Importance of Strength Training + Beginner Routine

While cardio is good for you, strength training is even more important to 

burn fat while you're not even working out! A good rule to follow is to strength 

train 2-3 times a week. Make sure you have a day of rest in between so your muscles 

can recover properly. Also, after every strength training session, I drink a protein

 shake or bar that has at least 20g of protein in it within 45 minutes. This is KEY!

 I didn't do this until I met Jared, and it's CRAZY how much more defined my muscles

 are! The protein feeds your muscles and keeps them fueled to burn fat at rest, and 

look toned ;) 

BEGINNER TIPS: 

 I would start out with a light weight, maybe 8 or 10 pounds. 

(Just see what feels best to you and go with it!) 
 
I like to do 3 sets of 12 reps for my strength training stuff.
 
This is what I do with free weights:
 
Bicep Curls
Overhead lifts
Squats
Lunges (12 on EACH leg)
Shoulder raises (you will have to decrease your weight for these.

 I use a 6 pound, so you might try 3 or 4 at first)

 For these, you lift your arms in front, then to the side.
 
Abs:
I would start out with about 50 crunches, 25 side crunches, 

and 3 sets of 12 leg lifts. 

 My Week Looks Like This:

MWF- Strength Training

T/TH/SAT - Dance it Out and Step group fitness classes. (or any cardio 

if I'm not able to make a class) 

U RAWK BARS Review

 

URAWK sent me some bars to review!

Here's some info from their website:

About the Founder Isabel Gallego
​

Isabel is a Biology and Chemistry Bachelor of Science candidate at Florida International University with both ACE and AFFA Fitness certification and years of experience with the effects of nutrition in fitness programming.  She has experimented with Raw and Paleo Diet programs and has developed an individual nutrition strategy specifically tailored to high intensity interval training and personal wellness. An avid Crossfit coach and competitor, She is currently working on attaining her Crossfit Level 1 and USAW certifications.


Mission: To give you a better option

• To introduce you to the world of RAW Living Foods.​
   
• To provide you with the highest and purest form of nutrition available to us today, free of preservatives, synthetic chemicals and pollutants.​
   
• To proudly and humbly bring you a product like no other, a product that fuels your body naturally and completely.​
   
• To create a company that believes in giving back to causes we beleieve in passionately
• to inspire you to also give back​​

IN LIFE.... NEVER TAKE SHORTCUTS OR THE EASY WAY OUT~ U RAWK!​

 

U RAWk  is proud to be a Guardian and Ambassador for the ASPCA. A portion of the profits from each URAWk Bar sale are donated monthly to PROVIDE FOOD, SHELTER AND MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR ANIMALS IN NEED AND FIGHT TO ENACT LEGISLATION PREVENTING CRUELTY TO THESE AMAZING CREATURES. 

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Our Review: 8/10

 I tried the plain flavor and Jared tried the one with cocoa in it.

We liked the texture of the bars. They were soft and chewy! I wasn't a huge fan of the pumpkin seeds, but that's just my taste buds. Jared liked the chocolate flavor that he ate. We enjoyed them as a tasty mid-day snack, but they didn't keep us too full for long, that is the only reason why we gave them an 8. But, it takes a lot to keep us full! haha. We LOVE to eat healthy and workout, so our bodies are constantly hungry!

Please visit their website:

http://www.urawkenergy.com/

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Rob's Really Good Drinks Review

 

Rob's Really Good Zero sent me some drinks to review! 

Here's some info from their website:

ROB’S Story

I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur, one of those guys who laid by the beach whilst their products sold like crazy. The reality is actually more exciting than the dream and I hope you follow me as I journey through this life. Its more exciting, like James Bond driving on hairpin turns in Europe, and wearing a tux to the casino.

Actually its clean up in Aisle 3, after I break a bottle of catsup as I bring boxes of my product to the shelf. It’s all happening and you react with the nimbleness of a river barge.

I am the founder of Pirate’s Booty and now you have Rob's Really Good in your hand. I surround myself with very talented and exciting people and you are one of them. You've read this far so you must be fascinated.

I want to share my passion.

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 My Review: 10/10!

I recently gave up diet soda and anything with aspartame, so I was really excited to try these drinks as an alternative to water. 

They tasted WONDERFUL! They didn't have a bad aftertaste or anything. I even enjoyed the "unique" flavors : Cucumber, Grapefruit, and Black Plum. They also had traditional flavors of Coconut, Tart Cherry, and Coconut Pineapple. They were VERY tasty and good for you! 

:)

Loved the ingredient list on these. Check it out for yourself:

 

Please visit their website:

http://www.robsreallygood.com/

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Awesome Bars Review

 

Awesome bars sent me some product to review!

Here's some info from their website:

Healthy + handcrafted + natural ingredients + biodegradable wrapper = Awesome Bars.

In our little granola factory, we believe that food can only be as good as its ingredients. Which means, no fake “stuff” is added to our wholesome bars. Only real ingredients from real people; because really, you can’t fake awesome. 

THE BACK-STORY
One day, Chef Leah had an energy bar epiphany. She decided that there needed to be a better snack; a delicious snack that’s made with pure and natural ingredients. And most importantly, this snack needed to be awesome.  
So, Leah sought out to make a healthy and super yummy snack for the world. Something simple that would satisfy the hungry people running up mountains and the people running the world. 

THE LADIES BEHIND AWESOME BARS
Awesome Bars are created by Chef Leah Melnik (AKA, Master of Awesome) and her sister, Stephanie (AKA, Director of Awesome). Leah and Stephanie, along with the help from their amazing and devoted friends, create Awesome Bars in their hometown of
San Francisco. Their prime goal is to ensure that you always have something healthy and tasty in your hand for a happy belly. 
Stay awesome!

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Because they all had chocolate in them, my lovely fiance HAPPILY reviewed them for me! 

Awesome bars are simply 'awesome'. Everything from the taste to the packaging.  The packing is very cool, and very simple. The bar itself tastes awesome. It's very filling.  They are  much better then many other 'granola' bars I've tasted. You can see each of the ingredients in the bar that's listed on the side.  Each of these flavors were a 10/10 easily.

Cherry almond

10/10.

Salty peanut

10/10

Coconut pecan

10/10

Cranberry trail mix

10/10

Blueberry almond

10/10

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win a box!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please visit their website:

http://youcantfakeawesome.com/home

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Pacific Beach Peanut Butter Review

 

Pacific Beach Peanut Butter sent me three flavors to review!

Touch of Caramel, CinnaYum, and Original.

Here's some info from their website:

Made with only the best tasting peanuts, Pacific Beach Peanut Butter creates natural peanut butter and peanut butter spreads in the yummiest flavors. Full of protein and minerals, our healthy peanut butter is a great start to your day and our flavored peanut butter spreads add a touch of sweetness to your midnight snack! Our natural peanut butter is so delicious you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful! Grab a spoon!

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My Review: 10/10!

I loved that this peanut butter tasted SO GOOD and it was ALL NATURAL! There were VERY MINIMAL ingredients. SO AWESOME! 

Touch of caramel had chocolate in it, so Jared gets to eat that all by himself! :) 

CinnaYum was delicious by the spoonful, as well as on my PB wraps!

Original was perfect on my PB wraps, but I also enjoyed little tastes of it by the spoonful here and there.

:)

They gave my readers a code that is valid through May 16, 2013 - blogger4 

Please order some for yourself!

:)

Like them on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PBPeanutButter?fref=ts

Follow them on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/PBPeanutButters

Follow them on Pinterest:

http://pinterest.com/pbpeanutbutter/

Awesome Bars Review

Powerful Yogurt Review

 

Powerful Yogurt sent me some of their products to review!

Here's some info from their website: 

When we began the development of Powerful Yogurt, we knew the kind of product we wanted. In addition to the non-negotiable requirements of incredible taste and convenience, we wanted this to be a product that absolutely any active, health-oriented man would want to eat.

But we didn't want to produce yet another "muscle meal" that had been engineered in a lab and contained a list of hard-to-pronounce ingredients.

Our product had to be simple, all-natural, healthy, and wholesome – all while still delivering the protein and great taste than men need and want.

We put together a team of experts to achieve that goal and they put their collective years of health, nutrition, and diet expertise into this product.

The result? Every cup of Powerful Yogurt will help you improve your body and your health.  

Health Benefits
Our all-­‐natural line of Powerful Yogurt is formulated to help men:
Build Muscle: With a massive 20-­‐25 grams of high-­‐quality protein per cup, Powerful Yogurt supports your efforts to build quality muscle and repair muscle tissue. It also has all of the essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and function.
Burn Fat: Studies have shown that dietary intake of calcium through yogurt can aid in fat loss. Improve Digestive Health: Powerful Yogurt is high in beneficial live bacteria cultures such as
Lactobacillus. By eating yogurt that is high in these cultures, one can improve digestive function. In addition, Powerful Yogurt is gluten-­‐free and kosher.

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Review: 11/10!

WOWSERS! I thought Greek Yogurt was good, but this stuff is even BETTER!!!! PROTEIN PACKED GREEK YOGURT! WHAT UP!!! 

 

I realized this yogurt is geared toward men, but I LOVED it too! I'm not scared to eat protein! 

They have Banana, Apple Cinnamon, Strawberry, Blueberry Acai, Mango, and Plain flavors. I loved them all, but if I just HAD to choose a favorite, it would be APPLE CINNAMON. It tasted like a decadent DESSERT. MMM!!!!

Please visit their website:

http://www.powerful.yt/index.php

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Designer Whey Review

 

I was selected for a Designer Whey campaign through FitFluential! I received all of these products for review purposes.

 

First of all, can I just say, "WOW!"

This box was packed FULL of awesome stuff! 

Premium Whey Protein Powders: 10/10.

I really enjoyed the Premium Whey Protein Powders. White Chocolate and French Vanilla were the flavors. They were both tasty, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be White Chocolate because it tasted unique and pretty much like a MILKSHAKE! MMM!!!

 

Jared tried the protein bars for me, since I don't eat chocolate. 

  8/10.  Tastes very good and very satisfying. I love peanut butter flavored anything and this one doesn't disappoint. The taste is somewhat comparable to other peanut flavored bars but that's not a bad thing. Still would pick this bar because of its lower calories compared to others. 

But, I saved the BEST for last... I was highly impressed by the Protein 2GO Drink Mixes. WOW! These tasted INCREDIBLE. All I had to do was add them to water, shake them up, and go! SO EASY!

Rating: 15/10!!!!

They sent Lemonade, Mixed Berry, and Tropical Orange. 

 The Tropical Orange was my favorite...it tasted like a creamsicle!!! 

 

 

Check out their website:

http://designerwhey.com/

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Bestowed Box Review

 

Bestowed Box recently sent me a box to review!

Here's some info about Bestowed Box from their website:

In a market as crowded, dynamic, and unregulated as health food and diet, how do you know what's really good??

Unfortunately...you don't. Unless you follow it closely.

Bestowed is the creation of nationally recognized nutritionist and author Heather Bauer and is the answer to all those that have ever stood in the health food section of their local grocery store and said to themselves..."which one of these is really the best??"

Each month, Heather and her team of health and diet experts carefully curate 5 product samples that have caught their attention. Items like nutrition bars, snacks, breakfast cereals, and supplements are just a few of the categories considered.

Bestowed members receive these samples in a box delivered right to their door each month.

We like to think of ourselves as match makers. Introducing the right people to brands that they will absolutely love!

Eat Well!

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My Review: 10/10!

How awesome is it to receive HEALTHY products at your doorstep each month?!? I loved this box because of the nutrition bars and granola the most. Those are some of my favorite things :) This box was full of goodies that I enjoyed! 

Please visit their website and order for yourself!

 http://www.bestowed.com/

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THEY ARE OFFERING
$5 off coupon to anyone using - 5OFFBSTOWED01.

and here's your chance to WIN a box!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

LunaLing Capris Review

 

LunaLing sent me a pair of their capris to try and review. Here's some info about LunaLing from their website:

Get smoother, softer skin and lose weight in style with Lunaling Capri. They feel cozy and sleek, hugging you gently from tummy to calves.

Using technology proven to help you lose weight during exercise, Lunaling helps you get the body you want. Suitable for any exercise (or just for wearing around the house), the Capris use your natural body temperature to increase the heat around the areas you care about most (legs, thighs, bum and tum).

In fabric tests, women wearing Lunaling lost weight 4x faster in 30 minutes than they did doing the same exercise with normal gym clothes!

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My Review: 8/10.

 These pants were very form fitting and an interesting type of material. I kind of felt like I was wearing a spacesuit. haha. I did like that they were black, instead of crazy neon colors like a different brand of pants I reviewed in the past. :) I liked that the pants made me sweat a lot, but I wouldn't suggest wearing these during a tough workout. They aren't comfortable and I didn't feel like I could move around very well. I do think these are PERFECT for just walking around though. I'm not trying to lose weight, but I think these would provide an extra jumpstart to someone who is trying to lose weight! 

Please visit their website:

http://www.lunaling.com/

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Joico Shampoo and Conditioner Review

 

 Seth from Faber Products LLC sent me some more stuff to review!

Here's some info about Joico products from their website:

This luxuriously rich conditioner thickens with Oat Protein Complex while protecting the hair with Quadramine Complex. Hair looks and feels thicker and fuller and is more responsive to styling.

This luxuriously rich shampoo contains OAT PROTEIN COMPLEX™ to thicken each hair fiber while cleansing gently. pH 4.5-5.5. Contains QUADRAMINE COMPLEX™, an exclusive blend of low molecular weight and size proteins (MWS 150-2500). This balance of 19 essential amino acids (the building blocks of hair) adheres quickly and effectively to ensure maximum protection and reconstruction from the cuticle to the cortex.

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My Review: 10/10.

This shampoo and conditioner made my hair feel stronger. It smelled really good, so that was an added bonus! :) After just a week, my hair feels better than ever! Hopefully I can get it nice and strong before the wedding!!!

:)

 

Anahola Granola Review

 

Anahola Granola sent me some of their bars to review!

Here's some info from their website: 

Anahola Granola has been hand made in Hawaii since 1986. We believe the simple idea that granola is best when ingredients are fresh, local and unadulterated.  Anahola Granola captures the exotic flavorings of our tropical paradise to bring the fresh Hawaiian taste to you.

All of our products are made with the highest quality ingredients, with no preservatives. We use a healthy portion of nuts and seeds, the best unsulphered tropical fruits available, canola oil and Hawaiian honey. The special flavoring in our products is pure vanilla made from Madagascar beans, which we grind and infuse to our exact specifications.

We bake and pack Anahola Granola by hand and ship throughout Hawaii and the Mainland the next day.

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My Review: 10/10!

These bars were SO chewy and delicious. I loved the coconut flakes on each bar. They added a sweet flavor. 

I enjoyed the Mango Ginger, Tropical, and Original Flavors. They all tasted fabulous. My favorite part about these bars was the TEXTURE! So soft and chewy, they didn't hurt your jaw like some other granola bars do. 

Jared is going to try the Chocolate Chip flavor when I see him next... but I KNOW he will love it.... Coconut and chocolate?!?! That's his FAVORITE!!!

:)

Please check out their website.

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LAS VEGAS!!!!!!

 

Jared and I spent five days in LAS VEGAS with his parents over Spring Break! ALL I GOTTA SAY IS .... "WOW!" It was sooooooo much fun!!! I didn't get a ton of pics on my phone because I didn't carry my purse a lot. Jared got a ton on his phone, but I'm too lazy to put them all on mine... haha. 

We went to Hoover Dam. 

 

It was BEAUTIFUL!

 

 

I enjoyed scaring Jared half to death on the bridge... ;) 

He was hugging the wall the whole time, except to take one pic, so I have to brag on him for being brave for that one minute. haha. :) 

 

We saw Cirque Du Soleil's "Mystere" show.

It was incredible!!! I wish we could take pics, but we weren't allowed. If you ever get the opportunity to go see a show, DO IT! It's amazing!!!

:)

 

We had a wonderful time just walking up and down the strip. We did a LOT of walking! There was no need to worry about not having a gym because we got PLENTY of cardio! 

 

We got some really cute pics inside the outrageously decorated hotels. 

I am so thankful for his parents letting me tag along. It was a trip I'll NEVER forget!!!

:) 

Wedding Countdown... 107 days!!!!!!!!!!!

Bakery on Main Oatmeal - New Flavors Review

Bakery on Main was kind enough to send me some of their new products to try and review!

Here is some information about them from their website:

Bakery On Main True Bar Gluten Free Granola Bars are a good source of Fiber and Omega 3, made with many low-GI ingredients, non- GMO, dairy and casein free. These bars are also low in sodium with no transfat or cholesterol and certified gluten free and Kosher Parve. The six delicious flavors are: Hazelnut Chocolate Cherry, Walnut Cappuccino, Fruit & Nut, Raspberry Chocolate Almond, Coconut Cashew, and Apricot Almond Chai.

Bakery on Main Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal is made with whole grains including certified gluten free oats, amaranth, and quinoa plus chia and flax. This healthy comfort food is high in fiber, non GMO, dairy and casein free, low sodium, GFCO certified gluten free and Kosher OU Parve with no transfat or cholesterol. The three delicious bakeshop flavors are Apple Pie, Strawberry Shortcake, and Maple Multigrain Muffin.

 

 

They recently added Blueberry Scone and Carrot Cake!!!

:)
Now, onto the review... These new products were both DELICIOUS. So flavorful and tasty! 

 

10/10! 

 

The Carrot Cake didn't taste EXACTLY like carrot cake, because it was missing the frosting. It was definitely pretty close for an oatmeal flavor though! :)

Blueberry Scone was a dessert-y taste! MMMM!!!

 

 

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You Can....

 

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Go check out their website and order some for yourself!