March 2016 Bulu Box Unboxing and Meals for 3/16/16

Hey little fellas!

Another dreary day here in Minnesota, folks. This morning there were big fat worms on the sidewalk that my toddler was obsessed about and therefore refused to get in the car before touching one. Which then lead to a heavy hand washing and being a bit late to dropping him off! It is the small things though- some day he won't be interested in all of these cool new things, so I enjoy it while I can.

This morning I rocked another workout- 21 Day Fix Total Body Cardio. It is a lot of shoulders along with cardio but I used my 8lb weights (heavy for this workout!) the whole time. I even filmed some of it to check my form and wasn't too embarrassed by it!

If you know me you know that I have an issue with monthly subscription boxes. I have done Ipsy, BirchBox, BarkBox and more. I love them. They're affordable monthly treats for me- and I was excited to try a new one that has a fitness/supplement focus. I take a few supplements a day including BCAAs, BeachBody Recharge (when I had a killer workout that day), Vitamin D, multi-vitamin, Fish Oil and Ginko (for my terrible memory). When I became a BeachBody coach I started learning more about supplements for weight lifting and that is when a friend told me about BCAAs (more on that later) and then the Bulu Box came on my radar!

My first Bulu Box!

So, yesterday I got my very first Bulu Box! I first heard of this monthly subscription box from a friend in another fitness group (Eat, Drink and Shrink Social Club- great name, right?). It's the first time I've gotten it and I'm excited to see what each month brings.  This month they sent seven samples- and I'll review them at the bottom of each post as I use them up! Check out my unboxing video, here, if you want to see the products live.

The samples this month include:
*Montana Mex Seasoning
*Caveman Bars
*GreenMed AllerRite
*NeuEnergy
*Vital4U Fiber Drink
*BANDA-SiL
*Earth's Care Dry and Cracked Skin Balm

Each month is $10/mo but if you use the code MYSUB5 at checkout (tucked at the top left) you get it for only $5/mo! That's a steal- even if you throw everything out it isn't a waste, I think. Definitely read the reviews below and as I use each product I'll review it here in the blog under the label Bulu Box. I hope you enjoy the reviews!

Meals for 3/16/16:
Breakfast: Vegan Chocolate Shakeology (more about Shakeology here) blended with spinach, cold press coffee (recipe here), and frozen raspberries. Green tea with lemon. (1 red, 1 purple, 2 green)

Lunch: Shredded chicken, fajita veggies, (recipe here), two corn tortillas topped with 1/2 a blue of shredded cheese and a dollop of greek yogurt. Added Montana Mex Seasoning from my Bulu Box, too!  (1.5 red, 1 green, 1 yellow, 1/2 blue)

Dinner: Scrambled egg, Applegate chicken sausage, Ezekiel Bread with avocado on top (1 red, 1 yellow, 1/2 blue, tsp)

Snacks: Tuna with apple slices- today I chopped up the apple and mixed it with the tuna (1 red, 1 purple)

Workout: 21 Day Fix Total Body Cardio Fix. Love this workout. This mixes a lot of shoulder work with cardio and will leave you sweaty and breathless. I used 8lb weights- which is heavy for me, and my shoulders were for sure feeling it.

Vital4U Fiber Drink Sample

Bulu Box Product Review: Here's the complete unboxing video if you want to see all of the goodies I got! Today I'm reviewing the Vital4U Fiber Drink. It came in a folded sample pack with two individual samples of the Citrus Berry Fusion flavor. Unlike other fiber supplements this one comes pre-mixed and ready to drink. No need to chew or add water. I sometimes use MiraLAX which I like because you can dissolve it in water with no chunks or taste- so even taking one step out (the mixing part) would be an improvement for me.

It wasn't too sweet tasting and was a small enough portion to drink easily. This would be perfect for traveling and on the go. Would I recommend it? Sure! If you need a bit more fiber in your diet and need it on the go, then it's easy to pack or put in your purse for traveling. The taste and constancy is pleasant. I just took it this morning so I can't say if it "works" but given the amount of fiber per packet and adding my 21 Day Fix diet to the mix it should keep things, ahem, moving.

Lunch w/ Montana Mex Seasoning

Next, I enjoyed some of the Montana Mex Seasoning on my lunch time fajitas. It was a perfect small sample for topping two fajitas. I like that it wasn't too salty and added a bit of a jalapeno kick. I'd definitely try more of their stuff. I am finding more and more that the key to healthy and enjoyable food is allllll in the seasoning! Bland sucks, spice it up folks!

Want to get Bulu Box for yourself? Check it out here- and when you sign up enter code MYSUB5 at Checkout (top left) to get your boxes for just $5/mo, for life!



Why Red Rover? I don't know to be honest... I think I've used Red Rover for a while now because I love trying new things, traveling, taking journeys of all types. Red for the hair, obviously- Rover because of the journey.  If you're interested in roving into your own fitness journey with my support reach out to me here. Or check out my BeachBody site. Oh, and for sure follow me on Instagram. 

Join my Challenge Group- take a step towards a healthier and happier you. 

Fill out my interest form here- 

and I'll see you in the group!

Hydration Tips and Meals for 3/15/16

Stealing my apple snack...

Another dreary day here in Minnesota- gosh, this weather is such a bummer. I got up before work and rocked Pilates Fix. I'm loving that I can hold planks so much longer and really push myself during workouts by upping weights and holding it longer. After my neck being in pain the last few days I've been taking it a bit easier- but Pilates Fix today felt goooood.

I've mentioned it before, but typically Ryan will feed Zeke and eat with him while I prepare a Fix approved meal. Tonight Ryan was gone so it was the Zeke man and me. I was making dinner (what I ate is below!) and pulled the kale out of the oven. When Zeke saw it he exclaimed "Broccoli!". He wouldn't calm down until I gave him some roasted kale (what he thought was broccoli) and he devoured a few handfuls. We ate the same dinner tonight- and he loved every bite! Just goes to show you- don't discount your kids and what they will/will not eat. While I fully expect him to not want to eat any of this tomorrow (toddler life), tonight was a good eating night.

Today's focus topic is hydration! Do you get your oh-zees (ozs!) in each day? Most of us don't. They say you should drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water each day and a bit more if you are working out and sweating a lot. Don't get too focused on plain old water though (unless you love it- then do!). Each morning I drink a 24oz shake, 16oz green tea and water throughout the day- all of those count towards my total intake! By the time I get to work I've consumed over 48oz of liquid. Some folks go as far as to get a gallon jug and use marks to show where they should be during certain times of a day. Whatever works for you!

*Use your Shakeology cup- keep one always with you! I use mine for water (my ninja is used to blend/store my morning shakes). I love the Shakeology cups because they hold 25+ozs of water, the top is easy to put on and off and when the top is on it's spill proof. I've purchased 4 programs so far that each have come with a cup- so I keep one cup in my car (refill as needed), one at work, one by my bedside and one at home with me. You rarely ever see me without a shaker cup for water! PS: You can use your Shakeology cup for layered salads on the go, too- fun, huh?

*Your coffee, tea, morning Shakeology and more count, too! There was a debate about coffee and tea but over and over it has been proven to be beneficial to your water intake, so drink up. 

*Beware of diuretics! Alcohol is the biggest offender- and we all know it. Enjoy in moderation, but don't count it toward your daily ounces.

*Keep an eye on calorie rich bevvies. That Starbucks venti latte with whole milk, caramel and whip may count toward your daily ounces, but you'll be seeing it on the scale later. Keep your beverages light (no added creamer, sugar) and your waistline will thank you. 

*Get fancy with bubbly. You certainly can drink that bubbly water (i.e. La Croix) just make sure it's not soda. We all know soda is no bueno but that doesn't mean you have to stay away from bubbles all together. I love flavored (no sugar added) bubbly water as a treat occasionally.

Lunch

*Infuse water! They make individual water bottles, pitchers and more now that you can shove fruit, herbs and veggies in to for flavor. Another idea is to freeze ice cubes with fruit in them. Add lemon to be simple or get crazy and use watermelon, rosemary and lime! There are endless infused water possibilities for you when plain water just won't cut it.

*Your fruits and veggies have lots of water, too. If you're following the 21 Day Fix program you know that you're getting your daily fruits and veggies. Many of them are water-dense so you get the additional benefits of that water intake! However, it's hard to calculate how many ounces you're getting so I'd just stick to tracking liquid.

*Still need more ideas? BeachBody just posted a great article with 25 Ways to Drink More Water! Cooking Light also has some great ideas for tracking consumption with rubber bands.

Nitty gritty- your pee should be fairly clear, folks. If it's not you are most likely dehydrated which isn't good for many reasons. Dehydration can cause dry mouth and skin, headaches, confusion (to name just a few). Being hydrated is better for your skin, hair, nails, joints, digestive system and SO much more. Feeling sore? Flush out those toxins and help repair muscles by being hydrated!

So, drink up friends!

Meals for 3/15/16:

Dinner

Breakfast: Vegan Chocolate Shakeology (more about Shakeology here) blended with spinach, cold press coffee (recipe here), almond extract and frozen raspberries. Green tea with lemon. (1 red, 1 purple, 2 green)

Lunch: Shredded chicken, fajita veggies, (recipe here), two corn tortillas topped with 1/2 a blue of shredded cheese and a dollop of greek yogurt (1.5 red, 1 green, 1 yellow, 1/2 blue)

Dinner: Turkey Meatballs, roasted garlic kale, spaghetti sauce, sweet potato fries (1 red, 1 green, 1/4 purple, 1 yellow)

Snacks: Tuna with apple slices (1 red, 1 purple)

Workout: 21 Day Fix Pilates Fix. This is the workout I've seen the most improvement in since the beginning. I can actually do a 60 second plank, my shoulders get higher off the ground when doing ab work and I can do the leg exercises longer. What a great reward for kicking my own ass for so long.

Recipes:
Nothing related to the above food- but I found this great link to cauliflower recipes. Just bought a huge head of it- I'll have to give it a try!

Here's also a great recipe for cauliflower rice/couscous- have any of you tried this? It'd save a yellow and add a green!

Why Red Rover? I don't know to be honest... I think I've used Red Rover for a while now because I love trying new things, traveling, taking journeys of all types. Red for the hair, obviously- Rover because of the journey.  If you're interested in roving into your own fitness journey with my support reach out to me here. Or check out my BeachBody site. Oh, and for sure follow me on Instagram. 

Join my Challenge Group- take a step towards a healthier and happier you. 

Fill out my interest form here- 

and I'll see you in the group!

Ready to get Summer Strong? and Meals for 3/14/16...

Daylight Savings started yesterday- and to be honest I don't see what all the hubbub is about. Perhaps I'm the lucky mom of a toddler who really doesn't seem to be impacted by it, he still went to be last night at 8:30 and woke up around 7:45a. I'm dragging a bit this morning- but that's every morning plus it's the dreaded Monday, and it's dreary outside.

Are you ready to get Summer Strong with me?

But do you hear that? That sound? Yea. It's summer- and it's coming quickly! Are you where you want to be with your fitness goals? Do you have a BeachBody workout DVD collecting dust? Are those colorful containers now stacking toys for your toddler?

Well- here's your wake up call and invitation! Join me (starting April 4th) for #SummerStrong with BeachBody and the 21 Day Fix. How do you join? Purchase (if you haven't already) the 21 Day Fix program and containers (purchase here under Shop). You have time to order it NOW and have it shipped in time to start April 4th. Join my Challenge Group (here) and join the BeachBody mega Challenge Group (here).

Why? Because now is the time- if not now, when... right? Need more? You'll get a free t-shirt for completing and entering your results in to the Summer Strong round, a chance to win prize money AND another free t-shirt from BeachBody for completing the 21 Day Fix. Need even more? I'll be here through this blog, our Challenge Group and via email or private FB message to coach you, help you, answer any and all questions.

Dinner!

Don't let another summer come and go while sweating your ass off wearing jeans because you don't feel comfortable in shorts. Don't pass up another summer enjoying splashing in the pool with your kid because you don't like your body in a swimsuit. How do I know about these things? Because this has been me the last, oh, I can't even keep count how many summers. Life is TOO short to avoid the simple pleasures because you don't feel comfortable with the skin you're in. Let me help you, challenge you, support you.

For me, the decision to start was fueled out of anger. I was angry, and sad. If you're angry, sad or just plain ready- join my group (sign up here).  Wondering what you need to get started? I talk a little about that, here. But honestly- the first step is reaching out to me!

Meals for 3/14/16:
Breakfast: Vegan Chocolate Shakeology (more about Shakeology here) blended with spinach, cold press coffee (recipe here) and frozen raspberries. Green tea. (1 red, 1 purple, 2 green)

Lunch: Shredded chicken, fajita veggies, (recipe here) 1 whole wheat tortilla topped with 1/2 a blue of shredded cheese and a dollop of greek yogurt (1.5 red, 1 green, 1 yellow, 1/2 blue)

Lunch- chicken fajita

Dinner: Sweet potatoes, turkey meatballs, tomato sauce, parm, sauteed kale (recipe below) (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green, 1/2 blue, tsp)

Snacks: Apple slices with PB (1 red, tsp)

Container Counts- 3.5 red, 2 purple, 2 yellow, 4 green

Workout: 21 Day Fix Lower Fix- used 15lb weights in each hand the entire time. Definitely felt it, but I then look back to November 4th, 2015 when I was carrying around that extra 30lbs with me every day. Sure helps to motivate me to use them for just 30 minutes- and to NEVER put that weight back on!

Recipes:
Sauteed kale- slice up about 3 cups of kale (stems out), heat pan to medium, add 2 tsp of oil. Add 2tsp chopped garlic- when it starts to brown add the kale. Sautee- stirring so it doesn't burn. I like it a liiiittle crispy, so sautee it about 12 minutes or until wilted.

Roasted sweet potato- slice up one sweet potato (I leave the skin on), toss in 2 tsp of oil, sprinkle with salt. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, flip over and bake another 20-30. Measure in yellow container and enjoy!

Why Red Rover? I don't know to be honest... I think I've used Red Rover for a while now because I love trying new things, traveling, taking journeys of all types. Red for the hair, obviously- Rover because of the journey.  If you're interested in roving into your own fitness journey with my support reach out to me here. Or check out my BeachBody site. Oh, and for sure follow me on Instagram. 

Join my Challenge Group- take a step towards a healthier and happier you. 

Fill out my interest form here- 

and I'll see you in the group!