This cleanse was amazing. I definitely felt better, and was noticeably more energetic by my peers by the third day. My skin cleared up, and I wasn't bloated or dealing with any of my usual stomach issues. I did visibly lose weight, but I didn't weigh myself for a before and after so I'm not sure how much weight I lost. I wasn't really looking to lose weight with the cleanse so it wasn't a priority to track.
After the cleanse ended, I decided to experiment with reintroducing wheat. I ordered pizza on Saturday (cheeseless of course) and ate it that day, as well as yesterday. Yesterday morning, I noticed a breakout on my forehead, the kind that is a bump with no real head, and you can't really pop it. Last night, I noticed another one on my chin. I tried to lance them and pop them today to see if they would go away, but as expected, both are red, irritated, and have no head to them. They are classic irritation zits and I am now completely certain that I am reactive to wheat. Am I allergic? Probably not. I've eaten wheat my entire life and have never had anaphalactic shock. However, I would definitely say that I am sensitive and reactive to wheat. What this means for my life is that should I chose to eat it now and again, it's not the end of the world, but it's not ideal for my overall health. Also interesting, I noticed my left foot was a little sore, whereas my overall body pain level has significantly dropped during this cleanse.
The final thought I would leave you with is this: if you are having unexplained health issues, or are just feel sluggish and worn down, I highly recommend doing a cleanse. This cleanse was gentle and didn't interfere with my regular life, and was definitely effective. It helped me pinpoint the source of some of my inflammation and skin issues, and I can't say enough about how helpful that is.
You can get this cleanse at most natural grocery stores, or on Amazon. I actually received mine directly from Garden of Life. I am one of their official bloggers, so I did receive this item free to try. At no point did they actually require or even request a review, and they certainly accept my opinions at face value. Overall, I really love the Garden of Life company and I'm happy to be an official blogger for them.
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Monday, August 17, 2015
Friday, August 7, 2015
Wild Rose D-Tox Cleanse Update: Day Five!
The biggest difference I have seen in the last five days has been with my skin. I'll show you what I mean.
Monday, August 3, 2015
More Health Updates & Starting a Cleanse!
I am FINALLY starting my Garden of Life Wild Rose Herbal D-Tox Cleanse. I've had it sitting in the cabinet for about a year. I meant to do it when Aaron moved in last June, but it didn't happen for whatever reason. I'm a Garden of Life blogger, so they sent me this cleanse to try based off of my lifestyle. Fortunately it has a good shelf life or I'd be missing out!
 |
| All of this, plus my regular allergy medicine and my Spironolactone for acne. |
Thursday, June 18, 2015
The Cookie Diet - A Giveaway!
 |
| This image will be used for a re-gram option in the giveaway! |
To celebrate #thecookiediet and my weight loss so far, I wanted to pass on some of the delicious love. Lenny & Larry's sent me a package that I decided to pass on to one person since my cabinet is currently stocked to the gills (seriously, check my Instagram if you don't believe me).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, June 8, 2015
The Cookie Diet - One Week Update!
I started the Cookie Diet on Monday, June 1, 2015. Today is Monday, June 8th and it has been one week. In the last week, I have consistently eaten an average of 1,200 calories a day, as well as taken my vitamins and a Skinny Bird supplement from Hum Nutrition.
 |
| Breakfast today; a protein mocha, half a Complete Cookie, and supplements. |
In one week, I am down three pounds. Yes, I said three pounds. I think I'm going to have to adjust my calories if my weightloss doesn't stabilize out to two pounds this week. Most people would think it's great to drop weight that quickly, but ideally you don't want to drop more than two pounds a week and since I'm looking for sustainable, long term weight loss, I'd like to follow those guidelines. Granted, I know my body pretty well so we'll see where we go with this.
If you're still interested in following my weightloss journey, I highly suggest adding me on Instagram here. If you're looking to get your hands on the cookies I'm eating for the Cookie Diet, check here. And last, but certainly not least, the protein powder I use and love can be found here, use code BBE100 for a discount!
Sunday, May 31, 2015
The Cookie Diet!!
Losing weight is calories in < calories out. It's a simple enough equation, and while I need to drop some quick weight, I felt like it was a chance to have a little fun with it. If I were trying to build muscle, or cut body fat quickly, we'd have to do it with a little bit better control over nutrients and macros. Also, this is not a long term, sustainable lifestyle change. It is, however, delicious and kind of hilarious.
My TDEE is generally around 1,600 calories, on a particularly active day at work, my Fitbit claims I burn about 100-200 extra calories. I shoot for 1,200 calories a day. Being realistic, I eat closer to my TDEE, and on some days, I eat well over it (obviously). I am probably estimating it to be a little low, but despite the amount of walking I do each day (10,000 to 15,000 steps), I don't think I'm off by much. I used multiple calculators to land on this number. For this fun little experiment, I will continue with my daily goal of 1,200 calories, with motivation to exercise for extra calories for snacks. I am lucky that the math works out perfectly in my favor.. you see, three protein shakes and two full cookies are almost exactly 1,200 calories. Yes, I just said cookies.
Lenny and Larry's Complete Cookies are a little piece of fitlife heaven. For a whole cookie, which is 4 oz, you eat 380-420 calories, 12-14g of fat, 54-58g of carbohydrates, and an impressive 16g of protein. They come in eight different flavors, so hold on to your seats here: Double Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Macadamia, Oatmeal Raisin, Lemon Poppyseed, Pumpkin Spice and the newest Snickerdoodle. The most important part about all of the different flavors? They're actually good. These cookies are the perfect mouthful of cookie, not too crumbly or dry or even too moist for that matter. They're fantastic dipped in coffee or eaten plain. I have yet to try one I don't like (and I've had a lot of them).
My protein powder for this experiment will be from True Nutrition. It is their gemma pea protein (non-gmo) formulation, and the massive tub we have this time is in Creamy Peanut Butter. That said, they have ten vegan protein sources, and more flavors than you can shake a stick at. Seriously, if you manage to try them all, I will be impressed with you (and if you decide to do so, use my discount code BBE100).
For those curious of a breakdown of my day, they can follow me on MyFitnessPal. If you just want to casually follow along, check out my Instagram!
Disclaimer: Lenny & Larry's did provide me some swag for this diet. It did not influence whether or not I took on this cookie diet challenge. True Nutrition has provided me products to review in the past. The protein I will be using for this challenge was purchased. They did send me a True Nutrition Blender Bottle to use for the challenge. As always, I reserve the right to my open and honest opinion.
My TDEE is generally around 1,600 calories, on a particularly active day at work, my Fitbit claims I burn about 100-200 extra calories. I shoot for 1,200 calories a day. Being realistic, I eat closer to my TDEE, and on some days, I eat well over it (obviously). I am probably estimating it to be a little low, but despite the amount of walking I do each day (10,000 to 15,000 steps), I don't think I'm off by much. I used multiple calculators to land on this number. For this fun little experiment, I will continue with my daily goal of 1,200 calories, with motivation to exercise for extra calories for snacks. I am lucky that the math works out perfectly in my favor.. you see, three protein shakes and two full cookies are almost exactly 1,200 calories. Yes, I just said cookies.
Lenny and Larry's Complete Cookies are a little piece of fitlife heaven. For a whole cookie, which is 4 oz, you eat 380-420 calories, 12-14g of fat, 54-58g of carbohydrates, and an impressive 16g of protein. They come in eight different flavors, so hold on to your seats here: Double Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Macadamia, Oatmeal Raisin, Lemon Poppyseed, Pumpkin Spice and the newest Snickerdoodle. The most important part about all of the different flavors? They're actually good. These cookies are the perfect mouthful of cookie, not too crumbly or dry or even too moist for that matter. They're fantastic dipped in coffee or eaten plain. I have yet to try one I don't like (and I've had a lot of them).
My protein powder for this experiment will be from True Nutrition. It is their gemma pea protein (non-gmo) formulation, and the massive tub we have this time is in Creamy Peanut Butter. That said, they have ten vegan protein sources, and more flavors than you can shake a stick at. Seriously, if you manage to try them all, I will be impressed with you (and if you decide to do so, use my discount code BBE100).
For those curious of a breakdown of my day, they can follow me on MyFitnessPal. If you just want to casually follow along, check out my Instagram!
Disclaimer: Lenny & Larry's did provide me some swag for this diet. It did not influence whether or not I took on this cookie diet challenge. True Nutrition has provided me products to review in the past. The protein I will be using for this challenge was purchased. They did send me a True Nutrition Blender Bottle to use for the challenge. As always, I reserve the right to my open and honest opinion.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
True Nutrition Vegan Wholefoods Replacement Powder
There are a ton of different meal replacement powders out there for vegans. The ones that I have used the most in the past are the Garden of Life brand, from several of their different lines. I have tried so many options for meal shakes, but am often disappointed by the high amount of carbs. Carbohydrates are higher in meal shakes than protein shakes due to the fact that it's supposed to substitute a meal. That's all fine and dandy, but when I'm trying to stick to a moderate amount of carbs and would rather get them from a piece of fruit, that simply doesn't work for me.
Enter stage right: True Nutrition's Vegan Wholefoods Replacement Powder; cue heavenly music and ethereal lighting.
This stuff is fantastic. It's available in a huge range of flavors, everything from Natural Premium Vanilla to Corner Candy Store (which now I want to know, WHAT DOES THAT TASTE LIKE?!?!?). The macros are out of this world; for a 30g serving size, 15 to a pound, you have 130 calories. Of those 130 calories, you have 2.9 g of fat, 4.9g of carbohydrates, and a whopping 19.7g of protein. If you need more carbs in a meal, it's easy to eat a piece of fruit with this and still have a reasonable amount of calories for a meal. For more protein and fat, pair it with a handful of almonds. Basically, you have options.
I make all of my shakes in Blender Bottles or Smart Shake bottles. This formula is pretty smooth outside of the hemp protein found it in (the little black dots that people occasionally complain about). Hemp protein is hard to get smooth, and the only company I've seen do it well was Manitoba Harvest. The hemp protein is minimal in this, with the bulk of the protein coming from pea and rice, so there shouldn't be enough to bother you.
Outside of the pea, rice and hemp protein it has a few other ingredients to bulk it up and make you feel full. It has Swedish Oat Starch, " a low glycemic, high molecular weight wholefoods powder that is high in the nutrient b-glucan." It also has Psyllium seed husk fiber to bulk it up and help with elimination. It has Medium Chain Triglycerides Powder (from coconut and palm oil), which are a fat source that is easily assimilated by the body and help prevent muscle breakdown. Outside of needing to add in a raw supergreen powder for nutrients, this is the complete package. Since I have plenty of raw supergreen powder, this is ideal for me.
Oh, the last reason why you should give this stuff a chance? The price is better than anything else on the market. For a pound of it, even in a tub, with a scoop, and premium flavoring at double strength, it's only around $11 a pound. If you're not fancy with the flavoring or packaging (and you really don't need to be), you can get it for much closer to $9. Using the code BBE100 will help get you there, too.
Quick breakdown:
1 scoop (30g)
15 servings per pound
Cost: ~$9-$11+ per pound
Total Calories: 130
Fat: 2.9g
Carbohydrates: 4.9g
Protein: 19.7g
Would I buy it again? Absolutely. The macros are spot on and other than the slight grit with the hemp protein, I have no complaints. Some people expect their meal powders to have built in vitamins and supergreens; I add my own. If you're one of those people, you may be a little disappointed, but the price should make up for it.
Enter stage right: True Nutrition's Vegan Wholefoods Replacement Powder; cue heavenly music and ethereal lighting.
This stuff is fantastic. It's available in a huge range of flavors, everything from Natural Premium Vanilla to Corner Candy Store (which now I want to know, WHAT DOES THAT TASTE LIKE?!?!?). The macros are out of this world; for a 30g serving size, 15 to a pound, you have 130 calories. Of those 130 calories, you have 2.9 g of fat, 4.9g of carbohydrates, and a whopping 19.7g of protein. If you need more carbs in a meal, it's easy to eat a piece of fruit with this and still have a reasonable amount of calories for a meal. For more protein and fat, pair it with a handful of almonds. Basically, you have options.
I make all of my shakes in Blender Bottles or Smart Shake bottles. This formula is pretty smooth outside of the hemp protein found it in (the little black dots that people occasionally complain about). Hemp protein is hard to get smooth, and the only company I've seen do it well was Manitoba Harvest. The hemp protein is minimal in this, with the bulk of the protein coming from pea and rice, so there shouldn't be enough to bother you.
Outside of the pea, rice and hemp protein it has a few other ingredients to bulk it up and make you feel full. It has Swedish Oat Starch, " a low glycemic, high molecular weight wholefoods powder that is high in the nutrient b-glucan." It also has Psyllium seed husk fiber to bulk it up and help with elimination. It has Medium Chain Triglycerides Powder (from coconut and palm oil), which are a fat source that is easily assimilated by the body and help prevent muscle breakdown. Outside of needing to add in a raw supergreen powder for nutrients, this is the complete package. Since I have plenty of raw supergreen powder, this is ideal for me.
Oh, the last reason why you should give this stuff a chance? The price is better than anything else on the market. For a pound of it, even in a tub, with a scoop, and premium flavoring at double strength, it's only around $11 a pound. If you're not fancy with the flavoring or packaging (and you really don't need to be), you can get it for much closer to $9. Using the code BBE100 will help get you there, too.
Quick breakdown:
1 scoop (30g)
15 servings per pound
Cost: ~$9-$11+ per pound
Total Calories: 130
Fat: 2.9g
Carbohydrates: 4.9g
Protein: 19.7g
Would I buy it again? Absolutely. The macros are spot on and other than the slight grit with the hemp protein, I have no complaints. Some people expect their meal powders to have built in vitamins and supergreens; I add my own. If you're one of those people, you may be a little disappointed, but the price should make up for it.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
About that wagon.. also, taking responsibility for your journey.
Hey guys! I feel like I've disappeared off of the internet. I'm still on Instagram on the reg, but it's been harder to sit down and type anything up. My schedule got the usual holiday trainwreck that retail causes, and my entire life got derailed from working too much and too many mids and closes.
I'm at a crossroad in my life. I don't want things to stay how they are. That's an exciting and terrifying feeling. The only thing I want to stay the same in my life is who I share it with. I am ready for a new career with a stable schedule. I am ready to get on and stay on the daily grind that is a physically fit and balanced life. I don't want to get derailed by stupid excuses. Most of all, I am ready for Aaron and I to have time to spend together to really have a life together and focus on it being long, healthy, happy and prosperous. I feel like a lot of things in my current life have to change to make that possible, but I am ready to do whatever it takes.
I'm at a crossroad in my life. I don't want things to stay how they are. That's an exciting and terrifying feeling. The only thing I want to stay the same in my life is who I share it with. I am ready for a new career with a stable schedule. I am ready to get on and stay on the daily grind that is a physically fit and balanced life. I don't want to get derailed by stupid excuses. Most of all, I am ready for Aaron and I to have time to spend together to really have a life together and focus on it being long, healthy, happy and prosperous. I feel like a lot of things in my current life have to change to make that possible, but I am ready to do whatever it takes.
Friday, September 12, 2014
REVIEW: INBar Food Bars
 |
| Holy INbars, Batman! |
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Vegan Cuts Box Review!
I recently received a Vegan Cuts Box to review the same weekend as my birthday. I was super excited because I haven't gotten a Vegan Cuts Box in at least two years.
What was in my box?
What was in my box?
Monday, July 14, 2014
TRAINING: My First 5k!
The title is kind of cheating.. yes it's a 5k, but like so many 5ks, it's a fun run. We're doing the Neon Dash 5k on September 20th. How do I feel about my upcoming first 5k?
I'm really excited! I haven't been training the way I should, but I'm still guardedly optimistic. Aaron and I have been adjusting to what my co-worker (and fellow runner) Rachael calls "married life". We don't quite have a routine yet, so our gym visits have been sparse. I haven't gone running in a couple of weeks and it scares me. I still walk my usual 1.4 miles to work everyday, but Aaron has been picking me up in the evenings. I would run to work, but it's simply been to hot. On average, it's 86-90 degrees when I'm walking to work. I live in Texas.
Am I worried? Absolutely not. I know I can run two miles solid at a good 10 minute pace. Even if it takes me 30 minutes to run this thing, I know I have the endurance because I do at least that on the elliptical as a cardio warm up. Should I be training more? Yes. Actual running, outside or on a treadmill would be ideal. We all know that running and the elliptical aren't even comparable outside of the fact that both get your heart pumping.
Being completely honest, I'm most excited about decided what to wear race day! I've never ran a 5k and I'm super excited to get out there, dress in all white, and get covered in Neon goo! I own so many neon accessories from my goth/industrial club days that I'm excited to get them out and show them some love. The main debate I'm having with myself is the consequences of running three miles in Chucks. You know, Converse All Stars.. the flattest shoe ever? I have some that are neon yellow, but it just seems like a terrible idea.
I'm also pretty excited about dressing Aaron up. *insert evil laughter here*
I'm really excited! I haven't been training the way I should, but I'm still guardedly optimistic. Aaron and I have been adjusting to what my co-worker (and fellow runner) Rachael calls "married life". We don't quite have a routine yet, so our gym visits have been sparse. I haven't gone running in a couple of weeks and it scares me. I still walk my usual 1.4 miles to work everyday, but Aaron has been picking me up in the evenings. I would run to work, but it's simply been to hot. On average, it's 86-90 degrees when I'm walking to work. I live in Texas.
Am I worried? Absolutely not. I know I can run two miles solid at a good 10 minute pace. Even if it takes me 30 minutes to run this thing, I know I have the endurance because I do at least that on the elliptical as a cardio warm up. Should I be training more? Yes. Actual running, outside or on a treadmill would be ideal. We all know that running and the elliptical aren't even comparable outside of the fact that both get your heart pumping.
Being completely honest, I'm most excited about decided what to wear race day! I've never ran a 5k and I'm super excited to get out there, dress in all white, and get covered in Neon goo! I own so many neon accessories from my goth/industrial club days that I'm excited to get them out and show them some love. The main debate I'm having with myself is the consequences of running three miles in Chucks. You know, Converse All Stars.. the flattest shoe ever? I have some that are neon yellow, but it just seems like a terrible idea.
I'm also pretty excited about dressing Aaron up. *insert evil laughter here*
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
REVIEW: True Nutrition ModCarb™
This came in the mail the week before I left for Ohio. It arrived with a few other items that I didn't get to try before I left, but this one couldn't wait. I'd been looking at ModCarb™ for a possible pre-workout. Since True Nutrition has a custom generator that allows you to make your perfect formula, I was looking to put together a pre-workout with 10% protein and around 90% carbohydrate. I didn't just want something that would burn off fast or give me jitters (sugars). ModCarb™ is fitting my needs perfectly.
I LOVE how this works as a pre-workout. I use this in my morning coffee before work and I feel amazing until my break. No crashing and no jitters, just pure energy. It translates into my workouts too. I love how it feels when this kick ins. I don't feel shaky or jittery, just ready to do some work! It's really perfect. I've tried several pre-workouts that made me feel dizzy, jittery, or even like I was going to throw up.
The flavor on it is great and the texture is perfect. It's totally soluble and the texture adds something to my coffee that I can't explain. It definitely gives it more of that thick latte texture I was looking for. It absorbed easily in water, coffee, and in soymilk. I use a Blender Bottle™. The flavor I got was the TrueFlavor™ Vanilla Cake Batter and it is delicious. Nothing fake or synthetic tasting, it just tastes exactly like what you'd expect from a Vanilla Cake Batter. Even though it's a dessert flavor by definition, it's not cloyingly sweet; for those of you who hate overly sweet powders, you'll love this flavor option. It's sweetened with Stevia.
Nutritional Breakdown:
ModCarb™ TrueFlavor™ Vanilla Cake Batter
Serving Size: 30g
Calories: 125
Total Fat: 2g
Total Carbohydrate: 21.7g
Protein: 5g
Want to get a discount on your order? Use the coupon code "BBE100".
Disclaimer: I was sent these items to try by True Nutrition. This does not effect my opinion, and I am encouraged to share an honest review. Big thanks to Carl & True Nutrition!
 |
| Reviews coming soon of the other bags seen here! |
I LOVE how this works as a pre-workout. I use this in my morning coffee before work and I feel amazing until my break. No crashing and no jitters, just pure energy. It translates into my workouts too. I love how it feels when this kick ins. I don't feel shaky or jittery, just ready to do some work! It's really perfect. I've tried several pre-workouts that made me feel dizzy, jittery, or even like I was going to throw up.
The flavor on it is great and the texture is perfect. It's totally soluble and the texture adds something to my coffee that I can't explain. It definitely gives it more of that thick latte texture I was looking for. It absorbed easily in water, coffee, and in soymilk. I use a Blender Bottle™. The flavor I got was the TrueFlavor™ Vanilla Cake Batter and it is delicious. Nothing fake or synthetic tasting, it just tastes exactly like what you'd expect from a Vanilla Cake Batter. Even though it's a dessert flavor by definition, it's not cloyingly sweet; for those of you who hate overly sweet powders, you'll love this flavor option. It's sweetened with Stevia.
Nutritional Breakdown:
ModCarb™ TrueFlavor™ Vanilla Cake Batter
Serving Size: 30g
Calories: 125
Total Fat: 2g
Total Carbohydrate: 21.7g
Protein: 5g
 |
| Here it's mixed with 12 oz of coffee, 4 oz milk substitute and gelatinized maca powder. |
Want to get a discount on your order? Use the coupon code "BBE100".
Disclaimer: I was sent these items to try by True Nutrition. This does not effect my opinion, and I am encouraged to share an honest review. Big thanks to Carl & True Nutrition!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
True Nutrition's Custom Oatmeal Generator is the Best!
Carl from True Nutrition recently asked me to try out the new Custom Oatmeal Generator (use code BBE100 for a discount). As a huge fan of the Custom Mix Generators, I was stoked. True Nutrition is already one of my favorite companies for their wide range of vegan proteins and supplements, friendly and helpful staff, and unique Custom Mix Generator. I use their Custom Mix Generator to create my preworkout/postworkout as well as my protein shakes. I love the versatility of the brand and how many options there are, even as a vegan.
The Custom Oatmeal Generator is honestly just as awesome to use. I played with it a little before deciding what I wanted to try, and spoke with Carl for his suggestions. Carl is always full of helpful information and has more than once steered me in the right direction when I wasn't sure what to do (and even a few times when I thought I knew what I was doing...)
The Custom Oatmeal Generator is honestly just as awesome to use. I played with it a little before deciding what I wanted to try, and spoke with Carl for his suggestions. Carl is always full of helpful information and has more than once steered me in the right direction when I wasn't sure what to do (and even a few times when I thought I knew what I was doing...)
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Aaron Visits Dallas
NOTE: Want to see this in photo form? Check out my instagram.
What a week of eating, sleeping and love. Aaron came to visit me in Dallas for 8 days. I'm trying to sell him on Texas and he's wooing me. Those two things lead to a very wonderful week together.
SATURDAY, MAY 24TH:
He arrived on Saturday, May 24th. Before he came to me, Dimple took me to Ascension Coffee in the Arts District. It was a true Chai and a little bitter for my tastes, but definitely the most authentic Chai I have every tasted. I drank it, but I wish I had added a little sweetener. If you've ever met me, you know I love sweet.
We met him at the airport and then did a little shopping. Dimple is my favorite shopping partner, hands down. She's the friend that will tell you something looks awful, and encourage you to try on a fluffy homecoming dress for fun. She's the best. From there, Aaron and I got Taco Cabana as a snack because neither of us had eaten that day, but we were getting food later that night. We went home and got ready, and headed out to meet Paul for sushi at Sushi Zushi under Dimple's recommendation. Again, have I mentioned that Dimple is the best?
Sushi Zushi was delicious. Aaron and I split some vegan sushi; a Tropical Roll, an avocado roll and one other roll that I can't remember the name of. We also ordered Tofu Yakiudon.. Aaron loves udon. It was delicious and even Paul said he would come back. Paul rarely visits the same sushi place twice, so that is a huge compliment.
We attempted to go to Bowl Lounge, but they said it would be an hour and a half wait, and it was already 11pm.
SUNDAY, MAY 25TH:
We started our morning by sleeping way, way in. It was wonderful. Around 3pm we found ourselves at Cici's pizza, starving. We inhaled some food and headed to Half Price Books so Aaron could see the flagship store. I picked up a Cortana Pop! figure for my love, Lisa. We went out that evening with Paul and saw X-Men: Days of Future Past at Studio Movie Grill on Royal. The movie was great and the black bean burger at Studio Movie Grill was delicous. I loved the sweet potato fries.
MONDAY, MAY 26TH THROUGH THURSDAY, MAY 29TH:
I had to work long shifts these days, so Aaron was very patient with my schedule and did some independent exploring, and hung out with Paul. He also visited me on my lunches at work. We ate the delicious Greenhouse Market at the mall, had Puciago for dessert, and a few times after work, we went to late night food options. One night we visted Velvet Taco, which again, Dimple had told me about. As always, it was amazing. Another night, we visited a place he and Paul had found called Trinity Hall. It was an Irish pub with vegan options.. heaven. We even had vegan brownie cheesecake for dessert. It was amazing. Thursday, we got a vegan pizza from Whole Foods and I ate half of it and went into a carb coma. Yes.. it was good.
FRIDAY, MAY 30TH:
Friday I was off! We woke up late and went to work out. We also wondered around looking for food, and ended up giving up and decided to see an earlier showing of Maleficent instead. Paul joined us at Studio Movie Grill on Technology Blvd. The theater was better, but the service was considerably worse. It took us over an hour to get drinks.. that was after food, and with us asking three different servers to please bring them to us. It was disappointing, but the movie was great. Second Disney movie I've seen recently where the Princess isn't saved by a Prince. I am loving the direction Disney has been going... exploring that there is more than the love between a man and a woman.
We went to Half Price Books again, but this time, Aaron and Paul wondered off to look at nerdy things while I looked at skincare books. We got chai teas and Aaron was impressed. I love their chai so much.
We came back to the house and opened the Cards Against Humanity and played that for a while before we headed to Lower Greeneville. Caroline joined us just before leaving. We went to Truck Yard for a few minutes, but it was honestly too packed to be pleasant, and we left as soon as Aaron finished his beer. Paige and Prem met us at Truck Yard. We headed to the Libertine and got food. I had their seitan tacos in the past and they were great.. they've since changed them and they're just bland now. They're served with just cabbage and hot sauce, and in order to get enough flavor and cut the dryness, you have to use too much hot sauce and the heat is too much. I was disappointed, but Aaron liked them. We bounced around Lower Greeneville a little longer, but then we decided to head back to the house and play more Cards.
SATURDAY, MAY 31ST:
Aaron deemed Saturday lazy day. We slept in, ran a few errands, and got groceries for the day. Paul joined us to play Cards, watch anime, and generally nerd out. I made curry with cauliflower rice and it was delicious. I also tried Nada Moo for the first time in the Chai flavor and it reminded me of Half Price Books / Black Forest Cafe's Chai. So delicous!! It was, overall, just a nice preview of the days to come when Aaron really gets to move here.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1ST:
We slept in, we cuddled, and we said good bye. I don't want to say goodbye. Let's say.. see you soon.
What a week of eating, sleeping and love. Aaron came to visit me in Dallas for 8 days. I'm trying to sell him on Texas and he's wooing me. Those two things lead to a very wonderful week together.
SATURDAY, MAY 24TH:
He arrived on Saturday, May 24th. Before he came to me, Dimple took me to Ascension Coffee in the Arts District. It was a true Chai and a little bitter for my tastes, but definitely the most authentic Chai I have every tasted. I drank it, but I wish I had added a little sweetener. If you've ever met me, you know I love sweet.
We met him at the airport and then did a little shopping. Dimple is my favorite shopping partner, hands down. She's the friend that will tell you something looks awful, and encourage you to try on a fluffy homecoming dress for fun. She's the best. From there, Aaron and I got Taco Cabana as a snack because neither of us had eaten that day, but we were getting food later that night. We went home and got ready, and headed out to meet Paul for sushi at Sushi Zushi under Dimple's recommendation. Again, have I mentioned that Dimple is the best?
Sushi Zushi was delicious. Aaron and I split some vegan sushi; a Tropical Roll, an avocado roll and one other roll that I can't remember the name of. We also ordered Tofu Yakiudon.. Aaron loves udon. It was delicious and even Paul said he would come back. Paul rarely visits the same sushi place twice, so that is a huge compliment.
We attempted to go to Bowl Lounge, but they said it would be an hour and a half wait, and it was already 11pm.
SUNDAY, MAY 25TH:
We started our morning by sleeping way, way in. It was wonderful. Around 3pm we found ourselves at Cici's pizza, starving. We inhaled some food and headed to Half Price Books so Aaron could see the flagship store. I picked up a Cortana Pop! figure for my love, Lisa. We went out that evening with Paul and saw X-Men: Days of Future Past at Studio Movie Grill on Royal. The movie was great and the black bean burger at Studio Movie Grill was delicous. I loved the sweet potato fries.
MONDAY, MAY 26TH THROUGH THURSDAY, MAY 29TH:
I had to work long shifts these days, so Aaron was very patient with my schedule and did some independent exploring, and hung out with Paul. He also visited me on my lunches at work. We ate the delicious Greenhouse Market at the mall, had Puciago for dessert, and a few times after work, we went to late night food options. One night we visted Velvet Taco, which again, Dimple had told me about. As always, it was amazing. Another night, we visited a place he and Paul had found called Trinity Hall. It was an Irish pub with vegan options.. heaven. We even had vegan brownie cheesecake for dessert. It was amazing. Thursday, we got a vegan pizza from Whole Foods and I ate half of it and went into a carb coma. Yes.. it was good.
FRIDAY, MAY 30TH:
Friday I was off! We woke up late and went to work out. We also wondered around looking for food, and ended up giving up and decided to see an earlier showing of Maleficent instead. Paul joined us at Studio Movie Grill on Technology Blvd. The theater was better, but the service was considerably worse. It took us over an hour to get drinks.. that was after food, and with us asking three different servers to please bring them to us. It was disappointing, but the movie was great. Second Disney movie I've seen recently where the Princess isn't saved by a Prince. I am loving the direction Disney has been going... exploring that there is more than the love between a man and a woman.
We went to Half Price Books again, but this time, Aaron and Paul wondered off to look at nerdy things while I looked at skincare books. We got chai teas and Aaron was impressed. I love their chai so much.
We came back to the house and opened the Cards Against Humanity and played that for a while before we headed to Lower Greeneville. Caroline joined us just before leaving. We went to Truck Yard for a few minutes, but it was honestly too packed to be pleasant, and we left as soon as Aaron finished his beer. Paige and Prem met us at Truck Yard. We headed to the Libertine and got food. I had their seitan tacos in the past and they were great.. they've since changed them and they're just bland now. They're served with just cabbage and hot sauce, and in order to get enough flavor and cut the dryness, you have to use too much hot sauce and the heat is too much. I was disappointed, but Aaron liked them. We bounced around Lower Greeneville a little longer, but then we decided to head back to the house and play more Cards.
SATURDAY, MAY 31ST:
Aaron deemed Saturday lazy day. We slept in, ran a few errands, and got groceries for the day. Paul joined us to play Cards, watch anime, and generally nerd out. I made curry with cauliflower rice and it was delicious. I also tried Nada Moo for the first time in the Chai flavor and it reminded me of Half Price Books / Black Forest Cafe's Chai. So delicous!! It was, overall, just a nice preview of the days to come when Aaron really gets to move here.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1ST:
We slept in, we cuddled, and we said good bye. I don't want to say goodbye. Let's say.. see you soon.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
REVIEW // GIVEAWAY: About Time
This came in the mail. I was beyond excited. Even when I opened it up and realized most of the items weren't vegan, I was still excited. My friend Christopher agreed to try the non-vegan stuff for me and help me review the brand.
In this box:
Whey Protein Isolate in Banana, Chocolate, Cinnamon Swirl, Mocha Mint & Vanilla
Vegan Protein in Vanilla & Chocolate
Fruit, Nuts & Protein Bars in Dark Chocolate Brownie, Island Coconut & Pecan Pie
Granola Clusters
AUX Pre Workout in Passion Fruit & Watermelon
About Time also gave me a 25% off coupon code for you to use: betheats
Whey Protein Isolate in Banana, Chocolate, Cinnamon Swirl, Mocha Mint & Vanilla
Vegan Protein in Vanilla & Chocolate
Fruit, Nuts & Protein Bars in Dark Chocolate Brownie, Island Coconut & Pecan Pie
Granola Clusters
AUX Pre Workout in Passion Fruit & Watermelon
About Time also gave me a 25% off coupon code for you to use: betheats
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
REVIEW: True Nutrition
I recently spoke with a member of the True Nutrition staff about their vegan protein options. If you want a super affordable, customizable option, this. is. it. I can make it even more affordable; with code "BBE100", you'll receive 5% off of your order with True Nutrition.
True Nutrition allows you the freedom to mix your own protein powders. I don't just mean pick a base and a flavor.. I mean, you can pick percentages of various powders, carb and fat mix ins, flavors, sweeteners, and you can do this in any size from 1 to 100 pound quantities. The custom mix generator is super easy to use. As you change your options, it shows you how it effects your nutritional breakdown per scoop so you can make your mix exactly to your specific needs. There is literally nothing else like this on the market that I am aware of, and more importantly, they have several vegan options. The mixes come in your choice of a resealable bag with a plastic scoop, or a plastic tub with a plastic scoop. I love that you have the option.
True Nutrition allows you the freedom to mix your own protein powders. I don't just mean pick a base and a flavor.. I mean, you can pick percentages of various powders, carb and fat mix ins, flavors, sweeteners, and you can do this in any size from 1 to 100 pound quantities. The custom mix generator is super easy to use. As you change your options, it shows you how it effects your nutritional breakdown per scoop so you can make your mix exactly to your specific needs. There is literally nothing else like this on the market that I am aware of, and more importantly, they have several vegan options. The mixes come in your choice of a resealable bag with a plastic scoop, or a plastic tub with a plastic scoop. I love that you have the option.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Day 11 (and beyond): Challenge Conquered!
I had a few weaknesses during this challenge. I struggled with my personal protein goals during this challenge. I thought I would be hitting them consistently since I'm usually good at getting my protein, but going from a goal of 45g of protein a day to 135g, I suddenly found myself struggling. Even eating two protein based meal shakes a day couldn't save me. My other weakness during this challenge was getting my butt kicked by my allergies and having to living on Benedryl several days.. which knocks me out.
I also had a few successes during this challenge! Despite struggling with eating more lean macros and not working out much more than usual, I still lost weight consistently during this challenge. I definitely think eating higher protein, and taking fucoTHIN Green three times a day definitely made the difference. However, not once did I feel like I was depriving myself or surviving on diet pills.
On day 9, I weighed in at 125.something. I was shocked and impressed. Today, after a night of not sleeping and in general definitely retaining water weight (I feel very bloated and just not good today), I weighed in at 130 pounds. I am putting off weighing in for a few days. Yesterday, I could see new bone definition on my hips and was in general very pleased with how I looked and felt. It's amazing how one bad night of sleep can wreck how you feel.
I know it's been a few days since this challenge ended. It's been insanely cold and I've been working nonstop. I will get some updated photos for your soon. I'm very happy with the results of the challenge and wouldn't mind doing it again!
I also had a few successes during this challenge! Despite struggling with eating more lean macros and not working out much more than usual, I still lost weight consistently during this challenge. I definitely think eating higher protein, and taking fucoTHIN Green three times a day definitely made the difference. However, not once did I feel like I was depriving myself or surviving on diet pills.
On day 9, I weighed in at 125.something. I was shocked and impressed. Today, after a night of not sleeping and in general definitely retaining water weight (I feel very bloated and just not good today), I weighed in at 130 pounds. I am putting off weighing in for a few days. Yesterday, I could see new bone definition on my hips and was in general very pleased with how I looked and felt. It's amazing how one bad night of sleep can wreck how you feel.
I know it's been a few days since this challenge ended. It's been insanely cold and I've been working nonstop. I will get some updated photos for your soon. I'm very happy with the results of the challenge and wouldn't mind doing it again!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Day Five Update!
The scale is moving! Nothing drastic, down to 127.0, which is 1.4 pounds lost in five days, and isn't bad. I'm off the next two days and have a lot planned in the way of catching up on workouts because work has been wearing me out (excuses!!). The simple fact of the matter is I haven't really changed anything about my lifestyle outside of the fucoTHIN Green & the meal shakes and have lost weight, which is the point. If anything, I may be working out slightly less (but will make up for that the next two days, while I'm off and it's finally not -3 degrees out).
Overall? The challenge is a success so far. I'm seeing a difference, and I see and feel a difference in my body. I'm excited to amp it up for the last half of the challenge and see what happens!
Also, I've felt hungrier, but I've only found myself craving good food, which is a great thing! Love this!! I have a feeling that when I finish this bottle of fucoTHIN, I will order another!
Overall? The challenge is a success so far. I'm seeing a difference, and I see and feel a difference in my body. I'm excited to amp it up for the last half of the challenge and see what happens!
Also, I've felt hungrier, but I've only found myself craving good food, which is a great thing! Love this!! I have a feeling that when I finish this bottle of fucoTHIN, I will order another!
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Day One: Success!
Day one went well. I am combining the Lorna Jane 30 day ab challenge with what I already had planned (Insanity 3-5xs a week) and that went well. I did the day one challenge a couple of times yesterday just because. I don't know if I'm supposed to be doing a certain amount of sets, and if I'm supposed to repeat it throughout the day, but I'm just going to do it anytime I think about it.
I weighed in at 128.2 pounds yesterday. I know some of this is water weight from impending shark week, but I'm still disappointed. I did go on a bit of a pizza bender when I was dating a boy recently though, so I'm actually happy that I only gained three pounds, and not like fifteen. We ate a lot of pizza... no joke.
I need to make a trip to the grocery but they're calling for freezing rain and I walk everywhere so I have to weigh my options.. I'm about to hop in the shower now and decide what I'm going to do. If I don't go to the store, you guys are going to see me eating a lot of plain lentils and frozen fruit smoothies, haha.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Ten Day Challenge with Garden of Life!! [Starting March 1st]
I really love Garden of Life. They are hands down the number one purchased brand in my home, with So Delicous Almond Plus milk being a close second. I have bought their protein and meal powders for a while now, and repurchase them time and time again. I am the type of consumer that doesn't care what you buy, necessarily, but what you keep buying. For me, Garden of Life is that brand that I keep coming back to.
Garden of Life recently sent me their RAW Fit Protein in Marley Coffee and Original, as well as their fucoTHIN Green for a ten day challenge. I would love to get more people on board with it! There is a $5 off coupon in the Whole Foods book right now, and they carry several of the Garden of Life products (including their vitamins and supplements).
What will this challenge entail? Starting March 1st, I will be replacing my breakfast and lunch time smoothies with RAW Fit Protein. I will be drinking the Marley Coffee flavor for breakfast, and the original flavor for lunch. Because the Fit protein powder is so low carb, I will probably pair it with some fruit at breakfast and probably nuts or fruit at lunch as well. I will be keeping my calorie intake at 1200 calories, per usual, focusing on eating high protein and keep my carbs at or below 75g. For those who follow macronutriet guidelines, I will be shooting for 75g of carbs (25%), 135g of protein (45%) and 40g of fat (35%). For those of you who do want to follow macronutrient guidelines, I highly suggest the myfitnesspal app for calorie trackings, and really like this site for figuring out your macro needs.
I will be pairing these two meals with a wisely picked dinner and regular exercise. I love the Insanity workouts. I don't do them as consistently as I should, but I will be doing the workouts at least three times a week. I will be trying to do it more often, as work allows.
I will also be taking their fucoTHIN Green supplement. fucoTHIN has two active ingredients, Fucoxanthin and Green Coffee Bean Extract, both in their raw forms. The coffee bean is decaffinated to prevent jitters, which makes me extremely happy. Anyone who has had caffeine jitters knows what a nightmare that is.. now imagine being a makeup artist and trying to do liquid liner on a client. I would also be scared to mix this with the Marley Coffee Fit protein if the supplement wasn't decaffeinated. I've had large portions of caffeine, but that's during the holidays and I really don't feel well doing it.
As a precursor to this challenge, I want to give a brief description of both key players in this challenge, the Fit protein and the fucoTHIN. I plan on doing an in depth review of both following the challenge, but I'd like to give you guys a little information now so that you understand why I chose them.
RAW Fit Protein: RAW Fit protein is a hybrid of a meal powder and a protein powder. It has an impressive macronutrient profile (28/5/67 on my 1200 calorie plan; I'm shooting for 25/35/45). This means I have room for healthy fats, and means I will probably be eating a lot of avocados. Avocados have been found to help suppress hunger, so they will be a great addition to the challenge. That, and they're just damn delicious. My favorite thing about the RAW Fit is that it is still a raw food, and that the protein blend is about twenty different things for a complete and rounded amino acid profile. Also fantastic? It's vegan, gluten free, dairy free and soy free!
fucoTHIN Green: The active ingredients in this weight loss supplement are Xanthigen® (raw, concentrated Fucoxanthin) and Svetol® (raw, naturally decaffeinated green coffee bean extract). These are both non-stimulant natural fat burners. We've all heard of green coffee bean (it came to the market in 2002), but I'd never heard of Fucoxanthin prior to this supplement. A little research taught me that it was a not so new ingredient used in weight loss that had recently gained popularity thanks to celebrity doctor Dr. Oz. It's derived from a brown algae and is an accessory pigment in the chloroplasts responsible for their brown and olive color. Scientists in Japan did a study with mice and rats and found that it increased thermogenin which lead to weight loss. A later double blind study with a placebo in women found that when it was blended with pomegranate oil, the subjects taking the fuxocanthin lost weight. I found this information with a google search and I recommend you do the same before you start any supplements with unfamiliar ingredients.
So who's ready to accept my challenge? Who's in it to win it!!? Let's do this!!
Where to follow me for this challenge?
this blog
my instagram
myfitnesspal
& facebook
Garden of Life recently sent me their RAW Fit Protein in Marley Coffee and Original, as well as their fucoTHIN Green for a ten day challenge. I would love to get more people on board with it! There is a $5 off coupon in the Whole Foods book right now, and they carry several of the Garden of Life products (including their vitamins and supplements).
What will this challenge entail? Starting March 1st, I will be replacing my breakfast and lunch time smoothies with RAW Fit Protein. I will be drinking the Marley Coffee flavor for breakfast, and the original flavor for lunch. Because the Fit protein powder is so low carb, I will probably pair it with some fruit at breakfast and probably nuts or fruit at lunch as well. I will be keeping my calorie intake at 1200 calories, per usual, focusing on eating high protein and keep my carbs at or below 75g. For those who follow macronutriet guidelines, I will be shooting for 75g of carbs (25%), 135g of protein (45%) and 40g of fat (35%). For those of you who do want to follow macronutrient guidelines, I highly suggest the myfitnesspal app for calorie trackings, and really like this site for figuring out your macro needs.
I will be pairing these two meals with a wisely picked dinner and regular exercise. I love the Insanity workouts. I don't do them as consistently as I should, but I will be doing the workouts at least three times a week. I will be trying to do it more often, as work allows.
I will also be taking their fucoTHIN Green supplement. fucoTHIN has two active ingredients, Fucoxanthin and Green Coffee Bean Extract, both in their raw forms. The coffee bean is decaffinated to prevent jitters, which makes me extremely happy. Anyone who has had caffeine jitters knows what a nightmare that is.. now imagine being a makeup artist and trying to do liquid liner on a client. I would also be scared to mix this with the Marley Coffee Fit protein if the supplement wasn't decaffeinated. I've had large portions of caffeine, but that's during the holidays and I really don't feel well doing it.
As a precursor to this challenge, I want to give a brief description of both key players in this challenge, the Fit protein and the fucoTHIN. I plan on doing an in depth review of both following the challenge, but I'd like to give you guys a little information now so that you understand why I chose them.
RAW Fit Protein: RAW Fit protein is a hybrid of a meal powder and a protein powder. It has an impressive macronutrient profile (28/5/67 on my 1200 calorie plan; I'm shooting for 25/35/45). This means I have room for healthy fats, and means I will probably be eating a lot of avocados. Avocados have been found to help suppress hunger, so they will be a great addition to the challenge. That, and they're just damn delicious. My favorite thing about the RAW Fit is that it is still a raw food, and that the protein blend is about twenty different things for a complete and rounded amino acid profile. Also fantastic? It's vegan, gluten free, dairy free and soy free!
fucoTHIN Green: The active ingredients in this weight loss supplement are Xanthigen® (raw, concentrated Fucoxanthin) and Svetol® (raw, naturally decaffeinated green coffee bean extract). These are both non-stimulant natural fat burners. We've all heard of green coffee bean (it came to the market in 2002), but I'd never heard of Fucoxanthin prior to this supplement. A little research taught me that it was a not so new ingredient used in weight loss that had recently gained popularity thanks to celebrity doctor Dr. Oz. It's derived from a brown algae and is an accessory pigment in the chloroplasts responsible for their brown and olive color. Scientists in Japan did a study with mice and rats and found that it increased thermogenin which lead to weight loss. A later double blind study with a placebo in women found that when it was blended with pomegranate oil, the subjects taking the fuxocanthin lost weight. I found this information with a google search and I recommend you do the same before you start any supplements with unfamiliar ingredients.
So who's ready to accept my challenge? Who's in it to win it!!? Let's do this!!
Where to follow me for this challenge?
this blog
my instagram
myfitnesspal
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)