Busy week, NuNaturals giveaway & 7 day vegetarian challenge!

Wow, I have’t posted in a couple of days & I feel like there’s going to be a big dump going on right now!
Let me begin by telling you that I finally got an amazing run outside!
I fueled up with this at home:
(Only the energy one, not all of them!)
I had planned on running somewhere between 6-10, wasn’t exactly sure because I hadn’t run long since the 1/2 marathon. It felt so good that I ran 11! BAM! It was a slow & steady 11, but I was outside, enjoying the fresh smell of flowers, the sunshine, other runners, babies in strollers, dogs, my awesome book on my IPod, etc. It was a true runners high I got from that awesome run! That’s why I run! It never feels great until after the 3rd mile, when I get my groove on, that’s why longer runs are the best!
I was a little over dressed & had to push up my sleeves mid run. But, was SO comfortable.

That was me prior to asking Stone to help me out!

Then, I asked & Nemo needed to be part of the fun.

A bit sweaty & happy after my great long beautiful run!
I’ve been participating in a 7 day vegetarian challenge with Jill Fickling-Conyers. Ok, it’s not so hard for me, but does keep me on my toes & I’m loving it!
Here’s a recap of the week I had for the challenge:
The first thing is to be meatless for 7 days! Done!
Day 1: Try a new fruit or vegie. Well, I had frozen pomegranite seeds I found at Costco. I simply ate them frozen & didn’t even defrost them. Have you ever done that? I thought it may be weird, but it was good. Like eating frozen blueberries, why not?!
You should try them. They sell a big bag already ready! So easy & Yum!
Day 2: Have a green smootie! Done!

I added kale to my protein smoothie. I had to floss afterward because I had both chia seeds & kale in my teeth. I’m usually only dealing with chia, but it was great & worth needing the floss!
Day 3: Try a quinoa recipe.
Here’s what we had for lunch yesterday: quinoa salad with tomatoes, cucumbers & basil with lemon. Simple & delicious!
Days 4-7 were simply vegetarian: I got that in no problem.
Truth is I made detox salad for the entire week & had it daily for lunch. I love it! I posted it on Monday ( I think).
Here are some pics of my food from the week:

So, I’ve met the challenge & am up for another week! Woo hoo! The one thing that i”m really struggling with & would like to change in my diet is to get rid of my creamer in my coffee. I LOVE the stuff, but am trying to rid dairy. However, if this is the only thing I have, that’s fine. All in moderation, right!!??
I’m off for a tabata bootcamp video & then to a Lungevity walk with my family. This is in memory of my mom who passed away from lung cancer. The event is so wonderful & I’m thrilled that we’re doing it again this year. It’s the 2nd yr of the event & I’m hoping to make this an annual event with my family. Gotta go!
Have a wonderful day!
I hope there’s a lot of sunshine by you.
What will you do today?
Don’t forget about the NuNaturals giveaway! There’s only 1 day left & the stuff is AMAMZING! Seriously. You don’t want to miss out! The rafflecopter is on the right hand side of the page. Enter NOW! :).

Random Babble & NuNaturals giveaway!

I had the greatest workout yesterday!  I ran 5 miles (on my treadmill b/c I thought it was going to rain).  Then I did a 6minute tabata workout & a 30 minute tabata workout.  I was truly a great way to start my day.  Love That!

I have to tell you that I’m really loving my NuNaturals flavored drops.  I added chocolate to the kids pancakes yesterday a.m.  I added the mint to my licorice tea (it was amazing) & I added a couple drops of the vanilla to my hemp protein shake.  It is seriously addicting.  I just made overnight oats for breakfast tomorrow & added a couple drops of the vanilla.  It doesn’t really need it, but I’m loving the addition, so why not?!

I saw this on another blog & had to post it.  It’s so true!  Running just clears my mind & makes everything alright!  It’s just as much for my physical health as it is for my mental health if not more sometimes!  Dontcha think?  And, the high you get after a great run.  I have never found anything else that does the same.  And, it’s FREE!  That’s the best!

I got these amazing bars the other day to try.

I had the acai berry yesterday for a snack.  It was really tasty & I loved the crunch from the seeds.  They’re only 100 calories  & packed with Omega 3’s.  It’s a perfect little snack that gives you a lot of vitamins & only 100 calories.  Definitely worth a try!  Thank you to the fine folks at Health Warrior for sending them my way!

Here’s a bit of info. about Health Warrior from their website.:

OUR STORY

Five centuries after the Aztec Warriors built an empire on the power of Chia, we learned about the benefits of Chia while reading the best-selling book Born to Run, about the Tarahumara Indians and their jaw-dropping long-distance runs. The Tarahumara, like the Aztecs before them, are Powered by Chia.

We looked into it further, and were floored by what we found. Turns out Chia is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.

We started eating Chia every day, on everything. Suddenly we were working out harder, lifting heavier, feeling stronger, and running farther, faster.

With that, Health Warrior was born.

Health Warrior is dedicated to vetting the world’s growers for the highest quality Chia and helping people conquer the many challenges of their everyday lives.

I wonder since I make sure that I have chia daily if I could stop taking fish oil….  I take it for the omega 3’s, but chia is loaded.  Hmmm…..  What do you think?

I have a huge bottle, so either way I”ll finish it, but maybe I won’t replenish it.  That’s something to consider.  If you have information about that, please weigh in & leave me a comment. Thanks for the support.

Do you take supplements?  What do you take & why?

NuNaturals GIVEAWAY

NuNaturals

I was so lucky to win all of these products from another blogger.

• Lemon NuStevia Liquid
• Orange NuStevia Liquid
• Peppermint NuStevia Liquid
• Chocolate NuStevia Liquid
• Vanilla NuStevia Liquid

I didn’t realize how lucky I was until I did a little research & learned about all of the amazing benefits of NuNaturals products, as well as all of the wonderful “non-guilty” treats I could make!

Here’s what I found so interesting from the NuNaturals website: Stevia is a great all natural herbal sweetener that can be used a great low calorie, low carbohydrate sugar substitute but some people may worry about potential stevia side effects. Well the good news is there is nothing to worry about, while Stevia’s confusing treatment by the FDA can seem alarming, there are absolutely no Stevia side effects to worry about! Now with the FDA’s decision to allow the use of stevia Reb-A compounds as food additives there is nothing to worry about when using stevia as an all natural sugar substitute.

There are a variety of products on their website.  Not only are they wonderful & have a variety of options, but they also are cheaper on their own website than I’ve found anywhere else.

This is my favorite thus far!

I have to tell you that as of now, my favorite treat to make with my NuNaturals stevia is a “mock frappuccino“.  OMG- the recipe is so simple!  You NEED to try it.  It’s amazing.  I’ve made it several times for a variety of people & everyone loves it!  I am a Starbucks fan, but hate all of those senseless calories.  No worries when you make it this way- you don’t need to count calories or fat grams!!!

2 C leftover coffee (preferably cold)

1 T instant coffee

2 C almond milk

3 droppers of vanilla NuNaturals liquid stevia

3 C ice

blend & enjoy!!!!!!

You’re in luck because the fine people at NuNaturals is offering one of my readers to get their very own package of goodies from NuNaturals.  Just enter the Rafflecopter on the right side of the page.  You know the drill.  Good luck.

I haven’t made ice cream yet, that’ll be my next guiltless treat- can’t wait!

Here’s what I had for breakfast:

Kale smoothie with Sun Warrior plant protein powder & a drop of Vanilla liquid stevia.

Ok, I’m off to run a bit & do a tabata video.  I’m still on my treadmill, as it’s dark outside & rainy today- ugggg…..

I’m really hoping that it’s nice enough to get outside this weekend for a nice long run!

Do you use any stevia products?

Stormy Weather in Chicago

Holy Ned.  I can’t even begin to believe the storms that took over Chicagoland yesterday.  IT was insane!  We were quite lucky at my house & only had a little seepage in our basement.

However, here’s a picture of a friend’s neighborhood!  It’s so hard to believe.  It just doesn’t flood like that around here.  I guess this is spring showers.  Hoping this will bring warmer weather, however, we’re supposed to have snow flurries today!  It’s Enough!  I’m done with this weather.  I NEED spring!

In leau of all of yesterdays events with the weather, I didn’t get a workout in, as I had hoped.  So, today, I’m off for a good one, so this post will be very brief!

Oh, I also saw this yesterday & had to post it.  I love this!

Have a great weekend.  Don’t forget that if you have good suggestions for me to run with, I”d love them.  Because, I’m not running outside in this weather :(.

Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter for Hemp.  It’s about to end!!!!!!     You don’t want to miss out on this one!

WIAW

Here’s another What I ate Wednesday.  Thanks Jenn from Peas & Crayons for hosting!

Let me tell you that last night for dinner, I certainly served up an extra cup of veggies!  Take a peak below!

Ok, this pic. is recycled, but this has been my breakfast of choice of late.  It’s tasty, filled with protein & quick!

I had this salad with (peppers, cucumbers, heart of palm, tomatoes, carrots & roasted chickpeas)!

This was a great afternoon snack!

Check out this plate of goodness I had for dinner: roasted kabocha tots, asparagus, roasted broccoli slaw atop mixed greens & topped with nutritional yeast!  I loved this dinner!

My kids had some of this after dinner.  This is definitely not my favorite brand of ice cream, so I can usually refrain, but it had pb in there, so I had to have a little.  Surprisingly, I really only had a 1/2 mug full.  I can sometimes eat the whole darn thing!  That was remarkable for me :).

I only have 2 episodes left of the 3rd season of Prison Break!  I’ll be a little sad to see it end.  I was hoping that by the time it ended, I’d be running outside all the time.  Well, for the next 2 days, there are supposed to be terrible storms.   I better get a new series/movie to watch until these storms go away!

Don’t for get to enter the rafflecpter on the right side of the page for Hemp from Manitoba Harvest!

Is there a great movie or a short series you recommend for me to watch while running until the rain stops?

Here it is: A giveaway for Hemp Hearts

Manitoba Harvest sent me a great package of both hemp hearts & protein powder.

I’ve used hemp hearts before.  I add them to salads, yogurt & have even sprinkled them into cookie dough.  They’re easy to digest & are packed with protein.  They have a nutty flavor & I really love all that they have to offer.

I was also pleasantly surprised with the protein powder.  I was using whey protein, but am trying to eliminate dairy, so I’ve been researching plant based protein & this is a winner.

Here’s some information:

Hemp Protein Powder

Excel in all that you do with an all natural, easy-to-digest, plant-based protein. Kick start your day, use as mid-day fuel, or incorporate into your pre or post workout regime to help your body replenish.

Manitoba Harvest offers five different protein powders; HEMP PRO 70, HEMP PRO 50, our Certified Organic HEMP PRO FIBER and our Certified Organic flavored hemp protein powders in dark chocolate and vanilla. Each of these protein powders have 10 essential amino acids and are rich in essential fatty acids (omegas).

Hemp Hearts

Taste great, are easy to use, and so good for you!

These soft-textured seeds taste a bit like a sunflower or pine nut. Sprinkle over salad, cereal or yogurt. Add to recipes, or simply eat straight from the bag.

Per serving, Hemp Hearts contain 10g of easy to digest protein and 10g of Omegas.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts are made in a hemp-dedicated facility by dehulling non-GMO seeds. Once shelled, Hemp Hearts are immediately packaged to seal in the freshness.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts are all-natural and contain NO additives, fillers or preservatives.

Are you eating clean? Only cooking with minimal ingredients? Or looking for a way to add EFAs, protein & omega-3 & omega-6 into your diet? Then try a bag today, you won’t be disappointed!

So, If you’d like to try these if you’ve never had before or if you just want some more…..

Enter the rafflecopter on the right.  By now, you should know the drill!  They won’t disappoint!

Schedule/Routine

I’ve been off schedule in so many ways for over a week now.  Passover threw my entire routine for a loop & I like routine for both me & my family.  We’ve been eating differently, staying up late, schedule has been quite erratic, etc.  I can deal with all of that; but, have been incredibly frustrated because my body is not cooperating with my goals.  I had a pinched nerve in December, went to P.T. for a while & got back to my regular routine after a bit.

Well, now something is happening again with my neck & I’m trying very hard to be careful so it doesn’t get bad again.  I’m “nursing” it with heat & p.t. exercises, etc.  It’s not terrible & I’m hoping that it stays this way.  I’m a little nervous to be honest, as it caused me much stress before.  So, I’m trying to focus on my upcoming 1/2 marathon in Springfield & laying off my tabata bootcamp training which I’ve been loving.

So, I’ve been wearing my new BREATHE bracelet I won from Lauren @ Breathe Deeply and Smile.  I love it & keeps reminding me to take one step at a time & Breathe!!!!  I’m really loving it!

So, it’s back to work today.  It’s my rest day, as well as Friday!  I’m just going to try to enjoy my rest & get strong for the race.  I know it will definitely not be a PR, but I’ll be happy to get through & feel good.

I did find a kombucha squash!  It was thrilled, as I thought it was past the season.  I roasted it with coconut oil, cinnamon and vanilla.  OMG- it was delicious!

I think I’m going to have it for breakfast with yogurt & some pb2 & chia seeds.  What a great way to start the day!!!!!!!

What will you have to power you up this a.m. for breakfast?

Don’t forget to enter the GIRLS4SPORT giveaway for a great halter for the summer!  Enter here!

Stuft Mama posted this yesterday & I loved it.  It’s from Runners World & really says it all!

I’m Baaaack!

Hello-

I’ve been swamped over here with Passover.  The past couple of years, we’ve gone to Florida & I’ve just locked up my house & gone away.  No big preparation of the house or lots of company.  It sure is much easier to just go away for the week, lie in the sun, relax & not stress about much.  However, being back in Chicago again & being with family for the holiday is so much different.  We really missed being with family.  We had 26 people last ngiht for the seder/dinner & it was wonderful.  Everyone participated & had a great time.  I’m still beat & recouperating, but so happy to be in town with family this year.  Not everyone was with us, but the people who were/are around, it’s so meaningful!

So, I took a little break from blogging for a few days to enjoy the holiday, which is still going on….

(Stone got new glasses a couple of days ago.)

I will take pics & post recipes soon.  I made a great salad that we’ll be eating for the next several days, as I made so much & it’s quite tasty!

(This is my new favorite breakfast!)  Avacado with egg-so great!

I have been fortunate to get my workouts in, even though my schedule is totally off!

Yesterday, I ran 5 & it was NOT easy!  I have been staying up late & working hard preparing, so it was hard to get my body to move, but I pushed it & did it!

I’ve also been diligent about getting in my tabata bootcamp workouts in!  The boys even tried to do it with me, but Stone found it to be a bit girly for him.  He didn’t like stretching out his hips, so he did his own exercises.

(Benji & Truman prior to the “festivities”.)

(Truman after festivities, fell asleep with Nemo.  Tru took Nemo’s bed & Nemo got the floor.  Nobody was in their proper bed 🙂 .)

(Oy, this was me blogging last night at midnight.  Benji couldn’t resist taking the pic. Thought I looked like the bride of Frankenstein.  Ha, he was right.  Oy, I can’t stay up that late anymore!)

Tomorrow, I’ll post pics/recipes & more healthy living tips.  Today, we’re off to a water park to get some movement in & get away from food :).

Don’t forget to enter both giveaways on the right side of the page.  One for Quest bars & the other for the adorable burnout tank.

What’s on your agenda for the day?

Fresh crisp salad

As promised, here’s a twist on a salad that I make often, but adjusted this one for Passover.

It’s a

Fresh Shredded Salad

• 2 peeled beets
• 2 stalks celery
• 2 peeled carrots
• 1 large bunch of broccoli (head & stalk)
• about 15 parsley sprigs

shred everything in food processor using shredding blade (even parsley).

Pour into bowl together & season with the following:

• fresh ground pepper (about 1 t)
• 1/2 t garlic powder
• 1 t apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 t lemon juice
• 1/4 t olive oil

It’s quite easy & so fresh & delicious.  The best part is that it will keep for a few days & still remain crisp!

I did a 30 minute tabata bootcamp video & a 6 minute video as well yesterday.  It was mostly upper body & OMG was it hard!  I really have no upper body strength!

Today is supposed to be 50 & sunny!  Yes, it’s late March & I’m thrilled about 50.  I’ll take what I can get.  In the meantime, I’m hoping to have a babysitter & be able to get outside for my first run on the pavement!  I typically do my long runs on the weekend, but it’s going to be in the 30’s & cold, so I need to do it today!  Looking forward.  Then, it’ll be tapering time for the 1/2 marathon!

Do you exercise outdoors?  Does the weather matter to you while exercising?

The Quest Bar winner:  

• 46 Sarah Tweet about the Giveaway

Please send me your mailing address.  Thanks & Congrats!

FRIDAY & another giveaway!!!

I’ve been loving my tabata bootcamp virtual trainings.  I did miss Wednesday b/c of my crazy day, but I’ve been right on track otherwise.  Yesterday I did a 6 minute (killer) workout, a 30 minute workout & then ran on the treadmill for a fast mile.  I was pumped & wish that I had run more, but Truman decided to join me downstairs & then my run quickly ended!  I’m hoping to get in a long run this weekend.  Maybe it’ll be 35 or 40 degrees & I’ll try to get outside!  I have no idea what the weather is supposed to be, but a girl can hope, right?!

So, I told you that I was going to start posting my giveaways b/c I’ve been getting so many good things for you to review & I’m excited to share with you!

I’m always a little skeptical about protein bars b/c so many are loaded with sugars or other binding ingredients, etc. that aren’t necessarily healthy.  However, the fine folks over at Quest sent me  some to try!

If you remember, I had my first one on Wednesday because I didn’t have time for my regular breakfast.  I grabbed one of these.  It happened coconut cashew.  It was absolutely delicious!  Seriously tasty!

Quest is the protein bar famous for waht it DOES NOT have!

-No sugar alcohols

-No added sugar

-No soy protein

-No glycerine

-No junk ingredients

-gluten free (added bonus)

They are loaded with 20g protein.  Seriously 20g protein is a ton & can really fill you up!

They are 100% Natural ingredients, nothing artificial!

They say that you should put the bar in the microwave for 15 seconds & the Quest bar will taste like afresh baked warm, soft cookie.  I haven’t tried that yet, but bet it would be amazing warmed up atop greek yogurt!

So, here’s your chance for a box of Quest chocolate chip cookie dough bars of your own!!!  Simply enter the Rafflecopter on the side bar for your chance to win!

Don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter for Two Moms in the Raw!  You have 1 more day to enter!

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What are you favorite protein bars?