snap meals delivered to my house twice per week, and I have not grocery-shopped for my regular meals in a year. That convenience has made all the difference in my being able to change my diet. There’s no more succumbing to take-out when I’m too tired to trudge through a grocery store on my way home, or making poor choices because I’m going through the store in a hurry.  Delicious food aligned with my nutrition goals magically arrives on my doorstep twice per week, and I don’t even have to think.” Katie, we are so glad you found us, and to have been a part of your success.

One on One with Katie

                                                                                              Before Snap Kitchen

Q: Prior to finding Snap Kitchen, what was your diet like?

A: My diet had a lot more starches, sugars, and carbohydrates. Never gratuitous junk food, but more insidious “designer” or “healthy” carbs that actually delivered more          sugar into my diet (than I needed to be eating). I would start the day with a yogurt and low-fat cereal [Special K] mixed in, or low-fat granola mixed in, plus raisins and/or blueberries.  All sounds innocuous enough, except that it was a big fat sugar shot. After work, I was addicted to a ritual of 2 bowls of pretzels (or some other designer cracker or chip) consumed with at least half a tub of hummus; It was my comfort food.  I will admit, that was the hardest thing to kick. Snap helps because I know I have a super-yummy, satisfying, perfectly-balanced dinner coming up that I really look forward to – so snacking cravings have diminished quite a bit.  After my Snap dinner I am never peckish. I was surprised by how filling and satisfying the dinners are.

Q: Has Snap changed the way you eat with your friends and family?

A: No. My husband may be having his own dinner alongside me, but we have different tastes. So I eat my Snap while he does his thing.  However, when I do go out to eat with friends, I think I have generally made better choices since I have been eating Snap regularly.

Q: What physical differences have you noticed since switching to Snap?

A: Weight loss, and no more heartburn/acid reflux. I was a 5 Tums per day person after lunch for years then I noticed that something was different and it hit me that I hadn’t taken a single Tums since I’d been eating that way! I was amazed at the change.

                                                                        Katie Fit, Fabulous and Happy, Post Snap!

Q: What are your thoughts on the price point?

A: I have never been a prepare-my-own meals person, so I’ve always been in the realm of price points for prepared foods, usually from Whole Foods or Central Market.  I find the price point to be better, since I know exactly what I’m getting in each portion and therefore buy only what I need.

Q: What are your thoughts on the convenience?

A: Could not be more convenient – I don’t’ have to think about anything. I don’t have to drive to a grocery store, find parking, bump carts with people and stand in interminable lines to pay and get out.

Q: What are some of your favorite items and why?

A: The salmon – all of the various preparations offered.  All are exceptional. The quality is restaurant grade, and the preparations are fresh, simple and very delicious – I find that I get a better-tasting cut of highest-quality fish than I do at Central Market or Whole Foods.  The Salmon and Curried Chicken Salads are yummy filling sides, in great calorie-portions as a snack, or supplement to my lunch.. perfect! The sweet potatoes, pureed cauliflower and asparagus are my favorite vegetables. The spinach is in a class by itself…I’m not sure what farm Snap is sourcing it from, but it is better than anything in town!  I’m a spinach addict! For when I’m off the nutrition grid, the Snap chocolate chip cookies and muffins are to die for – and made with almond flour, so at least somewhat still moderating on the starch front.

The Mayor’s Fitness Council (MFC) has arranged a contest, in an effort to provide more information and visibility, in regards to the vast array of healthy options in the ATX. For you health conscious folk and/or diners of included establishments, a great opportunity to provide feedback and valuable information, not only for other consumers, but the businesses themselves. Granted, this is an Austin-based contest, although anyone can vote.. heads up Houston! Certainly, Houstonians venture to central Texas now and again and are likely more than familiar with the contestants.

Hint: Snap Kitchen’s Vegetable ‘Lasagna’ is an entry. Further hint: Snap has two locations in Houston, here and just recently, here!

Contest can be found here; voting can be done here. Thanks for participating and the invaluable feedback!

Healthy habits.. for a better Life

Start the weekend wind-down with Family Night. Phone in an order, swing by one of our locations to ‘grab your goods’, rent a fun-for-all flick, and make an easy evening of it all. With no stress, you will all be well fed, well entertained, and weekend-ready. What are you saving besides time and energy? Well, a few bucks, too!

What’s that? You don’t have kids? Friday night is Date Night for you? Snap Kitchen has something just for you. Yes, you! The one weighing the options of selling your Shake Weight collection, taking up pedi-cabbing sloppy college students home from downtown, or volunteering your handyman services on Craigslist for $5 an hour just to foot one more Uchi bill. Ah, the things we do for love. Well, we love you, loyal Snapper. For you, we’re introducing Date Night meals. You will save so much with this great deal that the next time your loved one suggests III Forks for steaks, you might not even flinch!

Family Take-Out: One kids meal, two medium entrées, two snacks or sides, two desserts – $28

Couple Package: Two medium entrées, a snack or vegetable side, and dessert – $19

* Reminders Friday morning via Twitter and Facebook; may not be combined with other Social Media Promotions

* Entire menu available, exclusive of Fish, Fruit Medley & Soups

– Call Austin – Triangle (512) 459-9000 or 6th St (512) 479-5959 and Houston – Kirby (713) 526-5700 or Memorial Park (713) 426-4700 , to order ahead

As most noticed, we have struggled to provide consistent inventory the last few weeks due to a variety of factors. We know this will not right previous inconveniences, for which we apologize, however, a brief word from our CEO Martin Berson..

Triangle – Today, as of 11:15AM

“It is my job to ensure the quality of our product, excellence of service, consistency of inventory, and overall customer experience [with Snap]. Obviously, we have fallen short on several occasions. First, I would like to apologize and let everyone know, we absolutely will fix the problem. I would love to tell you we are simply new and experiencing growing pains, but since we have been open just shy of 2 years (April), I am not sure that excuse still works. Truth be told, I think we need to do a better job of communicating with our team across locations, in that we may better address any and all potential issues. I also keep underestimating how popular we are becoming (Thank YOU!) and, at times, still under forecasting sales. We did cut our production from 12/18-12/31, but still intended to have had a good representation of product on our shelves at all times. To top it off, our biggest miss was underestimating our volume early January. Last year, our numbers the first week in January were much lower (we were obviously newer), and thus for referencing, not particularly helpful. We ARE fanatical about customer service, and will get the problem fixed! Again, thank you for your patience and support.

All the best in the new year!”

-Martin Berson

On a lighter note, Green Restaurant Association has recertified Snap Kitchen as a 2 Star Restaurant through 2012! Go Green!

   24 years old, good job, apartment downtown, fantastic friends..  fun weekends. Some might say, I have a pretty great life. And while I certainly would not disagree, most are unaware I struggle each day with the disease PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). I have battled PCOS since I was 12 years old, and like most girls, was unaware of the source of my symptoms.  Symptoms are every woman’s nightmare: insulin resistance, weight gain, dark facial hair and less than exciting menstrual cycles. In other words.. MISERY. There is no known cure other than curtailing it with a healthy lifestyle and strict diet. Considering my mom is a nutritionist and I have been eating ‘right’ since I hit puberty, I like to think strict diet lies somewhere at the top of my ‘what I do well’ list. Nonetheless, all the proper eating, exercise,  half-marathons, personal trainers and cross-fit, had NOT enabled me to lose the weight I needed to better control PCOS.

   Enter Snap Kitchen. It is tough to explain what a life saver this ‘foodie inspired’ meals-to-go spot has been. Though I love to cook, lets face it.. time, energy, resources, all present themselves. Whatever the case may be, Snap is my PERFECT solution. Especially as I have maxed out my patience with Kashi frozen dinners and there is only so much Whole Foods sushi and salad bar a girl can take! [At Snap] For breakfast there is gluten free peanut butter pancakes.. nothing short of amazing and super healthy. For lunch, they offer a mouth watering deconstructed bison cheeseburger salad, that I could literally eat every day! Paleo? They have it. Thai curry? Yep. Mexican food? You bet. Salmon with a side of ‘mashed potatoes’? It’s there. Of course, I am not really eating mashed potatoes due to the starch content. Their ‘mashed potatoes’ are cooked and blended cauliflower, but 5 bites in, the consistency and taste is enough to leave you guessing (did they use real potatoes?). And just in case your sweet tooth makes an entrance, gluten free cookies and brownies to carry it home.. MY FAVE!

   I had always hoped for and easy, convenient and delicious ‘fast food’ restaurant I could patron and not feel guilty. Symptoms of PCOS still linger, but ever since I started eating Snap (religiously) 6 months ago, I have lost 10 pounds and the signs have dissipated. Even if you are not a female fighting my disease, Snap alleviates the burden of figuring out healthy meal options.. at least Monday through Friday. And that is more than helpful.

- Lauren Fleishman

And remember, for seasonal updates, new menu items, special offers, and everything in between.. check out our Facebook & Twitter pages. In the meantime, a little gift, enjoy.. Cheers!

]]> http://snapkitchen.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/happy-holidays/feed/ 0 snapkitchen http://snapkitchen.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/from-our-door-to-yours/ http://snapkitchen.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/from-our-door-to-yours/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:18:38 +0000 SnapKitchen http://snapkitchen.wordpress.com/?p=517 Continue reading →]]> As many of you may have noticed, weather in H-Town and the ATX has taken a turn for the worse.  Or perhaps dodging wind, rain, and frigid temps is your joy! Marking this less than pleasant, for most, we would like to reintroduce Snap Curbside and Delivery, as options to alleviate these less than ideal conditions.

 For delivery, we ask that you please provide 24 hour notice, so we may provide the freshest food with the freshest ingredients, on time. Curbside? The lead-time dwindles to a paltry 30 minutes (or more, if you like), we only ask for the designation of ‘curbside’ and payment details, prior to arrival. Further info, on both delivery and curbside, may be found here.

And there it is.. packaged, portioned, proper and piquant. From our door, to yours; enjoy.

   Special thanks to our loyal patrons and the Whole Grains Council, which without, this would not have been possible! Stay tuned for seasonal updates and new dishes, in an effort to keep it fresh and further support your varied lifestyles. And of course, use of quality healthy whole grains

As ‘Turkey Day’ approaches and in-laws and relatives make their way into your homes, there is much to consider and appreciate (not too assumptive we hope!). After all, this is a time for thanks and reflection, another year winding down. Traditional fare on this occasion suggests a bird paired with gravy, buttery mashed potatoes, corn-bread, stuffing, biscuits, cheesecake, the list of artery clogging agents goes on and on. But, perhaps you feel subjecting your family and friends to ‘the most unhealthy thanksgiving meal ever,’ is less than ideal. We hear you. And lest we forget, grocery stores this time of year are less than navigable and once home with all your provisions, left with the grand time-sucking task of cooking and planning this feast. There is, of course, another option.. Snap prepared food for you!

                                                                                             Citrus Grilled Pork

I am sure most are familiar with our Family & Date Night Special each Friday, which will be taking on a more festive theme next week. Starting Monday, November 21st, the following menu will be available as a Thanksgiving special (available in Houston & Austin markets) from Snap Kitchen. Of note, catering sizes will be available in pans that feed 6-8 people (please provide 24 hr notice for catering sizes, 1 hr for all other options and please keep in mind Snap will be closed on Thanksgiving):

Entrees

Turkey Meatloaf

Citrus Pork

Snappy Bites

Crispy Chicken Bites

BBQ Spaghetti

Sides

Green Beans

Braised Red Cabbage

Sweet Potatoes

Cauliflower Puree (Mashed Potato Consistency)

Butternut Squash

Sweet Potato Salad

Salad

Red & Green Side Salad (smaller than signature size)

Dessert

Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Chocolate Mousse

Catering 6-8 (Adults): One entrée (per pan), 2 vegetable sides (per pan), red & green salad for 6-8, dessert for 6-8 – $80 *multiple pans for larger groups available

Thanksgiving, Option 1: One small entrée or kid’s meal, two medium entrées, two sides, red & green salad for 2, one dessert - $31

Thanksgiving, Option 2: Two small entrées or kids meals, two medium entrées, two sides, red & green salad for 4, two desserts – $45

Thanksgiving, Option 3: Three small entrées or kids meals, two medium entrées, three sides, red & green salad for 4, and three desserts – $54

T-Day for 2: Two medium entrées, a side, red & green salad for 2 and dessert - $24

* Selections available from menu above; special good while supplies last