Living on the road

Hey guys, Happy Thursday! One day closer to the holiday weekend...the beach and the pool!? right?

You may or may not know that I have been living on the road for weeks now [it seems]. I haven't been home for two straight weeks since I finished my internship back in April! Whether it's a vacation, a work site visit or a celebration, I am goin' and goin'!

If your a frequent SS reader you know I am the ultimate gym rat and thrive off my group fitness classes! So, when I am traveling it's hard to keep up with my rigid schedule I am used to (ie. bodypump and rpm in one night...two hours of intense workout). Well, I have found I can't let my traveling get in the way if I want to stay fit and healthy...a couple of things I have vowed to do while vacationing?

-Go on a walk whenever I can; take advantage of the parks nearby. My mom and I like to walk her dog and have planned a ton of walks for this weekend
-Home gym; you can do sit-ups, push-ups and lunges anywhere...start movin'
-Watch my food intake; since I know I am not burning as many calories as I usually would after an intense two hour workout I know I need to cut back so I am simply applying my portion control techniques
-Split a dish; I don't know about you but traveling more often than not, means eating in restaurants. Let's admit, it's a good gathering place so we know it's bound to happen. What am I doing to avoid weight gain? Ordered a small salad or appetizer as my meal, splitting a dish or boxing half and taking it home
-Go to a local gym and scope out a day or weekend pass
-Avoid temptations; just because your traveling doesn't mean the healthy eating gets thrown out the window. Pass of desserts or just share one. Getting ice cream? try a smaller size or a sugar-free snow cone
-Plan ahead; take snacks when you know you can. This weekend, I have already said I will pack some snacks for the house so we don't feel tempted to keep eating out
-Check out different farmer's markets where you may be visiting; this will allow you to have fresh fruits and veggies on hand

It's almost summer time, what are you doing to stay fit and healthy during all your beach trips?

Synergy

Remember this shopping trip at Earth Fare? Well, I have been sipping on the far right drink for several days now...Synergy!

I have been sipping for a couple of days because I cannot decide if I like it! It's made of organic and raw kombucha tea; promising a whole lotta health benefits!
According to Synergy drinks website, Kombucha is alternately known as a Chinese tea, a plant, or a mushroom. But it's not really any of these. It's a living culture of beneficial microorganisms, and in Kombucha's case, the whole is infinitely greater than the sum of its parts! Our Kombucha is delicately cultured - some liken it to fermentation - for 30 days. During this period, essential nutrients form like active enzymes, viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols. All of these combine to create an elixir that immediately works with the body to restore balance and vitality.

For me, I grabbed this drink to give me some "umph" during a mid-morning study session. A couple sips and I did feel focused and rejuvenated. Unfortunately, I don't think I could sit and drink this in one sitting. I hope to try another flavor that doesn't taste, well...so raw?

I tried Guava Goddess. All of the Synergy beverages have a similar nutritional profile...check it out:
8 fl oz (2 servings in 1 bottle): 30 calories, 10 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrates, 2 g sugar, at least 20% of all your B vitamins, folic acid as well as, probiotics, antioxidents and organic acids!

Their claims to fame: totally raw, all natural, organic, naturally anti-bacterial/anti-fungal, low in carbohydrates, low calories, naturally rejuvenating (I can vouch for that!!), vegan and kosher...to name a few ; )

If you surf their website it has plenty of FAQs and some great serving suggestions. One even says "sip it throughout the day for sustained energy." That's just what I did...and I thought I was off : )
All in all, a pretty cool product; obviously super HEALTHY...click here to find a store that carries Synergy near you!

Different Kind of Obsession

Now let's talk food obsessions. You know I have a weird kind of obsession with my Better'n Peanut Butter but it has slowly shifted to Justin's Maple Almond Butter...well, I have this new thing for Mangos!

Growing up I was never one to opt for the mango. I would always leave it in the bottom of my fruit salad bowl or pawn it off to my little sister (whom was obsessed with them) for a couple extra bananas!! Well, being the branded smart snacker that I am, I always set into the grocery store on a new mission: to try something new! So, maybe the mango wasn't new but it sure hadn't been on the top of my shopping list since...well, forever!

Last week I bought a mango...last week I also devoured that mango in ONE SITTING and now, here I am, and ladies and gentlemen I have found my newest love!

Haven't had a mango? I urge you to try it! Those tastebuds are changing about every 30 days people! For you new folks...it's decribed as having a sweet and succulent flavor that has a bright orang interior and large pit in the middle. When picking this fruit a few tips to keep in mind: make sure the fruit is on the large side with unblemished skin, the skin should not be green or be wrinkled or have black spots and make sure the fruit gives a little bit when you press on it. They can be refrigerated if ripe, if NOT ripe, do not refrigerate.

Season: May-September

The skinny: 1 fruit without refuse; 135 calories, 0.6 g fat, 35 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 31 g sugar, 1 g protein

I would call this, "Nature's candy," at 31 g of sugar a pop! There is nothing wrong with a little bit of sugar, especially when it is coming from a natural source such as this.

Now go have one already...or are you obsessing over something else? do share!

Glutton for Punishment

I have been going hard for the past four days at the gym and this morning after my forth consecutive day of spin (total glutton for punishment...addicted!!) my legs are crying out for some serious muscle repair and nutrient restoration! So, what a better way to do it than start my afternoon with one of my newest finds....

Amazing Meal by Amazing Grass. It's a powdaaaaaah, for what I am thinking...smoothies?! I also found this at EarthFare. I am on and off making smoothies, it's almost like I get on a kick and blend, blend, blend but then I get worn out! So, I am ready to get back on my kick!

Amazing Meal- Pomegrante Mango Infusion Flavor is like your food pyramid in a cup! A mix of protein, greens, fruits & vegetables all in one.
This product is labeled: organic-raw-gluten free-vegan-soy free-dairy free
An all around crowd pleaser!! : )

From the website it describes this product as- "Amazing Meal Pomegranate Mango Infusion is a naturally balanced source of protein, antioxidant & phytonutrient rich superfoods, cleansing fiber, digestive enzymes and probiotics. Infused with goji and acai berries to give this drink powder one powerful antioxidant punch."

They arn't kidding...definitely added a "punch" to my afternoon : )

What I particularly love about this shhtuff is that it is made from all WHOLE FOOD ingredients. Some of the wholesome goodies include: organic kale and alfalfa, organic rice and hemp protein, organic acai, carrot, banana and blueberry and last but not least, a mixture of active cultures (probiotics...like in yogurt)!

So you may be wondering...how do I eat/ drink this stuff? Well, it directs you to mix the whole powdaaah mixture with 10 oz of water, juice or milk or blend into your favorite smoothie concoction. Well, I tried just mixing it with 10 oz of my Silk Light Vanilla Soy Milk however, I had trouble MIXING. To tackle this monstrous undertaking, I simply tossed everything into my magic bullet and made a smoooooooothie.

Here's what else went in:

-Handful of farmer's market fresh strawberries

-Handful of farmer's market fresh blueberries

-Squirt of agave nectar

-Splash of vanilla extract

-As many ice cubes that would fit

It turned into a pretty amaaaazing meal.

Slightly green in color (thanks to the kale) but delicious and ultimately...just down right satisfying!

The skinny on the Amazing Meal Pomegranate Mango Infusion packet: 110 calories, 1 g fat, 6 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 10 g protein

(My Amaaaaazing Meal Smoothie had approx. 360 calories)

Pasta Wench

Last week, I ventured out to the downtown farmer's market again. This time I actually came home with some goodies. One of them was this ravioli made by Pasta Wench. I was a little hesitant at first, as I am not a huge ravioli eater but I thought what the heck...my purchase will go to supporting our local vendors, right?!

The Pasta Wench people are located west of Raleigh, situated in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Boone NC and Swannanoa, NC. This was their first time out to the market so I am glad I stumbled upon them. Their pasta is all natural, organic and gourmet; 95% of the ingredients are from NC organic growers. Some of their other products include: all-natural gourmet Fettuccini, Cavatelli, and Spaghetti, as well as homemade gourmet sauces to accompany them. Gluten free pastas are also available.

The portobello, asiago & vidalia flavor I decided to try was exceptionally flavorful. I wasn't sure the best way to cook them [remember, not quite the ravioli-kinda-gal] so I asked the guy at the stand and he said simply serve them in an olive oil and cracked pepper coat. I did just that! He was right;

...the ravioli [on their own] have tons of flavors especially from the bold asiago cheese! With the slightest coat of olive oil and crack of pepper it was a very pleasing meal. Along side I served some sautéed veggies! It was a quick, ready in 10 minutes, no-prep necessary week night meal!

Want to try a Pasta Wench product? visit pastawench.com...they'll ship in time for your next dinner party or weeknight meal!