#EatMighty Mighty Nut Giveaway! {CLOSED}

This Giveaway has closed.  

Check our most recent posts to see if we are hosting any giveaways.

 

What is Mighty Nut?

Mighty Nut is a very tasty powdered peanut butter.

Each batch of Mighty Nut is created from quality USA grown peanuts. The peanuts are roasted, then pressed, to remove most of the fat.  What remains is protein, fiber and delicious peanut buttery taste.  Mighty Nut powdered peanut butter can be rehydrated and used as a spread or dip, or as an ingredient in baking, cooking or smoothies.

Through my partnership with Fit Approach, I got a chance to try two of the flavors: Original and Flax & Chia.  As a big fan of peanut butter, I really enjoyed them!  As someone who is watching her weight, the "85% less calories than regular peanut butter" allows me to enjoy these guilt-free! Only 1 gram of fat per serving and 5-6 grams of protein. Bonus: it is all natural, non-gmo, gluten-free, and vegan.

If you would like to try Mighty Nut, it is available at several major grocers and available for purchase online.

How do I use Mighty Nut?

There are several recipes on the Mighty Nut website. And I am really looking forward to making the noodles and the brownies! In the meantime, I decided to mix it up a bit with my morning smoothie.

• 1 frozen banana
• 5 large frozen cherries
• 8 oz of almond milk
• 1 scoop of Mighty Nut
• 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder (I used Vega Vanilla)
• Blend and enjoy. 

The Mighty Nut adds a bit more protein and that peanut butter flavor I love, but with less calories.

Now for the Giveaway! 

Mighty Nut is allowing us to give away one bottle to a reader. The winner can choose any of the following flavors:

• Original
• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Flax and Chia

Review the terms below and then enter via the rafflecopter widget. 

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) This giveaway begins Thursday October 29, 2015 and ends Wednesday November 4, 2015 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post. He or she will be notified Thursday, November 5, 2015.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident.

4) One (1) winner will be selected.  One prize per person. If you win this giveaway, and have already won another prize from Mighty Nut through another blog, please disclose that you have already won so we can choose another winner. 

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.


Giveaway
Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We received product from Mighty Nut (through our partnership with Sweat Pink / Fit Approach) in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

For more great giveaways, click the image below

 

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Review & Giveaway: Vegan1 Protein

Recently, Nutrition 53 reached out to us to try out some of their protein mixes.  They offer a wide selection of nutritional supplements and we opted to sample their vegan products.

The company itself has an interesting origin.

For Nutrition53's founder and CEO Bill Romanowski, performance isn't just a passion; it's a way of life. In his NFL career that included an unprecedented 243 consecutive games highlighted by five Super Bowls, he learned firsthand the power of nutrition from the leaders in the field. In his 16th NFL season, Bill's quest took an urgent new turn: the concussions on the football field had robbed him of his memory. Bill brought together the world's best doctors, scientists, and nutritionists to arrive at a formulation that would fully restore his mental function. The result was Neuro1, Nutrition53's first formula. 

So unlike your typical nutrition shake company - this one isn't just about just fat loss or muscle gains.  Their products are geared towards a range of health and fitness areas, including brain performance and sleep.

From staying lean to sleeping well, feeling energized and thinking clearly, Nutrition53 provides real tools and answers to help you achieve your very best and "live like you mean it."

The rundown on Vegan1

• 20g of plant-based protein
• 10 fruits and vegetables
• 22 vitamins and minerals
• Active Enzymes
• Antioxidant protection
• Probiotics
• 5g of dietary fiber
• 100% all natural 

Pros

• Can be used as meal replacements. I've enjoyed them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (on different days). These shakes are nutritionally complete. So, if you aren't able to sit down for a meal - just mix up a scoop with your liquid of choice and you are all set.
• Conveniently available in single serve packets or tubs.
• You can go to this link and request a free sample: http://www.nutrition53.com/collections/free-sample-vegan1
• I'd rate the taste as Very Good. I always mix my protein shakes with vanilla flavored rice milk or almond milk - because I like some sweetness.  You can mix with juice or water, and add sweetener or fruit to customize the taste to your liking.
• 4 flavors to choose from. The universal Vanilla and Chocolate of course, but also Chai and Banana. Chocolate is my fave, and I also really liked the Chai!
 

Cons

• I've yet to see Nutrition 53 products in brick and mortar stores, at least near me in North Florida.  You can easily find them online though.

~

Beyond the 'shake'
If you are someone who doesn't like having traditional shakes all the time, try being a little creative in the kitchen. You can add Vegan1 to your brownies, cookies, cereal, oatmeal, and more.

Chia pudding is something I make often, and this time I added a bit of banana Vegan1.

My go to Protein Powerhouse Pudding Recipe:

• 1 scoop of Vegan1 (any flavor)
• 5 or 6 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 10 oz of non-dairy milk (I used chocolate almond milk)
• Optional: 1 banana, handful of berries, 2 tablespoons flax , a natural sweetener of your choice (I don't add sweetener to mine, as any added fruit is sweet enough for me.  You might like it a bit sweeter though - my husband does, as do my coworkers who have tried it.)

Blend all ingredients until fruit is no longer chunky. (Mixture may be a bit thick and will get thicker as it sits.) Pour into small pudding cups or jars. Don't fill all the way to the top because the chia seeds will expand. Store in fridge for at least 2 hours; overnight  is better.  I like to grab one in the morning for my breakfast, or take one to work to have with my lunch.

Now - it's time for the Giveaway!  

Nutrition53 is allowing me to give away prizes to TWO lucky winners. The winners will each receive one tub of Vegan1 (1.5 lb.) and a shaker bottle. Review the terms below and then enter via the rafflecopter widget. 

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) Giveaway begins Wednesday June 3, 2015 and ends Tuesday June 9, 2015 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post. He or she will be notified Wednesday, June 10, 2015.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident.

4) Two (2) winners will be selected. Approximate retail value is $46.98 each prize pack. 

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We received product from Nutrition53 in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

For more great giveaways:click the image below

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Review: Manitoba Harvest Pro70

These past several months, I've begun to pay a lot more attention to what and when I eat and how it affects me throughout the day. Not just out on a run, but at work and at home.  I drink protein shakes as either a meal replacement or as a supplement on days with long training runs. 

I'm perpetually on the hunt for something that is healthy, satisfying, and tastes good.

There are four factors I had to consider:

• First of all, I have a sensitive stomach. And running will often trigger it. 
  
  

I know what I can have during my runs: coconut water or plain water to drink, Clif Shot Blocks for fuel.  Anything else is a gamble.  But for a long while, I was still working out what is the best thing to have before a run.

•  Second, I can't run (or function at all) on a completely empty stomach.  But some mornings a banana or a toasted English muffin with nut butter is just too much food.  A shake or a small protein-packed snack is what I need.

• Third, I've embraced a plant based diet. And I don't think I've ever felt better.  Plant-based eating is a diet focused around plant foods: fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds.

This also means zero animal products: no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, gelatin, or other animal by-product.  As a long-time vegetarian (20+ years), I don't miss meat, but I was unprepared for how great I felt eliminating dairy and eggs.

• Four, I don't have a lot of time - but I don't want breakfast from a drive-thru either.  As much as I would love to whip up pancakes from scratch every morning, it isn't going to happen.  Now, a lot of  my Disney Princess fantasies have come true, but the forest creatures doing the cooking and cleaning?  I'm still waiting for that one...  So, yes - ease of preparation is key.
  

Manitoba Harvest recently partnered with Fit Approach's Sweat Pink Ambassador team, and I was one of the lucky ones to receive a sample of their Hemp Pro 70 protein powder.  I got two flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla.  It's no secret I love chocolate - so I wanted to try this one right away.

But before I tore into my samples, I asked myself does this fit all of my criteria above?

A quick perusal of the Manitoba Harvest turned up this:

Choose HempPro 70 if….

• You’re an athlete looking for a pre or post workout protein shake.
• You’re experiencing bloating and/or an unsettled stomach from other protein powders.
• You’re used to a whey protein and curious to try a plant-based protein powder, such as hemp.
• You want nutrition on the go! HempPro 70 is the only water soluble hemp protein powder on the market. This means you can literally throw it in a shaker cup with some water and take it with you on the road.
• You’re looking to add extra protein to your diet. HempPro 70 has 20 grams of protein per 30 gram serving - our highest protein powder option.

Yep - that fits all my criteria, and then some!  So I decided to make something really simple with my samples.

Three ingredients:

• Rice Milk, 6 oz.
• Chia Seeds (whole, not ground), 1 heaping tablespoon
• Hemp70 chocolate powder, one serving

Directions:

1) Pour into two or three small reusable containers. 

2) Refrigerate overnight.

No need to blend - HempPro70 is water-soluble, remember?

The next morning, you have a chocolatey superfood treat with enough protein to fuel you through lunch.

Yes, that's it.  Doesn't get any easier. 

Learn more about Manitoba Harvest and their hemp protein shakes at the following links.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

Youtube

Google +


Also, if you order either the chocolate or vanilla Hemp Pro 70 from the Manitoba Harvest website, use the code:  SWEATPINKPRO70  for 20% off your order.

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received.  Through my affiliation with Fit Approach, I received product from Manitoba Harvest in exchange for this review. Regardless, this blog only recommends products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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What's on my grill? healthy vegan meals (and a giveaway) {CLOSED}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent posts for other great giveaways.

Through my affiliation with Fit Approach, we got the opportunity to try out Sunshine Burgers. 

"made with certified organic, verified Non-GMO whole food ingredients, free of gluten, soy, corn, canola, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy or eggs.”

As a lifelong vegetarian, recently transitioning to vegan, I was very pleased to read this.

I want to quickly mention mock meats.  They are very popular food items to those seeking to transition to vegetarian diets.  Many of these are crafted to resemble meat in color, flavor, and texture.  Many 'veggie' burgers out there do this.  Sunshine Burger does not.  There is no attempt to make it something it is not.  You can look right at it and see the bits of veggies.  Mock meats have their place, but if you want to enjoy and appreciate veggies in their own right (and you want the pleasure of grilling up a tasty 'burger'), then this is the one for you.

There are many delicious recipes in  the recipe section of Sunshine Burgers’ website, but we were encouraged to create our own dish with our review.

The case I received contained two boxes: Southwest and Garden Herb. I selected the Garden Herb and then looked to our own backyard garden for inspiration.  There are many other flavors I can't wait to try out.  But right now, this one has become a household favorite.

Garden Fresh 'cheeseburger'

• Sunshine Burger Garden Herb patty (grilled)
• Go Veggie 'vegan cheese' - I used Cheddar / Jalapeno)
• Fresh salsa (from homegrown tomatoes and jalapenos)
• Romaine lettuce
• pickles (of course)
• Spicy Mustard
• Bun of your choice (I used Pretzel Buns)

Served with oven-fries and vegan baked beans.

And banana-maple 'ice cream' for dessert. (Made by blending frozen bananas with a drizzle of maple syrup. That's right, dairy-free and delicious!).

A very tasty and satisfying summer meal.

We're in Florida, and Sunshine Burgers are readily available at Publix and Whole Foods.   You can checkout the Store Locator section on Sunshine Burger’s website to find their products near you.  If you sign up for the Sunshine Burger newsletter, you can even get a coupon on your next purchase.

I'm giving away Sunshine Burgers for you to try at home.  You can enter using the rafflecopter below. 

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) Giveaway begins Thursday July 3, 2014 and ends Wednesday July 9, 2014 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post.  He or she will be notified Thursday, July 10, 2014.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident. 

4) One (1) winner will be selected. The winner will receive a variety of Sunshine Burgers. The product will be shipped to winner by the sponsor.

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Disclaimer: I received Sunshine Burger product to review without monetary compensation. All opinions are my own. I was given the opportunity to review through the Sweat Pink Ambassador community.

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Review: #VegaOne Plant Based Protein Shake

This blog - this entire journey really - has had an end goal of weight loss - for both of us.  

Most of our blog posts are centered on running, gear reviews, and race recaps.  Running and preparing for races has many rewards, but it hasn't been the 'Magic Weight Loss Pill' for us.  Some people start running and the pounds melt off. Not us.  

The tone of our blog is upbeat and positive by design. But, in the interest of blogging honestly, fighting to lose each pound has been an uphill battle. We both struggle daily with our weight and making healthy lifestyle choices, especially eating choices.  

DisneyGroom and I both will splurge on our vacations, but back at home, it is a different matter.  We do our best to eat the freshest food we can find and prepare simple filling meals.  

Breakfast seems to be our big trouble spot though. Neither one of us is a morning person, so we typically fly out the door and head to work without eating anything.  DisneyGroom will keep a stash of oatmeal in his office, and often remember to eat one later in the morning.  But I often forget to have anything at all.  I'm in that category commonly known as The Breakfast Skipper.  And when you consider I don't drink coffee, I couldn't tell you what actually gets me going in the morning. 

If I do have time to stop, then maybe I get a drive-thru breakfast sandwich...  I know what you are thinking - THAT's TERRIBLE!  Yes, it is. 

And it has to stop.

So here we are in a new year. Renewing our commitments to eat healthy.  In need of a jump start, we are both turning to meal replacement shakes.

DisneyGroom is drinking meal replacement shakes provided by his nutritionist.  I've been trying out Vega One shakes, as part of their #OneChange campaign.

Many of the elite endurance athletes (runners and triathletes) I admire and follow are vegan.  One in particular Brendan Brazier, Author, Ironman, and Vegan Activist, is the developer of the Vega One shakes.  Unlike many shake powders that contain animal proteins - this one is entirely plant-based.  I'm the first to admit I would rather have solid food than a smoothie, but with Brendan solidly behind this product, I had to try it.

Now, I've not been a meat eater for over twenty years, but I did eat seafood occasionally.  However, as of the end of 2013, I stopped eating fish also.  I have many reasons for doing this - which I may get into another time, but my ultimate goal is a completely Vegan diet.  I figured these shakes were a good start.  It would be my #OneChange to replace my 'egg whites with cheese' morning sandwich.

This morning, I made a smoothie with the French Vanilla flavor.  I didn't go too wild with ingredients.  We are just back from a week long trip (runDisney Walt Disney Marathon Weekend) so the fridge was pretty bare.  The smoothie was very simple: just rice milk, a ripe banana, ice, and the Vega One.

Appearance:

I was first struck by the color - sort of a pale pea green.

This was a surprise at first, but oddly reassuring as it legitimized its 'green vegetable' origins.

Smell:

Very mild, a green veggie smell - in a good way.  With a soft hint of vanilla.

Taste:

I tried it first plain - just water, ice, and the shake mix.  I discovered I needed some flavor, so I blended it with banana and rice milk.  Much better.  

Nutritional Content:

Dairy-free

Gluten-free

Soy-free

Packed with Antioxidants, Probiotics, and Greens 

No added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners

Not all shakes are created equal.  Vega One's content is comparable to high-end, high quality shakes, with the added bonus of being vegan. Not bad.

What's In It?

There are several products available, including bars and pre-made smoothies.  The Vega One site contains a complete ingredient list of each.  I've added the ingredient list for my French Vanilla shake here.

Is this a product I would buy?

Yes.  French Vanilla wouldn't be my first choice; the other flavors are Chocolate, Natural, Vanilla Chai, Berry. I would definitely go for the Chocolate or Berry.

I'm hoping these shakes will prove to be an excellent jump start to 2014, especially in regards to my breakfast.  We'll also be adding some more nutritional product reviews in the near future, as we seek out the best fuel for improving our health and our running.  

What will be your #OneChange for 2014?

Disclosure of Material Connection: We were not financially compensated for this post. I received ONE box of nutritional shakes to review, as part of a partnership with Fit Approach, Sweat Pink, and Vega One. All opinions stated are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

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