Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Get up and get going! Morning Workout Tips



People ask me when, and how I have time to workout...the truth is I really don't, ha.  It's so important to me to take some time out for myself and get some type of sweat on.  As I have gotten older, and had kids in the picture, the after work nighttime workouts are just not an option for me.  So, I have made a commitment to make myself get up in the mornings before the day starts.  Would I rather keep lying in bed most days?  Of course.  But, I can promise you that you will feel better throughout the day and have an early sense of accomplishment if you get up and get a workout in.

The good news is, it does get easier.  Your body can be trained and will start to adapt to your schedule.  I automatically wake up in the 5's now without even setting an alarm.

Here are some of my tips for getting up and working out
• Set out all clothes, maybe in another room,  so you get out of your room to get dressed
• Make an energy drink the night before ( I love Advocare Products) and drink right when you get up
MCT Oil Powder is a great energy booster that you can put in your coffee and supports fat loss 🙌🏻
• Workout buddy is crucial.  Get somebody that can hold you accountable
• Start slow! I am not the best at running first thing. I love yoga in the morning, or you can do a quick 15 min workout at your house to start
• Go to bed early! Like when your kids go down, you go down. I go to bed around 8:30 pm
• Have you heard of the Clocky Alarm?!  This thing cracks me up
• I don’t encourage sleeping away from your hubby, but maybe sleeping in another room for the first week. It’s harder to get out of bed when someone else is snoozing
• It will get easier! I love my morning routine, and feel so much better and energized throughout the day

Get your day started right, and get that morning workout on!

XOXO,
Crystal 

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Tips for Staying Healthy on Vacation



There is nothing I love more than some time away with the family on vacation!  I am definitely a beach bunny as opposed to a snow bunny.   Our favorite getaway is a trip down to the Florida Panhandle in the 30A or Sandestin area.  We just got back from a great trip so I thought I would share some of my tricks to staying healthy.....for most of the trip anyways.

1.  Prepare!  Setting yourself up for success is important.  I always pack some of my healthy go-to snacks with me.
List:
Nutpods
GG Crackers
Fiber One Cereal
Ole Low Carb Wraps

2.  Switch out the bread for the Low Carb Wraps.  These wraps are full of fiber to help keep you fuller and are a much better option than bread.

3.  Use low calorie mixers.  Let's be honest, what is a good vacation with out some drinks?!  I always mix my cocktails with low sugar options to help save my calories where I can.  Currently crushing on these Bai Sparkling Water that even has some caffeine in them.  Soda or La Croix is always a great go to option as well.  I am also a fan of infused Vodkas.  My fave one is the Kettle One Cucumber Botanical.

4. Break a sweat.  I love waking up and going on a slow steady jog.  If you do something active it helps your mindset stay more motivated throughout the day.   I also always look for classes to try around town.   Class Pass is a great option if you are traveling in a city that offers it too.

5.  Rent some bikes.  I love riding around on a bike for fun and exercise.  We rented a Burley bike trailer to pull the kids on and that was a hard workout in itself.

6.  Start out healthy.  No matter what I do, I try and get a good healthy breakfast to start.  If I start out with a doughnut the rest of the day is a disaster.  At least if I have a nice healthy, high fiber breakfast I can sustain saying no to treats a little longer.  My go-to this trip was Fiber One Cereal with no sugar Almond Milk or GG Crackers with Low Fat Cottage Cheese and Salsa.

7. Pick a fun day!  I always have a day a vacation I eat/drink whatever I want.  It usually is the last day and I look forward to it during the week.  I saved up for my Pina Colada and my Chicken Nachos... as well as some other things, and it was well worth the wait!  Having something to look forward to can keep you on track to get there.

Most importantly, it's vacation, so try not to be too hard on yourself, and surely don't weigh up on your return.

Hope everyone has a great summer!!

Crystal

Monday, May 6, 2019

GG Crackers





I get lots of questions from you guys about my GG fiber crackers. Some of you have a love/hate relationship with them, ha!  I know they can be hard to get used to, but give these Scandinavian crackers a chance to get your daily fiber in! I always pack my GG crackers with me when I am traveling.  It makes it so much easier to get in my daily fiber goal of 35 grams.  I have also been known to take them with me to Mexican restaurants to help keep me away from the chips on the table.  Chips and dip are my biggest downfall, so I'll do anything I can to keep myself away from them.

Here is the skinny on the GG’s:

I use them in place of bread, a wrap or chips. I don’t eat them by themselves. They give an extra crunch to my food to keep me fuller for longer. You can also use them as croutons for your salad, or as the breading on chicken. These crackers are also F-Factor approved, which is the lifestyle diet I live by.

Each cracker gives you 4 grams of fiber and only 2 net carbs. I always order the original, but I will say the Pumpkin Seed ones are a little tastier and easier eat on their own. Hey 

Some of my fave ways to "dress" a GG:

Eggs
Tuna fish
Swiss cheese with turkey pepperoni (just like a pizza ;)
Deli meat with mustard 
Babybel cheese with everything but the bagel seasoning 
Dipped in salsa and hummus 
Avocado
Cream Cheese + tomato
Peanut butter 
Smoked salmon + cream cheese + capers

Follow @ggfiber for some fabulous recipes and ideas.

Also remember I have all my healthy finds on our Shop Amazon page too!  I update it regularly so check it out!

XOXO,
Crystal

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Shop these items in the links below!


Happy first official day of May! Spring is a busy time of year with school ending and endless activities so I'm here to help with all your Mother's Day gift ideas. Don't wait to order gifts for the special mother, grandmother, or wife because this holiday can easily sneak up on you (especially the husbands!). I personally don't want to receive an extravagant gift on this holiday from my hubby and boys. A little something (maybe with a hand-written note) goes a long way in my book. All of the items in this post are budget-friendly. The above items are all under $100!


 
Grateful to be a mom to my two love bugs!




Gift Ideas for the "Fashion is Everything" Mom

You can't go wrong with a cute "date night" top! This off the shoulder blouse comes in 5 different colors and is seriously flattering on every size. 

I'm seriously drooling over this hexagon shaped handle bag. Geometric mini bags are all the rage and this one is a steal at under $50!

Resin jewelry pieces are also having a big moment. These clear linked drop earrings are true stunners!






Gift Ideas for the "Cozy but Cute" Mom

This super soft luxe UGG robe would be on any mom's wishlist. The shorter length is perfect for spring/summer temps.

I have this rainbow print sweatshirt and seriously wear it every weekend! The print is fun + the comfort is even better. 

This printed short-sleeve pajama set is number #1 on my wish list! The prints are adorable with a beachy feel.





Gift Ideas for the "Sporty Spice" Mom

These high waist leggings always get top reviews for having sculpting abilities + a non-slip waistband.  They come in 4 different colors- my personal fave is the black sun bleach print!

Crystal posted about the metallic Nike's and I'm truly obsessed!  These are excellent for running or cross training.  Be sure to size up at least half a size.

This workout tank has a great loose silhouette that pairs perfectly with leggings.  It comes in 4 different colors.








Throwback pic to me and my sweet momma- gotta love the 80's!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there!
XOXO,
Amanda