April 27, 2012

New (food) finds!

One of the schools that I teach at on a regular basis is located really close to Low Carb Canada, a store that sells an abundance of natural, sugar-free, and delicious products.  I go there about once a month to stock up on essentials and pick up some new things I’ve never tried.

I bought so many things that I am eager to try so I think my meals are going to have to revolve around these items over the next couple of days!

Blueberry preserves:

I think this would be amazing topped on Chocolate-covered Katie’s blueberry pie pancakes.  Blueberry overload?  I think not.

Green salsa:

I have been looking for green salsa for a while now but for some reason haven’t been able to find it anywhere.  I guess I could have made my own but that’s where the lazy factor comes in! ;) I’m thinking of making some taco-less tacos of some sort with this!

Quest bars:

I have been on a MISSION to find these and don’t know how I missed them the last time I was at Low Carb Canada.  I won’t lie, I tried one aleady on my drive home from work.  I posted the bars on Instagram (follow me @ the_athletarian) and everyone said to try the coconut one first but I had already ripped open the strawberry cheesecake because I was so excited.  It was yummy!  If you have a chance, check them out.  The bars are all-natural, gluten-free,l and come in so many flavours.

Miracle noodles:

James Wilson recommended these to me when we talked about my meal plan a couple of weeks ago.  I didn’t even think they were available in stores in Canada but low and behold, Low Carb Canada did not disappoint!  They have 0 calories and take the place of pasta or rice.  Sign me up!

Have you tried any of these items (or anything similar)?

What else can I make with green salsa?

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April 25, 2012

Do it again!

A (long) while back I was able to connect with Alex from DA Active, a company specializing in women’s lifestyle-inspired activewear.  I have been dying to show you what Alex sent me to try out!  A couple of the pieces are the exact same as the one’s Electra reviewed a little while back.  It was a complete fluke, I swear! ;)

Before I start, “DA” stands for “do it again” – from their website, “put positive things into your life…then do it again.”  I love that.

First up: the Braided Tank (in lilac)

I fell in love with this style as soon as I saw it on the website.  It is so different from anything else I own.  I really love the braided detailing in the back and the longer length of the top.  It doesn’t ride up when I’m running or lifting weights.  And the colour?  Pretty perfect if you ask me!

Next up: the DA Jacket (in lilac)

Once again, I really loved the colour of this.  I like that I kind of have a little matching set.  The jacket is perfect to throw on before or after the gym and like the tank, has a really nice length.  I wasn’t sure what size to get when I ordered this, as Alex had told me that the sizes run small.  I usually take a 0-2 in everything but she suggested I get the jacket in a size 6.  The sleeves are a little on the big side but it’s really comfortable and I don’t feel restricted in it at all.

Finally: the DA Fold Over Pant (in grey marle)

Okay I know I said I loved the first two pieces but these pants are amazing.  I cannot even describe the feeling of the fabric.  They are stretchy but they feel so soft at the same time.  They were too long for me so I had to get them shortened (bonus for you tall women – I know it can be hard to find pants long enough!) but it was totally worth it.  I don’t even feel like I’m wearing pants when I have them on!  Is that weird?  My favourite feature is the fold over waist.  There is no digging or pinching of the skin.  The band lies really flat and is super flattering.  There is also a little pocket on the inside (shown above) which is great to carry ID, money, etc.  I love pockets!

These three items had me sold on DA Active!  They are cute, comfy, and very well-priced (in my opinion) for the fantastic quality.  The tank retails for $44, the jacket for $63, and the pants for $69.

Thank you so much, Alex, for the opportunity to review the fantastic pieces of apparel!  They are amazing!

Do you spend a lot of money on workout gear?

What is your favourite brand?

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April 23, 2012

Hospital gowns are so flattering.

I’m frustrated.  Really, really frustrated.  I won’t go into too much detail but my Saturday night was spent in emergency.  It’s not that big of an emergency, but enough to throw me out of my routine, hinder my training, and throw my life off-track.

I wasn’t able to get my long run in on Sunday.  I was aiming for 11 or 12 miles, but that was definitely not in the books.  My half marathon is in two weeks…yes, TWO WEEKS.  I have barely been running during the week but have been sticking to my long runs on Sundays in hopes of being okay.  I have a feeling this “race” is going to end up being more of a casual 13.1 mile jog, which is fine by me.

I also don’t know what’s going to happen this week in terms of keeping up with James Wilson’s program.  Once again, I might have to take time off (just like I did with the LiveFit).  I am going to gage the way I feel every day and if I can’t see myself exercising, so be it.  I have more important things to take care of and as hard as it is, my workouts are going to have to take a back seat.

This will absolutely NOT be the case.

The hardest thing for me is trying not to get into that “I feel sorry for myself so I am going to eat candy and chocolate to make up for it” mentality.  When I exercise, I want to eat well.  I want to fuel my body and my workouts with the best food possible.  When I don’t exercise I get stuck in this completely opposite mindset which I know will hinder my progress.  So staying on track mentally and nutritionally is going to be a big goal for me this week (maybe even longer).

I hate this but I will try my best to take it as a learning experience.  Things will not always go my way but everything will be waiting for when I am ready again.

Do you find it hard to stay on track when you can’t exercise??

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