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Say ‘Yes’ to Healthy Tricks and Treats with PlateJoy

October is such a fun month. It truly starts feeling like fall, spooky decorations come out, haunted houses go up, kids in cute costumes, and just all the Halloween fun in general.

However, with all the great things that come with Halloween, there’s also the processed candy and temptation to indulge that sweet tooth with unhealthy sweets. Instead, say ‘YES’ to healthy tricks and treats this year with good habits and a balanced diet. Sugar can cause havoc on the body; causing fatigue, weight gain, and headaches. Too much sugar can also increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you keep an eye on your sugar intake. Not to say that you shouldn’t treat yourself with low-sugar snacks to satisfy those cravings. It’s all about balance.

While it’s easy to cut out obvious sugar-packed treats and other foods, it’ good to be aware of hidden sugars in other everyday foods. For a better idea, check out the infographic below about how hidden sugars can add up fast!

With all that said, if you need help creating these healthy eating habits and understanding better choices without breaking the bank and stress – PlateJoy can help! The ultimate meal subscription plan, PlateJoy offers flexibility and tailored meal plans for your lifestyle. With each plan, you will receive recipes and grocery lists that give you more control over your custom plan. Also, PlateJoy cares about the environment and doesn’t pack boxes with dry ice and plastic containers like other meal subscriptions. They go beyond the food and stay green with special features like their Digital Pantry to prevent food waste.

Try out PlateJoy and learn more about their plans like Clean Eating or Paleo. With their wide range of options, finding the right plan for you should be super easy. Speaking of easy, PlateJoy‘s partnership with InstaCart takes things to the next level.

InstaCart is a grocery delivery service that offers same-day delivery in over 200 cities. They have thousands of products you already love at stores you already shop at. No need to find time to go to the store and figuring out what you need, PlateJoy and InstaCart have everything covered for you. Plus, you get $20 OFF your first Instacart order + FREE delivery when you sign up with PlateJoy. Get an extra $10 off your PlateJoy Sign-up with promo code “FAITH10” 

So, let PlateJoy help you start making easy and healthy habits and put your focus on your amazing Halloween costume this year instead!

Simply take their personalized quiz to start your FREE Trial and Get Started Today!

Want to learn more of that PlateJoy has to offer? Find out more at PlateJoy.com.

 

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Children christian mom Fitness and Health Mealtime Monday Product Review

Sport Snacks Ideas For Active Kids

 

I don’t remember a time I didn’t have active kids whether it was busy playing, going to the park these little divas have always been on the move.  Maybe this post should just be a snack for kids but I have some tips of especially what to snack on pre- and post activity.  For those who don’t know, I am the Mama of three little diva’s which aren’t so little anymore. The older they get the more places I have to drive them and when I am trying to think of snacks not only for my kids but for myself as well I have a small criterion.

Snacks before activity

  • Snacks should not me mindless choices to keep you occupied.
  • Pre Workout Snacks should be intentional small meals to fuel your body for the demands of the activity.
  • You should also account for proper hydration and the consumption of fluid pre and post meal and their effect on their performance.
  • Everything we put in our body has a purpose to nourish our body you should be making intentional decisions.  

What kind of snack should active kids have?

Including more than one light snack daily with an active kid is recommended.  These “light snacks” should provide a significant amount of carbohydrates which is known to be one of the primary fuel sources for highly active cells and helps to avoid gastrointestinal  (GI) issues that occur with very large meals to meet calorie needs. (Kerksic, C, Harvey T, Stout J, et al. 2015)

Your snack should also contain a protein source.  Studies reveal an improvement in both strength and body composition with frequent protein intake throughout the day; in comparison, not enough doses of protein intake.4  (Mamerow MM, Mettler JA, English KL, et al. 2014)

Things to eat pre and post workout:

The snacks that you choose pre and post workout need to help optimize glycogen stores and maintain glucose levels so the body is ready to adapt to the needs of training.  The closer you get to your training session the meal should be smaller and less protein, fat and fiber but not too small that you get hungry during your workout.

You also don’t want a snack that is too large because it can give you those gastrointestinal issues (GI) during your training.  Snacks should also be high in carbohydrates. You want foods that are high-glycemic because they are easier to digest and enters the bloodstream faster.7

Pre- Activity

30-60 minutes Prior:

Eating too heavy can put your child’s digestive system on overload. It’s best to leave the heavy meal hours prior to activity or afterward.

Drinks that are Ideal for Pre Activity

Some better choices in Pre and post-activity drinks are drinks that are high in dietary nitrates. For example, beet and cherry (for the flavor) juice prior to a workout is a better alternative to drinks on the market. Beet juice is a high source of nitrates, polyphenols (a great source of great source antioxidants). Cherry juice is also a common pre-workout for the positive performance benefits it has during exercise activity.  (Jones AM, Vanhatalo A, Bailey SJ.2013) 

Can you snack during exercise?

Most children don’t need to snack for the workout are moderate intensity and last up to 90 minutes. Endurance-type or high-intensity sports lasting longer than 60 to 90 minutes you need to try to get in at least 30-60g of protein within the hour to help extend endurance performance but again that is dependent on your child’s activity.  It also acceptable to consume carbohydrates during exercises for children who are not well-nourished or didn’t have a pre-workout snack.  That is also something that you should speak to your pediatrician. 

Ideas of during-exercise snacks, as tolerated:

  1. MomSanity Branch Chain Amino Acids 
  2. Applesauce Pouches
  3. Bananas
  4. Crackers

What do I feed my active kids after a “workout”?

After a workout, I want to get protein and carbohydrates in at least 30-45 minutes after the girls finish their activity. It is very important to help them recover and I think what they eat is important. It’s also larger than their pre-workout snack because they just burned lots of calories and are usually feisty hungry. 

Ideas of post-exercise snacks:

  • Momsanity CRAVE in  Milk
  • Nuzest Fruit and Veg Smoothie
  • Greek yogurt with banana
  • Cottage Cheese and Apple
  • High protein cereal with milk and fruit
  • Egg on English muffin, fruit
  • Lean meat or peanut butter sandwich,
  • Raisins
  • Dates and Almond Butter
  • Hard Boiled Eggs and Baby Carrots

The Worst Snacks for Active Kids

I think that it can be really simple to fuel your active kids. Ultimately, when considering choosing snacks for your active child not to choose only processed sports foods as snacks. When only highly processed sports foods replace whole foods at snack time, a great opportunity to consume fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals is missed. Eat real food and limit the junk.

My biggest tip would be when thinking of nutrition be intentional, not mindless. Eat well and eat often and try to make quality, intentional nutrition choices.

What are some snacks that you serve your active kids?

You can grab your Nuzest products here! Click on the coupon and enter “FAITHFUELED” in the promo/coupon code to receive 15% off any regular priced items. Cannot be used on Bundles.

I am a Nuzest Ambassador and I make a commission from my affiliate link as well as other affiliate links that I am partnered.  I recommend this product but if I didn’t I would tell you. My full disclosure policy is here. 

Reference:
  1. Burke L. Practical Sports Nutrition. Human Kinetics; 2007. Print
  2. Kerksic, C, Harvey T, Stout J, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Nutrient timing. J Intl Soc Sports Nutr. 2008;17. Accessed January 5, 2015.
  3. Carlsohn A, Nippe S, Heydenreich J, Meyer F. Carbohydrate intake and food sources of junior triathletes during a moderate and an intensive training period. Int J of Sports Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012;22:438-443. Print
  4. Mamerow MM, Mettler JA, English KL, et al. Dietary protein distribution positively influences 24-h muscle protein synthesis in healthy adults. J Nutr. 2014;144::876-880. Print.
  5. Phillips S, Bandini LG, Naumova EN, et al. Energy-dense snack food intake in adolescence: longitudinal relationship to weight and fatness obesity research. Obesity Res. 2004;12:461-472. Print.
6.Andrea Q. Vintro, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, owner of Nutrition Logic, LLD in Portland, OR.
  1. Burke LM, Hawley JA, Wong SHS, Jeukendrup AE. “Carbohydrates for training and competition. J Sports Sci, 2011;29 (suppl1): S17-S27. Print.
  2. van Loon LJC. Role of dietary protein in post-exercise muscle reconditioning. Nestle Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2013;75:73-83. Print.
  3. Spiegel K, Tasali E, Leproult R, van Cauter E. Effects of poor and short sleep on glucose metabolism and obesity risk. Nature Rev Endocrinol. 2009;5:253-261, Print
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Fitness Product Review

Bounce and Bubbles

Bounce Fitt with Sweat Pink NJ

April has been such a busy month! Every weekend has been something exciting and new.  Last weekend, I got to introduce and reintroduce a fun new workout to our Sweat Pink New Jersey Chapter sisters!  Have you tried the new Bounce Fitt with Jessica! If you’re not local, you have probably seen or heard of the Bounce rebounding boots jump workout.   Think a fun hip hop class on floats because that’s how it feels to Bounce!  Bounce is a rebounding boot. Rebounding is the workout that we experienced.

It is said to, “reduces your body fat; firms your arms, legs, thighs, abdomen, and hips; increases your agility; strengthens your muscles overall; provides an aerobic effect for your heart; rejuvenates your body when it’s tired, and generally puts you in a state of health and fitness.”There are over 33 benefits linked to rebounding exercise.

The first questions that I always get is is bad for your knees.  It is said one of the benefits are “it provides an increased gravitational load and strengthens your musculoskeletal systems. It also is claimed to protect your joints from the chronic fatigue of exercising on hard surfaces.”  I did feel like I was floating, but the next day my right knee hurt.  I am sure it was from overcompensating for my left ankle, but I was able to jump while still healing.

 

Getting together at Retro Fitness Moorestown

We all gathered at Retro Fitness Moorestown who hosted Bounce Fitt Instructor Jessica Carabello and her crew!  We had so much fun dancing in bounce boots.  This workout was a very intense leg workout that had me crying out, “Oh Lord! My legs!” every set. My legs were on fire. Initially, I thought it was going to be hard on my ankle, although I pretty much feel every step on my left foot it wasn’t painful to Bounce in the boots.

Bounce Fitt with the Sweat Pink NJ SPAs

This group of ladies liked to move which made it so much fun.  The energy of the instructors was amazing they had us turning it up and had onlookers peeking in.  In between sets the Sweat Pink NJ SPA’s had an opportunity to try fizzique.  Everyone grabbed a can after a taste test!  I have been using fizzique in replace of protein shakes and as an energy boost for my long days.  I love the bubbles that’s my initial draw and then it’s boosted with protein which is a win for me too!  Protein is a great way to curb cravings and fuel my pre, during and post workouts.

Sipping on fizzique

fizzique is the only refreshing sparkling protein water on the market there is no other protein drink that has the fizz.  fizzique has a multi-patented technology that infuses protein they call it Protein Fizzology™. This unique fizzy protein water is not to be confused with a meal replacement it curbs cravings it does not replace a meal with just 20g of whey protein but it is very helpful to give you a boost of energy and satisfy cravings with its high protein content instead of the high carb snack that you really want to grab for that 2:30 snack.  It also does not smell, taste or give me the same reaction that other whey protein gives me. It does give me an energy boost like a cup of coffee would but without the crash.

Ways to Curb Your Craving!

My favorite flavor is Tropical Limon it also comes in Strawberry Watermelon.  Eddie B loves both, but he prefers the Tropical Limon- “if I have to choose.”  I have been packing these when I train at the gym.  Sometimes when you’re training client back after back, you have no time to stop and eat.

fizzique has been nice to have on the go with me and sip on in between clients and hold me over until I can sit and eat.  I used to chug protein shakes, but I love how fizzique is light and refreshing instead of heavy on my stomach.  I also don’t have to deal with the mess of protein powder because no matter what I do I manage to spill powder everywhere (even with a portable funnel). Pop the top and sip it’s a no mess and no fuss all the protein at 20g of protein Zero net carbs and only 80 calories.

You can get yours at fizzique, and if you use coupon code DEFIZZIQUE you can get 10% off your first case now through 7/31/2008!  Everyone who has tried it likes and I am sure you will too? What do you do to curb your cravings?

 

 

This post was written in partnership with Drink Fizzique and Fit Approach “Curb your Cravings” Campaign. Although, I am being compensated my thoughts and opinions are my own. My Full Disclosure Policy

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Dinner Mealtime Monday Product Review Product Reviews

Plate Joy makes Meal Planning Simple

Plate Joy is Making Meal Planning Simple for me

Here it is again, Sunday! Time to meal plan and nowadays I just use Plate Joy to make it simple for me. Busy schedules, short weekends and lack of time. Plate Joy has made meal planning so simple and tasty for my family.

Why did I start using Plate joy?

In the last year, I have transitioned from being a stay at home mom of twelve years to a working mom and entrepreneur.  Despite my efforts, life got pretty crazy for a while, and I found myself overwhelmed and over anxious.

A lot had to give, so I did just that.

I went from working at three gyms to only one. I have also been more discerning in where I go and the people I spend my time and how I spend my time.

I needed to simplify my busy life

I was also injured earlier this year and while off my feet it gave me plenty of time to stop think, reflect and rearrange some things.  I sometimes feel that my day is filled with lots to do, but nothing ever gets done.  I had to take some advice that a business coach gave me a few years ago.  First, she said to focus on one thing, master that and then move on.  Second, if you don’t like to do it and it is killing your time-outsource it.

Outsourcing my chores

It’s funny how an outsider can give you such a perspective, but she was right. I didn’t have to do all the things and with modern technology, apps and three able-bodied children.  Her words of wisdom gave me a great idea.  I am going to stop doing the stuff I hate and start outsourcing it.

We have been working on chores in our household, and my girls are 14, 10 and four years old.  I am not doing them or me any favors by being their housekeeper.  Lately, the Bolton diva’s have been contributing more to the house.

One thing that my oldest daughter is pretty good at is meal planning which is something I hate. I am so indecisive and it just a lot of pressure so I usually ask her to help.  She is also great at organizing and grocery shopping.  She took over for a while, but we got tired of eating the same thing.

New Meals and Meal Plans

When I got asked to try the app Plate Joy, it was just what my family needed.  Personally am tired of cooking the same thing, and my oldest has worked to be as creative as possible so having an app for that has been a God sent.

Plate joy is an app that is available for Android and iPhones.  I have been praising it’s amazingness to all of my Mommy friends and some clients.  So many things not sure where to start.

First, you enter each one: size and age.  You can specify any diet restrictions, things your family will not eat and pretty much customize the meal plan to exactly your needs. When creating your meal plan, Plate joy uses this information to make some fantastic seven days, cost friendly and reduced food waste meals.

Next, you tell Plate Joy what is already in your cabinet.  That way when creating your shopping list it will avoid or indicate the amount you need for the recipes. You can print it, use it off of your phone.  The recipes are printable too if you find one you love or want to share.

Then, the best part with all of your specifications, family size, portion control and budget in mind; Plate Joy creates a menu for the week. You can even have all of your groceries delivered or go shopping yourself with your list in hand.

The menu items sound so fancy, but it’s all food that my lil divas will eat.  I was beyond impressed with the menu.  Most of the meals were easily made under 40 minutes, and except for one chickpea salad my family loved and ate every meal.

Not only did they taste every meal but Plate Joy took into account Leftovers and even added that to the meal plan to reduce/eliminate food waste.

Plate Joy for my clients and others

The meals are nutritionally appropriate and by being able to customize it works perfectly for my personal training clients who have certain goals in mind.  I also instead refer them to the app than to help them get some creative, healthy, easy meal ideas.

Plate Joy also has a fantastic new program that recently came out, as highlighted on CNN for taking this nutrition program a step further and helping with disease prevention caused by obesity.  I have recommended it to some of my diabetic patients.

Over 20 million people can now qualify for this program which is 16-week disease risk prevention and reduction program.  If you are eligible, you will receive a free connected scale, a free Fitbit, virtual coaching, video lessons, and the PlateJoy meal planner all compensated by your health insurance. If you want to apply or know someone who could benefit from this program, please apply here to learn more.  

This is an excellent opportunity for someone to take back their health or like my family already making strides towards a healthy lifestyle but can use a little help.  I have been using Plate Joy for a month, and it has given me a little sanity, saved my pockets and given my family some new favorite meals.  I would like to share the wealth and offer you $20 off your own freedom from meal planning.  Got to Plate Joy and Use PROMO CODE: “FAITH10” to try it out yourself receive $10 off and let me know what you think?

Is meal planning a chore you would like to outsource?

This is a sponsored post. I received this product in exchange for a review from Plate Joy there are also affiliate links that I make a commission.  I’d tell you if I didn’t like it and why. My Full Disclosure Policy

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Fitness Fitness and Health Product Review Product Reviews

Sliding My Mommy Tummy away

I recived MomSanity Triangular Core Sliders from MomSanity in exchange for writing a review. I am also a MomSanity Ambassador and receive a commisson off affiliate links in this post My Full Disclosure Policy

Momsanity Core Sliders

Still on a mission

If you have been following my weight loss you know a few things about me. First, this is not my first time at the rodeo this is time number 3 for me battling the bulge. Second, I gained an obscene amount of weight with each of my precious little diva’s. Diva 1: 95 pounds, Diva 2: 85 pounds, and Diva 3: (which was actually 3 & 4) 75 pounds.  So, to say that I still have a long journey ahead is an understatement. What makes matter worse is after I came home with Diva #3 I gained another 20 pounds totaling 95 pounds to lose. Yes, people I have to lose a 12 year old off of my soon to be little 5′ 3″ body. I will lose it! Unfortunately, not overnight or in the same amount of time (9 months) that it took me to gain it.  The last thing you should know if you haven’t been following is that I am doing fitness better. I have better nutrition, better exercise and a game plan. I am also with okay with slow and steady winning the race.

A great tool to get the job done

Like most women I want to my tummy to shrink and my BLT (butt, legs and thighs) to chisel. When I got the opportunity to try the MomSanity Sisterhood’s Core Sliders it was an enthusiastic, YES! The one thing that has been really bothering me during this weight loss is my mommy tummy. It just seems to be the last thing to budge. I never really had issues with a bulging belly with my other two girls but this time around it is so stubborn. Even my arms which is typically hard to lose weight in has slimmed but this tummy did not want to cooperate. Until, I got the MomSanity Core sliders. I am really loving the workout that I have been getting with my core sliders.  I feel a difference when I am working out. I feel that I am able to really contract and push a little further in my workout. It is a concentrated intense short workout. Just what I need with a active toddler and a busy family to manage. I don’t have time for 100’s of crunches and hours of cardio. I need efficient and effective.

Helps with past injuries

Especially things like mountain climbers, plank jacks and they are so easy on my toes.  I fractured my big toe while I was pregnant. One of those clumsy kick the bed rail too hard and it took forever to heal. Sometimes when I do burpees or plank jacks it gets aggravated but not with the sliders because I don’t have to jump on them for plank jacks love that. It’s also easier on my knees when I am doing mountain climbers and lunges. As a former competitive cheerleader and gymnast (in my hay day) sometimes squats and lunges ache my knees. I am extremely cautious of my form  but I still feel the aches. I have found with the sliders I am not as achy after doing workouts that add pressure to my knees.

MomSanityTriangle Core Sliders

See fast results

The first week, I focused on my belly and I used the free workout that comes with them. They’re great! 5 minutes of intense focused workouts for those trouble areas. They’re not “insanity” level intensity they are definitely concentrated to the areas they are working out. MomSanity Sisterhood have created a 5 minute video for your Upper Body, Booty, Core, Legs, and Arms.  Deb, one of the MomSanity trainers walks you through each workout. Another thing that I love is they can be downloaded on my phone so I can pull them up anywhere. I prefer home workouts but if you are at the gym, whip your phone out and you’re good to go.  No subscription needed and no data because it’s saves right there on your phone. You could even do it at the park which I will be doing next week!

MomSanity Core Sliders

Not your typical sliders

The sliders themselves are genius. They have a hard purple side (which is this FaithFueled Mom’s favorite color) and that is to be used on the carpet. Then they have a spongy, foam like side that is great for traction on your hard wood floors.  I also like the shape of them they are triangular versus round so it fits the top of your feet well. The round sliders I have used I always had to adjust my feet so that they fit. The triangular shape allows you to get your reps in without constantly stopping to adjust where your toes go.  I now incorporate my core sliders as a warm up or with my HIIT training that I do. I also do the 5 minute core and arm workout on my off days. I like to mix my workouts up so I will probably venture to other moves but the video’s that you receive for FREE with your sliders are great workouts for beginners all the way to advanced athletes.  It’s also nice to add versatility to your at home workouts. I am so excited to be incorporating these tools in my home workouts. Will highly recommend. Follow me on Instagram where I will show you how I use MomSanity Triangular coresliders in my workouts.

MomSanity Core Slider Progress

So, my two week results! What do you think? I think there is definite progress and after 3 months who knows I may start to see the six pack that I have been day dreaming about in between reps.  What is your favorite ab routine? Have you considered adding sliders to it? Would you like a pair of your own?

 

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