How often do you eat?

There are a lot of opinions about how often you should eat. 

I prefer to eat frequently throughout the day. I like to eat small meals every 3 or so hours. I can't help it, I get hungry a lot! 

When I was student teaching, I was STARVING all day long because teachers don't get a long lunch break. Our 30 minutes is spent taking the kids to and from the lunchroom, so we really only get about 20 minutes to eat. I don't like to scarf down a bunch of food too fast. 

This is what a day of eating for me looks like.

Breakfast: Yogurt Mess

Post Workout: Some type of protein or granola bar or fruit.

Lunch: Turkey wrap with an apple and carrots

Snack: Cereal 

Dinner: Chicken with a sweet potato

Snack: Oat-Gurt (Oatmeal mixed with yogurt and kept in fridge for a few hours...SO GOOD! It's like dessert!) 

Now that it's summer, I can eat whenever, but while I am teaching, I have to bulk up my breakfast and post-workout snack because I can't eat as frequently during the day. Jared suggested that I eat TWO packets of oatmeal after my workout to get some needed protein. There is a 45 minute window to eat that protein that your body needs to actually build muscle. If you don't feed your body properly, your muscles won't grow. 

You can read about my eating issues when I was younger... When I started college, I finally branched out and tried new things.. and ever since Jared and I started dating, I have eaten more than I ever have! I can honestly say that I have never felt better by eating MORE...

I admit, I used to be nervous to eat so much because I was scared of gaining weight. But, when you eat the RIGHT foods at the RIGHT time, it does nothing but HELP YOU BUILD MUSCLE!!! Jared has taught me a lot about nutrition that I didn't know before or I heard about it but was just too scared to try it. I have eaten MORE and my clothes are actually a little loose! 

So, lesson for today is to listen to your body and feed it properly!

Talk to me... how often do you eat? Do you eat the same things everyday or like to mix it up? 

Don't forget to enter my Caesar's Pasta Giveaway!!!

New Uber Larabars

I was recently sent the new Uber Larabars!

These bars are GREAT! 

I love larabars already, but these just kick it up a notch!

They have four flavors:

Apple Turnover

Bananas Foster

Cherry Cobbler

Roasted Nut Roll

They were all DELICIOUS, but I think my favorite was the Bananas Foster!

I loved the sweetness that the honey gave to the bar!

YUM YUM!!

Check them out at their website for yourself!

Yasso Giveaway Winner!!!

Congrats Meredith!

Please email me your address info so I can send the coupons to you asap!

:-)

Don't forget to check out my Caesar's Pasta Giveaway if you haven't yet! 

Sweet Summertimeeeeeee!!!!

I finally have a few minutes to catch you all up on my AWESOME summer that I've had so far...and it's JUST getting started!!! 

:-)

First week, I went to Florida with my girlfriends!! It was an absolute BLAST!!!

The next week, I visited my boyfriend and his family. We have too much fun together! I LOVE his family! I fit right in and they treat me like part of the family! :-) 

We spent some time at the golf course (of course!) and we did a hardcore workout with Jared's trainer! LOVED IT! Tough strength training and cardio bursts! We always refuel with a stop at Smoothie King. I loveeeeeeeed the combo I got this time... THE GLADIATOR (with 45 grams of protein and only 180 calories!) I picked strawberry smoothie with strawberries and pomegranates added in! YUM YUM YUM!!!!

We had a super fancy date night, which was awesome! We ate OUTSIDE at a nice Italian restaurant that was RIGHT on the river! While the sun was setting...it was beautiful!!!

I have gone to a few of my brother's baseball games... He is doing really well.. I am super proud of him! He actually just got news that he will be playing in a summer league in Canada! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?

When I've actually been home, I've been baby-sitting up a storm!!! It's sooooo much fun! I love all my little munchkins! 

I took my FACULTY PICTURE on Wednesday!

I'm so excited to start setting up my classroom! I should be able to start moving stuff in the next couple of weeks!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAYYYY!!!

oh and Jared is such a sweetheart, that he TOTALLY surprised me on Monday! I had absolutely NO clue  that he was coming! (We live three hours apart, so it is tough because we miss each other like crazy!!! But, on the other hand, when we do get to spend time with each other, it's INCREDIBLE!!! I am so thankful for FaceTime and phone calls and texting, which we do 24/7! haha)

 just watch this video.. I think it will make you smile :)

(oh, and sorry, it takes me FOREVER to get to the door, and excuse me for talking with carrots stuffed in my mouth! haha) 

Isn't he ADORABLE?!?!?

So... tell me... how has YOUR summer been so far?!?!?

Casear's Pasta Review and Giveaway!!!

Caesar's Pasta sent me a TON of yummy food to try and review on my blog!!!

AND... host a GIVEAWAY for one lucky winner!!

Here is a little info about Caesar's from their website:

Always 100% consistent and natural, all Caesars pasta products are made from the highest quality ingredients. Only the purest and most natural ingredients are used to create the finest and freshest pasta products which are frozen I.Q.F. at their peak of freshness. Caesar's products are available in a unique variety of sizes and fillings. With over 200 varieties to choose from, view the portfolio of items we manufacture, including...USDA certified organic pasta, All Natural Gluten Free and Wheat Free Pasta, Entrée's, Traditional Italian Favorites such as ravioli, stuffed shells, manicotti, eggplant and meatballs. Most of our items are pre-cooked for your convenience.

A global food company, manufacturing in the United States with national sales and distribution in Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Middle East. The Lodato Family is proud to share our love of great food with you and your family. From Ravioli to Lasagna to Manicotti and several other Italian specialties, Caesars is one of the major Italian Frozen Pasta companies serving Acme, Superfresh, Pathmark, Shop Rite, Costco, Whole Foods, Wegmans, Fresh Markets and many other independent and chain health food stores throughout the country. The company has also worked with such major names as Campbell Soup Company, Progresso Foods, Weight Watchers and Rich Foods to name a few.

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MY REVIEW:

First of all, I just gotta say, "WOW!" Caesar's sent me TWO of everything to try! The package was PACKED with lots of yummy goodies!!! 

Jared and I tried the lasagna and stuffed shells asap! Over a few weeks, I tried more, and invited my friend Courtney over for dinner one night.... We ALL loved everything!!!

10/10 was our rating for each entree! 

I loved the convenience factor of these meals. They are perfect for those nights when you're in a hurry and just too hungry to  take lots of time to make a meal, or those days when I get lazy! haha 

The stuffed shells were probably my favorite! But, I really liked the Vegetable Lasagna as well. 

:-)

The other thing that I loved about these products is that they REALLY filled you up! Sometimes with frozen meals, I am still hungry after I am done, but these were very filling!

:-)

Caesar's wants to give one of YOU the opportunity to try their amazing products as well!!!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Mandatory Entry: Visit Caesar's website and tell me which product you would most like to try.

Additional Entry: Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway: "@Christianqt07 is having a Caesar's Pasta GIVEAWAY! Join in the fun here: http://fitnessfanatic007.blogspot.com/2012/05/casears-pasta-review-and-giveaway.html" 

Leave a comment for your mandatory entry and a separate comment if you choose to do the additional entry.

Winner will be chosen via Random.org on Friday, June 1st! 

GOOD LUCK! 

Busy beaver!!

I'm sorry I haven't been able to blog as much lately... I've been SUPER busy!

But, stay tuned because I have a yummy review and GIVEAWAY coming up from Caesar's Pasta!!!

:)

Sencha Naturals Review and Upcoming Giveaway!

Sencha Naturals was kind enough to send some of their mints to try and review!

Here's some info from their website:

We think green tea is pretty cool (and hot!), and here at our Sencha Naturals headquarters we actually have a huge collection of green tea in every imaginable form and flavor. Our CEO David kindly steeps a pot for us every morning and treats us to fun green tea concoctions before company meetings. Sencha helps us focus and mellows us out, and sharing a warm teapot has a unique way of bringing us together unlike any coffee ever could. 

What in the EGCG are you talking about?   Most people know green tea is synonymous with ‘antioxidants’— beneficial molecules found in certain foods that can promote health by preventing cell damage. EGCG is a specific antioxidant found only in green tea.

Just 3 SEN CHA Green Tea Mints contain the antioxidant equivalent of one cup of green tea, without the caffeine. The research community has shown that green tea and EGCG benefits your body inside and out:

• Protects against heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol¹, reducing high blood pressure², and reducing the incidence of atherosclerosis³.

• Promotes weight loss by stimulating your body’s metabolism⁴ without raising your heart rate like coffee or other caffeinated sources.⁵

• Builds a strong immune system through antioxidant vitamins C and E.⁶

• Improves mental focus, attention, and cognitive ability⁷ giving new meaning to “green fuel.”

• Prevents physical and mental fatigue⁸ and age-related memory loss.⁹

• Preserves skin by minimizing wrinkles¹⁰, skin discolorations¹¹, and age spots.¹² Also reduces acne¹³, eczema¹⁴, and other major skin conditions¹⁵.

• Enhances oral health by helping to prevent the bacteria that causes bad breath¹⁶, tooth decay¹⁷, dental plaque¹⁸, and gum disease¹⁹.

****************************************************************************

Now, for my review:

I made a little video with my thoughts on the mints! 

:-)

I also LOVED the neat packaging!!! So fun!! 

Please visit their website!

http://www.senchanaturals.com/

and STAY TUNED FOR A GIVEAWAY!!!!

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Review and Giveaway!!

Yasso sent me a coupon to try and review their bars!

Here is a little info from their website:

Yasso® has recently introduced a new line of smoothies to sell alongside its line of novelty bars. Yasso® Smoothies are available in Strawberry Banana, Mango Pineapple, and Mixed Berry. When blended with one cup of skim milk, each 8 oz. serving is fat-free, low in sugar and boasts 8 grams of protein as well as 4 grams of fiber. Currently, only Strawberry Banana smoothies are for sale at Costco in the Midwest and at BJ’s Wholesale. More locations coming soon!

Yasso® novelty bars can be found in retail packs, which include 4 bars of one flavor; club packs including 5 bars of strawberry and blueberry; and single serve bags for all 3 flavors. For distribution information, please visit the Where to Buy section of our website.

*******************************************************

Now, for the yummy review:

We LOVED these bars!!!

10/10!

We tried the raspberry flavor. It was fabulous! We really enjoyed the texture of the bars. They were thick and delicious. We loved that they only had 70 little calories and 6 grams of protein, that filled us up more than regular frozen yogurt does. 

Would you like to try these awesome bars for yourself???

Well, Yasso has provided a coupon for a FREE BOX OF BARS for one of my readers!!

:-)

Mandatory Entry

1. Visit their website and tell me what flavor you would most like to try! Leave me a comment with your answer.

Optional Entries: (You must do the first one before you leave additional comments for extra entries)

2. Follow @Christianqt07 and @eatyasso

on Twitter

3. Tweet this: "@Christianqt07 is having a @eatyasso giveaway! Check it out here: http://fitnessfanatic007.blogspot.com/2012/05/yasso-frozen-greek-yogurt-review-and.html"

4. Become a follower of my blog

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN SATURDAY, May 26th. 

Via Random.org

GOOD LUCK!!!

:-)

Graduation and big news!!!

So, I have been super busy that I haven't been able to post about graduation until now! 

I graduated MAGNA CUM LAUDE on May 4, 2012 

:-)

I couldn't have asked for a better day! It was wonderful. I got to introduce Jared to a lot of my family and they love him! 

:-)

Right after graduation, I took a girl's trip down to Destin, Florida!

My aunt did a photoshoot with us one day, so I will share those when she gets them edited! 

We had an absolute BLAST!! 

I should be back to regular blogging now, but I do have a busy and exciting summer planned out, so please bare with me!

now, for the BIG NEWS...

I GOT A REAL JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(remember my new year goals from back in January???)

Well, I can officially cross that off my list, because I was hired as a FIRST GRADE TEACHER!!!!!!!

I AM SO STINKIN' EXCITED!!!!!!

:-)

Fiber Gourmet Review

Fiber Gourmet sent me some of their products to try and review!

Here's some info about the company from their website:

FiberGourmet is a food technology company. We’re dedicated to creating reduced-calorie, high-fiber products that taste good and are good for you.

Our unique FiberGourmet technology allows us to manufacture pasta, crackers and cakes which taste the same as conventional versions but have 10 times more fiber. We even have more fiber than whole wheat! (See comparison chart to the right for details). And because we use insoluble fiber, which has no calories, we are able to literally cut the calories in half.

Crackers: 10/10! These tasted fabulous and I can't complain that they were HALF as many calorie as regular crackers! I enjoyed the Everything and Original flavors that was included in the package!

:-)

Light Penne Pasta: 9/10! It tasted just like normal pasta! I loved the nutrition facts! 

(I didn't try the brownies because I hate chocolate, but Jared's mom tried it for me and this was her review)

Lite Frosted Brownies: 5/10. I didn't care for these. It was missing the sweetness that I like. My husband and granddaughter tried it too and didn't really like the taste. I did like the fact that it was easy to make and mess free though!

Check out their website and try some products for yourself!

http://www.fibergourmet.com/default.aspx

Do you workout on Vacation?!?

 

I am officially on vacation!!!!!!!

 I'm having a fun girl's trip!

:-)
 

I just wanted to share a really awesome workout that I did this morning. Yes, I got up early to workout before we headed to the beach! I am a true FITFLUENTIAL ambassador! I JUST LOVE WORKING OUT! 

I did a hardcore strength/cardio circuit. 

I used 20 pound weights and did this:

 10 reps of bicep curls

jump rope 100 times

10 reps of overhead presses

jump rope 100 times

10 reps of  chest presses

jump rope 100 times

20 reps of oblique twists

jump rope 100 times

(repeat 2 more times)

Leg jumps on risor

Shoulder shrugs

Arm pulls while doing super squats (I don't know the technical name! haha Jared showed them to me)

Then, I went on a lovely walk outside around the condo. It was PERFECT.

:-)

Tomorrow is just my cardio day, so I am going to take advantage of the beach and walk in the sand!

So, do YOU workout on vacation or take a complete break?

Enjoy Life Foods - Plentils

Enjoy Life Foods sent me some more yummy products to try and review on my blog!

This time they sent Plentils!

:-)

Here's some info about Plentils from their website:

What makes this great-tasting snack so unique? From ancient times to the present, the lentil has proven to be one of the best sources of plant-based protein. This legume is a staple in diets throughout the world, but leave it to Enjoy Life to capture the essence of its all-natural goodness. This chip's unique recipe results in a protein-packed, crunchy experience, bursting with flavor as you savor a great-tasting "better-for-you" chip.

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 Now, for my review:

First of all, I have to say this... I HATE LENTILS. So, I was a little nervous about trying these chips. That nervousness didn't last long at all though... From first bite, I fell in love! These chips are SO STINKIN' tasty! They are not only delicious, but they are super nutritious! They have less fat than regular chips and don't contain artificial anything! 

10/10!

Order of my favorite flavors:

1. My favorite flavor was Margherita Pizza for sure! It was very flavorful. Definitely controlled my pizza craving!

2. Garlic and Parmesan - Very tasty!

3. Light Sea Salt - There is just something great about a plain sea salt chip. These were definitely yummy!

4. Dill and Sour Cream - Unique flavor! I've never had a chip like this before. It was interestingly tasty!

Please try some of these awesome new chips for yourself!!!

http://plentils.com/index.php

Kardea Nutrition Bars Review

Kardea Nutrition sent me some bars to review on my blog!

  Info from their website:

Mark Twain said, "The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want and drink what you don't like." As someone who had high cholesterol, spent a career in food, and celebrates my daily passion for delicious meals, I started Kardea Nutrition to prove Twain wrong. Healthy eating can be incredibly delicious!

Kardea takes you well beyond simply cutting back eggs, red meat and butter. We provide you with the products, the recipes and the information you need to significantly improve your heart health, sharply lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure, reduce inflammation and improve your blood sugar metabolism. 

Our products, including our gourmet nutrition bars, make the nutritional health recommendations of organizations like the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health easier to achieve.  

Take a Healthy Bite Out of Life,

 Rob Leighton, Founder.

After years making decadent sweets,  I went in search of a lower-calorie, on-the-go snack that would satsify my hunger and control my appetite, and deliver heart healthy nutrition.  I could not find this product so I created Kardea's gourmet nutrition bars.

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Now, for my review!

I liked the size of the bars. They were a perfect pre-workout snack. They were only 140 calories, had 7 grams of fiber, and had 7 grams of protein! 

8/10: The bars had a slight after taste, so I didn't give them a 10. I really liked the texture of the bars though! The outside was soft and chewy with a little crisp in the middle!  I enjoyed all the flavors, but the order of which flavor I liked the best went like this:

1. Cranberry Almond 

2. Banana Nut

3. Chai Spice

Please visit their website and try some of these bars for yourself!!!

http://www.kardeanutrition.com/

Workout in the Park

I LOVE MUSIC. I listen to it ALL the time. I listen to it while I am on my computer, I always jam when I'm driving in my car, and I definitely blast it during my workouts!!! Lauren from Self Magazine sent me some really cool information about an awesome event! 

Check it out:

Get amped for the return of summer weather (and swimsuits) by getting back on the grind and sculpting a sexy beach body!  And what better way to do so than to the beat of some sizzling tunes?  Here to help you get your finest figure back in shape is the SELF Magazine Fitness Team – who have put together their top tracks perfect for any workout! 

Check them out below, pre-load them on your player, and gear up for SELF Magazine’s Workout in the Park taking place this spring in New York, San Francisco and Chicago!  The outdoor fitness festival will be hosted by Dolvett Quince (trainer on The Biggest Loser) and Louis Van Amstel (dance coach on Dancing with the Stars) will make an appearance in New York and San Fran.  Tickets are on-sale right now for $20 at www.SELFWorkoutinthePark.com.  

Bringing the pages of SELF to life and putting attendees at the center of the action, it will be a day incorporating the hottest new exercise trends and invigorating classes from CRUNCH gym, beauty and fashion consultations, nutritional know-how and tons of freebies and giveaways.   And it’s all for a great cause – in honor of the event, SELF will make a donation to participating charities, Cancer and Careers and The Conservation Fund.  

Here are just a few of the songs that they sent me for their

Workout in the Park Playlist
Lonely Boy by the Black Keys
Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
Part of Me by Katy Perry
We Found Love by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
Dog Days are Over by Florence and the Machine
Pumped up Kicks by Foster the People
The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco
Don't Rain on my Parade by the Glee Cast
Ignitition (Remix) by R.Kelly
Wild Ones by Flo Rida featuring Sia
Where Have You Been by Rihanna
I Wanna Go Crazy by David Guetta featuring will.i.am
We Run the Night by Havana Brown featuring Pitbull

  

So, tell me...

What are YOUR favorite songs to workout to???

:)

Bengay Giveaway Winners!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! 

Please email me your address info as soon as possible! 

:-)