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!

So, what is a Pilates certification, anyway?

I am currently working towards my comprehensive Pilates certification, with the test being on December 13.  For those of you that read this blog or follow me on social media, you know how firmly I believe that Pilates instructors should be well trained.  But what exactly is a Pilates training?  Shedding a bit of light on that today:

I am pursuing my Peak Pilates certification.  Peak Pilates is a classical certification, sanctioned by the Pilates Method Alliance.  Classical Pilates follows the specific orders and exercises created by Joseph Pilates.
Peak Pilates describes their training(s) as:
The Peak Pilates® Comprehensive Certification is a classical Pilates education program distinguished by an emphasis on Pilates as an integrated movement system as Joseph Pilates intended.

I have learned the Pilates mat work, Reformer, chair, ladder barrel, as well as other complimentary equipment, like the spine corrector and Ped-o-Pull. 

The more training I receive, the happier I am with a comprehensive, multi-level training.  Practice and studying most definitely makes perfect, and I never get nervous prior to teaching a class, a private session, giving a presentation on Pilates...my training has prepared me for all of it.
 

So, here is what I have been through:
2009:  Two 4 day trainings, 9 hours each day, followed with a full 8 hour day of testing.  The test includes a practical portion of teaching mat and equipment, being taught to in order to see that I can perform the work, and a written assessment covering Pilates instruction, anatomy and practical applications of the work.

2011:  One 4 day training, 9 hours each day followed with another full testing day, just like above, but with more in-depth training for the intermediate level.

2013:  Two 3 day trainings, 4-9 hours each day.  In December I will take part in another assessment day.  Scary but fun all at once.  After (hopefully!) passing this exam I will have gone through the beginner to advanced work and successfully tested out, showing knowledge in the exercise and method of true Pilates.  My education won't be over, though, the comprehensive certification is just my ticket into the interesting and fun world of advanced continuing education.  Learning to work with injuries, athletes, the super-advanced work...so much fun still ahead!

There are many Pilates certifications out there, some just as in-depth as mine, some more intense, some just one day in length.  Always check to see where and who certified your instructor.  The more training your instructor has, the safer you will be and the more effective the exercise will be for you.

Have you tried Pilates?  
Mat?  Reformer?
Did you know that a Pilates instructor goes through this rigorous of a training?

Piloxing

Many of you have asked me to do a post about Piloxing, so here it is!

I first heard about Piloxing a little over a year ago when an instructor came to me and asked if I wanted to offer it as a class.  
Piloxing is a hybrid of boxing, Pilates and dance.  Created by Hollywood trainer Viveca Jensen to give her Pilates students a great cardio workout as well.
Being the lover of Contrology classical Pilates that I am, I first cringed when hearing about this modern hybrid class.  I also am not the most coordinated person in the world, so the idea of yet another dance inspired class made me nervous.
But we set up a demo class, I put on a pair of Piloxing gloves, and LOVED it!  The choreography is easy to follow.  The Pilates portions of the class really speak to me and challenge me, and it is just so much fun.

My first-ever Piloxing class!

We were just getting ready to add Piloxing to the schedule when the instructor had an unexpected move for a new job.  Bummer.  No Piloxing.  Then 2013 rolled around and my boss decided it was really time to bring Piloxing to the Studio On Main.  She wanted me to get certified to teach it.  Gulp.  Being a student in Piloxing is one thing.  Teaching a dance/choreography based class is a completely different thing altogether! It is so not in my comfort zone to lead a dance class.  The ever-watchful, spotting, form-correcting Pilates instructor.  That's me.  Waving my arms, dancing about, being the Energizer Bunny...not so much.


But, you know what they say, that if it is something that scares you it is probably really good for you...or something like that.
So, I took the training.  And it was fun.  And challenging.  And something I knew I would need to practice.

From the training class.  So much fun!

For each class there are several blocks of boxing, Pilates and dance.  At the end of class there is mat work that focuses on the core and glutes (booty).  Turns out the the order of classical Pilates that I love so much is somewhat there for Piloxing, too.  With required boxing and Pilates exercises that every class needs to include.  A well-rounded mix of boxing for cardio and endurance, Pilates for sculpting and balance and dance for cardio and FUN.  I am always sore exactly where we all want to see improvement:  abs, booty, triceps (good-bye wiggle wave!) and thighs. Wearing the 1/2 pound Piloxing gloves ads a cardio boost and trims and sculpts my upper body. Also, the class is done barefoot and I have seen a big improvement in my plantar fasciitis symptoms.  I haven't had pain for months.

Half-pound gloves to mimic actual boxing gloves.

You definitely need to try the class to really get an idea of just how fun it is.   Piloxing is popping up everywhere now.  Head to Piloxing.com to find a class near you!

Oh!  I almost forgot!  I just did a local TV spot about Piloxing.  Check it out!

Fitness Focus: Piloxing - KCLive.tv

2 exercises to strengthen even the weakest core

"I would go to Pilates, but my core is to0 weak."

"I want to try yoga, but I am not flexible enough."

"I want to get a haircut but I have too many split ends."

Okay, so the last sentence we would never say, right?  Having split ends IS a reason to get a haircut.  You wouldn't take scissors to your own head, chop it up, and THEN go to the salon.  But the first two sentences I hear all the time.  I get it.  No one wants to be the weakling in a class, but we all have to start somewhere.

Today I am sharing two exercises to get you started.
I did these two exercises to get ready to go back to teaching after having L.  I also give these exercises to my students that have an extremely weak core.  You can do these in the comfort of your own home before heading to class.  Core work can be done everyday, but to begin try every other day.

Plank with knee kiss
Start in plank with shoulders over wrists, shoulders-hips-heels align.  Lower your knees to "kiss" or "stamp" the floor and then lift.  Start with 5.  Build to doing 10, then 2-3 sets of 10.

^ ^ ^ 

One Arm Plank
From plank, lower your right knee.  Bring your right hand in to align with your knee.  Turn the toes of your left foot out, raising your right arm, turing your gaze up to your left hand.  Hold for 10 seconds.

When you are ready (can take days, weeks, even months...be patient!) Slide the right leg out with the left, toes also turned to the side, legs staggered for balance.

 Repeat on the other side.

As always, before beginning, make sure a doctor has given you the okay to exercise.  If something hurts, don't do it!

Bodytox Treatment featuring the ItWorks Wrap

When it comes to some body treatments I am always skeptical.  When I first started hearing about the ItWorks Body Wraps, I will admit, my initial reaction involved eye rolling.  I envisioned my plastic workout pants from the 90's and, also from the 90's, seeing celebrities being wrapped from shoulder to knee in ace bandages, sitting in a sauna, to lose "weight" prior to a big event.

My skepticism parallels my love of a good deal, so when my friend, and massage therapist, asked if I would like to try her latest treatment, I agreed.  Like I said, she is a Licensed Massage Therapist, along with having years of experience in health, fitness and wellness.  If Neda gives it the seal of approval, I automatically know its great.

The Bodytox Treatment at Trinity Wellness utilizes the ItWorks Body Wrap, but it is SO much more.

The treatment starts with dry exfoliation.  Lying on the massage table, I was gently scrubbed with a soft, dry bristle brush.  I LOVE dry exfoliation.  It feels good and I just can feel the dead skin cells being brush away!

Next Neda applied CEL-Lite Massage oil, an all-natural essential oil blend that helps to cleanse and purify the skin.  It also smells great!

After that Neda applied the ItWorks wraps to my tummy and thighs.  You can do arms, legs, tummy, rear...any where there is extra fat. There is also an option for chin/neck to help tighten and firm. She then wrapped those same areas in plastic wrap and then wrapped me in a soft blanket and then a blanket to help heat my skin.  Basically I looked like a swaddled newborn.

As part of the treatment I was able to choose a foot or head massage.  I chose feet for my poor old dogs.

After the massage I had the luxury of lying in the dim room, with relaxing music, comfortable warm and cozy, for around 30 minutes while the wraps did their work.

After the treatment I was given a glass of cool water with Greens-on-the-Go powder mixed in.  This is a detoxifying nutritional drink that enhances the body wrap treatment.

The wraps do the majority of the shrinking magic in 45 minutes, but Neda encouraged me to keep them on for the rest of the day.  Yes, I went to Costco and cleaned the house with my thighs and tummy plastic wrapped :)

You will want to drink lots of water during the first 24 hours especially.  No less than a half ounce of water for every pound you weigh.  This helps to flush toxins from your system and enhance your results.  You may feel bloated because of this on the day of treatment, but don't worry...it goes away.

You can also continue to see results for the next 72 hours.  The results can last for several months.

The wraps contain an essential oil blend to minimize cellulite, firm and tighten skin and improve texture.

My Results!

I can't say I am a fan of showing off my mid-section, but anything for a good blog post, right?  As you will see, I lost noticeable inches and in the pictures my body looks more firm and defined.  The results are still lasting, 2 weeks later, thanks to a healthy diet and exercise in addition to the wraps.

Here are my before and after photos, along with my results, in inches:

Before (totally regretted having a donut for breakfast)

45 minutes after

72 hours after

Before

45 minutes after

72 hours after

Before:  the land of dimples

45 minutes after: smoother and looks as firm as I feel they should be!

My thoughts
I absolutely love that I can do the It Works wraps as part of an entire treatment.  I know that the wraps can be purchased on their own and applied at home, but I like that I am able to receive so much more doing it at the Trinity Wellness location.
This is not a permanent solution, but it was a great boost.  I had been feeling bloated and chunky and the wraps helped me to tighten and firm my skin, allowing me to be more comfortable in my clothes and in baring my belly.
If you have hit a weight loss plateau, have a special event coming up or are wanting to feel better in your bathing suit, this is PERFECT for you!
Results can also be seen in those that have had massive weight loss followed by sagging skin.  Again, this will not be a permanent solution, but it can give you just the boost you need to continue on your fitness program.
If you are eating right, working out and wanting to enhance what you are already doing, these wraps and this treatment would be amazing for you!
For me, it has been motivating and helped me to become more strict on my never-ending quest to be sugar-free.  I will definitely do it again during swimsuit season or anytime I need a little bit of help losing inches.

Trinity Wellness is a massage therapy and body treatment clinic.  For more information on the location click here.
Information from Trinity Wellness about the treatment:

BODYTOX FIRMING TREATMENT!

Loose inches while firming your body with this Detox Treatment featuring the It-Works! Ultimate Body Applicator Wrap! It’s powerful natural botanical ingredients absorb through the skin layer by layer getting into your fat cells, allowing your body to loosen toxins and extra fat stored, revealing a more toned body!

Treatment includes: Dry Brush Exfoliation to prep the tissue,     Ultimate Body Applicator Wrap on your area of choice, Young    Living Signature CEL-lite Oil massaged into the body followed with a heat enhanced body wrap to infuse your entire body with detoxifying benefits. During the treatment enjoy a Head & Neck Massage or Foot Reflexology followed with a meditative processing time of 30 Min. & a refreshing detox drink, GREENS!

(Please be prepared to wear disposable undergarments & hydrate before/after)

Summer Specials!

1 Treatment $75 (1 Body Area)

Take-Home Wraps $25 Each or Box 4 for $75(Get 1 Wrap FREE)

4 PACK TREATMENT Only $300 & FREE Box of Greens-On-The-Go ($50 Value)

Mention that you are a Forward From The Heart reader when you call for a special treat!  

I want to know!
Have you tried It Works body wraps?
What did you think?


TW is not a distributor of the It Works wraps, they just utilize them in their services.
I paid for my treatment so all of the thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and in no way influenced by Trinity Wellness, It Works, Greens-to-Go, or Young Living.

3 Beach-Booty Moves!

I have never really focused much on my glutes.  I have never had much junk in my trunk and running makes me even more flat.  But in the past year I have had some hip pain and my doctor thinks it is my gluteus medius and minimus.  So, I started doing strengthening exercises and it just so happens that those exercises can make you more bootyliscious than ever!
Even better, NO SQUATS are involved!
Do these 3 easy moves every other day for 30 days and you will love the booty-lifting results!
Start with one set of 12, then 15.  Then add a second set, then a third!  Start on one side, left or right, go all the way through, then do the other side.  That is one full set!


Dirty Dog:
Get on hands and knees, wrists under shoulders, knees under hip joints.  "Grow tall" away from the mat.  Lift your right arm and right leg into a straight line.  Bend arm and leg, bringing elbow to knee.  

• Imagine rounding your elbow over a beach ball.
• Inner thigh faces the floor, like a dog at a fire hydrant.
• Inhale when limbs are straight, exhale when you bend.
• Slow and steady...3 seconds each way.

Clam

Lie on your right side, with knees bent at a 90* angle.  Like sitting in a chair.  Support your head in your hand.  Shoulders should be stacked and imagine a wall behind your back to keep the torso and hips supported.  Keep your feet together and lift your top leg, then lower with control.

• Inhale first, exhale as you lift your leg.
• Keep your back straight, don't lean back.
• Draw your navel into your spine.
• Keep your gaze in front.

Leg Lifts
Immediately following Clam, straighten out your top leg in front of your body.  Think hip joint, knee, heel all in alignment.  Lower your leg and stop just before your foot touches the floor.  Lift to just above hip height.

• Keep shoulders and hips stacked, like there is a wall behind you.
• Don't lean back.
• Make sure to keep your leg straight out in front.

As always, make sure your doctor has given you the okay for exercise.  Don't do anything that causes pain.  Questions?  I love to help!  Let me know.

Scale or Size

I admit it.  I am a slave to my scale.  The number I see when I step on every morning (or evening) can dictate how I feel about myself.  I know it is silly.  There is SO much more to being healthy than a specific number on a scale, but it is just habit.

I was listening to a radio program yesterday and they were encouraging listeners to NOT use their scales at all when trying to diet/change their bodies. Instead, go by dress sizes, goaling to lose 2 dress sizes in 3 months, for example.

I am about 6 pounds heavier than I was a year ago and my diet and exercise have not changed that much.  All of my clothes still fit, though.  I even tried on my summer shorts and swimming suits and, despite a little extra tummy flab, I feel like I look about the same.

So, for the next month I am going to try to not weigh myself.  To measure inches and go by how my clothes feel.

Interested in taking your measurements?  Here are some major areas to measure and guidelines:

Waist:  look in the mirror and measure the smallest part of your torso.
Tummy:  even with your belly button.
Waist:  the thickest part of your lower torso/pelvis.  Yo' money maker ;)
Thighs: the halfway point between your hip bone and knee.
Arm:  the halfway point between the top of your shoulder and elbow.

Take measurements no more than once a month.  It can be just as frustrating as weighing yourself if you take inches everyday or every week.  BUT measuring my inches is so encouraging for me when I am feeling like I am not doing so great.
Make sure you write it down.  You may think you will remember, but you won't.
Every 1/4 inch counts, don't round up or down.

How about you?

Are you a slave to the scale?
Do you even care how much you weigh or do you also go with how you feel?
How much do you think I weigh?  J/K.  But seriously...

Two Exercises You Can Do At Work!

Sitting at a desk all day isn't always fun and it definitely isn't ideal for your body.  Today I am sharing two exercises that will help with flexibility, core and arm strength and get you breathing deeply for a mid-day pick-me-up that doesn't include eating.  It's amazing what a few deep breaths and stretches can do!



Seated Spine Stretch Forward
This classical mat Pilates exercise moves well to seated in a chair.

• Sit at the edge of your chair, shoulders over hips, arms forward like they are resting on a table top.
• Inhale.

• As you exhale, bow your head forward and slide your arms along the imaginary table top, lifting your ribs away from your legs.
• As you inhale sit tall, stacking the spine.

Repeat 5 times.

Chest Expansion
Open your chest to relieve stress, stretch tight muscles and sit taller.

• Sit on the edge of your chair, with your arms at your side and inhale.
• As you exhale take your arms behind you like you are hugging a tree trunk behind your back.
• Keep your chest and middle lifted and your gaze forward and up slightly.
• Take 3-5 deep breaths holding this stretch.

These two are great mid-day or anytime you need a brain break.

I hope you are having a good Monday.  Stay tuned for a yummy giveaway later this week plus a new friend for Workout Wednesday and me, in a disposable bikini!  Good times on the way :)  

What are your plans for the week ahead?

Playground Workout - Parent and child fitness!

As parents we spend lots of time at playgrounds.  I love taking my boys to the park because it gets us out of the house and is a great social experience, too.  But our kids shouldn't be the only ones getting exercise at the park.  I do this workout when L is playing at the park and it is also perfect for when you can sneak away during baseball or soccer practice, since most sports fields are near a playground.

You may feel silly at first if there are other parents around, but don't worry.  When the seasons change and you all cross paths at the local pool, they will no longer think your playground push-ups are silly ;)

Start with 10-12 of each and build to 15-20.  You can also do a second set if you want.  For the calf dips start with 15-20 and build to doing 2-3 sets.

Pull-Up
Stand with feet hip-width apart on bottom rung, holding onto handles, shoulders away from ears.  Bend your elbows to pull up and then return to starting position with control, about 3-5 seconds in length.

Push-Up
Find your plank position, using handles on the playground equipment.  Bend at the elbows to lower and then lift.

Step Jumps
Find a step that is a comfortable height for you to jump.  Start with a small step and move your way up. Keeping feet together jump up, land, and jump back down.

Calf Dips

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, heels off of the edge.  Lower and lift to "tip toes".  This is my favorite park exercise because it is the least noticeable.  If you are feeling self-concious about hopping around the park, start with this one!

Squat/Twist

Stand in a wide "sumo" stance with one leg up on a step, fingers pointing to ears.  Squat down, like you are lowering your rear into a chair.  As you return up twist toward the bent leg.  Make sure to do full reps on each side!

Triceps Dip

Use the playground rungs as your base, overhand grip, shoulders away from ears.  Bend at the elbows to lower down and then lift.

A big thank you to my photographer!

Pilates and Yoga. What's the difference?

If I had a dollar for every time I was asked this question I would have enough money to live off of the rest of my life and offer free Pilates (and Yoga) classes.

Pilates and Yoga are often grouped together because they both fall into the mind/body exercise category.  But, as someone that teaches and practices both, I can tell you that they really aren't anything alike.
Sure, Elephant may be reminiscent of Downward Facing Dog, but you are holding your body in completely different ways, engaging different muscle groups and wanting to accomplish completely different things.

I couldn't find a simple comparison of the two, so, I made my own:

If you are looking to improve your muscle strength, you like to stay mentally engaged and focused throughout a class, you thrive off of visible results and enjoy physical challenges then go for Pilates.

If you are wanting to improve muscle tone and flexibility, you like to be in your own head/have meditative time in class, you thrive off off of emotional results and enjoy finding your still point then head to Yoga.

I feel like we can all benefit from both but everyone eventually gravitates toward one or the other.  I practice Pilates every day and Yoga once or twice a week.  Attend both classes at least 4-5 times, pick your passion and go that direction, but don't leave the other out completely.

I asked a few friends and students that practice both Pilates and Yoga to give their perspective:

"To me, yoga is unique because you get relaxation along with your fitness. Pilates is more intense physically (at least for me), but you probably see your fitness goals realized sooner. Yoga and Pilates really do complement each other well: strengthen your core in Pilates, and see your flexibility and poses improve in yoga. If each sounds appealing, do both! You can quiet your mind in your yoga practice, and then hopefully use this to help you enjoy a more rewarding Pilates class."  -Melinda B.

"Pilates moves at a quicker pace, so I find myself focusing and thinking about how my muscles feel, whether my posture is correct, how I've improved from the last time I went to class. Yoga is such a great practice for getting into a calm head space. It's like a quiet meditation with the reward of a much stronger, leaner body at the end."  -Dana B.

 "Yoga has taught me how to focus on my body while getting both my muscles and joints stretched and strengthened. I can see why people call it a Yoga Practice! Pilates Mat and Reformer training has greatly improved my posture and occasional back pain. Since I had my a son couple years ago I've had an instability in my lumbar & sacrum. Pilates has helped me regain my core intergrity resulting in no more back pain in just a short amount of time. I can't express enough the great benefits of Pilates type exercises, everyone should do them!"  Neda C.

"Pilates has helped me to learn to use my body more efficiently while yoga has helped me to gain focus and take deeper breaths.  I look forward to going to both classes because I feel so much better after class."  -James R.

I would LOVE to know your thoughts on Pilates and Yoga, their similarities and differences, what the exercises have done for you, and what you feel are the benefits of doing one vs. the other.

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!