Search results
43 results found.
Review: ENERGYbits® & SKINNYbits® (Body after Baby)
I think I’ve mentioned it already, but I’ve started training for a half marathon in the Spring. I’ve always disliked running but wanted to change my mentality. The best way seemed to be to just force myself to do it more and more. So I set a goal. While researching products meant to help people while training, I came across ENERGYbits®. They seemed like a fantastic, nutritious food, so I reached out to the company with the Body after Baby Fitness Event in mind. They sent me two sample tins -one of ENERGYbits® and one of SKINNYbits®- to try out and review.
About and My Experiences:
Made with 100 percent organically-grown spirulina algae, ENERGYbits® and SKINNYbits® are small bits of food loaded with 40 nutrients. With just one calorie per tab, they have an exceptionally high concentration of protein. Considered a superfood by many, spirulina algae has even been endorsed by the United Nations as a means to fight malnutrition. Both types of bits can increase your energy and endurance, curb hunger, and accomplish even more. Although SKINNYbits® have a different packaging, they’re essentially the same as ENERGYbits®.
I’ve been reading through both the literature on the ENERGYbits® website and the massive number of articles and other sites that talk about the benefits of spirulina algae as a superfood. It really is impressive!
The first time I took my ENERGYbits®, I tried chewing them. After all, I’d had algae before and liked it…or so I thought…all the way up until I crunched into 6 bits at once. That’s when it hit me that I’ve had seaweed before not algae. Fail! Going to be brutally honest here: algae tastes like fish food or what I would imagine fish food tastes like. It definitely smells a little like fish food. It’s pretty gross tasting and would probably take me a long time to get used to them. I’ve since swallowed all my bits with water, and it’s been a much better experience!
I actually played a trick on my 2-year old nephew and son. I asked them if they wanted candy and then gave each of them one of the ENERGYbits®. Their faces were priceless! Mean, I know, but it didn’t hurt them. ENERGYbits® are good for them!
So how did I feel after taking them? Well, I did feel energized without coffee, but that possibly could be a placebo affect. But I do believe algae grown in a clean environment is very healthy to eat. A quick Google search shows you the many benefits of algae. Besides the UN and WHO’s position on algae, NASA’s astronauts do eat algae or algae-based foods.
The only downside to ENERGYbits® that I can see is the price up front. On the ENERGYbits® website, you can only purchase a large back of 1,000 bits (1 to 2 month supply) for $115. I’d like to purchase some but will have to save a little bit for it first. It’s important to realize that ENERGYbits® are not pills. They are tiny bits of food, which makes the price more reasonable, in my mind.
SKINNYbits® and ENERGYbits® are only available at ENERGYbits.com. Jonathan (their brand manager) has shared with me that he’d be happy to connect anyone with a current ambassador to share a discount on a bag of bits. You can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com.
If you want to win sample tins like mine, stay tuned for the Body after Baby Fitness Event Giveaway later today!
Have you ever tried eating algae before? Would you?
Review: Sweaty Bands (Body after Baby)
If you have any hair at all (and maybe even if you don’t!), you probably need a reliable headband for your workout sessions. While researching online, one company that continually stood out to me was Sweaty Bands. I contacted Sweaty Bands, and they happily sent me two headbands- one to review and one to give away.
About and My Experiences:
Sweaty Bands are no-slip headbands that feature a ribbon-like material on one side and felt on the other. Available in two sizes -narrow and wide- Sweaty Bands come in dozens of patterns and colors. Custom designs are available.
One thing I really like about Sweaty Bands is that the founder -Donna- started this business sewing headbands in her basement. Since then, her company has grown until her headbands are now sold in more than 1,000 locations including all Nordstrom stores. Since I’ve started looking, I’ve spotted Sweaty Bands in two different fitness stores here in Hampton Roads. I think it’s fantastic that this female-founded business has grown at such a rate and still makes its headbands right here in the U.S.
My contact at Sweaty Bands let me know that the best way to wear my headband was near my hairline, so that’s what I’ve been doing. It has never slipped. I have not had to readjust the band even one single time while it was on my head. I’ve worn my Sweaty Band for numerous runs over the last three weeks, including a six-mile jog. My Sweaty Band has stayed on during aerobics, running errands, cleaning, and even while sleeping.
I have read a few negative reviews online (a very small fraction compared to the positive reviews), so obviously these bands don’t work for everyone. We all have different head shapes, head size, and hair texture. But I’m confident that Sweaty Bands will work for the majority of women, because I’m one of those people who has never had good luck with a headband until now.
For reference, I’m 5’10”, and usually wear a 7 1/4 cm hat size. My hair is fine and quite slippery. My Sweaty Band is also the narrower version.
At around $15 each band, they may seem pricey, but if Sweaty Bands work, it’s worth it in my opinion. It’s always driven me batty when I’m trying to exercise, and I have pieces of hair sticking to my face! Plus, these are made here in the U.S., so yes, they’re going to be more expensive than headbands sewn by little kids in certain foreign countries.
As far as keeping the sweat out of your face, the Sweaty Band does help. It’s not going to keep all the sweat from your face though, because these bands go over your hair, not your lower forehead. If you sweat below the band, the sweat is still going to run into your eyes. I have noticed a difference wearing my Sweaty Band, so I know it’s keeping my head sweat (yuck!) out of my eyes.
Hand wash your bands to ensure they last. I take mine in the shower with me to wash, then hang to dry. My band is usually almost dry by next morning. I’m planning on buying a second one, so I can rotate between the two bands.
If you’d like to see some of their styles and learn more about Sweaty Bands, click HERE.
Want to win your own Sweaty Band? Stand by for a Body after Baby Fitness Event Giveaway. It’s starts later today!
What’s your favorite Sweaty Band color or design?
Review: Road ID wrist identification band (Body after Baby)
When preparing for the Body after Baby fitness event, I reached out to RoadID.com to see if I could feature their products in a review. I was thrilled when they said, Yes. They sent me an e-coupon to redeem on their website, and I eventually settled on the Wrist ID Elite.
About and My Experiences:
Road ID was founded by a father and son team for cyclists, runners, and really for anyone who wants to get out and be active. The identification products Road ID sells include wrist IDs, shoe ID, shoe pouch ID, ankle ID, and more. The ID plates on all of these are customizable to contain information you’d want EMS to know in an emergency.
Although I often run with a jogging stroller and my son in it, sometimes it’s just me. Last week while visiting relatives, I ran alone on a path I’d never been on before. I prefer to not carry anything while running, and I don’t have a special running belt/pack. Even if you do, in an emergency, you could easily be separated from your wallet if it’s in a bag or jacket.
My ID plate has the following information: First and last name, year of birth, nationality, blood type, health insurance provider, three emergency contact phone numbers, and a motivational phrase. Knowing this information was literally attached to my wrist really reassured me while I was running alone.
I’d originally thought about getting the Wrist ID Slim. Like the name says, it’s one of Road ID’s slimmer designs. I thought I’d find it more comfortable than the Wrist ID Elite, but Hubby really encouraged me to get the Elite, because he liked the concept of a watch-style buckle, so that’s what I chose. I paid a little extra to have an “Army” badge added to my Wrist ID (in case you didn’t know, I’m an Army reservist).
The Wrist ID Elite is a little bulky, but to be honest hasn’t bothered me at all. I started wearing it immediately after receiving it, because I figured I’d get used to it then before running. And I did! I actually don’t notice it now and have even been wearing it while sleeping. If you like the concept of a Wrist ID, but aren’t sure about the bulkiness (I’m not exactly a petite woman), then I’d recommend checking out the Wrist ID Slim.
Road ID has products appropriate for men, women, and even kids and dogs! I’ve been reading through the testimonials on their website, and have been really impressed with how these IDs have helped people in emergency situations. One couple had Road IDs on both their children, and it came in handy when their youngest child disappeared from their sight at a busy zoo. An employee called the number on their child’s Road ID, and the relieved parents were reunited with their child just a few minutes later. Having emergency information attached to your person just makes sense to me!
If you’d like to know more about how they got started as well as the different products they sell (it’s not just IDs!), click HERE to reach their website.
Want to win one? You can win a $35 e-coupon to RoadID.com during the Body after Baby Fitness Event Giveaway. The giveaway starts at 5pm EST today, so make sure to return and enter!
What ways do you think you could incorporate a RoadID product into your life?