New Year, Same Ice Cream with Halo Top®

This post is sponsored by Halo Top®, but all opinions are my own.

A new year may mean a fresh start and new goals for some of us. I know that I personally have set some health and fitness goals for this year to get back to eating and working out in the way that makes me feel the best. This definitely includes being more aware of the food I’m eating after an overly indulgent holiday season. What this does not mean for me is giving up the things I enjoy having regularly! I’m a big advocate of all foods fitting into my lifestyle. Whether it’s french fries or sweets, I don’t believe in restricting myself. What I do believe in is making better choices i.e. sometimes opting to make my own french fries or enjoying a pint of my favorite ice cream, Halo Top® Pints: Light Ice Cream from Walmart.

Halo Top® makes low calorie, high protein ice cream in a variety of flavors making it easy to cut down on calories without sacrificing happiness. You can literally eat the entire pint (or not) since each pint ranges from 280 to 380 calories depending on the flavor. Whether you’re eating Halo Top® straight out of the pint during a movie night, making banana splits, or having a tasting of all of your favorite flavors with your friends, Halo Top® has you covered!

I picked up some of my favorite flavors at my local Walmart thanks to online pickup and delivery – Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter Cup. You can snag them for yourself here. Each one is super delicious and packed with protein! I love eating them as is or even making a simple, delicious ice cream sandwich.

Another one of my favorite recipes to make with Halo Top® is a more wholesome root beer float. I just put a few scoops of whichever flavor I’m feeling (or maybe I mix a few) and add in root beer flavored kombucha to the top of the glass. I also love using berry flavored seltzer water with the Vanilla Bean. Then you just top it all off with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

I’m also super excited to let y’all in on a little secret. Halo Top® Keto Pops and Halo Top® Fruit Pops are coming to Walmart in April! The fruit pops have 50% less sugar than the leading brand, and each pop has just 45 to 60 calories. I know I’m super excited to give them a try, so definitely be on the lookout this spring! Make sure to check out all of your favorite Halo Top® products here

My Favorite Way to Unwin(e)d with FitVine

This post is sponsored by FitVine, however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own.

If you know me, you know that I love my #WineWednesdays and at-home (or virtual) happy hours with friends! There's nothing better than a nice glass of wine with dinner to help me unwind at the end of the day or a couple of glasses shared over a cheese and fruit board with my girlfriends. That's where my go-to, FitVine, comes in. FitVine makes a variety of ten different delicious wines that are all perfect for those who are active, have dietary restrictions, or are just looking for a better way to fit wine into their life, so basically everyone!

All FitVine wines have less sugars, carbs, and calories than traditional wines. They're also all keto, paleo, and vegan friendly as well as gluten-free and non-GMO. So what does that mean for taste and ABV? Absolutely nothing! They all have a full-bodied, delicious flavor and the alcohol content you'd expect from standard wine. A few other great things I love about FitVine are that their wines have no flavor additives and fewer tannins. It honestly doesn't get any better than FitVine in my opinion!

One of my favorite blends is FitVine's Pinot Noir which has just 0.03g of sugar, 3.7g of carbs, and a 13.9% ABV per 5 oz glass. It's super smooth and well balanced with hints of black cherries and honey, and it's the perfect compliment to your favorite cheese board or at-home happy hour! I picked it up right from my local Walmart, but you can find it at Publix, and Whole Foods as well, or you can find a store near you here.

I'm also a huge fan of FitVine's Cabernet Sauvignon. It has just 0.06g of sugar, 3.9g of carbs, and a 14.1% ABV per 5 oz glass. I picked it up at my local Whole Foods when I was grabbing all of the ingredients for this flavor-packed one-pan dinner, and it couldn't have paired better!

One-Pan Baked Salmon, Potatoes, and Mushrooms Recipe:
(Serves 2)
1. Pour yourself a glass of FitVine Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy while you prep and cook your dinner.
2. Quarter 8-10 baby potatoes, toss them with avocado oil, sea salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme, and bake on a baking sheet in a preheated 425 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.
3. Season two salmon fillets with seafood seasoning or the seasonings of your choosing (sea salt and pepper work perfectly fine).
4. Slice 8-10 Baby Bella mushrooms, and toss them with avocado oil, sea salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme as well.
5. Add the salmon fillets and mushrooms to the same baking sheet, and continue to cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
6. Serve with your favorite fresh greens, tomatoes, and/or other veggies and a nice glass of FitVine Cabernet Sauvignon, and enjoy! That Cabernet-mushroom combo is perfection, trust me!

You truly can't go wrong with any of FitVine's wines. Some of my other favorites are their Sauvignon Blanc and Rose, and I love to make a nice, light mimosa with their Prosecco. There's really a FitVine wine for everyone! I usually pick mine up at my local Whole Foods or Walmart, and they're also available at Publix. You can use this store locator to find the closest retailer near you. Let me know which wine you try first and which is your favorite in the comments below!

Fueling Your Fitness Routine - Mind, Body, and Spirit

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

When thinking about fitness, it’s generally the norm to just think about various exercises and ways of working out, but there are so many different pieces that go into a balanced fitness routine. From fueling and refueling the body to wearing the right gear, there are a number of crucial components to consider. That’s why I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite products that make all the difference in my fitness routine. So whether you’re looking for your next favorite supplement, a place to store your wedding ring while you work out, or even a way to tap into your spirituality and keep a sound mind before, during, and after a workout, I’ve got you covered.

One of the biggest parts of health and fitness for me is what I’m putting into my body to not only fuel my fitness routine but also my everyday life. That’s why I’m a huge fan of Ancient Nutrition. Their Multi Collagen Protein combines five types of collagen so that you don’t have to choose between bovine and marine collagen and can get the benefits of both. It supports a healthy gut, skin, hair, nails, and joints and all of the collagen is sourced from non-GMO, pasture-raised, cage-free, and cruelty-free sources. I also love their Zinc + Probiotics supplement to support a healthy immune defense and gut digestion.

When it’s time to suit up for my workout, the right leggings are absolutely key! I want them fitted but breathable, and I can’t stand when a legging rolls down mid-workout. That’s why I love these No nonsense Wide Waistband Sports Leggings. The fabric is lightweight with a built in stretch that moves with you. The wide waistband stays in place without rolling down for a nice, smooth look. You can use the code Sports25 for 25% off!

Another key piece in my fitness routine is the perfect snack bar. Whether I’m grabbing one to bring on a hike, or I’m fueling up before a spin class, a delicious snack bar with great ingredients is key. Queue the new Nature ValleyTM PackedTM sustained energy bars. Both the Peanut Butter & Cranberry and Almond Butter & Blueberry flavors are amazing, and these bars have the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures. They’re really the ultimate snack bar and perfect for any occasion!

So now that you’re fueled and ready to go in your perfect workout outfit, you’re still missing one thing - a place to put that ring so it doesn’t keep getting in the way (or even worse fall off) during your workout. RingHero to the rescue! These adorable wrist bands are not only stylish, but they discretely store your rings or other jewelry while you get in that me time! RingHero protects your jewelry from sweat and damage while also keeping it within view right on your wrist. You can use the code BabbleBoxx10 for 10% off!

We’ve made it through our workout, and now it’s time to refuel with the most delicious, easy plant-based meal. That’s where Veestro comes in. They ship fully-prepared plant-based meals straight to your door, and all you have to do is heat them up and enjoy! It really doesn’t get any easier, especially after a nice, hard workout. You can use the code BABBLE25 for 25% any order through October 31, 2020.

One thing we don’t often think about in terms of health and fitness that truly plays such and important role is the mind and spirit. That’s why I love this Amenti Oracle and Feather Heart Deck and Guidebook. It’s a unique and fun way to tap into your spirituality and spark the imagination. It makes for a great gift or self-purchase for anyone who’s into divination or mystical, and it pairs great with tarot cards!

From the perfect workout gear to some of my favorite snacks, supplements, and meals, there really is so much that goes into a fitness routine outside of the actual workout. I hope you’ve enjoyed some of my fun finds! Let me know which you try and how you like them in the comments below.

Food Finds to Celebrate National Nutrition Month

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx

Happy March, my friends! I can’t believe it’s March already, and we’re just a couple of weeks away from Spring. One thing that I love about this month (besides the warmer weather) is that it’s National Nutrition Month! And what better way to celebrate than by sharing some of my favorite new food finds with you all. My friends over at Babbleboxx were kind enough to send me a box of some delicious and nutritious goodies again this year, AND they have some great offers and discounts for you. So let’s get to it!

Action for Healthy Kids

Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) isn’t a “food product”, but it is an amazing organization! AFHK is a nonprofit that brings together educators and families to create healthier schools and communities that support the physical and emotional health of children. Through grant funding, programmatic support, online resources, and a parent ambassador network, they make an impact in schools and communities that need it most.

I’m at a huge fan of this nonprofit because they emphasize how important it is to teach healthy habits at an early age. Whether it’s the food kids are eating, their physical activity levels, or their mental and emotional health, Action for Healthy Kids realizes how essential it is to provide tools to address each of these important pieces of overall health.

According to a national survey by AFHK, 76% of parents say they have improved their own habits based on something their child told them about health and well-being. This program creates a trickle down effect where it isn’t only helping the children who are learning about health and nutrition in school, but it’s helping their entire family making it even more impactful and important. You can take action for your kids by joining the movement at www.actionforhealthykids.org/take-action. If you commit to Take Action for Healthy Kids by March 31, 2020, you’ll be entered to win a healthy taste test kit to host a fun and tasty nutrition education activity for students at your child’s school (valued at $175). To enter, just visit www.actionforhealthykids.org/win and fill out the challenge registration form.

Beet and Cherry + Beet and Tropical Fruit from Beetology

Beets are such a versatile and nutrient-packed veggie! They’re loaded with vitamins and nutrients associated with lowering blood pressure, fighting inflammation, boosting immunity, detoxification support, and so much more. So when you mix them with ripe tart cherries and naturally sweet apples or sweet pineapple and coconut juice, you know you’re in for something not only nutritious but super delicious.

These Beetology juices are 100% organic cold-pressed juice and are sure to make your heart skip a beet! They’re made with all natural ingredients and have no preservatives, additives, artificial colors or flavors. Beetology juices are not from concentrate and are GMO free. Head on over to http://www.beetology.com to learn more about these delicious juices and where to find them, and be sure to check out their tasty recipes while you’re at it!

Keto-friendly Snack Bars from GOODTO GO

You know I’m a fan of a good snack bar, and when I find one that’s made with real, organic ingredients, it’s an absolute must try! Not only are these soft baked bars delicious with an almost cookie-like texture, but they’re also vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free, kosher, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

GOODTO GO snack bars are low in carbs (3 grams/bar) and sugar (2 grams/bar) making them keto-friendly, and they’re packed with 13 grams of healthy fat. In fact, they’re even Keto certified by the Paleo Foundation. They come in four delicious flavors - Cocoa Coconut, Vanilla Almond, Raspberry Lemon, and Cinnamon Pecan. And four more flavors are coming out this month - Double Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Blueberry Cashew, and Raspberry Lemon. Head on over to http://good2gosnacks.com to learn more about these tasty bars and to find a retailer near you!

Power Dressings from Healthy Choice

When it comes to salads, I like them to be veggie and flavor-packed. So when I got my hands on these new Healthy Choice Power Dressings, your girl knew she had met her match. These dressings are made with real vegetables and no artificial flavors or soy ingredients. These dressings have such delicious flavor powered by a savory mix of herbs and spices, and they come in four different flavors - Creamy Ranch, Creamy Italian, Garden French, and Greener Goddess, all of which are 45 calories per serving.

Healthy Choice Power Dressings are the perfect addition to any salad! I also love to dip some fresh veggies into them as a snack, and I really love the Creamy Ranch alongside some air fried buffalo cauliflower. Head on over to https://www.healthychoice.com/power-dressings to learn more about these tasty dressings!

Shipt Membership

Raise your hand if you love convenience! Insert hand raising emoji here because. let’s be real, who doesn’t? That’s why a Shipt membership is an absolute necessity for me. Shipt is a membership- based grocery marketplace that brings fresh foods and household essentials right to your door! You just open up the easy-to-use app, place your order, and a friendly shopper will deliver it at a time that works best for you. Shipt has a commitment to exceptional service and simplifies life by saving time for what matters most.

If you didn’t already know, Shipt is a wholly owned Target subsidiary, so you can get all of your favorite Target essentials delivered right to your door. Shipt doesn’t just stop there though! They also work with leading retailers and local stores to deliver groceries to tens of millions of households across the United States. Shipt has been kind enough to offer $50 off an annual membership using this link, as if you needed more of a reason to sign up!

Dessert Hummus from Tribe Hummus

Dessert just got way easier and better for you with these delicious Dessert Hummus flavors from Tribe Hummus! Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a birthday cake fan, Tribe has a delicious flavor for you! Tribe Dessert hummus comes in five flavors - Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel, Cake Batter, Pea No-Nut Butter, and Vanilla Bean, all of which have only 5g of sugar per serving and no artificial preservatives.

They’re the perfect better for you dessert or snack at any time of day, and each flavor is free of dairy, Non-GMO project verified, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher. I love to dip fresh berries into the Dark Chocolate Hummus. It’s also a great sub for frosting! And the Pea No-Nut Butter Hummus is perfect on toast with banana slices or as a dip for pretzels. They’re really all so tasty! Head on over to http://tribehummus.com/find.html to find a retailer near you.

Let me know which products you try and what you think in the comments below!

Keeping It Consistent with Mighty Spark

This post is sponsored by Mighty Spark, however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to healthy eating - it’s too time consuming, the food is bland, recipes are difficult to follow, you can’t eat anything, the list goes on and on. It really doesn’t have to be so hard! Healthy eating doesn’t need to be all or nothing. It’s not about extremes; it’s about sustainability. To combat these misconceptions, I wanted to share a few of the things that have worked for me when it comes to trying to live a consistent, healthy lifestyle.

1.  I enjoy veggies with (almost) every meal.

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I love to get my veggies in! Whether it’s enjoying a salad for lunch, having a veggie-packed omelet, or making veggie noodle “pasta”, I try to make vegetables a key part of most of my meals. That’s not to say I don’t eat meals without them, but generally, they’re a staple throughout the day. It's important to note that the keyword here is *enjoy* because I don't just get my veggies in, I make sure to pick ones that I genuinely like. I never force myself to eat something because I feel like I "should" but rather because it's what I want and am craving. One delicious way I like to get those veggies in is with these Bruschetta Chicken Meatballs over Shaved Asparagus!

Recipe (Serves 5-6):

In a large bowl, mix together 1 lb Mighty Spark Bruschetta Ground Chicken Blend, ½ of a tomato, chopped, 8 chopped fresh basil leaves, and 3 chopped garlic cloves. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 12 minutes. Flip the meatballs and cook for an additional 12 minutes.

In the meantime, using a peeler, shave 3 bundles of asparagus (or thinly slice with a knife). Heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Once hot, add in one small container of halved cherry tomatoes, the shaved asparagus, and 4 cloves of chopped garlic. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes until the asparagus softens. Add in ¼ cup of shredded parmesan and the juice of ¼ lemon. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts. Serve and top with the chicken bruschetta meatballs.

2. I choose the foods I’m craving and that will keep me feeling satisfied.

Just like with my choice in veggies, I try to listen to my body and what it’s craving in terms of anything I eat. If I’m not feeling a food, I won’t force myself to eat it, and if I’m craving something, I will have it. I also generally try to pick foods that will fill me up and keep my feeling that way. Lean protein and healthy fats are key. I love Mighty Spark Chicken Snack Sticks, avocado, or mixed nuts as an easy snack when I’m feeling hungry between meals

3.  I keep it simple.

I love cooking most of my meals at home. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely go out to eat (multiple times a week in fact), but I like to cook the majority of my meals at home so that I really know what I’m eating. When cooking, I try not to over-complicate it. I like quick and easy meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Usually these will include lots of seasoned veggies, protein, healthy fat, and complex carbs. One of my favorite go-to easy meals is throwing a Mighty Spark Queso Fresco & Jalapeno Turkey Burger on the stovetop or grill and cooking it up with some side veggies and baked sweet potato fries.

Overall, living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s all about finding what works for you! Keep it simple, listen to your body, and stick to it! Consistency is key.