Tuesday, May 15, 2012

GNC Mixed Berry Whey Protein


So after some convincing after reading Glo's GNC Banana Creme Whey Protein Review, I decided that not only that I wanted to try it but I needed an extra source of protein. According to SparkPeople, I wasn't meeting my daily protein requirement and needed a quick fix.  So off I went to my local GNC, who had a banging grand opening sale going on, to try out a flavor that was versatile, tasty, and well priced.  

So What Did I Choose?
Much to my luck, I was able to score the 2 LB GNC Mixed Berry Whey Protein, a cute pink blender ball shaker, and a $10 Gold Card for the grand price of $35! (Mind you, the 2LB container is originally priced at $40 alone) Steal or what?

What's The Nutrition Like?
Anyhow, I use this protein powder for smoothies after the gym. It revives me after a long hard work out and it is something to look forward to.  I also use the powder as a meal replacement on the days I don't go to the gym. It has 20grams of protein in one scoop, whoa and it's only 110 calories! Peep the label below:



How does it taste?
Delicious, I love that it blends so well with almost any fruit combination. The mixed berries taste is so fruity, very sweet, and summertime like. It tastes great in water and it tastes good in milk! If you love mixing all different kinds of fruits in your smoothies then this flavor will be perfect for you.

The Rating
I give this product a 5 out of 5! I can't wait to make another smoothie.

Are you meeting your daily protein requirement?
Do you drink protein shakes?
What's your favorite flavor?

Thursday, May 10, 2012

New Nike Free Tr Fit 2 Breathe Trainers

Hello to all,

I finally got around to do this review!! I'm so happy to introduce my New Nike Free Tr Fit 2 Breathe Training Shoe!!! I must start by saying I LOVE these shoes....

The Fit: This shoe fits PERFECT!! I have a wider foot then the norm medium B sized people so I thought that it would be a problem, but to my surprise this shoe required no breaking in. I was able to wear the shoe the first try and when I did try them on for the first time they felt like a Sock!!!! ****This is why I love Nike****

Performance: This trainer has allowed me to continue all of my normal cardio and strength training exercises without any problems! I have attended zumba class numerous times in them and they are so lightweight I feel like I'm gliding across the floor!


Cost: Now this is the only downfall for some but for me I cant complain the shoes cost $95 and I say this because you really get what you pay for in this pair of trainers.


Durability: I think these shoes will last me a long while, although they are light as a feather they still have a great infrastructure that can weather long strenuous workouts.

Note: This is one of the items from my wish list and I got them just in time for summer!!! I must add with shoes this hott and Fab I have to take them on proper workouts.











Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Work Out Wednesday: Big Girl In A Skinny World Fitness Tips



We recently discovered the newest online youtube series, Big Girl In A Skinny World sponsored by Hello Style, Marie Claire, Bazaar, Seventeen, Cosmo, and Real Beau Magazines. This week's topic was finding workout regimes that work best for you and I thought it would be great to see a big girl with real curves in action exercising.

Talk about motivating, encouraging, and inspiring! I hope this video makes you want to get moving =D

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Detox Menu Shopping Haul

Last week I started detoxing or how others like to call it "eating clean." After experiencing a 5 month plateau, I figured my body had grown used to my normal food options, so I decided to shake up my menu! I researched a bit on detoxing and figured the more extreme juicing/fasting detoxes were not for me. I mean, I need substance people lol. So, I decided to incorporate healthy food options, low carb choices, and high protein in a way that wouldn't make me feel like I was starving and this is what I've come up with so far. 

I invented a meal plan that allows me to eat all day while feeling full, energized, and satisfied. *Spoiler alert: I'll be sharing it with you all in my next post depending on how interested you are in learning more about it!*

Fruits
  • Golden Apples
  • Pears
  • Plums
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries

Meat
  • Brown N' Serve Lite Original Sausage Links
  • Perdue Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
  • Perdue Short Cuts Grilled Chicken Strips
  • Bacon

Veggies
  • Baby Carrots
  • Fresh Express Lettuce Trio Salad
  • Fresh Express Garden Salad
  • America's Choice Canned French Style String Beans
  • America's Choice Canned Whole Kernel Corn

Snacks
  • Snack Pak Sugar Free Jello
  • America's Choice Mixed Fruit Cups in Light Syrup
Other
  • America's Choice Garlic & Butter Croutons (for salad)
  • America's Choice Light Balsamic Vinegar Salad Dressing
  • Better Oats Strawberries & Cream Oatmeal with Flaxseed (not in picture)

Dairy
  • Fat Free Milk
  • Sargento Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese Stick
  • Danon Light & Fit Yogurt: Coconut Pineapple, Peach, Key Lime
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (for salad)
  • Fat Free Chocolate Pudding (not in picture)
  • Fat Free Whipped Cream (for jello & pudding)

Drinks
  • Assorted Green Tea Bags
  • Sparkling Water
  • Wyler's Light Add to Water Powder Mix in Grape
  • GNC Mixed Fruit Whey Protein Powder (not in picture)

Interested in getting my detox menu meal plan?
Leave a comment and I'll be sure to share it next time!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Polar Heart Rate Monitor Review

I am so excited to finally share my Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor review with you ladies! I purchased the Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor in Pink & I love it! It is a gym must have if you are serious about calorie calculations, increasing endurance, and the health of your heart.  I highly recommend you fitspos purchase one.
Let's get into the review!

Here are the features: (taken from the website)
Measurement features
  • Automatic age-based target zone – bpm / %
  • Average and maximum heart rate of training
  • Heart rate – bpm / %
  • HR-based target zones with visual and audible alarm
  • HRmax (user set)
  • Manual target zone – bpm / %
  • Polar OwnCal® – calorie expenditure
  • Polar OwnCode® (5kHz) – coded transmission
Recording features
  • Totals
  • Training files (with summaries) – 10
Training features
  • Graphical target zone indicator
  • HeartTouch – button-free operation of wrist unit
Watch features
  • Backlight
  • Date and weekday indicator
  • Display text in English and a crapload of other languages
  • Dual time zone
  • KeyLock
  • Low battery indicator
  • Time of day (12/24h) with alarm and snooze
  • User replaceable battery
  • Water resistant – 30m

Why I love this model:
Because it is easy as hell to use. It is not to complicated to set up at all it took all of maybe 10 minutes max to put in my settings. It is also light weight and not too heavy or bulky like other heart rate monitors I've seen.


It also comes in a cute color scheme that applies to me. I wear pink and other fun bright colors on the day to day so it blends in quite well. It is also available in 3 other popping color schemes. Talk about variety :)

The chest strap is wonderful because it is adjustable, flexible, and very comfortable. When working out I forget that its even there and it isn't visible through my tops. The strap is also machine washable which is a plus because we all know sweat can smell a little funky after awhile!

The strap also works right away all you have to do is dampen the strap, so you don't have to wait until you are dripping with sweat to get a reading.



This heart rate monitor automatically calculates your target heart rate zone and it tells you if you are in or out of it immediately and there are 3 different viewing screens on the monitor #winning



It is SO affordable at $100 retail price but I got mine on sale at Sporting Goods for $89.00 and Amazon has them priced even cheaper then this!

In addition, the Polar brand has a phenomenal reputation of being high quality and very trust worthy





More Reasons to Love It:
  • It is easy to read, no blurry screen or anything
  • The calories burned according to the machine did not add up to the FT4 & it really opened my eyes to seeing that I've been burning a whole lot more calories than I ever ever thought!
  • I was skeptical of the readings at first, but on a high intensity workout and a low intensity workout I noticed that the calories burned added up to my energy level so I've quickly become a believer!
  • During bouncy exercises such as the elliptical or jumping rope it still kept a consistent reading #yay
  • It beeps every time your heart rate increases or decreases (which is annoying as hell) but guess what?  You have the option of turning it off can I get a #woowoo
  • It's not too complicated or high tech. It honestly is a basic accurate heart rate monitor for beginners

What could be better?
  • The online tracking feature is a little misleading. It says you can track your data online which is in fact true. However, but you have to type it in manually which I'm okay with but other heart rate monitors automatically let you perform this without putting in data so some clarity would be appreciated from the jump!
  • P.S. It's advertised as Pink & Purple but it is in fact very PINK, just a heads up!
  • Other than that I am quite content with this product :)
Rating: 5 out of 5 

Overall, this heart rate monitor is a great tool to accompany all physical activities. If you don't need a GPS, complicated programming, or a high price tag then this item is for you! It is phenomenal and reliable, trust me!

Do you own a heart rate monitor? 
If so what brand?

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Veggie Cream Cheese Review

Hey ladies! I have to put you all on to my yummy favorite breakfast must have, Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese. I've been experimenting with cream cheese flavors and this by far has been the best one I've found. It literally is composed of onions, celery, and carrot pieces which makes the most divine taste. Pair this cream cheese up with a onion bagel and it is divine!


Where to buy: Pathmark for about $3
Similar Product: Philadelphia Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese offered in Reduced Fat*
Pros: Super tasty!
Cons: Does not come in reduced fat so it has a bit more calories/points plus values
Rating: I give this a 4 out of a 5! It's worth the 3 points plus value in my book ;)


What's your favorite Cream Cheese Flavor?

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Work Out Wednesday: Funky Fresh

Turquoise


Miss Selfridge polyester shirt
$46 - missselfridge.com

Elastic waist pants
$28 - theoutnet.com

Nike shoes
$60 - macys.com

Beauty product
$29 - barneys.com




I hope you lovely ladies are finding the time to get active this Work Out Wednesday. If not, find a way to get physical. Go take a walk, jump some rope, hit some crunches, take a dance glass or check out your local gym. Remember this journey is all about endurance, find it in you to PUSH!


I love this color combination! 
How about you?