Taking on the Atkins Diet the right way...

This post is sponsored by Fit Fluential on behalf of Atkins. All opinions are my own.

I think everyone I know has been on some type of diet in their lifetime. I, myself have tried just about every diet out there. Some have worked, most haven't. Once I decided to educate myself on what foods do to your body, it became a lot easier to eat for my body and activity. Even knowing what fuels my runs, swims, and long cycle sessions, I still tend to get lazy and fall into bad habits. The idea of being on a specific "diet" can help with the mental aspect of "dieting". Having a specific meal plan or list of foods to follow seems to make life a little easier. So when I was given the chance to check out the new diet plan by Atkins, I jumped on it.

The Atkins diet has kind of been given a bad name out there to some. A lot of people think that on Atkins all you eat is meat, meat, and more meat. and I have to admit for a while that's kind of what I thought also. But trust me when I tell you, that was far from the truth. After researching the Atkins 40 diet plan on Atkins.com I was surprised to find out how healthy Atkins can be. Here is why...
· 1. Atkins is the original and leading low carb weight loss program that provides satisfying and balanced weight loss based on an extensive body of scientific research.
· 2. The Atkins Diet is designed to flip the body's metabolic switch from burning carbs to burning fat. This is achieved by optimal protein intake, adequate healthy fat intake, and low carbohydrate consumption. As a result, hunger and cravings are reduced more quickly with a low carb approach than with a low calorie/ high carb diet.
· 3. From day one, Atkins encourages the consumption of vegetables, recommending more servings than the USDA guidelines. Individuals on Atkins enjoy a variety of foods; proteins including meats, fish, poultry and plant-based proteins, healthy fats including olive oil, avocado and nuts, dairy including whole Greek yogurt and cheeses, and a variety of fruits and whole grains.
Notice in number 3 the Atkins diet includes lots of vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, dairy, and whole grains.
NOT JUST MEAT!
So, I hope you guys will join me in this little adventure as I take on the Atkins 40 diet plan prepared personally for me by a registered Atkins dietitian for the next couple months. AND if you feel like trying it out with me, its completely FREE. Yep FREE!
Atkins is 100% FREE – there is no cost to do the program. Atkins offers an online community, resource center, recipes, tools and meal plans at Atkins.com
I will be posting my food, feelings, and workout weekly along with my thoughts on the complete Atkins program. Stay tuned, great things are coming...

You can connect with Atkins on Facebook and Twitter and on their website at Atkins.com

So who wants to join me and tackle the Atkins diet as I lose this last 25lbs?

Have you ever tried the Atkins diet?

What did you think?

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Atkins.

Mizuno Wave Rider 18 Review. These shoes are amazingly comfortable...

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. As always, all opinions are my own.

 

As a runner its hard to not have a great pair of shoes to protect your feet, right? I think a lot of us find this out the hard way. I have people all the time asking me about shoes. For the most part I tell them that every one is different and every shoe is different. The best thing for them to do is go get fitted at your local running store. (Locals, that would be Run-n-Tri) What surprises me the most is that 9 times out of 10 they are asking because their feet hurt or their knees bother them, its always some type of ache that for the most part could have been prevented with the right shoes. I used to be one of those people who would just go and buy a pair of tennis shoes because they were pretty and on sale at my local sporting goods store. I had no idea that you could get fitted and that one shoe was different than the other, and whatnot! UNTIL my left hip started hurting and I discovered that I had ITBS!!! Yep, went to the dr he said you gonna start running, I said NOPE, and he said OK. Gave me exercises to do and some Mobic for the inflamation and sent me straight to the running store for a fitting. This is when I discovered a little shoe with a big name, MIZUNO...

I have been wearing Mizunos for a couple of years now and absolutely LOVE them. They have been my go to shoes for everything from taking my kids to school to running a marathon. Right now I have about 6 pairs in rotation...
 

So when I was given the chance to test out the Wave Rider 18's, I was super excited. I heard a little about these awesome shoes through the grapevine, so getting them was like winning the lottery. One of the things I kept hearing was how great they felt on your feet right out of the box. I'm not gonna lie, I have had to "break in" every pair of Mizuno's I have ever worn. You know how it is you walk a couple days in them and maybe hit a few miles running until they feel good. Not the 18's! They were super comfy right out of the box. I was absolutely shocked at how well they fit and how comfortable they were.

I wore them the first weekend I had them to the One Fit Mobile Event. All day on my feet in new shoes would normally kill my feet. Nope they felt great...
 

This past weekend I was able to take my first run in them and OMG, they were amazing. I am super excited to say that these will def be my shoe of choice for Ironman NOLA next year.
 

So what makes the Mizuno Wave Rider so comfy?

Lace-up front offers an adjustable fit. Padded tongue and heel collar enhance comfort. Mesh provides ventilated flexibility. Dynamotion FIT™ moves with your foot seamlessly throughout your stride, eliminating stress points and bunching for a more comfortable run.


U4iC midsole provides resiliency and a smooth ride at a fraction of the weight of traditional midsoles. Wave Technology® dissipates impact forces away from the foot for a smoother, more cushioned feel on every step. Removable insole.

Mizuno Wave Technology® provides runners with a stable ride from landing to toe-off. Durable carbon rubber outsole allows for longer wear in high impact areas and supplements traction at heel strike. SmoothRide Engineering™ minimizes the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot during transitions, creating the smoothest ride possible.

They also come in some amazing color combos. They all have a faded ombre color. Min are they Black/Silver/Florida Keys

So if your looking for a great neutral shoe with lots of stability under foot and light weight then the Mizuno Wave Rider 18's are just what you need. You can buy you a sweet pair of the Mizuno Wave Rider 18's over at MizunoUSA.com. I would love to see a pair of these on every ones feet!

 

I also was able to wear them for my magazine shoot for Louisiana Health and Fitness Magazine December issue because they loved them so much. Check out one of the shots done by Jacqueline Loper Photography...
 

Make sure to check it out on newstands in December you guys! Until please go check out the MizunoUSA line of shoes esp the Wave Rider 18's. Have a great week!

Have you ever owned a pair of Mizuno?
What is your favorite running shoe?
  
I was given a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 18 shoes and a small compensation was given for my honest review and that is exactly what you got. No other compensation was recieved.

Crescent City Classic Blogger Announcement and a Puritans Pride Winner, did you win?

Happy Monday morning you guys! I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was full of family, Alabama football, and running. Yep, RUNNING! I was able to get a couple runs in this weekend. My shoulder is still aching a little, but the run must go on. I have been testing out the new Mizuno Wave Rider 18's and OMG you guys are going to love them. Stay tuned for a full review this week.

So one of my favorite races of all time is the Crescent City Classic 10k in New Orleans. For the past 3 years I have headed up an amazing group of bloggers for the event. This year I am so excited to announce the 2015 Official CCC10k Blogger List...

2015 Official CCC10k Blogger List

Larisa Dixon www.larisadixon.com

Mindy Bobe www.roadrunnergirl.com

Kristin Long Www.bamagirlruns.com
Nicole Decker www.ndeckerrunner.wordpress.com

Allyson Poe www.ampruns.blogspot.com

Lisa McComb www.triouradventure.com

Jennifer Zenuch www.jennzenator.com

Megan Anderson www.runninmysouthernmouth.blogspot.com

Holly Johnson Www.Runninginfastforward.com

Cindy Ross Www.fattofitwithcindylaneross.com

Ashley Cuesta www.runreadscout.com (under construction)

Fred Ruckert www.NOLArunner.com
Heather Montgomery www.throughheatherslookingglass.com

Take some time to check out all the wonderful bloggers. Stay tuned for lots of great sponsor giveaways, race happenings, charity run info, and tons of fun that will be going down in the Big Easy on April 4th 2015.

ccc10k - Video Maker

If you want to see how much fun we have had in the Big Easy at the CCC10k 2013 and 2014. You can check out a couple of my fellow bloggers recaps below...

Mindy Bobe 2013 race recap
Larisa Dixon 2014 race recap
Nicole Decker 2014 race recap
Jennifer Zenuch 2014 race recap
Fred Ruckert 2013 race recap

If your already sold on joining all the fun this year at the CCC10k, you can REGISTER HERE


One last thing before I go hit the pavement is I have a Puritan's Pride winner, YAYYYYYY...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats Keriann, email me at [email protected]

Have a great Monday! 

Fat to Fit Radio: 10/24 Special Guest Ultrarunner Kelly Agnew...

Cindy and I had the opportunity to have an amazing guest on the Fat to Fit Radio show this morning. If you missed it we talked to the amazing ultrarunner Kelly Agnew of Slipping Slowly Into Pain.

Kelly just completed the White Rim Trail 100 miler UNASSISTED! Yeah with no help or aid along the course. This was what they call an FKT (Fastest Known Time) attempt. The previous record was 27 hours. Kelly finished it in 21:52, over 5 hours quicker than the record. AMAZING!

What makes Kelly's story so unique is that he wasn't always a runner. Cindy met him on vacation years ago and he then decided he was going to start running. Who knew he was going to become one of the best ultrarunners around. To read more on Kelly check out his blog at Slipping Slowly Into Pain.

Fat to Fit Radio has a lot of really awesome things happening soon, so stay tuned.

Make sure you check us out on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM

A special night with my daughter, a swim with an old friend, and life...

Do you ever have those super busy weeks? I'm sure we all do. This week has been CRAZY! I only have been able to make one good workout. Yesterday my friend Holly and I went to the pool for a 90 minute "in the water" workout. Thank god she was good for whatever because I was in that "lets just get this over" mood. I will say Holly is an AMAZING swimmer. I wish I would have gotten some pics:( See you know my mind is busy when I don't take a single picture. #busybloggerfail!

Being so busy sometimes we forget to enjoy the things and people around us. Having 3 kids that also are very involved in their sports, my husband and I try to make individual time for each kid. So last night I had a special little night planned for my little girl. (Sorry its so blurry, it was so dark in there).
 

95 KSJ, a local radio station and fellow Clear Channel radio show was having a great event called Stars with Guitars at Moe's Bar b que.. It was a fundraiser for St.Judes. I love going to these types of concerts because you know that all the money is going towards a great cause. The singers that came were RaeLynn (Cadence's favorite) Scotty McCreery, and Maddie and Tae.

Cadences second cousin Alyssa is an asst for one of the singers, Rae Lynn. So with the help of Alyssa, I was able to surprise Cadence by taking her to the concert. Let me tell you guys, I thought she was going to have a heart attack when I told her. Lol! She was super excited that her best friend Sarah was also going with us.


We got to the venue about 6. Ate some delicious food. If you haven't been to a Moes Bar b que, you MUST go. Then the show started at 8. What I loved about the concert is that it was more like an intimate show. All 3 acts came out together and sat in stools with a couple guitars players and took turns singing.
 

It was an amazing night. They raised a lot of money for St.Judes and my baby girl had a blast. And this is why God Made Girls. So in true RaeLynn fashion...
Just remember always take the time to live in the now. And spend quality time with the ones you love, especially your kids.

A special thanks to Raelynn and Alyssa for making such a special night happen for Cadence. 

Now I'm off for a bike ride while the kiddos are in school. Don't forget to enter my Puritan's Pride giveaway. You could win full size Puritan's Pride Vegan Protein Powder,  Carob powder, Simple Greens, and Barney Butter almond butter. ENTER HERE!
 

Oh and one last thing, I had to brag on my husband who has perfected my bike to fit me better. Its great being married to an amazing steel worker. He can modify anything:) LOVE IT. Here he is testing it out...
(He was just in front of our house.Yes, we wear helmets for rides)
 

Have a great weekend.

What have you done for someone special lately?

Puritan's Pride Seasonal Smoothie Challenge and Giveaway...

*This post is sponsored by Puritan’s Pride; opinions expressed are my own.

Hey guys, I hope you all had another great weekend. This weather down here in the South has been AMAZING the past couple days. Its finally starting to feel like fall which brings me to some awesome news I wanted to share with you all. This month, November, and December I am participating in the Seasonal Smoothie Challenge with Puritan's Pride on behalf of being a SweatPink Ambassador with Fit Approach.

What does all that mean to you guys?
I will be bringing you guys some of my favorite smoothie recipes for fall and winter. AND the best part is the ingredients I use in these smoothies, Puritans Pride is giving one of you guys the same products in an amazing Giveaway. So without further ado...
 

A little about Puritan's Pride...

Puritan’s Pride® began over 40 years ago, with the mission of making the finest quality nutritional supplements available at the best value to their customers. Today, the company remains true to its original commitment and serves millions of loyal customers. Puritan’s Pride manufactures thousands of vitamins, minerals, herbs and other nutritional supplements in their state-of-the art facilities located throughout the U.S. As part of the company’s commitment to quality, Puritan’s Pride only uses ingredients from suppliers worldwide that meet their Quality Assurance Standards, as well as Good Manufacturing Practices food quality standards.

For October I chose Puritan's Pride All Natural Vegan Protein Chocolate with Quinoa and Oats. No, I am not Vegan but I really like trying new protein powders...

 

Puritan’s Pride AllNatural All Natural Vegan Protein Chocolate with Quinoa and Oats
Made from Quinoa and Oats, this delicious chocolate flavored drink is dairy free and soy free, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a vegan protein option that is nutrient dense.

Each serving of this delicious protein powder delivers 17 grams of protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber to help fuel your body, aid in post workout recovery and help satisfy hunger.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

They also sent a couple add ins to make these smoothies even better...

Food Science ofVermont Superior Greens (023299): Superior Greens™ is a combination of nutrient rich vegetables, fruits, herbs, herbal extracts, Chlorella, Soy Lecithin, Royal jelly, Bee Pollen, enzymes and non-dairy probiotic cultures designed to support your body's ability to cleanse.*

Now Foods CarobPowder (056578): NOW Real Food® Carob Powder is a flavorful and versatile substitute for chocolate. Use in place of cocoa powder in your favorite recipes for delicious natural chocolate flavor without the fat, caffeine or theobromine found in chocolate.

Barney Butter BareAlmond Butter Smooth (056913): Barney Butter is peanut free and made in an almond only facility! It contains no added salt or sugar with a traditional smooth and creamy texture.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Being that its October, you know pumpkin is going to be the main ingredient in my October Smoothies.

Pumpkin is a superfood because it is high in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and helps support immunity. Also a good source of potassium, pumpkins can help your heart and muscles. Interesting pumpkin fact- pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, a nutrient important for immunity. 

Smoothie #1: Green Pumpkin Power Smoothie... (100% vegan)
 

1 scoop Puritan's Pride Vegan Protein Powder
1 scoop Superior Greens
1/4 cup 100% pumpkin
cinnamon to taste
ice
water
1 tbsp pumpkin and kale or spinach leaf for garnish

Mix all ingredients in blender except garnish. Pour into glass, garnish, and ENJOY.

Smoothie 2: Chocolate Coconut Pumpkin Surprise (not vegan)


1 scoop Puritan's Pride Vegan Protein Powder
1/4 cup 100% pumpkin
1 tbsp Carob Powder
1 tbsp Barney Butter Almond Butter
1 tbsp Vanilla Yogurt (I used Cabot Vanilla Bean)
Shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 tsp cinnamon
ice
water

Mix all ingredients in blender. Pour in glass, top with coconut and cinnamon, ENJOY!

Here are 2 more recipes for you to try from Brooke Alpert, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., of B Nutritious and author of The Sugar Detox, who works as a spokesperson for Puritan’s Pride.

KALE COCONUT SMOOTHIE: 1 cup kale, 1 cup pineapple, 1 sprig fresh mint, 1 can coconut milk- blend together and serve immediately.  To get a protein boost, add in a Puritan’s Pride protein powder of your choice to make your smoothie more substantial.

PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE:  1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure no other ingredients other than pumpkin), 1 cup coconut milk or milk of choice, 1 banana, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, ¼ tsp vanilla extract. Blend all the ingredients; serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top!  Consider adding in a Puritan’s Pride flavored protein powder for an extra nutritional boost. 

Overall the Puritan's Pride Vegan Protein Powder was pretty good. It doesn't have a strong chocolate flavor, so adding in the Carob powder really helped make it super chocolaty. It wasn't the best at mixing well with the water, so I had to make sure that I mixed it well in my blender to get that powder taste gone. AND its #kidapproved YAYYYYYY!

I will def using it to fuel my Ironman NOLA training, stay tuned for more of that...

Now for the fun stuff. Puritan's Pride and Fit Approach want to give you guys a chance to win your very own Vegan Protein Powder, Carob Powder, Simple Greens, and Barney Butter Almond Butter. All you have to do is enter below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from 10/20/14 till midnight 10/26/14. Open to U.S. residents only! Good Luck!

I cant wait to read all of your favorite smoothie recipes...