Tuesday, July 16, 2013

New Products


Earlier this week I ran across some new products at my local Food Lion and I wanted to share -

I'm a big fan of Yo Crunch products. They have everything from 100 calorie yogurts to Greek yogurt, which is a new favorite of mine. Now they have a lowfat variety with trail mix toppings. Here is the nutrition information.

Quaker is now offering a variety of fruit and note bars. They have Peach Almond, Apple Nut Harvest and Cherry Pistachio.

Kellogg's NutriGrain Cereal Bars have Strawberry Greek Yogurt inside. Seems like an interesting combination.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Review: BODYPUMP™


Photo by: LocalFitness.com.au

I have been seriously slacking on my exercise for months. Various obligations and prior commitments have made it virtually impossible for me to work out on a regular basis. Now that things have gotten back to normal for the most part, I'm ready to get in tip top shape. Now why I chose BODYPUMP™ to start everything off, I don't know. I probably should have gone with power walking. My ultimate goal is to tone and build muscle, and a friend recommended I try this class. Started in 1991 by Phillip Mills of the Lester Mills International, it is a group class that focuses on free weights and toning. The choreography and music is standard in all classes and changes every three months.

The class is offered at my local YMCA so it is very convenient. Yesterday morning I arrived only about five minutes before class started and couldn't really figure out which weights to use so I chose one 2.5 pound and two 5 pound. There is also an aerobic step involved. I took my place in the back and got ready. After a short warm-up we went right into it. Each song works a specific muscle group and I literally worked every part of my body. Biceps, triceps, quads, glutes, abs, you name it, it was worked. We also did squats and push-ups and after an hour I sure did feel it, but that was nothing compared to how I felt this morning. It was so bad that as soon as I woke up, which was early since I could barely sleep, I went straight for a soak in an epsom salt filled bath. My legs or sore but I can barely move my arms. I hope and pray I didn't strain a muscle I haven't really used in months or didn't even know existed.

Overall I loved the class. I hate being sore but I love the feeling of actually getting a work-out. I have heard really good testimonials from others who have taken the classes and seeing real changes in their bodies. As soon as I recover from my soreness I'm going right back. I'm really excited about seeing results.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Free Slurpee at 7-11


I recently posted a review of the Lite Slurpee from 7-11 and I'm truly a fan. Well the good news is on July 11th 7-11 is offering a free small Slurpee from 11am - 7pm at participating locations. Yum!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Thank you Cheesecake Factory!!


The Cheesecake Factory is my favorite restaurant - the Alpha and Omega for me. Unfortunately the closest one is about two hours from me so I rarely get to indulge in my very favorite dish - the Cajun Jambalaya Pasta. I have looked for copycat recipes online but always find some complicated mangled mass of foreign ingredients. Well I was so excited to find that The Cheesecake Factory had released their recipes on their website. My beloved Cajun Jambalya Pasta was on there but staying true to this site, I have to mention that they also have items from their Skinnylicious™ menu.

The SkinnyLicious™ Grilled Chicken has 560 Calories and 3 grams of fat. The SkinnyLicious™ Pear & Endive Salad has 500 calories and 23 grams of fat.

I have to admit, whenever I go to The Cheesecake Factory I have to have the Jambalaya but I may try these recipes at home. What's your favorite dish at The Cheesecake Factory?

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Review: I'm in Ice Cream Bliss


Oh-em-gee. I cannot believe after months of searching I finally found the Edy's Salted Caramel Pretzel ice cream that I have been stalking the freezers of Walmart for.

The Food Lion five minutes from my house had it on sale 2/$5.00. I could not get home fast enough to tear into it. Upon first look it doesn't appear that there is that much to write home about. Just a swirl here and there, but upon dipping into the ice cream and first taste? Magic!

There is nothing special about the vanilla ice cream but what really makes this flavor happen are the swirls of caramel and the pieces of pretzel. They are big enough to give you that salty, crunchy satisfaction. It's something about the combination of sweet and salty that makes me feel like I'm indulging in my guilty pleasure. I hate the fact this is a limited edition flavor, but while it's in stores it will definitely be a staple. With 1/2 the calories and 1/3 the fact I don't feel like I'm missing anything.

Nutrition Info