This page is dedicated to my favorite things. I love finding new items that motivate me or yummy treats that keep me on the path to success. I hope ya'll enjoy my findings.
Fit & Fresh Purchased at Walmart
I absolutely love my recent purchase of the Fit & Fresh collection. These little gems are perfect if you are someone who takes their breakfast/lunch to work. I work out of my car so alot of times it is easy to run through the drive through - which tends to be very unhealthy (most of the time). I have know resorted to packing my lunch the evening before to ensure success. Being prepared is half the battle. These little storage units are perfect... your fruit, salad, sandwich or even soup comes out perfect! Fit & Fresh also helps in portion control which if you grew up in the South - you know what I am talking about!
Blender Bottle Purchased at Vitamin World and Baileys Powerhouse Gym
I *LOVE* my Blender Bottle... why? becasuse more recently it has been a saving grace for me. My job requires alot of travel so to save time, money and calories I have been using this tool as a way to stay focused on my goal of weight loss. I have two bottles. One I prepare before I even leave in the morning. I use 1 serving of Whey Vanilla Protien Mix and add 1 cup of Vanilla Soy Milk... shake and serve. This has quickly become my most popular 'go to' lunch option. It honestly keeps me full because of the protein within the shake. I then prepare my second bottle for the gym. Usually when I go to the gym I do anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour of cardio along with anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour of strength training within one gym visit. Joey - my personal trainer recommends that I get my body weight in protein per day to help build muscle. Thats right folks you heard right MY BODY WEIGHT. Well this may seem impossible so I have had to be tricky! I add in my Whey Protein 2 Go mix and haul with me to the gym so right after my strength training and during my cardio I can get my protien in (within 30 minutes). See below for the Blender Bottle (different uses) and my Protein Mix. Also, for during the day I love the Special K Protein... great option!
Special K Chocolatey Delight Purchased at Publix
I love this cereal for so many reasons. It is not only perfect for a delish breakfast in the morning but it is also perfect for a sweet tooth that you can't get rid of. The little pieces of chocolate that float around in your milk hit the spot. I love cereal because it is always such a quick meal along with the fact that the fiber in it really holds me over until lunch. Publix is always running BOGO specials on Special K so stock up.
New Balance Pedometer Purchased at Target ($6.99)
I bought this little guy to track whether I was sedentary or not. Well... the verdicts in! On average I took less then 3,000 steps a day even with being in sales. Shocker! Now that I have my trusty pedometer I am more mindful of my steps and physical activity. I try for no less then 10,000 steps per day. 10,000 steps = 5 miles = 30 minutes of your daily physical activity. Something so simple can really open you eyes and get you moving. Get yours TODAY!
Ayala's herbal WATER Purchased at The Fresh Market ($1.69 per bottle)
Stressful day? Wanna get away? Take a sip of this herbal tea by Ayala's. Whenever I drink this herbal water I feel like I am spending the day at some elaborate spa. I wish I could tell you which flavor is my favorite but I can't because every single one is amazing! OK... so they are a little pricey ($1.69 per bottle) BUT scratch the $5.00 latte at Starbucks and grab this healthy alternative. You wont be sorry.
Sleepytime Vanilla (Tea) Purchased at Publix
I am not going to lie... I love a nice glass of wine at the end of a long day BUT the scale doesn't like it. One thing I love about having a glass of wine is the presentation. So my newest addition to my favorite things list is this yummy tea. It is perfect for night time. I am famous for taking nightly bubble baths so instead of a glass of wine by myself you will find this yummy tea. I use one of my 'oh so girlie' tea cup and saucer and the presentation is complete. Sleepytime Vanilla Tea + Bubble Bath = PERFECTION!
Electric Kettle Purchased at Target
I use my electric kettle every. single. day! First thing in the morning I fill my kettle up with water and turn it on. I start off my day with a full glass of hot water. I also love fresh sqeezed lemon in my hot water. I feel so refreshed and energized by the end of the last sip. Don't get me wrong I understand needing coffee somedays but if you can help it try this method. Also, it is great for making quick tea. I have gone away from my glass of wine a night and gone towards more hot teas or sparking water to help keep my calorie intake balanced.
Garmin/Forerunner 410 Purchased at Jacksonville Running Company
Ok, so this baby is a bit of an investment but well worth it. It does everything but wash dishes for you. I needed something that tracked my heart rate, calories burned, miles and minute per mile. This garmin does all of that and much more. I am starting to train for the 1/2 Marathon - Outback Classic on Thanksgiving day starting in August so this will help me stay focused. I used my girlfriend - Jenny's while training for my first Marathon a few years ago and it was my own personal trainer. If you are serious about your workouts and runs this is the watch for you.
OMG heaven! Seriously, all I can say about this cooking creme is comfort food wrapped in 110 calories per serving (1/4 cup * 4 servings total). I always feel so guilty when I have any creamy style dishes because I know they are loaded with fat and calories... well not this baby! I started off with the original because I wasn't sure how I would like it. Well... I am sold! They have 4 flavors to choose from. I will be experimenting soon on the others and report back. Also, they have some recipes on the back which I always like.
Johnnys Garlic Spread Purchased at Costco ($6.00)
OK so if you love garlic here is your spice. It is great on everything... bread, poultry, salads, veggies you name it I would probably put it on it. They have a few recipes on the back of the bottle but I have yet to make it. I used it the past two home cook meals and it gave my recipe exactly what it was missing. Also, you get a 18oz bottle for less then $10 bucks. You can't beat that! I learned of this hidden gem from my Weight Watchers leader and was sold the first usage. A great usage for it... 100 calorie sandwich thin, few pumps of Can't Believe Its Not Butter spray and a sprinkle on this bad boy and you have a guilt free piece of garlic bread.
Lose It! Purchased through App Store - its free!
One of my top 5 favorite apps I have ever downloaded. You can track anything from the food you ate at home to resturants
No Pudge Brownie Mix Purchased at Publix (also at Whole Foods)
I am not even kidding with this stuff. If you didn't see the box you would have no clue that this little box of yummy brownie mix was low in calories and fat. At just 120 calories for one serving (a good size at that) I highly recommend for that sweet tooth that won't go away. Just add yogurt!
Mrs. Dash Purchased at Publix
I love Mrs. Dash on just about everything these days. The low sodium is perfect for any healthy lifestyle. They have so many varieties that you will find the perfect one for you. My absolutely favorite would have to be the Southwest Chiptole!
Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers Purchased at Costco
These are unlike any other Veggie Burger I have ever tasted. They are packed full with only vegetables and no fillers. My favorite way to enjoy it is with a few slices of Avacado!
Island Way Sorbet Purchased at Costco
Welcome to your new addiction. These treats are simply amazing and low in calories. They are all natural sorbet kept in its natural shell. They range anywhere from 51 - 190. My favorite is the coconut which is the highest calorie count (190). Obviously, the coconut is my splurge treat on the weekends. Try these treats and I promise you will not be sorry.
