Speaking of apps...

Reading labels in the grocery store and trying to decide what's healthy, what's organic, what's real... it's all exhausting. But this app I learned about at work is really helpful and actually pretty fun. It's called Fooducate (go download it!) and it let's you scan barcodes of packaged items and assigned them a health letter grade. Then it goes a step further and tells you pros and cons, as well as suggesting better alternatives.

So picture this: my boyfriend and I were in the grocery store (practically done, in the last aisle) and the bread he ALWAYS gets was sold out. (Back story: he cannot make a decision to save his own life, so this was a complete panic moment.) I started looking through the ones I thought would be good alternatives and started scanning them with the app. Then, because he had already also downloaded the app when I told him about it months ago, he started grabbing others and scanning them too. It was so fun, and we actually learned a lot about several different breads while doing this. In the end, he ended up picking one that was so much better than the "whole grain white" he was used to.

Naturally we became intrigued and started scanning all sorts of things we already had in our cart, and actually ended up going back to exchange quite a few items for the better alternatives.

Anyway, I highly suggest it--if for nothing else than just the fun of scanning in the store.

Did I mention it's a FREE app? Links to download are below! GO SCAN!

- Kristen

Fooducate for Android
Fooducate for iPhone

New workout tracking calendar!

So, it's been a while since my last post... or anyone's for that matter, it appears. :) Things have been quite busy for me this past month. I turned the big 3-0, went on a trip to Puerto Rico, and started a new job! With all that, of course I let my workout motivation float away and now I have to work twice as hard to get it back. To help, I started a tracking calendar. I got some of those star stickers (yes, the "gold star" kindergarten kind) and decided I would get to award myself a star on the calendar for each day that I worked out. Then at the end of the month I would buy myself a present if I had 20+ stars in a month. For that extra kick in the pants, I started using my calendar counting app on my phone again (I love the Fat Secret app on Android) and starting weighing myself each morning--at the end of the day I mark my weight and the calorie total for the day on the same "star" calendar. This way I get the whole story for each day. Well, May didn't go so well. So... yay, June! Here's to a fresh start and looking forward to getting back out there!

- Kristen

New workout idea.....

At work today I started doing squats to get the blood flowing and to wake myself up. It hurt so bad because I had done a tough spartan workout (http://fitfx.com/training/spartan-training/) the night before that had me doing more than enough squats, push-ups, pull-ups, and much, much more! But there I was.....at work! And doing squats. My mindset has shifted. Working out is not a chore, it is something I feel rejuvenates me...rehydrates my body, and pushes me to feel better, happier, when I am stumped. Don't get me wrong, I will still drink coffee to wake up!!! But, I will also incorporate some office-friendly exercises! :) These are some plank exercises....if you haven't done a plank before, your core is in for a real treat! Push yourself to the limits! (By the way....my legs were killing me by the end of the day....so I went on a 3 mile jog)!

xoxo

M

The truth about sugar.

Yes, this is a long video (90 minutes) but make the time to listen to it. I listened while I was working the other day--there is a lot of good (and crazy!) information in here. Prepare yourself... it's not good news for those of us who have a sweet tooth.

I personally find "The Coca-Cola Conspiracy" part most entertaining.

Sugar: The Bitter Truth by Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics

- Kristen

It seems so obvious.

I have been becoming more and more aware of processed foods and what is actually in a lot of packaged foods, and feel like I am constantly searching for SOMETHING that is both convenient and tasty. It's difficult sometimes and I always find myself trying to think of what I can eat that doesn't count as "processed"... since it seems like everything is. But this weekend I read something in a magazine and suddenly it seemed like it was the dumbest question I have ever asked. The easiest way to determine what is processed: if it has a label with ingredients, it's processed. Wow. Why had I never considered that, and of course that makes sense. Eating less processed foods is something I really want to try to make a priority. I know there will be dinners out and roadtrips where it will not be possible all the time, but I know that I have room to at least dramatically reduce my intake. This rule just makes it one little bit easier, don't you think?

- Kristen

Pinterest wins again!

I am beyond obsessed with Pinterest... you can literally find anything and spend hours doing nothing without even realizing it. Looking for fitness inspiration and healthy recipes is the easiest thing ever, and there are THOUSANDS of things for you to browse through. Check out my fitness board here for lots of exercising tips, routines, and ideas.

- Kristen

Jillian Michaels: genius.

If you're looking to shake things up a bit and try a new routine, I suggest giving this DVD a try. I tried this for the first time yesterday. O. M. G. I am so sore today! It really feels like it's working, even as your're doing it--plus, it's only 20 minutes! There are 3 levels, so you should be able to mix it up for quite a while without getting bored. And, hey, if you really do lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days... I'm in.

- Kristen

Get yours here: Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred at Amazon