Reaching My Peak at an Ohio Castle

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My husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to go away for Valentine’s Weekend to Ravenwood Castle in New Plymouth, Ohio, which is right in the Hocking Hills mecca of hiking, backpacking, camping and rustic relaxation. Ravenwood is a bed and breakfast and while I was excited to get away from the city and clear my mind, I was also worried about getting my Peak Challenge Prep workouts in. I was just getting over a bad head cold which took me out of the program for the first half of last week, and I didn’t want to miss any more workouts than I already had. I found myself in Hocking Hills and worried. I was unprepared for workouts and had no idea what nutrition would look like for the next three days.

Sometimes the universe gives you exactly what you ask for – even before you know to ask for it. So, I wasn’t entirely surprised when on our first night there while driving from our cabin to the castle for dinner, we felt our car slide backwards on the icy road, narrowly missing a deep ravine and semi-lodging itself in a sizeable ditch. My heart was pounding and I was secretly relieved beyond belief to get out of the car when it finally slid to a stop.

The snow kept falling as darkness descended around us in an area that is quite unlike the city – for one, it is heavily forested with what creatures I do not know (I think I saw about twelve Sasquatches and nine wolves), and I am terrified of the dark. No internet, no cell phone reception and no light except my car’s flashing hazard lights had me a little nervous. My other problems were solved, though. I wouldn’t be eating anytime soon (except for two Cadbury Crème eggs my Dad gave me for Valentine’s Day) and I would be walking – both up and down hills – a lot.

My husband decided to walk up to the castle to ask for help while I waited – unsuccessfully – by the car as the temperature dipped below zero. Shortly after my husband’s dark form disappeared into an even darker woods, I fell on the ice and was lying flat on my back in a snowbank when a thought besides, “Am I bleeding to death being on a blood thinner?” crossed my mind. It was, “Oh, for goodness sakes, what would Claire do right now?” Witty, intelligent and practical, Claire Fraser – the Outlander heroine who is unknowingly transported back through time to Scotland 1743 where she finds adventure, war and romance with the Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser – would not lay down in the snow without a plan, that’s for sure. It was while I was collecting my thoughts – and the strength to open a Crème Egg– that a truck drove by and its participants got out to help me to my feet.

Eventually and with the help of several other people who got stuck on the same hill, we were able to get my car out of the ditch and back it down the road to the cabin – where it remained parked for the rest of the weekend. It was then that I realized, I was having the time of my life, and I couldn’t be happier. I also realized my sudden opportunity to live my weekend as if I too were one of Diana Gabaldon’s characters without technology, vehicles or modern day luxuries at my disposal. There I was with the love of my life on my own private “Fraser’s Ridge,” with the rugged outdoors at my fingertips to complete my Peak Challenge workouts.

I made four total hikes up to the Castle – three on the road and one through the woods. It took about 25 minutes to walk up and about 15 minutes to walk back down. Walking up steep hills on snow and ice is not easy. I had to stop to catch my breath several times along the way. It is a little easier, though, when you have your own “Jamie” with you.

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I met a horse-mule (I think) along the way who I lovingly called “Clarence.”

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And you could not convince me that this is not “Castle Leoch.”

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Saturday afternoon – before the Castle feast – I spent the afternoon by the fire in the pub reading and drinking Scotch Ale. I have never had Scotch Ale before and this was really good.

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Now back from Ravenwood – we eventually got the car out – I stepped on the scale this morning and I was disappointed that not only had I not lost any weight, I gained weight since my last weigh-in a week ago. However, as the day has gone on, I realized maybe it isn’t always about losing weight.

I had a great weekend in a place that I have never been before where I could live, just for a little bit, in a fantasy world without the stress and worry of the real world (okay, I was slightly worried about getting my car out again). Staying in a bed and breakfast, I met and talked with a lot of fantastic people that I may not have met otherwise. I played board games, spent time reading and found my mind stimulated in new and exciting ways, being in a different environment. I was able to get some exercise in and eat sensibly through attention to portion size while still trying all the amazing food and drink a bed and breakfast has to offer.

Reflecting on my weekend, it was then that I realize this is exactly what Outlander star Sam Heughan’s My Peak Challenge is about – doing something new and different and stretching yourself out of your comfort zone – to reach your peak.

Tell me about you. What have you done lately that excites, scares or stimulates you? How do you make the most of your fitness and/or nutrition program when you’re away from your routine?

Until the next mile marker,

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Hüma Chia Energy Gels Review

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Ever since reading It Starts With Food and being diagnosed as gluten-intolerant and joining Weight Watchers, I have been trying to take an active role in getting healthy, losing weight and taking care of my body. After losing my mother unexpectedly about two years ago and then almost losing my own life last year, I have developed a heightened sense of awareness of how fragile and provisional life really is. It is absolutely striking to me that one person dies of a pulmonary embolism every six minutes in the United States alone (http://clotconnect.org). That could have been me.

One of the things I have really started to pay attention to is the amount of highly processed, highly sugared, highly unhealthy substances we are putting in our bodies. Nutrition is important – more than I ever imagined – and I believe the foods we eat (or don’t eat) are playing a major role in undermining our health around the globe, contributing to sometimes preventable diseases like diabetes, obesity, heart attack and stroke. The amount of sugar and processed carbohydrates we put in our bodies are contributing to such systemic inflammation that I do believe it is killing us.

Less is more when it comes to food – and maintaining our nutrition while exerting high levels of energy is also important to keep us sustained during our workouts. While I almost exclusively drink Gatorade and eat GU while running longer distances, it has really bothered me that these commercial energy supplements – while they work – are filled with sugar and a bunch of things I can’t pronounce. What is all of that stuff? And it is helping our health? I doubt it.

I am always on the hunt for natural, yet convenient and handy ways to hydrate and fuel on my runs so I was really excited when I was given the chance to try and review Hüma Chia Energy Gel.

Hüma Chia Energy Gels are all natural, gluten free and made in the USA. And guess what? When you read the ingredients list you won’t be unsettled that it takes up the fingers on both of your hands and you will be able to pronounce each and every last ingredient. In the Apples and Cinnamon Gel there is Apple Puree, Evaporated Cane Juice, Filtered Water, Brown Rice Syrup, Ground Chia Seeds, Sea Salt, Citric Acid and Cinnamon. That’s it. Nothing else. N-o-t-h-i-n-g.  I know what each of these things are and in terms of a long run when I need sustainable energy quickly, I am comfortable putting all 100 calories of them in my body.

Huma ingredients on back of package

Hüma (pronounced “Hoo-mah”) is based on the name of the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico, otherwise known as “The Running People” because they participate in 50-100 mile races, making them the premier ultra-marathoners. They thrive on chia seeds, which have a long history as an endurance fuel. Ancient Aztec tradition held that an ounce of chia seeds could sustain a warrior for 24 hours. Today, chia is considered a super food for the following reasons (http://www.humagel.com/why-huma/all-natural):

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I found the FAQ section of the Hüma website very helpful in answering my questions about Hüma, including why is the package larger than a typical energy gel (Hüma gels have a higher water content than other gels, which makes then easier to swallow and digest, but that also means less calories per ounce, so there is more in the package). I tried the Strawberry (I am not a cinnamon fan, unfortunately) and found the consistency to be very similar to Apple Butter.

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The taste was surprising to me as I could taste strawberry, but it was somewhat bitter, not like the processed packets I am used to. I did not particularly like the flavor, although the coarser texture was refreshing to me because I felt like I was eating something. I ran two miles in the heat on the day I tried Hüma and felt good using them as fuel in the conditions at hand. While I did not like the taste, my husband took the Apples and Cinnamon on a three day canoe trip with him and he liked the flavor. He said they were perfect snacks while canoeing because he didn’t have to stop and unpack his gear or build a fire when he was feeling like he needed energy. He just opened a Hüma gel and kept right on paddling. I think the flavor is all personal, and something I could get used to, because many other athletes reviewed Hüma and also enjoyed the flavor.

Connect with Hüma Chia Energy Gel on Facebook and Twitter. You can also find them on Pinterest (search Hüma Energy Gels) and Instagram!

Overall, it is worth it to me to sacrifice a little bit of flavor for real ingredients, whole fruit taste and all-natural energy, especially in light of how unhealthy I think traditional sports drinks and gels are and I would definitely rather fuel with Hüma Chia Energy Gels than my standard energy gels and sugary sports drinks.

You can order Hüma Chia Energy Gel online or check the store locator for a resale shop near you.

What about you? Have you tried Hüma Chia Energy Gels? Did you like them? Did they help during your run? Do you use a natural gel or sports drink? Why or why not?

Until the next mile marker,

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Please note: I was provided with four samples of Hüma Chia Energy Gels to try and review. I was not compensated for this review, nor was I asked to write a positive one. Thank you to Hüma Chia Energy Gels for your generosity in providing me with this product to review.

 

FruitFast: What’s It All About Anyway?

It’s easy to get caught up in – if not completely confused by – all of the food and beverage trends of today. Instead of making simple, wholesome choices when it comes to what we put in our mouths, we are sometimes quick to jump on the bandwagon of what science claims is the most recently beneficial product. It can become complicated and overwhelming enough to stay on top of health and nutritional research that we may lose sight of what is really important – eating and drinking for health. Sometimes, the answer is right before our very eyes, plain and simple.

Take for example, tart cherries. After years of being in the shadow of other fruits, tart cherries are quickly emerging as a super fruit of today and yet, they are homegrown and a rich part of America’s history (Source: Washington State University Tart Cherry Research). Cherries were first brought to America by ship with early settlers in the 1600’s. French colonists began planting down into the Great Lakes area as they established such cities as Detroit, Vincennes, and other Midwestern settlements. Cherry gardens were also cultivated in the Northwestern part of the United States.

And, the orchards are still producing today. Located in Northwest Michigan, Brownwood Acres and FruitFast are as much a part of the rolling orchards of today as the very fruit they use in their line of healthy fruit snacks, drinks and supplements. What began as a roadside fruit stand in 1945, has now developed an internationally recognized product line that is based in this regional area of harvest of Montmorency Tart Cherries.

I was recently given the opportunity to review Brownwood Acres’ CherryFlex Products, which is how I began learning more about cherries. 


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I had previously heard they were good for you because of their rich color as with many other fruits, but soon discovered tart cherries actually provide a multitude of health benefits:

  • Supports Cardiovascular Function*
  • Speeds Relief From Muscle Fatigue Post Exercise*
  • Supports Healthy Joint Function*
  • Helps Maintain a Healthy Sleep Cycle* (contains natural melatonin)
  • Supports a Healthy Immune System*

( * The FDA requires that CherryFlex put an asterisk next to those facts with the statement: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)

So, what makes tart cherries so healthy? They contain a unique package of antioxidants and beneficial phytonutrients, including anthocyanins – the pigments that give cherries their bright red color.

You can definitely see the rich color in the CherryFlex FruitFast Fruit Supplement Bars:

 

These bars have 103 calories, 20 carbs, 6 grams of sugar and 18 grams of fiber.One bar provides two of your five recommended daily fruits. The ingredients are 100 percent fruit and no additives or extra sugars.

It took me a few times to get used to the bars. They are very tart and if you are expecting a sweet cherry (which apparently I was) the tartness will make you pucker. I especially like the texture – it reminds me of a condensed fruit rollup, but with a lot more flavor and slightly moist. I’ve been carrying them in my bag as a quick go-to snack that is healthy and provides great nutritional benefits.

And even though I am not training right now, I also tried the CherryFlex ProSport Shot, which is a Tart Cherry Gel. This product is my favorite as far as taste goes, and I only wish I could also test out how it makes me feel on a run. What I love about this gel (compared to others that I usually take, such as GU) is that it does not have a bunch of things I can’t pronounce added to it to preserve it. It contains Tart Cherries and glycerin. That’s it. It is 30 calories with only 3 grams of sugar and 7 carbs for one shot. I love the taste too. It is still tart, but I think I would find it completely refreshing on a run and not so overladen with sugar that I also feel like I have to guzzle a gallon of water to stomach it.


So, what exactly is CherryFlex and what makes it different than other cherry products that are currently available?

Per FruitFast, when they make their products they use a proprietary process that captures the goodness of the entire fruit. CherryFlex is a super-concentrated paste made the skin and pulp of tart cherries – which are both very good things for your body because it is where most of the nutrients are. It allows you to get your daily dose of cherries in a super convenient form, and is a much more cost-effective than having to drink Tart Cherry Concentrate every day.

CherryFlex Paste is the main ingredient in the Fruit Bars and ProSport Shots that I tried as well as the Softgels, Liquid Supplement, and CherryFlex Whole Fruit Gel, which are other products they offer as well. And, they carry Pomegranate and Blueberry supplements that they use the same process to make as CherryFlex to create a concentrated, all-natural, whole-fruit paste.

CherryFlex is different because:

  • CherryFlex use the whole fruit of the cherry –  skin and the pulp included.
  • Whole-fruit paste is easier for your body to digest than a powder pill
  •  It’s not a freeze-dried powder. Powder-filled capsules contain freeze dried bits of Cherries which are difficult for the body to digest before passing. They also contain additives such as silicon dioxide or magnesium stearate, both of which are known to be toxic.
  • 100% pure and all-natural
  • No artificial colors or flavorings
  • The fruit is not exposed to high temperatures that can deplete nutritional value
  • Only CherryFlex’s specialized process gets more nutritional value from the cherry
  • Made in (the U.S.A.!) Traverse City from Michigan Montmorency Tart Cherries

In addition, FruitFast provides a Certificate of Nutritional Analysis for their CherryFlex products, which some other companies don’t (or simply won’t) provide. I personally look for this kind of thing when I a shopping for new products because I want to know exactly what I am putting in my mouth. I am more inclined to pay a little more for good nutrition to know exactly what I am fueling my body with. The cost of the shots is comparable to GU and the bars run at about $14 for a box of eight. Don’t forget shipping too.

Emerging research is showing that tart Cherries are good for us for other reasons besides the rich antioxidants and fruit-based nutrition they provide. There have been specific studies done about CherryFlex benefits for runners. CherryFlex supplementation used prior to and during eccentric exercise may have a protective effect on oxidative stress, inflammation, range of motion, contractile force loss, and perceived pain. This is especially interesting to me since not only do I have ongoing problems with my knee, but right now my body is battling inflammation in a major way. Part of diagnosing what is actually wrong with me is figuring out what I am experiencing all of this inflammation in my lungs. Sure, steroids are great for the short term because I can breath and get some sleep, but it is not a permanent solution. I would like to try the CherryFlex juices or soft gels as a regular supplement and see if I notice any changes in my body.

While FruitFast and Brownwood Acres may be internationally known, they still remain a family business today, which is more than evident in their customer service. I first got involved with FruitFast when they were hosting their Run Into Summer Giveaway of a Garmin 305. I was interested in their products then because I had heard about the health benefits of fruit, specifically dark fruits like cherries, and was thinking about trying it specifically for my knees. Now, I think it would be a good supplement to take for overall health joint and tissue health. I was more than impressed with the customer service I received when inquiring about the products  including prompt response times to my emails and detailed product information, some of which I have included in this review. I was also advised that I could call FruitFast anytime to ask more questions or request additional information for my review, which is something that has previously been unheard of to me when I given a product to review. Typically, I am given a specific set of information, which is helpful of course, but not much beyond that. I find the information provided to me by FruitFast is exactly what I needed to provide all of you with this review.

Please check out FruitFast on Facebook and Twitter too. I have had great interactions with them on these social medial platforms as well and find helpful running and nutritional information as well as customer comments through the FruitFast Twitter feed. The website is literally packed with information, easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing (like now I want to eat cherries) and I would highly recommend doing some of your own reading about these products. I have found myself going back to the website numerous times to find out more.

I hope you will consider FruitFast CherryFlex as an wholesome and alternative supplement to help your joints (and your body) get the nutritional and health benefits that each deserve.

Until the next mile marker,

 

*Please note, I was not compensated in any manner for this review. FruitFast Fruit Bars and ProSport Shots were given to me in exchange for my honest opinion. The views expressed in this review are solely my own.

Are YOU Running Inspired?

Little known fact about me: My running career (if you want to call it that) actually began in middle school. I joined the Cross Country team in 7th grade only because it was not called Track and therefore implied I did not have to be fast. Then I found out the team name was the Huskies and once again worried about the fast part. I was pretty sure there were not any slow Huskies hanging around. I ran Cross Country for a season or two, I was slow – usually last to finish – but I had fun. I had friends on the team and looked forward to spending time with them (someone tell me exactly how that is different from today). I joined the marching band in high school and didn’t really think twice about running.
 
In college, my roommate took Running as her gym credit and I thought, “Seriously?! She’s going to run for a semester?!” Ugh. I took swimming instead and then I took weight lifting. Anything to avoid having to run around campus. That sounded too hard and she was getting up before the sun. Not me. After college, I made several attempts to start running (it was never start running again), but never followed through. Most notably was when I signed up for the Columbus Half Marathon several years ago and then drove my car from my house to work one day and noticed that my odometer said 10.9 miles. Not even a half marathon? Not hardly. I never even made it to that start line.
 
In 2009 I started running again, this time training for a half with the help of a training group, Marathoners in Training. And, I guess you could say it stuck. Often times, I look back on what was different about that time than all the others. Why did I keep running? I firmly believe it was because I had the encouragement, advice, support, guidance and instruction from top-notch coaches and veteran runners to help me. They taught me to run. Without MIT, I felt like just another idiot trying to run laps around the park with absolutely no idea what I was doing. Who knew you had to learn to run? Apparently not me.
 
I get a lot of questions about running – people want to know how I run, why I run, where I run, do I run by myself or with friends, what do I wear, what do I eat, how far and how fast but mostly, other people want to know how I started running and how I stick with it. I am fortunate enough to have access to an awesome training group and many experienced runners and coaches, but I also know that not everyone is so lucky. For people who aren’t in Central Ohio, I wish there was a place I could direct them, a good resource for a good running start. After all, there is no reason for us not to run. It is simple, you don’t need a lot of gear, it doesn’t have to be expensive and anyone can do it. Yes, anyone.
 
I was recently given the opportunity to read and review The Ultimate Beginner’s RunningGuide: The Key To Running Inspired by Ryan Robert. Enter my great resource! In fact, Ryan’s book is written for people who want to get off the couch and get running.



As Ryan sums it up, his book will help the beginning runner:
  • Run with good form for maximum efficiency and to avoid injury.
  • Build a powerful mental training program that includes a running journal and visualizations.
  • Select the right shoes and gear for different conditions and weather.
  • Eat simply, with suggested menu items.
  • Get past embarrassment and being self-conscious.
  • Prevent and treat common running injuries.
  • Find support and encouragement in the running community.
  • AND MUCH, MUCH MORE. 
 
What I like most about Ryan’s book is that it is simplistic in nature. If you are looking for great detail or have been running for years, this book is not for you. Who is it for then? The complete beginner, someone like me who is going from nothing to jogging a few days a week in an effort to maybe lose weight, get in shape or maybe take on a new challenge. In fact, Ryan’s book offers several training plans based on multiple reasons why someone may take up a running program: Active Beginners, Non-Exercisers, Weight Loss, and People 50 and Over. I wish I had copies of this book to hand out to people when they say, “I’m too (fat, old, busy, slow) to start running now.” If it can be done (which it can because I did it), Ryan will help you find the way.
 
For someone who has a lot of experience running, this book may seem too general or not detailed enough, which is what I first thought when reading it. Then, I thought back to myself when I first started running – I literally had no idea what to do if there was a raindrop, let alone if I had an ache or a pain. Proper footwear? What on earth does that mean? I have tennis shoes, right?
 
While reading, I immediately started to change how I was approaching it. I imagined myself back, almost three years ago, when I didn’t know anything. What would my old self have wanted to know more about? It was then that I realized this book is an all-inclusive guidebook for the beginning runner. In fact, I wish I had multiple copies to distribute to my new running friends.
 
Some of the topics that I found particularly helpful were Mechanics, including proper running form, stretching (with examples), heart rate and training zones (I really wish I knew more about this in the beginning) and the importance of proper footwear. Ryan also talks about self-consciousness while running and how to overcome it – definitely worth the read! Once you get the basics down, the book goes into a little more detail about improving performance with hill running and staying motivated. Finally, Ryan discusses nutrition, hydration, how to run in adverse conditions (rain, hot, cold, wind) and common injuries, including treatment. Ryan in no way claims to be a doctor or medical professional, but gives you enough information to determine if you have a serious injury as well as some basic tips to alleviate pain and determine whether or not you should keep running without further medical advice. All of which are invaluable for the first-time runner.
 
On a personal note, I found Ryan’s nutritional guidelines especially valuable because they are very similar to my own personal nutrition (when I am fully on track) even though I feel like I seldom find anyone who agrees with me. He promotes a clean diet (free of processed, boxed and sugar-laden foods) and encourages the consumption of complex carbohydrates including whole grains and pastas as well as vegetables. What I value is that Ryan encourages increasing the amount of proteinwe ingest when beginning a running program. I have to pay particular attention to this because of my insulin sensitivity – I must pair a complex carb or a simple carb (such as fruit) with a protein to aid in proper digestion. I find a lot of runners back off on protein, especially before a long run, but I feel like I am often doing just the opposite! Ryan also discusses alternative protein sources (and I do get tired of meat) like beans as well peanut and nut butters. He includes simple meal plans to get you off to a healthy, inexpensive and simple start.
 
So, I know from time to time I get new runners following my blog. This book would definitely be a great resource for you to get off the couch and get moving! You can find it through Amazon.com HERE. It’s only $2.99 and you certainly can’t beat that. You can also visit the book’s Facebook Page to stay up to date.
 
Until the next mile marker, 
 

 

Looking for Tasty AND Healthy Nutrition Bars? Try PureFit!

I was recently given the opportunity to review the All-Natural, Award-Winning PureFit Nutrition Bars. The good folks at PureFit were kind enough to send me a bar of each of their enticing flavors: Granola Crunch, Almond Crunch, Peanut Butter Crunch and Berry Almond Crunch. It all sounded good to me! Who doesn’t like peanut butter, chocolate, almonds, berries or some combination of them all?
I must admit, while I was excited to receive the bars (I didn’t expect one of each!) and test them out, I didn’t have high hopes for anything I viewed as “packaged food.” However, I was impressed by what I read on the information card PureFit sent to me.


PureFit Nutrition Bars:

  • Are high in protein
  • Made with non-GMO soy
  • All Natural
  • Kosher and Vegan
  • Nondairy
  • Low Glycemic
  • Have a 40/30/30 ratio –  (40%), fat (30%) and proteins (30%) for optimized nutrition.
  • Free of Gluten, wheat, artificial sweeteners, trans fatty acids and hydrogenated oils.

What you see is what you get with PureNutrition! I love the fact that they are all natural and don’t contain any artificial ingredients. I want to feel good about what I am putting in my body, especially when I am in a hurry. It is really easy to go for the crap, but with these bars, I can eat something last minute or on the go without having to worry about what it’s really made of. The ingredients list – something I always try to look at – is short compared to other nutrition bars, shakes and gels I have at home. Also, they do not melt in their packaging (so far mine haven’t) which makes them perfect to throw in my purse, gym bag or leave in my car for on-the-go snacking.

Today, I had the Almond Crunch PureFit Nutrition bar for breakfast with some grapes and my morning tea coffee.
What I like? The taste! It had just enough crunch to it, and I could really taste the almonds. I like “things” in my food! I could really see (and taste!) the pieces of almonds, which is a must for me! The Peanut Butter Crunch was my least favorite because there was not enough “crunch” to it for me. The Berry Almond Crunch was also good and perfect for morning.
See the almond pieces?
Breakfast is always a struggle for me. I don’t eat right away and then I get busy with work or with whatever I am doing and forget (or am too lazy) to eat something decent before lunchtime. When lunch rolls around, I am extremely hungry and sometimes grumpy, which makes it hard to make smart choices. I tend to overeat when I don’t eat breakfast. PureFit takes a huge step in helping me with this problem. I can keep a few at my desk or in my purse for those mornings when I’m not feeling inclined to eat healthy. I ate one today at about 7:45 a.m. and combined with the grapes, I was good until about 11:30 a.m. when I was hungry and ate lunch. I wouldn’t have lasted too much longer than those 4 hours.  

What do I love even more than the taste? The nutrition! The Almond Crunch Bar has 18 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat and 24 grams of carbs. I really need to watch the amount of carbs I ingest at one time and this bar falls perfectly within my guidelines for a snack/meal. Win-Win-Win. PureFit Nutrition Bars are good for a people with a variety of health and dietary restrictions. 
PureFit Nutrition Bars are reasonably priced ($34.35/box) and you can purchase them online or at a local retailer. You can also check their website for special offers. Give them a try, I think you would be pleasantly surprised too!
Until the next mile marker, 
 
*Please note, I was not compensated in any manner for this review. Five PureFit Nutrition Bars were given to me in exchange for my honest opinion. The views expressed in this review are solely my own.