My Dessert Solution with Zero Confusion: Bowflex Body + a Sample Kit Giveaway

Prepare yourself for something.


I never thought I'd say this again...


This may not be an achievement for some, but for me, it's a pretty big deal...


Now here's the news: I'm finally at a weight I'm proud of!!! 

I'll be sharing more of what my routine looks like in a couple of weeks when I'm ready to do a final reveal and share my actual weight loss results... I'm losing all my extra lbs this summer and I'm so excited about this lifestyle transformation.

But for today, I'm going to be real... Right here, right now, I'll share something anyone that has ever tried to lose weight has learned: dieting is tough stuff, especially for a foodie! Sacrificing the ability to freely enjoy some of my favorite foods has been a bit painful at times, but I know supplying my body with foods that make it feel better in the long run is so much more important!

Whether you're the type that loves a big ol' piece of chocolate cake, a nice, smooth peanut butter milk shake, or a slice of berry topped cheesecake, I can totally relate... Food cravings are a real thing and when you are trying to reach a weight loss goal, giving into these cravings just isn't an option, until now.

I've found the solution, with zero confusion. Bowflex Body is the answer to your chocolate cake, peanut butter milk shake or berry topped cheesecake craving! It's also the answer to keeping your immune system in tip-top shape and your body strong and lean!

Even though it's not really a treat, I like to think of Bowflex Body as a "healthy" treat anyways. My new lifestyle calls for healthy treats, things that supply my body with nutrition, instead of eating empty calories. Luckily, I'm loving being able to drink my protein with these delicious boosts!

The chocolate boosts help you burn fat, What more could you ask for? Did I mention the peanut butter protein boosts help you build muscle? Plus, the mixed berry antioxidant boosts help your body fight free radicals!

With 15 grams of the highest quality proteins and all of these extra boosts, I never feel guilt when drinking my dessert... it's a fabulous way to indulge without even breaking my diet and  so many have seen great results with Bowflex Body!

Now, I know you're thinking that it's hard to even fathom drinking the vanilla protein powder plain with all these delicious boosts, but it's so very tasty on it's own and packs a ton of nutrition solo as well! I love the fact that it's gluten-free as well, a huge bonus in our home!

Now, something else I feel I need to mention: I've been drinking Bowflex Body's "Pre-Workout Energy" and "Daily Energy" pretty regularly too! I love tasty flavored water options, so that's enough of a reason to drink these alone... but the "pick-me-up" they offer is out of this world! The pre-workout is perfect before a long session at the gym and daily energy is good for a long, busy day running errands. Both of these energy drinks taste delicious but are good for you, I love that and you will too!

Now that I've rambled on about some of my favorite new additions to my weight loss routine, I'm excited to share that they've hooked me up with a sample kit to give away to one lucky reader!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below telling me which Bowflex Body flavor you think you'll enjoy the most and of course, get your entries in with the giveaway form below:

Entry-Form

Want to get your hands on some Bowflex Body, or should I say delicious dessert, today? They've supplied me with a discount code for everyone to receive 20% off and free shipping & handling, just enter BOWFLEXSHAKE and rake in the savings on your order!

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Bowflex Body.

Simple Spicy Shrimp Cabbage Salad: Healthy, Low Calorie, and Delicious!

I've been watching what I'm eating lately and trying to include a LOT more veggies, I'll explain that more in detail later this month... but for now I'm going to share one of my favorite recipes! It's easy to whip up in minutes and the flavors combine together perfectly to make your mouth (and eyes) water with a kick of spice and the tartness of lemon!

I only had my cell phone handy when I made this recipe so my pictures aren't perfect, being in between homes can be hard a girl (we're moving, in case you don't follow me instagram)... but I still had to share this delicious and easy recipe!

Ingredients:
1 lemon wedge
3.5 oz shrimp, peeled and cleaned
1/4 cup onion
1/4 cup tomato
1/2 cup cabbage
a pinch of cilantro
Pinch of Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy Seasoning (or the combination of spicy flavors in your cabinet)
Pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt

Simply saute the shrimp with some lemon juice and cilantro for about 9 minutes, or until fully cooked. Add in a pinch of Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy and sautee for a few seconds longer. Remove from heat.

Place a layer of cabbage into a bowl, followed by a layer of onions, and add a layer of tomatoes. Now add your spicy shrimp on top of the salad you've created... and top with more onions and tomatoes as well as some Himalayan salt and a dash more lemon juice.

Bon Appétit!

Flavor or Fizz: Which Do You Prefer?

 This post is in partnership with Dasani and Target. While they sponsored today's post,
all opinions expressed below and the love for water are all my own.

Getting enough water in every single day can be a difficult task, weather you are busy running errands or working from home we all get too busy to do the simplest tasks to keep our bodies healthy.

The last few weeks I've been so busy with school and blog stuff that I've been sleeping less, drinking less water, eating less healthy foods, and really just neglecting healthy habits so that I can get everything on my check list done. Sadly, there's never enough time in the day and I seem to slack off.

While my calendar won't be clearing up any time soon, I have a whole bunch of homework waiting on me, and an exam in just a few days, I've finally found a way to convince myself to make enough "me time". I've been implementing a daily yoga routine & some time for meditation and I found a few new ways to make water fun and tasty, allowing me to really enjoy my H2O while I'm rushing around town or working on an article.

I found two new products from Dasani: their Infusion Drops in Strawberry Basil & Lime and Black Cherry Sparkling Water (I may be guilty of sipping on a sparkling water from Target currently)!

The Flavor Infusion Drops are so diverse. Not just since they have two really off the wall, delicious flavors. They can provide a slight flavor change with just a few drops or a whole flavor explosion with several drops, the strawberry basil flavor being super refreshing and the lime flavor being the perfect compliment for an ice cold glass of aqua!

The Black Cherry Sparkling water was a surprise in my book. I drink flavored water occasionally (as you can see from this beautiful, sparkling brunch I hosted recently), but this sparkling water is SO carbonated and tastes almost just like a soda!

While I enjoyed both products, I think I've decided that I'm totally more of a flavor girl. No surprise there though, I don't much care for carbonation. So, tell me, are you a flavor or fizz type of person?
Don't know?  Target has a pretty rockin' coupon on cartwheel for both the Dasani Drops Infusion and Dasani Sparkling Black Cherry so you can give both products a try!

8 Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias and its Advertiser. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and should not be construed as medical advice. #24HourEsterC #CollectiveBias

This year I'm determined to do everything I can to keep my body feeling strong and my immune system in tip-top shape and I know so many people in my life are looking for the exact same thing. We all want simple ways to help us look and feel better. I have come to the realization that it all begins with strengthening your body, inside and out - today I want to share how I keep my body strong.

8 Tips & Tricks to
Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out

1. Start Taking Supplements - Ester-C® 1,000 MG supplement is the go to product for someone as busy as me. It provides my immune system with the support I need, 24 hours a day.

2. Workout Routines - Implementing a regular work out routine is key to keeping your body strong! I've picked up boxing lately and been practicing yoga at home since the gym has been crazy with New Years & Spring Break crowds.3. Proper Workout Attire - Whether your’re at the gym or at home, you need support in your work out gear too! Be sure to buy hair ties that actually stay in your hair as well as supportive under garments, shoes, etc.

4. Heart Rate Monitor - Keep track of your progress on every work out and be sure you are in a good "zone" while doing cardio. I'm obsessed with my HRM.

5. Stay Hydrated - Be sure to drink plenty of water, it's important to keep plenty of H20 in your body to keep it functioning.

6. Get Organized - Write down when you take your Ester-C®, when you have plans to work out with your trainer, and keep track of calories if you are on a diet - all in a planner!

7. Stand Up Straight - Heard of a waist trimmer before? These are new to me, but they help with posture and are absolutely amazing. I suffer from horrible posture so this thing has been a life saver and is helping build strength in my back.

8. Keep Your Hands Clean - Lastly, pocket sized hand sanitizer... just in case. You never know what situation you'll end up in and it's always good to have on hand, no matter where you are.

Now that I've shared how I keep my immune system supported and strong, I'd love to hear what you do to keep your body in tip-top shape? If you want to snag some Ester-C® for yourself, head to WalMart and grab a bottle at "roll-back" prices.

Stay Connected with Ester-C®: 
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The Best Stocking Stuffers For A Sporty Girl

My fitness journey is going strong, I'm still working out when I can fit in trips to the gym and I'm trying to watch what I eat, while spending time preparing for the holidays! Today I'm sharing The Best Stocking Stuffers for a Sporty Girl like me, these little presents are sure to make any girl smile but if she is into fitness - these gifts are made for her!

The Best Stocking Stuffers for a Sporty Girl

1. Bobble Sport Water Bottle - We're starting out strong with one of the best gifts you could possibly give someone- clean and filtered water straight out of the bottle! The reusable water bottle filters as you drink, is bpa-free, dish-washer safe, is available at Best Buy or Amazon, and only costs $11.99! The perfect bottle for a girl on the go since it fits in bike racks and cup holders easily and provides hydration!

2. Sinful Colors Nail Polish - The perfect way to pamper a girl's nails and toes on a budget!

3. Colorful and FUN socks - I love spicing up my sock drawer so the more loud and wild the better! If you can find your girl's favorite animal in sock form, you are golden. Think little shark, fox, or monkey socks; I'm already smiling thinking about them!

4. LUSH products, specifically Celebrate Lotion - This formula is healthy and smells so amazing! The perfect product to apply after a nice workout and a long shower!

5. Gummy Multi-Vitamins - I'm obsessed with gummy vitamins this year, but any vitamin would be a great present! It's something every fitness minded girl needs!

6. Sporty Hair Products - Headbands, bobby pins, hair ties - give it all to us sporty girls! I can't stand having my hair whip into my face while getting cardio in... neither can any other girl with hair! Spoil us ladies with headbands that actually keep our hair pulled back and stay in place and we'll squeal in delight!

7. Activz Green Smoothie Drink Powder - This powder is amazing, chalk full of greens and prepared in a shaker bottle. I love taking this powder with me while I'm traveling so I can ensure that I still get my greens in, no matter where I am.

8. Whish Shaving Serum - This is the best product for those of us that get razor burn! I apply this after a shower to make sure my legs are ready for the gym and yoga shorts everyday!

9. Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Treatment - My favorite hairline PHD has another epic product on their hands, this 5-in-1 treatment is the perfect after shower treatment for your hair! Think of it as a lotion for your lovely locks!


Do you have any sporty items on your wishlist this year? I'm thinking adding a heart monitor and a new pair of running shoes to this list would make any fitness-minded gal overjoyed! What would you add to make it the perfect present for you?

Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple & Pepper Salmon Recipe

This super delicious Salmon recipe packs a punch of flavors into a super sweet and savory meal. If you are looking for a different fish recipe, that will thrill your taste buds then I highly suggest this Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple & Pepper Salmon. It's easy to make and when served with peas and coconut rice makes for a delicious meal.

Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple & Pepper Salmon Recipe Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (12 oz of salmon) 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon garlic 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper 1/4 can crushed or chopped pineapple 3 chopped baby sweet peppers 1/8 cup chopped red onion 1/8 cup pure maple syrup Begin by pouring a small amount of pineapple juice and all of the spices over salmon in a baking pan and marinate. After allowing to marinate for a small amount of time, put into oven and broil for approximately 4 minutes and remove from oven Baste with the maple syrup and place back in the oven for approximately 1 minute. Chop & mix pepper, onion, and pineapple together - creating the pineapple salsa. Take back out and add a spoon full or more of the pineapple salsa to each fillet. Put back in oven and broil for another 1-2 minutes. Serve over rice (preferably coconut rice) and veggie of choice, add extra salsa if needed. Enjoy!