Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. The views shared are mine and mine alone.
I am so excited for summer. Not only because I get to spend quality time with my family, celebrate my daughter, Savannah's, 3rd birthday in June, but also because I will be able to wear a bathing suit this season, without the need for a t-shirt and shorts. Why you ask? If you follow my blog, then you know that one of my New Year's Resolutions was to lose weight. And, even though I hit a few bumps along the way (usually holidays and family gatherings were food was plentiful), I am happy to report that so far I have lost 25 pounds of my 40 pound goal. Like many moms, I gained the extra baby weight during pregnancy, but never seemed to be able to get rid of it all. And, with only a 15 month age difference with my daughters, I didn't have much time to lose the weight in between pregnancies. Instead, I added the additional weight from Arabella's pregnancy on top of Savannah's, leaving me with a 40 pound weight gain in a two year time frame. Not good!
So, when Jan 1st rolled around this year, I promised myself I would stick to my goal to love the weight. And, as a treat for my accomplishment so far, I can finally shop the cute bathing suits again, and not feel self-conscious walking the beach or local water park with the girls. But, the weigh loss didn't come without struggles, like cutting out all the sweets and treats, including soda, coffee and my Italian bread. Being Italian, I just can't live off of salad alone! So, while I cut back on my daily caloric intake, I was able to still keep my daily coffee and occasion treats, because I enjoyed these in moderation, and would exercise 10-15 minutes longer after consuming.
I don't know about you, but being a busy mom on the go, one of my major downfalls when it comes to trying to eat and stay healthy is snacking. When you have kids, they forget to tell you that you will not eat a hot meal again. And, that you will find yourself standing in the kitchen either grazing or trying to scarf down a meal before the kids need your attention. Oh, how my feet are sore from standing on them daily! :-) How about yours? But, when you are trying to lose weight and cut out unhealthy foods, snacking like this will oftentimes prevent your success.
It wasn't until I was introduced to Balance Bar last year through a review opportunity, that I was able to find a snack bar that was not only great tasty, but that was good for you. And, since then, I have made a point to have a selection of Balance Bars on hand in the kitchen cabinet, stashed in the diaper bag, and even a few in the glove box, so that I can reach for one when I get hungry or need to refuel. Missing either breakfast or lunch in a day really throw me off. But, just by snacking on 1 or 2 Balance bars, I find myself recharged and ready to tackle whatever the girls throw my way. :-)
So, when I was contacted by the folks at Balance Bar the other day to do a review and giveaway of their nutrition bars, how could I say "No." I was sent a Balance Bar branded travel cooler bag, along with a sampling of their Balance Bars, and a fun travel journal/notebook. This is the same prize pack one lucky reader will win, thanks to the folks at Balance Bar (scroll down to enter).
The flavors I was sent to review included:
"Balance Bar energy bars are packed with delicious
flavor and loaded with balanced 40-30-30 nutrition. So that makes them
nutrition bars as well."
Savannah, my picky eater, even tried a bite and liked it -- which shocked me. I had to quickly grab the camera and take a photo, as I knew my husband wouldn't believe me when I told him this. :-)
With the summer finally year, and families planning vacations and day trips, one thing you have to remember to pack are snacks. Instead of grabbing sugary snacks that will just leave the kids hyper and you crashing at the end of the day, why not stock up on an assortment of Balance Bars, to nibble on when you need an energy boost? Balance Bar offers so many flavors, that every member of the family will find at least one they will love! And, these bars are a convenient, delicious way to keep up your energy while on-the-go.
In addition to this fun review and giveaway opportunity, I am excited to share that Balance Bar is also holding a Twitter Chat tomorrow, to share summer health and wellness tips, while also giving away some great prizes. Here is more details about this chat, which will take place at 2 PM EST.
---Summer Travel Twitter Chat w/ Balance Bar, June 26th ---
QuickieChick.
Details are below – as well as here: http://www.balance.com/blog/
Who: Balance Bar®, Travel Blogger, Health & Fitness Bloggers and You!
When: Wednesday, June 26 at 2pm EST
Where: Follow @BalanceBar on Twitter and use the hashtag #SummerBalance to tweet your summer questions for our team of experts. Every question is a chance to win!
Why: Every #SummerBalance tweet earns you an extra entry into our Summer Giveaway, giving you an additional chance to be one of the five fans who will win a prize pack that includes a travel cooler bag, fitness journal and 15-ct box of their favorite Balance Bar® Bar flavor! Join in for your chance to win, and get some summer health and wellness tips in the process!
What: Expect travel tips to help you navigate a balanced summer:
Hope to see you at the Twitter Chat!
Can't make the Twitter Chat, but want some great Summer Travel Tips? Then, head on over to Facebook through these links below to watch two videos sharing wonderful summer travel tips:
Don't forget to follow Balance Bar on Twitter and Facebook, for news, special offers and more...
1.
Facebook:
facebook.com/BalanceBar
2.
Twitter:
twitter.com/BalanceBar
---GIVEAWAY---
One lucky reader will win a Balance Bar cooler bag, filled with an assortment of Balance Bars, as well as a travel journal. To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. The views shared are mine and mine alone.
I liked the tip to take yourself on a walking tour when you're visiting a new city. That way you not only get to take in the new sites, but you also get in some healthy exercise!
ReplyDeleteDo a Quickie Workout in the Hotel Room
ReplyDeleteI like the first tip Don't Forget Your Sneakers, I make sure I take them everywhere, you never know when you are going to need to walk and you want to be comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI like the tip of doing a quick workout in your hotel room.
ReplyDeleteDesiree Dunbar
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I like the tip about challenging yourself with different activities, like rock climbing & white water rafting.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Dont forget your comfy shoes.
ReplyDelete