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Nope. Nope. Nope. I refuse to hear it. I’m done listening to people not using their brains with regards to their eating or working out. Stop it. Just stop. You are going to work yourself to death trying all these new diet plans and quick fixes to get fitter. It’s time we take a look at what we’re doing and realize we have the tools for success engrained in us, we’re just constantly ignoring them.

Area 1: Food.

Spoiler alert coming at you right now: You know what foods are good for you and you know what foods aren’t. I put an apple and a plate of fried chicken in front of you and tell you to pick the one that is better for you. I’ll be damned if you say the plate of fried chicken. And if you’re going to give me some excuse about the protein, look at your life and look at your choices. A plate of fried chicken is still a plate of fried chicken.

Sure, those foods that are better for us aren’t necessarily more delicious, but you know the right decision to make. When people talk about “balance” in regards to eating, they are talking about keeping the apple on your plate the majority of the time with an occasional piece of chicken or two thrown in for variety. Not equal amounts apples and fried chicken. Do you see the difference? It’s amazing how just thinking these things through and using the knowledge that we already have at our disposal can save us.

Area 2: Working Out

If you miss a workout you will not turn into a ball of flubber. You will not. It will not happen. You will be okay. If you miss two workouts, you will not suddenly become Violet Beauregarde and balloon. Use your brain. If you can’t hit the gym one day, maybe try and aim to walk a little more or stay on your feet. I was astonished the other day when someone posted on a Facebook group that I’m a part of about hemorrhaging while being pregnant and wondering if she could still workout even if it was just 10 minutes on the elliptical or lifting 5 pound weights.

Hold up. Wait. What.

You’re willing to put your life and your child’s life in danger for a workout?! A workout. Sometimes we can’t go to the gym or, you know what, some times we don’t feel like working out. It’s okay. The world won’t stop, we’ll wake up the next day and we’ll be back at it. Even if we have to take a couple months off, there’s still time to get back at it when you fully recover and are ready. Unless you are a professional athlete and your livelihood depends on your fitness, you are working out for fun. THIS IS FOR FUN. I can’t stress that enough. Working out and eating right are only as important as you CHOOSE to make them. You can let these things consume your every thought in a negative way or you can CHOOSE to make these areas a positive part of your life that bring you joy.

Main take away: Live your life and learn how to make choices. You inherently know what is right and wrong. You can tell the good decisions from the bad. You know which meal is better for you and you know when to sit back and say, “eh, maybe a workout isn’t the best idea for me right now”.

Use your brain to your advantage. I’m not teaching you anything new here. I’m just asking you to open your eyes and pay attention to what has always been right in front of you. It’s that easy if you let it be.

also, obligatory picture of Boo doing her new favorite activity which is have me place this turtle on her head.
-sj

Can’t stop won’t stop over here. I literally have been non-stop the past couple of days. Friday, I headed back home to Chicago to attend my cousin’s wedding, which was amazing. Pre-wedding, I decided to test my speed a little and do a fartlek run on the treadmill. 4 miles of random speeds later and I felt good. Like really good. I feel like I’m making strides (literally) and it’s a good feeling.

Sunday was a rest day because, let’s be honest, you couldn’t pay me to workout after that wedding. But, thanks to the rise of the Pokemon Go app, I easily hit my 10,000 steps haha. My boyfriend and I went on multiple aimless walks. Gotta catch em all, obviously.

Today was a 5k. I still am taking little breaks every now and then to reassess and check my ankle, but I’m getting there. To be completely frank, it doesn’t always feel awesome. There are times when I get a little nervous, but I know I’m ready and I’ve got to keep pushing to get there. I have to say though my new supplement routine seems to helping with my progress.

I’m still on the hunt for the perfect protein powder. After talking about supplements and all those fun extras a couple of posts back, I’ve been working to try and incorporate them into my meals a little more regularly. I received a container of Amazing Grass Protein Superfood through my association with FitApproach. All opinions are my own.

Amazing Grass Protein is a blend of pea, hemp, chia, and quinoa, delivering 20g of protein per serving. But that’s not all. In each serving, you get 7 alkalizing organic greens and two-full servings of wholesome fruits and vegetables. No shame in getting a little extra goodness along with my protein. Definitely not complaining.

When I first opened the canister, I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t ready for the smell. It’s unlike regular protein powders. The initial shock of the smell didn’t dissuade me though and I decided to use it in some shakes and try baking with it. It’s a super convenient way to get the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, that’s for sure.

So, I used some in a shake and I was shocked. I expected it to be an overwhelming flavor that I wasn’t going to enjoy, but this was not the case at ALL. I think the best part about the Amazing Grass Protein Superfood powder is that it’s more than just protein powder and that makes me want to use it as much as I can. I started putting a little bit in my morning oatmeal, sprinkling it into some of my baked goods, and putting it in shakes. I even gave it to my uber picky boyfriend and he loved it. Seriously, I’m not just saying that. It gave the shakes a green tea taste almost like matcha. If you like matcha, you will honestly love this stuff. It blends really well too because the powder is super fine. Amazing Grass knows what’s up.

Best part. Macros. It’s super hard to find a low carb, vegan protein powder but each serving of this stuff only has 4g of carbs. Yep. 4. Kthanksbye. 20g of protein too.

Overall, really glad I gave this stuff a try and will be incorporating it into my rotation for sure. It’s some of the most refreshing protein powder I’ve tried and tastes great in a simple shake of just bananas and almond milk. Count me in.

-sj

Love & Lunge

guys, we need to talk.

running here, there, and everywhere and an Amazing Grass Protein Review