Category: Healthy Living

Gift Guides, Healthy Living, Kids, Parenting, Reviews by Anthony

Rollerblade Spitfire XT 2016 Kids Inline Skates

Erin Sluka

Thank you to Rollerblade for partnering with us for this feature

Rollerblade Spitfire XT 2016 Kids Inline Skates

We just wrapped up our Memorial weekend and for the first time is many years we had above 80 degree weather for all 4 days! That is so rare here in Seattle. We spend the weekend visiting family, one last celebration from Anthony’s birthday last week and a road trip to Mt Rainier area for a flea market.  It was gorgeous and not much time was spent indoors with this weather. It has me so excited for summer.

Anthony is also excited as the past 2 weeks he has owned a brand new pair of Rollerblade inline skates. He has never even owned roller skates before so this is new to him and he did not know how to use the inline skates when they arrived. Now he has improved so much and thanks to this weather stretch he has been able to get a lot of practice. That means less time indoors near the TV and games.

He has the Rollerblade Spitfire XT. What is unique about these skates is that they expand in size. Because our kids are always growing these skates can stay theirs for a long time. We spend enough as they grow out of shoes and clothes so now they can keep the skates and in a minor adjustment they will expand a size. There are 3 kid size options to choose from: 11(junior)-1, 2-5 and 5-8. the Spitfire XT comes in red/black. You can find them at Dicks Sporting Goods and on Amazon

When the skates arrived I was so happy with the quality. Words can hardly express how enamored I was inspecting every stitch and feel of the skate. Sizing took a push of a button and a strong pull and the shoe keeps in place. With Anthony as a new rider he has had many spills these past few weeks and there have been no flaws of adjusting form the skates. They use the standard inline skate brake pads too so it is easy to change these out as your child wears our the pads.

Do your kids have inline skates? Have they ridden in a while?

Visit the kids rollerblade options. Let’s get them moving outdoors this summer!

Back to School 2017, Brands with a Cause, Food, Healthy Living, Kids, Natural Foods, Parenting, Reviews by Anthony

Zap Cavity Monsters with Zollipops the Clean Teeth Pops

Erin Sluka

Thank you to Zollipops for partnering with us on the feature. Opinions and story if my own

Zap Cavity Monsters with Zollipops the Clean Teeth Pops

Now that you are done with dessert…have a lollipop! Because of a brilliant little girl who had a concept at age 7 to create a lollipop that is good for your teeth you can have some candy after dessert. And you should! Xylitol, Erythritol, Stevia-a triple threat to those nasty cavity monsters have come together in the form of lollipops, taffy and candy drops.

It was her little sister that came up with the name Zollipops! These are the suckers and now there are Zollidrops and ZaffiTaffy. Zollipops and Zollidrops are sugar free, non-GMO, gluten free, dairy-free, vegan, kosher and made with natural flavors and colors in the USA.

What is Xylitol?
 
Xylitol is an all-natural sugar alcohol that is in many fruits and vegetables. It is so natural we actually produce small amounts in our bodies. With over 40 years of studies and safe records, Xylitol is proven effective. Because Xylitol is absorbed by our body slowly and with only small amounts being absorbed, you get a sweetness with very little calories. It has a low glycemic index of about 7 (most sugars are over 80). It is so low that the body does not require insulin to metabolize it.
How can Xylitol help with dental care?
 
Did you know that chewing gum after each meal freshens your breath and can help fight acid reflux and heartburn symptoms. Consuming sugar-free chewing gums and candies manufactured with xylitol as the primary sweetener have already received official endorsements from six national dental associations. By reducing acidity, we can help take away the power from those little cavity monsters!
Erythritol is just like Xylitol only a tad smaller molecule size. And Stevia is also a plant with no added calories and sweet like sugar. So all 3 are natural sweeteners with the added benefit of not causing cavities and actually raises the pH in your mouth and reduces the acids that the cavity monsters need to grow the bacteria we don’t want.
So grab a Zollipop in your favorite flavor- strawberry, grape, orange, cherry, raspberry and pineapple. See Anthony hare a bit more about the brand below:

My BEWARE: Xylitol is easily fatal in dogs so always be careful your dogs or pets cannot access your xylitol foods.
Food, Healthy Living, Recipes

Protein Recipe: Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Icing #TheDayIsYours

Erin Sluka

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

Vanilla Protein recipe

Premier Protein shakes and bars have been a part of my daily diet routine for several months and in January I was honored to become an ambassador for them on the blog. Because I grab and go for breakfast when I have my shakes, I have been getting creative with the tubs of protein powders I have. I cut down on flour when making muffins or waffles and replace with the protein powder and my new favorite is protein icing.

Last month I shared how I incorporate protein into my daily diet with the right times to consume protein in your days. Now I am sharing my Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Icing recipe. It is so simple and quick to make. The best part is you can make a single serving at a time or a larger batch for baking.

protein icing

Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Icing

In a small bowl add the scoop of protein mix. Gradually add water about 1 tbsp at a time until you get the icing consistency you want (about a tad under 1/4 cup of water total). It will end up very sticky and you know you are close-add a bit more and you will get the icing you desire. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon and stir in. Let sit 1 minute. Makes enough to frost about 3-4 muffins or 2 large waffles.

*Hint: If you want a bigger batch-just add more powder and water. If you ice a large cake or muffins. It is even better if you make and icing ahead and refrigerate about 1 hour before eating. This makes the icing an even better consistency for slicing and serving.

1protein icing

Why do I recommend Premier Protein Powder? You get 30 grams of protein per scoop and only 3 grams of sugar. There are no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners and it is gluten free. Make sure the protein products you consume offer the best ingredients like Premier Protein. Other brands out there may contain artificial ingredients and synthetic nutrients so you really want to do your homework and choose wisely.

protein pantry

Do you use protein powders when baking? Give it a try. I make waffles, biscuits, muffins, cookies and even cupcakes.

Food, Healthy Living, Natural Foods, Recipes

Protein Cinnamon Pudding Recipe with Justin’s Almond Butter

Erin Sluka

Samples sent for feature

Justins Protein Pudding

With the new year here and resolutions in full swing it can become redundant after some time of making changes. Perhaps you have already found excuses to miss the gym. Maybe that fast food restaurant was truly out of convenience even though you swore them off weeks ago. For me, I wanted to eat more balanced-not diet-just balanced and healthier.

Protein has become a nutrient I am eating consistently more and the more I pay attention to protein products, the more I realize how fun I can have creating foods that offer me the protein I need without unhealthy additives. One of my favorite snacks to quickly whip up is protein pudding (or ice cream if you freeze this recipe then eat).

Justins snacks

In this recipe I used some favorite brands-Justin’s Almond Butter and Premier Protein Vanilla Whey Protein shake mix and milk. That’s all you need. Justin’s gives you the peanut and almond butters with only real ingredients. Make sure you choose a protein whey brand that also doesn’t have additives and is low in sugar too.

Justins

Protein Pudding Recipe

  • 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder (I use Premier Protein so they have double scoops-in this case use 1/2  scoop)
  • 1 -2tbsp of Justin’s Almond Butter-any flavor variety
  • 3-4 tbsp milk or almond milk
  • Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Stir all ingredients together adding milk a bit at a time until you get a pudding consistency. This makes 1 serving. You can eat as is or freeze for protein ice cream. Top your pudding with cinnamon or granola but it is full of flavor as is.

protein pudding

Keep your eye out for Justin’s products at grocers near you. Visit Justin’s online to learn more.