My New Favorite GF Snack and Giveaway-Truebars

Disclaimer: I was given a sleeve of Truebars to review and giveaway as their blog. I am a Truebar Brand Ambassador but received no compensation for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always. 

I know I'm a huge slacker and haven't tackled reviewing all the great products I tasted at Expo East. Honestly I'm just finishing up going through my samples and goodies that I lugged home with me! 

One product that really stood out to be was Truebar from Bakery on Main-which I had never heard of before the Expo. I talked with Sara there and then got in contact with some super nice people from Bakery on Main who sent me a bunch of Truebars to try and review.  

I just really like these bars as an alternative to some of the protein bars I eat in my rotation. I'm really excited to announce that since connecting with the brand, I've become a Truebar and Bakery on Main Brand Ambassador! I'm sure you'll be seeing more of these bars, but let me tell you more about them!

the swag I was sent

Truebars are a product from Bakery on Main, a small-batch,gluten-free bakery/company that started due to the need for gluten-free options in the bakery's home of Connecticut.  Truebars are great because as their slogan says, they have NOTHING to hide! 

The ingredients are all spelled out for you on the back of the bars and there is nothing weird, chemical, or deceiving.  Truebars are made with many low-GI ingredients and have lots of fiber and Omega 3 from chia seeds.  They are awesome not matter what kind of diet or lifestyle you follow because they are non-GMO, dairy and casein fee, low sodium, certified gluten-free, Kosher Parve, and contain no transfats or cholesterol! 

Check out the Truebar ingredient list (all on their website!)

At Expo East there were TONS of different yummy protein or snack bars that I tasted. I can't even tell you how many I sampled. Truebar stood out to me not only because it is gluten-free but because the bars are less than 200 calories which makes them great as a pre-run fuel or snack.  

Most of them are sweet from the fruit the bars are made with so they definitely satisfy my afternoon sweet tooth!  I seriously wouldn't be smoozing some bar brand to the interwebs if I didn't actually love them. 

I really fell in love with Truebars because they came in so many unique and delicious flavors! Truebar has 6 flavors that you can check out here : 

• Coconut Cashew
• Apricot Almond Chai
• Fruit & Nut
• Hazelnut Chocolate Cherry
• Raspberry Chocolate Almond
• Walnut Cappucino

My favorite has to to be the hazelnut chocolate cherry, with the coconut cashew and apricot almond chai as close seconds. I'm just a sucker for chocolate and cherries. It is so delicious, and the flavor definitely stands out. The apricot almond chai also has a really strong chai flavor which I wasn't expecting when I first tried it-SO good! Since they are made with fruit and nuts mostly, the texture of these reminds me of a Larabar.

Like I said before, I've been eating them as an afternoon or post-dinner snack when I want something sweet or eat half a bar before a workout or run in the morning. It provides the perfect amount of fuel to get my body going and stop my stomach from rumbling in the mornings (forever hungry, over here). 

You can check out the store locator or order bars here on their website where they are offering a sleeve of 12 bars for $17.99 with free shipping!

 It is also your lucky day because Bakery on Main offered to giveaway 3 sleeves of any flavor of Truebars to my readers! All you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter below to win a 12 Truebars in any flavor! Giveaway ends Sunday, November 24th at 12:00 AM EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOD POD- It's not a spaceship!

First off, congratulations to KM Runner for winning my Hot Chocolate Race entry giveaway! 

As always, remember you can still register for any Hot Chocolate 15k/5k race and use my code BREATHEMUG to receive a free travel mug at packet pickup! It's always a great time when it involves running and chocolate! 

As I mentioned on Monday, this past weekend I was tested by the BOD POD. If you've never heard of it before, it's pretty much an egg-shaped chamber you sit in that takes measurements of your body mass (weight) and volume using air displacement technology, similar to the principles of underwater weighing.  Or you can just pretend it's a spaceship because I think it looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie. 

The BOD POD on the right

Your weight is measured using an accurate electronic scale and then you sit inside the Bod Pod chamber for two fifty second air measurements, after the machine has been calibratred. From these two measurements your body composition is calculated along with calculations of caloric information such as resting metabolic rate and total energy expenditure (these use some information from a client information form such as height, activity level, etc.). The BOD POD only determines fat vs. fat free mass not fat vs. muscle, which is important to keep in mind. 


I have an electronic FitBit scale that is supposedly very accurate and gives body fat percentages based on bio-electrical analysis, which I have found to be varying based on body water content.  THE BOD POD sounds like a strange test, but in my area there is a mobile Bod Pod through Be Fit Test, LLC  which happened to be at the gym around the corner so I decided to spend the $45 and see what it was all about.  This teseting is apparently used by pro and university sports teams along with many gyms because it is relatively inexpensive and fast, while still fairly accurate. 

The day before the test I was told no food, exercise or drinking for 2 hours prior to testing. My appointment was 8:30 AM so none of that was a problem for me.  I think that like weighing yourself, getting tested by a Bod Pod would be best in the morning. You also must remove all jewelry, watches, etc. and wear a one piece bathing suit or form fitted clothing-I wore compression shorts and a sports bra. A swim cap was provided there to wear in the chamber.

Like I had mentioned, the night before I had been out late drinking some adult beverages and then enjoying some late night pizza so I thought about cancelling my appointment due to water retention and bloating which I could use as an excuse if I didn't like my results. However, that morning I suppose I was feeling confident  because I realized it's just some silly test. Whatever it said shouldn't change how I feel about my body, which isn't too shabby anyway :) 

The whole process was very quick. I showed up and was led into this mobile unit.  Now I didn't take any photos because I thought that would be a little creepy, and frankly I was still not fully awake so these are from the website. 

The whole trailer unit

inside the trailer       

(All photos and technical information are from this website)

I met with the owner Matt, and we talked about what I do and why I'm getting tested as I filled out a waiver and client information forms. He pretty much just asked for my height, age, and activity level.  I took the sweatpants and hoodie I had on over my compression shorts and sports bra off and put on the swim cap. The BOD POD was calibrated, and then I was weighed on a digital scale. 

Next I sat inside the BOD POD chamber as still and quietly as possibly for two 50 second measurement periods. I was worried it would feel very claustrophobic but with the clear front panel it felt completely comfortable and was very quick.  

After getting out of the chamber, my test results were printed instantly. I was pretty happy with the results. My weight matched within a pound to my scale at home and the body fat percentage was only 2% different.   I was just barely in the category of lean at 22% which is fine with me.  

The body fat composition scale provided on my results is as follows: 

Risky (low body fat) = <5% for men, and <15% for women

Ultra Lean = 5-8% for men, and 15-18% for women

Lean = 9-12% for men, and 19-22% for women

Moderately Lean = 13-20% for men, and 23-30% for women

Excess Fat = 21-30% for men, and 31-40% for women

Risky (high body fat) = >30% for men, and >40% for women

Matt also showed me a chart with photos of men and women of different heights and body types at different body fat categories, which is really eye-opening and goes to show that body fat percentages look different on different people, so you really shouldn't focus on a certain number. 

I don't like to focus on numbers especially since I've really stopped using my scale, but the whole experience was definitely interesting. The test showed me that my home scale seems to be fairly accurate, but surprisingly it has given me more confidence in my fitness and body. I think being in a vulnerable position like that is a pretty big thing to do, especially when it comes to females and weight (I hate being weighed at the doctors).  

The test reassured me that those 6 or 7 pounds I gained during marathon training and still haven't lost are not just pure fat. So really who cares what the scale says-it's ridiculous.  If the testing is available in your area and you are interested, I'd say check it out. I wouldn't take the results to heart because there is always a lot of variables, no matter how accurate a test says it is.  Self-love for the win!  

Have you ever heard of the BOD POD? Have you ever had a body composition test done? 

MIMM #16-Pep Talks

Well another weekend has flown by, and it was pretty great.  Lately I've been really hard on myself. This week I was really busy with a midterm, work projects, and chores. I've had a lot of those "I should " moments all week where I get stressed about the things I should be doing. 

I only worked out 3 times this week when I should be getting ready to feel a little bit more confident about running the Philadelphia Half Marathon next Sunday.

I should be eating more vegetables.

I should have done a long run on Sunday morning. 

I should be drinking more water instead of  just coffee.

I should have worked on my grad school applications this weekend. 

I should have gone to bed earlier. 

On Friday night I got upset because I know what I should be doing but why don't I just do it? Why do I get stressed out by healthy habits? Is it because there is so much pressure telling you what you SHOULD be doing to be thin/strong/healthy/attractive? 

You know what though, I had a fun weekend. I think that choosing happiness over what may be the quote-unquote healthy choices is what you need to do, and I will continue to do it. Less stress makes me happier and healthier! It's also those moments of self-doubt and anxiety which allow me to rally, give myself a pep talk, and say forget, it-you're awesome,Lauren. I am always amazed at how fast times flies. Life goes on everyday so do what makes you happy.  My weekend  ended up being marvelous:  

It's okay to get more rest. I ran a freaking speedy little marathon a month ago. 

Enjoying the weekend allows me to feel energized to work hard during the week. 

Facing some anxiety and getting a Bod Pod body composition test, even after drinking and staying out late the night before which probably made me bloated, is not that scary (more on that tomorrow!). 

Late night pizza on Friday nights tastes even more amazing. 

Sleeping in on mornings when it's cold outside is great. 

Hanging out with people you don't see often is refreshing.

I'm running the Philadelphia half marathon for fun. It's not going to be PR and that's okay. 

Okay, so the water one I need to work on to balance out the coffee because I am a little dehydrated :)

Remember to give yourself credit for all that you do and allow yourself to enjoy life!

Are you too hard on yourself? Did you have a relaxing or busy weekend?

Five Friday Faves 11/8/2013

Happy Friday! Gosh, this week felt long for me. Time to have a productive and relaxing weekend! Don't forget you have until Wednesday night to sign up for my Hot Chocolate 15k/5k race entry giveaway. Click here and enter now-it's a race you don't want to miss! 

Here are some of my favorite things from this past week:

Favorite health news article: 

Keep Telling Yourself 'This Workout Feels Good' from the NY Times

Apparently if you tell yourself that your painful, long workout feels good, you can push yourself to keep going and increase your endurance performance. Glad I'm not crazy when I talk to myself when I'm running or in the gym feeling like I'm going to die. Whew. 

Favorite fitness item to lust over: 

Nike TR Fit 3 Training Shoe 

I was perusing the Nordstrom site (they are having a 40% sale!) last night and of course stopped to check out their running shoes and spotted these. These aren't on sale because these sneaks are brand new but look at all the pretty patterns they come in! Swoon! 

I really want the blue leopard printed or these ones:

Guys, I think they'd make me faster and stronger so they might have to go on my Christmas list. 

Favorite easy dinner recipe: 

Spicy Grilled Chicken Tenders from Cavegirl Cuisine

I had pinned this chicken tenders recipe and planned to have it for dinner last night along with some steamed veggies and roasted sweet potato fries. I doubled the recipe for the sauce and added a tablespoon of plain greek yogurt and cooked in a pan on the stove (no grill, boo!).  The chicken tasted so delicious and my boyfriend even insisted I make it again and made sure I commented on the blogpost at Cavegirl Cuisine to let her know how awesome it turned out!  

Favorite holiday-inspired clothing item: 

Renalie Reindeer Knit Leggings

These  reindeer leggings seem like the perfect item to wear with a big oversized sweater and some booties as it gets colder and as it's apparently totally fine for Christmas commercials to start running on TV. The site is super affordable so I may have to pick those up!

Favorite recipe on my to-make list: 

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lentil Blondies from Ambitious Kitchen

I just saw this recipe for this delicious treat this morning and need to make it ASAP. It had me at peanut butter chocolate chip!  I'm not going to tell anyone that they are pretty healthy and loaded with lentils, either! 

Do you have any fun plans this weekend? Do you have any recipes you plan to make this weekend?

Chocolate + Running = Happiness

Today I'm excited to talk about my two of my favorite things-chocolate and running!

 I have a huge sweet tooth and always save room for dessert. Besides chocolate cake, chocolate chips, or hot chocolate, I love some high quality dark chocolate. However most nights I'm fending for myself in the kitchen for a sweet snack after dinner.  I sometimes get fancy and make cookies or mug cakes but usually it's some greek yogurt, chocolately protein bar, or anything involving nut butters! Last week I made a batch of these little almond butter chocolate bites and they were so delicious! It was the perfect bite (or two or three) when I was craving something sweet. I made mine in a silicone heart-shaped ice cube tray I snagged from Target last year near Valentine's Day, but any sort of tray or molds would work!

Nutty Chocolate Bites

• 1/4 cup cacao powder (cocoa powder works fine too!)
• 5-6 tablespoons unrefined liquid coconut oil
• liquid stevia drops to taste (or whatever your favorite sweetener is to taste but a liquid combines best)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter
• Silicone ice cube tray (muffin pans or any type of mold works)

First make sure your coconut oil is liquid-I usually microwave mine in a bowl for about 20 seconds. Combine coconut oil with the liquid sweetener or sweetener of choice. Stir in your cocoa or cacao powder and keep stirring until it's all combined.  Spoon a little bit of the chocolate, enough to cover the bottom of the mold, into each silicone ice cube mold greased with a little bit of coconut oil for easy removal. For this tray that was about a teaspoon. If you don't have an ice cube try you can use muffin cups or any molds you have. Pop the tray into the freezer for about five minutes, until the chocolate has hardened. Remove the tray and add a half a teaspoon or however much you'd like of your favorite nut butter and cover with the remaining chocolate mixture.  Freeze until solid, about 10-20 minutes. Once the bites are hardened, just pop one out anytime you need a sweet treat! 

Nutty Chocolate Bites ready to eat!

Some colored sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried berries would all be great additions!

Since I'm clearly a huge chocoholic, I was interested in running one of the races in the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k racing series. You get to run a race and at the post-race party, you can enjoy hot chocolate and a chocolate fondue snack bowl.  Um, sign me up! The official race charity partner is the Ronald McDonald House, which provides housing options for parents and children facing serious medical problems, which should make you feel even more warm and fuzzy inside. 

You can imagine how excited I was when I found out I was chosen to be an ambassador for the Hot Chocolate Races in Philadelphia! Everybody I've talked to involved with the race has been super nice, and I was even sent some awesome race goodies including a shirt, headband, and key chain. 

If you weren't convinced by the chocolate (which I find hard to believe), then let me show you the race swag you get, which is not your typical race medal! All finishers get a his or hers fleece, wicking pullover. Sounds like the perfect thing to wear when enjoying a mug of hot chocolate, if you ask me! There's also a bunch of photos of the yummy chocolate snacks and all the fun runners had at previous races on the race's facebook page so check it out!

I'll be running the Philadelphia Hot Chocolate 15k on April 6th, 2014, and I'd love for you to join me! You can use code "BREATHEMUG" when registering for ANY LOCATION of the Hot Chocolate 15k/5K and receive a free travel mug at packet pickup. Check out all the locations here! 

It's also your lucky day because I am giving away a FREE race registration (to any location) today on the blog! 
Just fill out the rafflecopter below-giveaway ends Wednesday November 13 at 11:59 AM. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was provided free Hot Chocolate race gear and free race registration along with prizes for referrals in compensation for this blog post. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own. 

What is your favorite chocolate treat?

New Look and Opinions on the Flu Shot

Hello, did you check out my November goals I posted yesterday? I'm happy to say day one of the abs and booty challenge I posted was a successful, but I can tell it's those pushups that are going to give me some trouble. Arms on FIRE. 

If you are stopping by you may see I have a new look! I'm in the process of debating about going self-hosted or switching to wordpress or both, which take a lot of time and money.  I wanted to figure that out before I updated my blog's look but really didn't like my old template and decided to just switch. Carpe Diem! I'm rocking a fresh, clean look that I love while I get things figured out and eventually update the blog in a bigger way. Stay tuned. 

As a member of the I'm Fit Possible community today I weighed in on our hot topic of the month-flu shots! Visit the blog to find out my opinion on flu shots and if I think they are worth it (spoiler alert-I fully endorse them!).

Also get ready for tomorrow because I have an awesome giveaway themed around my two loves running and chocolate. Here's a hint: 

Are you digging the new layout? Did you get a flu shot this year? 

November Goals

So I didn't get a chance to post my usual marvelous highlights from my weekend. Boo.  It involved running and doing some yoga with Sarah, NY Marathon brunch get together with my running buddies to track our friend, sleeping in, and grocery shopping.  My legs were really tight, but I managed to get a couple 6 mile runs in at around an 8:45 pace.  I am still in awe of the fact that it's November, and I need to do some holiday planning already. Where does the time go?!?! I seem to plan to do many things and rarely get around to most of them. 

I've started back up again making  lists for everything, which is my favorite way to stay organized. I've been neglecting my planner recently and need to start writing reminders about everything down before I forget all the little events , due dates, and projects on my plate. I have a bunch of to-do lists and managed to check a few things off this weekend, which is such a satisfying feeling.  I have a mid-term today but after that it's back to be super productive. 

Here are some of my November goals: 

1. Be happy and positive.

2. Drink more water (have fallen off the wagon on this post-marathon!)

3. Make a plan and stick to it-use time wisely!

4. Put away the phone and pick up a book. 

5. Try one new recipe a week. 

6. Attend one yoga class a week. 

 As part of my new plan to stay productive, I've decided to participate in two challenges for the month of November.  

Like I had mentioned in my last post, I'm taking part in the  "30 Days of Little Things Challenge"  from Savvy Eats  blog.  It's been great to meditate on my day and how I'm feeling and pick one thing I'm grateful for.  It's a personal challenge to find positivity in all aspects of my life. One day I was grateful for my legs that allow me to run. Yesterday I was grateful for caramel flavored coffee, which was getting me through the day. Download the printable and join the November challenge with me!

LOVE these blissnotes from BexLife!

I'm also going to try to do this challenge from the Clean Eating Mama. Today would be Day 1 for me (oops!). I usually am awful at sticking to daily challenges, but I'm really going to try. I really have wanted to strengthen my core and work on my planks for a while, and I like that this challenge breaks the planks up into sets!

It seems like a lot but if I can break it up between morning and night or throughout the day I think it would be awesome to finish! Join me by grabbing the exercise chart here and help keep me accountable!

Since I'm feeling super go-getter and positive today, if this story doesn't make you smile-you aren't human. I loved rooting for my runner friend Liz in the New York Marathon and seeing the winners, fans, and all the runners on TV and then there are stories like that one. It is amazing. 

I love marathons and runners-we are an awesome community of people. 

Are you going to join in the challenges with me? What are your goals for November?

Friday Favorites 11/1/2013

So how is it already become November? I was just getting used to the beginning of Fall not the end! I don't think I'm ready for Thanksgiving, Christmas, cold weather, and snow. I'll gladly enjoy the hot cocoa, presents, and cookies though :)
Since I was sick last week and missed posting my favorites of the week, I had plenty of favorites to share with you  today!

Five Friday Favorites

#1-Pumpkin Harvest and Harvest Blend Teas

These two teas are rocking my socks right now. The pumpkin one actually tastes like pumpkin pie-so delicious. I also can't get enough of the Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Tea. I've been drinking a mug of it at night before bed because it's caffeine free and tastes like spiced apple cider. Yum!

#2 Fit2Flex's Puma Plyometric Power Workout

I always love reading the Fit2Flex blog and pinned this  bodyweight workout a couple days ago. Honestly I'm feeling pretty sore today so I might do this after workout and then have a nice stretching and foamrolling session followed by a glass of wine. Fridays for the win. 

#3-"30 Days of Little Things Challenge"

Download the printable here!

I stumbled upon Julie's blog Savvy Eats this week and have been loving all the posts! I am going to take part in her "30 Days of Little Things Challenge" where she created a printable for you to fill out one think you are thankful for each day of November. I made a list like this a few years ago and it was a great way to stay positive and have a few moments of mindfulness at the beginning or end of each day.  

#4-Candy Corn Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

It doesn't matter that Halloween is over, you can still enjoy all the leftover candy or bags of candy corn you get for 75% off :) I was so excited when I pinned this recipe for candy corn peanut butter protein cookies. I mean, they're healthy because they are loaded with protein, right? They look super easy to make, and I may just have to make them this weekend!

#5 J.Crew Jeweled Donegal sweater

I hate the cold, but I do love sweaters. I love this sweater in gray from J.Crew that looks cozy but can also be dressed up because of the jeweled clusters around the collar.  I've seen some similar styles but cheaper at Forever 21, Old Navy, and Loft,too!

Do you have lots of leftover Halloween candy? Any big weekend plans?