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Special K’s #theproteineffect

Over the past 6 months, I’ve professed my love of protein in multiple posts including my tips and tricks to losing a size in a month and my roundup of GNC’s protein powders. In fact, when I look at pictures from this time last year, I attribute the fact that Bo and I have lost weight during marathon training to protein. These days when we are starving after a run or during the day we grab nuts, cheese sticks, cottage cheese, Chobani, or whip up a smoothie.

Therefore, when Fitfluential asked if I was interested in reviewing Special K’s protein enhanced line of cereal, bars and shakes I was more than happy to give them a try. Special K’s new campaign, The Protein Effect or #theproteineffect, revolves around the positive effects protein can have when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

  • Some research suggests people who get 30% of total calories from protein will feel full longer. Go willpower!
  • Higher protein intake may be beneficial for weight management
  • Protein helps satisfy hunger and in turn helps you stay on track

I used to eat Special K cereal for breakfast when I first started losing weight six years ago. While I love the flavor of Special K I’ve since realized that a 100 calorie bowl of cereal can’t constitute breakfast for me these days. I need protein, fiber and more nutrients.  But, a new enhanced line of Special K products that would be perfect office snack options to battle the afternoon hunger strike? Count me in!

I received an adorable bright Special K red box bursting with assorted products.

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I took the box contents to my office last week and enjoyed them throughout the week in place of my normal afternoon snacks. In addition, I enjoyed the shake this weekend after my final double digit long run.

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Here’s the low-down on my thoughts regarding each of these different products.

Special K Protein Plus Cereal: I am a huge fan of cereal but rarely eat it anymore since I have oatmeal most mornings for breakfast. I have absolutely LOVED having a serving of this in the afternoon with a few berries and a splash of skim milk. It’s a fun change to my afternoon snacks and I like the flavor and crunch. Yes, definitely!

Special K Protein Shake: Okay I definitely have a love hate relationship with these. I really didn’t care for the strawberry flavor or the vanilla flavor which was surprising as those were the two I thought I’d like best. They both seemed too artificial tasting for my liking. But, the chocolate one came through for me this weekend when I had to dash from my long run to yoga and didn’t have time to make a smoothie. This 10 oz shake clocked at 190 calories, 5 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, and 18 g of sugar. A bit high on the sugar side but the chocolate was mild and the flavor was smooth without any chalky aftertaste. I’d definitely buy this again and keep a few in the pantry for emergency situations. I do have to admit that the plastic wrapper around the top made them a bit annoying to open. Would I use my own money to buy these again? Yup, but only the chocolate!

Special K Protein Meal Bar: I definitely prefer the cranberry walnut bar over the chocolate ones as those were far too sweet for me. This was a perfect snack bar but NOT a meal bar. Sorry Special K, I love you but 170 calories doesn’t equal a meal in my book. However, 170 calories, 10 grams protein and 5 grams of fiber is a great snack! I wish that sugar wasn’t the second ingredient on the list but if I can grab something like this versus the Halloween candy that is taking over my office than I consider it a win. Would I use my own money to buy these again? Nope, sorry!

So there you have it. My take on these products and the ones I’d buy again or pass on if I was spending my own cash.

To find out more about these products and #theproteineffect project you can follow Special K on Twitter and use the hashtag #theproteineffect to see how others feel about the products and share your experience.  Special K is on Facebook too!

How do you fight hunger?

FitFluential LLC compensated me for this campaign. All opinions are my own.

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It’s Getting Real

Two weeks from now we’ll be on the couch, elevating my legs, chugging water, and relaxing like it’s our job.

Until then, we’re hanging out in taper town as much as possible when not doing silly things like an accidental speed workout or a too hard spin class. Other things that occur during taper are freaking out about shoes.

On Thursday night I asked my Facebook marathon running friends for help regarding my shoes. My Brooks Adrenaline 12’s weren’t supporting me this week during my runs leading to shin splints and achy legs. When I referenced Daily Mile I realized that they had over 400 miles on them! Oops! Thanks to lots of feedback and experience from my friends, I headed to the New York Running Company near my work on Friday night after many phone calls. Evidently finding Brooks Adrenaline women’s shoes in size 11 isn’t easy. After 6 no’s, the folks at New York Running Company told me they already had the new style, 13, which I could try on their treadmill.

It was my first time in the store but I was thoroughly impressed. Lately the Jack Rabbit location near me, Union Square, hasn’t left me impressed though I’ll always love their shoe delivery program.

The store was bright and vibrant, even at 7pm. But, the first thing that caught my eye weren’t the shoes but the NIke table greeting me as I entered the front door.

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I love all of these though I really wish the black one that reads 26.2 Mile Block Party was easier to read because it’s such a fun idea! While I didn’t make a purchase last night, I’ll probably be back this week to seal the deal.

The new Brooks Adrenaline 13 are lighter and more form fitting than the 12’s which excites me! They definitely feel more like my old friends the Adrenaline 11 which I wore last year and loved.

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After the shopping adventure, Bo and I relaxed with a week’s worth of DVR and a pasta dinner. This pasta, like miniature sheets of lasagna, from Eataly, was our favorite choice yet.

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This morning at 8am I met my usual running friends, along with the addition of Erica to run the last 10 miles of the New York City Marathon together. Printing out the directions we found online worked out perfectly and we spent the morning heading up 1st Avenue, realizing it’s slight incline isn’t that bad and then running up Fifth Avenue remembering that by the time I hit this long hill last year I was in a haze. Those miles from the Bronx up Fifth Avenue are absolute torture, especially today since we had to run on the cobblestones due to traffic. These were definitely my slowest miles of the 10 and I was longing for music during that final push to Central Park. Overall my pace was right on target, around a 10:30, but I started out fast and ended slow (think 9:15 start, 10:45 end). Pacing isn’t that easy, even when the humidity reminds me way too much of summer training.

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I dashed home and showered quickly because just an hour later I had a 90 minute deep tissue massage with Tim at Equinox 19th street. It was glorious though painful. He spent about 80 of the minutes focusing on my legs and lower back. Due to my mileage increase over the past couple of weeks the issue areas were far different than the last time he kneaded the knots out. I stood up feeling like a new woman and my legs felt the freshest and loosest they’ve felt in over 2 months!

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But, my legs weren’t done being treated and stretched since my next stop was upstairs for the 2nd Yoga for Runners workshop.

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Once again we had awesome turn out for the class, as over 35 people showed up for an hour long class with Sarra Morton. Sarra teachers at multiple Equinox locations in the city and her classes are always packed, especially on the weekends. We spent most of the time doing hip opener work and sun salutations while Sarra explained the benefits of each post to us during the flow. Afterwards, we were able to socialize while enjoying one of SOYJOY’s new bar flavors, as they provided each attendee with a sample of their new flavors: dark chocolate cherry and cranberry. In addition, Zobha clothing, who is one of Sarra’s sponsors, was kind enough to provide each attendee with a 20% off discount card.

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I think it’s safe to say that I left the class thoroughly relaxed and ready for an afternoon nap!

What’d you do today?

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My Makeup Bag Essentials

Today as I was getting ready at the gym I realized how far I’ve come in regards to my makeup bag. Just a few weeks ago my co-workers and friends were laughing at me for lugging a huge makeup bag when in reality I only use a few key pieces. This weekend, I finally downsized and am loving the convenience of one single, small makeup bag which holds all my necessities.

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Here’s a quick look inside my makeup bag and the key items that are part of my daily ritual.

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From Left to Right:

Laura Mercier Eye Color Duo Guava/African Violet: The colors apply easily and compliment my greenish-hazel eyes.

Dolce&Gabbana Crayon Intense Eye-Liner in Stromboli: The Dolce&Gabbana liners have the perfect consistency. The color goes on smooth, is rich, lasts all day, and smudges easily for a day to evening look.

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Warm Natural: I find that this provides the perfect amount of coverage over the tinted moisturizer, especially when applied using the kabuki brush.

Sephora Pro Kabuki Brush: I’ve searched high and low for a inexpensive travel size kabuki brush and after three failed attempts this one has worked wonderfully. It’s a bit more expensive than others but has lasted 6 months and cleans easily with soap & water. The dense bristles apply powder evenly and thoroughly.

Olay Total Effects 7 In 1 Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer: This magic moisturizer hydrates, provides coverage, leaves skin luminous, and fights the signs of aging with vitamins! What more could you ask for especially when you consider that you get a moisturizer, anti-aging and coverage for under $20!

Laura Mercier Eye Basics Base in Wheat: Until two months ago I had never jumped on the eye base band wagon. But, when a makeup artist showed me just how powerful this base was and how “flawless and finished” my eyes could look was with just this and mascara, I was sold. The base evens skin-tone, hiding redness or darkness on the lid while holding color in place longer. The wand applicator makes application easier too!

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer: Some times a girl can’t always get 8 hours of beauty rest. Instead of announcing to the world just how tired I am, I cover it up with this concealer. It blends easier than many other I’ve tried and the color matches my skin-tone almost perfectly.

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint- Plum Mint: I’ve had this for ages but only recently discovered it in the bottom of my makeup bag. I love it for touch-ups during the day or an added pop of gloss, shine and hydration after applying my color. It has a hint of color and a huge burst of minty flavor that I swear is strong enough for an afternoon energy jolt! linique Chubby Stick in Fuller Fig

Benefit They’re Real Mascara: Every day when I apply my mascara I think of Tina, Anne and Theodora! I first tried this mascara almost a year ago during our Mohegan Sun wine+beer weekend. We were a little bit tipsy after a fun afternoon but even with a bit of haze I immediately saw just how powerful this mascara is on my stubby, short lashes. Since then I’ve been absolutely hooked and have gone through four tubes! It never clumps, goes on easily, and the dark brown is rich enough to add color but not too dark for work and everyday use.

Question: What is your favorite piece of makeup these days?

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