Jasper

Happy Friday!!! Better later than never!

I am pleased to see that the work week is almost over! I have some really fun things planned for this weekend so I am excited. I am so grateful for the warmer weather and the arrival of Spring. I swear there were times during the winter that I just didn't think I would make it. I really hate to be a downer on a sunny Friday morning but I need to get something off my chest. Most of you know already that my kitty Jasper has been lost now for over two weeks. He has been the only thing that has stuck by my side for the last 5 years. I got him when we was just a few weeks old in 2005 and he has been the light of my life. Seriously...he is all that I have. I had two cats 5 years ago. One of them (Jovan) ran away when I had a terrible break-up and I guess that he thought that he was moving too. I was really upset to loose Jovan and everything else that I knew to be true to me. I am not getting into it now but lets just say the last few years have been tough for me. One thing that was always constant no matter what was Jasper. He stayed even as a little kitten when Jovan took off. He would always be waiting for me when I got home and loved to curl up with me in bed or on the couch. It has been weeks now and I have got to just let go. I have done everything and I mean everything to find my Jasper. I cant stand coming home and seeing his empty bowl. I hate driving up and him not running out to greet me when I get home. I can officially say one thing and one thing only. I have lost everything and I mean EVERYTHING that is or was dear to me. In three years, everything that I once knew is no longer. This is not a pitty party by any means. To be honest I have asked myself over and over again, do I deserve all that has happend to me? In the last two years I have lost my home, almost everything that was in it, my car, my dad, my band, friends, my lover and now my cat. I dont want any e-mails PLEASE, I just want to say it and move on. I REALLY want to be able to move on but darn...just when you think you can smile again something else happens. I sure hope that Susan is right....I am ready to close the book all together and start a new journey. May couldnt get here faster. Honestly, one of the reasons I have just been reviewing products is because I didnt want to write a bad post. This blog should be up lifting and make you happy to read. However, this morning I figured that I should just say what is really on my mind. Afterall, some of you have been with me through it all! I thank you for that. I also wanted to greet the new readers! So sorry that you are just starting to read and have to see me at my worse. I promise after this post I will feel much better. There's nothing like telling thousands of people that you dont know your havin a bad day ;)

If you know me and I mean REALLY know me a few things would automatically come to mind. Of course that I am a exercise/nutrition freak. That I can get obsessed easily with fitness and well being (remember my kombucha factory, "the ultimate meal" craze and lets not forget master cleanse after master cleanse). Some others would include living through my horoscopes, grandma tendencies and the fear of commitment. At least that I can admit these things, except them and move on. The one thing that hopefully would come to mind if you truly knew me was that I practice and believe deeply in the power of positive thinking and visualization. I am trying to be positive and all but I am having some trouble with the thought of not having my fur baby anymore. Sorry to be downer but I am sad. So this morning I wanted to get it off my chest and say what is in my heart. Jasper...you will be missed deeply. I promise never to forget you. I know that some of you will be writing about the time that your cat was gone for two months and then miraculously came home. I am so glad that happened for you but I cant go another day thinking this way. I cant sleep because I feel like he is trapped under the house, I drive by my house several times a day hoping he will appear and leave food and water in multiple locations around the house and yard. I have to allow myself the idea that he is just gone. I have no pictures of him, I only have memories. Thanks for letting me get that out there.

On to breakfast!


Pink lady apple with drippy PB2. Mmmmm. I have been trying my best to break the fast with fruit, pb doesn't hurt either!


After two hours though my stomach started talkin. That's when round two happened. Fage 0%, mango, pecans, blackberries and blueberries. Oh so good. Then I mixed this little guy in for MORE protein and it was a pre-workout meal. Were talkin 30 grams of much needed protein for this little meal! Fast digesting protein before a workout=3.5 miles over in no time. Today is gorgeous and I am going out in it! By the time I get back from the workout my day at work will almost be over and I can start to see the light of the weekend! Since I have been 90% raw these days I am having the usual raw lunch. L.O.V.E.

As usual I run around the office, do errands, type until my fingers cramp, stare at the clock until it says 4:40 and just cant bare sitting at my desk a minute later.


On the dot, I tell all three of my co workers to get the hell out of here and go enjoy the weekend! They stay until 5:00, I practice what I preach!


4:45- Home, changed and ready for round two. Nope, not an apple. A workout. I know what I have to do to make it happen. I have got to walk straight in the door, strip my clothes off and put on some exercise gear. I don't sit down for a second or it's over.

Seriously. Walk in, change clothes, grab i-pod, out the door.


4 miles later and I am a sweaty mess. What I want and what I need are two different things. What I want:

Ok, maybe this is a little extreme....HA!


This would do though:

Ahhhhh, I would fricken die if this was my shower. I would shower 10 times a day if I had this.


What I need:

Green Monster in spoonable form. After a protein packed post work out snack it is on to round three, yeah I said it. 30 minutes of yoga and I feel good enough to actually act on what I want. A shower.


It's 7:00 p.m. by this time and it is round 4 now. KIDDING. No way in hell! Listen, 7.5 miles in one day is just fine by me. It's time for dinner and relaxing.
Dinner:
Chicken lettuce wraps and you better believe a glass of wine. Or two ;)
After a long week I deserve a glass of wine (dont think that a glass of wine can be consumed without at least two squares of after dinner dark chocolate). For. Real.

I gotta wake up extra early tomorrow to train so I will need to be in bed fairly early. No worries, I plan on getting some aggression out with the workout from hell Saturday morning. 550 reps, you read right....YOU will be doing 550 reps. Just you wait.

I hope this weekend goes by slow. I need it!

See you sooner than you may think ;)
-Heather

PURE BLISS

Good morning!

from my desk to you! I have a wonderful review for you and you better believe that you will be seeing these on my plate for a while. I found Pure Bars and boy am I glad!

The Certified Organic Pure Bar for your natural, healthy lifestyle!


I swear....this girl on the package is me! I got a box in the mail and it was packed with 6 boxes of the most amazing bars ever! I know that you hear me raving about a lot of products and the truth is, if I say I love something, I do. Pure Bars however take food bars to a whole new limit.

Here are some answers to questions that you may have about Pure Bars.

Why is Pure Bar different than other snack or energy bars?
Pure Bar really gives you the most nutritional bang for your buck in a snack or energy bar. It delivers the highest amount of antioxidant loaded fruits, heart-and brain-healthy nuts, 4-5 grams of organic fiber, and 6-7 grams of organic protein. You get all this in a minimally processed bar that is as close to raw as a packaged food can get. And, it's really delicious!
Is Pure Bar Gluten Free?
Yes, we use no wheat or wheat family products in our bar. (Facility is not wheat free but contamination is almost impossible given the measure of cleanliness required by organic standards.)
Is Pure Bar Organic?
Yes, Pure Bar is certified organic (unlike Larabar and other raw bars), which means ALL of the ingredients we use are free of pesticides and herbicides. This is especially important given that conventional fruit is relentlessly sprayed with chemicals and you can't wash a bar! Buying organic also helps our earth stay cleaner.
Does Pure Bar need to be refrigerated?
No, Pure Bar has a nine month shelf life. If you do refrigerate it though, it stays nice and fresh.
What does raw mean?
Certified organic Pure Bar is made with cold-processed fruits and nuts. Since the ingredients are never subjected to heat, they retain their high antioxidant content and nutritional value, unlike many other processed foods. I believe it's the only way to go when it comes to increasing the health benefits of your diet.
Why is it important to include raw foods in our diet?
When contemplating the health and beauty of our bodies, we need to remember one very important fact ì our bodies are constantly renewing and rebuilding dead and damaged cells. We are in a constant state of remodeling and have only one source from which to gather all the building supplies. Raw foods provide the highest quality building materials with which to continually remodel and improve our bodies from the inside out.
Is the brown rice protein raw?
Yes, the brown rice protein is raw. Our supplier uses a natural enzyme to separate the protein from the carbohydrate. No heat is used so the product retains its nutrients.
Is your cocoa fair trade?
Yes, our cocoa and cacao nibs are both fair trade .
What happens to a Pure Bar in heat?
Pure Bar won't melt in the heat like chocolate bars do. It gets a little softer, but is still tasty and safe.
What is agave nectar?
Agave nectar is sourced from the sap of succulents (plants that resemble cactus or yuccas) and is similar to honey. Agave nectar is a low-glycemic ingredient that adds moisture and sweetness to foods without significantly raising your blood sugar when you eat it. We consciously chose agave nectar versus syrups or other refined sugars in order to make the highest quality product possible.
Why do you have canola oil in the Wild Blueberry Bars and sunflower oil in the Cranberry Orange Bars?
The berries must be lightly sprayed to prevent disintegration during the process of making the bars. There is an insignificant amount of oil used for this purpose.
Where can I buy your product?
Please check out our Store Locator page, which lists numerous retailers that carry Pure Bar.
What was the inspiration behind creating Pure Bar?
One day my daughter, who was six-years-old at the time, announced that she wanted to be a vegetarian. I couldn't just give her pasta, tofu and soy cheese! I wanted to create a raw-food snack that didn't compromise on nutrition, yet I knew that if it wasn't totally delicious, she wouldn't eat it. After much trial and error in my own kitchen, Pure Bar was born. It went over so well with my family that I felt it would be incredibly beneficial to share it with everyone.
Pure Bar is all about Purposeful Eating. What does that mean?
People now are making conscious choices in everything they do ì from the cars we drive to the way we spend time with our family to the foods we eat. Raw, organic, minimally process foods reflect a kind of eating that has purpose and intention. When you practice Purposeful Eating, you understand that good health contributes to the overall quality of your life. It's simple, it's easy and it works.

I know that this is a lot of questions but I think that it just about covers anything thing that you could ask about the bars themselves.

Ok, now lets get to the goods!~
Like a good mood in a wrapper
The Chocolate Brownie Pure Bar is made with fair trade organic, virgin cocoa meeting the highest quality standards on the market. They combine this with California Deglet Noor dates which provide fiber, potassium, and magnesium ì nutrients that respectively, can help stabilize blood sugar, maintain healthy blood pressure, and build strong bones!
INGREDIENTS:
Organic Dates, Organic Walnuts, Organic Agave Nectar, Organic Almonds, Organic Cashews, Organic Brown Rice Protein, Organic Cocoa and that's all! (unless you count the 14 essential vitamins and minerals, important antioxidants from cocoa, and healthy Omega 3 fats in every bite). Nothing cooked. Nothing processed.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size 1 bar (I love this! Most bars are two servings and you know you want to eat the whole thing.)
Calories 200
Fat Calories 80
Total Fat 9g
Saturated Fat 1g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 10mg
Potassium 250mg
Total Carb 25g
Fiber 5g
Sugars 18g
Protein 6g
This is pretty much the nutritional info for all flavors.Most have about 200 cals, 25-27 grams of carbs, 7-9 grams of fat and 6-7 grams of protein. They are a great way to start the morning in my book! I tried all the flavors and they all were great.

Here's my favorites in order.

1:Chocolate Brownie (seriously, a brownie)

2.Wild Blueberry

3:Trail Mix

4.Cashew Cherry

5:Orange Cranberry

6:Apple Cinnamon

It was hard to even place these but after trying them all they definitely had a place in my heart. Every one of them. Each bar had a different great quality. The wild blueberry tasted so amazing and didn't have a fake blueberry taste (which is hard to do in my book.)

The Orange Cranberry tasted like someone shaved fresh orange rind over it, the Trail Mix bar tasted as though I threw a handful of raisins and nuts in my mouth and the Chocolate Brownie was better than Betty Crocker's soft batch brownies any day.

These bars get a 10 from me and I highly recommend going to their site to see them for yourself.

www.thepurebar.com

You will notice when you click on the link that their website is being reconstructed. Pure Bars is in the process of getting a face lift and so the site is too. If you are already a lover of Pure Bars you'll notice that the wrapper looks different in the store than before. Don't fret!!! It's the same amazing bar, just a new outer look!

With so many wonderful flavors to pick from I bet you cant just pick one. In fact, I can promise you that if you pick up all of them you will be happy (they offer a variety pack). None of them lacks in the yumminess department.

Thank you so very much Janna for being so kind and sending me one of my favorite products all year! These bars came into my life just at the right time. If you are busy during Spring and Summer and want something that you can have anywhere, anytime, this is the bar for you. I have tried a TON of bars throughout the years and they get 1st place! I cant believe that I am really saying this but I doubt that I will find a better bar (unless of course I make my own raw food bars, their pretty sweet if I do say so myself ;)


Organic, raw, gluten free, healthy, delightful!

-Heather

Put a Zing in your step.

People around the world are beginning to realize that organic, vegetarian, vegan and raw foods ways of eating not only make healthy bodies, but make a healthy earth and happier world. I found a company that truely believes in this way of thinking and stands behind the products on their website.
At Natural Zing, they feed the mind, body and spirit. Through three decades of research and consulting with numerous nutritionists and vegetarian specialists theye have gathered the best products to develop natural energy and health, your natural zing! Staff members have been 90 - 100% raw for a few to many years and can help you with your transition, lifestyle and advanced questions. Their journey towards better health continues.

In Natural Zing's Market they sell organic food, raw food, vegetarian food and vegan food as well as related chef's tools and personal care products, only the healthiest products for you and the Earth. They specialize in raw foods, living food, vegan food, organic foods and other products to promote health, including personal care, juicers and kitchen equipment. Their products and resources meet the needs of various dietary and lifestyle choices.

Information is essential to making healthy decisions. Natural Zing's Education link takes you to health, lifestyle, vegetarian, living and raw food knowledge. To learn more about vegetarianism, hemp, ending world hunger, and the benefits of raw organic food go to our education section. We also sell related health books on topics such as raw food living and raw nutrition. Natural Zing's Links section takes you to abundant health and alternative knowledge resources which will be updated periodically.
We hope that you enjoy the products you purchase and the information you find. And most importantly they hope your life is filled with natural zing.

Thanks to the nice folks at Natural Zing I was able to try some pretty great things! I was so excited to try some products that I never have before! In the package I got:
Livin Spoonful Caraway Crispy Crackers (Raw, Organic)
Livin Spoonful Caraway Crisp Crackers
You will enjoy this crispy cracker reminiscent of rye, filled with sprouted seeds, dates, coriander and caraway. Pack of 4. Dehydrated at low to preserve enzymes.
Ingredients: Organic sprouted sunflower seeds, organic celery, organic flax seeds, organic dates, celtic sea salt, organic caraway seed, organic coriander seed.
Gluten-Free
Net wt.: 2.4 oz
Vegan, raw, living, sprouted Crackers, great with salad, salsa or hummus. Handmade with loving kindness! These were amazing! I had them with my hummus and man....it was good!

I also got a pack of these!
Lydia's Ginger Nori Crackers (Raw, Organic) 5 oz
Lydia's Lovin Foods Ginger Nori Crackers have a nutritious crunch with a vegetable nori flavor. These crackers are made from nuts, seeds, herbs, spices and sea vegetables. The ginger flavor gives them a little extra zing. Ginger lovers will go nuts for these. These are great plain or can be served with the spread of your choice.
All Lydia's Organics foods and crackers are made with all organic ingredients, gluten-free and soy-free, great raw food. Try all five varieties of Lydia's Organics raw food crackers.
Ingredients: Sprouted sunflower seeds, carrots, sprouted almonds, celery, nori, parsley, sprouted flax, ginger, lemon, Himalayan Crystal Sea Salt & love. Dehydrated at low temperature to preserve "life-force".

Plus 2 jars of Sesame Tahini, Premium (Raw, Organic) 16 oz
Raw Premium Organic Sesame Tahini made at cool temperatures from mechanically hulled raw organic sesame seeds. This is processed on equipment that has never seen peanuts or dairy.
This raw food sesame tahini is made with 100% raw organically grown sesame. Organic Sesame Tahini is a great source of calcium. Tahini is used in dressings, sauces and hummus.
This living organic sesame tahini is processed in a raw organic vegan, peanut-free facility. It contains absolutely no traces of peanuts, soy or dairy. It contains no artificial colorings, stabilizers, flavorings or genetically engineered foods. Refrigerate for longer life.
Ingredients: Raw Certified Organic Sesame Seeds. Certified Organic by CCOF. Stir before serving due to oil separation that may occur naturally.

Go to their site! They have hundreds of items to choose from.

www.naturalzing.com

I know that you will be able to find at least three things that you didn't even know they made! I found all kinds of products that I knew I could put to good use. I hope you do to!

I will leave you with one last picture. This is raw crackers done right!

Guac and raw crackers. Love em! I absolutely loved the crackers and the tahini! Thanks so much for letting me put some Zing in my life!
-Heather

ICU

Hey! I am lovin this warm weather! I swear I am totally a Spring and Summer chick. I just become a completely different person! I know that sounds a little funny but it is true! How about you? Is there a season that you prefer over another?

This past weekend (and Monday!) was filled with sunshine, working out, lounging and smoothies! Yes, I am making some of the best smoothies of my life! I tell you what....I could be on a liquid diet of I wanted to and feel totally satisfied! Two items that I purchased recently was xantham gum and guar gum. These gums turned my "I'm hungry after 30 minutes!" into 4 hours of no hunger pains and enough energy to go 5 if I really wanted. These babies turn my once smoothie from this: WATERY MESS

to this:

THICK

Thicker Thickest! I tell you what, introducing gums to my smoothies has changed a snack into a MEAL. No kidding! I will go ahead and tell you....they aint cheap! A little goes a LONG way though. I use anywhere from a half a teaspoon to a whole teaspoon to get the consistency that I want. It can end up so thick that I eat it from a bowl!

Sometimes you just gotta roll with it! I do this often actually and top my smoothie with all kinds of things. Buckwheat, granola, flax seeds, goji berries, cocoa nibs, bee pollen, you name it I topped my smoothie with it. Something else that goes really well with smoothies is sunny weather!

You cant go out on a bright sun shiny day unless you are equipped. I almost always have some huge sunglasses on my face when I leave the house. I was so very excited to see that I got a sweet package from

http://www.icueyewear.com/

What was inside was just what I thought would be. Actually, I already knew what was coming my way. I aint frontin. Rose, the sweetest lady ever let me pick out a pair of sunglasses and a pair of eye glasses. Whoo Hoooo! This woman is awesome! One reason why is because I wanted the pink version of these sunglasses but they were all sold out. She took a picture right there at her desk and sent it to me with "Heather, all we have is the red ones, will this work? I can send another pair if you like." Whoa....I thought. No she didnt....customer service at it's best! I mean...what other company would do this. I can tell you (because I talk to on average about 30 companies a day) very rarely do I get outstanding customer service. Customer Service is number one to me. I work in customer service and have my own business on the side and I will say this: I will break my back, situate my schedule, call you back at 11 p.m.or meet you at your house to keep you happy. Whatever the customer wants, I deliver. I pride myself on giving the up most best customer service around and I will say, it aint easy. I can also say that if you call or e-mail me...your getting a response in less than 15 minutes or else! It's just my rule. Rose at ICU was great! She got right back to me and let me know what the deal was on the products and what they had to offer. When I got the photo of the sunglasses I laughed but only because I knew I was talking to a girl after my own heart! Thanks Rose! You rock!

Here I am with the new shades. (terrible picture)

For 2010, ICU eyewear is thrilled to provide new collections of the fun and fancy readers that you have come to know and love, with an added touch of sophistication and glamour. Innovative features and fresh new materials like sustainable bamboo, reclaimed plastic and recycled metal are integrated into our signature styles.
Reading glasses are one of the few accessories that you can own in every color, for every outfit, and every occasion. Whether you are seeking glamour-worthy rhinestones or chic sophistication, ICU Eyewear continues to provide you with updated, fashion-forward choices in reading eyewear.

When she asked me if I wanted to pick out some readers I thought "I don't wear glasses!" Then I took the on-line test and thought "well, you know what...maybe I do." It is so weird that I got contacted by Rose because just the other day when I was at work I thought "Darn...either I am gettin old or I need some glasses." Both.

Here is the pair that I picked!

(yet another bad pic)

The style is "retro". Who would have thought! I LOVED these on the site and I LOVE them even more on! These glasses are so cute! Thanks so much Rose! Your the best!

Please go to: www.icueyewear.com

They have so many glasses and sunglasses offered! I bet you cant just pick one!

-Heather

It's Crunch Time!

No, not this crunch time silly...

This crunch time!
I got some good bars to tell you guys about!! Have you heard of Raw Crunch bars? I was sent some to try out and I'm glad I had the opportunity. First, a little about the bars. The core ingredients in each bar are organic, raw nuts and seeds. There's a little bit of raw honey but nothing artificial in these babies. Each bar is hand-made, uncooked and unprocessed. There are 4 different flavors: cranberry, blueberry, goji berry and dark chocolate. I was really pleased with the nutritional information in these bars. The only ingredients are organic sesame seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic pumpkin seeds, organic cashews, organic blueberries, organic flax seeds, organic pecans, raw honey, organic macadamia nuts and Celtic sea salt. A single bar has a measly 150 calories (which I think is great for a bar packed with so much goodness), 10g of fat (but this is healthy fat, which we need), 3g fiber and 5g protein.

It all began in their little one bedroom apartment. At first it was a snack designed for our own healthy consumption. Ross and Kathy were both in the health industry, a national fitness competitor and a trainer of Muay Thai. They wanted real, live food, something that truly nourished the body, not something designed in a lab. They wanted a list of ingredients we could actually pronounce, because they knew if they couldn't pronounce it, it was just something else for your liver to detoxify.
The Raw Crunch recipe miraculously came to them one day, but it has taken them years to get just right. Their friends and family wanted a taste, so we started wrapping our bars in Saran wrap with a label on top. They were a huge hit! So they rented a kitchen, perfected the recipe, and improved the packaging.
This was 6 years ago, and they are still mixing up the same small batches fresh every day. Every Raw Crunch bar is hand-made fresh with a personal passion for excellence and quality that only a small cottage manufacturer can themselves can offer.
I love a company with a good story! I give their raw crunch bars a 9! The only reason why I took a point off is because these babies are expensive! Now, I know it is only because they use amazing ingredients but still. If you can though, find them at your health food store! That's what I did. I buy a few at a time and that way I don't break the bank! Totally worth every bite! My favorite was the cranberry and goji berry. They have even a chocolate one for ones that have a sweet tooth. You can buy 12 bars for 30 bucks on their website or even a sample 4 pack for 14.00. Seriously, these bars are outrageously good! I loved them all.

Thanks so much Kathy (gotta love a company whose owner contacts you directly) for letting me try these out, your product rocks! My favorite flavor was blueberry, naturally.

Go to their site!

http://www.rawcrunchbar.com/

you wont be sorry you did! I had this bar for breakfast and it really satisfied my hunger for quite sometime. I two thumbs up from me. I think if you try this bar out yourself you will feel the same way too! Let me know if you have had these bars before and which one is your favorite! I bet you will be surprised by the salty sweet combo that these bars offer. I love salty sweet things (like dark chocolate and sea salt) these bars have the perfect balance!

On to a different subject! I made more homemade hummus! You know I have pretty much been on a hummus and raw veggies kick for about 2 weeks now. Hugh's version I will admit is pretty darn amazing....AND ADDICTIVE (totally right Hugh, it was hard putting the stuff down). His recipe called for a southern favorite....boiled peanuts!

I could eat boiled peanuts for days on in....I could eat (and just might) eat this hummus for weeks! WOW!



Loved it, loved it, loved it!

Do you have a interesting way of making hummus? I always do the traditional hummus mix but after trying Hugh's version...my wheels are turning. I am thinking of all kinds of additions now. Thanks Hugh for turning my almost boring hummus into something really special!

Hope you all have a great day and I will be back with some pretty fantastic stuff tomorrow! All these hummus making has inspired me to make a "hummus" with something quite interesting...Just you wait!

-Heather

New Do.

So yesterday I went to the salon and did what I haven't done in a LONGGGGG time.

I got my hair cut! WhOoOoo hOoooOOo! Boy, did I need it. Wanna see the "before" and "after"? Here is the before shot... And here is the after.

The "before" shot was taken with no make-up so I felt like the "after" had to be taken without make-up as well. Sorry.

I felt really good after the salon but got home at 9:00, it took forever. That made me realize why I dont get my hair done often...It takes so long! I have a hard time sitting still for that long.

It's spring so a new look is what I needed. I find myself every year around this time wanting to have a new look. Do you have a time of year that makes want to get a new haircut? Spring is a great time I think!

Well, I was going to post this Friday but the server was down. So a couple days late! Ok...just one more.

Hope you have a great weekend!

-Heather

Blue mountain

These are my thoughts exactly this morning. I made my first pot of Peets coffee this morning and I thought "why not make a strong pot?" I mean, really? So I did...

I got a coupon for 2 bucks off Peet's coffee and couldn't wait to have a cup. Alright, you know that I have several loves in my life and you should know by now...coffee is one of them. I have gone from one cup of hot green tea in the mornings to one cup of coffee, to one cup in the morning and now one cup after lunch. The habit is here to stay I am afraid. If drinking coffee is a bad thing. I'm bad...so be it! I chose the House Blend. It said "is a perfect introduction to Peet's coffees". So I went for it. I have to say, it was good! I remember the first time I had a cup of Peet's Best, it was in SF and it was COLD! I put some fresh nutmeg in it and man....it was good. My cup this morning wasn't as good as that cold morning there but it was darn good! After my cup of coffee and feeling somewhat human again I tried another product that came my way!

Better Than Roasted presents a line of soaked, sprouted and dehydrated, certified organic raw nuts and seeds, whole nut and seed butters, trail mixes, and love bites. Our Better Than Roasted process maximizes the bioavailability of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in our nuts and seeds. We begin with nuts and seeds that are raw, premium, whole, and certified organic. We then hand sort, soak, rinse, and dry them at a low temperature, not exceeding 108° F, which preserves temperature-sensitive enzymes and nutrients.
Raw & Vegan
Whole, Premium, Raw Nuts & Seeds
No Preservatives, Non-GMO
USDA Certified Organic
Certified Kosher
Sproutable Superfoods
Made to Order in Small Batches
A Peanut-Free and Soy-Free Facility

I decided to take this pack and make a powerful breakfast!

SERIOUSLY, this is my "git tha hell outta my way gym breakfast!" Sorry, but it's true....

1/2 quinoa (yes, try it instead of oats sometime, you will be glad that you did).

blueberries, blood orange, banana, kiwi (notice, I am not using a whole banana or orange, just a few slices. Don't be afraid of fruit (carbs) just dont over do it) and better than roasted nuts sprinkled in. Top it with some greek yogurt and your lookin at 350 cals, 25 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbs and 0 fat. DO IT.

This breakfast will stick with you for 5 hours if you needed it to. I swear quinoa is goooooood for breakfast. I even have brown rice as a breakfast cereal of sorts at times. When I cook the quinoa I add in a pack of stevia to sweeten it a bit. Agave is great with it as well.

Please go to their site and see all of there awesome products. I have tried the almond joy dessert (which blew me away) and now some of the best nuts I have ever tasted! I really really loved this variety and this company. Thanks so much for sending me a pack of them!

www.bluemountainorganics.com


Today is going to be a little different because I am actually doing something for myself besides kicking my butt in the gym....I am getting a hair cut. I have been putting this off WAY too long. What will I end up with? Who knows? I am just going to let the lady do what she wants. I am not picky and always have the idea "if I dont like it, it will grow back!" That is the right attitude I think. Cross your fingers though for me....I think it is going to be short. Yeah, I just may go all the way.

So here is a before picture just so you can see a very updated photo. This was taken on Saturday.

I had dinner with one of my best friends and made him take this photo. I gotta say...I look old! The hair is not going to fix that I know but maybe it will make me feel a little better. Have you ever seen a lady and from the back thought she was like 20 but then she turned around and was 40? Well....I am hoping this is not me...I think that it is getting that way though. NO E-MAILS PLEASE saying "no your not!!! blah blah blah". I am just sayin.

I will try and post a picture tomorrow (or even late tonight) of my new hairdo.

See you tomorrow!

-Heather

Optimum Nutrition here I come...again.

Good Morning and HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!!



(I dont think that I have to say this but this is not my picture, sorry I am not that good. yet.)



I got a sweet package from Optimum Nutrition!!! I used their products religiously for 2 years. I had to pull myself off of processed foods completely and allow myself to intuitively eat so I haven't had any HUGE containers in my house for about a year and a half now. When I was contacted by them I was excited to see what they had to offer! I will say, with it being smoothie season, I am ready to introduce some new protein powder to my shakes. I need some quick digesting protein before and after my work outs. Here is Optimum Nutrition's mission statement:





Optimum Nutrition strives to produce distinctive, affordable, premium-quality products while making every effort to anticipate ever-changing customer needs and meet the demands of a dynamic market with innovative products, effective support materials, and unsurpassed service.



Let me tell you a bit about the company and how they got started: Optimum Nutrition, Inc. (ON) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glanbia, a leading international cheese and nutritional ingredients group. ON owns and operates two brands of nutritional supplements (Optimum Nutrition and American Body Building) providing a comprehensive line of products across multiple categories. With state-of-the-art production facilities occupying over 500,000 square feet of operating space, ON is the only sports nutrition company to manufacture items in every product category. Whether it's nutritional bars, protein powders, ready-to-drink sports beverages, or vitamins, essential minerals, and herbs, Optimum Nutrition is able to control the integrity of all products through in-house manufacturing. Supported by Costello's Health Distributors (Optimum Nutrition's sister distribution company) and ABB's nationwide direct service distribution network, customers are ensured prompt delivery and unmatched customer support. Collectively, Optimum Nutrition, American Body Building, and Costello's Health Distributors, are the dominant force in the sports nutrition industry with the highest quality products available in health food stores, specialty stores, gyms and progressive retailers everywhere.



History
Optimum Nutrition was founded in 1986 by brothers Tony and Michael Costello. Originally known as Costello's Health Distributors, the entrepreneurial brothers soon recognized an opportunity in the need for significantly improved quality and innovative vision in the sports nutrition industry. The Optimum Nutrition brand was launched to satisfy both demands, and after 22 years of success reflected in great part by the ongoing best-selling status of ON Gold Standard 100% Whey, the Costello's entered into agreement to sell the company to the international cheese and nutritional ingredients group Glanbia.




Quality Counts
Our commitment to quality is evident throughout the entire product development process. Before a single machine is turned on we carefully select vendors who supply premium raw materials. All vendors must provide a Certificate of Analysis for each raw material as a continued measure of quality. These certificates are then verified through random in-house and independent laboratory testing. Highly sophisticated equipment confirms the purity and potency of every ingredient on our labels. To further diminish any chance of physical, chemical, and microbiological contaminants, we have established and implemented our own Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program. Quality assurance professionals make routine checks on all storage, blending, and production areas and conduct final inspections daily. Together, these procedures allow Optimum Nutrition to constantly deliver first-rate sports nutrition supplements under the strictest quality control standards known as current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).




This matters to me a lot because so often in the the bodybuilding world you are given misleading information and worse...products that claim one thing and do another. Now, you know that I am a "clean" eater and I am totally against packaging, harmful chemicals and processed foods. I am however a smoothie lover and like to have added protein before and after my workouts. When I got this package I was siked to see that they sent me some items that I would actually use! There was a time in my life that I lived on HUGE containers of Whey Protein...I hate to say it but it just left me with the worst gas in the world. I had to tell you, sorry. What I found was I was actually getting protein poisoning. I thought that I was just bloated but in fact, I was eating (drinking) WAY too much protein. I didn't understand how I could be gaining weight on a liquid diet! Well....you can if you are eating 5 times the amount of protein your body can process. See, your body can only digest 30 grams of protein in one sitting. That means if you are eating (or drinking) something that has say 50 your body will take the 30 grams and then store the rest as fat. Yep, this is how you gain weight (fat) on a liquid diet. I would down a smoothie packed with 60 or 70 grams of protein and then my next meal the same thing. Gross...I know. I was eating cans of tuna like it was gum. I was also pure muscle and what I like to call "thick". Lets just say, if you didn't actually touch me and see that I was totally ripped with nothing but 9% body fat on me, you would have thought I was fat. I was so dicouraged when I was out growing my clothes and didn't eat what I wanted. I ate nothing but tuna, fat free cottage cheese, Why protein, egg whites and greek yogurt. Yep, even more gross. It did the trick but I was completely brain dead by the end of the day. I was eating no fat to make my brain useful and no carbs to use for energy. Competition diets suck and I thought that I could live off one. So wrong! Anyway, years later I know better and I will say this canned tuna will never ever be consumed by me again! I do however, love me a smoothie! Mine are totally different now!





I got a package from





www.optimumnutrition.com



What was in the box was 100% Casein powder Hydro Whey, Recovery 2:1:1 and a few protein bars. The first thing that caught my eye was the casein powder. I have taken BCAA's, whey protein and everything under the sun but I have yet to try the casein powder. Well, there is a time and place for everything, now is my time to try this out!





Sometimes slower is better - especially when it comes to the rate of protein digestion. While rapid protein absorption is desirable immediately before or after exercise, delayed release is probably more beneficial throughout the remainder of the day.Casein proteins are pH sensitive and gel in the acidic environment of the stomach. As a result, it can take more than twice as long for caseins to be broken-down into their amino acid subcomponents than whey and other proteins. Because of their unique time-released qualities, caseins are aptly described as anti-catabolic or muscle-protecting proteins. I liked the casein powder. I mixed it with cold water and it became a pudding of sorts. I am excited to see what gains I can make with this nighttime snack. Make sure you read to the end to get a sweet recipe with casein!





The second item that caught my eye was the Recover 2:1:1.



What you eat, when you eat it, and how much you eat has a dramatic effect on your performance. But, not all nutrient combinations work equally well. 2:1:1 Recovery is based on the latest science demonstrating that blending different types of carbs and proteins maximizes absorption and leads to better results than the use of larger amounts of any single type. Hydrolyzed whey, micellar casein, and egg albumen proteins provide immediate and sustained amino acid delivery for repair and rebuilding while the precise ratio of simple sugars and rapidly-digesting carbs in 2:1:1 Recovery helps refuel and replenish hard-working muscles. And with 5 grams of added BCAAs in the proven 2:1:1 ratio of Leucine to Isoleucine to Valine to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, there’s no question that 2:1:1 Recovery is an indispensable part of every serious athlete’s routine.
The Rapid Recovery Ratios
Beyond The Basics
2:1 ratio of carbohydrates to proteins
Optimal CARB COMBINATION for FASTEST ABSORPTION
Blends FASTER, intermediate, and slower acting PROTEINS for sustained amino acid delivery
Loaded with HYDROLYZED WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATES
Fortified with 5 GRAMS of ADDED BRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACIDS (BCAAs) . It was a little scary to see 70 grams of protein in one package for me but after reading about this product it totally makes sense. I drink a recovery drink after my workouts on my lower carb days. It doesn't effect the number of carbs for the day if I stick to this and omit the tons of fruit I usually have. I carb/calorie cycle and this is just what I need to get my body on recovered from my brutal workouts. Over the winter months I did only one interval crazy workout at the gym (on my lunch usually) and then some sort of cardio after work (walking for a hour 4 days a week, running for 30 minutes 3 days). NOW, it will be 2 interval training sessions a day with the cardio of choice. I am so glad that Spring is here because now I feel like swimming! In the winter I just cant bring myself to put on a swim suit and get in the pool. No matter how heated it is. I am starting my pool schedule starting today! YAY! I plan to start swimming two to three days a week. I have had a few of you ask me what my Spring/Summer routine will be. You all know that I change my workouts every 10 weeks. It is a must to keep my body guessing. Sometimes I change just the time that I go or the entire workout. Starting TODAY it is going to be all new! (be warned....it's a lot.)

Monday- 12:30-1:30 Walking for a hour (3.5 miles), 5:00-6:30 Walking (4.25 miles), 8:00-8:30 30 minutes yoga
Tuesday- 12:30-1:30 Interval training full body workout, 5:00-6:30 4.25 mile walk.
Wednesday-12:30-1:30 3.50 mile walk, 5:00-5:30 3 mile interval run, 8:00-8:30 yoga
Thursday-12:30-1:30 full body weighted interval training, 30 minutes of swimming, 8:00-8:30 30 minutes of yoga
Friday-12:30-1:30 3.50 mile walk (I dont do anything after work, this is my "rest" day.
Saturday-3 mile run, 1 hour interval full body workout, 30 minutes of swimming,
Sunday- 4 mile walk, 1 hour interval training, 30 minutes swimming.

I am crazy...I know. Somehow I still find the time to do everything. I don't know how. If I have a training session with a client then I will use the session as my workout for the day depending on the person. Some people just want me to stand there and tell them what to do and some actually need me to do it with them. On to the other gems in the package shall we?

Here is the Whey protein that I got:
Platinum Hydrowhey is the fastest, purest, most advanced whey protein we've ever developed. In a word: excellence. By hydrolyzing the protein in this premium formula we've created our fastest-acting whey protein yet. Hydrolyzing breaks larger proteins down into smaller pieces that are able to get into your system rapidly, enabling your muscles to start rebuilding quickly. For added effectiveness, we've also enhanced this revolutionary formula with digestive enzymes and micronized branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). In addition to being fast, Platinum Hydrowhey is also ultra-pure. That's because it's made entirely with hydrolyzed whey protein isolates. So there's no excess fat, cholesterol, or lactose to slow down your progress.
Find out more at: platinumhydrowhey.com
Beyond The Basics
Made With advanced Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolates for Faster Delivery
30 Grams of Ultra-Pure Protein Per Serving
Nearly 9 Grams of Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine (BCAAs)
No Lactose, Cholesterol, or Sugar
Contains Digestive Enzymes for Enhanced Utilization
Instantized to Mix Easily With a Spoon





This mix was amazing in my smoothies! I LOVED both the casein and the Whey! So lets see some smoothie porn shall we?



Up first:Strawberry Protein Baby



8 strawberries
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
3 ice cubes
dash of cinnamon
and two table spoons of chia seeds



Next up! Get Yer Green On Smoothie Queen

1 cup fresh spinach (no you cant taste the spinach at all)
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 banana
1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
3 ice cubes
fresh mint
1 scoop protein powder

Last: Orange Islands Dream


1/4 cup shredded coconut
1 frozen peeled orange
2 slices of pineapple
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
hand full of goji berries
1 scoop of protein powder
3 ice cubes

As if these amazing smoothie creations weren't enough how about this baby!!!!



Holy Crap This Tastes Like Dairy Queen Exploded In My Mouth But Not, Mixed Berry Protein Popsicle Fairy!



I crack myself up sometimes....It's true.



Yes, I did it! I made Popsicles to have at night and the best part is....I am going to be building necessary muscle in the process!!! Bahahahahaha!



Ok, calm down. I am sorry but when I had my first one I thought, oh my!




Now if I can figure out a way to make a margarita and it be healthy I will be awesome. Wait. I already did!!! Hahahaha! Your going to have to wait for another post though for that one!


Without further ado:


Mixed Berry Protein Popsicle Fairy:


Ingredients: 2 cups plain low-fat or fat free greek yogurt

2 scoops vanilla-flavored protein powder (or casein if it is a night time treat).

2 cups frozen berries

1/4 cup agave nectar
Directions:Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process until just combined. Pour into popsicle molds or Dixie cups with a popsicle stick centered in the mixture. Freeze.
Makes: 10 to 12 popsicles
Serving Size: 1 popsicle
Each serving provides: Calories: 77, Total fat: 0.2g, Saturated fat: 0g, Protein: 5g, Carbs: 14g, Fiber: 1g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 40mg.


I didnt blend this I mixed this by hand because I wanted to have big chunks of berries and thought it would look pretty. Boy did it! This is the easiest clean diet friendly summer treat I can think of. Add what you want...Chia seeds, cocao nibs (mmmmmm so going to do this!), amazing grass powder, maca or even nuts! I am telling you MAKE THIS NOW and thank me later! This is something you can have anytime. Before a workout, after, before bed (when my sweet tooth kicks in). The great thing is...your getting your protein and your doing it right!


Thanks to Optimum Nutrition I am lovin my smoothie time once again! They get two thumbs up from me!


-Heather