Hands Free Running (SPIBelt Review)

When I first began running years ago it consisted of myself and my running shoes. It was such a simple concept to just throw on my shoes and run but over the years, with the growth of technology, it has become a bit more complicated. 

Now a days a run consists of myself, my running shoes, my Garmin, my iPhone, my keys, headphones, energy packs (for those long runs), my ID and a credit card just in case. I am guilty of having said "I can't run tonight because my Garmin is dead." Wow. What kind of world are we living in?

A hands on-technologically advanced-I must have the latest fitness app-world.

Now I'm not saying that we need to go back to running without music, fitness trackers, or running apps but what if there were a way to run with these things and not even know it?

Well, the masterminds behind SPIbelt have figured it out! Their goal is to create things that help keep things in your life simple and safe. And I'd have to say they do a pretty good job of it!

After going on several runs with my SPIbelt, I only have good things to say about it. It's so nice to go on a run and not have to worry about carrying your phone, where you are going to hide your key, and how you will ID yourself in case of an emergency.

The SPIbelt expands to hold all of your essentials and it doesn't bounce when you run. Don't believe me? You'll have to try it yourself. The band clips in the back, the belt is adjustable and everything in the pocket is held securely inside because of it's zipper closure.

The best part? SPIbelt isn't just for runners. They have products that are great for triathletes, travelers, individuals with medical devices/emergency medicines, walking your dog (they have a SPILeash!!!) and kids!

I currently own the Large Pocket SPIbelt in black (which holds everything you could possibly think of) and the High Visibility SPIbelt in turquoise (which is great for running in busy or low lit areas). Head on over to their website now and check out all of their amazing products! Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see where I take my SPIbelt next!

Question of the Day

What do you carry with you when you run? How would SPIbelt benefit you? 

Disclaimer: I received these products free of charge in exchange for a review. As always, all opinions are completely my own.

Nektar Naturals Honey Crystals Review

A few weeks ago, a box of Nektar Naturals Honey Crystals arrived at my door! I was so excited to try out this product that I immediately ran inside and made a cup of tea. Normally when I make tea I will add honey and it gets stuck to the bottom, doesn't dissolve completely, and is a pain to clean so I was convinced this was the solution to my sticky mess - and guess what? It was. 

A little bit about Nektar Naturals Honey Crystals...

• It is non-GMO
• It is naturally gluten-free
• It is available at WalMart! 
• There is no sticky mess when using this product
• Measuring out your honey is easy with the easy pour bottle
• 1 tsp. = 12 calories
• And they dissolve in your hot tea ;) 

I am also in LOVE with the measuring spoons that Nektar Naturals sent me! They are perfect for measuring out just the right amount of honey to add to my tea, smoothies, sweet potato fries, and baking creations.

The only thing I don't like about the product is that it includes cane sugar. While I do see myself buying it and using it regularly in the future, I would prefer it be 100% granulated honey. But I'm no expert on honey so maybe it's impossible to make granulated honey without the cane sugar? Either way this product is healthy in my book and if having no sticky mess means adding a little bit of cane sugar to my tea then so be it! 

With Christmas just days away, I highly suggest you run to your nearest WalMart and purchase several of these to stick in stockings for your loved ones! The small and convenient size is perfect for gifting to the tea lovers, baking-addicts, and fitness fanatics in your life!

Head on over to Nektar Natural's website to shop their line of products and find tasty recipes created in their test kitchen!

Question of the Day

Have you ever used Nektar Naturals Honey Crystals? Would this be a product you would want to try?

Disclaimer: Through my affiliation with FitApproach and SweatPink, I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for a review.

Fit Body Bakery Review, Recipe, and Giveaway

You are in for a real treat today - a product review, discount code, recipe, and giveaway! You would think I like you all or something ;)

When the Motivator Muffin and Burnin' Brownie mixes arrived at my door I immediately opened them up and started having some fun in the kitchen! With fall right around the corner (at least I'm hoping as it's been a cool 80 degrees down here in Florida), I figured that baking up anything pumpkin was totally acceptable!

Now these aren't your typical baking mixes - they're insanely low in sugar, packed with protein, and gluten free! If muffins and brownies aren't your thing they also have Conquer It Cookie and Power Up Pancake mixes - yum!

The first box that I opened up was the Motivator Muffin mix. I quickly gathered the ingredients I needed and began pouring, mixing, and filling up baking cups.

When I put the muffins in the oven I got right to my Baketime Workout- No Mo' Muffin Top! This workout was easy to follow, fun, and worked up a quick sweat especially in a hot kitchen! It also made me feel a little bit better about indulging in a few sweet treats in the near future ;)

After the workout it was time to take my delicious treats out of the oven. After letting them cool, I was finally able to taste one and boy was it delicious! I took a few to share with my fitness-fanatic friend who also enjoys healthy and delicious treats and she gave these two-thumbs up! I also shared with her my super-secret code for 15% off: SP15. Actually this isn't a secret but it's an awesome deal and a great way for you to get your first box at an even lower price! But hurry, it expires November 30, 2015! 

And now that you've used the code and bought the Motivator Muffin mix, here is a super delicious and easy fall recipe for you to enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins 

Ingredients:

1 can pumpkin pie puree

1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips (these are gluten free) + a few for topping

Directions:

1. Prepare the muffin mix as directed on the box but omit the applesauce and add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and chocolate chips.

2. Either grease or line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill 3/4 full.  Top with a few more chocolate chips and gently press into the batter. 

3. Bake according to the directions on the box and enjoy!

Giveaway

Fit Body Bakery has also offered to give one lucky reader a baking mix of their choice! To enter the giveaway use the Rafflecopter below. A winner will be chosen on Saturday October 31st as a Halloween treat! 

Rules: US only. One prize per winner (If you have entered a Fit Body Bakery giveaway through another blog and have won please disclose that information when you are contacted so a different winner can be chosen - we want to spread the Fit Body Bakery love!) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Through my affiliation with FitApproach and SweatPink, I received this product for free in exchange for a review and recipe. As always, all opinions are my own.

Artisana Organics (Review and Giveaway)

The first time I teamed up with Artisana Organics I was still living in the dorm rooms in college and cooking was almost nonexistent. The only appliances I had were a mini fridge, a microwave, and a Keurig which didn't leave me a whole lot of room for experimenting in the kitchen. Heck, I didn't even have a kitchen!

Since then I've been a huge fan of Artisana and their products! If you've been following the blog for awhile you have probably noticed a trend in most of my smoothie recipes - almost every single one of them includes an Artisana nut or coconut butter of some kind.

Lately my favorite has been the Raw Coconut Butter. It's dense, melts in your mouth, and adds a delicious flavor to my smoothie - or spoon because it tastes amazing that way too ;)

All of their products are fresh, high quality, organic, and nutritious. I also love the convenience of their squeeze packs. Taking nut/coconut butters on the go has never been easier!

Here are my favorite smoothie recipes using the raw coconut butter:

• Double Chocolate Chip Paleo Protein Shake
• Not-Your-Average-Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
• PB&J Smoothie (Peanut Free)

Artisana also has other products including chocolate bars! I am dying to try these but have yet to find them in stores. Hey Artisana, if a huge box of these randomly arrived at my door I wouldn't be mad at all, haha!

Now it's time for the fun stuff - a giveaway just for you! 

Artisana is offering to give one lucky reader 2 8oz jars and a variety of squeeze packs! Talk about a delicious giveaway. All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below and a winner will be notified via e-mail.

 There a ton of different ways to enter, just be sure to follow all the directions for the different ways to entry - also, some entries can be done every day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Warrior Dash Race Recap - Rockin' Refuel Team

I am so glad that when Rockin' Refuel reached out to me a few weeks ago about the possibility of running in the Warrior Dash that I said YES!

Talk about a fun and muddy race!

If you've never heard of the Warrior Dash before, you need to check it out. And if the thought of signing up for a mud run has ever crossed your mind, even if just for a split second, then you need to sign up for one right now. Seriously, go find one and sign up now! 

The Warrior Dash is a 5k filled with obstacles and mud. Lots of mud. 

The day of the race the entire team met at my place so we could carpool to Crawfordsville, IN which is about an hour away from us. When we arrived we were able to quickly find parking, pick up our race packets and bib numbers, put away our stuff, and head on over to the Rockin' Refuel booth for our pre-race photos! 

After that we headed over to the start line and waited for our heat to start. We were the only people at the starting line along with a couple of other runners so we weren't sure if we arrived late. After the race announcer made us all do burpees, we were off and on our way to be covered in mud!

The first mile of the race was nothing but hiking through the woods. This sounds easy but it was almost impossible to run because it rained the night before and everything was so slippery, muddy, and uneven. 

Most of the obstacles on the course were totally doable - climbing over mud mounds, crawling through trenches, running (mostly walking) through the super muddy woods, and sliding into a pool of mud. And others were a bit harder - climbing ropes, climbing over walls, and completing obstacles in heavy rain. 

I think my favorite obstacle had to have been "Goliath" which was a huge slide that went straight into a pool of mud! My friend and I went down hand in hand and figured that it wasn't going to be that deep. We were wrong! We went all the way under and came up muddier than we were before, if that was even possible.

Once we crossed the finish line we headed over to the Rockin' Refuel booth to refuel! We chose to drink a delicious ice cold Muscle Recovery Chocolate drink that tasted exactly like chocolate milk! (click here to see all of the other tasty products and flavors)

After we refueled, we hit the showers, met up with our team, and hung out at the after party. 

Thanks again for an awesome day, Rockin' Refuel!

Disclaimer: My team and this blog post are sponsored by Rockin' Refuel. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.  

MealEnders Review & Giveaway

Any time that I come across a product that claims to help people lose weight or prevent overeating I always become wary. There are hundreds of products out there in every form imaginable - from liquids, to pills, to the stuff you sprinkle on your food (what is that stuff anyways?) - that all claim to help people stop overeating, lose weight fast and keep it off. While all of these products seem like they would work, they all focus solely on your stomach by shrinking it, filling it up, and contorting it into a different shape (I made that last one up, but you get the idea). That's where MealEnders is different. MealEnders are drug and stimulant-free signaling lozenges designed to work with the body's natural hunger rhythms by combining behavioral psychology and sensory science.

MealEnders are made up of two layers. The first layer is a sweet layer that provides a small dose of dessert which signals the end of a meal. The second layer is a cooling/tingling layer that clears the palate and cues the end of eating by engaging the trigeminal nerve. 

When you eat a meal it takes your brain longer to realize you are full than it takes your stomach to realize it. When you "eat" a MealEnders after a meal, you are not supposed to chew or bite it, just suck on it. This allows your body's natural satiety process time to catch up and let you know you are full. 

Personally I think that the concept of these lozenges is great for someone who has a poor relationship with food or constantly snacks between meals when they aren't hungry because it allows them to take 15-20 minutes to decide if they actually need dessert or not. I don't think I will find myself consistently reaching for one of these after a meal because I feel that I do a good job with portion control and not over eating but I can see myself using them late at night when I am fighting those hard to beat cravings.

Click here to visit their website to learn more about the concept behind MealEnders, see nutritional info, and read their story!

If you are interested in trying MealEnders out for yourself now is your chance! MealEnders has offered to give one of my readers 4 packs of MealEnders (1 of each flavor) to try out for their self! To enter complete the Rafflecopter form below. A winner will be chosen on March 21st.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will be selected by Rafflecopter subject to the eligibility requirements set by MealEnders and FitApproach. Eligibile winners must be U.S. residents. SweatPink Ambassadors are not eligible to win. Winners will be notified by e-mail and must respond within 48 hours.

Disclaimer: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. 

Kasandrinos Olive Oil Review & Giveaway

When I first began living on my own and following a paleo lifestyle cooking became a huge part of my life. I loved researching different recipes, creating my own, and shopping for the ingredients. Being a college student I never thought it was important to spend those extra few bucks on basic ingredients such as olive oil when I could be saving them for a night out with friends. They were just basic, every day ingredients so what could be so special about the $15 bottle vs. the $7? I used to tell myself that all olive oils that are cold pressed and organic must taste the same so I always reached for the cheapest bottle on the shelf.

A few weeks ago I began using Kasandrinos extra virgin olive oil in my cooking and my view on olive oil is forever changed and I now understand the importance of using a high quality, authentic olive oil. The taste is clean and balanced, the color is bright golden yellow with a hint of green, and the aroma jumps out at you. It's simply perfection.

(Photo source)

Kasandrinos takes pride in the quality and authenticity of their product. Their olives are grown in a warm and stable climate, hand-picked, and mechanically pressed within 48 hours of being harvested. They never use any chemicals which makes their olive oil that much better!

In addition to their olive oil, Kasandrinos has a few other products available for sale on their website such as lip balm, soap, and a body polishing scrub. They will be offering dry rubs and seasonings very soon!

And now something special for all of you - Kasandrinos has offered to let one lucky reader try out their olive oil for their self! All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below for your chance to win. A winner will be chosen on Friday March 13th.


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Disclaimer: I was sent this product free of charge. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.

RxBar Review & Giveaway

I have a hard time finding the paleo-friendly snacks, bars, and treats that my fellow blogger friends are always talking about. Living in a small college town, I don't think paleo snacks are something that are high in demand. While I know that I am able to buy these products online with a click of a button, I can never bring myself to do it. I just don't like the idea of spending money on a food product when I may end up hating it. Then what am I supposed to do with a huge box of bars that I don't like? Throw them away? I'd rather not have to do that so I'm always happy anytime I can find something in stores.

Unfortunately, RxBar was one of those companies that I have heard several good things about but was never able to get my hands on any of their products so I reached out to RxBar and asked if they would be willing to send me a few samples to try and all I can say is...

Wow. 

Just wow.

These are the most amazing paleo protein bars that I have ever tried. Actually, these are the most amazing bars I have ever had. Period. The Blueberry and Apple Cinnamon bars are my favorite.

From their website:

"Made with minimal ingredients, RxBars are prescribed by nature to give you the proper balance of high quality egg white protein, a healthy supply of fats, carbohydrates that are high in fiber, and natural sugars from real fruit.

RxBars will NEVER contain: Dairy, soy, gluten, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, whey, artificial ingredients, sugar alcohols, GMOs, or preservatives.

We set out to create a protein bar we felt good about eating and that made us feel great after we ate it. And we think we've done a pretty good job."

RxBar, I think you have done a pretty good job as well! 

I love how few ingredients are in each bar and how every ingredient is clean, simple, and healthy. If you are completing the Whole 30, follow a paleo lifestyle, or don't want to fill your diet with added sugar and artificial ingredients, these bars are for you. These protein bars are made with egg whites and each bar has 12 grams of protein, all equally delicious. 

Another thing I love about these bars (there's so much to love!) is how big they are. Most protein or meal bars are usually pretty small and gone in two bites but these were a decent size. 

RxBars are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, road trip snacks, and for getting a boost of protein after a workout. I am heading to Florida for vacation in a few weeks and I am going to make sure that I am stocked up on these bars before my trip! I'm so glad that I have found a delicious and healthy protein bar that I truly like. 

Giveaway

Now for the fun part... RxBar has offered all of my readers a chance to win a variety pack of bars to try out for their self! Just fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter and a winner will be selected at random on February 2nd!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


P.S. Whole 30 and RxBar have teamed up and are offering a special discount Whole 30 discount code that expires never! Use the code "whole30" for 10% off any purchase of $20 or more.

Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge and am not being compensated for this review. All opinions are, as always, entirely my own. 

Delicious Dips (Pretzel Crisps® Review)

A few weeks ago Pretzel Crisps® sent me a huge package stuffed with 9 different flavors including: Original, Sesame, Garlic Parmesan  Buffalo Wing, Everything, Chipotle Cheddar, Jalapeño Jack, Honey Mustard & Onion, and Sea Salt & Black Pepper.  

I have been a fan of Pretzel Crisps® for a long time but until recently had only ever tried a handful of flavors as some are not available in stores near me. I can now say that every single flavor is delicious, making it very hard for me to choose my favorite.

I can also say that I have found a way to make them even better with a few delicious recipes I have whipped up.

Tuna Avocado Dip

This may sound and look weird but it was actually quite tasty. I came up with this recipe because I needed a quick way to pack in healthy fats and lots of protein.

Ingredients:

1 5oz can tuna

1 Wholly Guacamole individual serving cup

Directions:

1. Drain tuna

2. Mix in guacamole

3. Spread on your favorite Pretzel Crisps® flavor. I tried it on Original, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper, and the Everything flavors.

Avocado Hummus Dip

Carling shared this recipe with me and it is absolutely delicious. I added lemon juice and salt and pepper for an extra kick.

Ingredients:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1 15.5 oz can Garbanzo Beans or Chickpeas
1 avocado
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
1. In a food processor pulse the olive oil, garlic cloves, and beans until mixed well.
2. Peel and pit the avocado. Add to the food processor and pulse with the bean mixture until mixed well.
3. Pour in lemon juice and add salt & pepper.

4. Once the ingredients form a hummus-like consistency, you are ready to spread it on your favorite Pretzel Crisps® flavor. I tried it on Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper, Garlic Parmesan, Original, and Sesame.

Chocolate Dipped Crisps

I made these for Valentine's Day treats but you can dress them up for any holiday or occasion. 

Ingredients:

1 bag of Original Pretzel Crisps®

1 11oz bag of Milk Chocolate Chips

Sprinkles

Directions:

1. Melt chocolate chips using your preferred method - either on the stove or in the microwave. (I did it in the microwave in 30 second increments and stirred between each one)

2. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper

3. Dip half of the Pretzel Crisp® in the chocolate and set on the cookie sheet.

4. Sprinkle the dipped crisps. You can do 4-5 at a time and then add sprinkles. Just make sure to do it before the chocolate sets up.

Cheese & Tomato Appetizer Bites

These Pretzel Crisps® bites are super simple, delicious, and dressed to impress. 

Ingredients:

Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Pretzel Crisps®

Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese

Cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions:

1. Cut cheese into small slivers and top on your crisps.

2. Top with tomato halves

3. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I was sent this product free of charge however all opinions are my own.

Question of the Day

What's your favorite Pretzel Crisp® flavor? Do you have any favorite dips?

Run For Your Lives Race Recap

As you all know, over the weekend I was able to participate in the Run For Your Lives 5k! The race took place at Boonestown Farm - the perfect place for a creepy, zombie infested run!

If you remember, I had told you all that my mom was going to strap a GoPro recorder on me to record the race. Well she did strap me up with the camera but she didn't have it turned on! Fail! She still managed to get some awesome shots of the race.

As soon as the race began we all ran out and a huge pack of zombies was waiting for us! We all sprinted our hearts out and then sighed a sigh of relief when we realized that they weren't everywhere - they just came in packs randomly throughout the race. I didn't know anyone in my group but quickly found some people that knew my mom and ran with them. It was neat to see everyone form packs and take on the zombies all at once!

There were several different obstacles throughout the race. Packs of zombies were the main one! Other things we had to do were monkey bars, crawl under barbed wire, go through a dark house that was full of wires that put off a small electric shock if you grabbed them, go through mud puddles, jump over walls, and walk waist deep through rivers. At first all of that sounds scary but trust me, it was a blast.

Mom also managed to capture a picture of me doing the final obstacle of the race. Climbing a wooden wall to get to a slide that went into a "blood" pit - can you tell I am happy that I have almost completed the race as a survivor? Once I get out of the blood pit I will have to tackle one last batch of zombies and crawl under wire to complete the race!

And I did it! I survived! Only one other person in my group had survived and the other two had transformed into zombies! It took about an hour and a half to complete the entire course. We walked and did cool obstacles more than we ran but when we ran, we ran for our lives!

We were able to take pictures in the cool zombie infested booth that RFYL had set up.

At the end of the race they handed out our t-shirts. I was so thankful that they put them in plastic bags so we wouldn't get them all wet and muddy! They also had outdoor showers there for us to clean off in. If you ever plan on doing the RFYL race remember to bring a towel! It completely slipped my mind so I had to sit in wet clothes for an hour on the drive home.

If you think this race sounds amazing then you should definitely look into running one! There are numerous locations all across the U.S. and there may be one near you! :)

On a side note: the headband I am wearing in the pictures above is a Rockin' Ribbons Headband! I did not have to readjust it once throughout the entire race. From jumping over walls to going through water, it stayed put. You can check them out HERE.

Disclaimer: I received a free entry into the RFYL race in return for advertisement before the race and a race recap after. All opinions are always my own.

Question

Would you ever be interested in doing a race like this?
 

Quest Nutrition Review & Giveaway

* This giveaway is now closed *

 

The kind people over at Quest Nutrition sent me an assorted case of Quest Bars and Quest Cravings High Protein Peanut Butter Cups to review! They also agreed to let one lucky reader win an assorted case of Quest Bars too!

Before Quest Nutrition I was eating other protein bars after workouts or for breakfast if I was running late. When I came across Quest I learned more about how good Quest Nutrition Bars were for your body and how horrible other protein bars were. I knew that other protein bars had a lot of carbs and sugars but I needed that extra punch of protein in my diet and didn't really think too much into it. I quickly learned that those extra carbs and sugars were bad for you and that Quest Bars eliminate the extra carbs and sugars so you won't ruin your hard work.

The first Quest Bar I tried I thought was somewhat chewy. I didn't mind it too much but after reading around I noticed that some people were putting theirs into the microwave for a few seconds to make it warm and gooey. When I tried that technique I was in love. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Quest Bar in the microwave for 20 seconds tastes exactly like a fresh baked cookie!

The other great thing about these bars is that they taste exactly how you would expect them to. The Apple Pie bar tastes like apple pie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tastes like chocolate chip cookie dough, Strawberry Shortcake tastes like strawberry shortcake! Normally with other protein bars if it says Strawberry Shortcake it just has a strawberry flavor to it, not the actual strawberry shortcake taste you were longing for. It's almost like you are indulging in your favorite dessert but you are giving your body what it needs which is a win-win in my book.

Now if the Quest Bars aren't enough, the Quest Cravings Peanut Butter Cups are amazing. I love chocolate and peanut butter so I quickly dug into these. The cups are huge so you can eat just one and be satisfied. The other great thing about them is their nutritional stats. How can a chocolate peanut butter cup have such amazing nutritional stats? I have no idea but somehow Quest manages to do it! And they do it well.

If you are looking for the perfect protein bar that won't ruin all of your hard work and tastes as good as a candy bar then Quest is for you! Head on over to their website and order the Sampler box and a few Quest Cravings PB Cups today. I can almost guarantee that you will love every single flavor because I know I did.

Giveaway time! Enter the giveaway below to win an assorted case of Quest Nutrition bars. One lucky reader will be chosen at random on Saturday June 8th when the giveaway closes. Remember you can tweet every day for extra entries!

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