Obsessed – Phase 3

Posted in Fitness Programs by KristinAnchante

It’s all fun and games until it’s not fun anymore. These last four weeks have been pretty tough to say the least. But I’ve been looking forward to writing this post because I need to tell you that I was wrong. Hey, it happens. I was wrong when I thought I was falling in love with 80 Day Obsession. When I thought it was my new favorite program. Well, after almost 80 days, I can honestly tell you, this one is NOT for me.

Awesome calorie burn doing Country Heat!

I realized this at the beginning of Phase 3. I wasn’t passionate enough to want to wake up early and get it done. I struggled through every workout, every move. I just wasn’t feelin’ it. So I ended up switching to a combination of SHIFT SHOP, Core de Force, A Little Obsessed and Country Heat. I can dance my heart out – almost 700 calories – and still want more. In fact, I’ve been consistently working out for an hour by doubling up on the above programs. These four get me excited about fitness. They are my obsession.

Why am I telling you I failed?

I’m writing this for the people who feel like they have to push through, so that they can say they finished. It’s okay to give up (if that’s what you want to call it). It’s okay to say “this isn’t for me” and move on. I gave it a fair chance. Most people love 80 Day or say they do. Not me. And you don’t have to either. 22 Minute Hard Corps wasn’t for me, but I have a friend who does it EVERY DAY. To each their own. Country Heat is my #1, but I have a friend who can’t stand country music. To. Each. Their. Own.

So, yeah, I wanted to be better than ever in Phase 3. It didn’t happen with 80 Day, but it happened with workouts in general. I don’t feel like I gave up, because I’m still working out 6-7 days a week. I don’t feel like I gave up because I’m still doing hard things. I don’t feel like I gave up because I still wake up at 5 am and push through when I really don’t want to. Essentially, I am better.

Nutrition

There were two Refeed Days in this phase – that’s an opportunity to pad your diet with a few extra carbs. It’s by no means a cheat day. I really deviated from the eating plan during this phase by cutting out some of the fruits and veggies and including wo new supplements from GHOST . If you want more information on the eating plan, check out my Phase 1 post.

GHOST supplements are fun and effective.

Weekly Obsession

While I may not be crazy about this program, I still think this show is the highlight of 80 Day. It was fun learning about how the crew pics out their outfits and seeing their progress over the last few weeks. They should definitely do this for each new program that launches. Joel Freeman – I’m talking to you!

These Weight Watchers approved 2-ingredient bagels are soooo good!

Equipment

Weights
Resistance Loops
Sliders
Yoga Mat (optional, but encouraged if you work out on hard surfaces)
Towel (for all that sweat!)

The Workouts

We work out six days a week, and Sunday is a rest day with the option to do a Roll & Release or Stretch & Release workout. Or, if you’re like me and can’t sit still, you’ll use this as an opportunity to dance and belt out some tunes with the other side of Autumn in Country Heat. (Still true.)

Trail mix is an easy to grab post-workout snack.

There is no music in the background, but there are designated playlists on Spotify that you can stream during your workout. I choose to do without, but I heard she had some pretty interesting music for the booty workouts.

Mondays – AAA

Arms, Abs, and Ass was okay. I loved some of the moves (Bridge Pullovers) and hated others (Camel Bicep Curl). It kept me engaged for the time, but I wasn’t looking forward to doing it again. Very different from the previous two phases.

Tuesdays – Cardio Flow

Cardio Flow grew on me a bit. We were back to four reps, which was nice. What wasn’t were the eight rounds of everything at the end. Surprise!

Wednesdays – Legs

I liked this day the best. Some of the moves were a little complicated – I’m not that coordinated during the day, but at 5 am? Forget it. I’m still proud of myself for lifting 20s. I never imagined that I’d be strong enough for that, and counting. I wish all of the Phase 3 workouts had been this good.

Thursdays – Total Body Core

Well, this one wasn’t horrible either. ½ Turkish Get Up to Push-Up – this move was crazy. I was feeling it all over when this routine was finished.

Fridays – Cardio Core

Cardio Core was tough, but I liked it more this phase. It challenged my body and I love that. I love proving to myself just how strong I really am. I still think you feel the burn from this one two days later. Beware.

Saturdays – Booty

I was NOT feeling Booty day this phase, no sir. My balance was off, my bands rolled up, and it just wasn’t fun for me. I was disappointed that this ended up being the Saturday workout because I always have more time to dedicate on the weekends.

The Trainer

Autumn Calabrese – Celebrity Fitness Trainer, creator of Country Heat, the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix extreme, co-creator of Hammer & Chisel, author of the Fixate cookbook and cohost of Fixate on BOD. Whoa, that’s a lot of stuff! While I love many of her other programs, I found her a bit too chatty and distracting during Phase 3.

The Results – Phase 3

I see definition and booty gains. On the one hand, I can fit into a skirt that has been sadly hanging in the back of my closet for half a decade now, just waiting for me. On the other, I can’t fit into my everyday jeans. Go figure. I think my body is just re-proportioning.

I gained about 3 lbs of muscle and feel more solid in my thighs and arms. Toned. It’s nice and makes me want to work harder for more muscle gains – something I was always afraid of in the past.

Maybe I didn’t stick with 80 Day, but I’m proud of myself for pushing myself and working out harder than I ever have before. I hope that this inspires others to do what works for them, not get sucked into the current hype or program of the moment.

I’ve been on this fitness journey for years now, but I’ve never felt so comfortable and confident in my abilities. I’m strong, and I got this. So do you – no matter what program or exercises you’re doing.

Visit teambeachbody.com for more information on programs, to sign up for Beachbody On Demand, and to request me as your FREE coach! (Note: I will receive a commission from any purchase made through these Beachbody links – see Disclaimer for more information.)

I know you know, but I have to say it anyway…Always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise, fitness, and/or diet program.

26Mar2018

Go GHOST

Posted in product review by KristinAnchante

DISCLOSURE: This post was sponsored in part by GHOST. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Diary of a Snacker Successful. All opinions are my own. Links are not affiliate links, just links to specific pages on ghostlifestyle.com.

This year I began a search for the perfect workout supplements to complement my new intense workout schedule. I’ve been putting my body through the ringer with hours of cardio and resistance training each week, and there have been days when I feel as stiff as the Tin Man. I knew it was time to fuel my body with some good-for-you supplements.

While there are many, many types to choose from, I decided to stick with pre- and post-workout energy and recovery. And so the search commenced for the best-tasting drinks that would also oil my joints.

Enter GHOST

GHOST supplements stand out on the shelves, and for good reason. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but in this case, judge away because the products taste as awesome and intriguing as the containers look.

Full Disclosure

GHOST prides themselves on their Full Disclosure label, which provides the dose and detail of each ingredient. You know what you’re getting every time, without the B.S. That’s something I can get behind.

Pre-Workout

My first sip of the GHOST LEGEND x WARHEADS Watermelon pre-workout was a blast from the past. When I say that this tastes exactly like the sour candy, I mean it. And, there’s nothing like shocking your tastebuds (and body) into a 5 am workout. Pucker Up!

The first time I tried it I was AWAKE for hours. I felt like what I can only imagine my 18-month-old Jack Russel feels when she’s excited. Burned over 700 calories dancing around my gym and could have worked out longer if I had time. Yes, it really was that good AND effective.

My stamina and energy levels soar after using this pre-workout, which is my new go-to liquid (rose) gold. I love that the flavor is so far out of the box than the typical lemon. You can mix a scoop into 6 or 8 oz of water, or 4 oz if you want more of a sour taste. I’ll let you guess how I roll.

Each serving has only five calories, and contains 4g L-Citrulline (for heart and blood vessel health), 2g Beta Alanine (for increased performance), and 202mg Caffeine (for an energy boost), among other good things.

Other flavors include fruit punch, blue raspberry, and WARHEADS Black Cherry, which will be next on my list.

Post-Workout

Post-workout recovery has become increasingly important to me. I’ve always shied away from whey protein because I’m lactose intolerant, but recently learned that whey is one of the best proteins for muscle recovery. So I did a little digging and realized that whey protein isolate contains less than 1% lactose, and can usually be tolerated by individuals with an intolerance.

Enter GHOST Whey

The product gets all 25+G of its protein from Whey Protein Isolate, Concentrate, and Hydrolysate. It also contains lactase, which is an enzyme that helps to break down lactose. I’ve been able to tolerate this blend and find it a lot easier to digest than pea or other plant-based proteins. It also tastes a hell of a lot better. One serving of the Cereal Milk flavor contains 130 calories, and only 4g carbs and 2g sugars. It’s also soy and gluten free.

The powder easily mixes with water or almond milk with just a few shakes. No ball needed. No clumps or residue. No B.S.

Whoever thought of putting the scoop on a little shelf at the top of the container was a genius! I hate digging for the scoop before that first use. And, somehow, it is ALWAYS at the bottom. This right here would give even a bad-tasting protein at least two stars. (This goes for the pre-workout as well.)

Cereal Milk

Fortunately, there’s nothing to worry about because I can honestly say I love the taste. Cereal Milk is vanilla ice cream meets Cap’n Crunch Cereal. I would know because I spent many a Saturday morning slurping the leftover milk from a big bowl of this golden deliciousness. Cap’n Crunch FTW – minus all the sugary crap, for sure.

It’s sweet, but after drinking in the morning, keeps any cravings at bay. The rich and creamy texture is perfect for sipping (or chugging) post workout. And it doesn’t get super frothy after shaking. Win, win, win.

Fruity Cereal Milk

I went ahead and purchased Fruity Cereal Milk too because Fruity Pebbles just happens to be my one of my favorites. And, while I still use them as an occasional topping for donuts, I don’t usually indulge in a whole bowl. I have yet to try this one, but I have high hopes!

Don’t they look delish?!

Other flavors include Milk Chocolate, Blueberry Toaster Pastry, and Peanut Butter Cereal Milk, which will be next on my list.

Rewards

I love loyalty programs because nothing shows customer appreciation more than free stuff!

Create a free account on GHOST’s site and earn points by sharing on social media, making purchases, referring friends, and more. Then choose between points or cash when making a purchase online.

Super shoppers (Gold members) are rewarded with perks like free shipping on all purchases, birthday coupons, and VIP access to exclusive events.

What are you waiting for? Sign up today.

Buy in Store

Not into buying online? That’s okay. You can also purchase products at a GNC near you. Each item also comes with a unique code to enter on GHOST’s site and redeem loyalty point. I like this option because you can forgo shipping charges and leave the store with product in hand.

The Bottom Line: I recommend these supplements to everyone, especially the pre-workout. If you want results, GHOST will give you the boost you need. If you’re looking for a yummy shake that will hold you over for a few hours, here it is. Great tasting and effective. It doesn’t get more real than that.

To purchase one of the above supplements or to check out GHOST’s entire line of supplements and gear, visit them online.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor before trying any new supplement.

**GHOST’s warning label states that their products are only intended for healthy adults. Please take caution and I encourage you to research the company (like I did) prior to purchasing.

Thanks!

19Mar2018

Motivation 2.0

Posted in Motivation by KristinAnchante

When you’re little, no one tells you how hard adulting really is. You think it will be about having money, staying up late, and eating ice cream for breakfast. They don’t say that your paycheck will be laughable, that you’ll live for naps, and that ice cream for breakfast is out of necessity, not pleasure.I always thought adults were super motivated to go to work and come home to raise their families. Then I became one. And most days I have as much motivation as a high school senior in June. None. Whatsoever.Every night I set my alarm for 5:00 a.m. with high hopes that one day I’ll be able to stick with it. Still, 95% of the time I hit snooze or shut the alarm off, and before I know it, it’s practically time to leave for work. Whoops!

So, how do you find motivation?

The 5 Second Rule

If you haven’t heard of the book The 5 Second Rule, here’s the one-liner rule that author Mel Robins gives:

“If you have an impulse to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds, or your brain will kill the idea.”

A nice Audible pick!

While it may not be a life-shattering revelation, the 5-4-3-2-1 approach has gotten me up and out of bed on many occasions. It’s even gotten me to speak up in meetings, tell friends how much they mean to me, and work through a few of my other struggles.

It’s something to consider if you need an extra push to make things happen.

The will to work out

I usually lack motivation when it comes to working out. Yes. Seriously. It’s a constant struggle to leave my warm bed, change into my workout clothes, and tiptoe down into my basement gym which is a solid 57 degrees.

This morning’s badass-ness 😉

Motivation is fluid, which means that it can be hard to keep the momentum because different things drive us all at different times. I know, personally, that some days my motivation is abundant and I can accomplish my entire task list and then some. Today – for instance, I woke up ON TIME, worked out for about an hour, burned over 500 calories, and got in over 4,000 steps before 7 am. Other days, just getting out of bed or washing my hair feels like an accomplishment.

Where does motivation come from?

For me, it comes from a desire to be my healthiest self AND to look great for my upcoming trips to California and Miami. That last reason might be a little superficial, but it’s a strong one.

In order to stick with a goal, you have to find something that – even on your darkest of days – will keep you moving.

Here’ are a few ideas. If you’re motivated by:

Challenge – play a game to be better than you were the day before.

Food – treat yourself to your favorite meal after you complete a big task (like purging your garage of junk).

Money – set aside some dough after every workout and buy yourself something fun when you’ve finished a program or month’s work of workouts.

Likes – if you’re into social media (like really, really into it), post about your progress and rack up those likes!

Just do it

In the end, take a lesson from Nike and just get it done. On the days when you don’t want to get out of bed – and there will be plenty – 5-4-3-2-1 it and move! Especially when you really don’t want to.

Cheers!

16Mar2018

Finding the Balance: Home

Posted in Finding the Balance by KristinAnchante

When I was 16, I had this great idea to maximize my day. Back then I was running on the track team, lawyering up in Mock Trial club, studying for the SATs, taking three college-level courses, and tutoring or babysitting in my “spare time.” I thought that if I could just sleep for 6 hours, I’d have 18 left to FIT IT ALL IN. What a dreamer I was.

It was hard to juggle school and extracurricular activities with work and still manage to have a social life. But I was 16. I always came home to a hot meal on the table, folded laundry in my room, and had someone to schlep me around to every activity before I got my license and a car.

This book is everything I’m feeling.

Twelve years later I’m still trying to find the time to fit it all in. And the thing I hate to admit is that there will never be enough time.

Most days I’m overwhelmed by the piles of dirty dishes and clothes – and don’t even get me started on dog hair. How is it possible to sweep up a full-length fur coat every other day?

It’s the little things

While this topic could go on for pages, I decided to stick two of the things that I struggle with daily: household chores and cooking.

Bring on those chores

Divvy em’ up

I don’t have kids, but if I did, this post wouldn’t even exist – I’d have a wheel of doom…I mean chores…to take care of that. Boom!

Hard at work. Look at those muscles!

My husband and I do a good enough job of dividing up the chores. He does maintenance on the cars, outside work, takes out the trash, and is the main caregiver to the two pups. I prefer all things related to the kitchen, laundry, and being inside. If I had to write up instructions on what items get cold washed, ironed, no dryer, etc., I’d have a full-color manual in a 2″ binder.

It’s definitely important to find a healthy balance if you don’t already have one. When one person does more or feels like they do more, the resentment can be HIGH.

Make em’ fun

I don’t usually mind cleaning. But I’m often tired after work and doing something as trivial as the dishes, let’s say, feels daunting. There could be only ten things to wash, but it always feels like hundreds.

Some of my current listens.

I usually put my headphones on and listen to an audio book, Netflix, or Spotify while I’m working. Anything to take my mind off the task at hand. It takes about 15 minutes to wash a sink full of dishes, and when you think about it, that’s really no time at all. I actually find it mindless and relaxing.

There’s always the dishwasher, but I try to save that for meal prep days.

Break em’ up

I like to get all of my grocery shopping done on Saturday. I also clean out the fridge and cabinets, then meal prep for the following week. If I have a lot going on, I’ll split this between two days. After all, it does take a few hours.

One of the hairy fur children.

Little things like sweeping, picking up, dusting, etc. can be done with ease during the week. 15-30 minutes here and there can make a BIG difference. Sometimes I’ll run the dishwasher (if I have a lot) or throw a load of laundry in while watching a movie. Chores that can be done in the background are the best ones.

It’s not gonna cook itself

Some people love to cook. I am not one of them, believe it or not. I find cooking to be annoying, which is why I always look for shortcuts. And let me tell you, there are some pretty good ones.

Meal Prep

Setting aside a few hours to make a slew of meals for the week helps immensely. It also makes me feel like I have my shit together. I usually throw together one or two breakfasts, alternate lunches, and portion out some snacks so I’m set for the week. Doing this has saved me a lot of time and tears. If you’re interested in a deeper dive of this topic, check out my #mealprep blog post.

I can get a little prep crazy. This is like 1/4 of what I do each weekend.

Meal Delivery

I love subscription boxes, and one of my favorites is Plated, a meal delivery that has so much variety and many great-tasting dinners. You do have to cook the food, but all of the ingredients are pre-portioned and the recipes are very easy to follow. And, I mean so easy that [insert the friend you know can’t cook a can of soup] can do it!

I recommend Plated to everyone I know, but it happens to be one of the pricier companies. The box I get is $72 and includes 3 days of meals for two people. It’s worth it because it’s more cost-effective than eating out, there is no waste, you can add more meals or servings, there are always two dessert options (for an extra fee), and their customer service is STELLAR.

One of the dinners from this week’s Plated box. Delicious.

There are many other services that offer meals from around $9-15 a dish. Some are even catered to vegetarian, gluten free, or Paleo lifestyles. They make dinners after work a breeze and take the guesswork out of what to have. Plus, the whole family can easily get involved. Win, win, and win.

Pre-Made Meals

Now, I’m not one for “TV dinners” or anything that’s frozen in a plastic black tray. In all honesty, it would probably be healthier to eat the packaging. But I can attest that having some pre-packaged food hanging around can help in a pinch.

I accidentally found a few frozen meals from beetnik and Tastefully Plated Paleo Meals while I was perusing the aisles in Walmart. When I was sick a couple of weeks ago, and could barely leave the couch, it helped to just pop one of these babies in the microwave.

This chicken chimichurri dish from Tastefully Plated was to die for.

There will be times when you just don’t have the energy. There will be days when all you have in the fridge are ice cubes and something green and wrinkled in the produce bin. There will be moments when the only other option is digging a spoon into a jar of chunky PB for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or ordering everything on the dollar menu.

Do yourself a favor and get some emergency food in that fridge of yours.

I don’t know about you…

…but I’m absolutely loving this series of posts. While we might not ever find a good balance between anything, there are many things we can do to make the best of EVERYTHING.

Check out last week’s post and stay tuned next week to learn about finding the balance with relationships.

Peace, Love, Zen

12Mar2018

Obsessed – Phase 2

Posted in Fitness Programs by KristinAnchante

“You can do hard things” has taken over my life, and I’m so okay with that! I managed to keep kicking ass on the long weekend I spent in Canada, after I had a hard day at work, and even after shoveling way too much snow. But I was down for the count for four days after falling stomach ill in week 7. I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone – okay maybe my high school history teacher because he was a real shit, but I digress.

I absolutely hated that I had to pause the workouts for so long – especially ones that are specific to each day. It felt like I was giving up and giving into my weakness. In hindsight, it was just what I needed to recover and be better than EVER in Phase 3.

10K training also starts this month, so I will be back on it in no time. There’s no shame in self-care. I repeat: there is NO shame in self-care.

Nutrition

There were two Refeed Days in this phase – that’s an opportunity to pad your diet with a few extra carbs. It’s by no means a cheat day. I refrained from this because my tum-tum has been out of whack. Still sticking to Plan B as much as possible. For more information on the eating plan, check out my Phase 1 post.

These came in handy when I physically couldn’t stand to cook.

Weekly Obsession

This show is still the highlight of the program. I love learning more and more about the cast each week. Richardson is my favorite character – what an infectious personality he has! Each week I felt like Autumn was talking to me, specifically. She is such a real and down-to-earth person. I would love to be one of her background cast members one day.

Equipment

Weights
Resistance Loops
Sliders
Yoga Mat (optional, but encouraged if you work out on hard surfaces)
Towel (for all that sweat!)

The Workouts

Mondays – Booty

Still loving booty day! Who knew an hour with weights and loops could be so fun? I can already see a heart forming! I really love the after burn from this one, and I finally pushed over 500 cals.

Boom. Booty.

Tuesdays – Cardio Core

Ugh. Cardio Core. Just kidding! The Phase 2 routine was a lot more favorable, in my opinion. Just when I thought we had one more set to go, we were actually done. The slider moves were a little tough, but I loved them so. You always feel this one two days later.

Wednesdays – Total Body Core

This one’s great because it really does work the ENTIRE body. I don’t think there’s been a TBC workout I didn’t like. Hoping that Phase 3 is just as good.

Thursdays – Legs

I still enjoy leg day – even when I’m lifting 20lb weights. Yes, weights with an “s.” I’m really proud of myself for lifting so heavy, especially with a bad shoulder and knees. It might be a small feat for some, but it’s a huge accomplishment for me.

Getting stronger.

Fridays – AAA

Arms, Abs, and Ass was totally intimidating. I took one look at the tracker sheets and wondered how the hell I was going to do it. Then it got going and I found another workout to love. The lesson here – you are stronger than you think.

Saturdays – Cardio Flow

Yikes! Cardio Flow is still not my favorite. Six reps is no joke, but we are going back to four next phase, so that should be a cake walk!

The Trainer

Autumn Calabrese – Celebrity Fitness Trainer, creator of Country Heat, the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix extreme, co-creator of Hammer & Chisel, author of the Fixate cookbook and cohost of Fixate on BOD. Whoa, that’s a lot of stuff! She’s a doll, and her upbeat attitude and tough love approach will motivate you to finish every rep and bonus round.

Energize and BOD are my JAM!

The Results – Phase 2

It’s always about the weight loss – seriously, the scale really holds us prisoner. In all honesty, I step on the scale about once a week, if that. Yes, it’s important that I keep my weight at a decent number and BMI, but I always remind myself that (1) muscle weighs more than fat and (2) weight fluctuates constantly. Non-scale victories are the true wins. Are you sleeping better? Are your jeans looser? Do you have more energy and stamina?

That being said, I lost about 4.75″ in my problem area – love handles/hips/thighs. In previous posts I’ve talked about losing weight with clean eating and exercise. In fact, I’ve remained under 130lbs since January and it feels ahhhmazing! I’m proud of myself for picking right back up after my illness because in the past I would have used the downtime as an excuse to continue being lazy.

I’m really going to be on my game in this last leg of the program. I’m taking vitamins, eating healthy, and visiting a GI doctor this week to make sure that I can fix whatever is going on with my stomach. Phase 3 – It’s just you and me!

I know you know, but I have to say it anyway…Always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise, fitness, and/or diet program.

2Mar2018

Finding the Balance: Self Care

Posted in Finding the Balance by KristinAnchante

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I wanted to start out this series. There are so many great topics on finding the balance that they almost compete with each other. Then it hit me. Like a ton of bricks in my intestines.

This morning I woke up at 5 am, changed into my gym clothes, got some water, and headed down to the basement to bust out my 61-minute workout. Everything was going great until about 10 minutes in when I started to feel queasy. I pressed pause. Tried again. Tapped out at 16 minutes.

This. Never. Happens. This is how I know I’m sick. So, after much internal debate, I called out for the first time in almost two years at my job. Time for a little self-care.

Feeling Stressed

I’ve been feeling very stressed lately – at home and work. Its never ending – there is ALWAYS something to be worried or uneasy about. Even when I’m having a good time on the weekend, I’m reminded of what’s to come on Monday.

If you’ve read any of my Sugar Detox posts, you know that I haven’t been feeling well since I started cutting the crap out of my diet – ironic, right? Even after two months, nothing has leveled out. I went through extensive allergy and blood testing that cost over $800 and I’m no closer to finding out the cause of my discomfort. Talk about frustration.

Last week I talked about not having the time to fit it all in. Well, I think I peaked yesterday. It got to a point where I just couldn’t manage – it was like someone dropped all my marbles and I couldn’t pick them up fast enough before they rolled off into the unknown. Before bed, my mind was dissecting the day, and I went to sleep pretty sick to my stomach about all of my tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities. Not good.

Fun Ways to Self-Care

How often do you stop and do things for yourself? I think the only two things I consistently do for myself are read, work out, and pray/meditate each morning. And oddly enough, working out stresses my body out more.

Here are a few ideas – they are by no means a complete list – but they can help get you started finding the balance in your everyday.

Color

Adult coloring books are so fun! I thought it was great when they first became popular because here I was finishing up my old Disney or Barbie books, when I could have been fancying up a page of curse words. Bull shit, am I right? If that’s not your cup of tea, there are mild versions of flowers, landscapes, houses, cats – you name it. Just get yourself a pack of crayons, markers, or colored pencils and have at it. You don’t even have to stay in the lines 😉

Read

Okay, so maybe reading isn’t fun for everyone, but I read over 50 books last year, so it’s definitely entertaining for me. The thing is, you could read about ANYTHING. If you can think it, someone has probably written about it. I’m a crime fiction or PD girl, usually, but I also enjoy a little chick lit – Sophie Kinsella, Jodi Picoult, and Liane Moriarty. Curl up with a book, a cuppa, (I read a lot of Aussie lit!), a blanket, and get lost in another world. Somehow Sophie’s books always make me feel better about myself. Win!

This is a must-read for EVERYONE.

Exercise

Now, I don’t expect everyone to wake up before the sun and bang out an hour-long workout. I won’t impose my antics on you. Exercise comes in many forms – long walks on the beach, chasing a toddler on a mission, trip to the dog park, line dancing, club dancing, watching dirty dancing (kidding) – you get the idea. It doesn’t have to feel like work, but exercise is shown to make people happy, so why wouldn’t you at least try? Don’t believe me? Take a lesson from Elle Woods.

Craft

Do you crochet? Bake? Needlepoint? Arrange flowers? Sew buttons? If it relaxes you, find time to do it every day. If you get upset that your version doesn’t look like the Pinterest version, this one might not be for you. Shop on Etsy instead.

My happy place is in the kitchen. These are Pinterest inspired.

Bathe

Hot tub. Pool. Beach. Bathtub. Pick the one that interests you and take a trip – even if it’s just ten paces away to the next room. Nothing beats a good soak, especially if there are BUBBLES! Pour yourself a glass of wine (or sparkling juice!), play some soothing tunes, and light a candle. As an added bonus, throw in some Epsom salts, essential oils, or a fun bath bomb. Ahhh the relaxation.

Halloween Special bubble bar from LUSH. So many suds!

Uh, note: I wouldn’t recommend any of the above for anything but a tub 😉

Take a Happiness Challenge

I’m on day 99 of my second #100HappyDays Challenge. The main idea is to post a picture on social media of something that makes you happy each day for 100 days. Is it possible? Well, I can attest that all days won’t be happy. In fact, some will be downright miserable. But, if you can find something good – just one little thing – in each day, your life will be a little bit brighter. I’d recommend you at least try it. Its fun to look for a piece of happiness each day and it’s nice to look back on those moments after the challenge has ended.

My inspiration.

Do Yoga / Meditate / Pray

This really could be its own topic. Matter of fact, it might be (Gucci Mane voice). I’ll leave the good stuff for another day, but if you’re into quiet time, you might want to investigate the power of prayer, meditation, and yoga. They do wonders for the body and soul.

Don’t lose sight of you

You can still take care of others and do things for yourself. It doesn’t make you selfish. Quite the opposite, actually. It helps you do everything a little bit better because you’re you at your best. I feel like I should start reciting a Dr. Seuss poem right now!

How do you relax? How do you take care of yourself? I want to know!

Check out the first post and stay tuned next week to learn about finding the balance at work.

Peace, Love, Zen

26Feb2018

#chickswholift

Posted in product review, Subscription Boxes by KristinAnchante

If you love to workout, a monthly subscription from Miss Muscle Box is definitely for you. Each themed box comes with seven or more goodies to help you stay motivated and reach your fitness goals – expect a quality tank top, workout guide, and yummy snacks to help you power through or recover from the toughest of workouts. At just $22.99 plus shipping, it’s a great value for the money.

I was lucky enough to receive TWO recent boxes to try out and review. The themes were Dumbbell Damage and Strong is Sexy.

Dumbbell Damage

Treign ‘Squad 1’ Tank- $25
Dumbbell Damage Workout Guide – $10
FATE: CLA Softgels – $9.99
Protes Protein Chips – $4.99
Shanti Bar: Vitality – $3.50
Shanti Bar: Boost – $3.50
Shanti Mini: Recovery – $2.00

Retail Value – $58+

Strong is Sexy

‘Strong is Sexy’ Limited Edition Singlet – $19.99
‘Strong is Sexy’ Limited Edition Hydracup – $12.99
Explosive Plyos Workout Guide – $10
3 Zoganic FruitZip – $7.50
OhYeah! Victory Bar – $3.00
2 NuGo Slim bars – $7.00

Retail Value – $60+

My Favorite Items

HYDRACUP– The possibilities are endless with this dual section cup. The most obvious option is to carry your pre- and post-workout formulas in one shaker. But, you can get pretty creative and use one side for your drink and the other for ice, snacks, or storage. You get 28 oz of space on the inside and a motivational message on the outside. It’s also more spacious than a traditional shaker cup. What’s not to love?

FATE CLA Softgels – Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid naturally found in meat and dairy. Okay, that doesn’t sound so appetizing, but research indicates that it can help decrease body fat and improve lean muscle mass and strength. It may also curb appetite and improve metabolism. That’s great news for someone who is ALWAYS hungry!

Tanks – You can never have enough workout tops. But at $20 a pop, who can afford to have a closetful? Thankfully, it’s no longer an issue.

Workout Guides – Each box comes with a fun workout guide tailored to that month’s theme. I love these because you can take them anywhere – even on vacation – and don’t need to find a TV, fiddle with a DVD player, or watch videos on a tiny cell phone screen.

Rewards

Get your friends to subscribe to Muscle Box, and you’ll earn $5 off your next box. Just share your unique link as many times as you wish. Your next box could be free!

More Options

Muscle Box – For men who are into fitness

Protein Muscle Box – For men and women looking to get healthy and build muscle.

The bottom line: I love subscription boxes because you get to try out so many different products – some you probably haven’t even heard of. This box is worth every penny. I suggest trying it out for a month or two to see what you think. It would even make a great gift for the fitness lover in your family or group of friends.

Visit Muscle Box for more information or to purchase.

DISCLOSURE: This post was sponsored by Muscle Box. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Diary of a Snacker successful. All opinions are my own.