Vigor + Vitality = Nutri Testo for the Win!

The following post is a collaboration with Nutri Lifescience™ to promote active lifestyles, fueled by natural nutrition. All views and opinions are my own. 

For anyone who’s ever casually perused my social media accounts, it’s no shocker that I have a slight obsession with Nutri Testo™ supplements.

Fine. Maybe not-so-slight. I admit…the love affair is real. But for good reason, capiche? That’s because just 1 Nutri Testo capsule, taken about 5–10 minutes before exercising, keeps me nourished, energized and focused throughout my workout—even when it’s been one of those days where motivation’s in short supply.

So, what’s the formula behind this fitness fuel? Turns out, Nutri Testo supplements contain a natural extract from the Tongkat Ali root—otherwise known as Malaysian Ginseng—recognized in Southeast Asia for both its anti-aging potential and balanced hormone support.

When the body’s hormonal health is out-of-whack, you could experience symptoms like fatigue, decreased libido, muscle atrophy, depression or even weight gain. Yeesh. That’s why keeping your hormones regulated is uber important. And Nutri Testo is up for the job!

Now, time for some stats. Here’s a nutritional breakdown* of the wellness benefits promoted by this supplement extraordinaire:

• Anabolic Increase & Catabolic Decrease
• Athletic Performance Enhancement
• Lean Muscle Development
• Anxiety & Stress Alleviation
• Testosterone & Cortisol Health
• Energy Support & Fatigue Reduction
• Sleep Quality Improvement

Plus, with its plant-based nutritional goodness, Nutri Testo gives me the vigor and vitality to crank my workout motivation into high-gear. Which means I can almost do a headstand.

Ehh…practice makes progress. At least my body’s fueled though! And now yours can be too because I’ve teamed up with Nutri Lifescience (a.k.a. the Nutri Testo masterminds) to give fitness aficionados everywhere a chance to experience this supplement for themselves.

Just repost the corresponding giveaway photo on my Instagram feed, tag @nutrimaqui2015 and @its_the_healthy_hippie, include the hashtag #NutriTestoGiveaway and make sure to follow both accounts. Yup. That’s the drill. Not exactly rocket science, huh?

A winner will be selected at midnight on Friday, September 9. One entry per person. Must follow all contest rules for consideration. And check out this limited time discount for a 3-month supply of Nutri Testo (buy 2, get 1 free + additional 20% off).

So…everyone’s a winner now. Holla!

 

 

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.

 

New Year. New You. New Fuel! {Product Review}

So…you might’ve noticed something different about the calendar by now. Hint: the date no longer reads “2015.” (Of course, I can never get my years straight, so if you cashed a check from me recently, just scribble out that “15” part. Sorry, Mom.)

But enough about my haphazard record keeping skills. 2016 has officially taken up residence for the next 52 weeks, which — for most people — signals that dreaded New Year’s Resolution season.

Based on The Journal of Clinical Psychology, about 66% of resolution makers center their goals around fitness and nutrition. However, 73% will soon fall victim to burnout.

The take-away? Don’t become another statistic.

Whether you’re planning a dietary overhaul or just curbing a junk food fetish, Manitoba Harvest has the ideal snack time solution. Your 2016 self-improvement list never tasted more delectable.

Introducing (drumroll, please)…

image courtesy of Manitoba Harvest

Fuel this year with the natural protein power of hemp, and healthy eating will become a no-brainer!

These conveniently portioned nibbles support your active lifestyle with nutritious fuel anytime of day. From a portable office snack to a workout energy boost to an after-dinner treat, hemp heart bars offer on-the-go versatility to balance out that busy schedule.

Behold, the health benefits of each 45-gram serving…

The Breakdown:

10 grams Plant-Based Protein

10 grams Omega Fatty Acids

> 10 grams Sugar

Vegan & Non-GMO

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The Flavor Profile:

CHOCOLATE

240 Calories Per Bar — I’m generally not a proponent of calorie counting, but in case you wanna know, there’s your answer.

Natural Ingredients — hemp hearts, organic brown rice syrup, organic coconut palm sugar, organic cocoa mass, organic dutch-process cocoa, organic chocolate flavor, pectin, organic sunflower oil, rosemary extract

My Verdict — All the buttery richness I expect from a chocolate cravings crusher. No complaints from this choco-holic!

APPLE CINNAMON

230 Calories Per Bar — Blah, blah, blah. You’ve heard my calorie counting spiel, so I’ll leave this here for curiosity’s sake.

Natural Ingredients —  hemp hearts, organic coconut palm sugar, dried apple, cinnamon, organic apple flavor, organic brown rice syrup, pectin, organic sunflower oil, organic caramel flavor, rosemary extract

My Verdict — I’m just not ready to kiss fall flavors goodbye, and this delivers all the spicy seasonal warmth  of a classic apple pie. Seconds, please!

VANILLA

240 Calories Per Bar — Yeah…I’ll get off my soapbox now. It’s packed with nutrients, that’s all you gotta know.

Natural Ingredients — hemp hearts, organic coconut palm sugar, organic brown rice syrup, organic vanilla flavor, sea salt, pectin, organic sunflower oil, rosemary extract

My Verdict — Distinctly floral and aromatic with a hint of earthiness. The consummate sweet tooth satisfier, in my taste bud’s opinion!

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Wanna try this deliciousness for free? Then, enter the “Fueled By Hemp” social media photo contest! Tag #sweatpink #hempheartbar #fueledbyhemp @manitobaharvest @fitapproach for a chance to win your favorite flavor. The posts don’t need to include Manitoba Harvest products, but of course, it’s fabulous if they do!

Check out the full contest details here. Open to U.S. and Canada residents. Or, if you need instant hemp gratification (which…understandable!), order online using the discount code hhbarlaunch1016 for 15% off your purchase (Expires 3/31/2016).

image courtesy of Manitoba Harvest

 

Raw Spice Bar: a Taste Bud Tour that Begins at Your Front Door!

Listen. We can’t all be certifiably gourmet foodies with access to the world’s most epicurean ingredients — plus, that extra dash of pretension on the side.

Or, can we…?

Turns out, if you’ve got an oven and a whopping $6 to spare, those fancy-schmancy “Food Network” professionals have nothing on you!  Even if your kitchen is a battleground of failed culinary attempts, who’s keeping score?

RawSpiceBar sure isn’t. This small-batch subscription service takes the guesswork out of creating memorable dishes, thanks to an uber affordable (hello…6 bucks!) monthly delivery of unique spice blends sourced from across the globe. These freshly ground seasonings are also paired with chef-inspired recipes, authentic to each spice’s native region.

For instance, the theme for September is “Istanbul Spice Box,” so all featured flavors hail from the vibrant Turkish marketplace. This month, RawSpiceBar treated my taste buds to a distinctive East-meets-West sampling of exotic, earthy spices with that perfect punch of heat.

Inside these individually portioned packets, I found Za’atar, Baharat and Urfa Pepper — none of which I’d ever heard of (much less, used in cooking). These spice blends combine rustic Middle Eastern textures with a savory Mediterranean bite…and all three won me over!

“Originating as far back as the 13th century, ZA’ATAR is a Turkish cook’s closely guarded secret, bringing zest to every dish it touches. Thyme and sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor, balanced by floral herbs and acidic sumac. Stir into olive oil and serve on bread, dust on eggs and oatmeal, or use as dry rub on chicken and vegetables.”

“BAHARAT is a spice staple in Turkish cooking — the name itself means ‘spices’ in Arabic. Used in everything from seafood to soup, this blend brings together coriander, cumin and black peppercorn with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice and cloves, rounded out by sweet paprika.”

“Often described as raisins meets coffee, this dried Turkish chili is smoky, almost sweet, and imparts a deep, red-maroon tinge to everything it touches. URFA chilis pair well with braised meats, eggplants or red peppers, and give great depth to spreads with dairy or hummus.”

So, that’s the lowdown on our culinary headliners. Now, here comes the all-important taste test. Earlier this afternoon, I experimented with a mishmash of flavor profiles from both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, added a few dashes of those honorary star spices, and — voila! — lunch was served.

I call my creation…drumroll, please…

Veggie Quinoa Bowl & Avocado Crema:

Ingredients:

1 clove Garlic

1/4 cup Quinoa

1/4 tsp. Za’atar

1/2 tsp. Baharat

1/4 tsp. Urfa Pepper

1/2 cup Onions (sliced)

1/2 cup Tomatoes (chopped)

For the Crema:

1 tbsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

1/3 cup Green Yogurt (plain)

1/2 Avocado (mashed)

1 Mint Sprig (for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Pre-heat a pot on a medium-high stovetop setting and cook the Quinoa according to package directions.
2. Once the Quinoa starts to soften, stir in the Garlic, Urfa Pepper, Za’atar and Baharat, then allow the Quinoa to finish simmering.
3. Combine the Avocado, Greek Yogurt and Olive Oil until smooth.
4. When the Quinoa is fork-tender, transfer to a bowl and top with the Onion and Tomato.
5. Spread the Crema over the other ingredients and garnish with Mint.

I also recommend trying out RawSpiceBar’s own recipe corner — whether you’re a carnivore, vegetarian or vegan, these tantalizing dishes won’t disappoint! Here’s a sneak peek to whet your appetite:

Za’atar & Pita Crusted Cauliflower

Roasted Beet & Urfa Pepper Hummus

Lahmacun (a.k.a. Baharat Lamb Flatbread)

Looks delicious. Or, as they say in Turkey…looks lezzetli. Who says eating can’t make you multicultural?!

Good thing I’m always hungry.

#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. 

How to “Jump” Start Cardio the Playful Way

In my opinion, the most regrettable aspect of growing up is forgetting how to play. Remember sprinting around the jungle gym all afternoon as a kid…heart pounding…lungs burning…legs aching…yet never losing steam?

For me, those childhood memories can be summed up in just one word: freedom.

Who says there’s an age limit on playtime? Why, as adults, are we expected to trade in our muddy sneakers for sensible penny loafers? At what point, did the arbitrary expiration date on “fun” expire?

The youthful you viewed physical activity as a source of enjoyment, while the mature you  considers it a necessary evil. Au contraire, I say! You’re never too old for recapturing that boundless energy and free spirit.

But, where to start? That’s the million dollar question.

Enter: TKO Sports, a workout equipment company who’s tagline Whatever It Takes reflects a deep-rooted commitment to wellness and healthy living. Plus, TKO recognizes the importance of P-L-A-Y. (Your younger self would definitely approve!)

So, without further ado…introducing TKO Soft-Grip Jump Ropes, a revolution in cardio fitness that puts the excitement back in exercise. 

Gotta love that cheery yellow and lively blue!

First, let’s talk quality assurance:

• Lightweight, non-slip grips for speed training
• Smooth swivel design for agility training
• Metal ball-bearing for tangle prevention
• Smooth tubing for consistent swing motion
• 9-foot solid PVC rope for maximum durability

Next, fast meets effective:

• TKO’s 15-minute jump rope cardio workout burns 170 calories.

The box doesn’t lie. Impressive? Well…duh!

Simply hop and skip your way to optimal heart health with the following easy-peasy regimen:

Staying in shape shouldn’t be a chore. Working up a sweat shouldn’t feel like torture. Nope, fitness should be fun! Unleash that inner child who’s begging to go outside and play. Give yourself permission to embrace movement, enjoy exertion and reap some groovy health benefits along the way. (Yeah…I said “groovy.” Sorry, not sorry!)

Who’s got jump rope swag? Oh, that would be me!

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 Special thanks to Lipton Publicity and, of course, TKO Sports, for sharing this product with me.

My Top 5 Picks for any Fitness Fanatic’s Holiday Run List

If you’re among those brave souls, who refuse to let frigid temperatures stand between you and staying in shape, here’s a golf clap. I applaud that dedication!

But — sigh! — I can’t sit with you.

Partly, because I don’t wear pink on Wednesdays. But, mostly, because my body and winter weather don’t get along.

In my defense, I’ve spent most of my life in the sub-tropics, so anything below 60-degrees sends me running for a hoodie. If I faced the same conditions  that Northerners (Or, anyone above the Florida-Georgia line, really. Yep, I’m that warm blooded!) deal with on a daily basis, then outdoor workouts could just kiss my booty goodbye until spring.

Fortunately, in my stomping grounds, exercising throughout winter months requires leggings and long sleeves at the most. If you live in a colder climate, though, you’re probably laughing at me right about now. As you should. Your badassery puts my year-round flip-flopped feet to shame.

But, before heading outside to conquer the elements this season, better make sure you’re equipped for combat, right?

Right.

(Or, so I’ve heard. I’m still new at this “brrrrr!” stuff).

The following #HolidayRunList will help you accomplish just that. Although it’s specifically tailored toward runners, fitness enthusiasts of every activity level can also get in on the action.  Below, I’ve featured my favorite winter-ready workout gear — which I may or may not sport in 60-degree temps — that will keep you moving despite Jack Frost nipping at your nose. See what I did there?!

Whether you’re a hardcore marathoner or casual jogger, these seasonal must haves are perfect for running in a winter wonderland. Plus, they make snazzy gifts and stocking stuffers, so you might wanna include them in that letter to Santa. Or, just #TreatYoself.

Since you managed to avoid the Naughty List, and all.

Anyway, without further ado…

My #HolidayRunList (in no particular order):

1.  Nike Lightweight Tech Gloves ($14.97) — These gloves are made from patented Dri-Fit material to keep your hands cozy, without building up sweat. Added Bonus: the fingertips are touch-screen compatible, so you can easily track your distance, check the time, or crank up your running playlist on a mobile device.
2. Lululemon Run With Me Ear Warmer ($26.00) —  This ear warmer fits snugly against your skin, with a comfortable 4-way stretch to prevent chafing. Added Bonus: both sides are reversible and provide 360-degree reflectivity, so you can stay stylish, visible, and safe when clocking some miles after dark.
3. ASICS Lite-Show Favorite Pullover ($60.00) — This pullover top is figure flattering and brightly colored to keep you feeling confident, while working those muscles. Added Bonus: the fabric is climate-controlled to increase breathability and help your body adapt to unpredictable weather patterns.
4. Fabletics Salar Capri ($39.95) — These capri pants provide a full range-of-motion with smooth, stretchy material that wicks moisture, while warming your legs from the inside out. Added Bonus: eye-catching designs, such as chevron, make these bottoms a sure-bet for effortless street-style, as well.
5. ProCompression Calf Sleeves ($45.00) — Now for the main attraction! These calf sleeves have recently become my go-to workout accessories. Ideal for a wide range of physical activities, they’re made with graduated compression technology that optimizes blood circulation and oxygenation, supports lower leg muscles and tendons, and prevents stiffness and inflammation. Plus, they’re available in various colors and prints for extra cuteness on Race Day. Read all about the amazing benefits of your new “exercise bestie” — and snag a pair for yourself — on ProCompression’s website. Then, enter the code PINK2 at check-out for a 40% discount (valid until December 15, 2014)!

And, just for kicks, here’s yours truly rocking my ProCompression Calf Sleeves in the pseudo-winter Sunshine State…

when they first arrived in the mail

they’re not only functional, but fashion-forward too!

out for a test run…final verdict: 2 thumbs up!!! 

Now, what are you waiting for? Hit the pavement this season without a case of those cha-cha-cha-chills slowing you down.