Now, this was supposed to get accomplished yesterday, but I've been putting extra effort into my housekeeping skills because family is coming at the end of the month and I'm getting a head start, haha! Between that, the gym, Cora not wanting to go down for bed and a dead computer, I didn't get to this post last night or in time for #transformationtuesday. But fear not, we're rebels here and I'm sharing it as a transformation based post, no matter what.
I wanted to share a few of my favorites that have supported a transformation in my habits and my overall day. A lot of these traveled with me to California! I'l include links to everything below in case any interest you and of course, feel free to reach out with any questions or comments! Once upon a time, my blog was set up for affiliate links, which meant I got a very small commission if you purchased anything but I don't think I am set up for that since I've stepped away from blogging, but just in case...there's the necessary disclaimer, haha.
Alright...here we go!
1. 40 oz Contigo Water Bottle
This water bottle is a game changer, folks. It holds 40 ounces of water, the straw goes all the way to the very bottom leaving no drop behind, the top pops up and can be locked to avoid spills and the top also functions as a clip so that you can hold it in place in your bag or on a stroller hook! The straw is a little hard to suck on but the kids manage just fine, you just have to get used to it. At $16.99 on Amazon (normally $24.99), it is 100% worth the money and I love this thing. Pound three of these babies and boom, you've got your gallon of water in for the day!
2. Nature's Own Double Fiber Bread
Whether I am dieting down or eating at maintenance or in a surplus, it is imperative to get in enough fiber to keep digestion moving and to stay satisfied. Enter my good friend, my favorite bread ever, double fiber Nature's Own. I get this at our Walmart Neighborhood Market, sometimes you can find it at Target as well. At 50 calories per slice, you also get 11g carbs, .5g fat, 3 g of protein and 4 g of fiber. You should try and shoot for about 25-30 g of fiber per day. If you make a sandwich or a great pile of egg white French Toast with this you are guaranteed to be well on your way to your fiber goal!
3. Protein Powders (Quest and Gains in Bulk)
Peruse my Instagram just a bit and you'll find that I use this protein powder so much that I have to actually place a limit on myself. I love mixing it with Greek Yogurt and putting that on toast made with the double fiber bread, or using that same yogurt mixture as a base for ice cream to boost my protein intake and have multiple yummy textures. It's amazing. The cinnamon crunch flavor has crunchy cereal bits and the peanut butter is amazing in smoothies. Man, I love that stuff. Most flavors are roughly 100 calories, 20ish grams of protein and >5g of carbs and very low in fat. So basically, I can count on them only being a protein source. The Gains in Bulk protein, found here, tastes amazing and makes a creamy chocolate malt shake, but it has 24 g of carbs. This is PERFECT for Vic's pre and post workout shakes, so he uses this daily. It also provides 20 g of protein, 100% of your daily vitamins and minerals and is predigested to minimize any sort of bloat. It's priced in bulk and you can also get 10% off with my code ChristinaK10! This is FANTASTIC for people who need a meal replacement since it offers so much more than just protein.
4. FitCrunch Bars, PBFit and ThinkThin bars
I used to be really bad about surviving off of protein bars because quite frankly, they make these things taste like legit candy bars these days. FitCrunch bars can be found on Amazon and I've found them at Walmart, they are hands down the best tasting bars. Great frosting, baked, crunchy layers and amazing flavors, but they are a big macro hit. If you'll be busy and can't eat a meal, go for one of these for sure! When I was on prep, I would plan one of these as a meal to satisfy my sweet tooth and it was totally worth it to not have all the volume for the great taste. ThinkThin bars are also great, pack a little bit less of a macro punch, but are a second favorite for me. They have a good variety of flavors and some that are less heavy on protein, like the cupcake batter flavor, which is great pre or post workout. I get these on Amazon or at Walmart as well! And finally, PBFit is amazing for adding the best flavor ever, peanut butter, without all the fat. This offers 4C, 6P and 1.5F for a 2tbsp serving, which is plenty when added to yogurt or a smoothie. I've also mixed it with a small amount of water and used it to top rice cakes!
5. Supplements and nightcaps
I recently became a sponsored athlete with Gains in Bulk, and I went with their company because as a stay at home Mom who loves to brunch, I adore that they are packaged in bulk with great prices without giving up quality. Their athlete digestive formula was the kicker for me and why I first tried their products. At $31.95 before my discount, you can get 90 days of the ADF here, it is made up of digestive enzymes and probiotics that help breakdown and utilize your food that much better, offering up to 300 times for amino acid use from your food, which is a big deal. For me, it has allowed me to add Brussel Sprouts and cauliflower back in to my diet without terrible bloating. I take 3-4 every day and wouldn't go without it. On our trip to CA, I lost my birth control but always had this in my purse because #priorities and #gains, duh. I get the Olly vitamins at Target and the sleep formula has really helped me get to sleep quickly. The serving size is two, but I take three about a half hour before bed and I can get to sleep before Vic starts snoring (sorry, babe). I also love to have a cup of tea, or two, before bed and lately I've been having one cup of the Smooth Move tea (let's be over honest, I struggle with not pooping regularly and this keeps things moving), and one cup of herbal. Right now, I'm obsessed with the Vanilla Honey Chamomile, oh man...it's good.
6. Beats Headphones
Last, but certainly not least when it comes to importance or cost, are my Beats headphones. The white pair like mine are more expensive, but you can get the black ones for like $40 less on Amazon, here. And you know what, check out the Fitbit Blaze as well. Yes, they are stupid expensive. Yes, I would cry so many tears without them. I love them. They make my entire day better. I check my Fitbit like a crazy person and love the way that all that data keeps me working on improving every day. I wear my headphones at the gym and around the house while I'm cleaning, when I'm on the phone and need to be hands free and basically whenever I don't want to hear people talking to me, haha. They are LIFE CHANGING.
I hope you enjoyed my not so little list! Please, let me know if you have any questions or need other suggestions! Don't forget to hop over to Instagram and Youtube and join the party. Cora's is finally awake, it's 8:19 and my day has to start. Cross your fingers that she's in as a good of a mood as her brother. Happy Wednesday, friends!
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