Hey everyone! First and foremost, I have to take a moment and thank everyone for all of the e-mails, comments, and compliments I've been receiving about recipes that people have tried and enjoyed! It is truly such a blessing to hear that people are enjoying healthy eating in a whole new way when they try my recipes!

It's truly my passion to teach people that living a healthy lifestyle can be enjoyable and realistic... So, when I hear stories about how people are learning that healthy eating can be tasty and easy, it makes me say "YES" on the inside! So thank you for taking the time to tell me, I truly do appreciate any feedback!!!

On a different note, I'm getting ready to go on a vacation... to Cancun! So, I thought I'd share some of the tips I've learned over the years in order to have a healthier vacation! Now, notice I said "Healthier"... Meaning, I definitely do indulge on treats and relax. However, I've gone both ways on vacations in the past, (where I've eaten junk food all week, and other times where I eat healthy most of the time,) and I can honestly say that I feel so much better, and enjoy the trip so much more when I am feeling full of energy and healthier overall!

That being said, I like to bring healthier snacks, and breakfast options, so I can be sure that I have a healthy start to the day, and can stay fueled in between meals, (and an extra bonus is that it saves money!). Then when I'm eating out for lunch and dinner, I just try and make healthier choices, while still picking things that I really enjoy. When it comes to dessert, I will usually split something rather than eating the entire portion, so I can enjoy treats without over-indulging, (since the portion sizes are usually overly enormous). The best way about this style of eating is that you will feel great all week, and even more importantly, when you return home!

On another note, I've had some really exciting things happening lately, so before I share some of the foods I'm packing, I thought I'd share a little bit about what I've been up to lately!

To start, I've had the opportunity to be a part of some really neat speaking engagements in the community, which is very exciting! I love teaching people about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle, so any opportunity that I receive to do so is always wonderful!

I recently spoke at a Health Summit at Eastern Michigan University, which also happens to be where I when to college to get my Bachelors in Nursing! At this particular conference I did a presentation on eating healthy on a college budget, which I know all about!

I always bring samples of my pumpkin pie and peanut butter granola, which is always a fun way to show people that healthy food can taste yummy! I also held a raffle for a basket full of some of my favorite healthy treats!

My hubby always does a great job on my fliers and such....I'm telling you, it is such a blessing to have a graphic designer as a husband!

I set up a ton of different foods and did an "Eat This Not That~ College Edition" presentation ... It was too fun!

And afterwards we had a wall sit competition...I think the longest someone went was five to ten minutes! Talk about burnnnning legs! :)

Another fun event that I enjoyed this past week was Valentines Day! I woke up to these all over the house... Sticky notes saying why my husband loves me. I'll tell ya, it doesn't take much to make a girl happy, but this sure is one way! :)

Coming home to dinner made for me was pretty nice as well... I'd say He did a pretty good job being romantic!

My husband and I also had the opportunity to model for a T-Shirt company called "Fine Goods"...Check out the link! It's honestly one of the most amazingly comfy and cute shirts I've ever owned! It was also designed by the same designer that illustrated my portrait for the DD brochures. Rogie has God-given talent!

Now onto packing for a healthier vacation! Here's a view of some of the snacks I bring with me! Now, this isn't actually everything I bring, (or I think I'd be packing two suitcases)... But I go through and portion out 7 days worth of most of these things, (or however long I'll be gone), and put them in ziplock baggies.

To start, I always have a ziplock bag packed full of my favorite stevia!

I pre-portion out 7 days worth of protein powder that I mix with a few tablespoons of cocoa powder, stevia, and peanut flour ahead of time. When I get there, I mix it with a pack of plain oatmeal and hot water, and I have an instant protein packed Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal breakfast!

I also always have some of these in my purse and beach bag! These are two of my favorite protein bars! Both are all natural, and each have no sugar, and 10-20 grams of protein each!

I also love these cocoa roasted almonds, and the 100 calorie packs are wonderful for traveling!

I always pack some sort of quick protein source for the airport, (as there is never any good options, and we are usually in a rush!)

I also love this protein cereal, and measure out a few 100 calorie servings. I pack this to snack on, and to have as a supplement to my oatmeal!

Last but not least, this wrap bread is one of my favorites, and I usually bring a few in my suitcase if I want to pack a quick wrap sandwich for the beach!

I hope you got some good ideas for quick and healthy snacks and foods that are travel friendly! Of course, things like fruit and such never go out of style, but I thought I'd share some unique finds that I love!

Hope you all have a blessed week, and stay tuned for some yummy recipes this up-coming week! I will also be posting the pictures of my trip in my next Daily Dish post, so be on the lookout for those as well!

So what about you, do you have any tips for packing for a healthier vacation!? Are there any snacks/foods you pack for a quick and healthy meal or snack? I'd love to hear what you love!