New Product Find to Share... Stitch and Flow Compression Stockings

Here is a little something new I am eager to share with you.  These Stitch and Flow compression stockings are bright and colorful and quite unique.  I was recently given the opportunity to try them out and I am quite enamoured with them.

The first thing you will notice when you open the package is the bright and colorful pixel design.  The soft weave fabric is a blend of 80% nylon and 20% spandex and the stockings have a graduated compression and each sock can be worn on either foot... no L and R to get mixed up!

The first thing I loved about them is that they were easy to put on... so many times I have ordered compression stockings in what I think should be an ample size, only to really struggle with getting them on and then off, too.  Not these. They go on with relative ease... are comfortable for even a full day's wear and then roll off quite nicely.  They are snug, but not overly so.

I have worn these stockings several times... while on my feet all day doing errands and shopping, and I have worn them while I run and then for a couple of hours afterward to help with recovery.  I will likely wear them on my travel day this weekend where I will be on a 4.5 hour flight and then a 1.75 hour flight shortly after.  I have that much confidence in them.

It is recommended that you hand wash these stockings and hang them to dry.  I normally hand wash my workout gear anyway so this was not a hardship for me.  But the label does say that they can be machine-washed in cold water with a mild soap or detergent.  You choose.

These Stitch and Flow compression stockings are now available on Amazon  and I am pretty sure you will be happily surprised with the price, too.

What do you think?  Do you wear compression stockings?

The Holiday Rush and Some Great Deals

I love this time of year... there is so much excitement in the air with the holiday season upon us and so much to see and do.  Too much really.

I am excited about some special things right now... let me fill you in...

I am taking part in a new 'diet' program with Chalene Johnson.  It is called one3one diet and is a 12 week program of structured experimenting with different eating protocols to find out what works best for people on an individual basis.  This first phase is using ketosis and intermittent fasting to prepare for a longer fast... so far loving all the information and community support.  I am learning so much about inflammation and gut health.

We have had an unexpected little trip fall into our laps!  I won a magazine contest for a 2-day trip to New York City including flights, lovely hotel, and concert tickets to see The Tenors.. also a meet and greet opportunity... which I may or may not take... I am a bit shy so we shall see.  Anyway, because of where I live it is going to involve ALL DAY travel to get there but I think it will be fun. I have never been to New York... never even thought about going and The Captain is pretty stoked too. I know it will be whirlwind so we are going to choose a couple of MUST see landmarks and see as much as we can.

So... some affiliations coming up...

I was chosen to be a nuun ambassador for 2018... so happy for the opportunity to share great discounts and product news with you here.  I do love nuun and use it every day.

Have you checked the Knuckle Lights web site lately?    They have some fabulous promotions going on right now.

FREE battery charger set value $9.99 with every order 

(1 Charger Set for EACH set of Knuckle Lights COLORS)

And they are offering FREE shipping in the U.S.

My friends at Nuzest are also offering a terrific holiday deal...

And if you like, use code eatrunsail at checkout for a 15% discount on your purchase. 

What are you most excited about this holiday season?  

Let's Take Time Out For Coffee

I am really enjoying coffee dates on these blustery cool and often wet Fall days we are having lately....especially when I can get in some storm watching on the beach at the same time. I have been experimenting...  and am loving these Holiday Spice Flat Whites... so I got one for each of us... let's enjoy some chatting and catch up, okay?

What is new on the fitness front?  Well, I am about to start week 8 of this new Metabolic Renewal program that I purchased from Jade Teta when it was released.  I do like to work out with a video.  The workouts are only 18 minutes each and you do them 3 times per week, followed up by a walk.  I love the idea of getting a full body workout in such a short and intense burst.  This new program also comes with some advice about nutrition based on where you are in your hormonal stage of life and has been very enlightening.  I like it.  

I have been walking as much as possible and running still only on Sunday mornings.  I don't mind walking in the rain, but running... nope.

I think I told you that since I have had all these new crowns on my teeth, I am not supposed to eat almonds anymore... so I am slowly working my way through my stash by roasting them and making home made almond butter.... oh my... it is especially delicious when still warm from the oven and food processor!  Have you made your own nut butter?  It really is so easy.  Check out this little blog post if you are interested.

I have decided to try some new supplements.  I have been doing a lot of reading and research and have gone ahead and ordered some collagen protein, and some maca powder.  And even though I have been using spirulina algae ENERGYbits for a few years now, I have also decided to try using RECOVERYbits this Winter... they are chlorella algae and purported to help with immunity and also removing toxins from the body.  I have decided to take them on evenings I have wine because that does affect my sleep somewhat... we shall see if they help. 

Just in case you are interested there is a terrific CYBER MONDAY deal from ENERGYbits... using the coupon code THANKS you can get 20% off the purchase price and FREE shipping on up to 10 bags of bits to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. This is an awesome deal as they have never offered free shipping before... it is valid through November 27th.... yes, I am an ambassador but will not benefit from your purchase.  Check it out on their website.  

Did you do any Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping?

This past week we celebrated our 30th anniversary... not wedding anniversary, but the day we met. We have always celebrated this occasion and I really find it hard to believe it has been this long... but when I look back at all the adventures we have had together, and all the places we have been, I guess it really must be 30 years!

Oh one, more thing I really want to share.... the Nuzest giveaway for November is open till the 30th.  Have you entered yet?  If not do it here...  looks like a really good one and there will be 5 winners.  They have some awesome new products so make sure to check it out and get in on the draw.

So, what about you?  What is new and what do you have on the horizon for the next few weeks?

Let's get together again soon, okay?

October Deals

October is quickly coming to an end, but before it does, there are 3 great deals from companies that I love that I want to share with you.  They are all things you need to jump on before the calendar flips over to November so let's get started...

1

You can get a 25% discount at either the Canadian or American nuun web sites through October 31st.  Click on the appropriate link to visit the nuun site in your country and take advantage of this awesome discount using promo code 

myfriendslovenuun

2

Knuckle Lights is giving away a free LED safety blinker with the purchase of any set of Knuckle Lights until October 31st. This blinker has a retail value of $9.99 U.S.  Click on the picture above to visit the site, select your lights and enter the promo code 

FREEBLINKER

You all know how much I love my Knucke Lights... both the originals that require batteries, and the fabulous new lights with rechargeable batteries. You can find my reviews about them on the tab at the top of the page if you would like to learn more about them.

3

The October Giveaway from Nuzest will have 5 winners.  They are giving each winner a great selection of prizes from their awesome product lineup.  Make sure you click on the picture to find the GLEAM entry form.

And, if you are interested in ordering from the nuzest site make sure to use promo code  

eatrunsail 

to receive a 15% discount on checkout.  Remember, you always get free shipping on orders over $50... and yes, I get a small reward when  you do.

October has really gotten away on me. I have been really busy with the new Metabolic Renewal workouts 3 times per week... lots of walking... some running... and still playing tennis on the warm sunny days that we are enjoying.  I just hate to be inside when the weather is so good.

How about you?  What are you loving about October?

Reminder... September Giveaway by Nuzest

Don't let September get away before you have a chance to enter the monthly giveaway from Nuzest.

You all know I love CLEAN LEAN PROTEIN and do have an affiliation with the company.

This month there will be 5 winners!

Just click on the picture to be taken to the giveaway entry form.

Recently I saw a statemtent on a health-related web site... cannot remember which one but it was promoting a whey protein powder, that said that pea protein is not a complete protein.  

If this concerns you or if you are confused, please click on this link to read what Nuzest has to say about that topic.

Don't forget that you can use the code EATRUNSAIL to secure a 15% discount when you shop online at the Nuzest site.  Use this link and enter EATRUNSAIL before checkout.

Good Luck in the giveaway!

September Update

Well, it has been 2 weeks since my public declaration of goals for September so I though I would post an update on how things are coming along and where I am with those goals and how I plan to finish out the month.

Exercise

• I am happy to have been continuing with my Sunday-only runs - yes, they are short, and yes, it is only one day a week, but I am not in training for anything right now so this works for me. I have so many other activities I have no interest in spending more of that time on running and missing out on my other favorites. Honestly, running is time-intensive and there is only so much of that.
• I am still playing tennis twice a week. The warm weather is holding and even though we have had some rain, the courts are dry on the days I want to play. As long as the weather holds, I intend to keep playing. I love it so much!
• I have been working out with Metabolic Prime on Monday and Wednesday mornings, followed immediately by a 20 minute walk.  These workouts are killer and after the first couple I had DOMS so severely I could barely lift my arms to play tennis the next day... but that has passed and I am loving being back in the fitness room pumping weights and doing pushups!  Really... who IS this woman?
• I have been using Friday as an alternative activity day.  It is working well for me to have one day designated to spending the day doing some kind of exercise that is all about enjoyment and having fun. The first Friday we spend the day at a PGA event and it was so fun to see PGA legends and stars that we have been fans of for so many years... you may have seen my IG post about John Daly.... and the second Friday we spent the day walking... to a far-away local mall for lunch and a bit of a shopping outing.  Was good to spread all those thousands of steps over the whole day!

Eats

• I tried kombucha for the first time this week and have been drinking 1/4 cup of the fizzy elixir when I first get up in the morning. So far I have not noticed any effects from it so I think I will do this for a few more days and then increase to 1/2 cup.  I keep reading about how fermented foods are good for us so going to give it an honest try.  This particular brew is locally made and I quite like the taste.

• I finally bought myself a donut pan and made my first high protein, gluten free donuts from a recipe that Kaila showed me on her own blog.  Chunky Monkey Donuts!  I know she has more so will be checking them out... lemon perhaps?

• I am enjoying the new format that Weight Watchers is taking with their meetings and on Saturday mornings we have lively and worthwhile discussions about mindset, and changing our 'stories'.  As for myself, I am working on shifting that ALL OR NOTHING attitude.  

Extras

• I was planning to color my hair, and do mani/pedi but have not done any of this yet. I cut my finger quite badly with a kitchen knife and want that to heal completely before I start messing with chemicals, even with gloved hands.  But I do want to get to it this or next week.

• I have just purchased a women's only program from the same doctor/trainer that produced Metabolic Aftershock, Metabolic Prime, and the Metabolic Effect programs... It has similar workouts but the added benefit of a nutrional component that is customizable to whatever stage of life you are in, so that it works with your hormones. I will start the workouts along with one of the workout models who has set up a FB group, in a couple more weeks, but I have already started the nutrition protocol and so far so good.

So tell me, how is September shaping up for you?  Anything on your radar that you still need to get to?

September Focus on Self Care

Normally I love Fall but this year, because we have had such a hot and dry Summer, I am trying to put it off as long as possible. However, as much as I hate to see these beautiful long Summer days come to an end, I know that Fall brings more structure to my life.  It is a real opportunity for me to focus on some much needed self care too.  In the Summer I tend to let things slide a bit... workout and play when and where I can... eat less structured meals... indulge in sweets a bit too much.  This year I even discovered ice cream!

I have been giving all of this some thought over the past week because I need to find a way to make the transition from Summer to Fall... it is a bit overwhelming but I know if I have a plan in place I can handle it.  I still want to do all the Summer things but I want to do all the Fall things, too. So, I have to put on my seldom-worn patience hat and do a gentle easement into Fall. I have realized I can have a foot in both seasons to a certain extent.  I can't do it all... but I can do some.  

Even though I am not ready to give up all of my Summer activities there are a few things on my September to-do list that will help me with the transition:

Exercise

• Continue to run on only on Sunday mornings
• Get into the fitness room on Monday and Wednesday mornings for a strength/conditioning workout followed by an outdoor walk 20 - 30 minutes
• Continue to play tennis on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Schedule a fun but movement-intensive activity for Fridays... this week I plan to spend the day at a PGA golf tournament that is going to be held at a local golf course so I will be on my feet about 8 hours wandering the golf course to spectate the event.  Fridays may also find me golfing or hiking or picking berries... that kind of thing.

Eats

• I want to concentrate on fuelling my activities with whole real foods as I know I feel better when I do
• I have a plan to follow that will allow me to create tasty and healthy meals and snacks that also allows for the occasional indulges so I do not feel deprived or over-restricted
• I am going to use a journal with colored pens as well as My Fitness Pal app to keep track of my food intake

Extras

• I have joined a couple of online challenge groups to give me some extra help and incentives... one concentrates on increasing NEAT (you know non-exercise movement) as I do tend to sit a lot ... and the other is a short Fall Kickstart Challenge sponsored by Ariana Fotinakis who blogs at Evolution by Ariana that will inspire/require some introspection along with daily movement and offers support in her FB group.  I have done her challenges in the past and always get something valuable from them.
• I need to take care of some personal/physical details too... hair color, manicure, pedicure, facial... fun things so these will be easy, just need to take the time to do them!

What are you looking forward to in September? Do you hate to see Summer come to and end or do you like Fall?

Sharing Discounts and a Giveaway

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

I have some very good news to share with you before the end of August so I will get right to them.

The first... because I am a nuun ambassador this year I occasionally get a discount code to share with friends and family... this one is valid through September 1st at either the nuun American site (nuunlife.com) or the Canadian site (nuuncanada.com).

My friends at Nuzest are celebrating their 5th birthday this month!

To celebrate their 5th birthday, Nuzest is giving you $5 off every order over $20 this month!  Use the promo code happy5th at checkout on your order over $20.

Just click on the picture to find the shopping link.

And here is something special... also from Nuzest... if you have been wanting to try the new JUST FRUIT AND VEG plant-based smoothie mix, you can order a single packet and get free shipping!

Use code freeship2 at checkout.

Just click on the picture to find the shopping link.

And finally.... you only have till the end of the month to enter the August Giveaway at Nuzest.

Such a great way to try out all of their delicious and plant based products.  

Just click on the picture to be taken to the giveaway page.

How do you stay hydrated on hot Summer days?

Premier Protein Shakes and Bars Now Available in Canada

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Premier Protein. The opinions and text are all mine.

You already know that I like to get my days off to an active start… a run, a workout, a tennis match or a golf game… and that definitely means fuelling up with a high protein breakfast so I have the energy to power me through the morning. It is often in the form of a protein shake with fruit and/or spinach blended into it. I like to keep a variety of fruits and spinach in the freezer so I always have some on hand.

But when I am running short on time, or for a special treat, I will often reach into my fridge for a Premier Protein premixed shake. Vanilla? Yummy. Chocolate? Perfection. These delicious shakes pack a whopping 30g of protein into each one and in only 160 calories… low fat, low carb, high protein, fabulous taste. That is a win in my books.

Yes, they are shelf stable and do not require refrigeration… but I like to drink them very cold when I can, so I keep a few tucked away in my fridge so they are always ready for me or for The Captain when we want one. They are so handy… for breakfast, after a workout, or even as an afternoon pick-me-up.

And you can find them now at Costco stores throughout Canada. These are pictures of the displays in my own local Costco store… just so you will know what you are looking to find.

This is the Chocolate shake display in the supplements/vitamins area

Premier Protein shakes also make a terrific nutritious coffee creamer, and they can be blended with fruit and/or veggies if you are looking for a more substantial meal… but did you know that they can also be used to make parfaits? Have a look at this beauty!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups Premier Protein Vanilla Shake
• 1 Box of Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
• Strawberries
• Clementines
• Mangoes
• Kiwis
• Blueberries
• Optional garnish: Granola

DIRECTIONS:

1. Whisk Premier Protein and pudding mix for 2 minutes, and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Layer pudding and fruit into a glass cup and enjoy!

Doesn't that look so inviting? I almost want to lick the screen!

Premier Protein also has a variety of delicious and high protein bars, also available at Costco stores throughout Canada. They come in such delicious flavors as Chocolate Peanut Butter, Yogurt Peanut Crunch, and Dark Chocolate Mint.

I bet you won't be surprised to learn that the Dark Chocolate Mint is my current favorite.

I like to keep a bar or 2 in my day bag so that I can reach for a nutritious snack or even meal replacement when I am in a hurry or cannot find a healthy or appropriate meal choice when away from home. I love that they do not melt or get gooey because of the warm temps we are having lately.
And I also enjoy them as a sweet tasting healthy treat at home… I just cut one up into several pieces and nibble on them… slowly to savor every bite. If The Captain is lucky, I will even share with him.

Look for Premier Protein shakes and bars at Costco stores throughout Canada.

So let's talk flavors… Vanilla or Chocolate?

Mocha Protein Freezer Pops

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

If you are a chocolate lover like I am, you might think that there is no better treat on a hot Summer day than a fudge-flavored freezer pop.  And I would have agreed with you until I got this latest batch of samples from Nuzest, that contained a couple of pouches of REAL COFFEE flavored protein powder.

I knew immediately that MOCHA freezer pops were on my Summer must try list. I love the flavors of coffee and chocolate blended together... and with the added benefit of low carb vegan protein, and no added sugars, what could be more perfect?  So I whipped them up this morning, and they are fabulous!

I have a few different freezer pop molds, and this particular set is a favorite. I won it in a giveaway a few years ago from Kristina who writes the plant-based recipe blog spabetti, (and if you haven't checked her out, you must) and have used it a lot since then.  It is a good quality plastic and the handles/sticks fit securely into the molds, which sit snugly and firmly in the base. No worry about spills in the freezer. Nice bonus.  And it makes good sized treats.

The first thing you will want to do is find out how much volume your freezer pops hold. I know from experience that mine hold 3 cups.  So, I used a packet each of Nuzest Rich Chocolate and Real Coffee protein powders, 2-1/2 cups of unsweetend almond milk and 1/2 cup of leftover cold coffee.   You can vary your liquid ingredients according to your own freezer pop measurements, and if you have some leftovers, drink up and enjoy!

Now I know that not everyone is an almond milk fan.  If you prefer, use another nut milk, or even cow's milk if you drink it.

After assembling my freezer pops, I blended the ingredients together in a large measuring cup and then carefully poured it out evenly into each mold.  If you haven't made quite enough you can top them off with more almond milk or more coffee... just make sure to leave a small space at the top of each so they will not overflow when you set the stick into the liquid.

Then insert the sticks...

and put them in your freezer for a few hours until they are firmly set.

The hard part is waiting for them to freeze solid... but once they have, you will know it was worth it!

These make not only a delicious and healthy treat on a hot day, they are also a good quickie pre-workout/run treat for those of us who like to get it done first thing in the morning.  They have just over 7g of protein each and only 43 calories.  And if you use regular coffee, there will also be a wee bit of caffeine too... which is nice pre-workout as well.

If you want to order CLEAN LEAN PROTEIN, or any of the other terrific new products from Nuzest you can get 15% off your order with my discount code eatrunsail and don't forget that shipping to the U.S. or Canada is free with an order of at least $50.

So, are you a freezer pop fan too? 

And what about flavors? Chocolate or Mocha?

Just Another Sunday Run Day

This Summer running has become a Sunday morning pastime. I am playing tennis a couple of times a week now, as well as golfing and walking/hiking as much as I can fit in.  These legs will just not run more than once a week right now.  But that is okay with me.

On Sundays I like to get up and drink a fruit and protein shake before heading out to run a 4km loop around my neighborhood.  And it is generally pretty slow and quite enjoyable. It has been very warm and dry here for the last 6 weeks so the earlier I can get out, the better.

Then when I come in, I stretch leisurely and sip a nuun drink before having another small snack and eventually, a shower.

I really enjoy this start to my week. Not only do I like the running, it makes me feel like I am doing something good for my body and my mind. I usually run with my husband and we chatter about the upcoming week or things we see along the way.  He is a much faster runner than I am but always paces himself to stay alongside me and it is nice to have the company.

I usually wear compression socks when I run.  I have some by Tiux that are fairly easy to get on, but because my fingernails are cut quite short right now for golf, I decided to wear a pair by SLS3 that are quite tight and much more difficult to get on. They are such a lovely blue color.  But, WOW! I had such a tough time with them that I couldn't even really get them straight.  I took a picture with the sun shining in the window that makes the color look a bit odd... You may have seen my post on Instagram about them.

I cannot imagine being able to get them larger... the feet are a too long already and the socks are quite long too... my legs are not heavy so I wonder why they are so tight?  The ProCompression socks I have are pretty much the same.  And I also have some dressier compression socks by Tommie Copper that are a more relaxed fit as well.


Do you have any trouble getting on your compression socks? 

What is your favorite brand? Please take this opportunity to show them some love!

Facing Forward

July started out with such hope and promise... a new food plan, a few pounds lost.... some running, tennis and golf... and then out of the blue, the devastating news that my older and only Sister had passed away suddenly in Calgary.  We scrambled to put together travel plans and flew home to be with family and honor her at a lovely memorial ceremony, and visit and share memories with friends and extended family at a reception afterwards... it is all a bit of a blur as you can imagine.

It took me a good couple of weeks after that to shake the mental fog and realize that my wonderful husband was having a birthday during the last week of the month. I know I am still in denial somewhat, but a birthday was just what I needed to give me a change of focus and a reason to smile again.  We had several fun outings and visited new restaurants every day of the week... and on the last day of July we had a coffee date with a cousin I had recently reconnected with after many many years of not having seen her.  It was really quite qnice and we have made plans to get together again in a few weeks. She lives in Calgary but has a home here on the Island and travels back and forth fairly often.

All in all a very emotional month... am I glad it is over?  You bet, and I am looking forward to August and getting back into a groove.

I have joined a 7 day challenge to clean up my diet... for me that means concentrating on eating whole, real foods... staying away from alcohol and the processed stuff as much as possible.  I do feel so much better when I eat this way and my weight is naturally easier to maintain too. Even at that, a lot of the freggies I eat are conveniently packaged and or frozen unless I make an effort to visit a farmer's market... hmmm... must put that on my August list...

Running seems to have become a Sunday morning activity.  And for now that is all right. I am playing tennis on Tuesdays and sometimes Thursdays, golfing on Wednesdays, and walking and hiking as much as I can throughout the week as well.  I am missing my strength training and so have added yoga to the mix... all the downward facing dog poses at least keep my upper body working and the stretching feels amazing.  I do love to stretch!

So... we are somewhat caught up... it is my natural tendency to retreat when faced with unpleasant situations so this has been a tough post for me to write and I am looking forward to having happier things to talk about!

Tell me, what are you looking forward to in August?  I would love to hear your plans.

 

July Nuzest Giveaway and a Delicious Frapp Recipe

I did not want to let July slip by without bringing your attention to this month's fabulous Nuzest Giveaway.  You know that Nuzest has my favorite Clean Lean Protein made with golden pea protein and this giveaway will give you a chance to sample their flavors along with the tasty new Good Green Snack bars... check it out.

Click on the picture to enter

And while you are on the site, check out some of the tasty recipes they have there... this one looks particularly delicious to me right now!

Click on the picture to find the recipe

And if you are shopping, you can use my affiliate code EATRUNSAIL at checkout to receive a 15% discount on your order and I will get a small reward.   Don't forget you can get free shipping on orders totalling $50 or more. 

I will be back in a few days with an update, promise.

What is in your favorite Summer smoothie? I have been particularly loving frozen spinach and banans with chocolate protein powder and unsweetened almond milk.  

Protein Hummus and June Nuzest Giveaway Reminder

Couldn't let the week go by without bringing this great looking hummus recipe to your attention!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I know that many of you have started to use Clean Lean Protein by Nuzest... and I hope that you are getting some good ideas for various ways to enjoy it from their web site and from others of us who use and promote the products.

This hummus is a mixture of cauliflower, chickpeas and natural Clean Lean Protein... easy and quick in  your blender or food processor.

Get the recipe here

And don't forget about the June giveaway... be one of 5 winners who will receive Good Green Snack bars and Clean Lean Protein.  You can read about them and enter the giveaway on my last blog post.

If you ever decide you do want to order, use code EATRUNSAIL to get a 15% discount off your order, and remember... orders that reach the $50 mark are shipped free to Canada and the U.S.


Do you make your own hummus?

Good Green Snack Bars and Nuzest June Giveaway

Yes. They really are  GREEN!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I was quite excited when Nuzest sent me a few of their new Good Green Snack bars to sample.  This new bar is not just another energy bar or even a protein bar. Nope. Good Green Snack bars are multivitamin bars that contain a potent blend of carefully selected greens, fruits, vegetables and berries; plus, apoptogenic herbs, pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes and a full range of essential vitamins and minerals for optimum health and vitality.

They contain none of the stuff that you do not want... no fillers, no added sugars, nothing artificial. No ingredients are used containing gluten, dairy, eggs, soy or corn;  all ingredients are GMO free. There are no nasty chemicals, preservatives or artificial flavors; just concentrated, real-food ingredients with a multivitamin boost.  They do contain nuts and are produced on equipment that also processes food containing gluten.

Yes.  You can feel confident sharing the Good Green Snack bar with everyone in the family.

Now that we have all of that out of the way... how do they taste?  They are really quite delicious. There is a slight nutty flavor, and they are slightly sweet... the texture is sorta soft and sorta chewy.

You will likely notice the taste of dates, ginger, apricots, sunflower seeds and cashews.  The Captain loved them too... his first comment up seeing it... "It is green".  And, trusting me, he then he bit into it and declared it really good!

These bars are suitable for snacks, and to supplement your athletic endeavours and also help to provide some nutitional insurance to ensure you are getting what your body needs.  They contain only 150 calories and at 6g total fat, 20g carbs and 5g of protein, with very little sodium, they are a good bang for your nutrition buck!

Check out the product details on the Nuzest site... and then use this link to enter the June Giveaway... you just may win a few boxes of Good Green Snack Bars and some Clean Lean Protein for yourself.

If you ever decide you want to purchase from the Nuzest site, please feel free to use the code EATRUNSAIL in order to receive a 15% discount on your purchase, and don't forget that you qualify for free shipping in Canada and the U.S. if your order hits the $50 mark.

What is your favorite energy snack?

Summer Sizzle... 5 Ways to Beat the Heat

I live in a part of the World where we rarely have very hot Summer temperatures... it is often referred to as a Mediterranean climate... the Winters are very mild and the Summers are quite moderate and comfortable. We are on a peninsula and surrounded by sea water on 3 sides so that is a large factor in the weather.

But sometimes, just sometimes, we do have some sizzling hot and steamy days.  Not enough of them for my liking, but when we have them I do enjoy them.  And I make sure to take extra precautions for staying safe when out in the sunshine.

I am always a bit envious when I see some of you posting pictures of your long and sweaty runs in the California desert, or along the Chicago lakeshore... hot and dry or hot and humid...yes, I will take either.

But wherever Summer finds you, here are some things I hope you will think about while you are having fun in the sun with your friends and family:


Hydration

Of course we all know that we need more water when the temperatures get warmer. So, how do you make sure to stay hydrated?  I carry a water bottle with me when I go out at any time of the year. A bottle with a handle is easier to pack along.  I have several favorites in my cupboard... metal, glass and also BPA-free plastic.  And I do make sure to clean them between uses. I just tossed out two favorite metal bottles because they were getting a hard-water build up in them that I could not remove.

My city has a few cold water stations situated in some popular areas where you can safely refill your bottle with clean purified cold water.  Great for people and for pets.

And if you are finding that you sweat a lot, do make sure to replace some of the minerals your body is losing buy using some kind of electrolyte powder or drink. I like nuun, and have become an ambassador so I can purchase it at a discount.  I sometimes make nuun freezie pops.  And I know that some people make nuun ice-cubes too. If you are cramping up,  you may be dehydrated, and you may need electrolytes or even just salt.

There are also lots of recipes around for homemade electrolyte replacements as well.  Find one you like and make sure to use it.  And if you have a good, one, please leave a link to it  or just tell me how you make it, in the comments below this post.  Thanks!

Sunglasses

Since my eye surgery a few years ago, I find that my eyes are a lot more light-sensitive, even on duller days.  I have several pairs of sun glasses and keep a pair stashed in my day pack too. I have a tendency to lose them and hate to have to purchase a pair on the fly.  I never leave home without sun glasses. If I strain my eyes, the little blood vessels pop and I end up with bloodshot eyes for days on end. Not pretty!

I also find that sun glasses help protect my eyes against wind and pollen in the air.

Sunscreen

I know that there have been some conflicting reports in recent years about the safety of various sunscreens.  I have very fair skin and find that if I do not use a sunscreen I will burn fairly quickly.  I use SPF15 on my face even in Winter.  In the sunnier months, I use SPF30 for day to day wear, but if going outside for any length of time I use SPF45 or even 60.

I ususally use a creamy sunscreen with SPF30 or SPF45 on my chest, upper back, arms and legs too.

And I always use a balm with SPF30 or higher on my lips.  If my lips get too much sun exposure I will end up with a sun blister and no one wants that!  I carry a balm in my pocket and re-apply it often.

Sun Hats

I started wearing sun hats when I first began golfing many years ago because large brimmed golf hats were quite fashionable back in the day.  When we first moved onto the sailboat in the Summer of 2002, I began wearing a wide brimmed floppy sun hat or a cowboy hat to help keep my face from getting so tanned when out on the water.

Now I have a few sun hats in my closet and do wear one when I head up to the rooftop to lounge and read.  I picked up one that is made from a special fabric to take on our Hawaiian cruise a couple of years ago and find that it helps keep my hair from getting sun-damaged too.

Other Tips

• If you are running or playing sports outdoors, try to do it in the cooler parts of the day... mornings or evenings.
• Choose running routes and tennis courts that have some shade where possible.
• Frequent places you can refill your water bottle.
• Pack your phone with you,
• Carry a change of socks in your pocket if you are going to be on your feet for any length of time. Clean socks feel amazing when your feet are hot and sweaty!
• Pay attention to your body and watch for signs of overheating... clammy hands, too fast heart beat, nausea, dizziness. 
• Do not overdo.  Take more frequent breaks. Sit down occasionally.

And please do not forget about your animal friends... they need water and shade just as much as people do on hot Summer days and their paws can burn on hot pavement!

Do you have any hot weather tips to share? 

It's Strawberry Season... Let's Get Creative!

A few of my friends have mentioned that they love their protein smoothies and shakes but would like some ideas as to other ways to use the protein powders they are purchasing. I love using my protein powders in a variety of ways so I have decided to do a few posts to share some ideas with you.

Disclosure... this post contains affiliate links.

All of the fresh strawberries in my local markets have inspired me this week!  I do love strawberry season and am really enjoying the local berries I am finding in my favorite markets.

And, what better way to to enjoy those fresh juicy strawberries than in a Strawberry Smoothie Bowl or a Strawberry Protein Parfait?  Choose your favorite way to layer these delicious ingredients and you are sure to have a lovely breakfast or perhaps an afternoon snack.

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl

Strawberry Protein Parfait

I like to have all of my ingredients assembled before I start so that I can put them together fairly quickly after I have created my smoothie base.

To make the base, place one scoop or one packet of your strawberry protein powder with a frozen banana and two strawberries into your blender or food processor. Puree for a few minutes until you have a fluffy pink nice cream.

Put that lovely thick pink mixture into the bottom of your parfait glass, or in your bowl. Or, if you are sharing, place in 2 glasses or bowls.

Now you have a lovely Strawberry Nice Cream that you could eat just as is... but it is more fun to dress it up a little.

To make my Strawberry Protein Parfait, I layered a few spoonfuls of yogurt and some sliced strawberries.  I topped it with hemp seeds.

The Strawberry Smoothie Bowl has some of The Captain's favorite cereal and sliced strawberries with a bit of yogurt.

The list of possible ingredients is limited only by your own imagination... granola, oats, qunino, almonds, walnuts, slices of bananas or other berries, nut butters, coconut shreds, chocolate chips, or chia seeds.  If you like it, toss it on top!

I used a single packet of my favorite Wild STRAWBERRY Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest along with a frozen banana and 2 medium strawberries to make both the Strawberry Smoothie Bowl and the Strawberry Protein Parfait.  The Captain and I enjoyed them as an afternoon snack.  You might certainly eat the whole mixture yourself if you are making it for your breakfast, or you could use only half the ingredients too if you prefer.

I am a big fan of Nuzest Wild STRAWBERRY Clean Lean Protein.  It is a vegan powder, made from Eurpean Golden Peas in a chemical free process.  It contains no GMOs, no gluten, no soy, no dairy, no nuts, no eggs, and contains only a few carbs and fat as well.  It also has no artificial colors or flavors.

You can find out more information on the Nuzest web site, and if you do decide to go ahead and order, make sure to use the code EATRUNSAIL to get a 15% discount at checkout.  Nuzest ships to both Canada and the U.S. and offers free shipping on orders over $50.

Strawberry fan?  How do you enjoy them?