{Health Product Review} Vega: Energizing Smoothie

The kind people at Vega sent me some samples to review. Lucky for me I've been a fan of Vega Smoothie Infusion and this was a great chance for me to expand my love for them.

Energizing Smoothie is all-natural and plant-based powder. It's complete with protein, fibre and Omega-3's - the Vega Energizing Smoothie is alkaline-forming, free from dairy, gluten and soy, and contains no added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. Perfect for people with sensitivities.

The Verdict: LOVE em!

I used the Energizing Smoothie as my breakfast meal or as my afternoon pick me up.

Some reoccurring traits through them all:

*smooth taste
*an hour later I still felt satisfied and didn't have a sugar crash
*no chalky after taste
*enhances the other fruit flavors
*no "green/earthy" taste
*I would enjoy it as a "shake n' go" smoothie

I blended all of my smoothies with 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of almond milk.

Starting with my favourite:

Choc-a-lot Energizing Smoothie

The Choc-A-Lot Energizing Smoothie I blended with a frozen banana and ice cubes. It came out perfect. The chocolate wasn't overwhelming and didn't have that fake chocolate taste like you find with some protein powders.


Tropical Tango

I blended the Tropical Tango Energizing Smoothie with organic frozen fruit. I really enjoyed how fresh this tasted. It came across very natural.


Bodacious Berry

Sunday was a very busy day and I had accidentally skipped breakfast. After I had my lunch I felt like my body was still needing some energy. I decided to try the smoothie as a "pick me up" drink. It worked extremely well. In no time I was ready to continue on with my busy day. It felt really good to get the energy from a natural source instead of reaching for a processed energy drink. The berry flavor was refreshing.



Vanilla Almondilla

I'm not a huge vanilla smoothie powder fan but this I could go for again. It blended well with the other fruit flavors and would be easy to use with any combination. I would love to try this one again as a "shake-n-go" smoothie.

Final Result:

I will definitely be grabbing Vega Energizing Smoothies from my grocery!

-Michelle


 

Monday, off on the right foot : train harder with each workout

Intention for the week ahead: Train harder with each workout.
 

Get out of the comfort zone!



My workouts in the morning are going great but I was to amp up my daily routine and push myself out of my comfort zone. I'm going to ensure that I make time for an afternoon workout as well. With each workout I will move a little harder and go a little further. Pushing yourself makes the body respond better as it has to guess what is going to happen next. When the body becomes accustomed and knows what move is next that is when you can start plateauing. Doing the same routine all the time can cause you to become bored and you slowly start backing out of your routine.

The best thing about this... I'll see some results by the weekend which will boost up my confidence. Sounds like a win -win to me!

How are you going to push your self and get out of your comfort zone this week?

Here's to being my own Boot Camp Instructor this week!

-Michelle

This Weeks Wind-up

Weekend is here...

Ducks in the Inlet

 
And it's a long weekend for my USA friends down south! Woohoo lucky you guys!

This week has cruised by quickly but luckily so. We are in the final stages of buying a new townhouse! Exciting times! My bf's parents are buying one 6 doors down and his sister is buying the one next to us. This is a great plan as in the coming years the family will need to be around to help his dad with his progressing Parkinson's and supporting his mom. We are very fortunate to have close family on his side and my side. Does anyone have a family member dealing with Parkinson's? It's an interesting-surprising disease.

• I came across a crate full of artichokes at the market the other day but passed on them as I didn't have any new ideas on how to prepare them. Here is a great way.

• Riesling Strawberry Slushies - does this not sound amazing?!?

• With Rhubard in season this would be a perfect dessert after a sunny day.

• So travel, get lost, stray off the beaten path and who knows, you might just find yourself! -Rucha Sarma. Her view of how rewarding travel can be for people.

Have a wonderful weekend! and Happy Memorial Day!

-Michelle

In the know: (HIIT) - High Intensity Interveral Training

High Intensity Interveral Training - HIIT

HIIT is a great way to get in shape and burn that fat. I use this training method for my cardio when I'm looking to slim down quickly and want to see results. I come away feeling fit, strong and ready/wanting to do it again.

Start the Day Right

HIIT is perfect when you only have 20 minutes to fit some exercise in. The whole idea is to go from a comfortable pace for 30 sec to 1 minute and then to a burst of speed for 30 seconds to a minute. Repeating this cycle for 20 minutes can burn the equivalent calories as doing 45 minutes of running on the treadmill.

One of my favourite ways to apply HIIT on the treadmill is:

1min : 4.5-6.0mph (walk/jog)

1min : increase incline (9-15 incline)

1min : 4.5 - 6.0mph (walk/jog)

1min : increase speed (6.8-7.5mph)

Repeat until you hit the 20-25 minute mark


You can apply this method to any cardio activity. When I'm outdoors with the dog, I walk (fast paced) for one minute and then sprint for 30 seconds to 1 minute and repeat. Doing HIIT on the elliptical and stationary bike are great too.

An added bonus: HIIT can improve your endurance performance. I notice a difference in my endurance in just a week. I also notice a difference in my metabolism, it's revved up and my energy level is higher.

Great tip: get up 30 minutes before your usual wake up time and get in a quick 20min HIIT cardio session. You will be set for the day.. body and diet.

Check out this infograph that guides you through the benefits of HIIT

Try it out next time your doing your cardio!

-Michelle

Monday: off on the right foot

It's Tuesday, I know.... Monday was a holiday here in Canada.

Someone else is enjoying my new healthy habit

Intention of the week: new habits created - turn into a way of life.

I created some healthy habits last week: HIIT training in the morning, walking in the evening and no carbs after 1pm. These habits were easy to create as they gave me so much more energy. I'm extremely excited to have more energy (iron deficiency post to come). When the weekend hits, I find that's when you can let your new healthy habits slip out the window without noticing it. I was a good girl this time and kept up my healthy habits through the long weekend. So my intention this week is to make my new habits just a way of life. Ensuring that they don't just wander off.

Here's some helpful tips to keep up the healthy new habits:

• I've found it easier to have 3 new habits than just one. 3 habits are alot harder to toss out the window than just one.
• Remind yourself everyday of how these new habits are going to benefit your life today and in a month.
• Finding ways that your new habits benefit others will help you stay motivated. Since I've decided to run in the morning again, the dog is alot happier ;)

Here's to a healthy week full of healthy habits!

-Michelle

Travel Time: Maui

I'm no doubt a SUN & BEACH girl. There's no denying it that when I'm in that environment everything is perfect in my world! One of my favourite places to soak this all in is...  MAUI!

When I travel to Maui I like to stay in a condo in Kihei. I love that it gives you the feeling as if you are living there. Where we stay, they provide BBQ picnic areas in the middle yard which is a great way to save money and meet new fellow travellers at dinner. Kamaole beach is across the street and local stores are walking distance.

One of my favourite beaches is Big Beach. It's further south from Kihei and like it's name... it's big! There's no feeling crowded on this beach. Like a lot of the places in Maui you have to drive there. I would recommend renting a car as there is so many neat remote locations you can only get too by car. Another great beach is off the road on the way to Lahaina. Just pull the car over and dip your feet in. It's amazing!

Lahaina is a great place to spend the day. I love scoping out all the neat shops where local artists reside and some famous ones too (my fav: Peter Lik). We always make sure to grab lunch while we are in Lahaina. The drive from Kihei is beautiful with a look out point on the way. Driving beside the ocean makes the ride go by so quickly.

The healthy food in Maui is fresh and always at your finger tips. Fresh fruit in the morning from the local market is incredible. There are fruit stands from local farmers along the road whichever driving route you take. There is a large variety of fish to choose from to eat in Maui. My favourite place to grab some fish tacos is a little joint called "Fred's Mexican Cafe". Tuesday is taco night and it's a must. Get there early!There may be a bit of wait but it's worth it. Besides, who doesn't mind waiting while you watch the sunset across the street. The restaurant turns into a great breakfast place come morning and serves delicious macadamia nut /banana pancakes for some energy for the day. My all time favourite treat that I must have while I'm in Maui is.... the shaved ice with vanilla ice cream on the bottom. I get it at least 3 times while I'm there. hey... I gotta try different flavors!

One thing I say I'm going to do each time and miss the chance is Surfing! I think next time I go I won't leave till my butt gets out on the water with a board. Surfing helps building muscles in your arms (paddling), your legs (squatting on the board) and your abs (balancing on the board). What a great way to get some exercise! I have though been snorkeling in Maui and truly enjoyed swimming with the exotic fishes.

If you are looking for a great place to go with your partner or vacation with the family, I highly recommend Maui.

This weeks wind-up

A long weekend has arrived....



Sunrise on my run

Just in time too!

We had some great sunshine around here this week and everyone was in great spirits because of it. I love walking around and finally seeing people smile. It's May Long Weekend and people are heading out of ton quickly. I'm going to venture out for a hike with the dog tomorrow morning and take advantage of the weather.

When long weekends come along do you head out of town or stick around?

• Sometimes I've felt like I'm forcing myself to meditate and you don't get that loving/peaceful feeling. Danielle Laporte talks about when your meditation becomes a point on the "to-do" list. Great ideas how to approach meditation in a different form.

• I'm a believer of 5-6 healthy meals/snacks help your body keep going. Here are some healthy snacks to keep you satisfied.

• Always looking for a new way to incorporate Kale into my diet. This looks like a great combination for a salad. Edamame beans, carrots, chick peas, KALE, and tomatoes... can't go wrong.

• A great interview with Lisa Vorce (creative director of "Oh, How Charming") talking about her career and how she manages it all.

Have a wonderful weekend!
-Michelle