Black is my color.
It’s how I like my coffee and my clothing.
I tend to think no one notices what I wear at the gym… and it’s reflected in my attire. I rotate between the same 3-4 black and/or grey shorts and tank top combos.
Then I wear color one time and get 4 comments. Apparently they do notice. Oops.
How cool is this mesh back?!
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My shoe collection is out of control.
The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.
I’m not complaining! As someone who works out nearly daily, I actually use the 10 pairs of athletic shoes in my closet. Dress shoes, notsomuch.
This is why I was so excited when I had the opportunity to try out Reebok’s new ZQuick. I realized I’d been wearing Reebok apparel for a long time, but had never tried their shoes!
Lately it seems all of my friends are moving to Colorado.
For reasons that are not hemp-related.
I want to move to Colorado too – not for the recent legalization, but for the healthy vibe people have and the amazing skiing. In the meantime, I’ll gladly enjoy my hemp down here in Georgia thanks to Onnit.
Onnit sent over an awesome package of their hemp-based products for me to try out via a FitFluential campaign. (FYI: hemp will not get you high and it won’t cause you to fail a drug test). I received Onnit’s Hemp FORCE in Cocoa-Maca and Vanilla-Acai, the Walnut Almond Cashew & Macadamia Cacao Cherry Nut Butters, and a canister of Earth Grown Nutrients.
I’d been lucky enough to meet a couple of the Onnit team members and try them out at the Blend Retreat last year. Their Walnut Almond Cashew Nut Butter left a lasting impression (I may have absconded with a jar).
Needless to say, I didn’t waste anytime devouring opening that jar. It was fabulous atop a #strangebutgood protein cake for breakfast! This creation was based on the protein loaf Debbie linked up.
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My favorite was the Coca Maca. I live for chocolate. I mean… it’s all about the health benefits! Cocoa in antioxidants and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It’s even thought to relax sore muscles. Many of you know about maca already; it helps boost the endocrine system and libido.
I’ve been using a scoop mixed with almond milk and a little cinnamon in healthy desserts. I mix it together in a teeny bowl and microwave it for 10-12 seconds to make a hot, fudg-y topping.
This one was particularly good – sweet potato cubes, a diced Arctic Zero ice cream bar, and the aforementioned hot fudge. Strange? Yes. Good? Most definitely.
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The Vanilla-Acai protein powder surprised me. I’m normally not a big fan of fruity-protein powders but this one had a fantastic taste – not fake or processed.
I couldn’t resist making a #strangebutgood combo with it (recipe at the bottom). It has tofu in it. Don’t freak out. If you’ve ever tried my Carrot Cake Batter Shake, you know that tofu makes for an amazingly thick ‘n creamy smoothie. Besides texture, I added it here for the extra protein. The only downside to this protein powder is that a serving is only 15g of protein.
Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender (I use a Vitamx) and blend until smooth.
Transfer to a cup or bowl, top as desired, and enjoy!
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How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week? The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.
Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂
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Don’t take my word for it – try it for yourself here using coupon code FitFood10 for 10% off any Onnit product!
Do you like hemp? (The protein. Don’t incriminate yourself. 😉 )
What’s the strangest thing you’ve eaten this week?
I could eat a box of Tagalongs in one sitting.
Thankfully I haven’t proven that, but I’m sure I could.
While I was snowed (iced) in last week, I decided to make myself a healthier version. One that I could eat an entire plate of. And I did.
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A runner, I am not.
Unless it involves chocolate or wine.
I’m sort of kidding. I used to consider myself a runner (hence the name of this blog), but my ACL had other plans.
Regardless, I was struck when Kat sent me her guest post for today. A lot of what she touches on is applicable to any area – whether it be other physical activities, work, or just life.
Who couldn’t use more stretching and rest? As much as we all hate to admit it, we aren’t invincible. Here’s Kat…
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by: Kat
I have popcorn stuck in my teeth.
I need to work that out with some floss.
Popcorn. Good carbs when you pop it fresh at home. Why do I need carbs? Because I’ve been working hard! And I just like popcorn.
It’s been a while since I posted a Work It Out, but I’m sharing an especially good one today to make up for it.
You guys like dessert.
I guess that’s why we get along?
As I looked back at the top posts of 2013, I knew there would be a lot of sweeter dishes. But whoa. Of the top 13 2013 posts, 6 were sweet recipes. What I didn’t realize was that the Work It Out posts are popular too! I’ll do a better job to writing more of those in 2014 – I’ve been pushing it at the gym, but slacking on the writing.
Thank you to everyone for all of the visits, comments, and many, many laughs in 2013. I’ve loved getting to know so many awesome people this year, and look forward to continuing these relationships for years to come.
Enough much! Here’s the lucky (top) 13 to start out ’14…
My office had a tornado.
This should help explain fewer posts and the lack of replies:
My company’s formal launch is Jan 1. Add to that all the holiday obligations and preparation… we are the poster children for the expression “running around like a chicken with it’s head cutoff.”
Who else is feeling overextended? Kat’s post below is one we all probably need to hear right now. It hit home for me!
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by: Kat
I had no idea what to write about, so you’re getting a random health lecture from me regarding your very important Adrenal Glands, a very short concert review, and wishes for very happy holidays!
I’m sure I’m lecturing my doll here on something very important
So I know I may appear to be all kinds of balanced and stuff on this blog, but maybe my body doesn’t see it that way. I found out about 6 weeks ago that I have adrenal fatigue. Stress is no joke, and my body is paying for it. I hate to admit this here, but I think it will help many of you who go-go-go… and go… (Editor’s Note: I wouldn’t know anything a bout that… *ducking head*)
Have some awareness around what stress can do to your body.
Your adrenals are an extremely important part of your system. They regulate your stress hormones, sex hormones, and a number of other bodily functions. If they are not healthy, your whole body gets out of whack. (Editor’s Note: In the words of the late, great Whitney, “Crack is whack.”)
Oh, and you should also know that your body doesn’t know the difference between physical and emotional stress. Little did I know about this when I was attempting to run 100 miles shortly after studying for and taking the bar exam. NOT SMART.
The symptoms are crazy… sleeplessness even when you’re exhausted, moodiness out of nowhere that’s purely physical and not necessarily caused by anything else, random pains in your body, not being able to focus, not being able to generally cope with day-to-day stressors in a reasonable manner.
Now I’m trying to get my health back in order. That means LOTS of vitamins and minerals, eating as close to the end of a run/workout as possible (Editor’s Note: A good rule of thumb is to eat within 30 mins), and getting essential fats in my diet.
Oh, and most importantly, you have to rest. Again, something I’m really not good at. (Editor’s Note: Preach on! Rest is so boring…)
However, with the help of an excellent partner-in-crime, we slept until 12:30pm on Saturday (I know, right?!!?), then had food, went back to bed, woke up and walked to a P!NK concert, which was amazing!
It was really hard to get good pics!
P!NK is the epitome of an athlete and a performer. It was a spectacular show, with tons of dancing, acrobatics, and aerial skills. If you have not seen her live, I highly recommend it. It was an early Christmas present, and part of my new resting regimen. (Editor’s Note: So jealous! She’s my hero.)
I hope you all have fantastic holidays! We will be staying here, resting and relaxing with the animals. Yes, no shuffling from house-to-house, no stress. Just warmth, love, maybe some friends, and definitely some good cocktails (if I’m feel better by then). (Editor’s Note: Come to my house!!!)
Happiness from the inside out… on the way!
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The winner of the Sizzlefish giveaway has been selected! Click here to check back at the post for the lucky winner!
Have you ever had a health issue you didn’t see coming? How did you deal?
What are you doing for the holidays?
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