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High Protein Food Choices to Power Through Your Day #ItsYourDay

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I am a Premier Protein Ambassador. Opinions are my own and compensation for my stories was given

protein foods

The last time I shared some protein tips I talked about the right times to consume protein in your day. Now, as a proud ambassador for Premier Protein I want to discuss high protein food choices for you. These foods are packed with natural protein, not fillers so you can get through your day.

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The obvious to start with are protein shakes and bars. Having these available in your fridge and cupboard make taking protein on the go so easy. I have been sticking to my goal of having a protein bar as my midday snack so if I know I will be out all day I put a bar in my purse. This helps me avoid a snack stop where I’m bound to by a muffin at a coffee shop or less healthy snack at a convenience store.

My absolute favorites are the Caramel Premier Protein shake and the Double Chocolate Crunch or Salted Caramel Premier Protein bar. Why do they make a great choice? These bars pack in 30g of protein with no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors.

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Admit it! You have a large jug of protein powder and are not using it, aren’t you? Do you not like to blend your own powder or does it feel like a chore to make your protein shakes like this? Try using up your powder as substitutes in recipes. I make a yummy protein icing with protein powder. You can shorten the amount of flour and add protein powder in cakes, pancakes, waffles and more.

It's a #OMGhop giveaway hop with #rvm I am giving away @PremierProtein samples #ItsYourDay Click To Tweet

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There is protein beyond convenient bars and shakes. The best foods to put in your grocery cart on your next store run include eggs, oats, almonds, chicken (breast), greek yogurt, tuna, pumpkin seeds, peanuts to name a few. Some of these work great as snacks or to turn into meals. Try an egg salad sandwich on protein-rich bread like Ezekiel Bread. Try a chicken salad with homemade dressing and sliced almonds. However you like to enjoy these foods, remember that your body needs protein and more than ever if you are active and on-the-go. Visit Premier Protein to find more great products as well as discussions and education about protein.

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This post is part of the OMG! It’s a Giveaway Hop link up hosted by Review Wire Media. Enter to win a Premier Protein sampler pack below then scroll further to enter other great giveaways by Bloggers like me.

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Enter below for the Premier Protein Sampler giveaway. Ends on 3/31 and open to US. Good luck!

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Protein Shakes Your Muscles Crave During a Workout-Giveaway

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I am a Premier Protein Ambassador. This post is a sponsored post and all opinions are my own #ThisDayIsYours

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How is your New Year starting out? Are you sticking to those health plans? Many of us spent weeks or months researching health regimens and food habits so we are ready to start the new year off right. Now that we are a few weeks in you may be wondering if you are on the right track. Are you seeing plateaus? It’s OK! This is normal. Are you eating right and consuming the right foods at the right times? Protein is one of the single most important nutrients your body needs to power through the day and workouts. So let’s talk protein…

Fun workout fact!

Did you know that when you work out you are actually damaging your muscles a bit by creating small tears? This is OK! It is in the repair process that your muscle learns to heal and in a way that it becomes stronger than it was.

In order to handle the workload and heal it uses up your body’s nutrients. Your body’s muscles will visit your “nutrition storage’ and use it all up. In order for your body and muscles to recover, you need to stock up your nutrient shelf ASAP because it is coming back for more within 20-40 minutes after your workout. This is how it was explained to me by a trainer once and thought it was some clever education to share.

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When is the best time to consume protein?

First of all, you are consuming plenty of protein each day right? If not, please start today. Did you read my last paragraph? It is that important to keep protein stocked on your ‘nutrient shelf’ (or within your body). Make sure you mix protein shakes and bars with actual protein-rich whole foods too like chicken breast, eggs, greek yogurt, etc..

  1. In the morning. Every morning-even rest days you wake up after hours of not consuming any food. Muscles will break down without protein so consuming protein right away in the morning actually helps to build muscle to start you off right for the day. Try waking up with a Premier Protein shake in any of their delicious flavors. With these shakes you get 30g of protein, 24 other essential vitamins & minerals at only 160 calories and added calcium without the loads of sugar.
  2. Pre-Workout. You know your muscles are going to hog up all the protein you have stored so far in the day so why not reload before your workout so you have enough protein on board to make it to the finish line. Try eating a Premier Protein Bar before leaving to the gym or 30 minutes prior to your workout. If you did not know, Premier Protein does not add artificial flavors or additives to their products.
  3. Post-Workout. Hurry! You have about a 20-40 minute window that your muscles will be frantically searching for that protein for recovery. If you did a pre-workout protein snack then you can perhaps extend that window a tad. Your body just hogged all your nutrients and if your muscles don’t get that nutrition they will not recover and repair properly. This is a great time for another Premier Protein shake or 1 scoop of Premier Protein Powder in a your blender bottle so you get all the nutrients and amino acids needed in one convenient drink.

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Additionally,  if you have a protein-rich lunch such as an egg salad or grilled chicken sandwich, greek yogurt with fruit & granola or chicken salad with hard boiled eggs and add some protein to your dinner your body will thank you! Don’t forget your growing, athletic teenager! They need the protein throughout the day too so pack them a shake and/or bar before they head off to school and sports practice in the afternoon.

The Giveaway

1 lucky reader will win a (random) sample assortment of Premier Protein shakes and bars. Enter below. Open to US and ends on 2/10. Good luck!

protein giveaway

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5 Tips to Get Motivated to Start Walking or Running

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Image source: Pixabay

Well, there are about 3 weeks to go in 2016 and perhaps your 2017 goal is to get moving. The start of a new year is always a great time to get motivated to start walking or running. We plan ahead, pick dates and start on our goals. Then life happens. We get a cold and stop moving, never really starting back up again. Or perhaps you stop due to another illness, schedule changes, daylight savings changes, etc…

Whatever your reason for quitting, the start up again is so hard. It is important to stay motivated. Understand that there will be changes, but the right motivation helps you work those changes around your new hobby or regimen.

5 Tips to Get Motivated to Start Walking or Running Click To Tweet

Let’s get motivated and stay motivated using these 5 tips:

  1. Find a race in your local area and sign up for it! If you are a beginner stick to a 5K. There are so many that happen in early spring from color runs to holiday and St Patrick runs. Find one, grab a buddy and commit yourself. Now you have a goal and you paid for it so you will stick to it.
  2. Buy yourself a new pair of running shoes. It’s OK! Reward yourself at the start. Once you find a pair of or advanced runners, you will be proud to lace them up and put them to use.
  3. Change it up. You will never stay motivated doing the same route each day. Plan ahead and find a few local trails near your work or home. On Mondays and Thursdays maybe run your neighborhood. Rest on weekends. On the other days, list a new trail each week to run a few times.
  4. Update your playlist. Nothing is more motivating then, putting on those headphones, listening to your favorite music and tuning out the world around you (to a safe extent).
  5. Allow yourself a reward day. Find a day (perhaps a day off or weekend day) to let yourself lose-no running, allow yourself a treat and allow yourself a reward of rest.

So go on, plan today. Find a local race, buy some killer running shoes and start training.

3 Healthy and Innovative Gift Ideas from FitBoomBah #HolidayGiftGuide

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Samples sent for feature. Post may contain affiliate links

Holiday Gift Guide Feature: Health, Fitness and Beauty Products from FitBoomBah

FitBoomBah Logo

FitBoomBah is not only fun to say, but it is a one-stop website for all things healthy and fitness-related. From supplements, blender bottles, apparel and aroma products you can definitely find a gift for everyone on your list in one spot. I received some products I thought you would enjoy and wanted to feature these. However, there is so much more than the ones I am featuring.

Mixologie

The Mixologie Blendable-Perfume Collection has been such a hit. My sister was over and I was so excited to show her this set and she fell in love. She texted our Mom right away with “Christmas idea” as my Mom asks us to do that. She was googling the brand on her phone and finding them a lot of places at about $99 a set. I told her she has to look at FitBoomBah for it was the cheapest price. Sure enough it was and by $20!

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You get roller ball scents in a set of 8. They are alcohol-free and high-quality concentrated oils and a gentler, longer-lasting emollient, DPG (dipropylene glycol). They all smell so great and the idea is to create your own scents when you mix and match them. There are several recipe cards that come with the collection so you can find just the right mix for you mood. Try mixing Inspires, Tenacious and Electric if you are stir crazy and need to relax. You can also try Tenacious, Free and Inspires for a bit of a de-stress and focus scent. Or, like me you can just grab 2-3 and roll them around and either combination will smell great as you head out the door.

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I work at the High School and it is recommended that we do not wear perfumes because of sensitivities. Because these scents are alcohol-free I can wear them and they do not seem to interfere or cause sensitivities to those around me. I just love this collection!

Teami

Another favorite is Teami 30 day Detox Kit. I had read about this brand because I wanted a gentle cleanse. The last cleanse I tried was horrible and too harsh and the taste of the beverages was terrible. This tea is not only a gentle cleanse but tastes great. I don’t even have to sweeten the tea. I drink it as is.

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I decided to make it a health change and even kept diary of of before, during and after results on these two Teami products. These are based on a 1 month regimen of drinking Teami Skinny 1-2 times a day (1 tsp in 8 oz of hot water and loose tea left in) and the Teami Colon every 2 days at 1 tea bag in 7-8 oz of water and seeped 2-3 minutes.

Measurements, Weight, Notes

Day 1: Weight 142 pounds.

Week 1: Weight  . No exercise. No diet changes (eat relatively healthy)

Visit FitBoomBah to find these and other great gift ideas for the holidays.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Visit the 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for the master gift list-it is updated daily.

MISSION Athletecare’s RadiantActive line of heating gear #HollidayGiftGuide

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Samples sent for feature. May contain affiliate links

Holiday Gift Guide Feature: MISSION RadiantActive Performance gear

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Before wondering if these Mission RadiantActive Athletecare products I am featuring is just another fitness line of clothing, I can tell you that this line is powered by 37.5 Technology that are infused with active particles that retain heat and remove sweat to keep you warm and dry. Now your own body’s energy doesn’t have to focus on that task. You’ll have that energy back to perform better in fitness or sports.

The RadiantActive line includes instant heating headbands, beanies, gloves, balaclavas, neck gaiters, scarves, base layer tights and tops. These are all designed to keep you warm and dry from sweat and won’t add extra weight.

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How does it work? The clothing is embedded with carbon fibers to retain up to 15% more heat than normal performance fabrics. The products are made with a high abrasion resistance outer-layer and excellent lofted heat retention to keep you warm in any weather condition.

The base layer tights are compression fit and lightweight. The top are a fitted design with 4 way stretch. They both have breathable mesh panels and are odor resistant.

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The gloves come in a lightweight or midweight styles. The lightweight is made with a lighter fabric and has a 4 way stretch. The midweight gloves have adjustable hook and loop closures and are water resistant. They both have proprietary heating technology with lightweight insulation. They are moisture wicking, touchscreen compatible and have a silicone palm grips.

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The neck gaiter is a 4 way stretch, moisture wicking material. It is also wind resistant and the beanie is lightweight and helps keep heat in.

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You can find the entire MISSION Athletecare RadiantActive line at MISSION’s website and learn more about the 37.5 technology. I am sending some to my son across state who is at Washington State University. It gets very cold in the winter and he has quite a jaunt to his classes so this will get used a lot by him on campus for walking and attending football games in that cold and snowy weather this winter.

Can you think of other activities you would use these for?

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube

Visit the 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for the master gift list-it is updated daily.

Stay Cool and Save Energy with Mission’s Vaporactive Line

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Samples sent for feature

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Before wondering if these Mission products I am featuring is just another fitness line of clothing, I can tell you that there are safe and unsafe ways to exercise. In the heat, the safety factor while being outdoors becomes a lot higher due to the heat’s effect on our bodies. It has been a hot summer in many of our states this summer, including here near Seattle. When your body temperature raises you burn a lot of energy trying to self-cool. You could use that energy for a more effective workout instead. Mission’s Vaporactive line works hard to cool your body so that your energy doesn’t have to focus on that task. Now you have that energy back to perform better in fitness or sports.

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As the Olympics have started, I will mention that Mission is a proud supporter of the USRowing team, they will provide cooling towels bearing the American flag to all Olympians and Paralympians competing in the 2016 Games. They will also provide additional cooling accessories and gear, including hats and multi-cool headwear to help the U.S. athletes stay cool during their training and competition. A gal I used to nanny for is competing in the 2016 Paralympics Basketball Team for USA in RIO. So I love to feature brands that support the Paralymppics as much as I do. Look for Megan Blunk on that court, that sweet, dimple-faced girl is who we are cheering for in this home.

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I am listing a few products below that will do more than provide fashion, but work for your body temperature so you can perform better. It sounds too easy-put on some socks, a shirt and hat and you reserve more energy. However, the technology is rather complex and that is why Mission is more than an ordinary fitness clothing brand.

  • Vaporactive Performance No-Show Socks ( 2-pack). Powered by 37.5 technology and infused with permanent active particles that rapidly attract and evaporate sweat keeping you cool dry and comfortable
  • Enduracool Techknit Cooling Towel. Instantly cools when soaked with water, wrung out and is snapped in the air to activate its cooling properties.
  • Enduracool Microfiber Cooling Towel. Made from proprietary performance fabric that instantly cools when soaked with water, wrung out and is snapped in the air to activate its cooling properties.
  • Cooling Performance Hat. When wet its stays cool for hours. Lighter than most and with a non-structured fit to afford you maximum breathability.
  • Reflective Cooling Headband. A cooling lockdown reversible headband. It drops to 30 degrees below average body temperatures when soaked with water, wrung out and snapped.

So what does Mission mean by stays cool when wet and 37.5 technology? 37.5 technology means that at the fiber level of the fabric such as the socks, there are naturally derived active particles added. Your body gives off an infrared energy when you are burning calories and it attracts that natural energy from your body. It captures, traps and evaporates that moisture (from sweat), that allows you to be cool but does not leave you feeling wet. These particles hold the wet-you feel the cold. It essentially attracts and removes sweat from your body unlike wicking that just moves it around. Active 37.5 is the name of these infused particles that do all that work. It is made to last and will not wash out. This is a dry to cool effect.

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With Mission’s Enduracool technology such as in their cooling towels, fabric chills to a surface temperature by up to 30°. This helps you control temperature on demand. It is a proprietary weave that absorbs moisture (water) though its capillary system. The construction of the fabric has a hollow core that spreads water. This slows evaporation for a prolonged cooling effect. This is the wet to cool effect meaning you have to wet the product to activate the cold. Adding water creates a cooling effect so your body performs its best and saves energy. On your next hot run- pour some water from your bottle onto the towel, snap to wrap around your neck. You have to feel that cold to know just how effective it works.

Visit Mission today and start saving that energy for better performance while Mission Vaporactive keeps your cool. Great for the kids outdoors so they do not overheat!