Tag Archives | product review

Eat to Hydrate

By on November 1, 2011 in product review, running

*Dont forget to enter for your chance to win a Polar HR Monitor!

I find it more and more difficult to get back into the swing of things after a great weekend. Monday brings an unanticipated lull that I struggle to shake and I can’t help but wish for just one more day to spend being lazy and cozy around the apartment, preferably cooking.

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(Adventures in vegan cooking: Angela’s butternut squash mac n’ cheeze)

That said, last week was stellar on the training front. I think it had a lot to do with proper fuel and hydration (more on this in a minute). I hit my first 20 + mile week of training and felt strong during all of my runs. I even managed to squeeze in 2 strength-training sessions. I’m really proud of myself for not blowing it. I am trying to train smart and if that means skipping a run because something feels off then so be it. Anything to make sure I get across that finish line in one piece.

Sunday afternoon, after the Marine Corps Marathon, I headed out to conquer 11 miles. It was arguably the LAST thing I wanted to be doing on a lazy Sunday afternoon but duty calls and I headed out with a flurry of negative thoughts in my head. Fortunately after just 5 miles I met up with my running buddy Amy who quickly turned my mood around.

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Since I was running sans technology (yes I let every.single.watch godead) I quickly downloaded MapMyRun and set off on the loop around the Tidal Basin and back to my apartment. In all, we ran roughly 12 miles at a 10 minute pace while chatting the whole way. This bodes very, very well for my half-marathon comeback (that’s what we’re calling it now).

Anywho, I came home and promptly stuffed my face with the following while icing my knees (it’s all about the multitasking).

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Salad, leftover Chipotle chips and a Costco-sized tub of hummus. Happy day. I also did not let that water cup leave my side as I was over-dressed and under-hydrated for the run. I had lots of catching up to do.

Speaking of hydrating (see that awkwardly smooth transition?) a few weeks ago I was contacted by the folks over at Crystal Light to review their newest product, Crystal Light Pure. It sounded right up my alley considering it’s naturally sweetened with sugar and Truvia, a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant.

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It also has no artificial flavors or preservatives. I normally stick to H20 and coffee (and the rare Diet Coke–no judging!!), so I was excited to have something new to drink. That said, the flavor was just a bit off to me, but I shared the love among friends and they absolutely love it!

The company is working with Registered Dietitian Molly Kimball to share some interesting facts about hydration which are all too appropriate in the thick of marathon training. My favorite tip…

Don’t Forget about Food

Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal energy levels, preventing muscle cramping and headaches, and more serious issues like heatstroke. But that doesn’t mean you have to force down gallons of water or bottles of sugary sports drinks. Any type of alcohol-free beverage can count toward your fluid intake – and even some foods! Some of the top electrolyte-rich, hydrating foods include all types of fresh fruit, soups like gazpacho and Greek yogurt.

Shocker. I like to stay hydrated through food. :)

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Exhibit A.

Question: What is your favorite way to stay hydrated?

**FTC Disclosure: Crystal Light Pure from Kraft Foods. All of the opinions expressed are my own.**

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Polar has my heart!

By on September 25, 2011 in half marathon training, new products, product review, running, workout, workout gear

One of the best things that has come from this little blogging hobby of mine is the fact that people know that I love talking about food and exercise. From time to time I receive emails and feedback from people sharing their stories with me and I absolutely love it. Each email justifies the time and effort I put into this blog and leaves me with a happy grin. :) So this morning when I woke up to this email from my sister I just had to share…

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She ran her first 10k this morning! I am kvelling with pride! Congratulations Rach! You’re officially a bada$$ runner now!

~

I like to think that I had a little bit to do with my sister’s foray into running. Sure, it’s more likely that I just incessantly talk about all things fitness and so she picked it up by default, but I like to think that she saw how “healthy living” changed my life for the better and decided to jump on the bandwagon.

And with that mediocre attempt at a smooth transition I have a really exciting announcement that I have been waiting to share with you guys for way.too.long. A while back I began chatting with Chris from Polar USA about how much I love the company’s Heart Rate Monitor. I have used the basic FT 7 model for well over a year and recommended it to anyone and everyone trying to get serious about their commitment to fitness. So anyways, we continue chatting and before I know it he has offered me the opportunity to help represent Polar as a Brand Ambassador! How cool is that?!

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(Excuse my “I just rolled out of bed gotta blog about this ASAP!” look!)

As an ambassador I have the opportunity to share my love of fitness while promoting a product I wholeheartedly support. It’s the perfect marriage and began at just the right time since I have a 10k next weekend and a half-marathon training plan to begin! Plus I get to reward you guys from time to time too! A win for us all! Keep your eyes peeled for another great giveaway!

Chris sent me Polar’s RS100 running watch to test out and I was giddy with excitement when the package arrived at my door!

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I strapped on my new gear without much thought to reading the manual and set off on a 4 mile run outside. Thanks for the motivation, Chris!

Okay so what did I think?! Well the good news is that the watch works like a gem (at least the parts that I figured out prior to leaving for my run). I really like that the watch alerts me with a beep when my heart rate gets too high.

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(Yurman and Polar...a mach made in heaven!)

As for the pace, mile splits and all the rest…well like I said I didn’t read the manual so uh yeah…I’ll have to get back to you on that one. :) But it was a great run overall and certainly lit a much needed fire under my butt. With a 10k next weekend the watch could not have arrived at a more optimal time.

On a serious note, I’m really proud and excited to help represent Polar. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Look forward to fun giveaway’s in the future!

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Free Food on Friday! (Popchips Giveaway!)

By on July 1, 2011 in Fitbloggin, giveaway, product review, snacks, travel

Today is a sad day for me (not for you, don’t fret).

“Why so glum?” You may be wondering…

Because after nearly 3 weeks, a trip across the country, and a reliable snacking stand-by whenever a craving struck I have finally run out of my supply of Popchips generously provided by the company.

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As you guys know, I don’t review or give away anything on this blog unless I really stand behind the product.

That said, I was eating Popchips long before I met a few of the companies representatives at Fitbloggin’ and I will continue to purchase them on my own hard-earned dimes because the chips are that delicious. I’m a bit partial to the Sour Cream and Onion flavor but I really never met a chip I didn’t love so I’ve had no problem working on my box o’ chips.

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The reason I choose to eat Popchips over traditional potato chips is because of their top-secret production method that involves heat and pressure rather than frying. The company prides itself on using wholesome, real ingredients that I can actually pronounce! And they taste good…that is key. For these reasons Popchips serves as a great alternative when a snack attack hits!

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Okay, so what does this have to do with you? Well the cool people from Popchips have generously offered to give away A MONTHS supply of chips to one lucky reader. You’re going to have Popchips coming out of your ears! (Insert jealous face here!)

There are several ways to enter. Leave a separate comment on this post for each entry.

1. “Like” Popchips on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall letting them know you’re coming from A Knack For Nutrition

2. Follow @Popchips on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway saying something like: “@knack4nutrition is giving away a month’s supply of @popchips. Enter here:

3. Follow me on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you have done so.

4. Tell me your favorite relatively healthy snack food! I’m always looking for new ideas!

Super easy, huh? I will pick a winner Tuesday, July 5th so get your entries in stat!

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Three Things Thursday: Fish Edition

By on June 2, 2011 in Fitbloggin, food politics, overeating, vegetarian

1. I am still feeling the Fitbloggin’ love. From all the people I have met to the generous sponsors of the event, the conference has been like the gift that keeps on giving. Yesterday I received a much-anticipated package from the people at New Balance that contained my new pair of shoes.

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My first pair is way too big so before I left the expo I casually mentioned this to a New Balance representative. She offered to send me a new pair like it was no big deal! I was so excited when the package arrived before work. I wore them throughout my 8 hour shift and my feet felt great. They are super comfortable and pretty lightweight, and they look cool to boot.

2. After work last night I came home to foam roll and watch “True Life: I am Addicted to Food.” (you can watch the episode online by clicking the link).

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The episode followed two young people who constantly think about eating and feel as though they have no control over what they consume on a daily basis. The episode left me a bit shaken, as there are definitely similarities in my struggles with food. It was hard to watch two people feel so helpless and out of control. But at the same time I feel as though MTV chose to portray two very extreme examples. I wish they had showcased a person that is just a bit more relatable.

3. Finally, on a very serious note I wanted to share a change I have made with you all. After much consideration I have decided to eliminate fish from my diet. Beyond the fact that eating fish labeled me a ‘pescatarian’ rather than a full fledged vegetarian for many years, I can no longer enjoy consuming this type of animal product.

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(source)

It is a deeply personal and political choice to eliminate seafood from my daily rotation of protein sources. It has always been an easy source of protein to grab in a pinch. But as I researched more about the practices of fish farming and “sustainable” fishing methods, I no longer felt was an appropriate option for me given that a major reason I do not eat meat is because of how animals are treated and raised for human consumption.

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So although I posted this picture of a tuna salad just yesterday, it was because I decided to finish what I had in the house (waste not, want not) before going cold turkey (funny pun? you decide). I imagine this decision will be challenging, as it was to give up traditional meat at first, but I will find alternative sources of protein to supplement my seafood consumption in due time.

And on that heavy note, I am headed to the pool. It has been a heck of week so far and I am waited with baited breathe by my phone to hear about some potential job leads. The pool is meant to provide a pleasant distraction so I can’t check my email every 2.2 seconds waiting for an important email. Please keep your fingers crossed for me! :)

Question: How would you label your eating habits? (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian…)

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I should know better…

By on May 27, 2011 in Fitbloggin, green monster, grocery shopping, Lady Gaga, product review, running

Thursdays are what I like to call “my day of rest.” Between personal training and my other job as a gym attendant I have some pretty long days. But not on Thursdays. They are all mine.

I woke up yesterday morning to the request of my Smutha Mutha to act as her personal trainer while she ran on the treadmill. After my favorite breakfast and a moment to confess my love of Oprah we headed to the gym for a little one on one time.

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(Breakfast: 2 slices Ezekiel bread, 1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter, banana, and cinnamon)

She will be coming with me during the Disney Marathon weekend extravaganza and has grand plans to run the half-marathon the day before I run the full. So I spent some quality time explaining the fundamentals of running. We covered everything from how to prevent heel striking, what to do with your arms, to why it is important to cross train. I think I have Smutha Mutha convinced about the benefits of cross-training. I worry that she will get injured if she keeps logging mile after mile on the treadmill. Variety is the spice of life, Smutha Mutha.

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(Thanks Wikipedia for the picture. I was too busy sweating to be bothered with photography.)

After taking off my personal trainer hat, I headed to the Arkansas River trail for a mid-length run. The weather was just too perfect to stay in the gym. I snacked on a Fitbloggin’ swag item while I drove to my starting point.

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I’ve read a couple other reviews of the 22 Days vegan protein bars, so I had high hopes that this would be scrumptious. I thought the flavor was decent enough and I liked that I could see real pumpkin seeds in the mix, but the bar was a bit greasy. I ate it anyway (go figure), and promptly set off for 7 miles.

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(source)

It was a decent run thanks to the new Lady Gaga CD. That woman may take creepy pictures but she sure does make some mean running music.

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Once I could hear in both ears again, I refueled with a green monster and boatloads of cereal. I should know better than to eat cereal straight from the box. It always leads to overeating…always.

To burn off the excess carb-age I consumed I headed to Target. Without a list.Do you know where this is going? I know Gretchen does.

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I blew through a $50 gift card and then some. But on the bright side I got some great stuff!

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I also bought a cute dress that I neglected to photograph.

I spent the rest of the night relaxing on the back porch enjoying the weather. These days will soon be a figment of my imagination.

Questions: Does anyone else find Target to be a money suck? I can’t be the only one!

What is your favorite running song of the moment?

Comments { 8 }

Love a Sister.

By on October 29, 2010 in oatmeal, product review

My reaction to what I received in the mail last week is the equivalent of a normal college student finding out there is free beer at the bar all night: excited, perhaps even a little giddy? And when they find out the deal is good all weekend, well then you know everyone is just ecstatic! Yes, those were my definitely my reactions, but we are not talking about cheap beer here…we are talking about a generous sampling of my favorite food in the world: Oatmeal! (I believe this would be the appropriate time to use the ‘you know you’re a food blogger when…’ reference but I am choosing to not go there…for now.)

So as I was saying, I received a lovely package from Julie at Three Sisters Cereal a little while ago and as soon as I opened the box a huge smile lit up on my face. I hit the oatmeal motherload.

Not one, not two, but three different sampling of oatmeal. This is too much already…but then it got better.

Mmm…Honey Oaties. These were sure to not last long. I’ve been sneaking handfuls (from who exactly has yet to be determined as I live alone) since they arrived.

After scouring the nutritional stats on all of the oatmeal packages, I realized they were all so similar that I didn’t know what to eat first!!

…So I did what any other self-respecting woman would do…I went straight for the dark chocolate. :)

Just as I suspected, subtly sweet and very filling.

The next morning I woke up extra early to make myself a proper breakfast with the Maple Brown Sugar Variety.

I beefed up the oats with apple nuked in the microwave and a serving of protein powder. I liked the bits of dried cranberry, but the maple flavor was not very strong. I wish it had come across a little more in each bite.

As for the cereal, well that has made its way into just about all of yogurt messes. Most of my dorm room snacks have begun to look eerily similar…

…truth be told, the grocery supply was running low and this just hit the spot.

Although Three Sisters Cereal is sold exclusively at Whole Foods and therefore is nowhere near my neck of the woods (who am I, Al Roker?) you can bet I will be buying these goodies once I find a store! It is going to be a sad day when I am out of this stuff! Thanks for the goods Three Sisters Cereal!

In the meantime, I am off to scrounge for some vegetables. I need some color in my life asap!

Until next time,

~Jenn

*Three Sisters Cereal provided me with samples of their product. All thoughts, opinions, and ridiculous amounts of enthusiasm are mine and mine alone.*

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