CLICK Winner & News!

We are so excited to share with you guys that we are getting ready to launch our new website with our store and blogs. Life has been quite hectic, so our apologies that the blogs have not been as often! We have a fantastic giveaway coming to you NEXT week!! But today we want to share with you the winner for the CLICK! 

Please contact us to claim your prize!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Inner Dialogue

 When I saw the words "Inner Dialogue" what comes to mind? 

Do you hear positive words such as proud, accomplished, fighter, strong, beautiful, hard worker, etc. 

or do words such as, failure, I can't, too fat, ugh, you should look better.... come to mind? 

I recently had a conversation with a friend who has had a huge life change.  This friend of mine recently chose to change her life through health and fitness. She has been working hard to make working out a way of life.  She has also gained a new mindset that eating healthy is not just a temporary fix (aka diet), but a way or life, a normal way of eating.  

I saw this friend in college go on diets and do really great, but then eventually go back to her original state.  When talking to her more recently we discussed these diets she had gone on and she mentioned that when she was on those it felt like she was practically starving herself.   Now though, with a change of eating, she is fulfilled with healthy food, and feels good with more energy! 

This is a great thing to hear from a friend! To know she is loving her new self, and from the outside her body looks great as well! 

The thing that impacted me the most though was when she said...."But the best part about this life change is that my INNER DIALOGUE is more positive!"

This really got me to thinking. Inner Dialogue is so important to who we are, what we do, and what we achieve.  When I am having positive inner dialogue I am more motivated to continue on a healthy path! When I get down about myself, and my inner dialogue becomes negative, it seems to drive me to be lazy and lean on excuses rather than pushing me to do better.  I have also seen a difference in my attitude and actions towards others and towards life in general when my inner dialogue is positive.  

I was very encouraged by my friend.  I know that at different times we will have different feelings about ourselves and may have to fight against negative thoughts, but now after thinking through this I have realized that I will fight to maintain a positive inner dialogue within myself! I want good things to flow out of me, that is important to me, so I will strive to be positive about myself and how I feel about me! 

I urge you to do the same!  Speak good things over yourself! Strive to be a better you! 

Fight for yourself!

Thanksgiving Sale

We are so excited to share with our readers about our very first THANKSGIVING SALE with Naturally Fit Sisters! You can visit our store HERE! Take a look around at what we have. We have some fantastic goodness going on over there. Our sale is $7 for bondi bands AND FREE SHIPPING! Time to stock up for Christmas! 

What is a Bondi Band?

-Headbands for EVERYONE!! 

-Awesome for active individuals!!

-Fantastic to wear for style!!

-Wicking Material

-Stylish, Comfortable Bands

Don't Miss Out!! 

These are a few samples of what we have:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.440003446052233.113375.419839788068599&type=3

Green Smoothie Linky Party!

So Green Smoothies are very popular these days!!! 

and yet we don't really have a great recipe for them! 

So we decided to host a Green Smoothie Linky Party....so here's the experience Big Sis had making her Green Smoothies, but we would love to see what you have done or tried! 

LINK UP your smoothie recipes below----green or just yummy/healthy! 

Do you or your family drink GREEN SMOOTHIES? I like to make them for my son- and he loves them. My only issue is that I can't find a really great recipe. Can you help? This is what I did this day:

Kale, Spinich, Chia Seeds, Banana, Strawberry, Avocado, and Almond Milk

It doesn't LOOK appealing nor did it taste too appealing. For some reason I just can't find the perfect recipe for this... I know you can throw many things into a green smoothie, but for some reason... I am not a fan of mine. 

We would love to see some of the recipes you have tried!! If you have a great post about it, or website you get it from we would love for you to link it up below.  If we get some good ones then we will feature them later to share with all of you! 

Click Expresso Protein Drink---Review & GIVEAWAY

First off wanted to share the Zip Fizz WINNER!!

Congrats to: Jennifer Kennedy Davis

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Now, I am so excited to share our newest Giveaway with you! 

You may have heard about Click Expresso Protein Drink, but when I heard about it I went crazy, and when they offered us to review it, I went even crazier! Plus the review was a full container of it which was awesome! 

Why do I love Click Expresso Protein? 

Duh, it tastes like COFFEE!!! & I LOVE COFFEE! :-) 

Plus it's protein which is great for meal replacement shakes, pre/post workout drinks, etc.  

The CLICK Espresso Protein Drink line of drinks, featuring mocha, vanilla latte and Mocha Decaf, are designed to help curb food cravings, give a boost of energy, and support the body before and after workouts in a single 12 ounce serving.

It's great, I actually have tried the mocha flavor, which was great, but very strong coffee flavor, and since I am not strong enough to drink black coffee, it was almost too strong for me.  But when I got my review Click, it was the Vanilla Latte flavor....it is amazing! Plus it really does give you energy.  I love drinking coffee before running, and with this I can use Click as a coffee replacement and get the energy but it is also better for me than plain coffee, and adds some good healthy protein.  

Plus you can make Click in multiple ways.  As a smoothie with fruit, as a frappe with milk and ice, as just a drink mixed with milk or water, or you can even drink Click hot, like you would with normal coffee! Those are some great choices!! 

So who wants to win some Click for themselves!?? 

All you have to do is enter below in the Rafflecopter! 

Thanks so much for joining us for our Wednesday Giveaway! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let's be Honest..

Friends,

I am struggling. I am struggling so bad. Since finding out I am pregnant in early September I have really slowed down on my running. I did a 1/2 Marathon with my sister in October .. which I have not written about.. because it was a heart breaker for me. If I can be completely honest- since that day.... I HAVE NOT RAN. I am hurting inside. The Cassey that fell in love with running again- she is hurting. My little boy has even started asking me to go run, or going out and putting himself in the stroller, and even asking me to go on a race with him... all in the past week. I say.. "We will later!" Later has yet to come. 

I am struggling. I worked so hard to encourage so many people to start running and they ARE! I signed up for a Disney Princess Half Marathon in February to do with my best friend, sister, and mom... The biggest part of me does not even want to go to do it. HOW will I do it? I don't even run anymore? I am going to be six months pregnant. I need an intervention. I get so bitter sometimes when I see who I am becoming again. When I have no desire to be active... when that passion I had, I realize is gone. 

I am struggling. When I read things on Facebook about amazing runs people have (especially people I know)... I cry. I cry because I want it to be me again. I am so proud of them- but it hurts me. But then on the flip side- it makes ZERO sense, because it is my fault. I guess this is when I need to say.. suck it up and quit feeling sorry for myself.. and do something about it. 

I am struggling. I do not want to hit the pavement.. because I know HOW HARD 1 mile is going to be for me.. and I don't, don't, don't want to SEE that or FEEL that. I know when I go hit the sidewalk for my first run out, I am going to cry. Because I know where I was and where I am now and I just don't want to face it. 

Please tell me that I am not the only one. Please tell me you have been through this? How did you handle it? I am now 13 weeks pregnant.. I have plenty of time to get running again, right? I need tips/advice/motivation. Something more than telling me to suck it up and do it. I need real tips. 

-Big Sis

ZippFizz Giveaway

We had the awesome opportunity to review one of the newest Healthy Energy Drink Mix--ZipFizz! Have you heard of it? After we got it I started seeing it in Wal-Mart with people allowing you to sample it. The awesome thing is.. you can purchase this item at Wal-Mart with the cool shaker! So what is ZipFizz? Here is some information straight from their website:

ZipFizz

"Zipfizz is the only healthy energy drink-mix powder in a tube. 

Delivering an advanced formula that provides a significant amount of vitamins, fewer calories, lower carbohydrates and superior taste! Simply put, it's different because it's good for you! 

Zipfizz is healthy energy in a tube! Give your body a rush of vitamins, minerals and key amino acids to protect the immune system. Zipfizz has created an advanced formula that provides a significant amount of vitamins, fewer calories, lower carbohydrates, superior taste, variety and unique packaging! Simply put, it's different because it's good for you!

Use Zipfizz as a morning or afternoon pick-me-up, or enhance your training by taking it before, during, or after a hard workout. Because Zipfizz contains no sugar, users will experience an increased energy level for up to 4 - 6 hours with out the sudden "crash" associated with other energy drinks."

They have 5 different flavors too! (click on the names for more information)

Berry

Citrus

Grape 

Orange Soda

Pink Lemonade

What are the benefits?

Zipfizz is designed with a unique blend of vitamins and minerals, but it’s 

our signature Vitamin B12 that gets you movin’! Dedicated to providing consumers with a healthier alternative to energy and sports drinks we deliver an amazing amount of B12 

41,667%.

Straight to the point...Vitamin B12 equals ENERGY! Zipfizz provides you 

with an adequate amount without sacrificing your health with high levels 

of sugar which most energy drinks contain.

OUR REVIEW OF THIS PRODUCT:
We were so excited to try out this product. The name makes you think it is a child's drink. When we received it in the mail we got five different flavors inside of a cool ZipFizz Mixing Cup... we also got a neat jump drive with it. We were pretty excited with the packaging. The next morning I was so eager to try it. It was so fun that when you shook it man, it fizzed up! Reminded me of the camera canister experiments we would do in school. 

I was most excited about the B12. It did not affect me like caffeine does meaning- lots of jitters. I actually forgot I had drank it- expect I had more energy. I was fine all day long. I learned not to drink it after lunch because it kept me up late. 

The taste is a little sour but definitely something you can get use to. My favorite is the Pink Lemonade, but I like that normally. 

I love how this doesn't come with a crash. I highly recommend this to anyone that needs just a little more energy during their day! Good Luck with this Giveaway and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway Don't forget to see who won the GymBoss! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog-Buddy Christmas Ornament Swap

I am so excited!!

The Natural-Nester Sisters are hosting their very first gift exchange....but this is not any ordinary gift exchange, this is the BLOG-BUDDY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT SWAP! 

How fun is that! 

Here's how it works....

you go to the Elfster link below and sign up.  Share with us your information, of course include your mailing address, but also tell us some about yourself.  What is your favorite color, pattern, design, what Christmas theme is your house or tree...anything that will help your partner find the best Christmas ornament possible for you this year! 

Then, on December 5th you will get an email from us telling who your partner is.  You have a spending limit of no more than $10.00...take the info your partner gives and find them an amazing Christmas ornament.  You can buy a cute ornament or make them something great!  Just be sure you mail it to them by December 10th so that they can receive it and enjoy it for the holiday season! 

Once you receive your gift we want everyone in the swap to write a blog post about their new ornament.  Share about your partner and who they are, then show off the cute ornaments that you swapped with one another!! 

So don't be shy, let's have some fun and meet some new blog buddies! 

Sign up by clicking the link below, and be sure to grab a button so that others know about the event and can come over to join in on the fun! 

CLICK HER TO SIGN UP FOR THE ORNAMENT SWAP

How to Sign Up: Click on the link above and it will direct you to Elfster. Once at Elfster, Click Yes. Then click RSVP.  
If you already have an Elfster account, go ahead and login. Otherwise, click Join. You will then see the screen above and can either create an account or login with Facebook. 
After you have entered in your info, you will then be directed to the home page of the gift exchange on Elfster. Once there, you can send email invites to your friends {more the merrier!}, share something with the group {a crafting tip?}, and add your picture to your profile. You can also put a link to your blog, Facebook, or Pinterest page on your profile, if you’d like. You can also create an Elfster wishlist so that your partner can get an idea of what you like and what your style is. I just added a text wishlist with answers to the questions above, but you can also find links of things that you like and put them on your wishlist. 
A Few More things: 
You do not need a blog to participate!
How will I know who my partner is? You will get an email on December 5, 2012 with your assigned person’s name and information.

Goal Achieved....NOW WHAT!?

So today, this post is less about my own thoughts, and more of a question for each of you who have had experience running a half or full marathon.  I would love some input from you all! 

As many of our readers know, I ran my first half marathon almost 2 weeks ago! It was a wonderful experience I loved training for it! I enjoyed so much the love for running that I gained, and the sense of accomplishment that I felt over myself after I achieved this goal. It was great! 

Then I guiltlessly planned to take Monday & Tuesday of that week off to recover.  I did a lot of stretching on those days, and if I didn't have to work so much I would have attended a yoga class on Monday. 

Then Wednesday rolled around and I did nothing, then Thursday, nothing, it wasn't until the following Sunday, a week later that I finally did something with myself.  I asked my husband to come on a short 2 mile run with me.  Just because I needed some motivation to actually do it.  

It was such a weird place to be because I had just run 13.1 miles, and yet didn't know what to do after that. It wasn't necessarily that I didn't want  to workout, but that I didn't know what to do. 

So my question for you readers, is how do you pick back up and continue working out after such a long run. 

 This definitely is not just a one time goal for me, I always work out, and already have my next half planned 16 weeks from now.  It was just a new thing to achieve such a big goal and then continue moving forward.  I am just interested to see what kind of runs/workouts you continue doing the week after a half.  And, do any of you struggle with this MENTAL SLUMP as I call it?? 

What Do You SEE?

*This post was written on September 12... but because of the Birthday Bash it was not posted*

What do you see???

When you look in the Mirror?

Taken from Google Images

It looks like this post is going to talk about your physical attributes, but no.. no friends, it is not! 

Can I be honest with you guys for a little bit? Without you judging me?

I am struggling. Have been now for 15 days. How do I know it has been that long? Because 15 days ago I ran the 1/2 Marathon. I did awesome, I felt on top of the world... I was so proud of ME. 

Since then.. many things have been happening. GREAT things. Sister and I are starting lots of awesome things.. but these awesome things take a lot of our evening time so we can work together... and with that I am forgetting about a very important aspect of this whole journey: MYSELF. 

I am not giving myself the time I need to prepare meals, instead I am grabbing whatever I can grab and shoving it in my mouth. Luckily we don't really have junk food. L.U.C.K.I.L.Y.

I have not been taking the time needed at night to complete my runs. After the 1/2 Marathon I was out for a few days.. I felt weak and my back was bad. It had been hurting for a while before the run.. and it just needed a break. Since then.. I honestly can not find my MoJo to run! 

This is where it gets hard... Tonight was my FIRST time to run, without it being a race, since that 1/2 marathon 15 days ago. Do you realize how much can change in 15 days when you are eating like crap and not working your body the way you should be?

I have lost 35 pounds since March. I had lost 45, but those other 10 I have just played with. I would really love to lose these ten pounds and keep going.. I just weighed in this morning to share with my accountability partner.. and it was hard. Hard to admit I let myself gain weight that had already been lost. But today I am determined to get my mindset back on track. To start thinking about ME again. 

I love me. I love me even more when I am focused on a healthy and active lifestyle. Let's do this!! 

I know we all have moments like this.. right? So my question for you is what do you do to find your mojo and get it back?? Please comment and let us know- because I know this is what everyone struggles with at some time .. right?

-Big Sis

*The next day I found out I was pregnant.. explains a lot of the feelings I had during those 15 days*

My Superman

Growing up we didn't trick or treat. There is only one time in my life I remember dressing up and it was when I was a teenager and did it with friends for fun. I am sure we attended church events, I really do not remember! But I always knew that I wanted our kids to be able to participate. Not teach them bad things about Halloween... but not shelter them the way my husband and myself were and not allowed to trick or treat. It isn't a bad thing, I do not feel like I missed out.. but I wanted to relive it with my kids! 

This year I asked my 2.5 year old what he wanted to be! He actually responded "Super Hero, like Super Why!" He has also learned about trick or treating from Super Why.. and Halloween, Skeletons. Etc. Someone try and say TV doesn't affect our young ones. Anyways, so super hero he will be! 

I have a friend who owns a boutique. You really should check her out over at Halo Collective. She does some awesome things.. when I find out if this new baby is a girl- I will for sure be shopping with her. So she put together my boy's SUPER N on the front of his shirt. I just loved it.. as did he! Thanks Karissa!! 

Little Sis had made my boy a super hero cape. I had intended for him to wear it the whole time I was planning this- but it didn't match very well with the front of his shirt AND it buttons around his neck. Which I love. But he never leaves it on longer than 5 minutes. He wears it after his bath.. naked.. running around being a super hero. ADORABLE! 

So I took it upon myself to attach a cape I made on his shirt. This might not look like much- but!!! I am the non-creative one. I am the one that stresses about ironing something vs. sewing. I am so proud of my little cape. Haha. This was so much better.. because he could not take it off and he loved it! My little Super Hero! 

All ready for our Halloween Festival! 

He was so stinking cute! He loves to do his little Super Hero Spin! He is such a blessing in my life! 

-Big Sis

Benefits of Strength Training

We are so excited to have Jill here with us today. She is sharing with us about information that many of us fail to remember: Strength Training is Important. In her introduction of herself, she has totally inspired me. I hope you enjoy this post as much as we have. Thanks, Jill!!

------------------

Hi to Natural Nester’s readers. I’m Jill from Fitness, Health and Happiness. I'm a wife, mom of 2, FitFluential and Sweat Pink Ambassador that is passionate about running, plant-based nutrition, fitness and an overall healthy lifestyle.  I believe living a healthy life is not about perfection. It's about commitment, effort and progress!

My passion is running and in the past 7 months I have set 5k, 10k and half marathon personal records, ran my first ultra (31 miles), placed for the first time in my age division and won a division trophy for first place in 2-person 12 hour relay with my husband. And, just one more, I went from doing 0 unassisted pull-ups to 5! Why am I proudly sharing my successes and progress? I’m not bragging (ok, maybe a little). I have made 2 major changes over the past year that I believe contribute to my success over the past 7 months and one of those is consistent strength training. For me it’s running but I have no doubt anyone can experience the benefits of strength training no matter what your exercise of choice is.

This is my 10th week of the Les Mills Pump Challenge from Beachbody . 

6 days/week I use the home workout DVDs that are a combination of strength, abs and yoga. Focusing on strength with moves like squats, lunges, tricep extensions, curls, side raises, bicep curls and more. This particular program is done primarily with a barbell. The top right shot is my favorite of the upper body moves, the MAC DADDY. It kills the shoulders and I love that feeling!

What the experts say: 

The Benefits of Strength Training (Source)

1. Increased metabolic rate by increasing the number of calories you burn on a daily basis.
2. Increasing and restoring bone density. Strength training prevents and fights osteoporosis.
3. Increase lean muscle mass. For every ounce of lean muscle you have you burn 35-50 calories per day!
4. Injury prevention. Strength training strengthens our muscles and tendons. The stronger we are the less chance of an injury.
5. Improved balance. Strengthening our legs and core section means an increase in overall balance and coordination.
6. Decreased risk of coronary disease. Strength training can reduce your blood pressure. It can also decrease your cholesterol levels.
7. Aids in rehabilitation and recovery. Strengthening the muscles around our joints is one of the best ways to prevent and recover from an injury.
8. Enhanced performance in sports, exercise and life in general. The benefits of strength training for women all boil down to one point- a better overall quality of life. We can perform our favorite activities with more ease and less pain.
9. Feeling better and looking better. A toned body is but one factor to looking great. The other is purely mental.

My Personal Experience: 

The Benefits of Strength Training

1. Increased metabolic rate? Definitely! After a few weeks of consistent strength training I noticed I was always hungry. My body was telling me “more calories please.”
2. Increased lean muscle mass? Based on appearances, yes! I have more muscle mass than ever before.
3. Injury prevention? I don’t want to jinx my streak so I’ll just say a wonderful YES!!
4. Improved balance? Again, yes. I notice a big difference with yoga poses.
5. Enhanced performance in sports, exercise and in life in general? If my running record lately is any indication than the answer to this is an excited YES! Have I mentioned my plank PR of 4:04?
6. Feeling better and looking better? I totally feel the benefits of strength training on my body and according to my husband I look great. He says better than the day we met ☺
7. Fun and relaxing? I’ve found that a 45-minute to hour strength training workout does wonders for stress and tension.

Do you include strength training in your workout schedule? If you have, what is your favorite move? If you haven’t what is holding you back from starting? If you have any questions feel free to contact me on my blog or at jillconyers at gmail dot com.Every week I host a health and fitness link-up, Fitness Friday. I would love to have your join and share your heath and fitness related posts and browse the blogs of other participants. It’s a great group of health and fitness enthusiasts!For more information click the image below:

I would love to connect ☺

Blog: Fitness, Health and Happiness

Twitter: @jillconyers

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jillconyers/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jill.ficklingconyers

Facebook Fan Page: [Fitness, Health and Happiness]

Instagram: @jillconyers

My First Half Marathon!

So....as many of you know....I ran my first HALF MARATHON last Sunday! 

It was amazing! 

Well let me start from the beginning! 

I got inspired to start training in July when my sister said she was going to train one.  When I ran up to five miles she said, "Hey let's run a half marathon together...!" and we were signed up for one while she was in Texas! It was very fun training (long distance) with her, and being encouraged by one another and then getting to do it together.  

My whole life I never thought I would do this...I was not a runner, and I had never even WANTED to do this...it wasn't even on my bucket list.  The first time I ever thought, wow a half marathon would be fun was when I went with a friend to watch her big sister run one.  That was the first time I ever got inspired.  (And that was 2-3 years ago)

Anyways, on Saturday we had our first Naturally-Fit Sisters Expo...which went awesome by the way.  So after we were done we went to eat at Olive Garden (had to get that pre-race pasta meal in right!?? :-) Then we drove three hours to stay in Ft. Worth! We got to bed after midnight...not a great start, and woke up around 6am. 

I had a Builder Bar for breakfast....one of my favorite meal bars, with 20 grams of Protein in one.  And mentally I wasn't nervous, but I started to realize that my body was nervous.  It was a weird thing to be happening, because mentally I was just excited.  I had butterflies in my stomach though and randomly had to go to the bathroom (if you know what I mean). 

Anyways, we got to the race at 7:20am (race started at 8am) and got signed in.  I stretched a lot and went to the bathroom....and my husband and host son got there on time to cheer me on.  (they drove 3 hours that morning). 

Once we started, around the first corner and I hit the first bathroom stop.  I tried to stay so hydrated before the race, and had to go bad, so I thought I might as well go at the first one.  I didn't go to the bathroom again.  I ran the race pretty well and at my consistent pace.  It wasn't until the last two miles that I struggled.  I got really tired and slowed down a lot! 

 I finished the race with my Big Sis at 2 hours 37 minutes!

Afterwards they had massages, and that was an amazing treat :-) 

I was so proud of myself! It is such a huge accomplishment to achieve something like this. I mean it's fun for your friends to say "Wow you did a half!" But the best part is the way you feel about yourself! The pride you have for how strong you were and for conquering something that you set your mind to! I loved that! 

 

SIDENOTE: My friend came and cheered me on....and the Monday after she had a half marathon training plan on her phone and started running! She was inspired just like I was after I went to my first half as a spectator! I am so excited for her, and have a new desire to take a new person with me to each half I do so that maybe they will be inspired! I want everyone to feel the way I felt after achieving this goal!