This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc., Pfizer, GSK Consumer Health and i-Health, Inc. All opinions are mine alone. #DigestTheSavings #CollectiveBias
As the vibrant hues of summer gently fade, I find myself embracing the crisp air and cozy charm of autumn. It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies; my sweet Lauren just celebrated her five-month milestone! Life at home has settled into a comfortable rhythm, a delicate balance between the joyful chaos of raising a family and the demands of work. With school just around the corner, my days have been primarily filled with shopping for the kids’ new wardrobes and tackling my professional commitments. While I truly thrive on the energy of a bustling life, consciously carving out time for what truly matters has become my ultimate priority. This involves teaching my children that while looking good on the outside is certainly nice, cultivating a healthy inside – both physically and mentally – is paramount. And, in my experience, the most effective way to instill these values is to lead by example. Join me as I share my chic and practical DIY Fruit and Snack Basket, designed to foster healthier habits for the whole family.
Prioritizing Inner Health: A Foundation for Family Wellness
My personal journey to maintaining health has always centered around a balanced diet. However, after welcoming two beautiful babies back-to-back via C-section, I realized my body needed a little extra support, especially concerning my digestive health. This realization sparked the idea for my DIY fruit and snack basket. It’s not just a pretty storage solution; it’s a dedicated space designed to make healthy choices effortless. Inside, you’ll find an abundance of fresh fruit, readily available water bottles, and a simple-to-make, nutritious trail mix. To give myself a truly comprehensive head start on digestive well-being, I also stocked up on a few essential products from Sam’s Club: Benefiber® Fiber Supplement, Culturelle® Digestive Health Probiotic, and Nexium® 24HR Acid Reducer Capsules. These products are often featured in the Sam’s Club Instant Savings Book, where you can find great deals like $5 off each, potentially saving up to $15 when you purchase all three during promotional periods.
Why These Digestive Health Essentials?
When it comes to supporting my family’s digestive health, I’m selective about the products I choose. Here’s a closer look at why these particular items have become staples in our home:
- Benefiber® Fiber Supplement: Good digestive health is fundamental, and Benefiber® helps support that.* It’s incredibly versatile because it’s a clear, taste-free, and 100% natural prebiotic fiber. It dissolves completely without altering the taste or texture of your favorite foods and beverages (excluding carbonated drinks+), making it effortless to boost your daily fiber intake. I love adding it to my morning smoothie, ensuring I start the day right.
- Culturelle® Digestive Health Probiotic: A balanced gut microbiome is key to overall wellness. Culturelle® Digestive Health Probiotic is a proven support to help reduce occasional digestive upset.* It contains Lactobacillus GG, the #1 clinically studied probiotic, which helps your digestive system work better, reducing common issues like occasional diarrhea, gas, and bloating.* These vegetarian (gelatin-free) capsules are a convenient addition to our daily routine.
- Nexium® 24HR Acid Reducer Capsules: Frequent heartburn can be incredibly disruptive, affecting daily comfort and quality of life. Nexium® 24HR Acid Reducer Capsules are a top choice among doctors and pharmacists for their own frequent heartburn relief.** What makes it truly remarkable is that just one capsule a day provides all-day and all-night protection from frequent heartburn.*** My husband finds these to be an indispensable part of managing his heartburn, allowing him to enjoy meals and life without constant discomfort.
These carefully selected products, readily available at Sam’s Club, represent a proactive approach to managing our digestive health and ensuring we feel our best from the inside out.
Beyond Mindless Snacking: The Power of Preparation
In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s all too easy to reach for convenient, often unhealthy snacks and beverages that offer empty calories. My DIY fruit and snack basket was born from a desire to counteract this tendency. By creating an attractive, accessible hub for nutritious options, I’ve transformed a potential weakness into a strength. Instead of sugary drinks, we have water. Instead of processed chips, we have fresh fruit and a homemade trail mix. This simple visual cue encourages mindful eating and helps us stick to our health goals. Benefiber® seamlessly integrates into this philosophy, as its taste-free nature allows me to fortify our existing meals and drinks with beneficial fiber without any fuss. Similarly, keeping Culturelle® within easy reach serves as a constant reminder to nurture our gut health.
Craft Your Own Healthy Hub: DIY Fruit & Snack Basket Guide
Creating this stylish and functional fruit and snack basket is a straightforward project that yields significant benefits for your health and home organization. All the core components, from the basket itself to the ingredients for the trail mix, can be conveniently sourced during your next Sam’s Club visit.
Basket Materials:
- A wide plastic basket, preferably with sturdy handles. (I found mine for a steal!)
- Metallic spray paint (choose a color that complements your home decor).
- A thick, attractive fabric or cloth to line the basket.
Basket Assembly:
- Prepare Your Basket: Start by cleaning your plastic basket thoroughly and ensuring it’s dry. If desired, lightly sand the surface for better paint adhesion.
- Spray Paint: In a well-ventilated area, apply an even coat of metallic spray paint to the basket. Use smooth, sweeping motions. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed. The metallic finish adds a touch of elegance, transforming an ordinary plastic basket into a chic home accessory.
- Add Fabric Lining: Once the paint is fully cured, carefully place your chosen fabric inside the basket. Ensure it’s thick enough to peek out attractively over the edges, adding a soft, inviting touch. This lining also protects the basket and provides a nice cushion for your healthy provisions.
Now, your stylish and functional basket is ready to be filled with nourishing goodness!
Fueling Your Day: The Nutrient-Packed Trail Mix
No healthy snack basket is complete without a delicious and energizing trail mix. This homemade version is simple to prepare and packed with beneficial ingredients that provide sustained energy and essential nutrients. It’s the perfect grab-and-go option for busy days or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Trail Mix Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of almonds (rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein)
- 1/2 cup of peanuts (a great source of plant-based protein and energy)
- 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips (provides antioxidants and a touch of sweetness)
- 1/4 cup of raisins (natural source of quick energy and fiber)
Trail Mix Assembly:
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the almonds, peanuts, dark chocolate chips, and raisins. Toss them lightly to ensure an even distribution of all components.
- Portion and Store: Transfer your homemade trail mix into a small mason jar for easy access on your counter, or portion it into individual zip-top bags for convenient snacks on the go. This makes it incredibly simple to grab a healthy serving whenever hunger strikes, preventing you from reaching for less nutritious alternatives.
Pro Tip: This chic DIY Fruit and Snack Basket, filled with homemade goodies and wellness essentials, also makes a thoughtful and unique homecoming gift or a “welcome home” gesture for friends and family!
Embracing a Healthier You: Small Steps, Big Impact
My journey towards a healthier, more vibrant self is built on a series of intentional, small steps. Making nutritious snacks readily available, prioritizing hydration with accessible water, and incorporating targeted digestive health products are all crucial components of this lifestyle. This holistic approach, combining mindful eating with essential supplements, empowers me to feel better, have more energy, and lead by example for my children. It’s about creating a supportive environment that makes healthy choices the easy choices.
Ready to boost your digestive health and make these positive changes in your own home? You can find Benefiber® Fiber Supplement, Culturelle® Digestive Health Probiotic, and Nexium® 24HR Acid Reducer Capsules at your local Sam’s Club. Don’t forget to check the Sam’s Club Instant Savings Book for special offers, as you can often save $5 off each featured digestive health item – an excellent opportunity to invest in your well-being while keeping your budget in mind. These savings are also typically available online, making it even easier to stock up on your essentials!
Important Disclaimers:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
**Among Primary Care Providers (PCPs) and Pharmacists who use a branded Over-The-Counter (OTC) Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI).
***Use as directed. May take 1 to 4 days for full effect.
+Benefiber® is not recommended for carbonated beverages.