Sunday, March 29, 2009

My Review of PowerBar Nut Naturals Snack Bar

REI

Amazing taste and all the nutrition of an energy bar, Powerbar® Nut Naturals snack bars are an enjoyable, heart-healthy snack anytime!


Best protein bar out there!

Jen the Stepper Winona, MN 3/29/2009

 

5 5

Gift: No

Pros: Nutty, Lightweight, Nutritious, Fruity, Flavorful

Cons: Cost

Best Uses: Extended Trips, Backpacking, Quick Boost, Weekend Trips, As a Snack, Car Camping

Describe Yourself: Casual Adventurer

I use this product twice daily - once as an a.m. snack, and another as an afternoon snack. I am not a fan of many of the other protein bars out there that lack flavor, consistency, and texture. This one sure does! It's like eating trail mix in a bar. The taste is great - just wish the price would come down a bit!

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

I am taking the PlUnGe contest!

Tomorrow morning I have a consultation at my local gym to start a new life style program, Healthy Inspirations! This program is based on four components to it's success: nutrition, exercise, coaching, and relaxing. It comes with a guarantee of weight loss of 2-3 lb per week!

I start the program on Friday with "Quick Start". This is a 3-day cleansing process that rids your body of any excess carbohydrates. I will be able to eat unlimited quantities of certain foods during these three days. Did I mention I will have to drink over 100 oz. of water each day?!!

Monday will be my first weigh in. Then I'll weigh in on Wednesday AND Friday of next week- yes, weigh ins are three days a week. How much do you think I will lose in one week? Friday, April 3rd I will post my weight loss. The reader who guesses my weight loss will win a $5 gift card to Lands End! Good luck. Post your guess today!

Please note: only one winner will be chosen. In the event of a tie, each correct guess will be added to a drawing. The drawing will take place before my Marketing Seminar class on Thursday, April 9th. Don't forget about ounces in your guess!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Two Top Superfoods

Okay, I just posted recently about the benefits of Acai. Acai is one of the top super foods, and goji berries is the other. Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to:

protect the liver
help eyesight
improve sexual function and fertility
strengthen the legs
boost immune function
improve circulation
promote longevity

Google "goji" and you'll find the fruit praised, often by people who are selling it, as a weight loss aid, cancer fighter, and "the most nutritionally dense food on the planet." Dr. Mehmet Oz recommended the berries as a good source of antioxidants. I purchased some at my local food co-op and have been eating them in my oatmeal every morning. Be aware - anything with goji is not cheap. The 120z bag that I purchased was almost $15! One thing is that eating healthy is not cheap. But then again, why would you want to eat cheap for your health?

Monday, March 2, 2009

Motivation at the gym

I have been enjoying my gym membership at a local gym since last fall. I have found my greatest motivation, and my greatest workouts, are when I participate in an exercise class. I guess I'm more of a "groupie" than I thought.

I like the instructor yelling out words of encouragement.

I like learning new exercises for the routines that we do.

I like how I get a chance to work every muscle - even some I didn't know I had!

I have walked the treadmill for 45 minutes, but nothing gets me more excited than taking a class I enjoy. Currently I do Yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings before work, and on Monday and Wednesday nights I do Cardio Step Blast. We have so much fun!
Research shows that having a work out buddy can not only make fitness more fun, but it can also keep you motivated longer. I consider my class my buddy system, and so far so good!
What are some things that help keep you motivated to keep exercising?