Serving Sizes

This month I have been learning a lot of different things about how to live a healthy life.  I am learning how to use all the things I have learned over the years to help me in this journey.  I have always heard about serving sizes but never paid attention to it.  I would think if it comes individual size that that would be my individual portion but I was wrong.

Check this out:

This is a big mistake that I make all the time.  I grab a juice or drink and never have looked at the serving size or portion.  This orange juice has 2 servings per container.  I would normally chug this down in 1 serving for breakfast. 

Sometimes we eat at different times.  Most days my kids and husband have already eaten dinner by the time I get home.  So I end up cooking something for myself.  One dish I make is over easy eggs with black beans.  The mistake I make is making the entire can of beans.  No, I do not eat it all.  But I do not measure it out by serving size.  This can serves 3.5 servings.  That is great when I am cooking for the family but not when I am cooking for 1.

Do you check the servings?  What serving has shocked you the most?

Tasty Thursday-Kabobs

***Disclosure-I received a Kabob Skewer Rack from Cave Tools for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

One of my favorite dishes are Kabobs.  But I cannot go out to eat everyday, so making these at home is more ideal.  You can make Kabobs with any of your favorite veggies, fruits, and include meats.  I like that it is a healthy dish you can make.

So how to get started, first you need to decide what kind of Kabob you want.  I like chicken and steak Kabobs.  Today I am making Chicken Kabobs.  My husband seasoned and marinated chicken breast for me.

You will need to cut your chicken into small squares.  They do not have to be perfect nor the same size.  Then grab your choice of veggies that will need to be cut into small squares as well.  I like all veggies.  I chose red bell peppers, green bell peppers, orange bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, and cherry tomatoes.  I like how colorful this mix of veggies is.

Next you need some skewers: (you can use wood or metal skewers)

There is no right or wrong way to add the veggie or meat.  You can make a pattern or not.  Just fill the skewers as you like.

Next, throw them on the grill:

Then serve with a rice pilaf or alone.  

This is a good dish for any backyard cookout.  I also like that I can add this dish as one of my meal prep meals.  My husband was grilling for dinner and I threw my kabobs on the grill for my meal prep of the week.

The skewers I used are flat stainless steel skewers that are dishwasher safe.  They can be used in 8 different positions for perfect grilling on each side.  They have a slider that can assist on getting the food easily off the skewer.  They fit perfect on our small camping grill.  

For more information, go to cavetools.com.

Fitness Friday-New Greek Smoothie

***Disclosure-Sample product and coupons were received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal taste and opinions.

A big part of living a healthy lifestyle is your eating habits.  I know I have a hard time when I don't make good choices.  Eating a healthy snack can help crave my appetite from wanting to eat unhealthy sugary foods.  A good choice for a snack is yogurt.

 Introducing LALA's Greek smoothies.

-12g of protein
-No artificial colors or flavors
-Naturally sweeten
-No high fructose corn syrup

This is the first nationally drinkable Greek yogurt smoothie that is ready to grab and go.  It comes in 3 flavors; Strawberry, Peach, and Mango.  It is made with real fruit and has one third of an adult's daily recommended calcium.  

1 bottle = 160 calories

My daughter loved the Strawberry.  I know when you hear the word Greek yogurt, you of no taste, yuck.  But LALA Greek Smoothie's taste really good.  It can become a flavorful choice for you to fuel your day.  Not only good choice for you but for the entire family.

Giveaway-Snap Kitchen Pop Up

***Disclosure-Sponsored Post.

Have you ever tried Snap Kitchen?  Back in February I tried Snap Kitchen for the first time, did you catch my review?  A new one is coming soon.  I have a reader exclusive.  A secret pop up is coming to Katy, details below:

WHAT:          NEW SNAP KITCHEN SNEAK PEEK


WHERE:        19355 Katy Freeway 
                       (at Greenhouse Road)


WHEN:           Tuesday, July 7
                        11 am - 7 pm


WHAT:            Featuring in-the-know pricing (nothing over $5)
                        

Try some of their entrees, snacks, desserts and cold-pressed juices! 

The New Snap Kitchen store does not officially open until Saturday, July 11^th .  Don't have a chance to make it, how about entering now to win a $50 gift certificate to use at Snap Kitchen.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tasty Thursday-eMeals New Dessert Plan #USFG (spon)

***Disclosure-I am a USFG member, I will receive FREE 3 Month dinner and dessert meal plan for sharing this information with you.  All opinions stated are my own.

eMeals is launching their new dessert plan! Get inspired each week to make incredible desserts. With mouth-watering recipes like Chocolate Pretzel Slab Pie, Buttery Toasted Vanilla Clusters or Crunchy Streusel Pumpkin Loaf, this plan is perfect for the dessert lover in all of us. Receive 3 indulgent dessert ideas every week including a mix of Crowd Pleasers, Quick & Easy options, and Skinny Sweets. This variety of sweet endings will fit the bill for weeknight desserts, casual entertaining and even healthy treats.

To celebrate their dessert launch, eMeals is also offering a Target gift card giveaway and more via a Pinterest contest! Go here (http://blog.emeals.com/emeals-pinterest-contest/) to enter to win!

What is eMeals?

eMeals, the leader in online meal planning, is a comprehensive meal planning resource that helps provide healthy and delicious dinners for busy families and individuals. 


eMeals weekly dinner plans include grocery shopping lists and recipe instructions that are simple and easy to follow.

What does this mean for you, you ask? In my house, it means even if I work late meals do not have to wait for me.  The family can be taken care of and I can have no worries at all.  How easy would that be for your family to adjust to?  I know mine would go for it.  The dessert plan can be a plus plus for the entire family.  My husband's schedule just got changed and now we arrive within 15 minutes of each other, so no time for cooking.  An eMeal plan would help get dinner on the table faster, cause less stress, and less going out to eat.

And just because I am sharing this with you if you sign up NOW you get 15% off eMeals with the code USFG!

***CLOSED***Giveaway-10 Fitness Tips For Women 35+

***Disclosure-Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own.

It is the New Year.  Happy New Years!  Happy 2014!

So do you have a resolution?  Does it have anything to do with losing weight, getting healthy, or doing better?  Last year I got burned out working out.  My resolution was improvement and so I really did not need to focus on working out in a gym.  My focus was more improving my life.  I hit the Big 3-5 last year.  Things are not as easy as they use to be.  Exercising and bouncing back is one of the things that just is not happening so quickly.  But I am not giving up on improving my health.

Certified Fitness Trainer Tracie Long has 10 Fitness Tips For Women 35+:

1)    Weight training improves metabolism and can help women over the age of 35 lose weight

2)    Core training can make your waist smaller

3)    Lower body workouts using hip and glute variations can improve your “rear”

4)    A good night’s sleep is the single most important thing to improve overall health, hormone balance and increased energy level.

5)    You can get better results on a treadmill if you walk on an incline instead of running flat  

6)    Push ups require zero equipment, can be done anywhere & when done correctly, strengthen the chest, triceps, shoulders & even the core. 

7)    Medicine balls are great for core training and can improve your posture 

8)    A pedometer helps you be more accountable to your daily activity (or inactivity)

9)    A foam roller is a good tool for reducing stiffness/tightness in the body that could lead to injuries

10)  30 minutes of the right exercise can be more effective than 60 minutes of running

How many of you have time during the holidays to workout?  Were your schedules all over the place, and how about the food?  

Women can take a proactive approach with a new DVD health/fitness series that will improve their “rear,” help you lose weight and give you more energy during this hectic time of the year.  Nationally known fitness trainer, Tracie Long from “The Firm” franchise has created a DVD health/fitness series designed specifically for women ages 35 and over - Tracie Long Focus Series. The three titles “Lift Higher,” “Kickback” and “Power Up” were released on DVD on December 3, 2013 from home entertainment label, Shelter Island.

If you are ready to invest in your health, you need to start today.  Quit procrastinating.  The New Year is here.  Were you like others saying, I will start as soon as the New Year comes?  Have you started?

This video series is great.  I love that it is called FOCUS.  Why?  Because that is exactly what you need.  You need to focus and with this series that is what you are doing.  One step at a time remember.  Who needs a gym?  Who has time for a gym?  I know I don't.  So I have been getting home.  Getting dinner ready on the stove, popping this series in, and getting my workout on.  Remember Tracie's tip-30 minutes.  That is all it takes.  On Saturday mornings my kids sleep in.  So that is when I snuck my 30 minutes in.  Make it work for you.  Wanna try this series out?

GIVEAWAY-Tracie Long Focus Series

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1 winner will be randomly chosen.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Good luck.  US only.

Sainthood Herbs Boost-Weight Management

***Disclosure-Sample product was received to review.  All opinions stated are based on my personal experience.

Introducing Sainthood Herbs.  They are globally sourced and designed to target specific health conditions.

Sainthood Herbs currently offers three specific product series, each with a distinct set of benefits:

Boost series – Products were designed to give even the healthiest of consumers an “edge up” on their health. The current offering includes formulas that aid in weight management and improve mental agility.
 
Solution series – Products were designed to offer support or relief of discomforts associated with certain health conditions. The current line includes formulas that address conditions such as blood glucose, heart and LDL health, as well as needs like stress and sleep.
  
Women series – Products were designed for relief and support of common issues for women including urinary tract health and discomforts of menopause.
 
The concept is simple: give consumers the healthiest alternative to enhancing their lifestyle with effective yet naturally made supplements. Sainthood Herbs does just that, and they’re committed to offering the highest quality standards and ensuring that all of their products are naturally gluten free, wild-crafted herbs, healthy, safe, non-GMO, sustainable and eco-friendly.

 
My thoughts-I had been stuck at 169 forever.  I tried everything from exercise, to eating right.  But I was looking for something to boost me in the right direction.  This is the bottle of pills I have been taking:

Boost – Weight Management
Helps to promote optimal weight management when accompanied by diet and exercise*

I have not felt sick.  You take them with food which is great because I have tried many pills and tell all make me feel sick.  Some have even made me throw up.  Since these pills are suppose to be a boost, I don't expect to be high school skinny but I know they have been helping me be successful at maintaining my weight these past weeks.  With a clean diet, and the Sainthood Herbs Boost-Weight Management, I have already lost 4 pounds.  I have been walking in the afternoons but I normally do this.  I also have been clean eating consistently and counting my calories.

I am glad to say this morning, I am back in the 150s.  It has been almost a year since I was there.  

Healthy Fat - Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil

***Disclosure-I am a BzzAgent.  I received this item complimentary to review.  All opinions are my honest opinions that are based on my personal experince.

Are you looking to stay healthy?  Did you know there are healthy fats?  I am trying to learn everything there is so I can make better choices.  Remember, lifestyle change!!

Fat and Olive Oil


Olive oil is widely known to be high in monounsaturated (good) fat. It contains zero trans (bad) fats and is lower in saturated (bad) fat than other commonly used ingredients such as shortening and butter. Simply put, olive oil is one of the best ways to add good fat to your diet and avoid bad fat

Fr more information:  http://filippoberio.com/yourhealth

Adding Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil to your daily routine is an easy way to maintain a healthy lifestyle without ever sacrificing taste. Whether you’re creating your own marinade, preparing a family favorite or cooking for a group of friends, it’s the perfect complement to any meal. This olive oil is crafted in the true Tuscan tradition and to the uncompromising standards of its founder, Filippo Berio.

Fitness Friday-Walking

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

This year, Jenny Craig is commemorating 30 years of changing lives. As a proud national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heart Walks for the second year, Jenny Craig is encouraging Americans to commit to walking at least 30 minutes a day to help maintain a healthier weight at Heart Walks across America. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and according to the AHA, walking is a simple positive change you can make to potentially improve your overall health.
Below are some easy tips from Jenny Craig on how to fit 30 minutes of walking into your day:
1. At Work: In the morning, park 10 minutes away from your office and walk briskly. At lunch, walk 10 minutes in or around your office. In the afternoon/evening, walk briskly 10 minutes back to your vehicle.
2. At Home: Start your day by taking a 10 minute stroll through your neighborhood. In the afternoon, walk in place for 10 minutes as you watch your favorite show. After dinner, gather the whole family and take a 10 minute walk around the block.
3. On the Weekend: Take a 10 minute walk to your local farmers market and load up of fresh fruits and vegetables for the week, followed by a 10 minute walk home. Later in the afternoon, call your best friend to catch up and walk around the house for 10 minutes instead of sitting on the couch.

In commemoration of its 30 years, Jenny Craig launched the “Jenny Hearts You” campaign to celebrate activity and honor those who have achieved their weight loss goals on the program. Share your healthy living commitment for the next 30 days and ensure to tag Jenny Craig on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

For more information on Jenny Craig, visit: http://www.jennycraig.com/. Don’t forget to visit http://www.jennycraig.com/heart-walk to learn about how Jenny is supporting the American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life.™ initiative. Here, you will be able to join team Jenny at the American Heart Association's Heart Walks taking place in over 300 cities through 2013 and get free training plans to be prepared for your walk!

Fitness Friday-My BodyKey 30 Day Update

Disclosure-Thanks to Nutrilite (Amway) for providing me with Bodykey Jumpstart 30 day Kit.  All opinions are my own based on my personal experience.

So weightloss is a lifestyle change by now I hope we all understand that.  It is not an easy fad diet that we can all just miracleously lose the weight and tadahh, supermodel.  No, it is hardwork, dedication, and making life long changes to your lifestyle that will help you maintain a healthy body for the rest of your life. 

Get to my healthy body has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do.  Before I was able to put my mind into it and committ and done.  And yes, I would get comfortable and slack off and gain some of the weight back but I knew exactly how to get back on track.  But sometimes things get out of control, or life happens.  I was at least 10-15 lbs over weight before I found out I was pregnant.  Then I was diagnosed with a high risk pregnancy and was unable to do anything.  Then the placenta previa caused me to have a C-section.  That would mean at least 8 weeks for me and my body to heal.  But after the complications I had after giving birth, after birth hemorraging, my body really took a beating and that 8 weeks turned into 6 months of healing.  Even though I am knew all the risks my mind and body were not talking the same language, one was ready and the other was saying stop, warning, I can't.  So that is where my journey began, and this is where I am at now.

Trial and error has led me to this losing weight battle over the last 17 months, thats how old my daughter is.  I have tried it all and I still seem stuck.  I eat right, stay away from what I am allergic too, and exercise-what am I doing wrong?  the weight is still there. 

Since trying BodyKey, I have began to learn about my body.  See you cannot be successful unless you know what works for you, and not what someone else did and is doing.  In the BodyKey 30 day jumpstart kit there is a genetic test.  What is that all about?  So I told you about it here, that I was coded a Better Balancer.  So by this time I had already started the program and lost 5 lbs, woohoo.  But then nothing, like usual.  When the genetic test results were available and I got them, I still did not understand them.  I was confused.  So after taking with a Geneticist about my results, I began to understand.  Throughout all my life, fat and carbs I was made to believe that they weren't my friends.  They were bad.  So I completely shut them out of my diet.  And if I did eat them, I was told it was bad and a no-no.  When my results came back, they said my body needs a balance of fat, carbs, and proteins.  Again, a BALANCE.  It has been a hard journey to incorporate "good" fat and "good" carbs into my body.  It has been a learning process.  Before I have been on programs where they did all the work for me, and that is why I never learned.  Yes, I lost the weight but I did not learn why it worked.  I could not tell you what a "healthy-good" fat or "healthy-good" carb was.  So, after the programs ended I was left to fend for myself and guess what, I didn't know what to do.  I did know to keep calories under 1200, to eat small portions, etc...but i wasn't fueling my body with what it needed.  This is a good BALANCED day of food for me:

I hit my goal range in each of the 3 categories and I was on point with my calories for the day.  Oh what, 1800+ calories, mama miya... Yes, that is correct.  Another issue I had was not eating enough calories to fuel my body.  I was killing myself working out with bootcamps, crossfit, running, etc.. but then I was starving my body.  My BodyKey has helped me control my food intake and watch that I eat the appropiate amount of calories everyday.  My BodyKey is an online support system:

I can log in online when I am by the computer or laptop, or I can use my phone app.  I used the app as a daily journal/dairy.  One day I did eat over 4000 calories, really bad.  But I know what I ate, and where I went wrong that day.  Learning by my mistakes.  I also will tell you that I gained the 5 lbs i lost, and gained another 5 on top of that.  Here is the reason why:  I started doing Crossfit.  Crazy, I am.  So I am losing fat but I am also gaining muscle.  And muscle weighs more, so that kinda depressed me until I measured myself.  My measurements were:

bust-41
waist-37
hips-43 1/2

My new measurements are:

bust-38
waist-35 1/2
hips-40 1/2

My journey has not ended.  My body and I are working together.  I am learning what my body needs.  With My BodyKey I learned to use the keys-the right keys. 

BodyKey by Nutrilite-Appetite Control Chews

It is right about that time....when my stomach starts to yern for something to eat.  My last snack was at 3 pm.  I have a 1 hr drive home.  Just to get there and cook dinner.  But since I am hungry, I normally go straight to the pantry to see what can I munch on while I cook.  Two things wrong here:

-I eat junk...which is a no, no for the calories
-I get full, don't want to eat the healthy stuff I just cooked, and then am hungry again in a couple of hours

Thanks to BodyKey Appetite Control Chews that I received in my jumpstart kit to review, I no longer have this problem.

I like that they are raspberry flavored and taste like candy to me.  The chews count for 20 calories but I will take that versus the bad calories I can consume on junk.  I keep these in my purse since I am always on the go. 

Fitness Friday-bodykey by Nutrilite

Thank you to Nutrilite for sending me a bodykey 30 day Jumpstart kit to review.  I was not asked to post about this product nor did I receive any monetary compensation.  All opinions stated below are my own based on my personal experience with product.

Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let me tell you what has been going on with my fitness this month.  I am on a mission to get healthy this year not only for myself but for my family.  I want to be a healthy mommy and wife.  A mother instilling lifelong fitness in my children's life!

(I found this picture on pinterest and I love the story it tells.  http://pinterest.com/pin/192740059025021301/) 

So not only have I been working extra hard at this but I have been kicking butt too.  But how do you kick butt?  You need energy for that?  And I have been out of energy since I had my baby?  Well not only have I been eating right, getting extra sleep, and trying to have some me time but I started the bodykey 30 day Jumpstart kit. 

So Day 1 and Day 2 you take the Super Green Aloe shots.  Throughout the day for the next 30 days, you replace 1 meal a day with the meal replacement shake, it comes with raspberry hunger chews to help you control your overindulging in between meals, and diet supplement tables to enhance weight loss.

So I must admit, trying to be healthy can and will be hard but you have to be committed.  It starts with you.  So everyday I have to remind myself to take my pills 30 minutes before I eat.  One change I have noticed is I think my stomach is shrinking or my appetite is disappearing.  I do have to take the hunger chews because I have very long days.  Long days use to mean drive thru and get an unhealthy meal.  Now a days with the hunger chews, I feel so full I do not have a need to think about food.  And even if I try to eat, I feel so full I do not want to take another bite after the first.  (By the way the hunger chews taste like candy.)  I do replace 1 meal a day with a shake which is great for my on the go life.  I prepare it in my shaker bottle and just grab and go about my day.  This is my very first meal of the day since I never have time for breakfast.  (I use to skip breakfast because I would run out of the house trying to hurry and take the kids to daycare/school and me get to work on time.) 

The kit also included a genetic test which was really easy to use.  I swabbed and sent it in and have been waiting for my results.  The genetic test is suppose to tell you a recommendation based on your genes, your genetic makeup.  I was kinda scared to find out what the results would be.

These are my results.  But now what does that mean?  Where do I go from here?  Well I called their hot line and was able to get a phone consultation with a board certified genetic conselor to explain everything in detail to me.

Based on my results, I have been doing it all wrong.  I have been extremed dieting myself and getting no results.  I have been killing myself taking Zumba, Yoga, Cycling, Crossfit, Bootcamp, and etc... and have not lost any weight.  Something had to give.  No wonder every time I started diets, I would quit and give up.  It seemed like nothing worked.  Or it only worked for awhile and then it stopped working.

Each person is different and what works for me, may not work for you. 

Stay tuned next month for final results....

Fast Metabolim Diet "Make and Take" MommyParties

Thanks to Mommy Parties and Random House for sending a party kit with sample product, gc, and coupons.  All opinions you will read about are our own based on our experience.

I was chosen to host Fast Metabolism Diet "Make and Take" MommyParties, sponsored by Random House!  I invited 10 of my friends and they each received their very own copy of Haylie Pomroy's The Fast Metabolism Diet - new release, recipe cards featuring Haylie's tried and true recipes, and samples from Applegate sausage, Celestial Seasonings tea and more!

We learned how The Fast Metabolism Diet works:

-You are still eating 3 full meals
-You are getting 2 snacks a day
-lose 20 lbs in 4 weeks
-no calorie counting
-no weird fad foods
-no deprivation

One of our favorite part of the book was learning to make friends with the word D.I.E.T.-

Did I Eat Today?

Most of us hate the word diet because we have been on so many diets left and right.  Diet is not our friend.

This book explains how you can come to learn how to like D.I.E.T.

The book also comes with 4 weeks' worth of recipes....yes 4 weeks!  I really like that there are tuna recipes.  I am tired of the tuna salads I make.  I have eaten my fair share and my ladies agreed when I said it is not the chicken of the sea...lol.

I made a tuna buffet using several of the recipes in the book and they were yummy. 

Now everyone has the tools they need to get started and we no longer have to be afraid of the word DIET!

Fitness Friday-Snacks

Did you know March is National Nutrition month?  

How many times do you eat in a day?  Do you snack in between meals?  Snacking is not a bad thing.  Snacking is a good friend of ours.  Snacking keeps us from eating everything and anything.  Snacking also gives the body fuel.  The next question si are you healthy snacking?

Do you like pork rinds?  I do.
Pork Rinds boasting a mere 80 calories per serving, in comparison to the normal 160 for chips make a great salty substitution. In fact: Men’s Health labeled them as “Junk Food That is Good For You”.

Rudolph Foods! Flavors include: Orginial, Sweet BBQ, Hot and Spicy, and Salt and Vinegar!   My thoughts-I like to snack on pork rinds.  This were good.  I like the variety of flavors.  My son loves bbq and he loved the 2 bbq flavors.  My husband liked the hot & spicy ones.  The baby loved the original.  I liked every falvor but most of all the salt & vinegar.   ***Disclosure-Sample product provided to review.  These are our honest opinions.  This product has been Independentmami taste tested and is Independentmami approved.

Fitness Friday-Get Creative

Do you like to run?  Have you ever tried it?  Don't knock it, until you try it is my motto about that.

This past month I participated in the Color in Motion 5K run.  I had never done anything like it and was skeptical at first. 

What is a color run?  It is a race where people blast you with colors during and after the race.  Don't be scared it is not hurtful in any way.  It is a great party and the more color you get the more fun you are having.

When I showed up I saw people in funky colors ready to run and have some fun.  We had a lot of fun.  Pictures about are courtesy of my partner in crime for this race, April Ockerman from Insights by April.  She is a fellow blogger who is running through 2013, #13in2013.  I have become a fan of hers.  She is doing amazing and has improved her PR in just a couple of months.  She is definitely on her way to reaching her goal and having fun along the way.  She and I ran side by side but if you look at our finish line pictures you would think I had not ran and she was bombed.  Like I said, the more color -  the funner it is.  So I am trying this color thing again.

My girlfriends and I will be participating in The Color Run.  It is a 5K.  This time I want to get plastered with color and am not worried about my PR.  It is about having fun.  And I am doing it with my friends.  We formed a team, are making shirts, and are going to show up to have fun!

If you would like more information about this race or would like to join us below is the information:

You can also use code:  COLORPAMELA13

Remember-> -> -> ->

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  I received a complimentary entry for the Color in Motion race.  The Color Run is a different race and I was not compensated or given a free entry.  I was not asked to write a post. 

Hint Review

HINT, Inc. is a company that produces all natural premium essence water with no sweeteners, artificial flavors or preservatives. 

If you are tired of your kids acting moody or feeling sluggish as a result of too much sugar then below are Kara’s  Goldin, the Chief Executive Officer and founder of San Francisco-based HINT, Inc., top 5 reasons why you should encourage your children to drink healthier and switch from soda to water:  

1.    Hydrating – Water is extremely essential and it’s at the heart of a healthy lifestyle! Drinking water throughout the day helps your child learn by providing energy and attentiveness, which will help them focus on activities that develop language, social and comprehension skills. Lack of water could lead to dehydration, which causes symptoms that hinder a child’s cognitive development, including confusion and fatigue

2.    Beneficial – Drinking soda and other sugary drinks negatively impacts a child's development. Issues such as weight gain, diabetes, dental problems, etc. can arise as a result of making the choice to consume unhealthy drinks

3.    Approving – HINT is the first beverage other than plain water approved by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for all three of their tiers (Elementary, Middle, and High School students)

4.     Enjoyable – Reassure your children that the beverage promises to make drinking water easier to drink and more fun. With just a hint of flavor – HINT is available in ten unique and delicious flavors including Watermelon, Blackberry, Pomegranate-Tangerine, Strawberry-Kiwi, Raspberry-Lime, Mango-Grapefruit, Lime, Pear, Honeydew-Hibiscus and Cucumber

5.    Useful– HINT isn’t an alternative to water because it is WATER. HINT is a great way for kids of all ages (and adults too) looking for a healthy, more flavorful drink option to still reap the advantages of water

If it’s the carbonated bubbles that your child loves, then not to worry, HINT Water also launched the first and only unsweetened sparkling essence water, HINT Fizz and is available in four flavors including Blackberry, Watermelon, Strawberry-Kiwi and Peach.

HINT, whose mantra is Drink Water, Not Sugar®, became the brainchild of Kara Goldin, a mother of four, when seeking a refreshing, unsweetened, no calorie beverage for her children. Kara got the idea for the all-natural fruit essence water when one day her daughter reached for a juice and she then asked her to make a healthier option. Kara was surprised to see her daughter go for the very drink that she had in hand – just water with a HINT of lime flavor.

Before Kara started HINT, she found herself spending a lot of time in the grocery aisle looking for healthy options for her family and realized that beverages were heading in the wrong direction. Since then, HINT has become one of the largest privately owned beverage businesses in the US.

Kara was named one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs and was just recently named one of Ernst & Young LLP’s 2012 Entrepreneurial Winning Women.

My thoughts-My son plays Soccer and runs Cross Country for his school.  And I like that the school encourages their athletes like my son to drink water.  With that said, what kid wants to drink water all day long, I know as an adult I don't.  I like that Hint is flavored water.  It is water with a hit of flavor.  There are no sweeteners, calories, or preservatives.  It is Vegan, Gluten-Free, and No MSG.  It contains no juice.  But what it does contain is flavor.  No more drinking plain water.

***Disclosure-Samples provided for review.  These are my own, honest opinions.

Jillian Michaels Hard Body Review

So I love Jillian and I know am one of her biggest fans.  I love her no excuses attitude and love that she kicks butt.  She can kick my butt any time or so that is what I use to think....lol

I tried this total body workout for 45 minutes per day.  this is me after her workout.  She kicked my butt.  It was hard but guess what, that is why it is called HARD BODY!!  I like that you are not still for a minute.  It is a continuous workout.  One minute you are up and the next you are on the floor.  You are doing combinations and work the entire body at the same time.  If you have ever done one of Jillian's workouts before, you need to try this one.  I even had a friend join me in the workout.  She is a Jillian fan and loves her workouts.  She said this was a hard workout.  But we both enjoyed it!
I like that she has beginner, intermediate, and advance modes throughout the entire workout.  Every step of the way, she is there to help in case you don't get it with modifications or if you need to slow down.  There are 2- 45 minute workouts.  I can't wait to be able to handle the next 45 minutes!
Hard Body, here I come.

Jillian Michael's Hard Body will be available on March 5.  You can pre-order your copy online.

***Disclosure-Sample provided for review.  These are my honest opinions.

***CLOSED***KeVita Review and Giveaway

KeVita® Sparkling Probiotic Drink is certified organic, non-dairy, non-GMO, gluten free and vegan.

DID YOU KNOW?

80 % of your immune system lives in your gut. Healthy gut = Healthy Immune System.

My thoughts-I am all for anytime that will not make my allegies react in some sort of way.  I am always looking for healthy drinks and food I can intake that will actually help my digestive system.  I hit my 30s and I have had all sorts of problems.  But I am trying to help my body by trying new, different items out there.  So I went to Whole Foods and found a drink called Mojita, mmmm sounds good huh?  It has lime, mint, and coconut.

All of the ingredients I like.   A non-alcoholic drink with the ingredients I like.  It was good.  I gave some to my mom to try as well and she liked it too.  

Wanna give it a try?  I have a giveaway....

How to enter:

1)  Tell me which drink you would like to try? (1 entry)

2)  Facebook Share. (1 entry/per share)

3)  Tweet.  (1 entry/per tweet/per day)

Wanna try @KeVitaDrinks?  @independentmami #giveaway ends 3/4 #cleanse #organic #probiotic http://tinyurl.com/bbfymn8

This giveaway ends 3/4/13 at 8 am.  3 winners will be randomly selected.  The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Please leave an email in comment.  Good Luck.

***Samples provided for review.  These are my honest opinions.