Healthy Happy and Free

We're going on a hike. It's going to be GRAND. We're going to need a lot of snacks! My mom and I are taking a SLOW hike down the Grand Canyon (more on that later) and staying at a ranch at the bottom. With our stay at the ranch, we purchased a steak dinner and breakfast for the next morning so we won't need to carry those meals but we will need loads of snacks! So what are we taking? trail mix - great mix of protein, fats, carbs beef jerky - good protein and sodium to retain water nut butter squeeze packets - satiating, calorie dense and yummy  dried fruit - easy to carry, quick digesting carbohydrates snack bacon from Pederson's farm - Bacon is delicious, also sodium  protein bars - most have a good macro profile with high protein and moderate fats and carbs electrolyte drink packets - for keeping electrolytes up I'm trying to make sure I have plenty of fuel but without weighing down my pack too much! What snacks would you take? Have you ever ...

If you haven't heard about CBD by now, I'm convinced you're living under a rock.  It's popping up everywhere and in everything! Is it legitimate? What is it? What's the big fuss about? Does the hemp oil I buy matter? First of all, the reported benefits of full spectrum hemp oil are quite impressive. CBD is Cannabinoid oil that can be derived from hemp plants. It is non-psychoactive (aka does NOT get you high) and is being utilized for many different benefits.  Studies have shown: pain relief anti-inflammatory  anxiety relief insomnia relief blood pressure gut health  and maybe more? I personally deal with many of these issues so I was very intrigued about this product! I have just started trying it out using approximately 20mg a day. I may need to play around with the amount to find an efficacious dosage for myself, however, I like to think it has been helping me sleep a little better.  With all the products and brands popping up, i...

This is by far one of my most successful recipes to date. How do I know? My dad liked them! This man does not necessarily have a discerning palette, however, he is sensitive to "healthier" recipes I try to sneak in. These bars are low sugar, high fiber and have a satisfying protein punch! Don't forget chocolate! They're a triple threat and easy to make! Ingredients: 1/2 cup oats 14g vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1 tbsp. coconut oil  liquid stevia if desired 2 tbsp. Vitafiber IMO syrup  mini chocolate chips  Directions: Combine the oats and vanilla protein powder in a medium mixing bowl.  In a separate bowl, melt the peanut butter and coconut oil.  Stir in the VitaFiber syrup and stevia (if using).  Pour the peanut butter mixture into the oat mixture and stir to combine. You may need to use your hands to fully combine.  Add chocolate chips or reserve for topping.  Press mixture into a parchment lined...

Another injury? Yes, yes, another injury. It seems as though I get a running related injury every year. However, I love running and  I just don't want to give it up. So we rehab, we heal and we become stronger than we were before. My latest injury is a minor stress fracture and, honestly, the injury is so small, that it makes me feel a little bad about not running. My crazy side rationalizes that I could run through it but the smart side knows that doing so would only exacerbate the problem. I originally ignored the twinge. Then, I couldn't ignore it so I tried using KT tape and I rode the bike a few times in place of a run. I honestly felt it was getting better! I tried running again on the treadmill and it went ok. Then two days later, I tried running on the treadmill again and this time it was NOT ok. After about 1.5 miles, something went wrong. I stopped the treadmill and my ankle felt worse than ever. I made an appointment for the orthopedic and the X-rays didn...

Dairy Free. Paleo. Ice Cream. Conflicting phrases? Not anymore!  You've probably heard of Banana Nice Cream, right? (Thank you pinterest circa 2012) The idea is frozen bananas blended with cocoa powder or peanut butter and voila - a guilt free treat. Fronen takes that idea to the next level. Instead of your average blended banana excuse for ice cream, Fronen uses just a few ingredients to create a unique and allergy friendly ice cream experience.  The story: Jessy was diagnosed with Celiac and dairy sensitivity at age 13. The limited dairy free options were either loaded with sugar or sugar alcohols that didn't sit well with her. Jessy and Erik developed Fronen as a solution! I'm a firm believer that NO ONE should go without ice cream so I love that they were able to create this unique product for people in similar situations.  That being said, I don't have celiac or a dairy intolerance so I have real ice cream standards. Could they stand up to my stan...

I love peanut butter. I love popcorn. I love protein. Why not combine all three in a delicious treat with ZERO added sugar? It's so simple and delicious! My mom said it tasted like a dessert! What's not to love? Ingredients: 1 bag popped 100 calorie popcorn bag 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1 tbsp. coconut oil  1/4 cup Vitafiber syrup 1/4 cup almond milk  1 scoop vanilla protein powder Directions: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.  In a medium sauce pan, heat the peanut butter, coconut oil, and Vitafiber syrup, stirring until smooth.  Add in the protein powder and almond milk and stir until smooth.  Remove mixture from heat and stir in the popcorn.  Spread the mixture in the lined loaf pan and set in fridge to firm. Store these in the fridge!  A sweet treat packed with fiber and protein! Enjoy!

Another round of Friday Finds coming at ya! Detour Lean Muscle Bites - So you like candy but you you're trying to be fit? No problem! Now you can have a delicious snack with some protein! Detour Lean Muscle bites are small snack bars in m&m and cookie dough flavors! I can't wait to try them! They are available exclusively at Vitamin Shoppe and Amazon. Check them out here:  https://www.amazon.com/Detour-Lean-Muscle-Bites/dp/B07LG8VB89 Photo from amazon.com Zensah Ankle Compression Sleeve - So I've been dealing with another injury (doctor's appointment this week) and I needed something to help me while I wait on my doctor's appointment. I ordered the Zensah compression brace and it is really helpful. It's small, tight, and comfortable. I've been a long time fan of Zensah compression socks and this sleeve is no exception. Check it out here: amazon.com/zensah Fre Recover Me Night Cream - I love my Fre Skincare and they have been coming out with s...