Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts Review + Giveaway!!

If you're like me, you might not know exactly what hemp is.

Well, it's basically a super food! It's considered super because every part of the plant can be used for something. For athletes and vegetarians/vegans, it's a super food because of the grand amount of plant-based protein packed into each serving.

Manitoba Harvest focuses on hemp foods. Since I know very little about them and I'm always on the lookout for ways to add more protein to my diet, I was eager to try a sample of Hemp Hearts as part of the Sweat Pink campaign.

Hemp Hearts are often compared to flax and chia, but I learned that they are actually quite different. Hemp Hearts have more protein than the other two (10g per 30g serving), but no fiber since the shell has been removed. All three seeds are high in Omegas, but flax and chia have more Omega-3 (sometimes viewed as more valuable) whereas hemp has more Omega-6. Right now, chia and hemp are more expensive than flax.

Recommended to be easy to use, I decided to put mine to the test.

I sprinkled some into my smoothie.

I tossed some in my salad.

I scattered some in my cheesy quinoa and tuna.

Hemp Hearts have a slightly nutty flavor (like sunflower seeds), but it's not overpowering. To be honest, I couldn't really taste it at all. That's ok with me. I'd rather enjoy the benefits of a super food than have to force myself to eat it!

Hemp Hearts can be added to cereal, soup, or eaten right out of the bag. There are a ton of yummy looking recipes on the Manitoba website. This one of the Hemp Seed Encrusted Salmon is on my recipe-to-try list. And you can print $1.00 off coupons.

You're also invited to this sweet, protein-packed, live Hangout on Air! 

I hope you are interested in trying Hemp Hearts for yourself because Manitoba Harvest is letting me GIVEAWAY a bag of Hemp Hearts to one lucky reader (US or Canada)!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do you use a super food like Hemp Hearts?

This review is part of a Sweat Pink campaign.  I received product from Manitoba Harvest, but all opinions are my own.

New Tweak on Greek: Yoplait Greek 100 Whips!

This post is sponsored by Yoplait Greek 100 Whips! I earn a small compensation when you click on a link. All opinions are my own.

I like to keep things simple.

Running is simple.

After a good sweaty run, I like a simple treat.

Yoplait Greek 100 Whips! makes it easy to pick healthy snack choices after a good workout. It's perfect for dipping your favorite fresh fruits into the mousse-like texture and you can't beat 100 calories and 0% fat!

I also like to toss a Yoplait Greek 100 Whips! in my lunch bag and enjoy a nice treat before retreating back into the classroom after a 30 minute lunch break.

This new yogurt is light and fluffy, but packed with all the protein you'd expect from your Greek yogurt. There's is enough protein to help muscle recovery after a workout or satisfy your appetite until your next meal.

When I'm feeling more ambitious, I like to make gluten-free protein pancakes after a workout. Here's a fun twist on my recipe for a Valentine's Day treat you might make for your favorite person or your kiddos.

recipe makes 1 serving

Yoplait Greek 100 Whips! come in a variety of flavors to satisfy your favorite cravings. Take a look at the different flavors here. What's your favorite?

Planning to pick some up for yourself? Use this coupon for $1.00 off your purchase!

You can also use Yoplait Greek 100 Whips! to whip up some amazing treats. Find amazing recipes here.


Are you a Greek yogurt eater?
What's your favorite post-workout protein treat?

Knee Rehab Week 8: No More Intervals!

HELLO! from another very snowy day in New Hampshire.

While I love snow days, I'm actually having a love-hate relationship with the weather.

Three weeks in a row of winter storms. That makes it easy to do at home workouts, but harder to get in an easy, safe run outside. Despite the bad weather, I had a great week of running without intervals!

Tuesday - 2 miles
The plan: run 20 minutes

I was doubtful about running outside since the roads and sidewalks were still a mess, but then my PT called to see if I could come in earlier. Problem solved and I ran at home on the treadmill.

Thursday - 2 miles
The plan: run 25 minutes

The day started with an additional 5+ inches of snow falling mostly during the morning commute. My afternoon was wide open since I went to PT during my free period, but somehow I forgot that I wanted to run 25 minutes instead of 20.

Sunday - 4.4 miles
The plan: run a 5K

Too snowy for the MRTT Frozen Booty 5K run, so I hopped on the treadmill instead. I felt so good that I decided to run my new age! This was my longest post-op run.

Weekly Workouts:

Monday: PT exercises + #tightercore + FAB day 2 + hip hugger set + walk on treadmill

Tuesday: #tightercore + FAB AB day 3 + PT + run

Wednesday: #tightercore + FAB AB day 4

Thursday: PT + run + #tightercore + FAB AB day 5

Friday: #tightercore + FAB AB day 6 + PT exercises

Saturday: #tightercore + FAB AB day 7 + PT exercises + walk on treadmill

Sunday: #tightercore + FAB AB day 8 + treadmill run


My goal when I joined the #NoExcuses #TakeTheLeap challenge was to use yoga to help with my stretching routine. I'm trying to find poses that will help loosen my tight TFL. I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Here's a look at some of my poses from the week.

I post all of my daily yoga pictures on Instagram and get great feedback from experienced yogis (Thank you!), so I know moving forward that I need to make adjustments to my form.


Tell me something great about your week!
What are you working on?

What #NoExcuses Looks Like

This is what #NoExcuses looks like to me.

It's tackling that hill. It's pushing through moments that are uncomfortable. It's embracing the challenges (like knee surgery) and using them as motivation. It's making it to the finish, the top. It's never quitting.

#NoExcuses means making good food choices, too. Being snowed in by winter storms can seriously mess with my routine causing me to overeat and just eat plain junk. I'm jumping on the WIAW bandwagon today and sharing some of my recent selections.

gluten-free salmon patties

parm-crusted haddock, green beans, and rice

sausage and spinach egg muffins with PB&J rice cakes

strawberries

tootsie-pop!

What does #NoExcuses look like to you?

This post is part of the Workout Wednesday link up hosted by 

Diatta, Sheila, Amanda and Heather

I've been tagged! #TaketheLeap Yoga Challenge

I was tagged by Sandra from Organic Runner Mom and Jen from Running With The Girls to #TaketheLeap. I wasn't going to join this challenge because I don't really know yoga. But then I thought, isn't that what the challenge is all about…taking a leap to achieve our fitness goals? So I'm going to use this challenge to help me add yoga stretching to my daily routine.

The challenge officially kicked off yesterday with a fun yoga Mad Lib (my answers are in bold).

When I think about yoga, the first thought that comes to mind is challenge. Yoga scares me and makes me feel stiff.

That’s why I am SO excited to participate in prAna’s Take The Leap 30 days of Yoga Challenge with Sweat Pink. I plan to pose my way to a more flexible and strong 2015!

For me, the biggest challenge when it comes to yoga is knowing what I'm doing. Taking the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink is a great way for me to find knowledge to become a healthy runner.

My favorite place to yoga is outside because it is so beautiful and open.

Here’s a photo of me in my very best triangle pose.

I tag Allie from Running on Peanut Butter  and Jen from Thirty-three and Counting 

I want these fabulous bloggers to share their very best yoga pose photos, this fun madlib and of course, I challenge them to join me on this fun 30 day yoga journey.

Come on y’all, Take the Leap with me!

Join prAna’s & Sweat Pink’s Take the Leap 30 Days of Yoga Challenge and be eligible to win $500 worth of prAna gear and / or be the lucky winner who gets to gift $500 worth of prAna gear to one lucky winner. They just launched their new spring collection so you best get on it!

If I win I would gift the $500 to Sandra & Jen because they tagged me to join the challenge.

Join the Take the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink Facebook group / event which we’ll use for updates, sharing,and inspiration: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1525412337742204/

 and event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/423377431152799

And join the challenge on Instagram, Twitter, and your blog using the hashtags:

#TakeTheLeap

#prana

#sweatpink

And of course, tag @prana @FitApproach 

YOGA ON!

Knee Rehab Week 7 - 1:4 Intervals

Another title for this post could be "playing games with the weather." We'd been having a rather mild winter until last Tuesday when Juno pushed into New England. The week became a game of getting runs in before or after the crazy weather! And it continues today with another big storm bearing down on us.

Monday: 1.90 miles
The plan - walk 1 minute, run 4 minutes, repeat 4x

Usually I run on Tuesday, but a winter storm warning meant a change of plans. This was my first time running back to back days since before my surgery (I also ran on Sunday) and it was my first 1:4 interval. I was nervous at the start, but quickly knew that my knee was going to be fine. I could definitely feel my lost fitness. Running 4 minutes as opposed to 3 minutes seems like such a small thing, but my body was telling me I still have work to do!

Thursday: 2 miles
The plan - walk 1 minute, run 4 minutes, repeat 4x

One thing I love about exam week is that I get an hour for lunch. It was a cold day, but the sun was shining which made this an awesome winter run. I turned my watch off at 20 minutes (per PT instructions), but when I saw 1.94 on the display, I had to run a little more through the parking lot to get 2 miles. Why not, right?

Sunday - 2.18 miles
The plan - walk 1 minute, run 4 minutes, repeat 4x

I put off the run until Sunday hoping the winds and temperature would be more reasonable, but ended up staying home for my first post-op treadmill run. I was nervous: would running on the treadmill bother my knee? How would I know the right speed for the intervals? In the end, my knee felt fine. I picked 3.5 for the walking, and went from 5 - 5.4 for the running.

Weekly Workouts:

Monday - run + #tightercore day 3

Tuesday - #tightercore day 4 + PT + swim

Wednesday - walk on TM + #tightercore day 5 + PT

Thursday - run + PT session + #tightercore day 6

Friday - #tightercore day 7 + walk on TM

Saturday - PT + #tighercore day 8 + Hip Hugger

Sunday - #tightercore day 9 + FAB AB February day 1 + run


It's not always easy to live with #NoExcuses. Week 3 of the challenge was a true test of not letting the excuses get the better of me. Pushing through the moments and staying focused feels even better when I get to #SundayZenday.

Super Bowl, favorite sweater, and snow day tomorrow = #SundayZenday #SweatPink @fitapproach #NoExcuses

A photo posted by AmyC (@runningescapades) on Feb 1, 2015 at 3:48pm PST

Did you watch the Super Bowl?
How do you get your zen on?

Fitness Assessments

Benchmarks.

As a teacher, this is a word that I say several times a day.

As a runner and fitness enthusiast, not so much.

I recently read a great post by Michelle at A Pace of Balance about assessing yourself and I realized that I actually do this.

#tightercore challenge - The first time I did this 10 minute workout from Pop Sugar, I could barely do a bird dog without falling over, let alone a bird dog with a twist. After completing the same workout for  5 days, I can feel and see improvement (I'm still wobbly, but no more falling out of form).

Interval running - Every time I log a run, I compare numbers. I don't think about the numbers when I run; I think about how I feel. Using the data from my GPS watch lets me see the baby steps I am making in my fitness progress. Even when I can't notice it when I'm running.

Speaking of running…I've been doing all of my runs outside. Some people look at me like I'm crazy, but I love running in the winter. As long as it is above 10 degrees, it is ok. And of course I dress appropriately.

Here's what I've been wearing. Lots of layering, but always my Nike Therma Fit on top and Athleta tights on the bottom. The Nike top feels like fleece on the inside and has the must-have thumb holes. I'm loving everything about the Mile Compression Tights: great fit, sleek design, and lots of reflective features.

When the temps dip into the 20s or below, I add my Lululemon neck warmer, Mizuno gloves, and if it is windy my Athleta hat.

Do you use fitness assessments?
What's your favorite winter gear?

Linking up with #FitnFashionable Nicole and also Fitness Friday Jill 

Living with #NoExcuses

If you live in the Northeast like me, then you are probably reading this in your snow boots. Goodbye Juno!

Living in New England sometimes means that snow days look like this:

Living with #NoExcuses means that little things like a snow storm, knee surgery, work or whatever excuse I might be tempted to use won't prevent me from getting in a workout. It means that being active and staying fit is a priority. I have at least 10 minutes every day to make fitness happen.

Join the challenge!

Since almost every major storm is accompanied by a power outage, mrC and I decided to be proactive and checked into a hotel before the snow accumulated locking us in our house. We were lucky enough to get into the same hotel that I used over Thanksgiving, which has a pretty good fitness center and pool.

I was determined to not spend the entire snow day just sitting around.

Here are my #NoExcuses snow day workouts:

#tightercore day 4

PT mashup

wall sit - reverse slider lunges (I even got mrC in on the fun)
- single leg dead lifts - single leg dips

10 laps in the pool and 15 minutes in the hot tub
(on a side note: the hot tub worked wonders on my tight hip)
Note to self: get hot tub asap!

a couple of dog walks

Hotels often have breakfast buffets, but you never know if it will be gluten-free friendly. Knowing that we would have access to a mini-fridge and microwave, we brought some food staples with us.

Here are my snow day paper plate eats:

PB&J apple cinnamon rice cakes

turkey and cheese roll ups

gluten-free pizza

I live #NoExcuses so I can be the best me for myself and my family.

Why do you live with #NoExcuses?

This post is part of the #WIAW link up hosted by Jen

This post is part of the Workout Wednesday link up hosted by 

Diatta, Sheila, Amanda and Heather

Knee Rehab Week 6 - 2:3 Intervals

The Return to Running program continued with three 20 minute walk/runs and more PT sessions. I'm really not minding the interval running since my actual run time continues to increase. Using the same 2:3 interval time for each run also made it fun to compare my distance.

My knee is feeling better and better, although that pesky tight TFL is still looking for attention. I found a video that shows a way to stretch it out, but I honestly feel the most when I just cross my right foot in front of my left.  I'd love comments from any of you who might have dealt with tight TFL and what worked for you.

Tuesday: 1.68 miles
The plan - walk 2 minutes, run 3 minutes, repeat 4x

It felt so good to change after school to actually run with Run Club instead of walk like I've been doing since November! There is a nice little neighborhood loop across the street from the high school that is the perfect place for my intervals and is mostly cleared of ice and snow.

Thursday: 1.70 miles
The plan - walk 2 minutes, run 3 minutes, repeat 4x

My TFL was feeling a little tight after Tuesday's run, so I have been trying to stretch really well after my runs. Ironically, my knee doesn't bother me at all.

Sunday: 1.45 miles
The plan - walk 2 minutes, run 3 minutes, repeat 4x

A small nor' easter arrived on Saturday, so I waited to do my final 2:3 interval run. We were meeting oldestC downtown and decided to do our run there. The sidewalks weren't as clear as we expected, so we had to really watch our footing. Even though we had to take things slower, I feel good about this being my last 2:3 interval run.

Weekly Workouts:

Monday: PT exercises and one mile walk

Tuesday: Run and PT session - new exercises include front lunges and weighted single leg dead lifts 

Wednesday: One mile walk

Thursday: Run and PT session

Friday: One mile walk and PT exercises

Saturday: One mile walk, taking on a #tightercore challenge (see video here), and PT exercises

Sunday: #tightercore day 2, run

My favorite parts of week 2 of the Sweat Pink #NoExcuses challenge were calling out a couple of badasses and being pushed to try things that might be a little scary right now…

Not gonna lie. These were scary at first, not having done them since before #kneesurgery. But I didn't quit. 30 seconds nice and easy. Done. #noexcuses #SweatPink #jointhechallenge #PYBCYE #wycwyc

A photo posted by AmyC (@runningescapades) on Jan 19, 2015 at 5:33am PST

Now it's  time to prepare for Winter Storm Juno. We're in the 18-24 inches area. (yay)

How was your week?
Are you in the path of the storm?