Youphoria Yoga Towel Review

I received the Youphoria Yoga Towel for free in exchange for my honest review.  Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to actually try it out before the deadline as the front room isn't ready yet from the IKEA shelving units being installed (this is week 6 of waiting for it to be complete).

When I shared the pictures on Instagram after opening the package, I asked a question that nobody answered...

In the mail on Thursday... #ad I received Youphoria Yoga's Microfiber Non Slip Yoga Mat Towel for free in exchange for my honest review. Although it's meant for #bikram #hotyoga I believe that it can be used for other workouts. I'm just not sure how to lightly dampen it before use. For those of you who use towels like this, how do you get it wet ahead of time? Austin picked out the color combination of black with grey stitching. #yoga #nonslip #microfiber Check out the towels on Amazon http://amzn.to/2BaNUQd

A post shared by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Dec 18, 2017 at 4:48pm PST

How do you lightly dampen a yoga mat towel before use?  Do you carry a spray bottle with you?  Do you wet part of it at the sink or fountain?  I'm trying to figure out how best to use this.

The Youphoria Yoga Towel is 24" wide and 72" long.  It hangs a couple of inches longer than my mat.  The carpet has turned purple where my mat lays (not sure if Benny's ever noticed this) so I won't want to dampen the edges of the towel so I don't also accidentally turn the carpet black.

Microfiber towels are great for absorbing spills so I can only imagine how much the Youphoria Yoga Towel can handle!  Benny's towels are washed with the regular laundry on warm so I'm going to have to remember to switch to cold when I wash the yoga towel.  The Youphoria Yoga Towel clings to the mat when it's rolled up so you don't have to store it separately.

What I'm really curious about is whether or not my feet will slip and slide while doing such exercises as planking and mountain climbers.  Both normally result in my shoes trying to come off.  Has your yoga towel helped with this?

Hop on over to Amazon to pick out your favorite color combination (13 choices).

  

The Healing Tree Natural Lip Balm Review

Every winter my skin gets super dry with my hands and lips suffering the worst.  Both my lips and hands sometimes end up cracking and bleeding.  With my hands it's no problem re-applying lotion every few hours (or when I wash them).  My lips are a different story.  Lip balm doesn't seem to do any good, having to apply so much more frequently.  So when the opportunity came along to try The Healing Tree Natural Lip Balm I jumped at the chance.  I received a tube for free in exchange for my honest review.

I noticed right away how smooth The Healing Tree Natural Lip Balm was to apply.  Other lip balms I've had to backtrack over the area to fully cover my lips but that wasn't the case with The Healing Tree!  One passs and you're good to go!  You can immediately see and feel the difference on my lips.

What do you look for in a lip balm?

The Healing Tree Natural Lip Balm is 100% natural, made with Carnauba Wax, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Virgin Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, Castor Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Olive Oil.  It's non-toxic as well as free of Parabens, Phenol, Mineral Oil, Petroleum Jelly, and Artificial Flavors/Colors. 

To Save Time Let's Just Assume CASSANDRA Is Always Right

I chuckled when I saw this coffee mug review opportunity and HAD to get it.  When I applied I wasn't sure if I was going to use my name or someone else's (as a joke) but ended up going with mine when I was approved.  I received this mug from 5amily for free in exchange for my honest review.

The mug arrived quickly so it had to have been in stock with CASSANDRA on it.  I probably would've had to wait a little longer to get one with CASSI instead.  I was concerned when I opened the box and there wasn't any bubble wrap or stuffing, just the cardboard frame.  Had this shipped by UPS/FedEx instead of USPS it probably would've been shattered!

If I didn't put my name on the mug my other choices were:

• My cousin as a part of her wedding present in December
• My coworker who thinks she's the boss (even when the boss is there)

Who in your life IS or THINKS they are always right and you'd be willing to gift such a mug to them?  Or would you get this for yourself?

Click below to purchase one of these mugs from 5amily

To Save Time Let's Just Assume [NAME] Is Always Right

Zoganic FruitZip Review

Powdered vitamins you can mix into your drink instead of taking another pill? Yes please!  I was happy to receive 3 flavors of Zoganic FruitZip for free in exchange for my honest review.  I shared the trio on Instagram when they arrived.

A post shared by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jul 25, 2017 at 11:16am PDT

The Zoganic FruitZip are all low in sugar, organic, non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and all-natural vitamin powerpacks you can bring with you anywhere.  Another bonus is they're made in the US.  Just one box is full of antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, probiotics, and energy.  There are 4 different flavor combinations for your everyday needs.

First up for me to try was Coconut + Energy, which I put in my water for one of my Wednesday walks.  This flavor provides natural electrolytes, B vitamins, as well as calcium and magnesium to build stamina.  While I didn't notice anything different it was nice to have a little flavor in my water while I sweated away.

Next I tried the Orange + Immunity mixed in with some hot tea.  When I'm not feeling well I drink a lot more hot tea to knock out the blah feelings.  It would've been nice to have this flavor while we were sick in Germany because it bolsters your natural immunities, boosts energy, and offers a high-end shot of vitamins and minerals.

Finally I had the Multi + Refreshment on a day where my allergies were driving me crazy at work.  This flavor is just a berry flavored multivitamin but it seemed to have done the trick.  My sneezes and runny nose seemed to have slowed after I drank the Zoganic FruitZip.

Of course the flavor I really wanted to try when I saw this opportunity was the one I didn't receive - Pineapple + Digest.  But they said I was lucky because most others only received 1 flavor so I'm taking it as a win!  This flavor helps relieve acid reflux, boosts energy, and heals and balances the digestive tract.

Which of the 4 flavors of Zoganic FruitZip sounds like something you could use in your life?  Try a box RISK FREE with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.  You can even save 50% off your order using the code HEALTH2017!

Follow DrinkZoganic on Instagram for more ways to incorporate Zoganic FruitZip into your daily drinks.

Good Morning Snore Solution Product Review

When 3 sleep studies show the only issue you have is snoring you're on the lookout for a solution.  So of course I jumped at the opportunity to try out the Good Morning Snore Solution.  I received one appliance and storage case for free in exchange for my honest review.

Putting on the Appliance

"Snoring is frequently caused when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleeping and block the airway flow through the mouth.  The Good Morning Snore Solution alleviates snoring by pulling the tongue forward in the mouth and maintaining an open airway."

This explanation of the cause of snoring makes an oral appliance sound more effective than a nasal one. The Good Morning Snore Solution definitely keeps your tongue forward.

The wide part of the appliance goes in between your teeth and lips.  I have no problem getting it into position.  I have to squeeze the bulb and suck the air out several times because I almost immediately start a saliva build up during this step.  It's like my glands know something weird's going on.  Once I feel the saliva has sufficiently decreased I insert the tip of my tongue into the bulb.  This part is not one bit comfortable.  My tongue feels like it's super wide and getting mashed by my teeth.

The Good Morning Snore Solution makes me think of a pacifier with the bulb in reverse.  When sucking out the air it feels like I'm practicing for a pacifier.  It's a weird feeling.

Removing the Appliance

Removing the Good Morning Snore Solution is even more awkward than putting it on.  You gently squeeze the bulb and remove your tongue.  Every time my tongue feels a little sore from being locked into position and my mouth is super dry.  They say these side effects improve and go away over time but how long do you have to wait?

So Does it Work?

I kept waiting for Benny to say something other than laughing at the way I looked wearing the appliance.  So I had no idea whether or not the Good Morning Snore Solution was working.  I finally had to break down and ask him point blank if he heard me snoring when he came in the room (or even outside the door because you know snoring can get pretty loud).  Benny said that he has NOT heard me snoring since I started wearing the appliance.

That's what I say about using the Good Morning Snore Solution.  If I'm really not snoring wearing the appliance then I can deal with the uncomfortable part of it.

Who should NOT use this?

If you have any of these conditions they say you shouldn't use the Good Morning Snore Solution:

• Severe Sleep Apnea (Severe only as it's a registered treatment for mild to moderate apnea.)
• Severe Respiratory Disorders
• Periodontal Disease
• Under 18 (not sure why on this one)
• Have orthodontic or other oral devices - consult with your dentist first
• Blocked nasal passages (because you'll have to be breathing through your nose)

So if you're not experiencing any of the above go ahead and give the Good Morning Snore Solution a try.  Get comfortable being uncomfortable as it actually appears to stop snoring!  Visit their website to see the purchase options...

Good Morning Snore Solution - Because Good Nights Equal Good Mornings.

A post shared by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on May 5, 2017 at 7:32pm PDT

TNT Pro Series Review

I received this package from TNT Pro Series for free in exchange for my honest review.  Included were the Waist Trimmer Belt, Upper Arm & Thigh Slimmer Kit, Exercise Loop Bands, and the Exercise Stretch Bands with Door Anchor.  I haven't tried out the Exercise Loop Bands yet.

Have had the @tntproseries on since after my shower this morning. #ad I've been hot today because of issues with the power at work tripping the breaker so we had no AC. Then the hot ride on the way down here. I can only imagine how sweaty it'll be when I remove the #tntproseries tonight!

A post shared by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Apr 26, 2017 at 5:07pm PDT

The Waist Trimmer was easy to put on myself.  I struggled a little with getting the Thigh Slimmers in just the right place.  The Upper Arm Slimmers Austin had to put on me...there was no way that I could hold one side of the strap with one hand or my chin and affix the opposite side with the other hand.

You can definitely feel the sweat building up under the trimmer and slimmers.  Wearing them all day potentially leads to you sweating more (depending upon your unique sweat gland makeup).  However, the excess sweat doesn't lead to permanent weight loss as it's just water weight that's lost; it returns when you hydrate.  So I can't say that the TNT Pro Series' Waist Trimmer or Upper Arm & Thigh Slimmer Kit will directly help you lose weight but they can help you to release more toxins from sweating.  Also I'm not sure how long you have to wear the trimmer and slimmer to have a chance to see any results.

Of course my body decides to be weird while I'm trying these out.  The second time I wore the Thigh Slimmer, the front of my thighs were red at the spots where the slimmer ends overlap.  The next morning one of those spots had blistered.  Had this happened on the inner thighs this would've made more sense to me (like chafing when your legs rub together).  I asked the rep if anyone had reported anything like this before.  Again, I'm the first with my body doing something weird.

via GIPHY

I have been using the red (heavy) Exercise Stretch Band with Door Anchor instead of a resistance band during my workouts for the exercise I do instead of a pullup.  I've come to realize that I prefer to use a stretch band because you don't have the connection pieces (that attach to the handles) flapping around and hitting your or whatever else is close enough.  When the Exercise Stretch Band flaps around it's not making a nuisance of itself when it hits something.  If you're drawing a blank on what to do with TNT Pro Series' Exercise Stretch Bands, there are pictures of some exercises on the bands themselves.

I plan to continue to wear the TNT Pro Series Waist Trimmer and Thigh Slimmers.  Hopefully my body won't be weird with them again.  I will incorporate the Exercise Loop Bands and the Exercise Stretch Bands with Door Anchor into my workouts.

Have you tried any slimmers or trimmers?

Do you prefer a flat or round band for your strength training?

Paka Baking Mix Review

I received these two boxes of Paka Baking Mix from Silver Fern Brand for free in exchange for my honest review.  I only expected to be sent the lemon bars mix so I was pleasantly surprised to see the blueberry muffins as well!

Silver Fern Brand currently has a baker's dozen of Paka Baking Mixes that are good for healthier breakfasts or desserts.  All the mixes are lower in sugar (therefore carbs) and calories as well as higher in protein and fiber content.  All but the pancakes are gluten free. Silver Fern Brand created their own proprietary sweetener called Kakato that includes an added boost of dietary fibers and probiotics. Other key ingredients are whey protein isolate, oat bran, whole algal flour, acacia gum, and flaxseed meal.  Pricing of these is about the same as what you see in the store for other gluten free baking mixes.

FREE Shipping on orders of $35 or more

Sunday I made both mixes so I could bring them with us to DC this weekend.  I want to have some healthy snacks for the road and evenings.

I started with the Lemon Bars.  I've eaten lemon bars before but never made them (as far as I can remember).  The crust was pretty easy to whip up and I didn't even have to mix it up as long as the instructions said.  I popped the crust into the oven and worked on the filling.  (To me the filling is something on the inside so I found it odd that's what it was called.  Searching recipes online I see some others calling this a topping instead.  Neither name seems fitting but I don't know what other name would work better.)

Once the bars were baking I started on the Blueberry Muffins.  My silicone muffin pan must be a little small because the box says that this mix makes 12 muffins.  I emptied the rest into one of the pans I normally use for banana bread so it wouldn't go to waste.  Austin laughed at me because I'd forgotten to keep the same bowl to use for both mixes, resulting in needing a second pair of hands (his) to scrape the glass bowl.

I don't know what it is about me and baking desserts (other than Austin's birthday cakes) but I seem to burn the bottoms every time.  Whether I've used a spray or a liner it still happens.  I embrace the suck (I can't remember where I heard this phrase but it seems fitting) with my baking skills and still enjoy what I prepare.  Austin wouldn't try any.  I think Benny was only eating them because they were there.  It must be an opposites attract type situation because he prefers the lemon bars and I prefer the blueberry muffins (and I'm not much of a blueberry fan).

It's been a while since I had lemon bars before so I don't have anything to compare but they didn't have an overpowering lemony taste.  Silver Fern Brand's Lemon Bars do have a cheesecake like flavor.  I cheated a bit and used lemon juice from a bottle instead of a fresh one so I'm not sure if that changed anything.  I mixed the lemon bar crust and filling by hand with a spatula and whisk.  The Blueberry Muffins didn't turn out light as shown on the box because I used the blender, therefore squishing some blueberries in the process.

What flavor(s) of the Paka Baking Mixes would you try first?

If your baking skills are worse than than mine or just want other dessert options, Silver Fern Brand also has chocolates and popcorn available that are boosted with fiber and probiotics.

Muscle Roller Stick by Live Infinitely Review

I am a strong proponent of myofascial release since I believe that foam rolling saved my right leg.  Anyone I see mentioning similar pain as I had I tell them to roll it.  I'd only used foam rollers before so I was curious how rolling differed using a stick instead so I jumped at the opportunity to try one out.  I received a purple Muscle Roller Stick by Live Infinitely for free in exchange for my honest review.

One day I brought the Muscle Roller Stick into work and had a few of my coworkers try it out.  They all had difficulties reaching the stick when attempting to roll their upper backs.  Despite being more flexible than they are I had to adjust my shoulder a bit in order to have a grip on both ends.  Perhaps a 24" stick would be better than 18" for the upper back.  As with a foam roller I felt no relief massaging my upper back.  I may be one of those people that only carefully placed hands can work out the kinks.

Thankfully my IT band and pirformis muscle haven't been acting up in a while so I haven't felt the need to roll my legs.

In Tai Cheng they have you roll in the warm up to help wake up your muscles before and enable you to increase your range of motion for getting into some of the positions.  This is done  to reduce your risk of injury during your workout.  Rolling after a workout can help reduce the delayed onset muscle soreness that you get sometimes when using a muscle in a way you haven't done in a while (or ever).  When you hit a sore spot I recommend rolling it longer and slower until the pain begins to dissipate.  I have cried when the pain hits but it feels like such a relief once you work through it!

Live Infinitely's guide shows rolling your neck, upper back, shoulders, mid/lower back, biceps, triceps, forearm, abdomen, obliques & lats, IT band, hamstrings, quads, adductors, calves, shins, and feet.  Some of these areas I can't imagine ever manipulating in this way.  I think I'll just stick with rolling my legs.  Unlike the foam roller the stick allows you to use some of your bodyweight and strength to go deeper into muscle to hit more fibers. 

What area do you find yourself rolling the most?

Visit Amazon to purchase your own Muscle Roller Stick by Live Infinitely

Weighing in with Some Muffins

I remember posting this picture when the muffin pan arrived at the beginning of February with a note wondering what I'd make for Valentine's Day.  I have scoured my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook posts but just can't find that post anywhere!  Has it been lost in cyberspace or have I lost my mind?  I received the Premium 12-Cup Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan for free in exchange for my honest review.  The set comes with the pan, liners, spatula, and brush.

Because Austin hung out at his friend's house Valentine's weekend I didn't bake anything.  The following weekend I made German Chocolate cupcakes (no icing because Benny didn't want it) using applesauce instead of vegetable oil.  The cake mix box didn't have any instructions as to how long to bake the cupcakes for using silicon, only glass or metal.  So I had to guess.  Two batches were made since the box says 24 cupcakes, with Dove dark chocolate hearts in the second batch.

Funny Looking German Chocolate Cupcakes

The cupcakes were super moist but I still don't know if I baked them enough.  They passed the toothpick test so I assumed they were done.  They remained super moist, enough so the bottoms molded through the bottom of the liner paper onto the cupcakes.  We had to throw the rest away last weekend.  That was different since Austin's birthday cake lasts for weeks.

What I liked about using a silicone pan is that the cupcakes didn't burn!  In the metal pans when I'd use a liner whatever I'd make would be over baked, slightly burning all along the paper.  So I had to switch to using the flour baking spray whenever I made anything.  I'd love to continue with silicone so I can use those cute liners again and to see if everything comes out moist once I figure out the bake time difference.

Should you want to experience the joys of baking with the Premium 12-Cup Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan you can pick one up on Amazon.

THURSDAY I did Kelly Coffey-Meyer's Split Sessions Lower Body Workout.  I started reading through the GEX practical skills booklet.

FRIDAY I completed the final P90X3 makeup session with Dynamix.  I read more of the practical skills.

SATURDAY I did Split Sessions Full Body Timesaver.

MONDAY I started a Killer week to March in like a lion with Jillian Michaels Killer Buns & Thighs Level 1.  I answered the test questions from the practical skills booklet.

YESTERDAY I did Killer Body Upper Body, sticking with the 8 lb dumbbells.  Benny asked to see the GEX materials but I don't think he looked at anything after I went to bed as they were still sitting where I left them on the table when I left this morning.

I weighed in last night up 7.2 lbs, back up to 156.6 lbs.  I don't think this is all muscle so I'm going to have to go back to tracking my food again to see what's going on.  Besides all the gassiness (which only seems to happen at home so I don't know what's up with that either) my pants are tighter at my hips and thighs.

TODAY I did Killer Body Core.  The core-focused workouts I've done before were 15 minutes max.  This was different working my core for 30 minutes.  Right now I'm not feeling it but my arms are aching a bit from yesterday.  What's your longest core-focused workout?

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Scaling Wednesday

I didn't go to Weight Watchers last night as I'm having car issues and Benny wanted to check it out.  So I have no official weigh in for February yet.  I guess I have one more week to get in line then LOL

THURSDAY I did P90X3 Pilates X.  I read chapter 5 - Human Anatomy.  Now, I don't know about you but this part is hard for me.  I've never had to memorize bones or muscles.  I wonder how much of the Group Exercise Certification exam will be on this topic...I hope it's not a lot.  I asked fellow Sweat Pink Ambassadors what they used to help memorize bones and muscles.  They recommended anatomy coloring books, flash cards, and two sites - Get Body Smart and Anatomy Arcade.  I've printed off some of the images to try to help remember.

I also read chapter 6 - Applied Kinesiology & Biomechanics.  This was a little reprieve from anatomy.

FRIDAY I did Decelerator in what felt like slow mo...not sure why.  I read chapter 7 - Exercise Physiology.  This is another hard one for me.  I took an online course on Coursera for this but it wasn't sticking then, and still isn't.

We dropped the car off at the mechanic for them to take a look at the oil pan since it was leaking on the garage floor (never notice a wet spot at work).

SATURDAY I did CVX.  The mechanic called and told us the damage.  We went over there in the afternoon so Benny could see what they were talking about before giving them the go ahead to make the repairs.  We ran around the rest of the afternoon and stopped at Burger King to bring home dinner.  I went with the chicken burger but didn't enjoy it at all.

MONDAY I did Decelerator again.  No studying this day because I had my follow up appointment with the ENT.  The nasal rinse and Flonase combo he had me on hasn't made a difference.  (I have a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates.)  The doctor checked and he doesn't see a hole (was my concern because the rinse goes through so quickly).  We're trying to schedule a CT scan but insurance is saying it isn't medically necessary.  UM HELLO my nose is stuffed almost 24-7 and I can hardly taste or smell anything anymore!

We picked up the car but now it's being weird.  While driving the temperature gradually increases to the hot zone, staying there for up to a minute, then drops down to the middle.  Not sure what's going on.

YESTERDAY I fought it out with MMX.  I reviewed chapters 1-7 (a lot of good that did LOL).

TODAY was leg day with Eccentric Lower.  I will be reading chapter 8 - Essential Nutrients for Health & Performance.  Hopefully this will be an easy lesson.

actual measurements from this morning

I received the EatSmart Precision Body Check Bathroom Scale for free in exchange for my honest review.  I've never had a scale that measured anything other than weight before so it's been interesting to see these numbers jump around at different times of the day.

You have to be barefoot for the scale to get the measurements other than the weight.  Somehow that metal strip can read your body to get those measurements.  (The instruction book gives the details on how it does this.)  The only drawback I've found with this scale is the numbers rotate too quickly for me to record the measurements.  They are displayed twice but I sometimes miss one as I'm writing so I have to step off and go through it again.  I think it's definitely worth the price as others I've seen are listed much higher.

To get your own EatSmart Precision Body Check Bathroom Scale hop on over to Amazon.

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

 

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

Blouse Review on This Weigh in Wednesday

I received a Custom Made Long Sleeve Belted Blouse from Suuchi for free in exchange for my honest review.  The hardest part of the ordering process was deciding which pattern to go with!  There are about 60 designs to choose from.  I ended up going with a solid blue so, besides being my favorite color, it'd go with anything I have.

When I got the blouse I felt so lost.  The belt is super long so I couldn't figure out how to make it work around my waist.  So from the beginning I had mixed feelings about this blouse.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Dec 24, 2015 at 11:35am PST



I asked the Suuchi reps about the belt and their response was

 the belt is extra long to allow you to double tie it. Just fold it in 2 and wrap it around your waist.

That was one of the ways I tied the belt but I still didn't like how it looked on me.  Perhaps it has something to do with the aversion I've had to bows since...I can't remember when.

Because I was going to be busy in the kitchen on Christmas day I wore the Suuchi blouse to stay cooler making Benny's roulade and wrapping presents.  I only got chilly a couple of times but for the most part my sweater stayed off.  This blouse helped keep me at a comfortable temperature.

I wore the blouse for the first time outside the house yesterday.  Since it's cold outside (and I freeze at work even wearing a sweater and having my space heater going) I wore a turtleneck underneath.  My coworkers teased me about the blouse.

The first one wrapped the belt around me like something out of Star Wars.  The second one tied it on my side.  The third one said that I looked like I was a nurse.  The fourth one said it looked like I was getting ready to practice some sort of martial arts.  All women with different reactions to this blouse....

The Long Sleeve Belted Blouse looks pretty badass but I guess it's not really for me.  I will keep it in my closet and probably wear again in the summer when I need something to keep me cooler.



Holidays Past

 

THURSDAY I did P90X3 X3 Yoga.

FRIDAY I kept getting lightheaded and had crazy legs during Triometrics.

SATURDAY I tried the final Green Blender smoothie.  It wasn't that bad.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jan 23, 2016 at 6:53am PST

I did Eccentric Upper afterwards.  This workout had way too many pushups! LOL

MONDAY I did MMX.  I started reading the Group Exercise (GX) Certification study material during lunch.  Read the first two chapters during lunch - The Role of the Fitness Professional and Relationship Building & Communication Skills.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

After roughly a year Benny FINALLY decided on a new vacuum so now he can start cleaning regularly again.  He finds it therapeutic to vacuum.

Yesterday I did Decelerator.  I read chapter 3 - Behavior Modification & Motivation.

Today I did Triometrics.  Chapter 4, Introduction to Wellness Coaching, is skipped for GX but since that's where I'm going next I'll go ahead and read this one.

Are you studying anything new lately?

Linking up with Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness.

MealEnders Review & Giveaway

Almost as soon as I was accepted as a Sweat Pink Ambassador I signed up and was accepted into my first campaign!  I received one of each flavor of MealEnders for free in exchange for my honest review.

About MealEnders:
MealEnders Signaling Lozenges are a first-of-its-kind weight management tool designed to curb overeating and teach portion control using a combination of behavioral psychology and sensory science. Free of stimulants or other harmful “diet” ingredients, MealEnders catalyze behavioral change by retraining the mind to stop eating with the eyes.

MealEnders consist of two components: a sweet, outer reward layer and a cooling/tingling inner core. The outer layer provides a measured dose of “dessert” associated with the end of a meal, while the inner core engages the trigeminal nerve (the nerve that senses “taste”) with long-lasting cooling/tingling sensations that cleanse the palate.

Sucking on a lozenge when you know you’ve consumed enough — but can’t stop — keeps your mouth and mind occupied during the 20-minute Overeating Zone, giving your body’s natural satiety process time to catch up. MealEnders are an easy, safe and sustainable way to curb your appetite. Each Signaling Lozenge contains only 2 grams of sugar and 15 calories…and they taste great!

My favorite flavor

I was so excited that I tried the Chocolate Mint flavor the first night.  Once the chocolate was sucked away it was like BOOM MINT!  I'd used it as dessert that night so I couldn't tell if I was still hungry afterwards.

I brought the Citrus flavor with me to work the next day.  The key lime pie flavoring was good but I couldn't identify the citrus flavor once that was gone.  I don't know why but that bothered me.  I shared some with my coworkers.  The lady in the office next to me tried it first (which was surprising because she's not really into stuff like this).  Both of us identified that the MealEnders kind of numbed our tongues where it sat in our mouths which we assumed was part of the signaling process.

My least favorite flavor

Don't shoot me - I do NOT like anything coffee or mocha flavored.  I try and try different things but just don't like the taste.  The Mocha flavor was also brought to work to share with my coworkers.  I truly suffered through this one after the chocolate was gone.  I kept chugging my water throughout and afterwards but the taste would not go away.  I had to eat something else once it was gone to return my mouth to normal.  Now my coffee drinking coworkers loved this flavor so I gave one the rest of the bag.

I was sort of disappointed with the taste of the Cinnamon flavor as I had expected it to be more like the cinnamon candies.  The flavor was very mild.

Overall I couldn't tell if the MealEnders actually helped me to stop eating.  They were more of a filler, like when you've finished eating but are still just a little hungry and don't want to have another serving of dinner.  This is how I plan to finish out the rest of the 3 flavors I kept.

Here's your opportunity to win a bag of each flavor to try as I did!  If you don't want to wait you can purchase your MealEnders with a 20% discount using the FitHolidays20 code at checkout.

Entry-Form

After getting the bird in the oven I did P90X3 The Warrior.

I ate a white Thanksgiving dinner with a little pop of color.

Turkey, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, and Cauliflower & Peppers

FRIDAY I did Isometrix.

SATURDAY I did Agility X.

MONDAY I stretched with Dynamix.

TUESDAY I did Accelerator.

Because of our current bills (including my surgery back in September) I don't have the budget to be able to pay for the Group Exercise and Wellness Coach Specialty Certifications.  I haven't had any luck with finding a part time Wellness Coach position without any certification.  So I'm not sure how I'm going to pay for this yet.  If you have any ideas please let me know!

TODAY I ran through CVX again.

MONDAY:  Of course we had to jump for joy for Monday! Whether it’s snowing outside or not (who wouldn’t jump for joy for snow angels?!), show us what kind of ups you got!  I rarely jump because of my weak ankles.  They may be better since I've lost weight but I don't want to risk an injury.

TUESDAY:  I didn't do the HIIT workout they shared; mine is enough!

WEDNESDAY: Show us how you balance sweaty workouts, sweet treats, and savory snacks over the holidays! For me it all starts off with Austin's birthday cake.  I try not to eat it every day.

THURSDAY: Did you know 75% of your annual weight gain happens over the holidays? Get moving & stay fit during the Holidays! Show us how you get moving in thirty minutes!  Since that's the average length for my workouts it's easy to show.

FRIDAY: It’s Family Fitness Fun Friday! Grab a family member and enjoy a favorite activity! It can be: going for a walk with your Mom, taking the kids Roller Skating, Cross-country skiing with your significant other. Anything Goes, just have fun being active with your loved ones!  I'll have to see if I can get Austin involved in something this weekend....

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