Crystal Light

Don’t forget to check out my Christmas gift giveaway to you.

I hand picked it with love.

++++++++++++++++++++

I’m a big water drinker almost to the point I’ll float away.  However sometimes I want something different to drink.  Usually the alternative is tea but even need a change from that at times.  During the busiest time of the year flavored water is a reminder to drink.

I always had Crystal Light in my dorm to sweeten the water so the new Crystal Light Pure intrigued me. The new flavors are sweetened with Truvia and sugar so my stomach wouldn’t hate me from anything artificial.  A big plus!

IMG_1870

They must have intrigued Hunni too because he grabbed the box when it arrived and started drinking before me.  I had to hunt him down and steal some for myself.  I keep a few hidden in my desk so he won’t find them….shhhh.

IMG_1869

With our crazy work schedules and long days we both need to stay hydrated.  The extra electrolytes in the fitness tropical blend and strawberry kiwi helped on the days we were running around from sun up to sundown.  Hunni made his as suggested in 16 ounces of water and kept one in his pocket for a bottle of water on the go.

IMG_1868

My favorite was the tropical blend I kept in my water bottle that holds 3/4 of a liter.  It gave the water a nice flavor but wasn’t too sweet…just enough to remind me to drink enough during the day.  I’m not big on super sweet so I prefer mixing it with 20 or more ounces of water.

IMG_1866

To help with the hydration…especially in the colder months here are some Hydration Tips from Crystal Light Pure Spokesperson Molly Kimball, RD.

 

1. Keep a Tally

We can’t actually tell how well we’re hydrated by how thirsty we feel. For many of us, by the time we start to feel thirsty, we’re already dehydrated, but just how much water is enough when it comes to staying hydrated? Keep a running tally of how much fluid you’re getting and aim for half of your body weight in ounces of fluid per day, plus an extra 16 ounces for every pound of sweat lost during exercise or work in the heat.

 

2. Flavor Up to Drink Up

Want to drink water to stay hydrated, but hate the boring taste? Add the flavor you want and none of what you don’t by sipping on naturally sweetened Crystal Light Pure. It’s got no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives and is sweetened with sugar and Truvia, a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It’ll give your water light, refreshing flavor with just 15 calories and 4 grams of sugar per serving. And the Grape and Strawberry Kiwi flavors have the added bonus of electrolytes!

 

3. Don’t Forget about Food

Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal energy levels, preventing muscle cramping and headaches, and more serious issues like heatstroke. But that doesn’t mean you have to force down gallons of water or bottles of sugary sports drinks. Any type of alcohol-free beverage can count toward your fluid intake – and even some foods! Some of the top electrolyte-rich, hydrating foods include all types of fresh fruit, soups like gazpacho and Greek yogurt.

 

4. Watch the Caffeine

For years, the widely-held belief was that caffeinated beverages were dehydrating. An abundance of research has proven otherwise, however. The amount of caffeine typically found in standard servings of tea, coffee, and soft drinks appears to have no diuretic effect, meaning that these beverages don’t cause us to lose more fluid than they provide. But remember that you don’t want the majority of your fluids to come from caffeinated drinks since most health organizations recommend we limit our caffeine intake. Instead, try to vary what you’re drinking.

*I was sent a sample of Crystal Light Pure from Kraft Foods to review,
but all the opinions are mine…mine…mine.*

Print Friendly
Posted in Health | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Everything In Moderation: Finding Balance–Guest Post

Hello to all of Cynthia’s friends! Michelle here, from Crazy*Running*Legs and I have a confession for you: One of my biggest pet peeves is when people complain about how they don’t have time to fit in regular exercise.

Excuse me for being judgmental for a minute, but unless you work 80 hours a week and have 5 kids (or you’re a single parent – I seriously bow down to you!) I really don’t want to hear it. I just don’t feel bad for you. This may seem a little harsh, but here’s the reality - there’s always time it’s just a matter of making it a priority and fitting it into your schedule.

I’m a mom of 2, I work a full-time job, and recently trained for a marathon. I also blog, watch way too much TV for my own good, and I love to read. When I write that all down it seems like a lot and I can see why people ask me “How do you do it all?” But truthfully, I have a secret and today I’m going to share it with you… I DON’T.

Family (1)

What works for me doesn’t work for everyone – but I do think I’ve found the true key to balance – it involves setting priorities, learning how to say no, being able to ask for help, and being married to a really, really great guy. Simple, right?

I do think setting priorities is key. Let’s get this straight, family is ALWAYS first. I center my life around my husband and kids. Exercise, my health, and setting a good example are also important so in order to accomplish both priorities I workout/run while everyone else is asleep. This does mean either an earlier bedtime or less sleep (in my case it’s usually less sleep) – but it’s worth it.

Marathon

Also important is friendship. You NEED FRIENDS. Whether online or in real life, you need someone to get silly with. You know what’s NOT a priority? Cleaning. My house isn’t dirty or anything – but sometimes I don’t sweep/clean my floors and sometimes there are toys everywhere. (So true for me too!…minus the toys.)  It’s OK though – the kids are just making memories Open-mouthed smile

Friends

A huge milestone for me is learning how to say no – as well as accepting that you can’t please everyone. I have learned the hard way that overextending myself is NOT WORTH IT. It rarely works out and makes absolutely NOBODY happy. So next time you feel stretched too thin, think of you priorities and just say no.

Along with saying no – it’s also quite OK to ask for help. YOU ARE NOT SUPER(WO)MAN. When you are stressed out and need a helping hand it’s ok to call a friend or a love one and say so. There’s no award for pretending that you are perfect – because chances are – nobody thinks you are and they love you just the same!

And finally – I am really able to “Do it all” because I have a great partner in crime. For the most part – my hubby and I are a team and he enables me to seek out new goals and dreams.

Hubby

So the next time you think finding balance or fitting in your priorities – remember that someone out there busier than you (and I don’t necessarily mean me!) is getting it done – somehow, some way – and that you can do it too!!

(Thanks Cynthia for letting me hijack your blog!!) {No THANK YOU! …and you’re welcome. Open-mouthed smile}

Print Friendly
Posted in Fitness | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment