Favorites for Friday

My favorite post during the week is my
Favorites for Friday!
I love sharing my favorite products with you all.
I always loved when others recommended products that worked for them or that they loved.
Let's get this party started...

 

 Blonde Roast from Starbucks!! Tosca Reno posted this the other day as her "competition prep" drink. Katie at Healthy Diva Eats posted about blonde roast a day or two after. I decided I had to try it this morning... I LOVE IT!! I kept it black leaving out the sugar/Stevia.

 I found these lace tanks at Target. I love them for the gym. I don't really like anything touching my shoulders and I like the girly touch of the lace. I will probably head back and get a few more colors. I think the mint one on the right is so pretty!

This month's Clean Eating Magazine is awesome! I am so excited to try the different Summer meals in the magazine. I will be sharing with you all soon! =) The magazine is on newsstands now... grab one... you won't be disappointed... promise!

My Hello Kitty bling I love to wear on casual Friday!! Nick bought this for me years ago.. I love it. Bling. Bling!

Coffee & Chocolate Protein. I mixed chocolate protein, instant coffee granules, and coconut milk together. I loved it! Such a quick post-workout fix!

What are some of your favorite things you discovered this week?
Please share with us!

High Five Friday- #2

Happy Friday ALL!!

I am excited to participate in A Dash of Meg's weekly series, High Five Friday!

This week I began my first giveaway! Entries will be taken until Sunday... click HERE to enter! I am giving away my favorite Good Earth Tea and my favorite Larabars. What's not to love? It is simple... just follow my Twitter/Facebook and comment or send me a message.

Thanks to my drink more water challenge I've been getting plenty of h2o!!

My second high five is thanks to you all =) I passed 100 followers on my Twitter account in less than one month. I am so excited! Thank you to all my followers! Don't forget you can also follow me on Instagram (@annar31).

Thank you all for following me on my journey!

For more High Five Friday posts and celebrations check out A Dash of Meg's blog post!

Plateau

What a crazy week. I have been on the go and working long days. I was excited the Thursday was going to be simple evening... still full of homework, but simple.
I am looking forward to the weekend off from work.
Anyways...
I had a question this week regarding moving past plateaus.
We face plateaus when working towards our goals and often times we move backwards because we get discouraged. Don't move backwards when you hit a plateau.
These are the 5 things I believe really help..
1. Track your diet. A lot of times the "just this once" snacks and candy creeps up on us. Make sure you are eating every 2-3 hours... Lean proteins, complex carbs throughout the day...  and healthy fats in moderation. I use my planner to track my intake and make adjustments when needed. I also use the My Fitness Pal App to track my diet.

2. Sugars and salts.. I think people tend to forget this one. We are so busy looking at the fats, carbs, and proteins in a product that we forget to look at the sugar and sodium. Best bet is to read the ingredients list too. Just because it is marketed to us as being healthy DOES NOT MEAN IT IS HEALTHY. I watch women eat salads all day thinking they are the trick to weight loss. Watch the sugars in salad dressings, diet soda, and even our healthy friend... yogurt!

3. Increase the intensity... Work out harder. I know...you already kill your workout, but try some new HIIT Workout programs or a new workout plan. I love High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) when I've hit a plateau.

4. Drink more water... Water is liquid gold! Drink more water... it's a must. Drop the diet soda, sugary juice, and alcohol.

5. Sleep... Make sure you are getting 7-8 hours of rest. I love to sleep and I see the most results when I get plenty of rest. I feel better, make better food choices, and workout harder when I have had proper rest.

Disclaimer: I am far from an expert, but these are the things that work for me. =)

I have hit those plateaus before...and they suck! Move past them... it happens, but keep going.
The worst thing you could do is over indulge out of frustration... 

Have you entered my giveaway?? Make sure you head on over and enter now. It is simple. I will be choosing a winner on Sunday!! =)

Thank you all for your support.
I am already working on my next giveaway! =)

~*Marvelous in My Monday #4*~

Hey there my Fabulous Friends!!
It is Marvelous in My Monday... My favorite party in the blogging neighborhood! =)

My first MARVELOUS to post is my Drink More Water Challenge with a GIVEAWAY!! I am super excited. Click here to see how to enter... it's super simple!

My second MARVELOUS is that my Twitter is currently at 99 followers. 1 more to go until I hit the 100 mark. I know, I know... it may sound completely nerdy, but I am excited to see that number flip to 100. I love new followers and I love sharing my journey and thoughts with others!!

Snuck one of these Uber Larabars in Nick's lunch today with a sweet note! He texted me from work letting me know he loved it! Woo---SCORE! I love getting Nick's approval on healthy alternatives!! =) The Bananas Foster is currently my favorite... HMMMM? Giveaway prize?? ;-)

I am absolutely loving the Good Earth White Vanilla tea. It is my favorite indeed right now!! I am positive I am going to include this with prizes for the giveaway!!

I found some great blogs today via the Marvelous in My Monday post by The Healthy Diva! I will post a couple links below to some I checked out!!

I'd like to give a big Marvelous in My Monday thank you to all my followers!! Your support means the world to me and I love having new followers daily! The positive attitudes and thoughts behind all of my followers is fantastic MARVELOUS =)

I look forward to all of you entering in the Drink More Water Challenge!!!

*check out these MARVELOUS posts*
Kiwi Fit Blog is starting a new Cross-Fit program this week! Woo!
Miss Fit Britt has a great MIMM post about self esteem!
Anna with Love Mint Chocolate Chip is just full of positive, glowing energy! It really is contagious!
Katie with Goober Nuts Life is celebrating her first Marvelous in My Monday!!

There are many more you can check out here!

See you soon!
Xo

Drink More Water *Giveaway*

Good morning all!!
Today is the day to announce my first giveaway featuring some of my favorite healthy finds!!
First...
I posted back in May on drinking a gallon of water a day... to see the post click here!

Anyhooooo... Because I believe so much in the health benefits of water...I've decided to incorporate it in to this week's giveaway!

~*A gallon is about 128 ounces*~

The challenge is not to drink a gallon a day, but to drink water... period!
To enter...
follow me on Twitter and Facebook (post a comment telling me you did)
and
post a comment below with why you love water!

Receive extra entries for posting every time you finish a glass, bottle, Tervis Cup ;-), etc. of water...
If you post on Twitter or Instagram (@annar31), use the hash tag

#h2oForMe

*Don't forget to tag me in your post!
Each post will receive an additional entry in the challenge!

The giveaway...
on Sunday July 1st we will choose a winner.
The winner will get some of my favorites...
a box of Good Earth Tea
and some of my favorite Larabar Uber Bars.
I recently stumbled upon these and I am hooked.

I am excited for this first giveaway and excited to share some of my favorites with you!!

Let's get this party started... tell me...

Why do you LOVE water?!?

~*Sunday*~

Sunday... so bittersweet. Tomorrow it is back to work, but Nick had the entire day off! I absolutely love when Nick and I have a day off together.
It really was a lazy day! Sunday's and Monday's are my days off from the gym and I finished all of my homework last night! Woo!

We decided to head on out to a new restaurant, Lazy Dog for dinner! It was week worth it. I splurged and enjoyed their SANGRIA SAMPLER! It was a little too sweet for me, but I enjoyed the splurge! ;-)

I enjoyed every moment of being out with MY Nick!

Did you catch my post on Friday... this week I will be doing a giveaway! I am going to post tomorrow how you can participate in the giveaway... so stay tuned!
Speaking of giveaways... Katie at the Healthy Diva has another fabulous giveaway and it is so easy to participate! Click here and enter, but hurry!
Also, I can't believe it is already the last week in the #teatime12 challenge! SHOW ME YOUR {tea}
Giveaways are ALWAYS great... so head on over and start entering today!
Also, stay tuned for my very first Fit from the Inside Out giveaway!!

I hope you're all having a great, relaxing weekend!
See you all tomorrow!

~I LOVE Grocery Shopping~

Saturday is my day to hit Sprouts Farmers Market. From what it sounds like... Sprouts is a smaller version of Whole Foods that all my fitness pals love!
I decided to share some of my purchases with you tonight.

The produce selection was great today. My favorite buy was the Kiwis 4 for $1!! Peaches, Romaine, Kale, Blueberries and more!

Of course my 0% Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt, Roasted Garlic Hummus, and Earth Balance Coconut Spread. I haven't ever used coconut butter, but the Healthy Diva uses it on top of her smoothies. I am going to try this tomorrow! =)

More tea... more tea! It is probably the last thing I need, but I love having options ;-) I love the sayings on Yogi Tea!!

Larabar, UBER bar... I am already hooked. In fact... I may have one of my fabulous followers win some of these amazing bars this week!! Interested???

 I found these TRUE BARS today too from Bakery on Main. I love the quote on the wrapper...
"I'm a coconut cashew bar with nothing to hide"

Some of my favorites... 100% chocolate with 0 grams of sugar and Chocolove Bars in Extra Strong Dark Chocolate 77% coco. There is even a love poem on the inside of the wrapper of each bar. Nick LOVES these. We have eliminated Reese's in our house ;-) Carob chips... I have never used these. I've see Little B use them so I thought I'd have some on hand. I will let you know when I use them.

I prepped all of my lettuce, spinach, and kale. I rinse them in cool water and lay them out to dry on doubled paper towels. This makes healthy eating so much easier during the week!!

Well, off to do some homework!

Where do you do your grocery shopping?

What are your favorite finds?

~Favorites on Friday~

My Favorites on Friday is here... on a Friday =)

Mom got a new tattoo this week... Isn't it gorgeous! She now has more tattoos than me!!

Favorite Quote...
This quote from Marilyn Monroe is absolutely perfect. Who wants to be boring!? Not me!

Yes, I am posting this picture again. I am in love with Larabars. I passed these up in our local Sprouts Farmers Market many, many times. I have been missing out!! I am officially hooked!!

Iced green tea from Starbucks had my heart this week! I love it unsweetened with easy ice!

How do you drink your favorite tea?

Photo to share...
This picture was taken on Father's Day with the love of my life! We headed down to brunch over looking the ocean with my side of the family! I have a new found love for Nick in fancy polos! =) Such a gorgeous fella!

What are some of your favorites from this week??



*DUH* Winning!!

Just stopping in to announce I received my AMAZING box of Lara Bars in the Mail today from the Show Me Your {Tea} challenge with Healthy Diva!
I am so excited!! Can you tell?

I have to admit winning a challenge or winning a healthy, fun prize is the best!! I was so excited to open the box! I will have to share with you and tell you which one is my favorite.

I am curious to know...

have you ever participated in a blog challenge or series and won?

what did you win?

The excitement and good vibes are contagious. Don't you think?
In an effort to spread my excitement and joy...

I will hold my very first giveaway next week! =)

Stay tuned as I will be announcing the prize and I will have to think of a fun way to get you all to enter!

I have added to my blog...if you haven't noticed. Check out the new tabs with an about me, recipes, favorite blogs, and contact info. I am simply excited to hear from you all!! Stay tuned for the additions to the fitness routine tab, too.
Please if you have a question, suggestion, or just plain want to send a SWEET note... contact me through email on the Contact Me tab.

Thank you all for being dedicated followers.
If you are a new follower... WELCOME!
I love you all!!



High Five Friday-#1

Good morning my BEAUTIFUL fit friends!
Meg with A Dash of Meg writes a weekly blog post to celebrate great accomplishments.
The series... High Five Friday!!

As I head out to work I want to take a moment to highlight Meg's amazing idea and posts.
Head on over today and check out High Five Friday. Meg has such a great idea and way of celebrating the great things we do each week.
I often think that we become to hard on ourselves (I AM THE WORST AT THIS) or we forget to celebrate how far we have come. We set goals and the accomplishments we do have often go unnoticed.

In this world of fitness and health it is easy to get discouraged or give up. Meg really has it right when she continues to post High Five Friday each week.
Please if you have a couple minutes, jump over to this week's High Five Friday! Reading through the posts this morning was inspiring and put a smile on my face. The accomplishments posted, big or small are truly remarkable.

What am I giving myself a high five for this week???

I had a great week of workouts and got up for the gym when I was supposed to. Even Nick thought it was great that I didn't wake him with my alarm by hitting snooze 10 times ;-).  

I ate clean all week and skipped the treats that came in to the office. I have found some great blogs and inspirational people to join forces with. I set some new goals for myself and even had a little Marvelous in My Monday!

If you had an accomplishment or moment that deserves a HIGH FIVE... PLEASE SHARE!!
A big THANK YOU to Meg for sharing her wonderful blog and the high five submissions for this week.
Believe in yourself...
Accomplishments...BIG or SMALL always deserve a high five!!!





Finding TIME *MAKE IT HAPPEN*

I decided to write a post on finding time... for a healthy life.
I am currently a full time student and work full-time. I manage to hit the gym, eat six times a day, and eat clean on top of all of the crazy stuff around me. People often say...

"WOW! You must be tired!"

Well, I am, but I feel good at the same time.
I have managed to wake up at 5AM in order to hit the gym before work. Some days are tying but I absolutely know I have to do it. I hit the gym from 5:30-6:45AM and head home to make my second meal of the day! I get ready for work, but I make sure I am prepared.
I usually have three different meals while I am at work. I keep the work fridge pretty stocked each week with clean foods (Greek yogurt, fruit, salad, chicken, etc.). If I know I don't have it at work for the day... I bring it along with me.
I have a listing of times on my work wall... I will actually take a picture of it for you guys!
The times are when I need to eat. If I feel hungry before it's time... simple... I eat. The common practice of starving yourself only makes things worse by the way ... if your body is hungry... please eat!
I keep almonds, walnuts, tea, low sodium tuna, Greek yogurt and fruit all at work. Then I don't "accidentally" not eat.
I keep our house full of clean healthy foods. Lots of veggies, fruits, 100% whole wheat bread and tortillas. I love coconut milk and almond milk...and LOTS OF TEA!
I manage it all by being prepared. There is nothing worse than realizing I didn't prepare a clean meal when I need one on hand. Write it down!! I keep a running list of things to do, groceries to buy, things I want, etc. I keep the list in my phone or in my planner and it really does work. I even use it to keep track of things for school.
My point is... whatever your journey and whatever your goal ... you have to find a way to make it work and stay organized.
Staying healthy and fit doesn't come over-night... you really do have to work for it and PLAN for it.

If you really want something bad enough...

you'll make it happen...

if you don't want something bad enough...

you'll find an excuse.

Pumpkin Protein Pancakes *yum*

Nick is at work tonight ((WOMP WOMP WOMP))
so I had to find something clean and easy to make for dinner.
I decided BREAKFAST FOR DINNER it was =)
I had my favorite protein pancake

PUMPKIN PROTEIN PANCAKES

1 C. Oat Flour
2 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder
2 Packets Stevia in the Raw
1 TBSP Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Ginger
1/4 tsp All Spice
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
Pinch of Salt
2 TBSP Plan 0% Fat Greek Yogurt
1/4 C. overflowing, Raw Pumpkin
{label will say RAW PUMPKIN...don't use pumpkin pie mix}
1/2 C. Unsweetened Coconut Milk
*****
Preheat pan on low while mixing together ingredients.
If mix is too thick add more coconut milk...about 1/4 C.
Turn stove to medium setting and pour batter in the pan.
Heat is about a level 5-6
Pancake will begin to bubble slightly. Check bottom of pancake and flip if golden brown color.
Cook flipped side about 1 minute.

Top with Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Frosting

1 TBSP Plain Greek Yogurt (Chobani 0% is my favorite)

1 TBSP Raw Pumpkin

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp All Spice

Stir until blended and top pancake.

I sprinkle cinnamon on top of mine too!! =)

*Makes about 3-4 pancakes

~*Wish*List*Wednesday*~

Hello my FABULOUS followers! I hope you are all doing well.
Happy Wednesday... half way through the work week!
I decided to post on some of my "wish list" items today and see if you guys had any feedback before I actually made the purchase =)

Nike Free Run

First on my list is this GORGEOUS pair of Nike Free Run is lime green. I have heard mixed opinions about Nike Frees. Some love them and some really don't care for them. I really like my Reebok Real Flex and these are a similar concept. I really love the color of these in person and I need a pair of green gym shoes in my life. Any thoughts??

Lululemon work out pants!

 Do any of you have any Lululemon gear? I really need some great quality, fade resistant workout clothes. I have the tops covered, but I want a few pairs of Lululemon crops and pants. What are your favorite Lululemon pants to wear?

I Work Out---Firedaughter Tee.

If you have read through my blog I have posted about my Firedaughter Clothing obsession!! This is the next tee on my wish list... I WORK OUT! Samya with Firedaughter  is awesome and I LOVE her tanks. They are super comfy in the gym and I love the fun sayings she has! I have a list of about 12-15 tanks and colors in my planner. I plan to purchase one at a time and cross them off! =) see... obsessed!

Heart rate monitor and calories burned counter.

I am looking for an affordable heart rate monitor and calories burned wrist watch. I have been doing my research, but haven't gotten too far. Do you use a heart rate monitor with a calories burned feature?

Femme Fitale Fitness gloves!!

I am torn between the leopard, solid pink, or black with pink. I need have needed gloves though...BAD! The Femme Fitale gloves were listed as one of Jaime Eason's favorite things in her gym bag. Check out the article here!

Final on my wish list is GIVEAWAYS!!

I have been working on trying to get some giveaways for my FABULOUS FOLLOWERS!! I am still working on it, but if anyone has any tips... send them my way! =)

I am curious, what other items can you not live without on your fitness journey? Is there a specific product you love and have to have. Please let me know... I love trying new things!!
I will update you all if I manage to actually get anything off of my wish list! =)

Thank you for listening and following! I appreciate your support!



MARVELOUS IN MY MONDAY

It was sort of an uneventful day, but I didn't get plenty of tea in today!
With work I was pretty busy being pulled in multiple directions & finishing the day with a meeting. I hope you all had a Marvelous Monday! 
Head over to Healthy Diva's and check out all of the Marvelous in My Monday posts :) ...you won't be disappointed! 
Off to bed! Tomorrow is shoulders & tris. I think I'll set a goal to get a few miles in this week running :)

Favorites for Friday *on Sunday*

My favorites for Friday was supposed to be on Friday,  but things just kept coming up. So here it is...
My Favorites For Friday... On Sunday!
Extra Root Beer Float gum. I love it! Its new and I hope it isn't limited edition! 

Justin's Nut Butter in chocolate  hazelnut. I'm just about addicted to this stuff. I found the individual packs at Target!

My new Hello Kitty shirt from Target. The entire back is pink lace & I love it. I really will wear this one to the gym!

Chobani Champions Vanilla Chocolate Chunk! Its so good. I had it on my waffles today with apricots & strawberries! 

Tomorrow is Marvelous in My Monday hosted by Healthy Diva Eats ! I hope you all participate. Head on over to her blog to link up your Marvelous Monday post!

See you tomorrow... Beauty Rest Time!

Drum Roll Please

I came home from a busy day at work today knowing I needed to sit down and work on some homework.

Well, I took a pit stop... on my favorite blog, Healthy Diva Eats.

If you've been following my blogs and Twitter you know I have been participating in Katie's Show Me Your {tea} challenge. Well, this week...DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

I WON!!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.

I started by reading her latest blog, Diva <3 Approved which I absolutely love. On to the next blog I went and there it was #teatime winner and new tea... this week's winner... ME! I won a box of LARABARs!

Ironically, this past weekend I almost picked up a few on my own while I was grocery shopping. I am so EXCITED I will get to try them now!!

I wish Nick would wake up so I can tell him already! ;-)

I must share with you all... I was dreading homework after a long day at work. I needed this today to remind me that positive smiles and excitement can be anywhere.

Of course I am taking a longer break from homework than I had planned ;-) BUT I had to share my enthusiasm and thoughts with you all.

On the days you don't feel like waking up for the gym, don't feel 100% or feel like giving up on your Eat Clean lifestyle.. remember there is always something positive just around the corner... even if it hasn't showed up yet!

I am so thankful I won this week's Healthy Diva Eats challenge!

Friday is tomorrow and I think I will take the opportunity to share some of my Favorites for Friday!

To all my followers thank you for your continuous support. I follow people that inspire me daily and I hope that I can be an inspiration to others... even just one person would make me fulfilled. I cannot wait until I can start offering great prizes and challenges for all of my followers! I will have to start working on this for you all ;-)

My note for today...

Never underestimate your ability to change a moment, the day...week... or life of a person! I must say the fitness and health industry has some positive and inspirational people! I look forward to continuing my journey with you all!!

See you tomorrow!!

=)

What I Ate Wednesday

What I Are Wednesday is back here on my blog!! =) I almost forgot again this week ;-)

What I Ate Wednesday is hosted by Jenn at Peas and Crayons! It is a great way for all of us Eat-Clean Freaks to share our favorite eats and inspire some new eats ;-)

Post Workout MEAN GREEN SMOOTHIE. 1/4 cucumber, 2 Kiwis, 1/2 banana, handful of kale and spinach, and 1 pear. I blended it all with ice and water!! I had my protein and aminos after my workout.

Blueberries, peaches and Greek yogurt. It looks like a mess, but it's so yummy!!

Don't you know CHAI love you!?! ;-) My tea party for one was a part of the Healthy Diva's Show Me Your Tea challenge. We are half way through the month... it is not too late to check it out!

My favorite meal has to be lunch! I love cooking my chicken in my Ziploc Steamer Bags and creating big salads to enjoy! Today's salad had four chicken tenders, salsa, jalapenos, and brown rice! My favorite dressing to top it off, red wine vinegar!

I didn't take a picture, but I enjoyed my favorite, Chocolate Hazelnut Butter. I love the individual packets that Justin's offers... I actually found them at Target!

I came home to these gorgeous Sunflowers from my love!! I really do believe he makes the world a better place with his big heart! :-)

For dinner, my favorite meal... Lean tacos. I used a 100% whole wheat tortilla so my taco turned in to a burrito! I love the cilantro, lime and onion combination! NO, that is not sour cream :-) it is plain Greek yogurt. I also added some to my fresh strawberries!

I love eating... especially eating clean. It is so fun to create new combinations, look for new teas, and especially fun to feel better.
I am wondering if anyone has any good, clean recipes for Dark Chocolate pancakes! anyone? anyone?
On a separate note, I have been wearing black Target workout pants to the gym, but the more I see Lululemon workout gear... the more I want a pair of their pants. However... the price tag is slowing me down.
If you have any other alternatives of cute, workout clothes... LET ME KNOW!
Tomorrow is THROWBACK THURSDAY!!
How do you celebrate THROWBACK THURSDAY?!?!
See you tomorrow!
Follow me on Twitter... @fit_insideout