Energizer Bunny

Ever feel like this...

But wished you felt like this...

Well many people turn to coffee - (i.e. ME!) - but I know not everyone enjoys that beautiful drink :)

So I'm here to give you an alternative method to getting your nervous system going!

It's a company called Celsius - and like their tagline says, "So much more than an energy drink"

It's true. Celsius claims that not only do their drinks provide healthy energy - but also burn calories in the process. (I say 'claim' because I only had a couple of their drinks so cannot say for sure what tole they took on my calorie expenditure)

Their products come in both carbonated and non-carbonated; they also have a line of on-the-go packets. Their flavors range from wild berry, to cola, to peach mango green tea. 

My favorite was peach mango green tea; but all of them were delicious! 

My only negative(ish) comment is that I really didn't care for the non-carbonated beverages. They just seemed to be missing something - but that's just my humble opinion. I also didn't overly love the orange on-the-go packets I tried. But again-I'm not a huge fan of orange juice, so you may have a much different experience. 

So did it give me a buzz? Ohhhh ya!

It gave me much more of a caffeine jolt than a regular cup of coffee or glass of tea. I thoroughly enjoyed it. :)

So over all - if you're looking for a kick start to your day -  or something to get you over the midday hump; this is a perfect drink. Delicious, healthy (Celsius has a TON of vitamins in each energy!

*I was not given any compensation, all I received were the samples. 

Wordless Wednesday

Alright, so this post won't be completely wordless since that would essentially mean I'm not talking, and if you know me at all-you would know I need to talk!

So here goes more of a 'extreme-picture-laden' Wednesday :)

The day started off AMAZINGLY! ...probably since the very last thing I did the night before was watch this:

For anyone who wants to know-I cried when they finished their 5k. Sap-I know, but I just can't help it! I can't wait to help people overcome their fears and do more than they ever dreamed possible!

So I got up-and in celebration of my personal training aspirations did a Jillian Micheals workout! Ain't no betta way to start the day!

Oh wait, there is - I remembered to grab my Bible before heading off to breakfast in the dining hall. This always makes my day get off to a great start! I love beginning the day in The Word. If you're looking for a way to start your day off right, do it with Jesus! You won't be sorry :)

And to make my day even better, I got to try my sample of this:

Chike Nutrition Ice Coffee Mix

AHHHH! You guys- seriously, I don't even know how to explain how freakin' amazing this stuff is! I'm not sure if it has like a-kajillion more times the caffeine as coffee (ok-actually I do know, it says on the package that it has about the same amount as one cup regular caffeinated coffee). But it seriously got me so 'jived' (<- word of the day!)

It was delicious tasting and is sooo good for you! Seriously-it was like a party in a coffee-shop in my mouth! 

 

And I can have a good excuse for drinking it, because it has so many vitamins and minerals and PROTEIN! 20 g worth! Ya... pretty much like 3 eggs! :O 

It comes in a nice little single serve package like so...

And you put it in 10ish ounces of water (or milk) like so....

And mix (with a fork, blender ball, just shaking, anything!)

*Chike also sells a bunch of other flavors of single mix-in protein drinks, if you aren't a coffee-Fein like myself!

It is soooo smooth! Honestly, I can NOT take just mixing any kind of protein powder with just a liquid, I think it taste chalky and gritty and have to just use it in a smoothie to be able to bear it. But this-this was something special! It mixed in so easily and quickly and tasted like a creamy, decadent latte! I gave it a splash of milk, just because I wanted it to go farther, added so coffee ice cubes and away I went! Happily slurping my way through the day....

Slurpin' through some Chemistry homework... believe you and me-ice coffee Chike Nutrition style really makes Chemistry easier to bear! Fun almost! ...almost...

I also snacked on some hummus dip in a cute little single serve squeezable package-cute no?

And got to try yet ANOTHER one of my product review samplings - Crunchies.

It's freeze dried pineapple!

Look at those stats! :O The whole package had 150 calories. Wowza! Not to mention 180% of your vitamin C need, 6g fiber and 12% iron. And the only ingredients: pineapple!

Crunchies has a bunch of different freeze dried snacks, both fruits and vegetables; mixed blends, seasoned goodies as well as organic options.

They are so good for you, fun to chop on, delicious and an easy to grab snack!

So after Chem lecture, Physiology lecture, Chem recitation, Physiology lab (where I go to be the volunteer to have my urine analyzed! Woo-hoo! ..too much sharing? :/ Sorry!), working on a group project for over 2 hours, and homework, homework, and more homework - how do I reward myself?

With a HUGE bowl of granola of course!

Yum x 3!

But now I feel like this....

So I'm off to bed! Goodnight and God Bless!

*If you actually made it to this point in the post-I am honored, amazed and wish I had your attention span!

~Chike Nutrition and Crunchies only sent me samples to review. I was not given any other compensation. All opinions are my own.~

Jamba At Home Greek Yogurt Smoothies

I love smoothies! I mean.... that came with saying, errr typing, but it is a good leeway into this product review :P

I have the opportunity to sample and review the new 'Jamba' at home Greek Smoothie. They are a "ready to blend" mix of superfruit and Greek yogurt. I had the Acai Super-Antioxidant and Pomegranate Pick-Me-Up. Both were DELISH!

Now, I'm not a huge one for 'ready to make' smoothie mixes. I like to have the ability to add exactly how much of what fruit and yogurt I like. But daaaaang these were good! The Greek yogurt didn't add as much tang as it usually does for me, which in my opinion is a good thing!

All you have to do add 8 ounces of the liquid of your choice - I used milk (but you can also add juice, soy/almond/rice milk, etc.), and mix in a blender.

The only issue I had with these smoothie mixes, was that they were a little off the mark in terms of serving size for me...
The picture above is a full drinking glass full, and that was 2 servings of the smoothie mix-with only one 8 ounce serving of the additional liquid. This was mainly because I like a thicker smoothie... Not that the nutritional value is horrible if you have both servings - it ended up being about 230 calories, but had a 15 grams of protein, 7ish grams of fiber and lots of vitamins!

Overall - these were delicious and made for a quick and easy nutritional smoothie. I will probably still stick to making my own smoothies, but that is purely a personal choice-along with a consideration placed on price and availability of these smoothie kits - each one is around $3.29-$3.89. However, if you enjoy smoothies and want an easier way to make them in no time at all - pick some of these bad boys up!

*Thank you, Jamba Juice, for allowing me to sample and review these products - all opinions were purely my own and the only thing I received was the sample smoothie kits.

BZZZZ!!! Bee Pollen Buzz

Mmmmm Honey! 

I love its sweet and comforting taste, delightful aroma and encompassing texture. It truly is an amazing food God has given to us. But did you know how beneficial it can be to our health? Me neither... until now! Even the Bible tells us that honey is good for us: Proverbs 16:24 says, "Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

I was lucky enough to receive a sample of Bee Pollen Buzz's raw honey (they provided me with a sample, but the thoughts and opinions are completely my own, I was compensated in no other way.)

I had never had raw honey before and was a little curious as well as nervous - I had NO idea what to expect... raw honey? I went along with it though - would I ever turn down a review opportunity?! Of course not! 

Well, I was not let down. Not in the slightest! After a little research, I discovered that I knew absolutely NOTHING about honey! If you're like me, you're probably thinking.. well honey is honey, what more is there to know? A lot! 

Most honey is highly processed, meaning it has been heated to temperatures that kill off all the beneficial enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. In fact, honey should be a solid at room temperature?! Crazy baking girl say WHAT?! I know... I was shocked too! 

Raw honey hasn't been treated with the high heat or excess filtration that strips it of its amazing health properties. Just look at all the benefits raw honey has:

• Balance blood sugar

• Harmonize the liver

• Loaded with 'good' bacteria including Acidophilus 

• Neutralize toxins

• Blood pressure 

• Relieve pain

• Anti-Cancer properties 

• Wipe out toxins that cause diarrhea

• Digestion 

• Anti-Bacterial 

• Anti-Allergenic 

• Anti-Inflammatory

• Expectorant

• Laxative

• Sedative

• Anti-Toxic

• Anti-Anemic

• Fever-Reducing

If that isn't enough to get you incorporating raw honey into your life, the taste sure will! One little lick of the raw honey was enough to get me hooked! It is so sweet (obviously...) but since it is a solid at room temperature it can be spread directly on toast! (talk about convenience!) or any other way you'd like to enjoy this sweet treat! 

I am truly truly truly in love with this raw honey and will soon be out! I have used it in sooo many ways, but my two favorite are:

~1 tsp. raw honey mixed into 1 cup of hot water a squirt of lemon juice for an amazing drink when you have a sore throat or any cold-like symptoms!

~A Peanut Butter & Honey Smoothie!

-1 TBSP raw honey

-1 TBSP peanut butter

-1/2 cup yogurt (frozen in ice cube trays)

-1/2 cup milk

-Blend all together and ENJOY nearly pass out from its amazingness! 

Keep one thing in mind though, honey, as with absolutely anything should be consumed in moderation, after all - it is a saccaride and while it is completely natural and a much better alternative to white sugar, it should still be treated as a sweet.

I hope you all give raw honey a try! Both your health and your tastebuds will thank you! Bee Pollen Buzz also makes some other interesting, and crazy healthy bee products! Check them all out here

Have a sweet day!

Peanut Buster Shake

So you're probably thinking... "ok-this girl has serious issues! I mean she is OBSESSED with peanut butter to the point of needing help... and she already has posted a recipe for a Peanut Butter Smoothie. She NEEDS to get a new love!" 

And yes-you would be completely right-I do have a recipe for a Peanut Butter Smoothie, and yes-I am utterly fascinated with all things peanut butter-just check out how many recipes contain peanut butter! But please don't leave this post just yet! This isn't the same ole' same ole' peanut butter smoothie-in fact there isn't ANY peanut butter in the drink at all! I promise! So you'll stay? 

Good :) Cause you you're tastebuds won't want to miss this!

Maybe you've already seen my review for Peanut Flour, or my newest review for PB2-either way, you know I am a huge fan of peanut flour! It's so versatile and with a little work can taste very similar to peanut butter, but with a better protein bang for your buck! 

*Sidenote: Since I have slightly more love for PB2 than regular peanut flour, that is what I am using in this recipe-however, if you want to use peanut flour just add a little (about 1/2 tsp. each) of salt and sugar-alright, back to me rambling the recipe!

This shake is taking full advantage of PB2's nutritional stats and lip smacking taste!

This recipe tastes very very very very similar to a Butterfinger in my humble (but always correct :P ) opinion! 

Ingredients: 

-1 cup of frozen substances*

-2 TBSP PB2 mixed with 1/4 cup water (yes, this will be very runny but that is what you want to get a good consistency without having to water (or milk) down your shake!)

-possibly: another 2-3 TBSP milk? <-This will all depend on your personal preferences, blender power and the weather (ok-maybe not the weather-I just think things need to come in odd numbers to sound good! But then again-if you're making this outside in 100+ heat your shake will be melting so fast you won't need as much extra liquid!)

Directions: 

1. Mix up PB2 with water

2. Add your frozen substances to blender and pulse a few times to get things started

3. Add PB2 and mix again

4. If necessary, add that milk

*Frozen substances: There are many different options. My favorite way is to freeze yogurt in ice cubes and use those for this drink. You can also use ice cream, frozen Greek yogurt, or frozen milk cubes.

Don't you just wanna jump through your computer screen and eat this thing up!? ...I wouldn't recommend it though.... it'd be worth it!

Delicious topped with whipped cream and another sprinkling of PB2!

Mix1

Let's face it-there are a LOT of impostors in the health food world out there! Ya know who I'm talking about-those companies that want to be hip and trendy and seem all healthy but really their list of ingredients and nutritional stats don't live up to their hype. Like those protein bars that have more sugar than a batch of cookies, or the granola that contains more fat than a steak! (For a healthy granola recipe click here) Sometimes, it can seem impossible to try and pick the right 'heath' food! Sometimes it just seems easier to grab a Snickers in the first place (after all, at least it is being up front with the fact that it is a junk food and not trying to fool you!) 

But... I may have found something that actually lives up to its reputation. I was given the opportunity to review an All Natural Nutritional Shake - Mix1. Mix1 claims: their products contain only the highest-quality, all-natural ingredients including whey protein, carbohydrates, antioxidants, soluble fiber and healthy fat. They use the right balance of these ingredients, at efficacious levels, to provide the maximum benefit to your body before a workout, after a workout, or throughout your day. 

So do they really? Or are they just blowing hot air? Well-let's find out! First, let's talk about their ingredients...  Purified Water, Whey Protein Isolate, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Maltodextrin, Juice Concentrate (blueberry, apple), Extra Light Olive Oil, Citric Acid, Pectin, Natural Flavor, Elderberry Concentrate (color), Lactic Acid - Alright, pretty legit-the ingredients they use are all natural just as they said and nothing in there is really of any concern health wise-good job Mix1! :) 

Let's move on to the actual nutritional content of these shakes- There are two different types of shakes: All Natural Nutritional Shakes & Lean Performance Shakes. 

Here is the nutritional stats of the Lean Performance Shakes:

chocolate and vanilla shakes (Lean Performance) 

Serving Size

11 fl oz (325 mL)

Servings Per Container

1

Amount Per Serving

11 fl oz (325 mL)

Calories

90

Calories from Fat

5

Total Fat	.5g	1%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Trans Fat	0g	0%
Sodium	320mg	13%
Potassium	0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	14g	5%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	9g
Protein	9g
Calcium		20%

Not a significant source of vitamin A, vitamin C and Iron

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~Not too bad-has a nice amount of fiber, very low in fat, and a good source of protein! All for about 90 calories...not to shabby!

Now let's look at the All Natural Nutritional Shakes:

chocolate and vanilla shakes (All Natural Nutritional Shakes) 

11 fl oz (325 mL)

Amount Per Serving

Calories

200

Calories from Fat

20

Total Fat	2.5g	4%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Trans Fat	0g	0%
Sodium	125mg	5%
Potassium	370mg	11%
Total Carbohydrate	29g	10%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	22g
Protein	15g

Vitamin A	25%	Vitamin C	25%
Calcium	20%	Iron	10%
Vitamin D	25%	Vitamin E	15%
Molybdenum	25%	Thiamin	25%
Riboflavin	25%	Naicin	25%
Vitamin B6	25%	Folic Acid	25%
Vitamin B12	25%	Pantothenic Acid	25%
Iodine	15%	Magnesium	20%
Zinc	20%	Selenium	25%
Manganese	25%	Chromium	25%
Biotin	10%

~Has about 100 more calories but a ton more vitamins and minerals. 6 more grams of protein with the same amount of fiber; it also has more carbs, fat and calories from fat-but less sodium. Still very low in sugar though!

Overall-both of the shake options are great for a supplement beverage. It not only bumps up your protein intake but also gives you a nice dose of fiber as well! And-the All Natural Nutritional Shakes are rich in an abundance of vitamins and minerals! I give the All Natural Nutritional Shakes a 4/5 for nutrition and the Lean Performance Shakes a 4/5 as well - what they loose in a lack of vitamins and minerals they make up for in their lower calorie/fat count and equal amount of protein and fiber. 

Now on to convenience...  Were these something I could actually incorporate into my lifestyle? They say a picture is worth a thousand words-so I'll let them do the talking...

I had a busy week and didn't really have time to make a substantial breakfast so I decided I'd give my Mix1s a try!

It was perfect to grab and take with me on my way to work with a granola bar and some apple slices!

After my morning run, I only have about 20 minutes before I have to jump in my car and head to swimming lessons-which I'm at all morning before life-guarding all afternoon-I need a breakfast that is quick, portable, filling-but not heavy, energizing (running + teaching 20-some 5 year old's how to swim + sitting in the sun & watching children swim all afternoon can really wear a person out!) and can aid in recovery (my muscles need all the help they can get!)

With a container full of Oatmeal Squares and Crunchy Corn Bran and my Mix1 I was good to go!

To answer the question of convenience-YES! These shakes were perfect to grab out of the frig and sip on while I drove to work. They filled me up without weighing me down and kept me full all morning-thank you protein/fiber combo!

Last (and most importantly in my opinion), we need to talk about taste. I was given a sample of both chocolate and vanilla flavors in both the Lean and the All Natural Shakes. I think I can sum up how each was in one word... DELICIOUS! Now... let's just get it out there that I am not the biggest fan when it comes to anything chocolate, and truth be told - I hate drinking straight up plain milk (which is what I figured the vanilla would taste like). Boy oh boy was I wrong! The chocolate flavor had almost a malt-like taste to it! It was very creamy and rich-without being overpowering. The vanilla was sweet and also had a bit of a malt-like flavor about it. Neither flavor was gritty or chalky which is always a worry of mine when it comes to protein/nutritional shakes. Mix1 shakes are creamy and flavorful! I give them both a 5/5 on taste!

Overall- 5/5 ...these shakes ROCKED! I loved the flavor and convenience of an already mixed shake. It was great for breakfast on the go and provided me with a jump start on my fiber and protein needs (as well as vitamin/mineral needs with the All Natural Shakes). There are a ton of athletes already hooked on these shakes and now I know why. I love that they use natural ingredients! Mix1 also has a wide variety of fruit flavors as well: peach, strawberry-banana, mix-berry, blueberry-vanilla and mango (in original) and blueberry, acai-promagranate, and strawberry-banana (in Lean). I am definitely going to have to give these a try as well! 

So where can we find these little beauties? 

To find a store nearest you click here. Or, to order online click here. Either way-you won't be sorry! These shakes are a great choice in nutrition, convenience and taste!