*Inspired* - Fitness Must Haves {omg I love way too many things}

This post was inspired by a Get Fit for 2011 Challenge posted by FitSugar {a very addicting site!}.

As I've continued on my journey of becoming even more active and living a healthier lifestyle I've picked up some new gear on the way and here are some of my favorites:

K-Swiss Tubes (Running Shoes)

I had never owned anything K-Swiss prior to these, but am a *huge* fan of Jillian Michaels and decided to try them out.  I found them in a Famous Footwear, put them on, and ran up and down the aisles countless times to make sure the shoes were legit.  I'm not sure if it is the tube technology, or just in my head, but I really do feel as if I'm springing forward slightly when I wear them.  I think they're great for cross training, squats, lunges, and short runs

My other athletic shoes are the Mizuno Wave Rider 14's
 

(Found in a post by a fellow FitSugar Reader) I saw them on sale at Nordstroms and loved the color (black & lavender) because darker sneakers don’t get dirty as quickly when you’re running outside! Okay… they get dirty just as quickly but they don’t show it
 

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The Mean Green Caffeine Machine - TGIF

It's Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That being said, it doesn't take much to put a smile on my face... just a few more hours until the weekend.

This morning I was running late but never too late to throw together a delicious shake in the blender.  This morning's shake was inspired by Julie's blog Peanut Butter Fingers. 

{She's cute, fun, and her posts are often hilarious!}

I call it - the Mean Green Caffeine Machine.

• Vanilla Almond Milk
• Mocha Iced Coffee from Whole Foods (too lazy to brew any myself, plus I like it pre-made and cold!)
• 1/2 cup Coffee Flavored Arctic Zero (read about this here)
• 1 tbsp Hershey's Chocolate Syrup - because it's Friday, and I deserve it :)
• 1 scoop Low Carb Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
• 2 huge handfuls of Spinach (thank you Julie for this tip!)
• 1/2 a packet of Truvia (because I was having a SERIOUS sweets craving)
• 4 ice cubes

Blend it all together and...

Voila!!  Enough energry to get you through your Friday morning!

{or any morning really}

Sadly, the picture doesn't do justice to the totally Boss greenish tint the spinach gives the smoothie :( 

The spinach really doesn't affect the taste of the smoothie at all, Julie was right!  Don't believe me?  Check out the post that inspired me here.  Plus, Jillian Michaels considers spinach a super food - one that could possibly save the world, and on her scale of rating foods she gives it a 10 which is good enough for me! 

(Although, no matter how much spinach I cram into my morning shakes I'm not sure I'll ever be able to sport rock hard abs like this woman!)

Question for the day:  What's your favorite way to start your Friday morning?  Are you a fan of spinach?



Fitness Foodie Review - Best B'fast Shake ta' Make!

The secret ingredient to the perfect morning protein shake?  ICE CREAM!!!!!

Hold on, I did title this 'Fitness' Foodie Review, right?  So am I out of my mind saying that you should add ice cream to your morning shake?  nope.  I discovered the absolute BEST ice cream by Arctic Zero, the nutrition label reads just like a low carb protein powder and they use the natural sweetness found in monk fruit to give the ice cream such a delicious flavor. 

• 150 calories per pint & all natural
• Fat free & gluten free
• Lactose intolerant friendly
• Contains 8 grams of fiber
• 16 grams of whey protein concentrate

So, you can add a half pint of this baby to your morning shake (1 cup) for only 75 calories which is less than a cup of 2% milk.  I really love this option because it gives the shake a more consistant consistancy (LOL), unlike ice cubes which no matter how long you leave the blender on always seem to leave it a bit chunky. 

With that, the recipe for one DELICIOUS Chocolate Protein Smoothie!

If you want a healthier version trade out the chocolate syrup for frozen strawberries - also delicious!  OR I enjoy a Mocha Madness Protein Shake as well.. just add some iced coffee!  Really, the possibilities are endless.