What I Ate Wednesday #128: MealEnders Review & Giveaway

Lordy, how is it already Wednesday? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining that we’re already halfway to the weekend! Today is a long one for me; I’ll be opening Athleta at 9 a.m. and closing the gym at 9 p.m. But at least I have an hour break in between, right? Silver lining, my friend. And a silver lining for you is another giveaway today! Lets get to it, shall we?

[Pre-Workout]

Super power bites save the day! You should really make them if you haven’t yet.

[Breakfast]

Standard oatmeal, nut butters, and iced coffee. It totally gets me through my workouts 😉

[Snack Time]

I was in serious need of a snack at work and luckily I never leave home without a bar. A caramel nut blast Balance Bar held me over until I got home. Unfortunately, I had to go to the store before I could have lunch so I threw some yogurt, chocolate peanut butter protein powder, and peanuts into a bowl. Deeelish!

[Lunch]

FINALLY lunch time! We’re still going through the pork and it made another awesome salad!

[Afternoon Snack]

I got some awesome strawberries from the store so I grabbed a couple of those to snack on and followed it up with a MealEnders Lozenge. Taken directly from their website..

MealEnders Signaling Lozenges are a weight management product designed to help people avoid overeating and master portion control by clearing cravings from the mouth and mind. Each Signaling Lozenge consists of two flavorful layers, each playing a strategic role in weight loss. The sweet, outer coating provides a measured dose of “dessert”, habitually associated with the end of a meal. Avoiding the “no dessert” mindset prevents a sense of deprivation, which can thwart even the most earnest weight loss efforts. The tingling/cooling inner layer engages the trigeminal nerve, clears the palate and creates a 20-minute eating pause, enabling the brain to recognize the body’s natural transition from hungry to full. By the time the MealEnders experience is finished, the body’s natural signaling process of satiation has begun. With repeated use, users accept MealEnders’ sensations as a cue to stop eating, resulting in sustainable and healthy eating habits.

Sound interesting? When I first was presented the opportunity to review them, I was a bit skeptical. That said, I’m a big fan of the post-meal mint because I feel like it helps curb my sweet tooth, so why not give them a shot? First things first, the flavors are delicious! If I’m craving chocolate, I’ll reach for a Chocolate Mint or Mocha. The Mocha and Citrus are definitely my favorites, though. Once you get through the initial sweet layer, the extra tingly lozenge inside acts as my mint. I’ve definitely noticed that these little guys have helped to curb my sweet tooth after meals!

Want to give them a try for yourself? Click here to enter my giveaway!

Don’t worry if your name isn’t chosen. MealEnders wants to put an end to overeating and believes the more people its 15-calorie signaling lozenges can help, the better! So for two weeks, all “runners up” for the giveaway will be able to buy MealEnders at 30% off. Just enter coupon code WINNER-TOO at checkout. To place your order and learn more about the product, visit www.mealenders.com.

Giveaway Update:
Due to popular demand, the Chocolate Mint flavor is currently on back order. Because MealEnders wants to be sure to deliver the products as promised, the giveaway prize will be set to go out around mid-April when Chocolate Mint is back in stock.

[Dinner]

Buffalo chicken is always a favorite in this house, so crunchy buffalo chicken is even better! And then adding roasted potatoes and brussels? We were quite happy.

[Evening Snack]
Apple + dark chocolate covered salted cashews = happy tummy.

Food for Thought

What tricks do you use to curb your sweet tooth?

She’s Losing It Book Review & Giveaway

Well this is a new thing for me. I’m not a big reader [aside from blogs], but recently had the opportunity to read and review She’s Losing It!

She’s Losing It! is a memoir about how Lisa lost 50 lbs. at age 38 by entering a bodybuilding competition. She’s Losing It! is like Pumping Iron, only if Tina Fey played Arnold Schwarzenegger. Ultimately it’s a Rocky for moms who find the inherent humor in combining strength training with potty training.

Aside from it being an easy read, it also hits home for every lady out there, I’m sure. How many times have you told yourself you’d start tomorrow but it took a couple of extra days [or months..] for tomorrow to get here? Sometimes your bed is just a little too cozy.

Lisa started from square one; she was once a marathoner who gained a little extra weight over the years. After deciding she’d had more than enough, at 38, she sought out a personal trainer and decided that she not only wanted to get in shape and feel comfortable in her skin again, but enter a bikini competition. She also shares a whole slew of tips and tricks at the end of the book, including a sample meal plan from her trainer. I find those little tidbits extra interesting.. it’s almost saying “hey, you want to compete? Here’s what you’re getting yourself into!” Sometimes we need that extra heads up.

She’s Losing It! is such an inspiring and motivational story to follow of a badass mom rocking her new, killer bod and her struggles and successes that got her there. I’m so happy to be able to offer one of you a book of your own by entering my giveaway!
If you don’t want to wait, you can order a copy direct from Amazon, too. I’d highly recommend you do!

Food for Thought

Have you had struggles with weight loss?

Don’t Miss Your Midday Workout with ShowerPill

Merry Christmas to all of you that are celebrating! Now that all of the gifts have been opening, I’m sure many of you are psyched about your new workout gear. I know I was! I also know that as much as I love a good early morning workout, midday workouts have their place too.

I’m sure you’ve heard time and time again how important it is to keep moving throughout the day; get up once per hour to get a glass of water, take a walk around the office, or just stretch it out.

Source: Mashable

So why not take it one step further and put your new workout gear to work with a midday workout? Studies suggest that a midday workout can help to boost your productivity throughout the rest of the day. You don’t even need to take a full hour to get your sweat on; 20 – 30 minutes can do you just right. Need a few ideas?

• Go for a run
• Grab a resistance band
• Work by the timer [+ more from Taylor!]
• Complete a bodyweight circuit workout
• Go for a walk with some coworkers

Now that you have a few ways to work up a sweat at work, don’t sweat the clean up. No office shower? No problem! ShowerPill has you covered.

ShowerPill is an antibacterial wipe for your body. It is like wiping down with soap and water which leaves skin feeling clean, fresh and moisturized. One wipe cleans your entire body. It will save you time, decrease chance of skin infections and keep you fresh & clean when a “traditional shower” is not possible.

• Extra thick like a washcloth
• Kills 99.99% of germs including Staph
• Aloe Vera & Vitamin E
• Quick dry solution, no sticky residue
• Light fresh scent
• Hypoallergenic & Gentle on Sensitive Skin
• Paraben & Alcohol FREE

It’s a pretty great product; I’m a huge fan of using my ShowerPill wipes so I can squeeze in a quick workout in between clients. And when you purchase 2 or more boxes, you can receive 20% off with code holiday20. So no more excuses, get your butt moving!

Food for Thought

What’s your favorite way to move throughout the day?

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary shipment of ShowerPill Athletic Body Wipes as a Sweat Pink Ambassador. All thoughts and opinions of the product are my own.

Link Love #61

Have you entered my WIN Detergent giveaway yet?

Yesterday was a really special day. It was my grandfather’s 93rd birthday! And once again, skype came to the rescue! My family went over to my grandparents’ house for dessert and my mom setup the iPad so I could “be there” with them.

He was completely baffled by the whole thing and it was pretty funny to see his reaction when he realized that I was actually there and my mom wasn’t just showing him a picture! Having that opportunity totally made my day. Technology is a hell of a thing! What’s the count now.. 6 days? 🙂

Health

I Had the “Perfect Body” & I Still Wasn’t Happy – Mind Body Green

I Had the “Perfect Body” & I Still Wasn’t Happy – Mind Body Musings via Mind Body Green
What 10 Pounds Taught Me – The Real Life RD
Exercise Guilt? It’s Time for an Intervention – Lifting Revolution
Mental Rest Days – Wildly Fit
3 Ways to REINVENT Yourself – Cotter Crunch
Lighten Up On Yourself – Almost Getting It Together

Fitness

10 Bodyweight Exercises to Do Anywhere – Happy Fit Mama

10 Bodyweight Exercises You Can Do Anywhere – Happy Fit Mama
The 20 Minute Mom Workout – Veva Health via The Lean Green Bean
5 Minute Stability Ball Ab Workout – Peanut Butter Runner
Perfecting the Lunge – Enjoy Your Healthy Life
Does Fasted Cardio Really Burn More Fat? – Hello Healthy

Food

Incredibly Gooey Collapsing Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Custard Cake – Half Baked Harvest

Incredibly Gooey Collapsing Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Custard Cake – Half Baked Harvest
Chocolate Pudding Slab Pie with Peanut Butter Mascarpone Whipped Cream – Eats Well With Others
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction, Goat Cheese and Almonds {Gluten Free, Low Carb + Super Simple} – Food Faith Fitness
Autumn Acorn Squash Pita “Nachos” with Pomegranates & Blue Cheese – Climbing Grier Mountain
Spicy Sriracha Cornbread Sausage Stuffing – The Law Student’s Wife

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Five Things Friday + Giveaway {11/14}

Hot damn, it’s Friday! I don’t know the last time I was this excited to see the big Fri. Yea, that’s what I’m calling it now. It’s just been one of those weeks.. you know the kind where nothing goes right? But it’s over and I’m looking forward to weekend festivities!

1. We have a friend visiting this weekend! Ok, he’s really coming out here for work, but the point is he’s here and we get to spend time with him tonight and all day tomorrow. We have big plans for tomorrow; it’s going to be quite the indulgent day, but anytime we have someone visiting, it’s always all about the food and drink. Just ask my parents!
   

   I’m still proud of them for holding their own with all of the drinking we had them doing 😉

2. Speaking of my parents, the countdown till we head back to Baltimore for 2 weeks is in the single-digits! 9 more days, baby! It’s a shame I’m not at all excited.
3. I got to skype with my nugget yesterday and as soon as we turned the cameras on, she walked across the room to get to me [alright, to get to the iPad and her Bubby, but I can pretend!] She just started walking a couple weeks ago and I can’t wait to play with her and see her run [or waddle] around.
   
4. As part of a campaign with Fit Approach, I received 2 bottles of WIN Detergent. It may not sound too exciting to you, but if you’ve ever experienced the post-laundry stinky workout clothes, you should understand my excitement when I tell you that this detergent is specifically designed to remove sweat, oil, and odors from technical athletic/sports apparel. Hooray for no more stinky workout gear! Haha.
   
5. Even more exciting than me getting the detergent is that they’re offering YOU the chance to win your own bottles. Click here to enter for a chance to win!
   Can’t wait? You can also get $1 off your purchase by entering the code WINGIVE1 at checkout.

And with that, I’m off for a fun weekend 🙂

Food for Thought

Any big plans this weekend?

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary shipment of WIN Detergent as a Sweat Pink Ambassador. All thoughts and opinions of the product are my own.

Fit & Fashion Friday: HIIT Workout + Lorna Jane Gear

My Athleta gift card winner was chosen! Is it you?!

Happy Halloween and hooray for Friday! And Friday means I’m off to another workout at Sweat. I’ve really been loving these workouts because it not only gives me a chance to mix it up from my usual gym scene, but I also find that I push myself harder being in the group setting. I mean, I can’t let people think I don’t know what I’m doing, right? 😉

I was this close to hitting up Sweat the other day but the plans were cancelled. However, once I have my mind set on something, it’s really hard to change it so I decided to do a modified version of my first Sweat HIIT workout in my own gym. AND I decided to share it with all of you because it can’t hurt to have an extra workout at your disposal with all of the candy around, am I right?! I love the mix of cardio, abs, and strength work. By the time you catch your breath, you’re moving fast again!

Exercise Demos

• Frog Hops
• Med Ball V-Up
• Russian Twists
• Front Raises
• Mountain Climbers
• Lying Back Fly
• Bosu Starfish Crunches – place your mid to lower back on the bosu
• Bosu Dead Bug
• Single Leg Squat
• Tummy Tucks
• Double Mountain Climbers – jump feet all the way up to hands

Looking for a little extra workout motivation? I love finding some fun new workout gear and Lorna Jane just came out with some fantastic new looks. Some of my faves?

Crosstown Bra

Alliance Mesh Tank

Pria Excel Zip Through

Rouge 7/8 Tight

Clearly I have a thing for bright colors and criss-cross backs and there are tons to choose from on the website. Can’t wait to get my hands on these!

I hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween and weekend!

Food for Thought

What’s your favorite new piece from Lorna Jane?
Any fun Halloween plans?

Fitness Friday: Working Out with fitmob + Athleta Giveaway!

There’s an awesome new fitness trend that is making the ability to take a bunch of classes at different gyms more readily accessible. As someone who has lived in an apartment complex with a gym for the past 3 years, I find it hard to want to pay for a gym but at the same time, feel like I’m missing out on some of the fantastic classes that are available for gym-goers. Enter fitmob.

Founded by Snapfish co-founder and entrepreneur/VC Raj Kapoor as CEO, tech guru and martial arts champion Paul Twohey as CTO, and worldwide fitness expert Tony Horton, fitmob is a San Francisco-based company that is described on the their website as:

“An authentic fusion of fitness, community and technology. fitmob combines the power of community with the convenience of a mobile platform to create a fun, affordable and rewarding workout experience in your neighborhood. It’s a new fitness movement with YOU at the center.”

They have a huge array of classes ranging from cardio and strength to barre, yoga, TRX, and more. For just $99/month, you’re able to attend classes with over 75 studios and trainers to choose from as many times as you can get your butt to class! In addition to their Passport program, they’ve also introduced MobTribes, described as on their website as:

“…a shared personal training that’s fun, affordable and all about results. You’ll be matched with a top-rated personal trainer to lead workouts at a convenient location picked by your MobTribe of 4-6 friends.

Your MobTribe will meet twice a week in a 6-week program designed for results! We’ve done plenty of research and studied the science of shared group training.

With MobTribes you’ll get personal attention, nutrition tips, daily activity tracking and off-day workouts, without the price tag of personal training.”

I had the opportunity to attend one of their workouts, Weapons of Ass Reduction [love the name!], last week but unfortunately couldn’t work out the commute with my work schedule. I absolutely plan on giving this a go and checking out a bunch of studios in SF, along with some of their own workouts, in the near future. How could I pass on the opportunity to push my limits? Eeeexxactly!

And now for the giveaway!

Want to enter for your chance to win a $50 Athleta Gift Card? [You do. The new winter line just came in!] Click here to enter and keep cross your fingers!

If you’re free, join fitmob + Sweat Pink #HolidayFitList Twitter Party on Tuesday, November 4th from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PST. More details on the event coming soon!

Food for Thought

Do you prefer indoor or outdoor workouts?

I received the opportunity to take part in the fitmob campaign through my ambassadorship with Fit Approach. All opinions are my own.

Full Body Resistance Band Workout + Pumpkin Protein Mug Cake

It’s Friday! And it’s ALCS game 1 day! It’s unfortunate that I’m not at all excited about the Orioles 😉

Yesterday was a fun one. It started out slowly [no complaints here!]; I took my time getting ready for the gym, only to decide to pack it in after 20 minutes on the elliptical. I was just not feeling it so I went home and snuggled up with a bowl of oatmeal on the couch. It was a good trade, I’d say. I also had lunch with this gal..

If you don’t know Danica, get with it! She just moved to the bay area a few weeks ago and it was great to finally meet in person. Hooray for transplants! Haha 🙂

Onto the big Friday fun.. Usually I’ll stick with Fitness Friday or Foodie Friday but since I have a couple goodies for you, I decided to pack it all into one post. Boom!

I put this workout together for my client today; one of my biggest challenges with her is creating lots of workouts that she can do at home with little or no equipment. Because I’m a big fan of using weights in a gym, rather than doing body weight workouts at home, this is a bit out of the norm for me. That said, I’m really happy to have this workout now because not only is it great for small spaces [hellooo watching the O’s game in my tiny apartment!], but it’ll be a great workout for when we head home next month too. Pack your bags and get to sweatin’!

Start out with the push ups and make your way around the circle doing 12-15 reps per exercise. Once you get back to the push ups, do a round of the cardio burst. Complete 3 rounds total for a 30-40 minute heart-pounding, sweaty workout.

• Upright Row
• Pull Aparts
• Overhead Press
• Band Curls
• Triceps Kickbacks
• Squat with Abduction
• Plank Jack Jumps – on every 5th plank jack, jump your feet in
• Scissor Kicks
• Leg Lift –> Toe Touches
• Mountain Climbers

If the resistance band isn’t feeling quite tough enough for you, there are a couple of options to make it more difficult. First, you can cross the bands in front of you so they make an “X”. If you still want more resistance, step your feet apart a bit. Make sure you feel the burn!

And if you’re hungry after that workout [which you will be!], make yourself a little snack.

Pumpkin Protein Mug Cake

Serves 1

Ingredients
– 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder [I used Vega Vanilla Performance Protein]
– 2 tbsp pumpkin spice peanut flour [I used MyOatmeal PB Lean but you can sub regular peanut flour]
– 2 egg whites
– 2 tbsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk
– 1 tbsp canned pumpkin [Not pumpkin pie filling!]
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
– Pinch of salt

Directions
Spray a microwave safe mug with cooking spray. Mix all of your ingredients together and microwave for 2 – 2 1/2 minutes, until the cake is just set. Top with your favorite toppings [like nut butters] and enjoy!

Nutritional Information
Per mug cake, without toppings

169 Calories  /  1g Fat  /  11g Carbs  /  1g Fiber  /  8g Sugar  /  24g Protein

Now that I’ve jam-packed some sweat and tasty treats for ya, get your booty movin’ and enjoy your weekend!

Food for Thought

Do you prefer body weight workouts or sweating it out with some weights?
Any fun plans for the weekend?

Link Love #54

Big news! Yesterday I ran for the first time since I hurt my ankle. And not only did I run, but I did sprints! As much as I don’t like running, I don’t like being unable to do something even more.. ya feel me? I’ve also been crazy busy at Athleta since we got new inventory last week. If you haven’t taken a look in a while [or ever], definitely check out some of the new gear. Better yet, if you’re in the bay area, come visit me 🙂

Health

Forget The Carbs Before A Race: Research Supports Diet High In Fat Improves Endurance – Lifting Revolution

Forget The Carbs Before A Race: Research Supports Diet High In Fat Improves Endurance – Lifting Revolution
Why Walking To Work Is More Than Just Good Exercise – HuffPost Healthy Living
How to Have a Healthy and Balance Life – Hungry Healthy Happy
What To Do When Your BIG Dreams or Goals Feel Stalled – Cotter Crunch
7 Healthy Habits Almost Anyone Can Implement – Food & Nonsense

Fitness

5 Reasons to Use the Treadmill – Reach Your Peak

5 Reasons To Use The Treadmill – Reach Your Peak
Strength Training Workout for Runners – Trainer Paige
My Playing Card Workout For Shoulders – Eat, Run, Sail
Quick arm and core bodyweight home workout purely training #80 – Purely Twins
10-Minute Work-Break Workout (for at Home or the Office) – Pumps & Iron

Food

S’mores Cheesecake – Life, Love, & Sugar

S’mores Cheesecake – Life, Love, & Sugar
Couscous Bowls with Za’atar Chickpeas and Roasted Cauliflower – Oh My Veggies
Butternut Squash, Apple + Pear Crisp – Edible Perspective
Chipotle Tofu Chilaquiles – Minimalist Baker
Baking Bootcamp: Apple Pie Biscuits – Joy the Baker

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Manitoba Harvest HempPro 70 Review & a Smoothie Bowl Recipe

First things first, happy happy birthday to my big brother, Brian! Even though he’s not a blog reader, I had to post the awesome sweat suit picture 😉

Disclaimer: I received samples of Manitoba Harvest HempPro 70 Protein Powder as a Sweat Pink Ambassador. All thoughts and opinions of the product are my own.

I’m always on the lookout for different protein powders to try. Whey was always the big thing but recently there have been so many different options to choose from, especially with new plant-based protein powders coming on the market. I’d never tried hemp protein before, but always have hemp hearts in the pantry to sprinkle on salads, add to nut butters, etc. They’re a great source of protein and omegas.

When I was asked to review Manitoba Harvest’s new HempPro 70 protein powders, I started reading into it a bit to see what makes it so different from other plant-based powders. As stated on their website, they suggest HempPro 70 if:

• You’re an athlete looking for a pre or post workout protein shake.
• You’re experiencing bloating and/or an unsettled stomach from other protein powders.
• You’re used to a whey protein and curious to try a plant-based protein powder, such as hemp.
• You want nutrition on the go! HempPro 70 is the only water soluble hemp protein powder on the market. This means you can literally throw it in a shaker cup with some water and take it with you on the road.
• You’re looking to add extra protein to your diet. HempPro 70 has 20 grams of protein per 30 gram serving – our highest protein powder option.

Sounds like a good deal to me!

One of the key selling points that they make is that it is the world’s first water soluble hemp protein powder. Obviously I had to put that to the test first and I’m pleased to report that it is, in fact, true! Nobody likes trying to choke down a gritty, clumpy protein shake post-workout and when you don’t have time to throw it into a blender to make a big smoothie, it’s important to be able to count on something to not only refuel your system, but taste good too.

That said, when you do have time to throw everything into a blender, might I suggest this chocolate peanut butter smoothie bowl? I think you should take those extra few minutes..

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl

Serves 1

Ingredients
– 1 scoop Manitoba Harvest Chocolate HempPro 70
– 1 tbsp dark cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup brewed coffee
– 1/4 cup almond milk [I used Califia Coconut Almond Milk]
– 1/2 medium zucchini
– 1 cup ice
– 2 tsp NuStevia Cocoa Syrup; divided
– 1 tbsp peanut butter [or your favorite nut butter!]

Directions
Blend all ingredients except 1 tsp cocoa syrup and peanut butter until smooth. Feel free to adjust the amount of ice or milk to make thinner or thicker. When the combo is fully blended, pour into a bowl and drizzle with the remaining tsp of cocoa syrup and the tbsp of peanut butter. Slurp it up!

I could have this smoothie bowl everyday.. I mean, what’s better than chocolate and peanut butter?! Just try to keep your spoon out of the rest of the jar of peanut butter afterward. Whoops! 😉

Luckily for you, Manitoba Harvest, in partnership with Fit Approach, is offering everyone 20% off using the code sweatpinkpro70 at checkout. Time to stock up!

Food for Thought

Have you ever tried hemp hearts or hemp protein powder?