Larabars Real Food Giveaway

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I know guys, things are going a bit crazy on the blog. Two giveaways within two days? But, I couldn’t keep this one from you guys as Larabar is one of the blog’s OG (OG = original gangster, for anyone currently wondering what that means.). In 2008 and 2009 I featured giveaways from them on the site!  This giveaway and partnership is especially important to me as Larabar is partnering with bloggers to fight hunger, a cause that affects 1 in 7 Americans! 

I feel as if there is a new bar launching each week. Whether I see them in the stores while shopping or while scrolling through my Instagram feed, it is hard to keep track. Regardless your preference – Paleo, low calorie, meal replacement, vegan, nut-free – there is a bar out there. I’ve found myself ordering bars on Amazon only to end up with eleven lonely bars in the box since I could barely finish the first bar.  Some of these bars taste so artificial and processed, I can’t imagine how my body could ever digest it let alone benefit from it. These days, eating real food is a goal of mine and something I think about when choosing bars.

Therefore, when packing for our ski trip, I found myself packing my favorite standby, Larabar. Without many of the unnecessary additives, like chocolate, there is no worry that the bar will melt in your pocket for a day on the slopes. The wholesome, filling and healthy bar is a perfect snack to fuel me through skiing. Each bar, regardless it’s flavor, is a blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices. There are no hidden ingredients. In fact, most of their nutrition labels feature between just two and nine easy to pronounce ingredients. Don’t believe me? Wait until you check out their website and see that they actually encourage and show people how to make their own Larabars!
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Since Lara Merriken, the company’s founder, established Larabar in 2000 with the goal of making real, wholesome food accessible to everyone, it only makes sense that they are teaming up with Feeding America, to help battle hunger across America. Their #ShareRealFood campaign encourages people to donate to food banks, volunteer and get involved with local organizations that help combat hunger. In fact, they are donating $150,000 to help fight hunger in America! Through the New York Junior League and Procter & Gamble, I have had the opportunity to work in NYC soup kitchens and stocking local food pantries with supplies. Trust me, they can never have enough volunteers or supplies!

The next time you’re at the grocery store or placing an online grocery order, consider adding just a few extra non-persishable, healthy food items, like Larabars, to your basket so you can donate them to your local shelter or food pantry to help feed those in need. If you do, make sure you share a picture on social media to encourage others to do the same thing and tag @larabar!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Larabar.

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Super Fruit Smoothie Recipe

As you guys know, even though the weather is finally cooling down, I am still loving smoothies. Most days I whip up a bowl-sized smoothie for breakfast or a smaller, lighter sized smoothie to sip as an afternoon snack.

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I spend a few minutes each day, staring into the pantry and refrigerator, before choosing the flavor profile for that day’s smoothie. Sometimes they are inspired by backed goods, like my favorite peach cobbler smoothie, while other days the goal is to recreate the Dairy Queen Blizzard of my childhood while still including good for you ingredients.

Therefore, when the gang at Superberries asked me to test on their nutritionally packed, aroniaberries, I couldn’t say no. How much fun would it be to spend some time in the kitchen, getting to know a new ingredient, while experimenting with different flavor combinations? The frozen aroniaberries I received were perfect to include in this smoothie recipe as well as my morning oatmeal this morning.

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I won’t lie, I immediately intended on packing this smoothie with all the wholesome goodness you so many people are craving this time of year. This smoothie includes a new to me berry, the aroniaberry. Aroniaberries provide the most balanced protection against the five most common free radicals which can lead to illness. In addition, this antioxidant rich fruit can help with exercise recovery which is especially important for those of us working out multiple times per week! This dark purple fruit is rich in polyphenols, which neutralize free radicals and minimize the aging process while boosting our immune system!

After seeing the vibrant color of these berries, I was inspired to make a smoothie that would taste like a berry muffin and be vibrant in color. Waking up to a bright, cheery smoothie is the perfect way to start any day, right?


Super Fruit Smoothie

Super Fruit Smoothie

1 frozen banana

¼ cup frozen aroniaberries

½ cup Almond Milk (I prefer Califia unsweetened almond milk)

1 chopped, pitted date

1 tablespoon almond butter

1 serving vanilla protein powder

1 teaspoon chia seeds

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional:

A sprinkle of your favorite granola such as Purely Elizabeth or ½ a crushed Nola Bar

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Instructions

1. In a high powered blender or food processor of your choice, blend together all ingredients placing frozen fruit and protein powder closest to the blade.

2. Blend until you it appears to be thick enough to eat with a spoon. If you’d rather sip the smoothie, then blend for a bit longer or add more liquid.

3. Pour smoothie into bowl or glass and top with optional crunch.

Want to create your own Aroniaberry smoothie or try the super fruit for yourself? Superberries are offering 25% off 6 Packs of Superberries Products as part of a New Year’s special. (Aroniaberry+ Daily Wellness Shots not included) Use the code BERRIES25in through January 25th.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Superberries. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Refueling Made Easy with Chobani Simply 100

Thank you Chobani for sponsoring this post.

As you guys know, life gets a little crazy sometimes. While I work from home most days, there are other days when I feel like I barely step foot in our house. You can’t always plan your workouts perfectly around your meal schedule. It’d be great if I could workout directly before I ate breakfast or dinner each day but let’s get real guys – that isn’t feasible.

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Earlier this week there was a day when I left the house for Bar Method at 6:15 AM and didn’t get home until 7 PM. Hopping on the subway directly after working out and showering requires fuel that can travel with me and provide enough sustenance that my stomach doesn’t start growling during the Brooklyn to Hoboken commute.

Last night I ran six miles after work, enjoying gorgeous sunset views from the Brooklyn waterfront path. I finished around 7pm and had another hour until I’d be eating dinner. I knew I wanted and needed a snack to help nourish my muscles but didn’t want anything too large. The last thing I want to do is ruin a delicious dinner with a mid-evening snack.

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Moments like this are when the new Chobani Simply 100® come to the rescue. Chobani’s new Chobani Simply 100® is the first, and only, 100-calorie authentic strained Greek Yogurt. A great way to fuel-up before or after a high-energy activity. Packed with protein and an excellent source of fiber – its 100 calories worth counting.  A whole 12 grams of protein in just 100 calories is a great way to start your day! I can grab one of these and quickly enjoy it while responding to work emails, catching up or even walking upstairs to take a shower.  The Greek yogurt is available in 11 delicious flavors ranging from vanilla to tropical citrus so there is a flavor to match everyone’s taste buds!

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The Mango Passion Fruit flavor they sent me is naturally sweetened and made with fresh cow’s milk and contains no artificial sweeteners, preservatives or flavors. All I need for a perfect post workout snack is a spoon, some granola for crunch and the delicious yogurt!

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Don’t take my word for it though, try each of the Chobani Simply 100 flavors and let me know what you think!

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