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Saturday, May 25, 2013

Product Review: NutriBullet


For a week, I've had the wonderful opportunity to test the Magic Bullet NutriBullet, thanks to a friend. I've absolutely loved it!!!Coming from a five year old traditional blender that caused my occasional smoothies to become untextured mixes, the ability of the NutriBullet to produce creamy, smooth, and thoroughly-mixed drinks is so delicious!

One of my favorite parts about the NutriBullet is its convenience. There are three available cup sizes, one for kids or a small side smoothie, one with a handle for on-the-go days, and a larger size designed for meals or post-workout snacks. Traditional blenders can be a hassle, for in order to clean them, the blade has to be carefully removed and scrubbed separately from the rest of the blender. On the other hand, the NutriBullet blade is separate from the actual blender and screws onto each cup size. To blend, simply screw the blade on and press down. That easy! And its even easier to clean!

Included with what I call the "smoothie blade," is a blade for milling or grinding. You can grind  your own peanut/sunflower/almond butters  or mill your own flours! How fun!

Another thing I appreciated was, included in the packaging, a booklet full of recipe suggestions and how to eat a whole food diet. Though I don't really need to know how to eat more fruits and vegetables, it would be a nice commodity for someone trying to ease into the whole food world.  And when I tire of my berry-veggie blast, I can try something new! 

So, if you can't already tell, I love the NutriBullet, and highly recommend it! I have nothing but praise for it!

And if you want to try a yummy recipe in the NutriBullet or your own blender, here's my creation:




Refreshing Summer Smoothie

1 cup spinach or spring salad mix
1/2 banana
3/4 cup raspberries
1/2 tsp chia seeds
2 Tablespoons coconut water
Water filled up to just below max line (approximately 1/2 cup)

1. Put in the largest NutriBullet cup size, or in a blender, and blend until desired consistencey
ENJOY!!! :)

Monday, May 13, 2013

Kind of KIND Bars

After a hard track workout consisting of a 4 mile run followed by ten hill repeats on a hot and beautiful day, it was time to experiment with a good recovery snack. I'm always looking for new ways to get more protein in my diet, especially as a competitive runner. Since I'm trying to limit my sugar and fruit intake, granola is not a great option. Yet when I was only gluten free, I really enjoyed KIND bars, even though I'm not a bar type of gal. So I set out to make less fruity and sugary, but mega healthy and quick snack bar. Thus, the "Kind of KIND Bars:"

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons flax seeds
1/2 Tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1.5 cups almonds
1/4 cup dried blueberries
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 Tablespoon  organic cocoa powder
1/3 cup  maple syrup

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Mix the seeds, nuts, coconut, and dried fruit together in a medium sized bowl. 
Combine the cocoa and maple syrup in a seperate smaller bowl. 
Pour maple syrup mixture with the fruits and nuts, and combine with a fork. 
Press into a 8x8 or other smaller glass baking dish greased with olive oil and place into the over for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 45 minutes, or until weel cooled and hardened.
Cut into bars or crumble up into granola-sized pieces.




Feel free to experiment on your own- add in a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or other additions. Just be sure to keep the liquid to dry ingredient ratio consistent. 


Saturday, May 11, 2013

Rooted Through the Journey

Life is a journey, with many winding roads, bumpy hills, and unforeseen turns. Sometimes the journey seems overwhelming, threatening the stamina of this weary heart. All too often, the distractions of this world slowly entice my feet to leave the sacred ground,  until I realize too late I sacrificed a safe garden path for a dark brambly rut. Yet through it all, one thing remains constant, and, to quote one of my favorite songs, one thing remains. God's love never fails, He is the Anchor of souls, a Mighty Fortress, the Redeemer. Even when I daily reject Him for the unfulfilled promises of this world, He welcomes me with open arms and unending grace. I know that the journey He has planned for me is an adventure beyond imagination. I know that because He is faithful, He will never leave me. I know that even in my weakness, His power is made perfect. Therefore, through every storm, desert, and sunny day, I will remain rooted in my Savior, sprouting as He changes my heart.