Fit for Fall: Fit Hacks & Snacks

Fit for Fall: Fit Hacks & Snacks

Feeling fit for Fall? Fall in love with these cheesy baked Protein Crisps and all natural Power Crackers. We also included our Trainers Top 3 Fitness Hacks. Learn 3 easy ways to lose stubborn fat. The key to staying motivated when the seasons are changing or just when you’re needing some inspiration is to change your perspective. These fitness tips will help you shift your focus and make having a solid fitness routine easier.

It’s a win win when you can enjoy a guilt free super Cheesy snack and lose stubborn fat with all the right hacks.

 

Fitness Hack #1: Discover your stress free exercise.

Discover your stress free exercise. What works for YOU? By works, we mean what exercise does your body respond to best. Typically we workout to achieve major fitness goals and we often stress our body and put added stress on our joints in the process. This tip is something our trainer encourages. Stress is often a reason why we hold stubborn fat and struggle to stick with a fitness routine. It is important to include stress free exercise in your routine. Enjoy this 2 for 1 because this one is also great to strengthen your mind and build healthy fitness habits.

Here’s a few options to eliminate that stress. Water exercise and calming yoga and meditation. An example is adding Elementary Back Stroke to your lap swim or basic aquatic exercises. Our Trainer encourages the use of yoga to prevent injuries. Her favorite injury prevention yoga is Yoga With Adriene

Fall in love with this cheesy snack. Nothing takes the edge off of a stressful day like tasty cheesy yumminess. These Protein Crisps are the perfect post workout snack and they are the healthiest way to satisfy your cheese craving.

 

Introducing Shrewd FoodFall in love with a healthy cheesy treat.

Not Colorado baked, but satisfying the same munchies, this high protein snack is sure to satisfy your cravings of those cheese puff national brands, but with huge protein. This snack is high on taste and protein and low in calories, fat, carbs and sugar. Shhh they’re kind of a miracle. Plus they’re legal in all 50 states.

Discount Code: FSB15X18 for 15% off redeem at shrewdfood.net

Visit their WEBSITE to see more. Their products will satisfy your body and mind ☺

Fitness Hack #2: You do it everyday, but done right can make all the difference.

Connect with your breathe. The best athletes practice proper breathing and start and finish position of every move. Here’s how you can practice proper breathing. When you connect with your breath workouts are more effective.

Here’s an example and how to prepare so you can connect with your breathe before and during an exercise.

Lying leg lifts – First, lying down inhale and fill your belly up with air. Second, exhale pulling your navel to spine. Pretend there were a string pulling your belly button closer to the floor. Third, keep your spine glued to the floor throughout the movement. Test: make sure your back is glued to the floor, so you cannot fit anything under your back, not a pencil or a finger.

Here are a few resources to learn breathing techniques for a more effective workout. The first is from the Daily Burn and the second is from Greatist.

 

Fitness Hack #3: Rest and recover with a Fit Snack break.

Here’s another 2 for 1. Use rest time during a long workout to eat a Fit Snack. Athletes everywhere do it, in fact, most creators of the snacks in the box are active, fit and healthy athletes, fitness professionals and fit families (the Fit Snack family being one). Back to Hack #3.

Rest is important. It’s not cool to not let your body rest. Think of how you would feel if you missed a few nights of sleep in a row. That’s how your muscles feel when you don’t include proper recovery and rejuvenation. Our Trainers rule of thumb is: Short workouts require 30 second rest and longer workouts require 1 minute, though it depends no the type of exercise, but this is a good base. Then comes the snacks, good thing our Trainer is also a Nutritionist.

When you’re working out and you don’t have clean, whole food nutrition your muscles feel starved. Sleep deprived and hungry is no way to meet your goals, in fact this encourages your body to retain stubborn fat. The proper nutrients in your recovery snack can make all the difference in getting your body to work for you and burn stubborn fat stores. Here’s the snack to recover with after a workout:

CAN YOU RECALL THE BEST TASTING “HEALTH FOOD” YOU EVER TASTED IN YOUR LIFE?

One that’s full of flavor, has an appealing texture, tastes like a decadent gourmet treat and yet made with simple, clean and organic ingredients. I bet you can’t, or most likely you have tried, but it’s not a healthy food– it was probably just junk food.

HERE AT FOODS ALIVE, WE ARE CREATORS OF REAL HEALTH FOOD.

We don’t sacrifice taste for health and we definitely don’t sacrifice health for taste– in fact, we enhance the taste and healthiness by making it with only the best tasting organic, non-GMO, gluten free, raw, vegan and kosher ingredients.

Discount Code: FitFoods820 for 20% off redeem here

Expires: 11/1/2018 redeem at www.foodsalive.com

Visit their Foods Alive and you will feel the real power.

Sign up for Fit Snack emails today to receive monthly fitness tips and support for your healthy lifestyle.

 

Mind Body | Part II

Mind Body | Part II

Welcome to the launch of part two of the three part Mind Body series. Our Nutritionist and Personal Trainer designed a simple three part workout and nutrition series.  The purpose, to use Nutrition and Training guidance to maximize your energy and vitality in your every day life. Here you will find part two along with a sneak peek at the September Fit Snack box!  We welcome all fitness levels as there are modifications for beginner to advanced. If you are feeling stagnant or are needing to gain energy to increase stamina in your everyday life, we have the tools to turn that around. You will need some superfood packed Fit Snacks and the guidance of our Nutritionist and Personal Trainer. Sit back, enjoy a Fit Snack and prepare to bring your body into balance with an awesome workout and some stretches.

Wholesome food made with real ingredients. This is the place to start.

Nothin’ But Foods Introducing Nothin’ But Granola Cookie Bites and Snack Bars. Simple wholesome ingredients, functional, with crave-worthy taste! GLUTEN FREE, NONGMO with no Artificial Sweeteners!
Gluten free and guilt free snacking with each snack under 200 calories
Discount Code: FitSnack25 for 25% off + free shipping if purchase over $40 Expiration: 10/31/18 redeem at nothinbutfoods.com

A perfect balance of flavors. Indulgent tastes with healthy ingredients.

Chocolate + Coconut + Almond | Ginger + Lemon + Cashew | Peanut Butter + Chocolate Chunk | Cherry + Cranberry + Almond

There’s your pre workout snack!
FoodsAlive Lemon Chia Crunch Power Snackers Lemon Chia Crunch Power Crackers are a mix of nutrient-rich almonds and walnuts, flax and sunflower seeds, and reishi mushrooms blended with maca, lucuma, coconut, vanilla, and lemon. With superior taste, texture, and clean plant-based organic ingredients, everyone will love our new vegan power crackers.
And there’s your mid-day snack! Now to get to this workout.

Pre workout Stretches!

Time to focus your mind and prepare your body. Set the intention to workout mindfully. Focus on perfect form and connect with your breathe to benefit your body and mind. To start with a well balanced workout we need a pre workout stretch. This short bout of active stretching is designed to fully prepare your body for the every exercise. Never underestimate the pre workout stretch. With the perfect fuel you should be feeling energized. Now stretch and get in the zone. _________________________________ Quick Pre Workout Active Standing Stretch 3 min With each movement breathe deeply for 3 breaths Neck stretch – half circles, right shoulder to left shoulder Shoulder Rolls – Roll shoulders forwards and backwards Side Body Stretches – Reach arms high, keep core long and bend to one side then the other Right arm over head – tricep stretch, left hand on right elbow light pressure. Left arm over head – same for opposite side _________________________________

Game Time! Here’s the workout…

Here’s a fun and functional circuit to get you moving! It is designed to full body strength and balance. When these exercises are performed in a circuit they are highly effective in burning fat and building lean muscle. Sign up for our News Letter and we will send the upcoming 3 part series with beginner and advanced level modifications from our Trainer. Full Body 15 min Circuit  Push Ups – alternating leg lifts, lift 1 leg as you lower and switch Ice Skaters – 1-2 ft jump land balancing on one leg and reach, switch Staggered Arm Push Ups – 1 hand below chest, 1 hand above chest Slow Hip Bridges – knees directly over ankles Downward Dog Push Ups – downward dog, heels on the floor, hips high Single Leg Deadlifts – hold a small weight or heavy book This is a portion of the workout in Part Two of the Mind Body series. Sign up for our mailing list here just scroll down and enter your email for this free 3 part series. You have to be filling hungry after that 15 minute killer circuit. Here’s your post workout protein snack and more protein ;)! Snacking does not get any cleaner or more purely delicious than this.

Eat Wicked Cutz Jerky! The question is Turkey, Bacon or Beef?

You have all of the high protein jerky options you need with Wicked Cutz. Here’s a little Wicked education. Wicked was started by a body builder.

Snack creator American Body Builder and 2x Arnold Class Winner, Branch Warren.

If that’s not motivating we don’t know what is.
Shrewd Foods Protein Crips | Baked Cheddar   Satisfying delicious taste and crunch without the fat, carbs or sugar. 14g Protein per serving.
Code: FSB15X18 for 15% off   Expiration: 12/31/18 redeem at shrewdfood.net

RX Bar they make protein bars and other things. Introducing RX Nut Butters.

The nut butter that’s more than nuts – 9g protein, delicious flavors, no B.S.

 Peanut Butter | Almond Butter | Maple Almond Butter & more high protein snack essentials!

Code: FitSnackRX18 for 20% off Expiration: 11/31/18 redeem at rxbar.com

Stretch it Out!

Training specific stretches from part One of the Mind Body series. Enjoy! _________________________________ Quick Post Workout Sitting Stretch 3 min Sitting Butterfly Position – straighten back 3 deep breaths Right leg extended – straighten back to set and lean forward slightly, 3 breaths keep back straight. Left leg extended – same for opposite side Right arm over head – tricep stretch, left hand on right elbow light pressure. Left arm over head – same for opposite side _________________________________

Sign up for our FitSnack box to receive the full Mind Body series. We are sending out Mind Body part One and part two during the month of September.

You will have detailed training instruction for every move from our Certified Personal Trainer. Nutrition tips from our Nutritionist to help you kick unhealthy habits. If you are a beginner or advanced you can count on modifications. It is important to listen to your body on your journey of health and wellness and we hope to inspire that. The first part of the series will be sent to your email in August if you are subscribed to Fit Snack. Part two and three coming in September and October. Join our community, we promise it just keeps getting better!
The Jerky for your Gym Bag

The Jerky for your Gym Bag

A jerky inspired by a century of tradition and a lifetime of hard work. We found the perfect flavor filled snack for your gym bag. A high in protein, no junk, mouth watering cut of jerky. Build your body up with fuel created by a pro.

Meet American Body Builder and 2x Arnold Class Winner, Branch Warren. He is the Founder of Wicked Cutz.

Recover Like A Body Builder

Whether you’re building muscle or focusing on endurance training, recovery is the key to success. It requires protein, but not all protein is created equally. First of all, not all protein contains all of your essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks for new cells aka those gains you’ve been seeking. Every 24 hours after a tough workout this is the window you want to make sure you get the proper amount of protein and nutrients for that matter. In this time frame muscle is breaking down at a faster rate. If you don’t feed your body protein, rather than build muscle then the opposite will happen. Muscle breakdown occurs when we do not fuel our bodies properly.

Foods rich in protein are the key to recovery. Meat or foods containing meat have the highest bioavailable protein. Other foods with highly bioavailable protein are eggs, spirulina and milk or cheese. Bioavailable is just a fun way of saying the protein in a specific food is made available to your muscles much faster and more effectively.

The USDA recommends that all men and women over the age of 19 should get at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (0.37 grams per pound). But this is the bare minimum requirement. If you live a very active lifestyle you may require 0.5 – 0.9 grams of protein per pound of body weight. This equates to 56 grams of protein per day for the average man and 46 grams per day for the average woman. But a 170lb endurance/strength athlete could require almost 150grams of protein a day.
Learn more on the benefits of adding jerky as your post workout snack at https://wickedcutz.co/pages/nutrition

Why Wicked Cutz is a cut above the rest

Low in sugar, fat and calories and packed with whole food ingredients. Wicked Cutz is a jerky lovers dream. A flavor for every day of the week and the perfect Turkey Jerky for the best fuel after your hardest workouts.

In just 1 oz you get:

  • 10 G protein
  • Low sugar, only 4 g per ounce
  • Low sodium
  • 0 trans fat
  • 60 calories
  • All natural whole food ingredients

Now here’s a clean cut of jerky:

  • No artificial ingredients
  • No Nitrates or Nitrites
  • Turkey raised without antibiotics
  • No Added MSG
  • Gluten Free

Wicked Cutz Turkey, Beef & Bacon Jerky

A flavor for every day of the week. The high quality of the ingredients come through in each bite. In our Fit Snack box we included Korean Style BBQ Turkey Jerky. Handcrafted with lean turkey breast and all natural ingredients, it has an unforgettable taste and texture but don’t let us tell you. You have to hear it from Wicked Cutz and you’ll see just how well they know their jerky.

Sweeter than your great grand papi’s molasses and saltier than your great grand mami’s tongue, our jerky is so flavorful and tangy that your lips won’t be the only thing that puckers . Sugar, soy sauce, sesame seed oil all come together to make this the best tasting Teriyaki Turkey jerky that will make your great grandparents roll over in their grave! 

The perfect pre and post workout snack. Fuel for your workout with Turkey Jerky any day of the week. There’s a flavor of this jerky to fit any mood or to cure any craving.

Wicked Cutz Korean Style BBQ Turkey Jerky is the jerky you want in your gym bag!

Sit back on a Sunday with Sriracha Style Bacon Jerky or keep it simple with the Original Peppered Beef Jerky.

Founder Branch Warren learned the true value of hard work from his mother. Warren is a World Champion Professional Bodybuilder. A man with values that have been passed on through a century of tradition. When it comes to hard work we believe his mother said it best.

“Nobody is going to give you anything, but you can have anything you want if you work hard and earn it.” 

-Louis Lea Higgins

Food Combining with Fit Snacks

Food Combining with Fit Snacks

Cooking a delicious, healthy dish is all in the details. When selecting foods to add to a meal we should be selecting foods that taste amazing (that’s a given) and have a health benefit to go with it. If the food we eat does not have a health benefit, then what purpose is it serving us? 

A good rule of thumb: If it’s not working for us, then it’s likely working against us. 

Whole foods are the way to go! Combining colorful (especially dark colored) vegetables typically will increase the nutritional benefit because certain vitamins are better absorbed when paired with other vitamins. Therefore we have greater access to the nutrients stored in our food, the good stuff. Some examples of using food combining include using foods to make a complete protein and combining vegetables to increase nutrient absorption. You can combine foods from dark chocolate to turmeric and much more.

Why would we want to make a complete protein?

Protein is the building block of our tissues, meaning we need protein to build muscle and any cell in our body if you think about this. This is why protein is also important for healing and recovery.  Often times people think increasing protein intake with increase bulk, however protein is crucial to maintaining a lean and cut physique. If our diet is vegan, vegetarian or primarily vegetables we likely are not getting foods with protein that is highly bioavailable. This is just a big word that means the food contains all of your body’s essential amino acids. Complete proteins are easily absorbed and taken up by the cells. A complete protein is typically an animal based protein or grains such as amaranth, quinoa, chia etc. When you do not have a complete protein it is best to create a complete protein by combining the right foods.  

Food combining to make a complete protein:

Eggs and oatmeal make a complete protein. Try it! Add 1 egg to your oatmeal, then cook the oat meal for a thicker more filling meal. Don’t be afraid of change, if you think about it these are the key ingredients to oatmeal cookies.

Combining foods to increase nutrient absorption:

Add Black Pepper and Tumeric to a dish to eliminate inflammation. Tumeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties in curcumin the major anti-inflammatory component of tumeric.

Snack on a sweet and healthy treat of Dark chocolate and Apples. We have the perfect Dark Chocolate, packed with nutrients and flavor with very low sugar. Introducing our June Fit Snack partner FlavaNaturals.  Learn about the immense benefits of flavanols from Flavanaturals.com. This is the dark chocolate highest in the plant based antioxidants, flavanols. Flavanols ultimately help your body maintain nitric oxide levels to relax your arterial walls and increase blood flow. This combo includes the powerful antioxidant quercetin and essential flavanols.

Chocolate was your weakness, now it’s your strength!

It’s great to take vitamins, but don’t you want to tap in to your body’s natural ability to absorb nutrients you need from food you eat. In other words don’t let your body get lazy. If you support the process, you’ll be surprised your body is capable of some pretty amazing things. 

Dark Chocolate and Apples. Don’t forget the perfect dessert for either of the two meals below.

Fit Fajitas

1 Beet Tortilla

1/2 c. Broccoli Leaflets

1/4 c. Red Bell Pepper, chopped

1/4 c. Red Onion, diced

1/2 c. Red Cabbage, chopped

1 tbsp coconut oil

2 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced

1 whole clove Fresh Garlic

Seasoning: Garlic powder 1 tbsp, Sea Salt 1 tsp, 1 tsp Turmeric, Black Pepper 1 tsp, Oregano 1 tsp

1 chicken breast, boiled & shredded into large chunks

1 tsp coconut oil

Aminos Spray (Braggs)

  1. Boil chicken and 1 whole garlic clove, for 20 minutes or until light pink in the center and let cool 5 minutes.
  2. Using hands shred chicken into large chunks and lightly coat with Aminos spray. Coat chicken with garlic powder, then add the pepper, oregano and Sea Salt. Stir and mix well before adding to pan.
  3. Sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic with red onion and red cabbage in coconut oil while adding turmeric for 2 min. Add broccoli, red bell pepper and chicken. Sauté until chicken is fully cooked and has no pink in the center.

Tip: if chicken is dry add 2 tbsp water and sauté for 1 more minute

Nutritionist Tip: By boiling the chicken first helps to ensure you do not over cook your meat and keep the moisture. Over cooking meat can have a negative impact on your gut and can increase inflammation. This meal is great for healthy digestion.

SunFresh Spirulina Green Eggs

5 whole Eggs

1/4 c. Onion, diced

1/2 c. Red Bell Pepper, chopped

1/2 c. Red Cabbage, diced

5 Fresh Cilantro leaves

1/2 clove fresh garlic, minced

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp. SunFresh Spirulina

1 tsp. Oregano, dried

1 tsp. Parsley, dried

1 tsp. Tumeric

1 tsp Freshly ground Black Pepper

Pink Himalayan Salt, pinch

Instructions:

  1. Whisk eggs, adding SunFresh Spirulina, Oregano, Parsley, Turmeric, Garlic powder, Sea salt and Black pepper.
  2. Saute Onion and 1/2 garlic clove in coconut oil for 2 minutes. Add Red Bell Pepper, Red Cabbage and fresh Cilantro leaves.
  3. Add more coconut oil to the pan then pour in egg & spirulina mixture. Scramble eggs with vegetables or combine to make an omelet.

Nutritionist Tip: Macros and Micros at work! Notice the variety of seasonings, each one has major health benefits and all contribute to fighting inflammation. Inflammation is caused not only by poor food choices, but also by stress. Keep inflammation down and increase your lifespan.

SunFresh proteins and Flavanaturals are two amazing Fit Snack partners both making the best of their particular product. SunFresh Proteins ensures they have the highest quality spirulina though a sustainable means. Flavanaturals is your Sneak Peek at our June Fit Snack box and is unique in that it contains the highest levels of flavonoids which are super nutrients that support brain, heart and skin health.

Enjoy and don’t forget your tasty treat apples and flava bars. If you want to try Flava Naturals sign up for our June Fit Snack box today.

Top 4 Ingredient Snacks You Must Try For Back To School!

Top 4 Ingredient Snacks You Must Try For Back To School!

We’re making back to school easy. Exams, schedules and staying on top of work and extracurriculars can be hard. But eating well shouldn’t be. Here are our top 4 ingredient snacks that will keep your kids (and you) energized at school or work. The best part is that they hardly take any time to prep…

Fit Snack’s Top 4 Ingredient Snacks to Make at Home:

  • Red Ants on a Log (the Fit Snack way!):  
    • Ingredients: Celery sticks, natural peanut butter (or almond butter), mixed nut crumbles, and gogi berries
    • Instructions: simply spread nut butter over celery sticks, top with mixed nuts and dried gogi berries – YUM! Place in tupperware and go.
  • Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bark
    • Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 3 tbs maple syrup, 1/2 cup Quaker Real Medleys SuperGrains Blueberry Pecan Granola, 1/2 cup blueberries, 3 to 4 sliced strawberries (add chia seeds if you want some extra nutrients too!)
    • Instructions: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside, mix Greek yogurt and syrup in a bowl until combined. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin layer. Top with Real Medleys SuperGrains Blueberry Pecan Granola, blueberries, and strawberries, place in the freezer for two hours, or overnight, until the bark is fully frozen. Slice into desired squares when ready to eat!
  • Almond Energy Balls:
    • Ingredients: 1¼ cup gluten-free rolled oats, 1¼ cup chopped pitted dates, ½ cup no-salt added unsweetened almond butter, 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
    • Instructions: Place ingredients into food processor and process until smooth.  Use spoon to scoop out and create firm energy balls that stick together. Chill…
  • Zucchini Chips: 
    • Ingredients: 1 lb (about 4 cups) thin sliced Zucchini, 1/8 tsp salt, 1 ounce of finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 garlic clove finely grated or 1/8 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
    • Instructions: Preheat oven to 230 degrees (F), use a knife or mandoline slicer to cut zucchini into thin slices, place cut zucchini in a bowl, add salt, Parmesan cheese, garlic and vinegar, toss to coat, bake for 1 1/2 hours.

 

In a rush? For those of you who don’t have time this week to make homemade snacks.  

Enjoy our recommended back to school go-to’s with links to order!

ALLY’s Bar

FRUIT and VEGGIE BAR:  This bar was inspired by Ally’s favorite Juice. Naturally sweet balance of apples and carrots and a spiced up with ginger. 5 – 9 servings of vegetables and 2 – 4 servings of fruit per day, is a difficult standard to meet each day! With Ally’s bar not only can you meet your nutritional requirements more easily, you can also enjoy sustainable whole food energy on the go!

Enjoy 20% off with code fitsnack at allysbar.com

 

 

Kala Fava Beans: Consider these your new go-to. With a selection of flavors like Pineapple, Sea Salt and Vinegar, Pepper and Curry, you’re never bored with what Kala has to offer. These beans are flavored just right so they taste more like chips than beans. These little beans are packed with protein and iron and are one of the tastiest superfoods out there. Featured in our Sept Fit Snack box!

Rise Buddy Pizza Rice Chips: Fit Snack delivers pizza? Only in the most efficient way possible! We love the quirky and unique products that Rise Buddy has shared with us and we want to share these yummy chips with you. These whole grain chips are made from brown rice, oven baked and gluten free. AND they come in delicious flavors like Pizza, BBQ, Sour Cream and more. Available on Amazon!

Raw BRaw Bite Coconut Bar and Ingredientsite Organic Fruit and Nut Bar: Looking for a snack that car seriously fill you up? Raw Bite has you covered. Though each bar is smaller in size, these fruit and nut bars are full of fiber and protein, and they only contain natural sugars. If you have dietary restrictions, this bar might just be the golden ticket. Every Raw Bite bar is dairy free, gluten free and corn free. For anyone who is vegan, paleo or trying to eat more organically, Raw Bite is worth checking out. Visit www.rawbite.us and use code  FITSNACK for 20% off through 09/30/2017.

Ricaroons Coconut Energy Bar: Ricaroons has somehow managed to make their protein bars taste more like a dessert than a healthy snack. Ricaroons uses three different forms of coconut: coconut oil, coconut flakes, and coconut palm nectar. Coconut digests smoothly, converting to energy with a minimal insulin effect. This means that with coconut comes consistent energy rather than a spike and crash like from most other sugars.  Each bar is nutrient-packed that provides long lasting energy and they are the perfect snack for anyone on-the-go. They even have Pumpkin Spice flavor for the fall! Visit www.rickaroons.com/buy and use code SNACKFIT for 15% off through 10/2/2017.

Getting Back Into the Work and School Routine is Easier with Fit Snack!

Getting back into the school routine is now just a bit easier with snacks that keep you energized and focused. With no artificial ingredients you and your kids can snack stress free. Follow links to our discounted snacks and get ready to hit the books!

Fit Snack is now offering office boxes to awesome offices around the nation! Visit www.fitsnack.com/office to get more information and a free sample box for qualified offices!

Sweeping the nation with healthy snacks!