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...