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Nutrition

4 Superfoods to Power Your Day

August 22, 2020 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

When you choose to make your health and wellness a priority, it requires changing things inside and out. One of the major things people tend to look at when they want to take control of their overall health is their diet. 

Paying attention to what you eat is an important factor in bettering your health, in general. It doesn’t matter what your overall health goal is. Whether you want to lose weight, improve your cardiovascular health, or lower your risk of certain diseases, it’s never a bad idea to make dietary changes that can boost your body’s immune system naturally. 

One of the best ways to do that is by including more superfoods in your diet. Most superfoods contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are substances that can either delay or prevent certain types of cell damage. That helps to lower your risk of a variety of different diseases while making your system stronger in the process. 

So, what are some of the best superfoods you can include in your diet to boost your antioxidant intake? 

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1. Dark Chocolate

Just to prove that something indulgent can be extremely healthy too, we’re starting out our list with dark chocolate! Now, we’re not encouraging you to eat an entire chocolate cake every day. But, the antioxidants in cocoa can help to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. 

It has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, and raise your levels of “good” cholesterol. The darker the chocolate (the higher the cocoa percentage) the better, so don’t reach for that milk chocolate bar if you’re trying to get any health benefits. A small serving of dark chocolate each day will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but can help your body in many other ways. 

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are often one of the first foods people think of when antioxidants come to mind. There is a good reason for that. 

Blueberries are often touted as a food that contains the highest amount of antioxidants above other fruits and vegetables. Plus, it helps that they’re delicious and versatile! 

Some of the benefits of blueberries include decreasing inflammation and lowering the risk factors of heart disease. There have also been studies that have suggested blueberries can help to delay the decline in brain function that tends to happen naturally with aging. 

3. Kale

Kale is more than just a fad diet trend. It is one of the most nutritious greens known to man, and it’s also very versatile. If you don’t particularly like the taste of kale or aren’t sure how to prepare it, you can “hide” the flavor in a fruit smoothie. Or, try delicious baked kale chips with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. 

Kale contains many immune-boosting antioxidants, but it is also loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, and C. Many people following a vegan lifestyle enjoy kale because it is a great plant-based source of calcium. Needless to say, a little bit of kale goes a long way when it comes to your health and the nutrients your body needs. 

4. Beans

Beans have many health benefits that should make them a regular part of your diet. They are high in fiber and a wonderful source of antioxidants. But, the most important antioxidant in certain types of beans (like pinto) is kaempferol. This powerful antioxidant has been shown to reduce cancer growth, especially with breast, kidney, and lung cancers. 

Beans are inexpensive and easy to find, so there is no reason not to add more of them into your life and experience the benefits right away. 

Switching to a Super Diet

Getting the nutrients you need through your food is one of the best things you can do for both your body and mind. But, if you are particularly deficient in certain nutrients, or you’re having a hard time eating the foods that can really boost your health, taking natural supplements is a great way to still give your body what it needs. 

For example, if you want to boost your antioxidant intake, red polyphenol powder can help by taking it every day. 

Remember, by making your health a priority, you’re doing something kind for yourself. There are many more superfoods to consider that aren’t on this list, so don’t be afraid to do your research on different foods and how their antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can improve your immunity! You’ll also lower your risk of certain diseases, and simply feel better and stronger from the inside out. 

What types of superfoods do you like?

Thank you for reading!

Filed Under: Nutrition Tagged With: antioxidants, energy, health, nutrition, superfoods

Health

Lifestyle Changes That Will Help Boost Your Energy

April 25, 2019 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

Do you often feel sluggish, tired and in desperate need of a nap? This seems like pretty common behavior that we blame on the working week. But wouldn’t it be nice to stop feeling so tired all of the time and actually have some energy?

Maintaining consistent energy levels comes down to some key lifestyle changes. By switching the focus of your health goals to having more energy, you can shake that lethargic feeling and start to feel more energized.

Want to give yourself a boost? Here are some lifestyle changes to make that will improve your energy.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Get more sleep

Having more energy starts with a good night’s sleep. Most people fail to get their recommended 7-8 hours a night, which can cause problems with your stress levels, your appetite, mood, and energy. Those late nights partying or staying up past midnight can soon creep up on you, affecting your health in various ways. Work on improving your sleep quality to make sure you get enough rest.

Eat for energy

Food is the fuel you need for your body to function, and eating the right foods will help you enjoy sustained energy. While a carbohydrate-filled, sugary snack might seem like a good energy boost, it will be a quick win, and you’ll soon feel more tired than you did before. Focus on a diet that features energy-boosting foods and watch your tiredness begin to improve.

Drink less

Alcohol can have several effects on your energy levels. While you might think that it ‘perks you up’, alcohol can mess with your sleep and leave you feeling tired and dehydrated the next day. Some people might think that alcohol gives them the energy to perform tasks better like driving, but you can click here to learn more about why that’s not true. When you drink less alcohol or give it up altogether, you’ll certainly have more energy, but your waistline and wallet will also feel the benefits. Many people use alcohol as a sleeping aid, but this habit can do more damage than good.

Change your exercise habits

Exercise burns energy, so how could it possibly make you feel more energetic? Regular exercise will improve your cardiovascular health, which will fuel your body with the right nutrients to function. It also increases your endorphin levels which can help to lift your mood and give you that natural high. Focus on exercises that improve energy, including morning stretching and walking more to help you fight fatigue, especially during the day.

Focusing on boosting your energy levels can change your approach to diet and exercise. If you want to improve your focus and alertness, then switching up your habits could soon have the desired effect. Instead of succumbing to your tiredness, get up and walk around and eat foods that release energy over time. With increased energy, you’ll feel more motivated, capable and ready to take on anything.

This post was a collaboration.

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: energy, lifestyle

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition Reviews

Get More Energy With ENERGYbits + A Discount/Giveaway

August 23, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 6 Comments

Disclosure: I received two free samples of ENERGYbits in the hopes that I would review them on my blog. I did not receive any monetary compensation. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

I’ll admit, when I first heard of spirulina algae as a form of energy, I was not interested. I’m not a vegetarian or vegan, so plant-based isn’t necessarily important to me. But health and clean energy sources are. Especially as an athlete. And I found that with Boston based sports nutrition company, ENERGYbits!

Here’s a quick description of what ENERGYbits are, borrowed from their website:

“ENERGYbits® are tiny algae tabs so nutritionally dense, they eliminate fatigue and hunger instantly. Want a healthy, natural way to fuel your game or fire up your brain? ENERGYbits® are for you! NO caffeine, sugar, chemicals, gluten or soy, just pure, plant based nutrition, all for just ONE calorie per tab. ENERGYbits® have just ONE ingredient – organically grown NON GMO spirulina algae – a super food endorsed by the United Nations and NASA as the most nutritionally dense food in the world. Spirulina has been a favorite of gold medalists for decades. Now it’s your turn.”

They’re called bits because they are tiny tablets of spirulina algae. They’re not a supplement. They are a whole food source. One bit is 64% protein, contains 40 vitamins, antioxidants,, and nitric oxide. When you look at the percentage of protein in a bit, it’s higher than any other protein source. because of this, it’s great energy source! What’s awesome is that there is a no rush and no crash- just simple, smooth energy throughout your day (or workout).

Here’s the thing that tends to throw people off: one serving of ENERGYbits is 30 tablets. Yes, 30. At first, I didn’t want to try something that I needed to take 30 of. I don’t mind taking pills/supplements, but even then, I don’t take more than a few a day. Here’s what they look like:

ENERGYbits Spirulina Health   ENERGYbits Spirulina Health 2

Images Courtesy of ENERGYbits Pinterest & Burpees for Breakfast

With that being said, I am actually a big fan of these little bits!! They’re algae, so I definitely recommend swallowing them (not chewing). I took 10 at a time, and had no issues. I took my first sample (30 bits) on the first day of BlogFest. I don’t usually wake up at 5:30am, and I definitely don’t stay awake for 20 hours, especially without crashing. I was in a conference all day long, and was really surprised I hadn’t fallen asleep by 5 pm. But then I remembered I took the bits, and I was really impressed! I used to take Adderall (prescription), so I was used to feeling a big rush of energy, and then an even bigger crash later on. I absolutely LOVE that I did not experience that with the bits! Taking the 30 bits (which by the way are VERY small) is totally worth it.

ENERGYbits Spirulina Health 5

Image Courtesy of ENERGYbits Pinterest

Another thing that I was hesitant about was the pricing. ENERGYbits come in a bag of 1,000 bits for $115.00. Yes, one hundred & fifteen dollars. BUT, you’re getting 1,000  bits at a time (a little over 33 servings). So when you break it down, it’s actually very comparable to any other energy source. Per serving, it equates to about $3.50. If you look at the cost of energy drinks, ENERGYbits are similar, if not cheaper. Plus, bits are a clean energy and whole food source. In my book, ENERGYbits win by a landslide!

ENERGYbits Spirulina Health 3  One bag of ENERGYbits  ENERGYbits Health Spirulina  One sample of bits

Discount Code + Giveaway!

Do you want to try ENERGYbits, & get a 25% discount off your purchase? Simply visit their website, and enter code TBB into the coupon box to receive your discount!

Also, I am offering one reader a free sample of ENERGYbits! Simply comment on this blog post about why you’d like to try ENERGYbits! One winner (US only) will be chosen & contacted by Tuesday, August 26, 2014. ENERGYbits are only available at ENERGYbits.com, and Jonathan (their Community Manager) has let me know that he’d be happy to share more info on their sample program – you can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com.

If you’re interested in the awesomeness of ENERGYbits like I am, you can participate in their health and fitness Twitter chat, held every Tuesday night at 8 pm (EST) using hashtag #PoweredByBits.

You can also follow ENERGYbits on their Pinterest and Facebook, and visit their website at www.energybits.com!

Don’t forget to follow me, too! I am most active on Instagram and Twitter.

I want to thank ENERGYbits for the samples and opportunity to review their amazing product!

ENERGYbits Health Spirulina 6

XO, Lyndsay

Filed Under: Ambassador, Fitness, Nutrition, Reviews Tagged With: #PoweredByBits, algae, all-natural, Ambassador, athlete, bipolar, California, discount, energy, EnergyBits, free, giveaway, gluten-free, half marathon, LA, Los Angeles, mental clarity, mental focus, natural, nonGMO, organic, plant-based, race, review, runner, running, SoCal, spirulina, vegan, vegetarian, weight loss, whole food, yoga

Ambassador Nutrition Reviews

A Cleaner Approach To Caffeine: Pure LYFT

May 25, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 3 Comments

If you’re anything like me, you need a little bit (or a lot) of caffeine to get through the day. However, most ways to consume caffeine also mean consuming a lot of sugar, chemicals, or other unhealthy additives. I had the awesome opportunity of teaming up with Fit Approach as a #sweatpink ambassador to try Pure LYFT, a #cleancaffeine alternative!

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Pure LYFT is a zero calorie powder that has the caffeine equivalent of one tall cup of coffee (with green coffee bean extract, which I LOVE!). It also has vitamins A and B complex. It doesn’t have much of a taste/flavor, which is perfect because you can literally stir it into anything! I stirred it into my water, and it didn’t make it taste weird at all! This morning, I stirred it into my pre-workout (I am super tired today haha), and it doesn’t taste like I put anything else in it.

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One big thing I like about Pure LYFT is that it’s convenient. I am ALWAYS on the go, and it comes in the form of a stir stick, which you can take with you anywhere. It looks like this:

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Pure LYFT is definitely a product I recommend, and will continue to use for myself! I get headaches when I don’t have caffeine, and I don’t want to drink soda or coffee, so I am really excited to have found this!

You can order Pure LYFT here! Also, check them out on Instagram and Twitter! You can use code WELCOME for free shipping!!

A big THANK YOU to Pure LYFT and Fit Approach (#sweatpink!) for the opportunity to review this product! Definitely check out Fit Approach here, along with Instagram and Twitter!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Filed Under: Ambassador, Nutrition, Reviews Tagged With: #cleancaffeine, #purelyft, #sweatpink, Ambassador, caffeine, energy, Fit Approach, healthy, Pure LYFT, review

Fitness Nutrition

Energems Review + A Giveaway!

May 17, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 19 Comments

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I had the wonderful opportunity of reviewing Energems and jumped at the chance! I have had issues with energy for as long as I can remember. I’ve tried (what feels like) everything, and wanted to see how Energems would work for me!

Not only are Energems effective, but they’re delicious! They are literally like big M&Ms®. And taste like it! There’s a bit of a weird aftertaste, but it only lasts a few seconds or so. There are three flavors: chocolate, mint, and peanut butter.

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What I love about Energems is that they are convenient. I am always on the go (I nanny, dogsit, dogwalk, work at a wellness center, and more!), so convenience is perfect. Knowing I can wake up, eat some delicious chocolate, and get energy from that is perfect! Plus, they’re only 45 calories per serving (3 pieces). Love it! The energy burst comes from a proprietary energy blend of D-Glucuronolactone, Taurine, Caffeine, and Suntheanine® (L-Theanine), and also B-vitamins. Plus, it’s made with real milk chocolate!

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I definitely recommend Energems for people who want an energy boost, especially on the go! With that, I am doing a GIVEAWAY for one winner! I tried all three flavors for myself, but saved the other three boxes for one lucky person!

To be eligible to win:

  • Comment below what you’ve tried for an energy boost
  • Follow The Balanced Brunette on Instagram
  • Like The Balanced Brunette on Facebook

Simple as that! The giveaway ends on Wednesday, May 21 at 9 p.m. PST. Good luck!!!

To check out Energems and purchase some of your own (you know you want to), visit their website here.

Thank you Energems for the opportunity to try and review your amazing product!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Filed Under: Fitness, Nutrition Tagged With: #girlsrunfast, #imfitpossible, #katiekactive, #sweatpink, #swirlon, #teamdeltalabs, athlete, bipolar, candy, chocolate, Energems, energy, giveaway, half marathon, health, mental health, review, runner, strong figure, swirl gear, workout, yoga, yogi

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition

New Delta Labs Ambassador & A GIVEAWAY!!

April 21, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 7 Comments

I’ve got nothing but love for the company Delta Labs and their supplements!! I found Delta Labs through a fellow fit friend, and figured I would try it out. They currently have 8 different supplements- all for women, and all gluten-free! Some of them are vegan-friendly, as well!

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I have every single supplement except the prenatal and postnatal! Love love love them all! I was so excited about the company and the products, that I became an ambassador for Delta Labs! It’s an amazing community dedicated to women’s health, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. As a welcome, Delta Labs sent me this amazing package of gifts:

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I feel so incredibly special!! I get to represent this amazing brand with a backpack, a couple super cute tee shirts, etc! What’s even more awesome about this is that I have samples of the green tea+ that I get to GIVEAWAY to 5 people!!!!! This is my very first giveaway and I am so incredibly excited about it! The green tea+ is probably my favorite product of them all. It helps with weight loss, more energy, more control over emotional eating, and food cravings! It might sound too good to be true, but it has helped me SO much already! If you read my post from last Monday, you’ll know I have a sugar addiction that I am working to get over. The green tea+ definitely helps!!

Okay, so this giveaway is going to be pretty simple! There are 3 things you are required to do to be eligible to win 1 of the 5 sample packs:

  1. Comment on this post about why you want to try the green tea+
  2. Follow me on Instagram
  3. Like my Facebook page

This is what you will win:

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Let the games begin!! The giveaway ends on Monday, April 28, 2014!!

Good luck! 🙂

OH, and one more thing: if you’re excited to order any supplements now, go to deltalabsusa.com, and at checkout, enter code GETFITWITHLYNDS for $5 off your order!! They will also send you a prepaid label so you can send back your empty bottle for another $5 off your next order! I love that this company is all about decreasing our carbon footprint! 🙂

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Filed Under: Ambassador, Fitness, Nutrition Tagged With: #definebrave, #imfitpossible, #katiekactive, #teamdeltalabs, acai, Ambassador, baby, bipolar, bride, California, cleanse, Delta Labs, detox, discount, eco-friendly, energy, fat burner, femestra, fitness, free, giveaway, gluten-free, green, green tea, hair, happiness, health, holistic, hormone, love, menopause, mental health, mother, nails, natural, perimenopause, postnatal, pregnancy, pregnant, prenatal, promotion, resveratrol, sample, skin, SoCal, supplement, vegan, wedding, weight loss, women, workout

Fitness

New Yoga/Pilates Mat!

February 26, 2014 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

New Yoga/Pilates Mat!

I am soo excited about my new yoga/pilates mat! I have been using my boyfriend’s mat, and it’s very old and worn (plus thin and not cushioned at all). I have loved pilates for years, and really want to get my certification so that I can teach it at my wellness center! Luckily, there are tons of amazing places in LA who do certifications.

I decided that with my desire to get back into pilates, I should get a mat that reflects who I am! Pink is my favorite color, so I really wanted a pink mat. When I read that each color of the Aurorae Classic mats had its own “personality” behind it, I got even more excited! This pink mat stands for HOPE.

HOPE- intuitive, faithful, visionary, power of positive thought, energetic & healing

It is PERFECT!! I am very excited for this chapter in my life, and I am very excited to share this journey with you!

Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: aurorae, bipolar, classic, empowerment, energy, excitement, exercise, faith, fitness, healing, holistic, hope, intuition, mental health, nutrition, physical health, pilates, pink, positive, SoCal, teach, vision, wellness, workout, yoga

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