Eat for your Health!

Welcome Twitter chat friends and old blog friends alike.

In case you missed the Twitter Chat, here are my questions and answers:

Q1:  What is your go-to snack when you need an energy boost?

A1:  I love fresh fruits and veggies. Celery, grapes, apple slices & carrots. Energy Bits are great to keep in my bag, too!

Q2:  When you have a busy day what foods do you eat for sustained energy?

A1:  Beans are my go to! In a salad or wrap, they give help me to stay full & feeling great. A banana w sunflower butter is another go to of mine.

Q3:  Lunch box check: what do you pack in yours?

A3:  I always have a fresh fruit or veggie, BabyBel cheese are my fave, too. Nuts, multi-grain chips & maybe yogurt.

Q4:  If you feel an illness coming on, are there any foods you eat to try and keep it at bay?

A4:  Citrus fruits, chlorella algae from @RecoveryBits, ACV with honey & warm water all help me to feel better fast. 

Q5:  When you feel dehydrated, from weather or working out, what helps you feel refreshed?

A5:  A smoothie with kale, spinach, berries & water always does the trick.

I chose the topic "Eat for your health" because I really do feel like food can be a powerful "medicine".  I spend a great deal of time working out and teaching Pilates and I know all too well that a meal, good or bad, can make or break the entire day. Training myself to make the healthier choices has been a game changer for my energy levels.

Recovery Bits and Energy Bits have been so helpful in keeping me energized and healthy. I would love for you to get to try some! To enter, simply comment below with an answer to at least one of the questions above. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Please include your email address in the comment so that I can let you know when you win! 

Winner will be randomly selected on Thursday, October 9, 10:00 pm CST.

Thanks again for stopping by.

If you are interested, here are a few of my most pinned posts!

Help for Plantar Fasciitis

Anti-Inflammation Smoothie

Stretch at your desk!

If you have followed this blog for any time at all, then you know how much I love Energy Bits and Recovery Bits. Yes, they help me to have sustained energy throughout my day, give me power for my workouts, and are great to tide me over til my next meal. But they are also great for the entire family.

Energy Bits Party!

I have been meaning to write a post on Energy Bits for a few weeks now and, thanks to Energy Bits sponsoring a giveaway, it kicked me into gear.
Since last summer I have consistently been eating Energy Bits and Recovery Bits almost daily and I have seen some amazing results.
I have already shared about the natural energetic feeling I get from these lovely little algae bits and today I would like to give 3 more reasons I love them!

1. A bit (or 20) a day keeps the doctor away
I wanted to wait until spring officially arrived on the calendar to make this proclamation and now I can. I went this entire winter without being sick! Seriously. There was 1 day in January that I had a sore throat and was a bit achy, but I didn't run a fever and after spending a day on the couch and upping my intake of Recovery Bits I was back in business. So, no flu, no stomach yuckiness, no strep throat or even an ear infection. And I credit that to the fact that bits boosted my immune system and gave me the proper nutrition for my body to stay healthy.

2. A great source of food when you are unable to eat
Unable to eat? That sounds odd, but think about it. There are some days I am just not hungry but know that I need to have some sort of food to function. Maybe my appetite is down or I don't want to be full. I am weird in that I don't like to be full when I travel, when I have a big day of teaching, or anything where I am active. In times like this I typically have 10-15 of Energy and Recovery Bits. This allows me to have the protein and nutrients I need to get through without sitting down to a full meal. I never leave home without my tin of bits!

Bits in the sky!

3. Really all-natural. Like, really.
There are many products that claim to be organic, natural and healthy and then I look at the ingredients only to find sugar, fake sugar, chemicals and...junk. I get so disappointed when I see this not only because I hate false claims but because I just want all the people that are being duped by these "healthy" products to instead try Energy and Recovery Bits.
They are:

• 100% organic
• 100% algae  That's right. Look at the package. O N E Ingredient. Dehydrated algae. Just like a raisin is a dried grape, a bit is dried algae. Nothing else.
• Gluten Free
• Vegan

Energy Bits are spirulina algae and they give me a natural boost of energy that feels like I just woke up from the best sleep. More even feeling that a shot of espresso and more filling, too. It's like sitting down to eat a salad in a tab form!
For even more details on Energy Bits click here.

Recovery Bits are chlorella algae and they digest a bit slower which means you don't get the quick burst of energy but you do get a steady feeling of wellness. I love to have Recovery Bits first thing in the morning with a tall glass of water. ***Major News*** I have noticed that if I have 15-20 bits after a long run I am much less likely to suffer from a headache. I tend to get a migraine-like headache after long outdoor runs so I make sure to have my bits immediately after.
For even more details on Recovery Bits click here.

If you have any questions about bits please let me know. When you decide to order, use the code HEART to save 20%. This code never expires and you can use it over and over!

I have shared bits with family, friends and students and they typically always go on to order their own bag. Just this week two of my Pilates students were singing the praises of Energy Bits as they were walking into class. So cool!

Located in Boston, Energy Bits is very involved in the Boston Marathon. They have a booth at the expo, so if you are running, make sure you stop by and tell them I sent you. For those of us that are not in Boston, they still wanted us to get to take part in the fun and that is where the giveaway comes in. One lucky reader will win an Energy Bits swag bag filled with bits samples and some other fun swag. To enter all I am asking is for you to do ONE of the following:
- subscribe to my blog in a Reader
- follow me on Twitter
- Like me on Facebook
- Follow me in Google+
Do one of the following and then leave a comment below saying that you did and letting me know your name on any of the above social sites so that I can say hi. Also include your email so that I can contact the winner. For each one you do, you will get 1 entry, so you can get up to FOUR entries! The contest ends Tuesday, April 22 at 5:00 pm CST so you better get a move on!

Good luck and I hope you win so that you can be Powered By Bits!

And here we are

Wow.
I remember when I was a waitress, after a busy Saturday evening or Sunday brunch rush, looking around the restaurant, after we had closed, at all of the empty tables.  Exhausted, my mind still buzzing from balancing the demands 4, 5, 6 different tables.  It was hard to believe everyone had gone home.  I could relax and not worry who had hot coffee, who needed more bread, and could stop looking out of the corner of my eye to see if food was up in the window.
I very much have this same feeling today.
After a fall and winter filled with continuing my education in many different ways, I am finished.  For now.

A quick break down of where I have been:

• September - Teaching 7 days a week to make myself a little more known in the community and raise funds for my Level III Pilates training.  Also a 4 day trip to Austin, TX for training.  While in Austin I hosted my first #poweredbybits Twitter Chat as part of being a brand ambassador for Energy Bits.  If you have never taken part in or hosted a Twitter chat, try it.  You learn a lot and it is a whirlwind of fun.  I had so much activity that I got put in "Twitter Jail" which is technically a great thing!
• October - Teaching 7 days a week STILL!  Every Sunday in October I had the pleasure of teaching Piloxing at the Kansas City Athleta store SO fun!
• November - 3 day trip to Austin, TX for my second weekend of training.  No more Sunday classes, but picked up quite a few Saturday Reformer students.
• December - Studying for and taking my Peak Pilates Comprehensive exam.  This was about a 7 hour day filled with practical and written assessments.  This was also another 3 day trip to Austin, TX.  Oh, and the holidays!  I also had the pleasure of writing a small piece about the Studio On Main for a local publication.
• January - Began the 5 week FastTrac course for New Venture small business owners.  This class met once a week for 5 weeks from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.  Because the class fell on a Tuesday, I would go straight from class to work, working with clients from 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm.  A three hour work day doesn't sound too bad, until you add that to the fact that my brain was on extreme overload from all of the great information in the FastTrac course!
• February - completed the FastTrac course!

And, here I am today.  With "just" my regular work week in front of me.  Don't get me wrong, graduating from FastTrac and becoming comprehensively trained are actually just the very beginning of a brand new chapter in my life and career.  BUT for now, I am going to take just a few days, maybe weeks, to breathe.  And do laundry!  It feels great to be able to sit here at home, enjoy a cup of coffee, blog, dust my mantle and scrub the bathroom.

Keep scrolling to check out some of my favorite pictures from the past few months!

Stay tuned, dear readers.  I am hoping to fill the pages of this blog once more with workouts, recipes and wellness tips just like before.  

What have you been up to so far in 2014?

Did you read about how we almost were zapped into smithereens overnight?  It is always fascinating to sit back and really think about how we are just floating along in space.

xo

Sally

Day one of my Level III training!

Hill Country, I miss you!

Walking near the UT campus.

Powered by Bits at 30,000 feet!

Piloxing fun at Athleta, KC!

Finished my Level III exam and took a short climb to the top of Mt. Bonnell.

Barton Springs Creek

FastTrac!

Glitter folders let them know you mean business.

Matching socks for business partners. Happy accident!

Goin' Uptown

I can't help it, I love all photos having to do with airplanes, airports, etc.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Frosty Malt

With a title like this the recipe most definitely couldn't be healthy, right?
Surprise!  The recipe is totally good for you AND includes the average serving of Energy Bits organic spirulina.  Perfect news for those of you that 1) love chocolate 2) don't like swallowing bits and 3) love frosty treats!

Even better news?
The amazing people at Bits of Health (Energy Bits, Recovery Bits, Vitality Bits) are giving away an amazing gift with the purchase of Recovery Bits from now through February 21, 2014.

RECOVERYbits are 100% organically grown NON GMO chlorella tabs - an algae that has been used for fifty years by homeopaths and Japanese for anti-aging, preventing colds, detox, strengthening the immune system, aiding digestion, helping to prevent hangovers, improving athletic performance and more.   

Your gift comes in an cute black organza bag that contains a full tin of RECOVERYbits, a single sample serving of RECOVERYbits, a fun pair of ENERGYbits sunglasses, an ENERGYbits pen and some stickers to show you love of bits. This $35 retail value is yours absolutely FREE with the purchase of at least one bag of RECOVERYbits. It's a fun and healthy Valentines Day gift we think everyone will love, even more than chocolates.♥ BUT with my smoothie recipe you get the best of both worlds...algae AND chocolate!  Nothing says "I love you" like giving someone the gift of a healthier, more energetic life.

Forward From The Heart readers get 20% off any and every purchase with the code HEART!

More info on chlorella here.

And info on spirulina here. 

I personally have Energy Bits (spirulina), Recovery Bits (chlorella) and Vitality Bits (50/50 blend) currently all in my fridge.  I take Energy Bits pre-workout or at the start of my work day, Vitality Bits when I am teaching/working and only have 60 seconds to re-fuel between clients, and Recovery Bits at the end of a hard day/workout, if I feel a cold coming on, or if I have indulged in too many unhealthy treats over the weekend.  I can't imagine getting through my 9 hour training days, 12 hour work days, or recovering from a run without my bits!  All for just about $1.38/day.  

This recipe would taste great with any of the bits!

1 cup frozen dark cherries, unsweetened
8 ounces chocolate almond milk
30 bits of your choice, I used EnergyBits

Blend until smooth.  I prefer an immersion blender so I really can tell that the bits are fully blended.
It is the perfect mid-day energy booster and also satisfies any sweet craving you may have.

Fun story about how I named this smoothie:
As I was taste-testing I immediately was taken back to childhood.  To me, this tastes exactly like those chocolate malts that come with a wooden spoon.  Those of you that have tasted Energy or Recovery bits know that dehydrated algae has an earthy taste.  In the case of this smoothie, the earthy taste lends the nostalgic "wooden-spoon" flavor of a malt from the ice cream truck.  Quirky?  Yes!  But a little bit of quirkiness is worth it to take in one of the best superfoods!  Enjoy!

Click here to order your bag of bits today, and don't forget to use code HEART to save 20%!

Powered By Bits!

If you are reading this post it hopefully means that you took part in the Energy Bits Powered By Bits Twitter Chat.  If you are just stumbling upon this post on your own, that's fine, too! Welcome!

The topic of my chat was How To Eat Healthy With a Busy Schedule.
Questions about eating healthy are some of the most asked by my students and friends, so it only made sense to chat about it on Twitter.
I work 30-40 hours each week, managing a fitness studio and teaching about 20 classes per week.  This means I am on the go every day and rarely have time to sit down to a traditional one hour lunch break.  Even if I do get a lunch hour, I still like to keep it healthy.  So here, today, I would like to re-post the questions from Twitter and go a little more in-depth with my answers
To check out the Twitter feed simply search #poweredbybits and you can read through all of the questions and wonderful answers!

Question 1:
How do you eat healthy at work?
Answer 1:
I pack fresh cut veggies and fruits, nuts and whole grain crackers. I never head to work or an event without packing a lunch/snack. 
Great re-usable containers are a must.  I love bento-style containers!
My favorite packable meal:
Sliced celery
Carrot sticks
Cherry tomatoes (yellow are my favorite!)
1 Babybel cheese
A scoop of nuts ( I LOVE the Wasabi mix from Trader Joe's!)
Grapes or a Cutie Orange
Multi-grain chips (I love Food Should Taste Good brand)
Sometimes I eat this as my lunch or dinner, all at one sitting, but typically I pick a few to eat throughout my day.

Q2:
The drive home from work can be dangerous.  What are your tips for avoiding drive-thru and gas station fare?
A2:
I always fill my water bottle before I leave for the commute home.  I goal myself to try and drink most of the 24 ounce container during my 25 minute drive.  This helps me to make sure I am getting plenty of water and keeps me from being tempted to stop for a burger or bag of chips.  When I am starving on the drive home I, like most, fantasize about pulling up to a fast food restaurant or running into a convienience store to grab whatever is nearest the cash register to munch on during the ride home.  What I do to keep this from happening is really think about how this will make me feel after I eat it.  Sure, the gooey bean and cheese burrito will satisfy my craving, but I know that I will feel heavy and full in a not-so-great way after I eat it.  I then think about the healthy meal waiting for me at home and how I will feel full in an energized and healthy way after eating that.  The drive home, with my big cup of water, is a perfect time to take a handful of Energy Bits.  The spirulina algae fills me up, revitalizes me and provides me with protein and so much more!

Q3:
Do you allow yourself a cheat day?
A3:
I feel like labeling a day as a "Cheat Day" can cause problems.  I always envision a cheat day as eating everything in site like Cookie Monster.  Taking in an insane amount of bad calories in one day leaves me feeling yucky, inside and out.  So, rather than giving myself a cheat day, or recommending that to clients, I prefer the 80/20 approach.
80% of the week, lets say Monday-Friday, I eat very healthy.  My fresh foods, lean proteins, etc.
20% of the week, lets say Saturday and Sunday, I take a more liberal approach and may have dinner at a Mexican restaurant, an ice cream cone, or split a bag of movie popcorn with my boys.  Notice I used the word "or" not "and".  I try to remain pretty healthy even on my 20% days, but on the other side of that, I hate feeling deprived.  So, if I want a Cobb salad with blue cheese or a chicken salad sandwich on sourdough, I eat it, but I know that my next meal will be less cheat-like.

Q4:
How do you eat healthy when traveling?
A4:
The first thing I do when I am traveling is head to the market.  I pick up fresh veggies and fruits, single-serving packages of nuts or dried fruit and big bottles of water.  This way I know that I will have healthy options.  I pack my purse/bag the same whether I will be wandering around a big city or hiking wilderness trails.  I also allow myself a few extra fun meals or snacks when traveling.  Why deprive myself of a Whattaburger or Rita's Italian Ice that I can't get in my hometown?  When in Rome, right?

Q5:
What is your favorite on-the-go breakfast?
A5:
Sprouted grain toast topped with nut butter and bananas.  And a sprinkle of cinnamon!  Easy to eat during the commute or while sitting and checking emails.  My true, crazy-busy, no time to spare breakfast would be a banana or a Larabar :)

The point of the Twitter chat was to throw out my questions and receive lots of helpful answers, so, if you haven't already tweeted your answers, please use the comment section below to give your answers and tips!

As the host of the Powered By Bits chat I am lucky to get to host a giveaway!
One winner will receive an Energy Bits travel tin filled with 50 spirulina bits!
I just love Energy Bits and Vitality Bits, the fact that they are organic, just one ingredient (algae) with no fillers, chemicals, sweeteners...nothing but the good stuff.
A raisin is a dried grape, a bit is dried algae.  Simple.

Entering to win is easy!  Just post a comment below with your favorite healthy eating tip to be entered.  To gain an extra entry follow @EnergyBits and @forwardfrmheart (that's me!) on Twitter and let me know you did in the comment section along with your Twitter handle.

Good luck!

All readers can head to BitsOfHealth.com to order their very own bag of bits and use the code HEART to receive 20% off of your order!

How Energy Bits can make you feel

I really do love how Energy Bits make me feel.  Those tiny little tabs of spirulina have helped me to have more energy when running, teaching Pilates, and living my busy mom-life.
As a brand ambassador for Energy Bits I get the awesome opportunity to tell people in person and online about how great adding spirulina and chlorella can make you feel. 
It is not a caffeinated, jittery feeling at all.  Because there are so many caffeine products out there and so many supplements that are filled with additives I have noticed many people are a little hesitant to try Energy Bits. 
One of the greatest parts of what I do is seeing the lightbulb go off as I show someone the nutritional info on bits.  A giant list of the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein...all the good stuff.  And then the tiny little sentence:
"100% spirulina, no additives, binders, fillers or preservatives"
That's right, folks.  O N E ingredient.  Dehydrated spriulina.  Or chlorella if you have Recovery Bits.
That's it.  Think of dehydrated apples or bananas...same thing, only packs way more of a nutritional punch.
So, if it's 1 ingredient, algae...how will you feel after you swallow a handful?

• Refreshed.
• Comfortably not hungry.
• Like you just had the best sleep of your life.
• Like you are 18 again.
• Good from the inside out.
• That feeling after you have a big, green salad or a fruit smoothie.  Energized and happy!

I also tell people that there have been days where I hit my evening slump, where I could just lie down on my couch and veg out.  But I can't, because I have work, or a little league game to attend, or dinner to make...the list goes on.  So, I will have 10-20 bits, a big glass of water and before I even realize it I feel ready to go.  Not amped up like after a shot of espresso.  But like I am not tired.
From my experience teaching Pilates, where I use imagery and descriptive cues, I know that the more description, the better.  So, just for you, I asked my fellow brand ambassadors how they feel when they get their bits:

•  Like my body is clean on the inside.
• Alive.
• Naturally awake.
• Focused, productive, healthy!
• Sustained energy and alertness without the crash of caffeine or sugar.
• My body feels healthy.
• A better version of myself.
• Like I am a couple feet off the ground when running.
• Less anxious, more calm and centered.
• Ready to take over the world!
• Clear and spacious.
• Abundant with energy that is free and ready to be directed.

Thanks to Ray, Sloane, Morgan, Megan, Leigh, and Jessica for their awesome descriptions! 

A friend of mine said that Energy Bits have helped her step away from Red Bull.  (AWESOME news!)
Another friend forgot her lunch on the second day of nursing school and had 10 bits at lunch and 5 more before her sleepiest class and said that she never felt starving and made it through class with more energy than usual.  

Check out the Bits of Health website for even more information.
I love both Energy Bits and Recovery Bits.  Spirulina for instant energy and Chlorella helps me to stay energized and I notice my blood sugar stays at a good level when I take chlorella.  I tend to get low blood sugar from being so active, so this helps me quite a bit.

Want to know even MORE?

Just ask!  I love to talk algae!

When you head to the website to order, make sure to use code HEART for 20% off!  Every purchase, all the time!

5 Reasons I Love Energy Bits!

Thanks to Energy Bits and Vitality Bits I have had spirulina algae and chlorella algae as part of my diet for several months now.
These little bits are not a supplement, they are food.  100% dehydrated organic algae.  No side effects, no chemicals, no filler.  Just great algae.  For more info on bits, click here.

I love adding bits to my diet SO much and I am sure I will continue to share, but for today, here are the top 5 reasons that I love Energy Bits:

1.  I never worry about being hungry.
I deal with low blood sugar and when my blood sugar is low, I start to feel "not real."  This triggers my anxiety and it just isn't a fun situation.  I try to pack healthy snacks and to make sure to eat small snacks throughout the day.  But you and I both know that it is easy to run out the door without grabbing anything or to get stuck at a ball game or in traffic and being starving.  Thanks to my travel tin of bits I know that I will always have a great source of fuel with me.  I will have 10-20 bits when I am hungry but not in a spot to eat a full meal.  The bits fill me up, regulate my blood sugar, and keep me feeling great until meal time!

2. Plant Protein!
That's right, algae is really high in protein.  All of the bits contain at least 60% protein per serving.  A steak or piece of chicken typically contains 20-30% protein.  So, not only am I getting more bang for my buck, so to speak, I am also getting protein without eating an animal, something that I am always on the fence about.  So, to all of my vegan and vegetarian friends...you need bits in your life!

3.  I have stamina and energy.
When I have a handful of bits between classes or before a workout I feel great.  It isn't a jittery, crazed feeling like energy drinks, etc, provide.  I just feel great.  You know, that feeling that it's your best workout ever, you aren't tired, you just feel good.  And I love that.  As much as I love a good cup of coffee, I hate feeling nervous or overly energized.  EnergyBits are all natural so it's basically like I sat down to a giant salad, not a giant bucket of chemicals.

4.  My hair, skin and nails are so healthy!
I didn't really pay attention to that part when I was gathering information, but after adding bits to my diet I noticed how strong my nails are now.   And how I don't need to put lotion on my hands, that are normally chronically dry.  And my hair is growing faster, it seems...take a look at my roots if you don't believe me :)  It was an unexpected bonus for me and I am really enjoying it!  I noticed the benefits in less than a weeks time.

5.  They come in handy when I am at work.
A typical shift for me looks something like this:  teach a private Pilates session, teach a group Pilates session, teach a cycle class, teach a yoga class, teach a private session.  With less than 3 minutes between each of those it is difficult to grab a bite to eat and I used to end up starving and feeling horrible.  (See #1)  Thanks to bits I can pop 10-15 in my mouth, sip some water, and I am good to go.  It's a meal in astronaut form!  I don't feel very professional, even if my students understand, munching on nuts or carrots during their warm-up.  It is hard for me to talk, spot, etc.  Energy Bits have allowed me to get past this without starving.

Have you tried Energy Bits or any of the bits line?

Do you have questions?  Let me know!  I love talking about bits and the benefits.
Check out the bitsofhealth.com site, also Google away.  I am a googler and before giving them a try wanted to do as much research as possible.  The only negative I can possibly find or think of on my own is that bits taste like fish food.  But you can swallow them whole, so that negative doesn't really count, does it?  :)  

Forward From The Heart readers get 15% off of their order, just use the code HEART at checkout!

My Favorite Day of the Year!

Today is my most favorite day of the year.  More than my birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving...any of those days?  Why?  Because this is the day we get THE most daylight.  Something about the summer solstice has always made me incredibly happy.  I love sun, summer, and long days so this day makes me very, very happy.  Although, if you think about it, winter starts tomorrow as the days slowly get shorter and shorter until December 21.  Wah, wah.  Debby Downer.
But, for today, I am living it up, enjoy the sun, hot weather, and the fact that there will still be a glow in the sky this evening until close to 10:00 pm!

So, how was your week?

It is Friday so that means that it is F R E S H Friday.  A great time to sit back, think about the week, and think of 3 things that made this week fabulously fresh for you.  Try it.  It is so very fun.  And then join the link-up with my dear Katherine here or, if you aren't the blogging type, let me know your 3 things in the comment section below.  Please!  Pretty please.  With an organic cherry and a drizzle of agave on top!

My 3 (clockwise from left):

1.  Getting to spread knowledge about EnergyBits while at a local event for the first time!  I love telling people about EnergyBits.  I think everyone is so used to a sales pitch about a chemical-filled supplement that takes a dictionary to figure out what is in it, that at first people have a hard time understanding the bits are 1 ingredient.  Organic algae, spriulina for EnergyBits, chlorella for RecoveryBits.  No fillers, no additives, just food.  I absolutely love that I get to share what bits are and not have to sell them. I share how EnergyBits and RecoveryBits have made me feel better, regulated my blood sugar, given me so much protein based energy for running and teaching and *bonus* made my hair and skin look amazing.  I always tell people about them, give them the info and then encourage them to do all of the research they want.  Then, head to bitsofhealth.com when ready to purchase a superfood that will superchange their life!  Oh, and don't forget to use the code HEART to save 15%  ;)

2.  Feeling skinny, if only for a day.  Last weekend I had a day where I felt like I looked great!  All that has changed today and I feel like a ginormo and am so over complaining about my extra weight and ready to make changes so that I can look and feel my best again.

3.  Finding a 4 leaf clover!  In my own backyard!  I had never found one before and this one just popped right out at me!  I am so saving it forever, even though I hung it upside down to dry rather than pressing it, so it looks pretty shriveled.  But I will know what it is.  Forever.

I hope you are finishing up a fantastic week and getting ready for a super weekend!  Enjoy your longest day of the year and the most daylight in one weekend we get!

xoxo
Sally

It's Friday and it's Fresh!

I am so happy it's Friday!  I can't wait for the sun to shine and to head out this evening to watch both of my babies play baseball!  Life is good.


Time for my Fresh Friday link-up with The Real Food Runner.

Three fresh, fantastic, fabulous things from this week:

Goodies from my pen pal.  I have been slacking as of late in the pen pal department and this amazing package of treats from my dearest pal in San Diego has lit the fire under me to get some snail mail shipped out!  Bonus:  I finally have matcha powder!  Bring on the green tea frappucinos at home!

Being powered by bits!  Loving how I am feeling more and more each day!

The start of something fun.  I hope.  I followed a Pinterest tutorial on how to plant lemon seeds to have fragrant and hearty lemon leaves.  I planted on Wednesday.  Fingers crossed that my little seedlings will be blooming soon!

How was your week?  Care to share 3 things that made your week F R E S H ?

Join the blog link-up here or leave your comments below.

For my Friday fun head over to Sometimes Sweet for the always fun Weekend Links post :)

How will you be spending this Friday?

Have the happiest of weekends and happy Mother's Day!

Let's Talk About Algae!

I am really excited to announce that I am a Brand Ambassador for the Energy Bits company.  Energy Bits are dehydrated spirulina algae that come in little tabs.  They are NOT a supplement, they are food.  Supplements, like vitamins, are made in a lab.  Algae is grown, then dehydrated and pressed into a tab or "bit."  It is just like dehydrated apples or bananas.

Energy Bits are organic, non-GMO food.  You can chew them, but most prefer to just swallow them with water as they have an ocean-y taste :)

Algae is 60% protein, whereas meat, like steak, is around 25% protein.  Algae provides iron in a fully absorbable form, entering your system within 2-5 minutes of eating. 

I am attaching a little more about spirulina algae if you are interested.  Please feel free to research it yourself, too.  

I know it sounds crazy, but since adding algae to my diet I have more energy, my skin isn't as dry, my nails are stronger and my constant urge to snack is gone.  Algae is great for managing hunger and aiding in weight loss, too.  One tab = 1 calorie so you can take 10-20 as a meal replacement!

I get asked all of the time what a good snack is to have before a workout.  I now have a solid answer to give.  EnergyBits!  I swallow 10 before I run and I am not overly full but am not hungry at all.  Another 10 post-workout with water and I am hydrated and completely nourished. 

Visit BitsOfHealth.com to see the full line of bits.  They also have chlorella algae, which is better at detoxing the system and strengthening the immune system.  I eat both spirulina and chlorella.

Here is the nutritional information.  As you will see, algae offers a full range of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that you can't get anywhere else as easy for your body to digest.

As a Brand Ambassador I do get financially compensated, however, I am not selling Energy Bits in the traditional way.  I don't have my own inventory, you won't give money to me, you will just go to the website and order EnergyBits, RecoveryBits, SkinnyBits or VitalityBits. MAKE SURE TO USE THE CODE HEART at checkout.  This lets the company know that I am the one that sent you that way AND you will receive 15% off your order!  

I don't put anything into my body without triple researching it and feel so safe with my EnergyBits and I feel so much better!

I have so much more information I could share with you about the Bits of Health brand but I know it's not fun to read lengthy posts.  I will be sharing bits here and there to keep you informed.

Algae really is a perfect addition to any diet, it has been shown to lower blood pressure and to help balance blood sugar.  I used to always fret about my blood sugar dropping while I am out and about, but with a tin full of Bits I don't worry anymore because I will always have a balance source of food with me!

Please feel free to come to me with any questions that you have about Spirulina, Chlorella and the Bits of Health products.

I hope you will give being Powered By Bits a try!