My Experience With Vegan Protein

One of my favorite things about what I do is the fact that I get to try a large range of workout supplements. Some are great... and then there are those that aren't so great.

For the longest time, I had heard of Sunwarrior product, but I had never tried them... until now! 

Sunwarrior is a super popular line of vegan and plant based workout supplements. Their products are guaranteed to be raw and organic! I am usually hooked on whey, casein, and other milk based protein, so it was nice to see what the vegan protein powders were all about!

I received the Sunwarrior starter kit which incudes:

• Warrior Blend Protein (Chocolate and Vanilla)-a pea, cranberry, and hemp based protein powder.
• Classic Protein (Chocolate and Vanilla)- a whole grain brown rice based protein powder.
• Supergreens (Natural and Peppermint)-includes potent nutrition from alfalfa, barley grass, wheat grass, spinach, oat grass, parsley, moringa, and ginger to boost your overall health.
• Liquid Light-improves the absorption and assimilation of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients as well as boosting energy and endurance.
• Immune Shield-a natural fulvic acid and mineral complex that is fortified with silver ions to help boost your immune system.
• Activated Barley-a performance boosting superfood that also enhances immunity and endurance.

I tried the Warrior Blend in chocolate first. I blended this protein with 8 oz. of water in my Sunwarrior shaker cup! The taste caught me off guard in the beginning as I am so used to whey protein. This protein is made of raw pea protein as well as hemp and cranberry protein. You can read the full nutrition list here.

Next, I made a protein and fruit smoothie with the vanilla Classic Protein powder which is made from whole grain brown rice protein. You can view the ingredient listing here.

Sunwarrior Fruit & Protein Shake

Ingredients:

-1 packet Sunwarrior Classic Protein Powder (Vanilla)

-1 premade frozen smoothie pack (1/4 cup orange juice, 5 strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/2 banana)

3/4 cup water.

-Ice to desired consistency (optional)

Directions:

1. Blend until smooth.

2. Add more ice for a thicker smoothie. Less for a thinner smoothie.

The result was nothing less than perfection and it was gone within minutes!

To learn more about Sunwarrior and their line of supplements and health goods, visit their main site. They are giving away a free smoothie ebook as well so be sure to snag it!

Also, be sure to follow their Facebook & Twitter pages for the latest updates and sales.

Disclaimer: I was given Sunwarrior products to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Belly Bandit Nursing Bras & Don't Sweat It Review & Giveaway Bundle

Hey ladies! I am back to bring you a little (BIG) treat from Belly Bandit, a company who I have been a fan of for over two years now!

I adore Belly Bandit because they are owned by women so they KNOW how a woman's body works before, during, and after pregnancy, and what we, as women, need to feel our sexiest and most confident!

Last week, I had the chance to review their new Mother Tucker Corset and give away one on the blog as well. 

Now, this week, I have a whole bundle of goodies to share with you (and giveaway)!

Since I am still nursing, I was totally excited to receive the BDA bra. This soft, comfy bra can be worn before, during, and after pregnancy as it stretches to accomodate your body.

The BDA Bra:

• is perfect for before, during, and after pregnancy (hence, the "BDA").
• is stretchy and comfortable to accomodate your growing bust as well as when things begin to shrink back down.  
• features no clasps, snaps or buttons - just a simple slide over design for easy nursing access and anytime wear.  
• is lightweight, wireless and supportive.

I absolutely love the BDA bra! I wear it nightly to sleep in as it is the perfect sleeping nursing bra. However, I have noticed that it is completely different than the other nursing sleep bras that I have owned-it's "v" neck design in the front is absolutely far sexier than most and it works with your bust to give you a nice cleavage, making you feel more confident than ever before.

This is a great bra to own before becoming pregnant and I think it would be the perfect first purchase for anyone hoping to get pregnant... or if you just enjoy a comfortable night bra!

Next up is the Bandita Nursing Bra-another goodie that I was delighted with since I am still nursing!

This bra was very new to me as I have never owned a nursing bra that features removable contour pads.

The Bandita Nursing Bra: 

• features removable contour pads that mold to your body’s new shape.
• features a simple release feature means baby can easily access your breast for a stress-fee latch on.
• is a post-pregnancy essential for every nursing mama.
• is great for sleep, nursing and everyday wear – this anytime bra is simply everything you need!

Next up, is a very handy little product to help save you on those hotter summer days that are just around the corner.

Whoever first thought of the Don't Sweat It was an absolute genius! Say goodbye to sweaty boobs forever because this afforable bra liner will help keep you dry and secure no matter what you do!

The Don't Sweat It bra liner:

• minimizes the effects of unsightly & uncomfortable under-boob perspiration and skin irritation. 
• simply slides beneath the bottom of your bra. 
• is made with soft, bamboo material that gently absorbs moisture while moving with your body. 
• is perfect for any size, any age or any activity at all…these sweat soakers are the perfect way to stay dry and comfortable around the clock.

Now, here is a chance for you to win this Belly Bandit Bundle Kit featuring the B.D.A. Bra, the Bandita Nursing Bra, and the Don't Sweat It! 

Just follow the directions on the Rafflecopter below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To view Belly Bandit's collection or to make your purchase now, check out Belly Bandit's:

Main Site

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube Channel

Also, be sure to check out some amazing before & afters!

Disclaimer: I was given Belly Bandit bras to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Jason Derulo "Talk Dirty" One Song Workout

Jason Derulo "Talk Dirty" Workout

This song is about 3 minutes long. The following workout is tailored to suit the timing to the above song.

5 Calf Raises

10 Tricep Dips

15 Mountain Climbers

20 Arm Circles

25 Sumo Squats

30 Second Wall Sit

35 Side Lunges

40 Second Plank

Arm Circles:

• Start by standing straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Your arms should be straight out to the sides, so that your body forms a T.
• Slowly start by making small circular motions with both arms on either side. After a few repetitions of small circles, enlarge your circles and do the same amount of reps.
• Your end position should look the same as the start position. Breathe in and out, and release arms to the side of the body.

Side Lunges

• Stand with your feet set about twice shoulder width apart, your feet facing straight ahead.
• Clasp your hands in front your chest.
• Shift your weight over to your right leg as you push your hips backward and lower your body by dropping your hips and bending your knees.
• Your lower right leg should remain nearly perpendicular to the floor.
• Your left foot should remain flat on the floor.
• Without raising yourself back up to a standing position, reverse the movement to the left. Alternate back and forth.

Wall Sit

• Stand in front of a wall (about 2 feet in front of it) and lean against it.
• Slide down until your knees are at about 90-degree angles and hold, keeping the abs contracted, for 60 seconds.
• Come back to start and repeat, holding the squat at different angles to work the lower body in different ways.

Dips:

• Position your hands shoulder-width apart on a secured bench or stable chair.
• Slide your butt off the front of the bench with your legs extended out in front of you.
• Straighten your arms, keeping a little bend in your elbows to keep tension on your triceps and off your elbow joints.
• Slowly bend your elbows to lower your body toward the floor until your elbows are at about a 90-degree angle. Be sure to keep your back close to the bench.
• Once you reach the bottom of the movement, press down into the bench to straighten your elbows, returning to the starting position. This completes one rep.

Plank:

• Start off on a yoga mat in the pushup position. Starting with the pushup position is the easiest way to get into the plank.
• Lower both your forearms to the ground so that both your elbows and fists are flat to the ground. Your palms should be balled up, and directly underneath your shoulders.
• Curl your toes under and engage your abs by tilting your pelvis and pulling your belly button toward your spine.
• Straighten your body but keep your neck and spine neutral. Imagine that you’re a plank of wood, and that you’re straight as an arrow.
• Flex your abdominals and squeeze your glutes. These are the two major muscle groups you’ll be working out in this exercise.
• Hold this position, also known as the plank, until after the burning begins. Keep your eyes on the floor in front of you. Avoid raising your behind. Your body should make a straight line from your heels to the back of your head.

High Knees

• In basic high knees, you need to stand still with your feet hip-width apart. Pull your right knee towards your chest and keep it there for 3 seconds. Now move it back to the original position and then repeat the step.
• Now do the same gesture with the left knee.

Calf Raises

• Stand on the edge of a step.
• Stand tall with your abdominals pulled in, the balls of your feet firmly planted on the step, and your heels hanging over the edge.Rest your hands against a wall or a sturdy object for balance.
• Raise your heels a few inches above the edge of the step so that you’re on your tiptoes.
• Hold the position for a moment, and then lower your heels below the platform, feeling a stretch in your calf muscles.

Mountain Climbers

• Start the exercise by lying face down on the floor.
• Straighten out your arms and then touch your knees down to the ground or floor.
• Now you are ready to lift yourself up into position. When doing this, be sure that your hands are directly under your chest at a width that is slightly more than your shoulder length distance.
• Once you have settled into position and checked the position of your hands you should be sure to keep your legs stretched out, ensuring that they are properly lined up with the rest of your body. Pay special attention to your knees as many people tend to create a gap here but that should be avoided. If the recommended position is uncomfortable for you, it is alright to modify it slightly as long as you maintain the correct posture.
• Now you should stretch out your left leg for stability. Bend your right knee and bring it up in the direction of your right hand. At this point, you should be in a similar position to the one you would be in if you were climbing a mountain or tree (hence the name) except horizontal instead of vertical.
• After bringing your right knee up, return it to the original position and do the previous step with your left leg. (Once again, bend the left knee and bring it up towards the left hand mimicking the actions of a mountain climber)

Sumo Squats

• Stand with your feet 6-12 inches wider than your shoulders and point your toes outward at around a 45° angle.
• Keeping your weight in your heels, slowly lower your bodyweight down.
• Make sure that your knees do not go over your toes.
• Lower your hips until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground (or as close as you can get), then slowly return to a standing position.

My Favorite New Teething Necklace

Hi ladies,

Is your baby going through that dreadful teething stage when he or she just always wants to chew on everythinggg?

Look no further-I have a smart and stylish solution.

I was sent a teething necklace and bracelet from Finch Designs for me and my little boy. This sweet little Etsy shop sells teething necklaces, rings, and bracelets, infinity scarves, door silencers, top knot beanies, bibdanas, knotted headbands, and more!

This teething necklace that I am wearing is absolutely adorable and goes with just about any outfit. It was easy to put on and to take off. It also came with the adorable bracelet that's pictured as well!

The jersey rope was absolutely adorable. If blue isn't your color, then rest assured that there are plenty other colors that Lisa, the owner, can use to make yours.

All Finch Designs necklaces offer: 

*natural, non-toxic finish wooden beads

*high quality jersey knit fabric (US made whenever possible)

*double knotted for safety

*no glues, metals, or plastics of any nature

*handmade in Minnesota by the fabulous Lisa Finch, herself.

*easy to wear fabrics and stylish look

Much needless to say, it attracted the attention of my son, whom is still teething. He immediately went for it and enjoyed the chew! I liked the wooden beads so much. 

There are so many teething necklaces out there such as Chewbeads, which are made from silicone, but this necklace was hands down my favorite. It isn't so OBVIOUS that it was made for chewing-you know?

My son wouldn't let go of it-I think that was a good sign :)

To get your own teething necklace or to check out the rest of the handmade items to suit your baby's needs, visit Finch's Etsy shop.

Also, please be sure to like them on Facebook for future deals, sales, and for the newest products!

Disclaimer: I was given a teething necklace to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own. 

Taylor Swift "Shake It Off" One Song Workout

Taylor Swift "Shake It Off" Workout

This song is about 3 minutes and 45 seconds long. The following workout is tailored to suit the timing to the above song.

5 Walking Lunges

10 Push Ups

15 Burpees

20 Jumping Jacks

25 Bicycle Crunches

30 High Knees

35 Second Plank

40 Squats

Demos:

Bicycle Crunches

• Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground and contract your core muscles.
• With your hands gently holding your head, lift your knees to about a 45-degree angle.
• Slowly, at first, go through a bicycle pedal motion.
• Alternately touching your elbows to the opposite knees as you twist back and forth.

Walking Lunges

• Step forward with first leg. Land on heel then forefoot.
• Lower body by flexing knee and hip of front leg until knee of rear leg is almost in contact with floor.
• Stand on forward leg with assistance of rear leg.
• Lunge forward with opposite leg.
• Repeat by alternating lunge with opposite legs.

Plank:

• Start off on a yoga mat in the pushup position. Starting with the pushup position is the easiest way to get into the plank.
• Lower both your forearms to the ground so that both your elbows and fists are flat to the ground. Your palms should be balled up, and directly underneath your shoulders.
• Curl your toes under and engage your abs by tilting your pelvis and pulling your belly button toward your spine.
• Straighten your body but keep your neck and spine neutral. Imagine that you’re a plank of wood, and that you’re straight as an arrow.
• Flex your abdominals and squeeze your glutes. These are the two major muscle groups you’ll be working out in this exercise.
• Hold this position, also known as the plank, until after the burning begins. Keep your eyes on the floor in front of you. Avoid raising your behind. Your body should make a straight line from your heels to the back of your head.

Burpees:

• Begin in a standing position. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart. Now, lower your body into a squatting position, placing your hands on the floor in front of you.
• Kick your feet back so that you are in push-up position. Keep your hands firmly on the ground to support your body.
• Lower your chest to do a push-up. Bring your chest back up.
• Kick your feet back to their original position. Stand up, and then jump into the air while clapping your arms overhead.
• Repeat.

Squats

• Plant your feet flat on the ground, about shoulder-width apart.
• Point your feet slightly outward, not straight ahead.
• Never let your knees extend beyond your toes.
• Look straight ahead. Bend at your knees as if you were going to sit back in a chair, keeping your heels on the floor.
• Pull in your abs, and keep your lower back in a near neutral position (a slightly arched back might be unavoidable).
• Tighten your whole body when you perform the squat.
• Lower yourself. In a controlled manner slowly lower yourself down and back so that your upper legs are nearly parallel with the floor. Extend your arms for balance.
• Keep the upper body tight at all times.

Jumping Jacks

• Assume an erect position, with feet together and arms at your side.
• Slightly bend your knees, and propel yourself a few inches into the air.
• While in air, bring your legs out to the side about shoulder width or slightly wider.
• As you are moving your legs outward, you should raise your arms up over your head; arms should be slightly bent throughout the entire in-air movement.
• Your feet should land shoulder width or wider as your hands meet above your head with arms slightly bent

High Knees

• In basic high knees, you need to stand still with your feet hip-width apart. Pull your right knee towards your chest and keep it there for 3 seconds. Now move it back to the original position and then repeat the step.
• Now do the same gesture with the left knee.

Push-Ups:

• Get into a plank position with hands planted directly under the shoulders (slightly wider than shoulder width apart). Ground the toes into the floor to stabilize the bottom half of the body. Engage the abs and back so the body is neutral. In other words, flat as a… plank (ah, now we get it!)
• Begin to lower the body—back flat, eyes focused about three feet in front of you to keep a neutral neck—until the chest nearly touches the floor. (Note: Some experts say a push-up isn’t a push-up unless the chest actually grazes the ground). Don’t let the butt dip or stick out at any point during the move; the body should remain flat from head to toe all the way through the movement. Draw the shoulder blades back and down, while keeping the elbows tucked close to the body, so the upper arms form a 45-degree angle at the bottom of the push-up position.
• Keeping the core engaged, exhale as you push back to the start position as explosively as possible without leaving the ground.

Fighting the Real Monster Behind Eating Disorders

This week is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, a very touchy week for me.

This year's theme for the 27th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which is from Feb. 23 to March 1 is "I Had No Idea."

Many people don't have an idea. Eating disorders aren't broadcasted to the public and it isn't something that one is happy about within themselves. The struggle is real. 

I was 14 years old when I struggled with bulimia. I don't even remember how I came up with the idea that throwing everything that I ate up could lead me on the path to a skinnier body. I mean, yeah obviously it does-but come on, I was only a 9th grader. How was I already thinking this way? I know how. I constantly was hooked on fashion magazines and wanted to be pencil thin and bullied daily about my thighs. 

I remember one day, I binged on a pint of ice cream and immediatelyfelt guilty so I went and threw it all up. That was only the beginning... I would only eat foods such as cereal, ice cream, or other foods with soft textures because those were the easiest to purge out of my system. What started as something to do here and there eventually became a daily battle that I was secretly fighting behind my bathroom doors. The monster grew and it grew and I hated myself and my body more and more. 

I struggled with it for years until I decided to fight to love myself. I didn't want to die- I wanted to win this battle and to get healthy-the right way. And so I did. But, that isn't always the case for everyone.

As many as 65 percent of eating disorder sufferers cite the effects of size and weight bullying as the root of where their struggle began. Someone comments, "hey, you look a little heavier these days" or "did you gain weight?" Sure, the comments are not totally hateful, but they stick with you and the more you let them bother you, the more likely you are to turn to a quick and negative solution. Growing up, I heard these things and it really affected me. My weight would fluctuate and someone whom I was very close to would always find a way of pointing that out to me.

And according to the NedaAwareness site,  Americans get many mixed messages about health—and many of those messages are far from healthy. We hear about the virtues of "good" foods and the evils of the “bad” ones. Our national fixation on weight loss has resulted in $60 billion in profits for the diet industry – an industry whose products and weight loss plans are often the catalyst to an eating disorder. 

Research shows that 35% of “normal dieters” progress to pathological dieting and of those, 20-25% continue on to develop partial or full-syndrome eating disorders (Shisslak, Crago, & Estes, 1995).

What people don't get is that disordered eating can occur in any one-it does not matter if you are obese, fat, thin, athletic, curvy, or a size 0. You have zero idea of another's battles going on within themselves. Instead of poking at ones weight or looks, let's redirect and focus on healthy and mentally, physically, and emotionally fit.

In your standard dictionary, this is how fit is described:

Fit: adjective. Meaning, "in good physical condition; in good health"

Notice how it does not mention size... anywhere...

If you know of anyone whom might have an eating disorder, do your best to be supportive. You cannot fight or win their battles for them, but you can help and be their mental positive affirmation.

I wished that I would've had a friend at the time to just tell me that I was okay. That I was fine. That I was perfect just the way that I was.

Here are some signs of a possible eating disorder to be on the lookout for:

• Disappearing after eating
• Avoiding food altogether
• Pale Complexion
• Depression
• Strange eating habits
• Extreme Dieting

If you are concerned for yourself, a friend or family member, you can take a free, anonymous online screening for eating disorders at MyBodyScreening.org. 

And find more information at MyNeda.org.

Sometimes, today, I still struggle with my looks. But I am so happy to say that I have overcome my body dysmorphia and am happier than ever.

To read more about how I overcame my disorder and how I am doing today, click the image below:

Workout 101: Perfect Circuits for New and Expecting Moms From Guest Blogger Katie Dunlop!

It is no secret that when I came across this gal on Instagram, I immediately fell in love with her smile and her passion for fitness (and her posts)!

Meet Katie Dunlop from Love Sweat & Fitness;  a certified trainer and fitness instructor who whipped her body into shape after going through the motions of college life and weight fluctuations.

She decided to make a big change by portioning her foods, cutting out the junk, and working out reguarly. The results certainly paid off! 

Katie is here on the blog today to talk prenatal and postpartum workouts-one of my favorite topics and I am so glad to have her. I hope you love her as much as I do!

Workout 101: 

Perfect Circuits for New and Expecting Moms

As an expecting or new mom there are a million things you make sure to get done each day… and honestly a workout needs to be one of them. It’s easy to find reasons why you don’t have the time, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your new baby. Exercising not only increases endorphin levels, keeping an overworked and under-slept momma happy, it will also give you the energy you need to keep up with your growing baby.

If you are looking to tone up, lose excess baby weight and strengthen your body, than circuit training is your best friend. The beauty is that you get a mix of cardio, strength/resistance training and stretching all in one short workout. I love giving clients a full body workout to help decrease the odds of overworking any one-muscle group. It’s great because if things come up that cause you to miss a workout (I’m sure that never happens…), you will still feel good knowing you’ve hit all your major muscle groups on day one!

The fact that circuits are meant to be completed quickly means that they are perfect for all you moms out there who barely have time to sit down and eat, let alone spend hours at the gym.

As you get stronger, step it up by adding heavier weights or try moving faster to get more bang for your buck!

Fit Tip: Use playtime for workout time! Pick up your little bundle to use as your “weight” during appropriate exercises like squats and shoulder presses.

Here is what you will need:

·        Stop watch

·        3-5lb dumbbells (Increase weight as you increase strength)

·        Towel

·        Water

What to do:

·        Try to complete each set in 6 minutes or less

·        Complete circuit A followed by circuit B and repeat 2-3x

·        Each Circuit has 4 exercises so depending on how many rounds you do, you can complete your workout in 24-36minutes

·        Drink water as needed

·        Make sure you BREATHE!!

·        Listen to your body. If you need a break, take it. If you need to go no weight the first time or two, do it.

·        If you can add weight, do it!

The Workout:  5-10min warm-up: Walking, Jogging

Circuit A

·        Sumo Squat 10 (Option to add shoulder press with weights)

·        Standing Oblique Crunch (20 on each side)

·        Walking Lunges 20 (10 on each side. Option to hold weights)

·     Romanian Dead lifts 10 (With 5lb weights or heavier)

**OPTIONAL: 
If able to, between each circuit add cardio! Choose one of the following options each time.

·        Jumping Jacks 25

·        High Knees 25

·        Sumo Squat Jumps 15

Circuit B

·        Push-Ups 10 (You can start on your knees as you build strength)

·        Bicycle Crunches 20 (Modification: Standing twist with weights)

·        Army Crawlers 10

·        Split Squats 20 (10 each side)

Some Basic Do’s and Don’t

 When Thinking About a Workout During Pregnancy

Do:

•  Talk to your Dr. to be sure you are healthy enough to participate in physical activity.
• Continue doing any exercises that were a part of your regular routine prior to pregnancy. (yoga, weight training, cycling, jogging).
• Drink lots of water and stay cool. You both need it.
• Contact your OB if you see or feel any unusual changes during physical activity

Don’t:

• Decide to take up a new intense sport. If you haven’t been playing beach volleyball, now’s not the time to start. It’s best to just avoid high contact or new activities during this time.
• Lie flat on your back after the first trimester
• Overdo it. Listen to your body and know when it is time to lower your intensity level and slow down. This is the time in life that it is ok not to push yourself.

Fit Mommy Workout Playlist

Music is a great motivator. I truly believe that my workouts have improved since I actually started listening to music during them. 

I was usually the type that didn't bother because I didn't want any distractions. But, every since I bought my new wireless Beats By Dre headphone, I literally have worn them EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Whether it's cooking dinner, working out, or just to escape for a little while-music has been amazing for me..

BUT, not just any ole tune will do. If you were to take a look into my iPhone, you might not recognize half the artists that I listen to. The diversity of my musical choices might also throw you off a bit. I love a bit of EVERYTHING.

However, when I am working out, I need something fast paced to get me going. Here is a list of my favorite songs to workout to, plus a player in which you can listen to each song for yourself!

Enjoy and feel free to pin the image below for future reference!

1. Over-Drake
2. On to the Next One-Jay Z
3. Bangarang (feat. Sirah)-Skrillex
4. Kyoto (feat. Sirah)-Skrillex
5. Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites-Skrillex
6. Promises-Skrillex & Nero Remix
7. Cinema-Skrillex Remix
8. Power-Kanye West
9. Reptilia-The Strokes
10. Ride-The Vines
11. A Single Moment of Sincerity-Asking Alexandria (Dubstep remix)
12. Starships-Nicki Minaj
13. Thrift Shop- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
14. Turn Down For What-Lil Jon
15. Good Feeling-Flo Rida
16. Wild Ones (feat. Sia)-Flo Rida
17. We Run the Night-Havana Brown & Pitbull
18. You Make Me Feel...-Cobra Starship
19. Animals-Maroon 5
20. B.E.A.T.-Selena Gomex
21. Dark Horse-Katy Perry
22. Talking Dirty-Jason Derulo
23. Harlem Shake-Baauer
24. Hola-Snow Tha Product
25. Kill Everybody-Skrillex