BetterBody - In Search Of

I'm in search of a better body.  One that is healthy inside and out.  I know that what I put in my body matters and it affects my body.  I have to make better choices with the foods I put in my mouth. 

Thanks to BetterBody Foods for sending sample product.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Let's be honest for a minute.  I have fallen into the slump.  After my busy day or busy week, I do not want to go into the kitchen.  Who wants to slave over the stove?  Our schedules have been extra full that it has been easier for us to grab a bite to eat while we are out.  And keeping it real, we are foodies.  Summer, vacation, travel, and road trips have brought on a few extra pounds on top of the ones that were already there.  With the passing of my birthday and back to school around the corner, I would like to refocus what we are putting on our plates. 

Small changes can make a difference.  I have decided to try clean eating with the entire family again.  This can be hard at times.  So I decided selecting better ingredients for the meals I make is the way to start.  I am starting small with some of my favorite recipes. 

I like to meal prep on Sundays.  This helps get our week started on the right foot.  I try to make a couple of meals to offer a variety.  Usually when I use the family packs of meat, I have leftover after measuring out our meals.  I have to get creative to use all the leftovers.  One of my favorites to make with leftover chicken is Chicken Salad.  Chicken salads are not hard to make and you can add your favorites like nuts, dill, vinegar, etc...  My family likes to keep it simple.

Chicken Salad

-shredded chicken
-dill pickles
-BetterBody Foods Avocado Mayo
-mustard
-hard boiled eggs

I am not one to write down recipes or measure ingredients.  A sprinkle of this, a dap of that, and a small taste here and there.  BetterBody Foods sent me a bottle of their avocado mayo.  I was excited to try it in one of my recipes.  Playing in the kitchen and getting creative with ingredients are some of my best meals.   Clean eating is a little intimidating to me.  You have to look at the nutritional facts, count calories, and balance your plate.  This is why small changes can help me stay on track, keeping me focused, and ultimately being successful.  This is why choosing good ingredients and replacing the bad ones are important. 

Avocado Mayonnaise by BetterBody Foods offers:

· Cage Free Eggs
· Non-GMO
· Doesn't contain soybean or canola oils
· Dairy-Free
· Gluten-Free
· Paleo & Keto diets approved
Check out their recipes page that offers ideas, clean eating, and does the counting everything for you.  CALORIES, FAT, PROTEIN, CARBS, etc...  These can make a big difference in your progress.

Now I can take a bite out of that.  And so can my family.  By the way, my recipe swap was a success.  The avocado mayo took my chicken salad to the next level.  It was enjoyed by all. 

Getting Nutty in 2019 with PBfit

How was all the yummy holiday food?  Did you over indulge?  Did you leave your healthy eating habits at the door?  I mean, I understand.  Abuelas tamales are the best.  Who can blame you, when all the desserts you have been waiting to eat all year were neatly displayed on a giant table in front of you!

Thanks to PBFit for providing samples for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Time to get back on track and bring all those healthy eating habits back.  You know what to do. (This is what I tell myself!)  But after all that sugar intake, your body might start craving it.  Cravings are hard to fight off.  This is my biggest problem.  Can you go cold turkey?  I can’t. I have a sweet tooth all year long.  Fighting a sugar craving is really hard for me in a house full of sweets.  The problem is also a world of products full of sugar.

We have to make the change.  The manufacturers are not going to make the changes.  Some are trying to reduce sugar.  Others are finally keeping it real on the labels. It is our job to know what we are putting in our mouths.  Do you check your labels?  I am guilty of not doing this all the time.  But why should we have to check the labels every, single time.  Why not just find products that we know are good for us?  Maybe a brand that does the work you.

PBfit has taken away-90% of the fat and two-thirds of the calories. (Compared to regular peanut butter)   Made from real roasted, pressed peanuts.  With a dash of organic coconut palm sugar and kosher salt. All-Natural – Gluten Free – Protein

Now available in Sugar Free! This is one New Year’s resolution that will be easy to keep.

Celebrate National Peanut Butter Day with this PBfit & Grape Smoothie - 3 ingredient recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk
PBfit
1 cup frozen grapes

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until thick and creamy. Pour into a large glass and enjoy!

Calories 165 • Fat 5g • Protein 11g • Carbs 32g • Fiber 5g

On the Go Snacking

By now you are back in session, school that is.  School has started, routines are back to normal, and the schedules are starting to fill up with after-school activities, practices, and games.

Thanks to Fresh Cravings for sending samples for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

My schedule fills up super fast when school starts.  I am sure that is the same for all parents with school aged kids.  From packing the school lunches to running to a practice, we all have one thing in common.  We look for easy on-the-go snacks that our kids will enjoy.  But what about mom and dad?  Do you ever grab something for you?  Or are you like me, starving? 

 Who doesn't love chips and salsa?  Introducing Fresh Cravings salsa.

Made with fresh vine-ripened tomatoes and crisp, hand-picked vegetables, along with zesty peppers and spices, Fresh Cravings salsa is never cooked, which gives it a fresh authentic taste.  These snack packs come in Fresh Cravings’ most popular recipe, Restaurant Style, in Mild heat.  They include just the right amount of tortilla chips for it to be a nourishing treat without worrying about portion control.  They are sold in Walmart stores for $1.78 and can be found in the produce section.

“We continuously hear from our customers that they want healthier, more affordable snacking solutions for their families,” says Jay Whitney, President of FoodStory Brands, the company behind Fresh Cravings.  “We developed this Fresh Cravings Salsa and Tortilla Chips combo to help parents find a fun, and more nourishing snack for their kids and for themselves.”

Whether I pack them for my lunch for work or grab a snack for mommy to sit on the sidelines with while watching practice, this is the perfect grab-and-go snack.

BFree Gluten-Free Breads

Do you suffer from a bloated stomach after eating?  Have you had that checked?  I was having serious problems with my stomach and I really did not know why.  I tried no soda, no eggs, and nothing really helped.  I got allergy tested and it turns out some of the food I was eating was making my stomach swell.  Ever heard of gluten-free?

Thanks to BFree for sending sample product to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

You really need to listen to your body when it gives you warning signs.  The warning signs can be flagging some serious issues.  Many people now suffer from a lot of allergies, one being food allergy to dairy, egg, wheat, gluten, etc.  This is not a new craze people are doing.  This is how people have to learn to eat in order to stay healthy.

BFree products are not only high fiber and low fat, and completely vegan.  They carry a variety of products:

-Wraps (multi-grain/sweet potato/quinoa and chia seed)

-Pita bread

-Hot Dog buns (plain/seeded)

-rolls (white/brown seeded)

-sandwich bread (white/brown seeded)

-bagel (multi-seeded/plain)

I was pretty skeptical about how this bread was going to taste but I was ready to try it.  We were really impressed by the taste.  We really did some sampling, trying it with different dishes.  I did not tell the family the ingredients of the bread.  No one complained.  Everyone ate their food.  They did not notice any difference.  That is really good because my daughter is allergic to eggs and I have to always be careful with what she eats too.  I don't have to worry about the ingredients because they are Non-GMO.  This bread did not crack or crumble either.  I am also glad that this bread is available at our local H-E-B.

For more information, go to bfreefoods.com.

The Health Museum Presents Body Worlds RX

This year I am on a journey of self discovery and renew.  I am guilty of self neglect.  It is so easy to forget about yourself when you are running around taking care of everyone else.  Life should not get in the way of self preservation, self care, or self love.

Thanks to the Health Museum for a preview invitation.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal opinion.

How well do you take care of your one body?  Have you ever wondered what your heart looks like?

How big is your heart?  And I don't mean, how nice are you?  Do you suffer from an enlarged heart?  Do you know your family history?  All of these questions ran through my head.  A real reality check to face and see how our organs are affected.  Seeing them from the inside out.

Body Worlds RX was created by anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens.  She is the inventor of Plastination science.  The exhibit features Plastination, a complex technique that removes the fluids from the body and replaces them with plastics that harden.

This exhibit really woke me up.  I need to take better care of my body.  I need to learn more about my family history and make better choices.  This exhibit was like a fun Science class that showed you how the body really works. 

Prescriptions for Healthy Living on exhibit now until April 23, 2017.

Body Worlds RX is included in the cost of your general admission ticket purchase.

For more information, go to the healthmuseum.org/exhibit/body-worlds-rx.

Healthy Fall Guide

I love the fall weather but I do not like how it makes me feel.  It makes me just want to curl under my blankets and watch television.  How does it make you feel?

Don't let Fall get you off track.  Stay focused on your goals and find things that can help.

1)  Red Ace-They are beet juice shots that are a quick, healthy, and delicious way to get long-lasting, clean energy.  Beat the slump by having energy without those mid-day crashes. 

2)  Mediterra Nutrition-These are loaded with fiber, nutrients, and vitamins.  Remember it is better to make lifestyle changes versus binging on diets.  Perfect snacks that all are natural, Non GMO, and Gluten-Free for your salty or sweet cravings.

3)  Ozarka Sparkling Water-Say no to sodas and yes, to sparkling water with 0 calories, 0 sweeteners, and 0 sugars.  I cannot say this enough hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  This is a great option for those that don't like plain water.  Or like me, need a little help burping.

4)  G Organic-Gatorade’s new USDA certified organic sports drink, G Organic is made with just 7 organically sourced ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.  I love to run when the weather gets cooler.  Usually I am in training for the Aramco half marathon in January and I need to stay hydrated and fueled to get my mileage in.

5)  Lala Yogurt Smoothie-Made from real fruit and is packed with protein, vitamin A, vitamin D and calcium.  These are great for on the go.  The perfect any time snack.

Disclosure-Sample products were received for review.  All products have been Independentmami tested and Independentmami approved.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience. 

Snacking on the Go

One of the things I have learned is, in order to not over eat or mal pasarme (not eat at my usual time), I have to snack.  We are always on the go.  Whether we are on our way to school, work, or the gym, always on the go.  Sometimes we over schedule ourselves and may not even have time to stop and eat.  But your body needs fuel to keep going.  I always encourage my family to take snacks on the go.  I prefer the snacks to be healthy snacks.  Sometimes that can be hard with the kiddos.  We have to teach them healthy habits to keep their minds and bodies strong.

Thanks to The New Primal for sending samples to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

One snack we all enjoy is jerky.  Even the little one always asks for meat sticks.  This is a good snack they can take on the go and eat anywhere they are.

The New Primal says they are the #1 selling natural jerky in the county.  Their beef is sourced from New Zealand: (Why, you ask?)

1)  grass grows year round due to New Zealand's temperate environment
2)  New Zealand has some of the strictest animal welfare standards and bio-security laws in the world
3)  GMO's are illegal
4)  Cattle have zero natural predators there

The flavors include Habanero Pineapple Beef, Barbecue Beef, Cilantro Lime Turkey and the first pork product- Maple Bacon Pork. 

  

Product Facts:

·      Our beef is humanely treated and pasture raised, not injected with hormones or antibiotics, or being fed anything other than non-GMO contaminated grass. 

·      There is zero sodium, sugar, or preservatives/nitrates added to The New Primal’s jerky, only natural, easily recognizable ingredients you’re likely to find in your own kitchen.

These jerky sticks are fresh new flavors.  They are perfect for our family.  Perfect for anyone looking to eat clean protein.  They are very tasty too. 

For more information, visit www.thenewprimal.com.

February 2016 Health Check In

The shortest month of the year came and went.  60 days have already passed us by.  Where do you stand with your health goals? 

Here is where I stand with my 2016 goals:

1)  Run 365 miles-I ran 2.55 miles this month.  For 2016, I have ran a total of 4.06 miles.  Leaving me with 360.94 miles to go.  This mileage is not huge but it is huge for me.  Check this out:  

January 1  -  1.51 miles - 23.51 minutes
February 9 - 1.52 miles - 14.26 minutes

When I ran 1.5 miles in January I was dying.  My chest and knees were killing me.  When I ran 1.5 miles this month, I ran faster and felt great.  My pace in January was 15' 47" and in February it was 9' 26".  I took 9.25 minutes off my time.

2)  Walk 10,000 steps per day.

January -   average steps 11,953
February - average steps 10,099

No excuses but I did forget to put my watch on 2 days.  Both days were weekend days. 

3)  Weight-Drum Roll please...... I have lost a 2.5 lbs.  In total for 2016, I have lost 10.5 lbs.  Woohoo! 

4)  Weight Training.  At the end of last month, I said I wanted to start weight training and I have. 

That's my coach back there.  We have been hitting the gym together.  I am seeing progress in my body. 

For February being the shortest month, it packed a punch.  It put me to the test.  There was Superbowl Sunday, my son's birthday, Valentine's Day, and traveling.  The scale was not being my friend.  And for a minute, I was a little crushed.  Oh, let's be real.  I wanted to cry.  All the hard work of counting calories, walking every day, making time to work out, etc....and for it not to show on the scale.  I had to give myself the talk.  The how does your clothes fit, you are doing so great, keep up the good work, etc...  Every day is a struggle.  There are good days and there are bad days.  I can only worry about today and I'm ok with that.

Here are my goals for March:

Monday through Friday, I am able to do great.  I have a schedule I keep.  When it comes to the weekends that is where I can improve.  I am planning on getting the family outdoors. 

I am going to take my measurements.  Since I have been lifting weights, I am building muscle.  Muscle weighs more than fat.  Even if the scale does not move, I will take inches lost any day.

I also want to add more mileage this month.  Eventually I want to be able to run more than 1.5 miles at a time. 

I want 10,000 steps for 31 days straight.

I think that is enough for my goals.  What are your goals? 

Bulu Box Review

***Disclosure-I am a USFG member.  I received a 3 month subscription for review on the blog.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Bulu box is a monthly box of healthy products.  The box is $10 a month and you get free shipping.

1. TRY SAMPLES- discovering new products, see which products don't work for you

Try 4-5 samples based on your profile before buying full-size so you don't waste your money

2. EARN POINTS-Each month you can earn up to 100 Rewards Points (that's $10!) just for subscribing and sharing your thoughts. 

Log in to your account to fill out your sample surveys about the products you just tried

3. CASH OUT-Once you've earned Rewards Points you can use them like actual cash towards a full-size purchase of your new favorite product. You can get your order completely free!

There are 2 different kind of boxes-

Bulu Box Original: This box provides a well-rounded sampling of all things health and nutrition. Each box contains 4 to 5 premium samples such as sports nutrition, sleep, and healthy snacks. Plus lifestyle extras like gym gift cards or DVDs to cover all aspects of health!

Bulu Box Weight Loss: Designed specifically to help with the varying factors of weight loss, this box contains 4 to 5 premium weight loss items such as energy aids, healthy snacks, sleep aids and fat-burners. Plus bonus weight loss items like fitness gear and kitchen tools.

I liked getting new products that I had never heard of.  I got to try them out.  I hate buying full size products that I do not like.  Wasting money.  This way I was able to try what I liked and didn't like. 

For more information, go to www.bulubox.com

Weekend Snapshots | 1

This year my plan is to continue what I started last year and stay more connected to my family.  In the end all the hard work we do is for them, right?    

I am joining Arianna from 3twentysix in her Weekend Snapshot Series.  This is my first installment of this past weekends adventures. 

My weekend started early on Friday at Merlot 2 Masterpiece where I got to paint and sip on wine.

The theme was Mardi Gras.  We painted two masks on a purple background.  My painting was more a reflection of the happy face and sad face.  Not that I was trying to paint it this way but it just came out this way.  As I kept painting, my painting took it's own life.  The top mask was a reflection on the happy me, when everything is fine, more put together.  The bottom mask was sad, imperfect, and was darker.  I was just painting but this is what came out.  Anyways, it was a fun ladies night.

My hubby and I were able to have the Valentine's date we didn't get to have last week.  I had told him I had wanted to go to the park.  He asked if this was going to be like our trip to Austin where we walked a mile for each year we had been together and reflected while the whole time, we were lost without water.  Yeah, that happened and no, it was not.  It was good for us to be able to hangout just the two of us.  We do not get to do that alot anymore and it was much needed.   

There are trails.  You can ride bikes.  Make sure to pay attention were you park, were you start, and how far you want to go.   

We even stopped at the Houston Police Officers' Memorial on our walk.

We even got to go to the gym together to get a couples workout in.  We had not been able to go to the gym together.  Many people have told me they are not able to workout with their partner.  My husband and I have a fun relationship.  We always have a good time.  He cracks me up.  If you have met my husband, you know he is a clown.  He had set the timer for 1 hour but we ended having so much fun we kept right on going for 30 more minutes.

We reconnected.  We were able to talk, be silly, and best of all, enjoy each other's company.  How was your weekend?  Did you do anything exciting?  This was a snapshot of our weekend.  I hope to share more of these moments with you on the Weekend Snapshot Series.  Until the next one. 

January 2016 Health Check In

Today I am checking in with you and recapping what has happened since January 1, 2016 when I hit the reset button.  It has been hard work every - single - day to stay on track.  To tell you the truth, this time has been the hardest.  I kept putting ME off in 2015.  I would start and then quit on myself again because it was so hard. 

I am not going to lie.  I have no secrets for you or a fast forward button.  Every day is a struggle.  It will continue to be a struggle but I have to stay focused, keep my eye on my goals, and remember to work at balance.

Here is what I have been doing:

-Calorie Count-Tracking those darn calories has been keeping me straight.  Every day I start off with the same amount of calories.  I eat breakfast and start subtracting from there.  Sometimes for dinner I don't have many calories left and I have to work around that. 

-Serving Sizes-Smaller portions.  Eating on smaller plates.  I am measuring everything.  Even my drinks.  Everything you put in your mouth counts. 

-Fitness Shows-I know how to do this.  It is like riding a bike.  It will all come back to me.  And some things have come back.  But I am also learning new things.  Where?  On TV.  Yes, I am a dork and am watching The Biggest Loser, My Diet is Better Than Yours, and Fit to Fat to Fit.  Why?  Because it helps me.  I work out while watching the shows.  I learn from the tips they give.  I see what exercises are working for them.

-Diet Bet-I signed up for a biggest loser challenge.  This is the first time I have ever joined in a challenge like this.  It is helping me stay on track with my own goals.  Every 2 weeks we will check in and on the final weigh in, the person who has lost the biggest percentage will win the money. 

-Lifestyle-I am cooking at home.  We are eating at home.  I am making and packing lunches.  We are all eating the same.  My family is being supportive and it has been a lifestyle change for all of us.

-Resting-I have been getting to bed earlier.  The doctor did recommend this to me.  She said it would make a difference and it did.  I am more ready for my day.

-Steps-I said I wanted to run 365 miles by the end of the year.  I have only ran 1.5 miles but I have walked more than half of my goal already in steps.  My goal is to do 10,000 steps everyday.  When I first started the month it took me all day to get my steps.  I started walking before work, during lunch, and right before bed.  I kinda set a daily time goal.  Before lunch I tried to get half my steps done.  I would catch up my steps during lunch.  Any missing steps I would do before bed.  As the month progressed I got better at making sure I got my steps done and even went above my daily goal.

Here is my progress:

I have lost a total of 8 pounds.

I am so happy that I am so motivated.  I have been successful.  Every pound has been hard work on my part.  If I told you that the number on the scale does not really matter I would be lying.  This time it does matter to me.  I will tell you that even if I did not see the scale change, I would know that something was happening in my body.  I feel better.  I am happier.  I have energy.  I like that my clothes is fitting again.  I have already went down at least 3 sizes.  I have to admit I was wearing some Plus sizes.  I had never been this size.  I hope to never go back.

To be clear I am not taking any magic pills, drinking special shakes, or anything else someone is selling.  I am taking my multi-vitamin, skin-hair-nails, and drinking lots of water.  Every now and again, I take the easy road and do indulge on a Smoothie King shake as a replacement meal.  Why am I telling you all of this, transparency?  I am not on anyone's plan, except my own.  I do not have weekly meetings to talk about my weight with a total stranger.  I do what I can everyday to work hard at my own goals.  I am not paying for a meal plan.  I am learning to cook our favorite dishes by making little changes to ingredients.  Choosing healthy.  Indulging a little but in smaller portions.  I am eating what I want but not getting carried away.  I am not dieting.  I am not spending everyday in the gym.  See as a mom I felt so guilty spending any minute away from my kids.  That guilt kept me home most days in 2015.  This is why I am doing it my way this time.  I am spending time with my kids and my husband.  We walk around the mall, go down every aisle in the grocery store, enjoy bike rides and going to the park. 

Moving on to February, my plan is to continue doing my 10,000 steps every day.  I am planning to incorporate more weight training.  Losing 1 lb a week is healthy to me.  I am moving in the right direction and that is good enough for me.  This isn't a race, this is life.  My life.

Thanks for sticking around for this long post.  Any thoughts?  questions?  comments?

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?

Fitness Friday-Eatfitters

***Disclosure-I received a full day worth of meals to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

On Sunday night, I noticed my finger was super swollen.  I had to take my wedding ring off because it was cutting of my circulation.  I have to admit my eating habits have not been great.  Just last week I was stuck balled up in bed from stomach problems.  See I normally do not eat greasy foods, but I had Menudo.  Menudo is a Spanish soup.  It is beef tripe in a broth of red chili base.  It is super greasy!  But we had just been out at my niece's softball game and we were soaking wet.  This soup just smelled great, and it was exactly what my taste buds wanted.  The problem is that I do not eat grease.  So my stomach freaked.

Thanks to Sam Jauode for inviting me to sit with him and learn about Eatfitters.  Sam is the owner but more than an owner, he seems to really care about nutrition.  His own personal story is what inspired him to open Eatfitters.  

How is Eatfitters different?

-They have real food (Carne Guisada, pizza, Jambalaya, pasta, and so many more of my favorite dishes)
-They are more than different versions of salads and grilled chicken
-Low in Sodium
-Family-sized meals

Today's Food Menu-

Turkey Breakfast Burrito-diced sweet potato, onion, tomato, cilantro and lean ground turkey wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla and topped with cheddar cheese. 280 cal

Hummus and Eggs 50 cal

Carne Guisada-Lean beef stewed in a blend of onions, red pepper, jalapeno and fresh tomatoes. Served on a bed of cilantro/lime brown rice. 370 cal

Hummus $4.25

Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas-special marinated grilled chicken blended with fresh spinach and a green chile sauce, then rolled into low-fat corn tortillas and topped with special cilantro sauce. 200 cal

I liked the variety of real food I had.  Each meal was flavorful.  And remember those swollen fingers, not after today's meals.

Sam was so gracious enough to send my husband some meals too.  He understands how important healthy meals are to our family.  He shared that he and his own family eat Eatfitters meals as well.

My husband's meals:

Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas LG 470 cal

Chili Migas-chili combined with egg whites and corn tortillas and high-protein  LG 320 cal

My husband is a picky eater, who compares everyone's cooking to his momma's, enjoyed both of his meals.  I did not get to take a picture of his breakfast.  With his work schedule we are on different meal times.  But we did get to sit down and have dinner together.  I warmed his meal and served it to him.  He did not look at the ingredients.  You know men and kids, sometimes, you have to just tell them to try it first and ask questions after.  This is the first time he and I have tried enchiladas that are not smothered in cheese and greasy chili.  We both enjoyed the healthy enchiladas with Spinach.

So my husband's next question was, can we afford the food?  Eatfitters has different plans to fit everyone:
 
-Go3 Plan-Allows you to try the food and get 10% off on your first order of 3 days of meals.
-Gold Savings Plan-Pay in advance.  Get 5% off on all meals, drinks, and products.
-Platinum Savings Plan-Pay in advance.  Get 10% off on all meals, drinks, and products.

You can also enroll into the FREE Rewards program where you can earn points for FREE meals.

For more details on the Plans and to schedule a Free Nutritional Consult, go to eatfitters.com.

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

Fitness Friday-Surrender the Hustle: Fitting in the 15

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

Attention Houston wanna a free workout?  I do, I do....

Momma Strong presents “Fitting in the 15” May 21

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Momma Strong is offering a free 15- minute high intensity interval workout.  This event is free and open to the public.    

Whole Foods Market Kirby, 2955 Kirby Dr. – 

After the exercise, Momma Strong founder Courtney Wyckoff will lead a brief discussion about ways to fit exercise into a busy schedule.

“There are real deal ways to find time for a quick work-out – just like you make time each day to brush your teeth,” Wyckoff said. “The Momma Strong exercise routines are scientifically and strategically designed for the overall health of a woman’s body and not just for looking good – and they take only 15 minutes.”

Following the discussion, guests are invited to indulge in a “Happy Hour” special while watching a presentation from the Whole Foods Market Healthy Eating Specialist on quick snacks for before and after exercise.

Momma Strong, headquartered in Houston, is an international fitness, health and lifestyle company created for mothers who want to rediscover a life of resiliency, adventure and vitality.

Wyckoff, a certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist, has 14 years experience in the field of fitness, nutrition and injury prevention and treatment. 

After an injury forced her to retire from a professional ballet career, she began an in-depth research of biomechanical performance and jump-started her career in wellness.

Later, after becoming a mother herself eight years ago, she applied this research to women’s health, resulting in specializations in pelvic stabilization, core integration and postpartum resiliency training.

Wyckoff founded Momma Strong in 2011 and today there are more than 5,000 members worldwide.

For more information about Momma Strong, visit http://mommastrong.com.

CrunchPak Sweet Apple Slices

***Disclosure-I received coupons for product.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Thanks to CrunchPak for sending me coupons for cleaned, ready to eat apples.  I used the coupons to purchase Sweet Apples Multi-Paks.

Crunch Pak created the perfect recipe of vitamin C and calcium to prevent spoilage and maintain the crispness of an apple after it’s sliced. Then the company figured out the right width to slice apples so they stayed freshest longest. The last piece of the puzzle was packaging: Crunch Pak’s breathable bags allow the sliced apples to receive the right mixture of oxygen while emitting carbon dioxide; that combination ensures the apples maintain optimum quality during transportation to market.

I like that CrunchPak has the individual packs.  They have a variety of products.  They are the perfect snack size for kids or adults.  The packs are so easy to grab and go.  My daughter loves apples.  And now she can have them on the go.

CrunchPak has Disney products that offer more than just apples for your kids.  This is healthy snacking for the kiddos.  I don't have to cut veggies, or fruits.  Some kids don't like fruits and vegetables.  They are more likely to pick an item that has a character or that looks kid friendly.  This might be a way to get your kid to try healthy snacking, if they already don't.  Get them started today.  This work great for field trips, day trips, or road trips too.