How to “Dress” Up Your Daily Fruit & Veggie Quota {Guest Post}

According to research backed by the American Heart Association, people who habitually consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables experience a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. In fact, this study revealed that, of the 2500 test subjects monitored, women who ate about 9 daily servings and men who ate about 7 were 26% less prone to develop clogged arteries in older age.

In addition to supporting cardiovascular wellness, fresh produce contains essential nutrients like protein, antioxidants, fiber, and a plethora of other vitamins and minerals. So, incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet can yield balanced wellness and physical longevity.

The simplest, most straightforward way to boost your fruit and veggie intake is to replace that typical lunchtime sandwich with a crisp, colorful salad. Then, top it with this healthy homemade dressing which features the antioxidant-loaded nutritional supplement, Nutri Maqui. Your heart, immune system and other vital organs will thank you for giving them the nourishment they crave!

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Nutri Maqui Superfruit Salad Dressing

Ingredients

 ½ cup Grapeseed Oil

1 tbsp. Nutri Maqui Superfruit Juice

1 tsp. Whole-Grain Dijon Mustard

½ tsp. Lemon Juice

Preparation

1. Pour all ingredients into a small decanter, then whisk until they are thoroughly combined.

2. Chop a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and raw nuts (e.g. carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, raspberries, avocadoes, almonds, cashews), then arrange them over a bed of leafy greens (e.g. spinach, kale, arugula).

3. Drizzle the dressing on top, then toss the salad to evenly distribute all ingredients before serving.

So. Many. Colors. Amiright?!

   

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Huge thanks to Nutri Lifescience, LLC, for supplying the research, content and graphics for this post.

 

#LoveBulu ‘Cause Bulu Loves You Back!

Confession: health and wellness goodies are my weakness.

Yeah, alright…I recognize the irony. In the broader scope of every possible obsession a person might succumb to, I could do much worse!

But, while my body appreciates the benefits of a wholesome diet, sometimes my wallet wishes I wasn’t so selective. There’s no denying that health often comes with dollar signs attached, resulting in everyone’s favorite “Cost vs. Quality” debate.

Why can’t they just get along? Why can’t we nourish ourselves properly without breaking our budgets? Well…turns out, we can!

Say “hello” to Bulu Box — where nutritious eating meets bargain hunting. Each month, Bulu Box subscribers receive 4-5 snack, vitamin and supplement samples from top-rated wellness brands.

A little orange box of happiness…Who can resist those motivational mantras?!

This customized package is conveniently shipped straight to your doorstep, and Bulu Box offers several subscription plans for every price range. Choose from Month-to-Month ($10 per box), 3 Months ($30 fee),     6 Months ($60 fee) and 12 Months ($110 fee). Free shipping comes standard, and Rewards Points make saving money even easier.

Now, for the fun part — what’s inside a Bulu Box? Pure yumminess, that’s what! Guilt-free food finds galore. Take a peek:

Protein powder, energy bars, performance supplements…OH MY!!!

Quest Protein Powder

• The Breakdown: 23 grams of protein per serving; less than 1 gram of sugar per serving, 110 calories per serving (high protein-to-calories ratio); soy- and gluten-free; essential nutrients including Potassium, Fiber, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Iron
• The Taste Test: I’ve never uttered a negative word about peanut butter flavored anything, and this protein powder is no exception.
• The Verdict: When blended into liquid form, Quest adds a creamy quality that smoothie fans will love. Moreover, the protein content is ideal for both pre-workout energy and recovery fuel.

Mediterra Nutritional Bar

• The Breakdown: 6 grams of protein per serving; 6 grams of fiber per serving; 4 grams of sugar per serving; 160 calories per serving; non-GMO verified; gluten-free, all-natural ingredients; essential nutrients including Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron
• The Taste Test: With a crisp, crunchy texture and just the right amount of saltiness, this rich and tangy snack condenses an entire Margherita pizza into one bite-sized bar.
• The Verdict: The tomato and basil combo takes “satisfying pick-me-up” to another level. Mediterranean Diet devotees will appreciate this savory grain and veggie pairing, packaged for on-the-go ease.

Movit Energy Gummies

• The Breakdown: 60 calories per serving; scientifically formulated Coenzyme Q10 supplement; Guarana caffeine; essential nutrients including Folic Acid, Niacin, Vitamin C and Vitamin B12
• The Taste Test: Although I have trouble stomaching gummies, these little guys defied my initial skepticism. The citrus aftertaste is sweet but not cloying, and the consistency is chewy but not gelatinous.
• The Verdict: These smiling gummies are hard to resist, and their compact size makes smart snacking effortless. Plus, Movit’s natural energy supports a variety of athletic activities.

Yerba Prima Fiber Plus Powder

• The Breakdown: 9 grams of fiber per serving; 0 grams of sugar per serving; 15 calories per serving; bentonite detoxification; herbal cleansing; milk thistle extract (liver health); Ginko leaf extract (mental function); essential nutrients including Potassium and Calcium
• The Taste Test: Mix this apple spice infused formula with water, and you’re basically drinking cider. Fall in a glass. Enough said.
• The Verdict: Yerba Prima offers digestive regularity without skimping on flavor. The purifying herb complex will gently detox your system for fast-acting gastrointestinal relief — a win-win in my book.

So, there you go, folks. That’s why I #LoveBulu. Wanna feel the love as well? Order your own box and use the promo code SWEATPINK at check-out to score 50% off a 3-month subscription!

Special thanks to Fit Approach and Bulu Box for giving me the opportunity to sample these products.