Category Archives: Healthy Living

Jun12

Product Review: All Pro Science Complete Veggie Protein

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Protein Powder.  So many people love it and swear by it.  They drink their protein shakes everyday and every time I see them I’m like, “that seems like a great healthy habit, I’m going to try that too.”  So when the good people behind All Pro Science reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in trying their protein powder I said yes right away!

I worked with Alyssa who helped me select the Complete Veggie Protein to try.  Here’s what Alyssa had to say about the Veggie Protein…

…contains 23g of all-natural plant based protein, it’s gluten-free and free of allergens found in dairy, soy and wheat-based products. Whether you are a vegan or simply looking to get more nutrients from plants, our lean formula is low in sugar and contains no fillers, artificial flavoring or sweeteners.

All Pro Science Complete Veggie Protein

All Pro Science Complete Veggie Protein

It also contains Omega- 3 3-6-9, hemp, pea and brown rice and flaxseed powder.  Since Michael and I are both trying to cut out sugars this seemed like the best option for us.  They offer it in French Vanilla and Berry Blast favors.  I chose the French Vanilla and my protein was at my doorstep before I knew it.

Now, I’ll be honest.  I really don’t care for the taste of Whey Protein so I wasn’t sure what to expect of the Veggie Protein.  The first time I tried it I mixed it with plain water in a blender bottle.  I didn’t really care for it prepared that way but I also kind of expected that since I’m particular about protein powders.  The next time I made it smoothie style with a strawberries, banana, coconut milk and a scoop of peanut butter.  I really liked it this way, it was thick and creamy and really delicious.  The Veggie Protein definitely didn’t have that Whey Protein taste but more of a veggie taste and I much preferred it over Whey Protein.

All Pro Science Complete Veggie Protein Smoothie

All Pro Science Complete Veggie Protein Smoothie

Michael, who really likes Whey Protein, tried the Veggie Protein and really liked it.  For me, I’d only prefer to drink it smoothie style which is hard for me to make when I’m in the office all day so I think this will be a go-to snack when we are home on the weekends or when I have a day off.

The Complete Veggie Protein sells for $79.99 for 27 ounces making the price pretty comparable with other protein powders.  If you use promo code LRLY25 you’ll receive 25% off your order just for being a LiveRunLoveYoga reader!  Be sure to check out All Pro Science online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  I should also mention you can find APS at Whole Foods, Lifetime Fitness Locations and Amazon.com which makes it super easy to get some of your own!

Have you tried All Pro Science Complete Veggie Protein in French Vanilla Before?

May22

Fusion Fest with Exhale Spa and Women’s Health Magazine!

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Today I was lucky enough to attend Fusion Fest at Exhale Spa thanks to Women’s Health!  In honor of the 10 year anniversary of Core Fusion Exhale teamed up with Women’s Health to offer free classes around the country at Exhale Spa Locations and celebrate the class that literally transforms bodies.

Fusion Fest

The day was also special because it was an opportunity to meet one of the finalists in Women’s Health Next Fitness Star.  Aren’t sure what that is?  Here’s the details…

Women’s Health, the leading national and international women’s health and wellness magazine is searching for the next face in fitness for their “The Next Fitness Star” competition. The winner will be the star of a new DVD series, featured in the magazine as an expert source and more.

·         Women’s Health has enlisted an elite panel of judges to weigh in on the submissions including host of “Extra”  Maria Menounos, celebrity trainer and bestselling author of “The Five Factor Diet” Harley Pasternak and Editor-in-Chief Michele Promaulayko.

·         After receiving thousands of submissions, Women’s Health has chosen its top 5 finalists who will appear on the “flip” cover of the July/August issue of Women’s Health

·         Readers can get to know the finalists in their videos posted online and then vote on their favorite.

·         The overall winner will be selected based on a combination of reader/fan votes and celeb judge votes.

I was lucky enough to get a chance to meet with Stacie Clark.  Here’s a look at Stacie’s bio…

An athlete all of her life, fashion guru and mother of two, Stacie traded in her position as Fashion Director to follow her passion for athletics, fitness and health full-time with her husband, Chris. Stacie is a certified athletic trainer with over 15 years experience in fitness and athletic development from youth to adult. She focuses on individual and group training encompassing all the fundamentals of functional bodyweight training and athleticism: agility, balance, coordination, strength, speed, stamina, power and flexibility. Stacie’s love for sports and athletic background began in high school as a three-sport varsity athlete. She believes everyone is an athlete, and athletes must earn the right to be fit through real life experiences. Stacie has earned a solid reputation of knowing what it takes to work towards a goal and succeeding. It is about the journey. Also known for her stylish, fashion-forward approach, Stacie believes in and embodies performance, style and function in everything she does and wears. Stacie continues to train and compete in adventure races, cross-fit challenges, as well as 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathons, urbanathlons, and she doesn’t plan to stop there. To her, it’s a lifestyle, not a job. Her work is her play and her play is her work.

Stacie and I

I was signed up for the 12:15 Core Fusion Cardio class but was invited to come early to chat with Stacie.  It was great to chat with her.  It was awesome to talk about career changes, the business of health and wellness, our personal philosophies and the best workouts to combine running with! She was so down to earth and real.  I loved hearing how she has built her business bit by bit and does it all with her husband by her side.  Before I knew it time had flown by and it was time for my class.

Stacie and I Again

Stacie and I Again

I’ve never taken Core Fusion Cardio but based off of the barre classes I have taken I knew I was in for an incredible workout.  I was pleasantly surprised when the warm-up and workout included a ton of yoga inspired moves.  Within moments my heart rate was high thanks to mountain climbers and the sweat was pouring off my forehead.  The class moved from a flow to more intense moves with 3 lb. weights.  I loved the yoga poses with the curls, shoulder presses and so much more.  As the class wound down we got some final push ups and mountain climbers before a challenging ab sequence, and some much-needed stretches.  I left class sweaty and sore…it was a perfect workout if you ask me!

Swag Bag!

Swag Bag!

I’m a huge fan of the Exhale spas, it’s always my go-to when I’m looking for a great massage or a relaxing manicure and pedicure.  I always leave feeling relaxed and pampered.  Their yoga classes are fantastic so I expected nothing less today and they most certainly delivered. A great class, a super clean locker room and a very friendly staff.

It was a great afternoon at Exhale, a fantastic class and I really enjoyed meeting Stacie.  Don’t forget to check out The Next Fitness Star to vote for the finalists this June.  I personally will be voting for Stacie! A huge thank you to Women’s Health for the opportunity to come out today!

Did you attend Fusion Fest? Are you a fan of Exhale Spas and Women’s Health Magazines?

May10

Time, Hobbies and Getting What You Need

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Time is a funny thing isn’t? We never seem to have enough of it but are completely in control of how we spend our time.  I’m blessed and cursed at the same time because I have so many things I enjoy doing in this life and quite honestly there just isn’t enough time to do them all.

When I was in college I used to road bike all spring and summer.  I loved getting on the bike and riding for hours, exploring new roads and getting in some sunshine and fresh air.  I still have my bike and have been wanting to take it in to get tuned so I can start riding again.  But part of me wondered if it would be worth it, when would I ride?!

Then there are the list of races that go on and on that I want to train for and run.  The Marine Corp Marathon, the Nike Women’s Marathon, London and Berlin Marathons,  and so many more.  But committing to train for a marathon is just that, a commitment.  And right now it seems like I don’t have the time to train with the dedication I’d like to put into my next marathon.

And yoga? Oh yoga.  Luckily I teach every Tuesday and Thursday morning so I always seem to stay in touch with it and find my way to the mat.  But teaching is certainly not the same as practicing and it’s certainly not helping me strengthen my practice and move into the challenge poses I hope to some day attain.  And my home practice isn’t the same as getting to a studio and taking other teachers classes.  Yesterday I realized I hadn’t made it to a studio to take a class since March 25th.  Yes, you read that right.  March 25th.  It’s equal parts embarrassing and equal parts sad.  How could I go so long without doing something I love so much?!  And no wondering I’ve been wanting and needing to get to a class!  Saturday morning I’ll be getting to the studio I can assure you.

By now your probably wondering when I do the things I enjoy that don’t involve exercise. You know, the things like reading and cooking?  Yeah, I’ve been reading the same book since July.  Yes, July.  I read a page or two a day but I’m now determined to finish said book by this July.

The type A in me really wants to do ALL the things I love ALL the time and be really good at them but that is SO not realistic when I work full time in a demanding job, have a relationship, friends and family and a home that I’d like to keep clean.  I’ve learned  I’m learning to be a B+ kind of person and actually enjoy all of the things in this life that I love so much and accept that I don’t need to be great at everything I do.

Lately my runs have been for the fun of it, because getting out and running feels good.  It’s not about a race or a time or a specific workout.  It’s about moving my body, de-stressing, feeling the wind in my hair and enjoying something I love so much.  And maybe I haven’t been practicing yoga as much as I’d like but that’s ok.  What I have been giving to yoga is enough because I’m happy and content with my yoga practice right now. And that bike?  I think I am going to get it tuned up.  If I ride once or twice this summer and enjoy it…then it was all worth it.  That book?  I’ve been disconnecting to sit and read each night before bed.  It’s heavenly and it’s so nice…even if I read only 3 pages before falling asleep.

The funny thing about time and hobbies is that we always seem to get exactly what we need.  Sometimes that is working more and playing less, focusing more on family and hobbies less or sometimes it’s just doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that to keep you happy and interested in all the things you love.

How do you balance time and all the things you love to do?

May8

What I Ate Wednesday #75

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I love spring, mostly because it brings with it grilling weather and changes up my taste buds.  Gone are the days of heavy stews, soups and roasts.  I’m digging salads, fresh veggies, grilled meats and so much more.  We’ve been focusing more on veggies, portion control, less sugars and more protein.  Michael is starting to lose weight and I’ve been feeling really good when it comes to food.  I’ve found that it’s easier to say no to the junk food because it just really doesn’t make me feel good since we’ve been eating so much good stuff!

WIAWbutton

Breakfast.

I’ve been loving pancakes and waffles.  During the week I’ve been having waffles with peanut butter and bananas, or with maple syrup and fruit.  This weekend we made homemade pancakes with fresh strawberries on top.  I’ve been perking up my coffee with chocolate almond milk which makes it taste so good!

Homemade Pancakes, Fresh Strawberries and Coffee

Homemade Pancakes, Fresh Strawberries and Coffee

Lunch. 

Lunch has been filled with variety.  Last week I was loving turkey with American cheese and mustard on a sandwich thin.  This week I have chicken and a baked sweet potato topped with salsa and sour cream.  Also in the mix have been frozen burritos.  I even bought some fresh bread to have an old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly one day.  Snacks have been lots and lots of fruit…bananas, strawberries, grapes, and apples.  I’ve also been loving raw almonds or yogurt.

Snacks: Red Grapes and Raw Almonds

Snacks: Red Grapes and Raw Almonds

Dinner.

Friday night we went to dinner at this italian restaurant near by.  There are only 7 tables in the restaurant and it always seems like there is a long wait for a table.  We got lucky and only waited 10 minutes to get a table.  The restaurant is famous for its fresh baked bread which is incredible!  I had fettucine with mushrooms and truffle oil which was so good!  Sunday we made grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and salads for dinner…and margaritas (it was Cinco de Mayo)!  Also in the mix has been fish, salad and broccoli.  We also made a healthier version of steak sandwiches with peppers and onions and a little bit of cheese.  It’s so good!

Dinner

Dinner

Dessert.

I couldn’t resist the other night…I NEEDED a bowl of fro yo in my life.  Moose tracks frozen yogurt to the rescue and it was good!

Moose Tracks Frozen Yogurt

Moose Tracks Frozen Yogurt

Waffles or Pancakes? What are your go to snacks? What new dinner ideas are you loving?  Favorite Fro Yo flavor?

May6

Healthy Living On the Road and With Busy Days!

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Life has been busy lately to say the least. But it’s a good kind of busy.  Now that the Nike Women’s Half has come and gone it’s a new season at work to recruit for and prepare for which has us all working late and working hard.  Life at home is just a busy thanks to the arrival of spring and this weekend was all sorts of productive.

I’ve hardly sat still since I left for DC and true workouts have been hard to fit in.  I’m not stressing though.  Workouts are coming in new and different forms.  Walking and standing for hours while in DC…that’s a workout.  Ripping out an entire garden, transplanting flowers, trimming tree branches…that’s a workout.

Walking from Site to Site Can Keep You Healthy While Traveling!

Walking from Site to Site Can Keep You Healthy While Traveling!

When life gets busy or I head out on vacation I don’t stress about my workouts.  Usually when I’m going on vacation it’s an opportunity to rest and relax…enjoy a slower pace if you will.  I usually skip my run or yoga and opt for some extra walking from site to site or take in the scenery through bike rides, hikes or other fun excursions!  I figure I’m in a new place so it’s a chance to try new workouts too.  When life is busy and I’m running from one place to the next I adjust my workouts as necessary.  Sometimes I’ll skip my morning run to get some extra sleep and will run at lunch time.  Other times if I’m going to be running from one place to the next I won’t worry about fitting a workout in.  And sometimes I will hit the mat for a shorter, easier yoga session to help me relax and stretch my extra tight muscles.  It’s awesome to be able to make time for an hour workout everyday but that isn’t always feasible.  In the absence of my usual routine I look for ways and avenues to keep my self moving and get some extra exercise…be it in the garden or walking from site to site.

While I skip the workout stress I don’t skip the healthy meals.  In fact, if I know I’m missing out on my normal runs and mat time I put more of a focus on my meals.  I try to reach for more fruit, salads and healthy meals that keep me energized when I’m traveling or extra busy.  Heavy, unhealthy foods leave me feeling sluggish and bloated and unlike myself.  Of course I let myself indulge here or there but I keep an eye on my portions and try to make breakfast and lunch as healthy as possible.

 

When I was in DC I didn’t go for one run or hit the mat once but I did walk everywhere, spend hours on my feet and kept myself moving for days.  In fact I was sore and tired when I got home! I kept my meals as healthy as possible…lots of fruit, eggs, salads and more.  This past week I stuck to our healthy meals at home and skipped the take out even though it seemed like it would be easier. I found my way to the mat for a restorative yoga session, spent hours in the garden with Michael and got extra rest at night so I could make the most of my busy days.

Healthy living doesn’t always have to be hours at the gym, yoga and runs.  It can be organic and untraditional workouts too.  Healthy eating should always be part of the equation and should be even more of a priority when life gets busy, it will help keep you feeling energized and good through those busy days.

It’s been about a week and a half since I left for DC and got back…I’m finally getting out for a run today and back on to my normal schedule but I don’t feel heavy or out of shape.  I feel great and can’t wait to hit the pavement!

Tell me, how do you stay active and healthy when traveling or extra busy?