Healthy Happy and Free

Let's not beat around the bush - a lot of people experience anxiety at different levels. I think it's especially prevalent nowadays and it's not fun! However, from my personal experience there are a few things that can help. Anxiety can come from everyday stresses, financial stress, health issues, family issues, work issues, mental disorders, etc, etc. However, did you know anxiety can actually work for you? If you don't allow yourself to be consumed with negativity, you can harness these feelings and be motivated to accomplish things!  Anxiety, when not working for you, can have several physical effects including headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, heart palpitations, sweating, and so on. What can we do? Question it! Is this really something to be anxious about? Why is it making me anxious? Will my being anxious do anything to remedy the situation? Try to reason with yourself.  One day at at time. This has proved very helpful for me. Even just lo

So you want to get buff? Eat cookies!  That's right, I said eat cookies to get buff. Buff Bake is another company that produces high protein spreads and they also have cookies in their line up of protein packed goodies. The first, and only one I've tried so far is Frosted Oatmeal but they also have Snickerdoodle, White Chocolate Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Birthday Cake! They clearly have some unique and tasty sounding options and I definitely want to try more. I will update this post as I try more.  Frosted Oatmeal Raisin Macros: 300 cal 9f/44c/16p for the entire cookie, none of that half cookie crazy talk They are also certified Non-GMO and it appears to be gluten free from what I see in the ingredients but the oats may not be certified gluten free because they didn't advertise this one as being gluten free - I don't know! I've often seen these cookies compared to Lenny & Larry's, the famous, vegan protein coo

I've participated in the Slap Nutrition "challenges" in the past and I'm doing so again (also simultaneously doing a challenge from Liz McElaney (@corebyliz on Instagram, website:  corebyliz.com ). So I thought I'd do a little update as to where I am right now! The Slap Nutrition challenge is called #slap90days3 as it is a 90 day challenge which I like because change takes time! Many challenges are much shorter in length but this length helps me to stay focused on my goals for a long period, making them established behaviors and habits,etc. My goals: 1. Adjust Macros I have been researching a bit through different resources and found that more protein is not always a good thing. I was eating well over 1g per pound of body weight which is simply unnecessary and also meant relying on supplements quite a bit. I am always wary to change macros because I'm nervous how my body will respond. I increased my fats , lowered my protein, and kept carbohydrates abo

A while ago, I did a post on products, foods and recipes I loved at the moment and I thought it would be fun to do more of those posts. There's so many new products, and foods constantly coming out! Also, a lot of people are doing gift buying now so this could give you some good ideas for friends! Wireless Headphones : I did a little shopping for myself on Black Friday and one of my purchases were SkullCandy Ink'd 2.0 wireless headphones. I am loving wearing them while I work out or even clean. I can walk around the kitchen without having to have a pocket for my phone. The charge lasts 8 hours and they stay in pretty well! I scored them for just $25 at Target on Black Friday. Photo from  SkullCandy.com Leggings!  Can you ever have too many leggings? I say no! I purchased these Victoria's Secret High Waisted sport leggings and I am in love! I also got two sports bras from there and I love them too! They're comfortable, functional, supportive and cute!

I'm always on the hunt for a good pre-run snack but I like something light yet carbohydrate based. I often turn to dried fruit but then I discovered freeze dried fruit! Crispy Green brand makes amazing freeze dried fruit! It's so convenient to just grab a bag. Why is freeze dried so great? Well, it tastes so good! It's almost as if it comes alive again in your mouth and it has a great crunch to it! Dried fruit can sometimes be chewy, which is not bad per se, but I love a good crunch. Also, by freeze drying, they preserve the nutrients and make a great tasting snack without adding any other ingredients. It's simply incredible! They have seven varieties: apple, asian pear, banana, mango, tangerine, pineapple, and cantaloupe. Though they were all delicious my favorites were probably pineapple, banana, apple, and tangerine! I was so amazed at the pineapple that I had to give my friend some to try! It tastes like fresh pineapple! The banana is so good and sweet that I ch

Balance by definition is "a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions."* Balance is clearly identifiable in tangible objects. However, when it comes to life, balance is not so clearly seen. The elusive concept of balance is highly regarded and sought after. Balance can contribute to general contentment, decrease in stress and overall, a happier life. I believe that balance is not necessarily and equalizing of all the elements in life, but rather, a prioritizing of elements in life. I also believe that balance is different for different individuals. The dictionary definition of balance cited at the outset, said elements are "equal or  in the correct proportions." Clearly, it would be absurd to spend the same amount of time and energy on each facet of life. Hypothetically, a person may sleep eight hours a day. Sixteen hours remain in the day to be divided between working in secular work, exercising, enjoying recreation, relaxing,