Hi friends! Today’s an exciting day because I’m hosting a delicious and fun giveaway that’s sponsored by the kind people at Balance Bar. They contacted me to help spread the word about their Summer Shape Up Challenge that’s hosted by the lovely Holly Del Rosso, who hopes to inspire us to pick up some healthy habits this summer.
“Many of us tend to hibernate during cold winter months and don’t know how to get back into a balanced workout routine once warmer weather hits. That’s why I’m excited to partner with Balance Bar® for the “Balance Summer Shape-Up Challenge” to help us all move more, start eating a bit healthier and to feel good about ourselves while we enjoy summer by feeling our balanced best.”
One thing I absolutely love about the Summer Shape-Up Challenge is that it focuses on sustainable and realistic health goals that everyone can benefit from. After reading her top tips for shaping up, I found myself agreeing with each and every one of her philosophies and ideas on how to spiff up your workout routine, meals, and water consumption.
Here are her main tips:
- Take your workout outside. Outdoor workouts are challenging and refreshing so try paddle boarding, surfing, cycling, yoga in the park or group runs like a 5K.
- Eat seasonal fruits and veggies. Most fruits and veggies are at their peak during summer months and by eating them you’re adding more nutrients to your diet. Look to add a host of different colors to your meal with various fruits and vegetables. Try grilling vegetables (corn, eggplant or zucchini) for a delicious side to your dinner or add juicy fruits (blackberries, peaches and melon) to your morning breakfast.
- Find a buddy to workout with. By partnering with someone, you’re more likely to work out when you say you will and it’s also a great way to catch up with old friends. Some of my favorite “buddy workouts” include biking, outdoor dancing classes, canoeing, and of course, hiking (with a healthy picnic at the end!)
- Drink more “fun” water! It’s important to drink a plenty of water especially in the summer when you’re more prone to dehydration. I like to make infused water mocktails to make water more exciting and delicious and only adding 20 calories or less. Buy some fresh fruits, slice them up and add to your water. My favorite combinations are peaches and strawberries, strawberries and mint or cucumber and watermelon and you’ll want to drink it all day in fun infusers like these from the Ball® brand.
- Eat many small meals. When you eat smaller portions more frequently, your metabolic rate tends to be higher (meaning you can burn calories more easily). I always tell my clients to eat 5-6 small meals a day that are packed with nutrients, including a snack in between each meal with something like a Cookie Dough Balance Bar® which will keep you full longer and help curb your appetite. Balance Bar® is also a great snack to put in your purse or gym bag so you always have a nutritious snack on-hand and can avoid making those bad snack choices at that last minute and when on the go.
Annnnnd guess what?! You guys get the chance to win the same mailer full of goodies as I did!
Let me tell you, the minute I got the package in the mail it was officially the BEST DAY EVER. I (not so gracefully) tore open the surprise box and was greeted with the fabulous site of a ton of their cookie dough and peanut butter flavored bars, a pair of nifty Balance Bar-branded headphones, and the cutest fruit-infusing mason jar that brings out my inner hipster (I kid, I kid). Between my housemates and I, the bars were demolished in just a few days and I can attest to how tasty they are. I usually find most protein/health bars to be less than enjoyable, so the fact that I was stashing a few bars to hide from my friends just goes to show how much I enjoyed them. Also, shhhh. Don’t mention that to them 😉 .
Have I mentioned how much I love my new mason jar? I’m pretty bad at staying hydrated and drink way too much coffee. The fruit infuser I was sent is just what I need to inspire me to drink more of the good stuff and I’ve been having a great time exploring delicious new fruit combos!
Here’s how to enter!
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