Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

My Favorite Health-Related Apps

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I like to apply myself.

 

My grade school teachers would laugh… they always wrote on my report cards “if Laura would only apply herself…”

With age came discipline.  And the iPhone, which I use to keep me on track with my fitness.  Every day I use my top apps.  It may be a little OCD, but it works for me.

 

1. Sleep Cycle

I will never be a morning person, but this gem makes waking up a little easier.  Sleep Cycle uses the accelerometer in your iPhone to monitor your movement throughout the night an determine which sleep phase you are in.  It wakes you up in a 30 minute alarm window that ends at your set alarm time, depending on when you are in your lightest sleep phase.

Sleep Cycle App

I need more hours of sleep…

 

2. Social Apps

I’m lumping these together since I’m sure most of you are already familiar.  I love social media.  Maybe too much.  HootSuite is a big time saver because it allows me to manage Facebook and Twitter in one place.  I also use the Facebook app to interact with friends and post random quotes and resources on my page (click to “like” Sprint 2 the Table!).

And my beloved Instagram.  What did we do before this?  When I can’t decide what to eat, it’s my first stop for inspiration!  That first pic was for a recipe I was going to post today… but the pics were SO bad in the night lighting.

Instagram

 

3. FitBit

The app is great for tracking my water throughout the day.  I drink 120 ounces… it’s hard to keep up with that in my head!  There are a lot of apps that will do this for you; I use FitBit because I already use the pedometer.

I use my actual FitBit One device daily to track steps, distance, and stairs.  It also give you a calories burned number… but I don’t think it’s accurate.  It’s value – to me – is that it motivates me to keep moving.  When you have a desk job, it can easily lead to a sedentary state.  Yes, I work out regularly… but in reality it’s only about 1.5 hours a day.  The rest of the time I am at a desk.

FitBit

I drink 120 oz a day… yes, I pee a LOT.

 

4. Full Fitness

I just started using this app to track my progress in the gym.  I can record workouts, reps, and the weights I use easily and in real-time at the gym.  A pen and paper will do the trick… but I hate carrying that stuff around, and I can never remember exactly what I did by the time I get home.

Full Fitness App

This app also track progress graphically, making it easy to see improvements over time.  Heather just wrote a great post about the importance of measuring your progress.  I love her point about setting benchmarks – it is SO important to keep challenging yourself so as not to stagnate.  We don’t work this hard to stay the same, right?

I haven’t used the following features but… if you don’t already have a routine, the app offers 25 pre-defined workouts (with pictures and instructions), cardio exercises, and stretches.  It also offers a calorie counter.

 

5. Lose It

This is both an app and an online service.  While the name is Lose It, I use it to gain.  This service allows me to track the foods I eat, complete with macros!  Their catalog of foods is pretty extensive, but if you can’t find something you can scan the bar code or enter it manually.

One of my favorite features is the ability to enter recipes.  You can choose the number of servings and enter all of the ingredients into dishes you make, then save it for future use.  I use this to calculate the recipes I post on this site.  Like that recipe on Instagram last night… this is coming soon!

Lose It

 

Another cool feature is that you can enter exercise… and the calories burn is pretty accurate.  Lose It! asks your age, weight, and height when you sign up, which I supposed really can give a good idea of the calories you burn.  I was skeptical.

To confirm its accuracy, I used my heart rate monitor.  Most of the time the calories burned match, give or take 20-40 cals.  I will never understand how this is possible.

Lose It

The Lose It! review is part of a sponsored campaign with Lose It! and FitFluential, LLC. All opinions are my own (and I was already using the app). Learn more about Lose It! on Twitter.

***

 That chili recipe is coming as soon as I get some good picture-taking daylight… it was GOOD!

What are your favorite apps?

How much water do you drink in a day?

 

Flu Fighting + Oatmeal Cookie Shake

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This was going to be an “easier” week leading up to my big race Saturday.

I just didn’t realize how easy…

About 1:30am on Sunday I got sick.  Stomach flu sick.  Hence the super-late post today.

At 4am I was a little worried I was going to pass out and texted to see if my mom was awake.  The woman never sleeps, I swear.  She was at my door in 30 mins.  Yup, I’m almost 30 and I call my mom when I’m sick.

I actually feel really lucky that I didn’t get it worse.  My little sister had it last week and she was in the ER getting fluids!  When I felt like I could make it in the car, Mom took me back to her house where she nursed me back to health.

Flu remedy

Ginger Kombucha with bananas.  And a flamingo.  Sure to make the sickest patient smile.  I ♥ my mom.

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Enough unpleasantry!  Let’s drink cookie shakes!

You may remember this creation from last year… it is on my “sick craving” list today.  Thankfully, it’s one that would actually be good on my tummy since it uses Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla and bananas (bananas are good on an upset tummy, FYI).

Appropriate for breakfast or dessert, this is one tasty batter. The mix of oats, banana, flax, and coconut flour give it a fabulously doughy texture. I almost wanted to put the mix in the oven once I blended it.

Nutritional yeast may seem like a weird addition, but it has a rich, nutty taste that compliments the sweet flavors in this dough. The vanilla and cinnamon add to the cookie flavor, and – if you have it – the butter extract just adds a hint of “fresh from the oven.”

Oatmeal Cookie Protein Shake

Oatmeal Cookie Shake

  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 C rolled oats (use gluten-free for a GF shake)
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1.5 tsp ground flax
  • 1 T coconut flour
  • 1.5 tsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp butter extract
  • 7-8 drops liquid stevia
  • 1/2 C Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla
  • Ice, to taste
  • 1/8 tsp Guar Gum (optional, but this addition will make your smoothie thicker)
  • Toppings: crushed walnuts, raisins, cacao nibs (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a high-seed blender and blend until smooth.

Add toppings and drink your dough!

Notes:

  • Nutrition will vary based on the protein powder you use.
  • You may leave out the protein powder; however, I like the addition because protein is good for muscle building/recovery and it makes this even more filling.
  • Using Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla rather than skim milk saves you 25 calories in this recipe

Oatmeal Shake Nutrition

Be sure to check out Silk Pure Almond website and Facebook page to see more delicious, creative recipes!

This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Silk and FitFluential, LLC. All opinions are my own. Learn more about Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened on Facebook and Twitter.

***

The endurance cram-session post is coming.  I swear… unforseen circumstances.  Ugh.

Do you have a stomach bug miracle cure?  I have to be 100% by Saturday!

What is your favorite milk?  I will never go back to regular again.

2012’s Popularity Contest + WIAW

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2012 was a great year for discoveries.

 

I can’t believe I survived without some of these things before.

I feel like I’ve gotten to know so many inspiring people (like YOU).  Becoming a member of the FitFluential community has been a huge game changer.  The members of that community are constant sources of motivation and positive energy.  I’ve discovered new blog, learned a lot, and been able to learn about new products (shameless plug: perfect example is my Polar HRM from h.h. gregg – check out the review/giveaway here).

 

Polar Leg Day

 

Another amazing discovery was Instagram.  It’s unbelievable how much it’s changed the way we interact.  I love that when I can’t decide what to eat, I can just scroll through my feed.  It has been a fun way to have conversations with people throughout the day!  It’s basically Twitter with pictures and open comment threads!  I also love seeing recipes people are interesting in.  I forget that just because I make a certain snack every week doesn’t mean everyone else does!

 

I also have to give a holla to my morning cocktail.  Apple Cider vinegar became an addiction in 2012.  I drink it every morning with my Fitmixer Aminos (fruit punch flavor).  It is delicious and has totally replaced my need for coffee in the morning.  Love.  It.

 

 

One last love.  Peanut flour.  I cannot imagine my life without it.  I use it in savory sauces, smoothies, PB & Jegg-like creations, Elvis French Toast… to quote the Texas Pete lady: “I put that shit on everything.”  You can order it online through iHerb.com.  Use code USO924 to get $5 off your order!

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This popularity contest is my first WIAW post of 2013… What I Ate in 2012!  Below are the Top 10 Sprint 2 the Table posts of 2012 (based on page views).  Click on titles to link to the recipe.

WIAWbutton

Check out the Top 10 below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how other started out their 2013.

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Most Poplar Recipes of 2012

1. Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

These take the prize for my favorite veggie sneak.  If you tasted these, you would have NO idea they have zucchini. OR that they are basically sugar-free.

 

 

2. Banana Creme Brownie Parfait

What’s better than brownies?  Brownies with (healthy) icing.

 

3. Raspberry Baked Oatmeal To-Go

Seeing this recipe pop up in the top 10 made me realize I’ve been making new versions and not sharing.  I’ve share a new twist on this soon!  I always have a few in the freezer for quick breakfast or snack.

 

 

4. Peanut Butter & Jeggs

I would like to vote this my favorite invention – and worst pic – of 2012!

 

 

5. 150 Calorie Chocolate Protein Cake

I’m actually eating one as I draft this post.  This cake is my most repeated dish of 2012!

Chocolate-Microwave-Protein-Muffin

 

 

6. Vegan Goat Cheese Oven-Roasted Tomatoes

I made these for a French-themed book club while I was eating vegan.  The meat-eating crowd ate them with no problems!

Vegan Goat Cheese Tomatoes

 

 

7. Chewy Granola Cookies

Otherwise known as “the ones that mom likes.”  She requests them. 🙂

granola-cookie

 

 

8. Sprouting Chickpeas

It shocked me to learn how easy sprouting is!

chickpeas sprouted

 

 

9. PB & Aggs (Peanut Butter and Apple-Eggs) and Carrot Cake Protein Batter

I don’t know which of these made this post popular… but I eat both almost weekly.

PB & Aggs and Carrot Cake Batter

 

 

10. Basic Protein Shake Recipe and Protein Powder Review

This is one of my favorites because it’s the post where I announced I was training for my first figure competition!

***

I’m so excited to start Junk-Free January!  My sister came over for dinner last night, and we enjoyed a tasty kombucha cocktail over out collards and black-eyed peas.

What was your favorite recipe last year?

Did you have any group/social platform discoveries on 2012?

 

The Mailman Makes Me Smile

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He delivers my packages!

 

Last week was a good week in terms of goodies.

Bulu Box was kind enough to send a sample of their July sample box.  Bulu is a monthly subscription service.

For $10 a month, you can get a box filled with 4 to 5 nutritional products from top brands.  Products include vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, meal replacement, energy, protein, natural remedies, endurance… and more.  Honest opinion: this was $10 worth of goods.

 

In my box:

  • Life Equals Omega-3 (2 pills)
  • RevHoney (a tube of energy – created with freeze-dried fruit and honey)
  • Pure Matters Vitamin D (this was a full bottle!!!)
  • NightFood Cookies ‘n Cream Bar (nutrition bar formulated for better sleep)
  •  Cellucor Super HD (fat-targeting weightloss supplement)

 

 

My favorites were the Omega-3s, Vitamin D, and NightFood.

The Omega-3s – as advertised – didn’t product “fish burps.”  I take Vitamin D every day and had just run out, so I was elated to get this bottle.

 

The NightFood Bar was only 150 calories!  It was low in sodium (90mg) and had 6g of protein.  The taste made me forgive the 9g of sugar.  Did you guys ever eat those Cookie ‘n Creme Quaker Oats Bars?  This bar tasted just like those!   Nom.

 

***Disclaimer: I received the Bulu Box for review purposes though the FitFluential program. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***

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That box would have been enough… but there was another box!

I also received an incredible thoughtful box in the mail from my Foodie Penal, Edwina.  She doesn’t have a blog, but she is an avid blog-reader.

 

 

She did her research!  The items she sent were EXACTLY the sorts of things I like to eat.  She read my blog and knew I had a love of spicy food, protein, peanut flour.

She also must have known that I drink 120oz of water per day, because she sent me a tasty bottle of spring water from her home state of Idaho.

 

In my Foodie Box:

  • Chocolate-flavored PB2
  • Spring Water from Idaho
  • Melinda’s Habanero Hot Sauce (it’s hot, ya’ll)
  • Bhuja cracker mix (with wasabi peas)
  • Oatmega-3 Protein Bars
  • Annie Chun’s Wasabi Seaweed Snacks (I eat these ALL the time and love them!)

 

 

I used the hot sauce last night to spice up my marinade for this favorite Chili Nutty Baked Tofu recipe.  It gave it one helluva kick.

Served with quinoa, shiitakes, asparagus, and radish sprouts.  I was one happy Foodie Penpal. 🙂

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And one more box, though this one was FROM me!

My July Foodie Penpal, Peggy, doesn’t have a blog.  She was introduced to the program through her daughter, Bethany @ One Girl’s Taste On Life.  Peggy sent me the sweetest write-up of the box I set her to share:

 

My daughter, Bethany, a member of Foodie Pen Pals, strongly encouraged me to join. I was reluctant at first because I am not the primary “chef” in our home. My partner, Wes, has spoiled me in many ways; one of which is his culinary abilities.

I hit the jackpot!  Thank you, Laura, for making my first swap so much fun!  Her package arrived and I couldn’t wait to tear (gently mind you) into it to see what goodies I had.  Oh my, such great finds.

 

OK, so my eyes first focused on the Goo Goo Cluster.  I had my first sampling of this yummy treat when I moved to Tennessee in 1984.  I held off opening this true delicacy until I had taken the picture.  It was hard to do, but you will be proud of me.  I DID IT! I originally thought of slitting the back of the package.

I LOVE nuts and cranberries.  Laura must have had a spy in my house.  I’m going to savor this little baggie of treats until I have finished this write-up.  Work first, eat second is my motto.  Dumb motto, huh?

 

 Laura is health conscious.  What a good partner I have.  Her mission, which she chose to accept, was to send something healthy to inspire me to “live long and prosper” in the words of Star Trek’s Dr. Spock.  Quinoa is something I have had one time.  It was a very Plain Jane variety.  I think I did something wrong in the making because it tasted burnt.  Laura has given me a second chance to redeem myself.  Sun-dried tomato AND basil flavor.  I KNEW she sent a spy; I love anything sun-dried.

 

Last, but certainly not least…

Recently, I went to lunch with friends.  One of them had this product I had never tasted: Stevia.  She invited me to add to my tea.  It was quite good; I especially liked it because it was liquid and blends much better than some granules.  I made a mental note (they don’t work at my age) to buy myself some.  Never did, but GUESS what arrived in my “goodie box”.  I told you I won the jackpot.  Not only was it Stevia BUT it was orange flavored.  It was delicious in my sun tea.  Just added numerous drops to my glass pitcher and voila!  Oh YUM!!!!

 

Thank you, Laura, for the fun of being a first time Foodie Pen Pal.

HUGS
Peggy

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Don’t you want to get in to the action?

 

To sign up for a Foodie PenPals in August, click here to fill out the form on Lindsay’s site.  It’s that easy!  You don’t have to be a blogger, and the spending limit is just $15.  The only requirement is that you be a US or Canadian resident.

Join in by August 4th as pairings will be emailed on August 5th!

 ***

The chocolate PB2 is really good mixed with almond milk and eaten by the spoonful spread on apple slices.

What is the best thing you mailman (or woman) has delivered recently?

What one thing would you send a penpal to represent your hometown, or your blog-style? I thought the water was really creative!

 

A New Challenge + Protein Powder Review

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A new fitness goal has been set.

The magazines I tend to read are full of health and fitness advice.  One such mag is Muscle & Fitness Hers.  they feature some great workouts, but my favorite parts are always about the figure competitors.  The ladies in those competitions blow me away – they are smaller and less and vascular than bodybuilders, but have a physically fit/well-balanced physique.  Getting to that level of health has long been a dream for me.

Last week I took action to reach that goal.  I joined and gym and hired a trainer to help ready me for a competition. 8 days (and a chunk of money) later, I’m on my way with a custom workout schedule, a diet plan, and a whole lot of support and encouragement.

I’d met with trainers before, but after talking to this gym I knew it was the perfect fit.  Despite the fact that it’s 30 miles away.  House of Payne is a serious gym – none of the “see and be seen” BS.  They offer everything I need from training to posing classes!

My first workout with the trainer was legs and butt last Monday.  I wasn’t able to lower myself to the toilet without a firm grasp on the counter until Friday.  Good workout, no?

One of the most challenging things about training is the food.  In addition to not being allowed booze (*whimper*),  I am aiming to get 150g of protein a day over the course of 7 meals (basically, I eat ALL the time).  I have to gain weight and some serious muscle!  This is especially difficult on a vegetarian diet – it involves a ton of Greek yogurt, egg whites, cottage cheese, beans, tofu, and tempeh.  The heavy rotation of dairy, beans, and soy gets old, so look forward to a couple of protein powder creations each day.

Which brings me to the next topic – the loot I returned home to after the Chile trip!

I thought it was Christmas in July… errr… June

I was given the opportunity to sample and review a variety of GNC and Vega protein products through  Fitfluential!  If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I have always been a stickler for getting my post-workout 20g protein in to build muscle and aid in recovery.  Protein shakes are a great way to do that – especially if you find it hard to eat solid foods after a hard workout (like me).

Below is the line up of powders I received, pics and some quick thoughts.  I made them ALL into green smoothies with spinach and banana for 2 reasons.

  1. 80% of the time I ingest my protein powder in green smoothie-form, and
  2. I wanted to “test” them all with the same base (fair and balanced!)

The Smoothie Base Recipe:

  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1 C spinach
  • 1/2 large Banana
  • 1/2 in piece fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (or 1 4-5 inch cinnamon stick)
  • 1/4 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 7-8 drops vanilla liquid stevia
  • Ice

1. GNC Casein – Vanilla flavor:

Slow digesting, making it perfect between meals or before bed for overnight muscle repair.

I am a big fan of casein; however, this one is a bit gummy/slimy.  I even tried the smoothie sans spinach to see if it would help the texture.  Notsomuch.  The flavor is great, and I do think having it in a smoothie at night contributed to my being able to getting out of bed in the morning.

2. GNC Egg – Chocolate flavor: 

Great for breakfast, and for the lactose intolerant; consume just before or after workouts.

This one is a favorite.  I’d never tried an egg protein powder before, and I really expected it to be slimy too.   Quite the opposite!  Great texture and a natural-tasting chocolate flavor.

3. GNC Whey – Vanilla flavor: 

Fast absorbing; consume just before or after workouts.

This one also has a great texture when blended in a smoothie.  You can tell it’s a “protein powder vanilla” flavor.  I’m totally used to it, but if you’re new to powder it can take some adjusting.  Add a cap of vanilla or almond extract and it will be just fine.  I also tried it mixed with water just for fun… and remembered why I always make smoothies.

4. GNC Soy – Chocolate flavor:

A plant-based protein; good pre-or post-workout, or as a snack throughout the day.

I’m a sucker for chocolate.  This made an awesome midnight snack while I laid on the couch lamenting my sore glutes.

5. Vega – Vanilla flavor:

Another plant-based protein; within 30-90 minutes of working out, or to recharge/repair.

This was my #1 vanilla-flavored pick.  The plant-based powders tends to taste a bit more natural to me.  I had tried Vega a couple of years ago and didn’t care for it  – their new formula is awesome though!  Perfect texture and just the right amount of vanilla flavor.  One warning – if you are sensitive to salt, it is a bit on the salty side.

These products were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions are my own.  Like I could ever keep them to myself.

Thank you again to GNC, Vega and Fitfluential for the opportunity!

***

20-25g pf protein per meal is hard… but I already notice a difference!  Now I just need a sponsor… anyone? 😉

Have you ever tried to amp up the protein on a veggie diet?  Any new ideas are welcome and appreciated! 

What is your favorite protein powder?

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