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Le-Vel Thrive Pro Review: How This Protein Bar Changed My Snacking Habits

October 6, 2018 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Le-Vel Thrive PRO Bar Review

It’s incredibly easy for me to grab whatever snack is around when I’m on-the-go. That usually means something filled with sugar, simple carbs, and junk. Nothing nutritious. When I eat crummy, I feel crummy. I need to have energy throughout the day, especially when it comes to making sure the girl I nanny gets to her activities and gets her schoolwork done. I realized I needed a snack that would give me protein and complex carbs. That’s where Le-Vel THRIVE PRO premium lifestyle nutrition/protein bars come in.

This post is sponsored by Le-Vel. All opinions and verbiage are my own.

Here’s my Le-Vel Thrive PRO Bar Review

Here’s the thing: I have a really hard time making sure I get enough protein. I’ve always been a (simple) carbs kind of gal. I’ve found it’s crucial to carry a protein bar in my purse or gym bag. Lately, I’ve been loving my THRIVE PRO bars. They contain 20 grams of a proprietary sequential protein, with only 2-3 grams of sugar, and the carbohydrate to protein ratio is perfect for a healthy snack!

THRIVE PRO bars also double as a pre and post-workout snack, providing just the right amount of fuel and recovery. I was struggling to provide my body with the nutrition it needed for my runs, and you wouldn’t believe how much better I felt (and feel)!

Le-Vel THRIVE PRO protein bars are especially popular in my house because they’re gluten free.

THRIVE PRO bars come in 4 flavors: birthday cake (my favorite), lemon meringue, cinnamon roll, and cookies & cream. Le-Vel makes many other products including their 3 Step Thrive Experience. If you’re interested, check out this review on the Thrive Experience.

I definitely feel like a healthier, happier athlete + person with THRIVE PRO protein bars. Thanks Le-Vel!

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Reviews

Renard Compression Socks Review

March 25, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

*Disclosure: I received a pair of Renard Compression socks at a discounted price in the hopes I would review them. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links.
I’m a big fan of these Renard Compression socks! I’ve tried compression calf sleeves before, but it felt unnatural (I think I’m just used to wearing socks). It’s easier to run/workout when I’m wearing compression socks. I get calf pain often, and compression is really the only thing (besides constant stretching) that helps! These socks have the perfect amount of compression: not too loose and not too tight.

I like that the socks are black and grey; they’re perfect for men AND women. Also, I tend to wear a lot of black, so they match perfectly.

I bought a size M. I wear a size 7.5 and they fit great on my feet. The compression also feels just right. Note: don’t leave compression socks on while you sleep, and make sure there are no rolls in the socks while wearing them (trust me, it hurts really bad afterward if there are rolls/creases).

Compression socks can be used for exercising, being on your feet for long hours (nurses, etc), and flying. I highly recommend Renard Compression socks!

You can get a pair of these socks for $13.99 on Amazon.

#RenardCompression

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Events Races

Spartan Race Giveaway + Discount

November 23, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

Have you ever heard of the Spartan Race? It’s similar to the Tough Mudder, but more challenging. A few of my friends are running the Malibu Sprint on December 6.

Disclosure: I was asked to share about the Spartan Race on my blog. No monetary compensation was received. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. All images and videos are from their media kit, with permission.

According to their website, “Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal.”

Check out the official Spartan Race video!

If it seems intimidating, never fear! “Spartan Race now introduces a level for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint, intermediate level Super Spartan, the advanced Spartan Beast, and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race. Whatever your level, Spartan Race will test your strength, stamina, and sense of humor” (website).

Spartan Race isn’t the type of race I would usually do, mainly because of my tachycardia. However, it seems like an awesome way to challenge yourself mentally and physically, and I could see myself working toward it in the future!

Giveaway + Discount Code!

The people at Spartan Race have graciously allowed me to give away {ONE} free entry to any continental US Spartan Race in 2014/2015 (any open-heat; non-confirmed start time)! The giveaway ENDS Sunday, November 30 at 11:59pm PST. You must be 18 years of age or older. The winner will be notified via email. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below & good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am also offering a 10% discount on any US race with code SPARTANBLOGGER! You can find the calendar for all upcoming + 2015 races here.

A Few Upcoming Races:

12/6 – Malibu Sprint
1/17 – SoCal Beast
1/18 – SoCal Sprint
1/24 – SoCal Super
1/25 – SoCal Sprint
2/7 – Arizona Sprint
3/7 – Atlanta Sprint
4/11 – Charlotte Sprint
4/18 – Las Vegas Super

Get more information on the Spartan Race on their website, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Have you ever completed a Spartan Race?
Is this a race you would like to complete in the future?

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XO

Lyndsay

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Ambassador Fashion Fitness Reviews

9 Reasons Why Athletes Need Bio Skin Compression

September 13, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

Disclosure: I received a free pair of Bio Skin compression calf sleeves for review. All links in this post are affiliate links, and I will receive a portion of sales through these links. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

In 2007, I started working out regularly. Almost every night, I would wake up with mad cramps in my calves from tight muscles. I would take calcium supplements, and it would help, but it wasn’t until I tried Bio Skin compression calf sleeves that I found a way to get rid of the tightness! All I can say is, why didn’t I find this sooner?!

Image Source

Here are 9 reasons why athletes need Bio Skin compression calf sleeves:

“When running, your calf muscles help raise the heel and propel you forward, while your shins provide stability and support. Not surprisingly, the two most common running injuries are shin splints and calf strains. High-level compression allows athletes to prevent injuries, train longer and recover faster. Compression sleeves are commonly used during a run, but are also effective directly afterwards” (source).
After a run/workout, use Bio Skin compression sleeves along with stretching to help your legs recuperate better and faster.
The material allows for perspiration to evaporate, so it helps you to keep cool (which is perfect for hot summer days!).
“The unique SkinLok™ feature of the Bio Skin® material mean the sleeve won’t slide down the leg, even during vigorous activity” (source).
Forget KT Tape, ice baths, icy hot, etc., Bio Skin is enough to help get you through the pain of training. However, if you want to use all those forms of recovery, that’s okay too!
If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet all day, you can wear compression sleeves to prevent pain, cramping, and maybe even spider veins!
Flying. Want to prevent the possibility of getting blood clots while sitting on a plane for hours? Wearing compression calf sleeves will help that. I’m not saying it entirely gets rid of the possibility, but it can certainly help!
Reduces muscle vibration.
Controls muscle movement to improve recovery time after injury.

Sounds amazing, right?! You can get your own pair of compression calf sleeves (also available in a single sleeve) on Bio Skin’s website. There’s a size chart to help you know which size is best for you (measure the widest part of your calf). There is other compression clothing on the site, along with bracing products! Look around and see what will work best for your workouts/recovery/injuries.

Keep up with the latest on Bio Skin on Twitter & Facebook! You can find me on Twitter & Instagram. 🙂

Have you used compression clothing before? What did you use it for specifically?
Have you heard of Bio Skin? Have you used it?

I want to thank Jake from Bio Skin for the amazing compression calf sleeves to review! I am definitely a forever-fan of compression clothing now!

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XO

Lyndsay

Technorati Tags: Bio Skin,compression,calf,sleeves,brace,runner,athlete,review,ambassador,affiliate,injury,half marathon,marathon,recovery

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:

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.

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!

One bag of ENERGYbits 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!

XO, Lyndsay

Ambassador Events Fitness Races

Help Us Get To The Finish Line of Cures!

June 24, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 18 Comments

These next few months are incredibly exciting for me, as I am training for my very first half marathon (the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco on October 19). Not only am I training for it, but I am raising money to fund research to advance lifesaving blood cancer treatments for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a part of Team In Training (TNT)!

Most people unfortunately have had some type of experience with cancer, whether it’s themselves or a loved one. While it was not leukemia or lymphoma, I had cervical cancer in 2009. I also lost my grandfather to prostate and bone cancer in 2000. Raising money for any type of cancer research is extremely important to me! The feeling of being told “you have cancer” is not easily explained. It’s like your heart stops, your stomach sinks, and you want to cry, but you’re in too much shock to let the tears flow. To have the chance to prevent someone from feeling like this and experiencing this pain is incredibly important to me, and I have that opportunity with TNT.

YOU can have an impact on cancer too!

Join Team In Training (TNT) and run the Nike Women’s Half Marathon (NWHM) in San Francisco on October 19. You’ll be helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) fund research to advance lifesaving blood cancer treatments.

TNT is the flagship fundraising campaign for LLS, and the NWHM in San Francisco is always sold out. At its 25th anniversary last year, TNT has trained more than 600,000 participants and raised more than $1.4 billion. With TNT, in exchange for raising funds, you’ll train for four months with world-class trainers, have access to clinics on nutrition and injury prevention and race through San Francisco’s iconic landmarks.

Learn More About Team in Training here and help TNT harness the power of physical activity to help LLS find cures and improve the quality of life for patients with blood cancer. Help patients feel better while you achieve your personal best (which is my goal!).

Join TNT and help us get closer to a world without blood cancers.
I’m running, won’t you join my team?

If you wish to donate without running or fundraising yourself, you can do so here at my personal fundraising page!

XO,

Lyndsay

Disclosure: I received a free entry to the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco and free registration with TNT in exchange for committed fundraising and social media posts. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thank you to Fit Approach and TNT for the wonderful opportunity!

Events Fitness Races SoCal

Now I Understand “Addicted to Bling”

June 19, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 30 Comments

This past Father’s Day, I completed my first 5k! Now, I’ve actually walked a couple 5ks in the past, but I consider this my first 5k because I now consider myself a runner. I’m about to start training for a half marathon (like full-on training), and I went into the 5k with the mindset of it being my first of many.

It was the Culver City 5k, and it was awesome! A friend of mine, Jen from Finding My Inner Bombshell, was also doing the race. We met through various Facebook groups and realized we live right by each other, but hadn’t met yet! This race was all about having fun and getting in the spirit of races, so I decided to walk the course with Jen. I am so glad I did! It took us about an hour to complete the course, but we had an entire hour to talk and get to know each other (we’re both bloggers, babysitters, and dogsitters), and I didn’t overexert myself, which was definitely important to me.

This is Jen and me after completing the race:

My friend Cameron came with me for the first part of it. He was going to run the race with me, but wasn’t feeling well. It was super awesome that he still came with me to register, hang out, and take pictures! So Cameron, thank you. Your support is always very much appreciated!

As Jen and I were walking to the finish line, everyone cheered. Granted, we were finishing at the same time as the 10k runners, so it was probably for them, but we smiled anyway! I’ve read a lot of stories recently about people finishing their race, then leaving and not cheering everyone else on. I’m so glad that was not my experience at the Culver City Run! It was so awesome.

Then I got a banana, Clif bar, water, and a MEDAL!! My very first race medal ever! It is so beautiful, and I now understand why people say they’re addicted to race bling. Because I already want more!

This is me after completing the race. I was so happy! Rocking my Swirl Gear shirt, Katie K Active capris, and #sweatpink shoelaces!

I also received a super soft tee shirt with the race name and the sponsors:

Needless to say, my first race experience was AWESOME! It got me very excited about my race in August in San Diego, and then my two half marathons coming up in the next six months! I am running the San Francisco Nike Women’s Half on Oct. 19, and then the Zion Half on March 14 of next year. I never thought I would be a runner, but I am so excited to push myself beyond my perceived limits and accomplish something I’ve never even thought about!

The first photo is during the race; it was a beautiful day! The second photo is at the finish line. So many supporters, I love it!!

Oh, and quick, funny story…

I completed the 5k no problem, but then I got home and stepped down the steps wrong…

Womp womp. 🙁 Light sprain. This is my makeshift ice pack my boyfriend made me haha. He’s such a doll. It’ll heal fine, but it’s swollen, so I’m nervous about beginning my 12 week training for my half in October.

Any suggestions/recommendations from runners who’ve experienced injuries? (I feel like that’s most runners LOL)

Despite the sprain, it was an awesome day, awesome experience, and I am very excited for the future!

XO,

Lyndsay

Events Fitness Personal Races SoCal

My First 5K; Dedicated To My Father

June 15, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 11 Comments

I’m really excited because tomorrow morning (Sunday), I am running my first 5k! I’ve walked 5ks before, and I’ll probably walk a good amount of this one because I am doing it with a friend, but this is the beginning of a new chapter for me. I’m going into it with the mindset of a runner, and I notice that it is helping me to think of what I want to do to prepare for my half marathons coming up in the next six months.

My race schedule so far this year:

Culver City 5k/10k Run/Walk
San Diego Beer Run 5k on Aug. 23
San Francisco Nike Women’s Half Marathon on Oct. 19 (Thank you Fit Approach and Team In Training) #WeRunSF
Zion Half Marathon on March 14 (2015) #ZionHalf

I am dedicating the Culver City 5k to my dad. He lives in Ohio (where I am from), and we have always been very close. I live in Los Angeles now, and it’s difficult being away from him and my mom. Since the 5k is on Father’s Day, I’ve decided to participate as an independent woman/runner/mental health advocate/overall health advocate, because that’s who my father raised me to be. I’ve gone through a huge transition in my life this past year, and this is the very first Father’s Day I will not be able to see my dad.

So Dad, this one’s for you. <3

This is my dad & I saying our goodbyes at the airport in Cleveland before I boarded my one-way flight to Los Angeles in Feb. 2013. I love you Dad. Happy Father’s Day <3

xo, Lyndsay (or as he calls me, Lynz)

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Events Races SoCal

Want To Support The Homeless? Join The Midnight Mission’s 5k/10k Run/Walk

June 12, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

Living in Los Angeles, it’s pretty apparent how many people are homeless and have lost everything. There is one man in particular who lives under the bridge right by my apartment, and every time I see him, I always wonder what his story is. I’ve given him money, and I will every time I walk by him, because you never know how he got there, why he is there, or if he’ll ever get out of it. The Midnight Mission is an organization dedicated to helping those who have lost everything. They are celebrating 100 years this year, and are hosting their second annual 5k/10k Run/Walk on Sunday, June 22 in La Canada-Flintridge, Calif. If you are in the area, I highly recommend attending!

This is The Midnight Mission’s Mission Statement:

“The Midnight Mission offers a path to self-sufficiency to men, women and children who have lost everything. Our emergency services, 12-step recovery program, job training, education and work programs offer a compassionate bridge to productive lives. We remove obstacles to self-sufficiency and provide the accountability and structure that people who are experiencing homelessness need to rejoin their communities. Our conviction and commitment to their success define us.”

I cannot attend this year due to schedule conflict, but I wanted to share about it because it’s such a great cause! Giving to those in need is one of the best things, in my opinion. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” It is one of my all-time favorite quotes! The race is to raise awareness of homelessness in Southern California and advance health and wellness programming.

Here are some details of the race:

When: Sunday, June 22, 2014

Where: Oak Grove Park: 4400 Oak Grove Drive. La Canada-Flintridge, Calif.

Cost: $35 registration for adults/$20 for kids – Register now and use code MIDNIGHT for $5 off your registration

Schedule: 6:00am – 8:00am Bib Pick-up

8:00am Race

Awards and Post Race Lunch to Follow

Photos courtesy of the blinkcreativegroup.com

You can get more information about The Midnight Mission by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.

If you choose to participate in the 5k or 10k, I would love to hear about it! Comment below if you are attending, and email any pictures or experiences to lyndsay@thebalancedbrunette.com, if you don’t mind! I would love to share it all with the people of The Midnight Mission.

Good luck to everyone participating! 🙂

**I did not receive any compensation in any way for this post. All opinions are 100% my own!

Fitness Races SoCal

Culver City 5K/10K + A Giveaway!

June 1, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 11 Comments

So I am pretty excited, because I am running my first official 5K this month! It’s the Culver City 5K/10K on June 15, 2014, which is perfect because it’s literally like half a mile from my apartment. I’ve walked 5Ks before in Cleveland, but never went into them with the intention of running. Until now.

I’ve decided recently that I want to become a runner. Yoga is my fitness of choice, but I want to do something to get myself out of my comfort zone. I want to push myself to be great. I went on a search for local 5Ks, and knew I wanted to run one that had some sort of charity or cause attached to it.

The Culver City 5K/10K is perfect because it benefits the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF) and Train 4 Autism! In addition to a 5K and 10K, there is also a FREE kids run for kids 11 and under! I am currently fundraising for Train 4 Autism (donate here if you’d like!), and I am so excited about it! My mom has been a special education teacher for almost 15 years, and I was a certified paraprofessional and taught in a special education preschool classroom. I also took a class on autism when I was in college for speech-language pathology and audiology. So it’s definitely something that I care a lot about!

They are also looking for volunteers if you don’t want to walk/run the race! All the information can be found on their website.

Schedule:

6:30 am-11 am: The Expo and Family Fun Zone open to the public in Media Park

8:00 am: 5K starts

8:30 am: 10K starts

10:00 am: Kids Fun Run starts

10:30 am: Awards Ceremony

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

The Culver City 5K/10K organizers were VERY generous, and are allowing me to give away one FREE registration for the 5K or 10K! That’s a $35 registration fee that you don’t have to pay, OR you can put it toward fundraising for CCEF or Train 4 Autism! Registration ends June 13, 2014.

Rules to Enter:

Comment on this blog post why you want to walk/run this specific race, and if you’d do the 5K or 10K!
Follow The Balanced Brunette on Instagram
Like The Balanced Brunette on Facebook
Like the Culver City Run on Facebook

This giveaway ENDS on Friday, June 6 at 9 p.m. PST!

Good luck!! 🙂

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one free registration to the Culver City 5K/10K to give away in exchange for mentioning it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are 100% my own. 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.

xo, Lyndsay