Vitamin Pit Stop's USANA Probiotics Review and Giveaway!

Recently I've been dealing with a few tummy issues. Just a warning...this may be TMI! But my tummy has been feeling very bloated..and very gassy. And it hurts. I haven't changed anything in my diet and I feel like I eat pretty healthy. So I'm not sure what has caused the problem. I had just started researching probiotics when I got picked to be on this campaign with Fit Approach! Talk about great timing!

I could have chosen other vitamins to review but when I saw they were offering Vitamin Pit Stop's USANA Probiotics I jumped at the chance!

I've always heard about probiotics being in yogurt. Every time my boys are sick and on antibiotics the doctor tells them to eat yogurt. But did you know that there aren't as many probiotics in yogurt as there are in a supplement?

What are the benefits of Vitamin Pit Stop's USANA Probiotics?

• Supports healthy digestion*
• Modulates the body’s natural immune response*
• Contains 12 billion colony-forming bacteria per serving at time of manufacture
• Live and active cultures
• USANA Probiotic is unlike competing products because it contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Bifidobacterium BB-12®, two strains of specific probiotic bacteria clinically proven to survive the harsh acidic environment of the stomach.
• Another advantage of USANA Probiotic is that its dairy- and sugar-free delivery system ensures that the bacteria will be stable at room temperature for over a year.

I started taking Vitamin Pit Stop's USANA Probiotics and I could immediately tell a difference! My tummy wasn't bloated anymore. And the gassiness subsided! I had a healthier feeling tummy! Yay!

There are several ways you can take Vitamin Pit Stop's USANA Probiotics. You can mix the packet in water, juice, or any other cold beverage and drink immediately. You can take it every 1-2 days or as needed. 

I mixed mine with water most of the time. I couldn't taste it at all. I didn't even know it was mixed in!

I also liked mixing it in my Greek yogurt. Again...I couldn't taste it at all!

My husband also got sick with an upper respiratory infection and had to take antibiotics and so he started taking (stealing lol) my probiotics too!

Remember when I PRed my last half marathon? Well guess what was packed in my bag? Vitamin Pit Stop's USANA Probiotics! I didn't want an unhappy tummy on race day! And it did the job because not only did I have a happy tummy but I also ran the fastest half marathon ever! 

So yes...this girl is super happy with her Vitamin Pit Stop's USANA Probiotics! And I love that I can purchase them from Vitamin Pit Stop...the premier online source for the highest quality nutritional supplements! And they offer their products at the lowest prices available with no minimum order and no sign up fee. 

One happy customer right here!!!

So I KNOW you want to try Vitamin Pit Stop's USANA Probiotics for yourself, right? Well it's your lucky day! Because you can enter to win some of your own!!! Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win! 

U.S. only. One prize per person. If you win this giveaway, and have already won another prize from Vitamin Pit Stop through another blog, please disclose that you have already won so we can choose another winner. 

Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I was sent this product free to review through a FitApproach campaign. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are mine and mine alone. 

Love at First Bite...Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bites Review!

I'm always on the lookout for healthy snack options! So when Fit Approach contacted me about reviewing Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bites I was all in!

They sent me a pretty package with Hemp Heart Bites, a to go snack bag, and a cute serving bowl!

I love that these are bite sized snacks. That makes it easy to take them on the go! They make the perfect snack for my son before he heads to gymnastics!

These Hemp Heart Bites are made with hemp, organic sweeteners, and a touch of sea salt. There are only 5 ingredients with Hemp Hearts being the main one! 

They contain 10g of protein and 10g of omegas 3 and 6 per 45g serving! Wow! 

They are bite-sized and crunchy! They are the perfect snack to fuel an active lifestyle! You can eat them on the go, pack them in your lunch, and even put them in a ziploc bag and take as fuel on your runs! 

You can try them today! Use the code HHBitesLaunch15 on Manitoba Harvest to save 15% off!

You can also join the fun photo contest going on until September 30th (US and Canada residents only)! 

Show us how you and your family stay active during back to school season, and tag @manitobaharvest #hhbites #sweatpink @fitapproach for a chance to win a case of Hemp Heart Bites!

Photos tagged on Twitter and Instagram will appear here: http://manitobaharvest.com/hhbites

QOTD: Do you think you would like Hemp Heart Bites?

Disclaimer: I received this product free to review through Fit Approach. I received no other compensation. All opinions in this post are mine and mine alone!

prAna Early Winter Collection!

Disclaimer: I received this product free to review through a campaign through Fit Approach. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the post below are mine and mine alone!

It's no secret that I love my running and workout clothes! I also love to look cute while I'm getting my fitness on! I think looking good helps boost your confidence and that's just as important as the workout. So you can bet there are tons of running clothes on my Christmas Wish List!

When I got the chance to try prAna I was so excited! I'd always heard about how great this brand was but had never gotten the chance to try any of their stuff.

I absolutely love what they stand for: "Breath, life, vitality of the spirit. These qualities infuse not only our name, but also our aspirations, the things we make and how we make them. Welcome to mindfully designed, built to last products."

I also love how they have the environment in mind when making their products. They use recycled materials as well as organic cotton. 

I got to choose two items out of their new early winter collection! It was so hard to make my choice! I loved everything I saw! But I finally settled on two things.

The first thing I chose was the Kirsten Top. I loved the look of this sweater and knew it would be great for those walks in the woods on a chilly day that I like to take with my family. The top is made of wool so it is super warm. It has a hood on the back with a toggle so you can pull it tight to stay out of the wind. It's also a longer sweater which I love! It looks great with a pair of jeans or some leggings! I also think it would be great for wearing on top of my workout clothes on a cold day!

The second item I chose was the Gazelle Legging. I fell in love with these leggings!!! We had some really cold days here on the Gulf Coast and these were the pants I wore to run in. They are made of performance stretch French terry that is moisture wicking. They were contoured to my body and didn't slip when I ran. And...they are super cute and slimming!

My favorite part of these leggings is the reflective zippers at the bottom of each leg. They make it easy to be seen when you are running. But the best part....it makes it so much easier to get the leggings on and off...especially when you are sweaty from your run or workout!

I love the products I got from prAna and am already choosing other items to add to my Christmas wish list! These products are perfect for that health conscious person in your life! Be sure to check out their early winter catalog! And...I have a discount for you! Use the code pspf14rrg for 15% off your entire 
purchase! Perfect for that holiday shopping!

Be sure to check out prAna on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

QOTD: Have you ever tried prAna? What is on your Christmas wish list?

Runner Spotlights #109

Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a fantastic fall weekend! I can't wait to tell you all about my back to back 5K races this weekend! :-)

It's time for another runner spotlight...my favorite time of the week! I love reading other runners' stories about their running journey! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! ;-) And I'm running low on spotlights so now's your time to shine!!!

Today I'm spotlighting Jamie from Fit Approach! Yes...she is the co-founder and President of everything #SweatPink! I LOVE being a #SweatPink Ambassador and am thrilled to spotlight Jamie! She is an amazing athlete and runner! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey! 

Name: Jamie Walker

State: San Francisco, CA

When and why did you start running? 

I've been running for as long as I can remember; I first started running because my mom was always running to stay in shape and it was just that thing that we did. And as I got older, I used running as a way to keep in shape for all of my other sports. It became cross training for tennis, swimming, and even dance.

But it wasn't until my senior year of college that I got a little more serious about running. I had just returned from a year abroad in Italy and had way over indulged in pizza and wine. I started running that year with a goal in mind: to work off all the pizza and wine. But once I hit that goal, I realized I really liked running. I liked that it was my time – it was time when I could clear my head and think and it made me feel so good – and then I entered my first trail race and it was all downhill from there… I was hooked!

What is your favorite race and race distance? 

Such a hard question to answer! I have so many favorite races. If I had to choose, I would have to say that my last big race – the Born to Run 100 miler – was my favorite race. Not only because I finally completed 100 miles but because I had so much amazing support from my friends and family. It was such an indescribably awesome day.

My favorite distance is the 50 miler. I like that I can go out, do something pretty huge and be back home in time for dinner…and maybe a drink!

What is your race day routine? 

I don’t have much of a race day routine – but I do like to carve out a little time in the morning to clear my head before a race starts if at all possible. I prefer to start a race feeling really at ease so if I can get there a little earlier than need be, I like to be able to just relax around the starting area. It helps me get in the zone (and wake up a little) before I start running.

In terms of food, I also like to have a smoothie before I race (if possible) and if I’m camping  (or otherwise not at home), I’ll do peanut butter toast and water with Vega electrolytes.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

My Nathan hydration pack is my all time favorite thing ever. I can pack just about everything I need in it – and it has been with me on some epic adventures!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? 

Not really. I try to eat generally pretty healthy but I’m not one for diets or supplements.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? 

I guess I wish I had known that running isn't all about the clock. When I first started running (or at least running seriously), I was training for marathons and became completely glued to my watch – splits, pace, mileage – I got to the point where I started to feel like I was only as good as my time. When I ditched marathons, my watch, and all my old habits and hit the trails, I really found running. I found my peace out on the trails and even when I was pushing myself, it didn't necessarily feel like as much work and definitely didn't stress me out.

What is your fondest running memory?
I think my fondest memory to date is crossing the finish line at my first ultra – the Dick Collins 50 miler – I was in so much pain and barely hobbling towards the finish but as soon as I saw it, my body allowed me to give it every last ounce and sprint in through the finish. It felt amazing. I remember laying down in the grass almost immediately and just relishing in my accomplishment.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I think one thing most people don’t realize about me is that I’m not a huge gear head. I love running, sure. But not running gear. I like things that work and will stick with them until something else works better. People always assume I know everything about the next latest and greatest running watch or compression sock but I’m not really the go to for that kind of stuff. That being said, I don’t mind referring them elsewhere…I have plenty of gear head friends ;).

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Jamie!

Blog: http://www.fitapproach.com/

Twitter: @jamiewalker19

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitApproach

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jamiewalker19/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/jamie_fitapproach

Thanks so much for sharing with us Jamie!!!

QOTD: Who raced this weekend? 

Bodies By Cindy Health and Fitness Center Review!

Disclaimer: I attended a High Definition Cycle Class at Bodies By Cindy Health and Fitness Center for free as part of the Fitness Influencer Campaign through Fit Approach. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the post below are mine and mine alone! 

I was super excited to be given the opportunity to be a fitness influencer from Fit Approach! My job was to review a class at a gym in my area. Sounds so fun right? The gym I was chosen to review was Bodies By Cindy Health and Fitness Center. This gym was about 45 minutes away from where I live. I signed up to take the High Definition Cycle Class at 6:15 on a Thursday evening. I was excited because it had been about 12 years since I had taken a spin (or cycle as I learned was the correct term now) class!

Luckily my friend Larisa lives about 5 minutes away from the gym and is co-host on the Fat to Fit Radio Show with the gym owner Cindy! So Larisa was excited to attend the class with me! It's always more fun working out with a friend!

Bodies By Cindy has been around for several years but before it was a personal training studio that also had boot camps and yoga. Now (opened in beginning of August 2014) it is a full service co-ed gym! They still have personal training...in a private training room. They also offer several group classes including High Definition Cycle, High Definition Boot Camp, and High Definition Butt, Guts, and Thighs! And they even have child care for us moms out there!

The gym is located at 4674 Airport Boulevard in Mobile, Alabama. It was super easy to find!

The very first thing that came to mind when I stepped through the door was how CLEAN the gym was! It even smelled clean! None of that sweaty, rubbery smell you usually experience in a gym. I also loved the layout. Everything was very open but also had it's own section.

All the equipment looked super nice! And TV's in front of the cardio area are a plus!

The gym also has an awesome private personal training room!

I had to sign a waiver before I could participate in the class. But I got to meet the owners, Cindy and Jason Ross. They were super sweet and seemed excited that I was there!

Next...it was time for High Definition Cycle! I was excited but also a little nervous since it had been so long since I'd taken a group class of any kind! I'd also run 3 miles that morning and was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up. But I was pumped! I knew I would have fun!

The group class room was HUGE! The bikes were all at the far end of the room. And on the opposite end was a stage and a projection screen.

Me and Larisa ready to CYCLE! :-)

During the class the lights were dimmed and crazy lights were added! The music was LOUD and the music video to the song being played was displayed on the projection screen! It was awesome! That night the class was all about the 70's. So we had some pretty great music! And seeing the different hair styles and clothing on the videos was hilarious! It really helped keep your mind off how hard you were working! 

Larisa giving #proof I was actually doing this! :-)

This cycle workout started on the bike. But after a few minutes we had to get off the bike and get on the floor for some core work! IT. WAS. TOUGH! But the burn felt so good!

More #proof! Thanks Larisa!

After a few more minutes of core work we got back on the bike and climbed more "hills!" And then came another on the ground core work session. And then we had a few more hills on the bike and then it was cool down time! Whoa! The class ended with us getting off the bikes and stretching. 

Here we are with the awesome cycle instructor! She was amazing and super motivating during the workout!

Check out those rocker dudes behind me lol!

This class was soooooo much fun!!! It was an amazing workout! I was sweating just as much as I do after running a long run! One of my favorite parts of the class was watching the projection screen. In between each song there was a motivational quote that would pop up. I really LOVED that! The only downside to this gym for me...it's 45 minutes away!!! :-(

So if you are in the Mobile area....please go check out the Bodies By Cindy Health and Fitness Center! You absolutely will NOT regret it!

Thanks so much Cindy and Jason for letting me experience your gym!

QOTD: Do you like cycle classes?