Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Detour Smart Bar Review! #DetourBar #Fitfluential


Having a SMART morning!
     I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in a campaign with Fitfluential to try out the new Detour Bar Smart Bars...talk about yummy! I love trying out healthy snacks that are healthy too.

Yummy Flavors that I tried...Apple Cinnamon and Blueberry.
What is so SMART about these bars?? 
1. Whole Grain Oatmeal Bars--Yum. I love Oatmeal!
2. Gluten Free---enough said. 
3. Whey Protein---this is something I'm learning more about. 
4. 4g of Sugar per bar---Love this! I'm not a fan of sugar.
5.  Good Source of Fiber---We all know how important a High Fiber Diet is!
6.  Greek Style Yogurt Drizzle---You had me at Drizzle. ;)
7. 130 Calories per serving---It's Bikini Season, Thank you. :)
8. Yummy Flavors---Blueberry, Cranberry Flax, Apple Cinnamon and Peanut Butter Chocolate.
9. Portable---Super easy to throw in my purse for a snack on the go!
10. My kids like them---Sold. :)
Delish! I spy Organic Fruit!

130 Calories per Bar...YES!!!
Trying out the Blueberry Detour Bar...Poolside. :)
A few years ago, I kicked the dessert habit...these bars are perfect for my low-sugar diet. 

Naturally Sweetened with Stevia...
LOWER SUGAR LIFESTYLE
Sugar is added to more prepared food and beverages than you might think. With significant health concerns related to sugar consumption, The American Heart Association recommends that women shouldn't have any more than 6.5 teaspoons of sugar daily, and men shouldn't have more than 9.5 teaspoons. That’s not very much at all, so be sure to check the nutrition label before you eat packaged food.

Here are a few reasons to think twice about sugar:

Still Hungry?
There’s a good chance you’ll end up feeling hungry again shortly after eating something with high sugar. It’s also been proven that people who eat a lot of sugar crave more sugar itself!

Energy Issues
Consuming high-sugar food and drinks is often referred to as consuming “empty calories” because sugar has little nutritional value. You might get a quick short energy boost, but chances are good that you’ll end up more tired and hungry than you were before!

Oral Care
There is a reason your dentist tells you to stay away from candy.  Sugars from food and drinks begin to do damage to your teeth within 20 minutes. The more sugar you eat, and the longer before you brush, the more likely you're going to run into cavities and other oral issues.

Other Health Issues
Too much sugar can result in devastating consequences including weight gain or obesity, which can lead to diabetes. 

Sugar has also been linked to other serious health issues such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

At Detour, all of our products are low in sugar.  If you’re working on reducing how much sugar you consume, we have a line of Lower Sugar Protein bars especially for you!

WHEY PROTEIN
Whey protein is a high-quality, complete protein that is naturally found in dairy. The protein in whey is very efficient at helping you build and maintain muscle. It is also great for training and regular consumption, with multiple benefits including weight maintenance.

Overview
Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production.

Protein SourceSource: Renner, 1983BVPERNPUPDCAAS
Whey Protein Concentrate1043.2921.15
Whole egg1003.8941.18
Cow's milk913.1821.21
Beef802.973.92
Casein772.5761.23
Soy protein742.161.91


Complete Protein
Whey contains all the essential amino acids, which are vital to your metabolism, and to making your body function properly for good health.

Branch Chain Amino Acids
Whey also boasts the highest concentrations of branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s) found in nature. Branched chain amino acids are an important source of energy during exercise and play a key role in protein synthesis.

BCAA Content of FoodLeucineIsoleucineValine
1 scoop (36g) whey protein isolate3.2g1.8g1.7g
1 scoop (36g) soy protein isolate2.4g1.5g1.5g
4oz sirloin steak2.0g1.1g1.3g
1 cup low-fat yogurt1.1g0.6g0.9g
1 egg0.5g0.3g0.4g

Benefits
Whey protein is an excellent source of protein for individuals of all ages who value the role of a healthy lifestyle.

Love that this is a small protein snack...sometimes too much protein is just not a good thing!
This is the perfect size for me.
WHEN DO YOU NEED EXTRA PROTEIN?
If you are trying to maximize workout gains or overall health and fitness, supplementing your diet with protein bars or shakes as a snack, a meal, or before/after exercise can be very effective

As a Healthy Snack
Snacking is a fun part of life, and eating a little healthier when that craving hits can make all the difference.  When you consume high-protein snacks, you can satisfy your hunger and get the extra nutrients you need to get through the rest of the day. Snacking on a protein bar or shake is always a good plan.

As a Meal
A lot of people have a bar or a shake for breakfast. The protein boost starts the day off right and helps prevent overeating later in the day.

Bars and shakes also make a great lunch because they are rich in nutrients that provide energy to get you through the afternoon without turning to unhealthy snacks.

To Supplement a Meal
You can also supplement a meal with a bar or shake if you're trying to get bigger and have a problem gaining weight. A protein bar or shake about 10 minutes after your standard meal is perfect for acquiring the extra protein and calories you need.

Before/After Exercise
Protein bars and shakes have always been linked to exercise.  They are great before or after a training session.  Here is the difference:

Before
Consuming extra protein 45 minutes to an hour before you work out helps energize your body. You will also send nutrients to your muscles, which they need for the recovery and repair that begins as soon as you start exercising.

After
Getting protein into your body is even more important after a workout. You not only stress your body when lifting weights or performing other exercises, but you also kill your energy level, leaving your muscles tired and in great need of protein and other nutrients.

It’s best to eat something rich in protein within 30 minutes of finishing a training session. A protein bar or shake that you can take with you is a fast and easy way to do it.

130 Calories per Bar...YES!!!

Delish!

SPORTS VS. GENERAL NUTRITION
Athletics:
Whey protein was first used as a supplement for athletes trying to maintain and grow muscle mass. To this day it is the most widely used protein supplement for health and fitness. Here are some of the reasons that it is so effective:

The amino acid profile of whey protein is almost identical to that of skeletal muscle making it an ideal protein source for the human body
Whey protein helps stimulate muscle protein synthesis after exercise to reduce muscle damage and breakdown by:
Providing a high concentration of readily usable branch chain amino acids
Supplying a source of glutamine which has been shown to limit muscle breakdown and decline in immune function
Supporting a positive nitrogen balance which promotes muscle growth while limiting damage
Whey protein contributes to greater muscle endurance, preventing muscle fatigue during longer and more intense workouts
Whey protein is easily digested and readily usable by the human body
General Nutrition:
Whey protein is traditionally used to promote muscle growth, but as new scientific studies are conducted, whey is being used in many other applications. Some of these include: cancer treatment, infant health, wound healing and the elderly. Practically everyone can benefit in some way from whey protein supplementation.

Here are some of the many benefits that have recently been discovered:

Biologically active peptides
Improves bone repair
Lowers blood pressure
Supports a lean body, preserving muscle and promoting fat loss
Supports immune function
Satiating effect
Increases serotonin levels, mood modulation
Lowers cancer tumor growth
Helps with wound healing
Delays Sarcopenia


THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTEIN IN YOUR DIET
Why should you care about making sure you get enough protein? Here are four good reasons:

It is a component of every cell in your body. In fact, hair and nails are mostly made of protein.
Your body uses it to build and repair tissue.
You need it to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals.
It is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
Like carbohydrates and fat, protein is a "macronutrient,” meaning that you need relatively large amounts of it to stay healthy. (Vitamins and minerals, which you only need in small quantities, are called "micronutrients.")

Unlike carbohydrates and fat, your body does not store protein, so it has no reservoir to draw from when you’re running low.  Protein bars and shakes are a great way to supplement your diet to ensure you’re getting the right amount of protein.

Benefits of a Protein-Enriched Diet
 Consuming high-protein foods has many benefits, including:

Speeding recovery after exercise
Reducing muscle loss
Building lean muscle
Helping you maintain a healthy weight
Curbing hunger
Different Forms of Protein
Protein comes from a variety of sources, including meat, milk, fish, soy, and eggs, as well beans, legumes, and nut butters. When proteins are digested, they leave behind amino acids, which the human body needs to break down food.   

Whey, a high quality protein source naturally found in milk, is a complete protein and contains all of the amino acids your body needs.  In general, proteins derived from animal sources (i.e. milk, eggs & meat) are complete, but your body’s ability to use the protein varies.

Be sure to follow @DetourBar on Instagram and
use the hashtag #detourbar to be entered into their weekly contests!
Instafun!
     Of the two flavors that I tried, I have to admit that my favorite was BLUEBERRY! I'm a sucker for anything berry flavored....I will be purchasing this product in the future and can't wait to try the Cranberry Flax.  Why stop at the Oatmeal Bars?? Detour offers other types of protein bars and shakes as well. I'm a new fan!

Be sure to follow Detour on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , and Pinterest for more SMART information. :)

Happy Running and Happy SMART snacking!

**Which Detour Bar SMART flavor do you want to try??

Disclaimer: I was provided product and financhial compensation by Detour Bar as part of a Fitfluential Campaign in exchange for my honest product review and promotion via social media. All opinions are my own. 

I Heart NYC! #MoreNYThanNY



Howdy from Times Square!
     A couple of months ago my hubby surprised me with a trip to NYC for our anniversary. We've been married 15 years. Holy Moly I can hardly wrap my brain around that one!! 15 years seems like an eternity but then again, there are times that our wedding day seems like yesterday.  Three kids later, time really does fly when you're having fun. :)

     Needless to say, I had mixed feelings when he first broke the news to me that we were going on a surprise getaway. I've been to New York City one other time and I had been dying to go back! 

The mixed feelings were because: 
1. ) We were leaving within a few days (no time to plan anything). 
2. ) My hubby planned and bought the whole trip. Where in the world were we staying??
3. ) I usually buy new clothes before I travel on major vacations. What the heck??
4. ) I'm wondering if he remembered that we need flight tickets. ;)
Row NYC. Front Entrance.
     As it turns out, he did lots of research, found a FABULOUS Hotel in the heart of Times Square and got an excellent deal on Priceline.com.  I've never used Priceline.com so I almost freaked when he told me that part. I always book everything through my handy dandy travel agent Main Street Memories.

     We stayed at Row NYC and I really cannot say enough good things about this hotel. As soon as we arrived, we instantly felt welcomed to and were treated with the friendliest staff! I dug around a little bit on their website and found out that this hotel is a timeless icon in the heart of Times Square. Through the years it has had the names, Lincoln, the Manhattan, and the Milford Plaza. Now it is forever known as Row NYC!!

Wondering what you experience at Row NYC??
You'll have a front row view to the middle of it all Рand you wouldn't want it any other way. Next, an influential place where of-the-moment urban design, art, culture and taste conquer all. Must-haves? An endlessly lounge-worthy lobby & statement spaces, artfully adorned (of course) in sleek stainless steel, wood and glass. Positively plush rooms made for unwinding Рboasting white-hot hues & Manhattan-inspired d̩cor. Throw in a walking tour at every corridor through street artist photography, tantalizing NYC sourced eats and a cocktail (or three) for good measure. Now, things are really rolling Рand not only because the nearest subway is across the street. Ready to get started? Welcome to a hotel that's more New York than New York Рthe Row NYC.

Located at 700 8th Ave. New York, NY,
smack in the heart of  Manhattan's Theatre District.
Looking out to the city.
Love the graphics on the walls!
#TheCityThatNeverSleeps
Modern ammenities.

The view from my room. Looking down into the Theatre District.

More of the view from my room. 

Looking down from my room. I spy the Shake Shack!!

Such a cool and super quick elevator system.
Please Do Not Disturb me in the Landau Wool Co. :)
     I really enjoyed taking in all of the sights inside of the hotel..time to hit the streets! The big apple is calling my name!! I left my hotel, walked a city block and was right in the heart of Times Square! HELLLLLLOOOO NYC!! I've been waiting to meet you!!! And I'm starving. Where's the pizza????

Row NYC located one block from Times Square!  
     Found it!!! I've died and gone to Pizza Heaven. My first slice of New York Pizza came from Ray's. I think I spent the rest of the weekend trying every other pizza joint in town.
New York pizza on every corner. The runner in me is not complaining!
I love my carbs...especially with Feta Cheese and Spinach. :)
     After we grabbed pizza, we decided to walk around and check out what else was close to our room. Ummmm. EVERYTHING in NYC is close to our room! I had been telling my hubby that I had to see Central Park.  We walked over and didn't even scratch the surface on it. It's huge!  FYI...I WILL spend more time there on my next trip. One afternoon in Central Park was definitely not enough. This might just be one of my most favorite places that I've ever been. I could run here for hours everyday. #LovedItSoMuch.
Total tourist pic in Central Park.
     Heading back towards our room and ready for a night on the town! I'm loving the busy-ness of this city. I live in a tiny tiny two red-light town where no one is driving around past 10pm. And I mean no one! Somehow, I have planted myself in small town Alabama (probably because I was born and raised in Alabama. duh. ) but the gyspy heart in me likes to roam around. That's one thing that drives my hubby crazy. I'm not just a runner, I'm a destination runner. I've always got a few trips on the books. Always. I start twitching if I'm home for too long. There's too much world out there for me to see and one day I'm gonna see it all!

I walked around the hotel and took a few pics. Take a look!
The inside view of the lobby. 
Super trendy internet bar inside the front lobby.  
Complimentary Wifi @Row NYC. 
Retro meets Modern.
Row NYC.
     I stopped for my coffee each morning in the District M. area. At night it evolves into a fabulous bar/lounge area. I loved this part of the hotel even though I'm not a drinker....what a great place to just sit and chill out!



District M:  A European express cafe by day, a Neapolitan pizza bar and cocktail lounge by night
District M am:
Whether you are an early bird executive needing your latte, or a jet lagged traveler sneaking in breakfast just before noon, District M has exactly what you need.  Start your morning with one of a dozen sweet and savory pastries from some of NYC’s finest European bakeries-Payard, Balthazar and Pain d’Avignon.  In addition, District M serves hot steel cut oats, granola, fresh fruits and berries, Greek yogurt, boiled farm eggs, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, and a full European coffee program.
District M pm:
District M comes alive in the evening hours featuring a commissioned digital art gallery by paparazzo extraordinaire, Ron Galella . The digital gallery will present still photographs capturing the hedonistic heyday of New York City during the late seventies and early eighties.
The specialty cocktail list and wine and craft beer menu brings guests the best of the US and regional New York, while also highlighting international greats.  The dinner menu is simple and flawlessly executed to give diners a casual, yet high quality experience with a hand-selected cheese program from the famed Murray’s cheese shop in Greenwich Village, prized domestic and international charcuterie, and their signature Neapolitan-style, hand-stretched pizzas in unique and crave-worthy combinations like pepperoni, fresh basil and white truffle oil–or melted leek, roasted mushrooms and Fontina cheese.  Diners can finish with a dish of Affogato–hand made cream gelato topped with a shot of La Colombe espresso–or with perhaps just one more of the 7 specialty cocktails created just for District M.
Lounge area. 
Bar area.
     One of the highlights of my trip was a night on the town courtesy of Row NYC! Tonight we are #MoreNYThanNY!!
The Late Show with David Letterman just a few blocks away.
Soon to be vintage. :(
This is happening just around the corner from my room. Denzel on Broadway!
I {heart} Denzel.
      First, we headed to Zagara Ristorante Wine Bar in the Chelsea district for an excellent Italian dinner. I loved the quaint ambiance of Zagara....cozy elegant setting with delicious food.  We had Octopus, eggplant, lobster...oh my! See Zagara Wine Bar entire menu here.


Headed to the Chelsea district.
The outside of Zagara Wine Bar and Restaurant.

     Urban, sophisticated and lively, Zagara Chelsea is energetic and chic. Zagara is the Restaurant and wine bar where friends come together to enjoy the warm Mediterranean atmosphere. Welcoming ambiance meets fresh, local harvest produce and exquisite, hand-crafted wines within our elegant interior. It is a landing place after a busy day, an alluring location for a business lunch or dinner, a romantic setting for a date night or a festive location for a group party. No matter the occasion, you are always welcome at Zagara. Here, you will experience the “modern Mediterranean”, both in culinary expertise as well as authentic hospitality. Our aim is to transport you into our exotic culture.

Loved the ambiance.
Zagara Wine Bar and Restaurant.
The hubby and I enjoying a super yummy meal at Zagara.
Appetizer: Grilled Mediterranean Octopus with Radicchio & Endive Salad.
Appetizer: Tagliere di Salumi e Formaggi Italiani
(AKA Italian Cheeses & Cold Cuts with Italian Olives)
Hubby's Entree. Paccheri alla Norma (Aka Eggplant Parmesan)
My entree. Lobster and Risotto...Not sure of the fancy name. :)
I'm pretty sure that it was offered on the special for the evening menu. 
     I was thoroughly impressed with the selection and varieties of foods on the menu at Zagara. All were very tasty. I have to brag on the grilled octopus just a bit. I'm from South and I eat along the gulf Coast ALOT....this was very good.  
    For my entree,  I didn't realize that the sauce that was mixed in with my risotto was a red pasta sauce. I'm not a huge fan of red sauces so I won't be ordering that entree on my next trip to this restaurant. However, in saying that, it was still delicious (I'm just not crazy about red sauce). My hubby was down with it.

     Next Stop. Gotham Comedy Club. We were treated to a preferred VIP seat starring comedian Christian Finnegan.  This guy was a native New Yorker with native New York humor. He was a funny dude but I was just praying that he didn't figure out that I was from Alabama! He could have done a whole show about me. Two Words: Southern Accent. :)



      This was the sign hanging in the lobby before you walk into the seating area.  Supposedly, there is a legendary stain on this sign from where Jerry Seinfeld spilled his drink. Who knows if that's true or not, but hey, I'm on vacation and I'm not from here so I'm sure they are loving telling me that story. That reminds me, I need to google that little tidbit of Gotham Comedy Club rumor information. #Sucker.


The stage and seating area.
Gotham Comedy Club.
New York City. 
It's hard to tell in this pic but right under the "O" is
where the damage was done to this sign by Mr. Seinfeld. ;)
The stage and seating area.
Gotham Comedy Club.
New York City.
     This was the point in the trip that my hubby almost flipped out! He planned this trip for me and he ended up being my VIP guest. :)))

     I keep telling him how lucky he is to be married to me, now I think he knows it.  Just kidding....I think we are both pretty lucky. We've come a LONG way baby! ;)
Welcome Card from Row NYC and #GothamComedyClub.
Tonight you are officially #MoreNYThanNY! LOVE!!
     We had a GREAT time on the town in NYC! As we were walking back to our room, I had to stop for a few corny photos! My poor hubby...He tolerates my silliness. Thankfully for his sake, I have lots more that I would never post for the public to see. He tells me..."Baby, you're just not right." Ha!

Tacky Gift Shop Statue of Liberty pic. Yep, I'm from Alabama!
     We finished the weekend out seeing all of the sights of NYC. We took the Redline Tour bus, visited the Lovely Lady Liberty, visited the 911 Memorial, went on a night tour of Brooklyn, China town, took in a Broadway play (We saw Rocky) and of course hung out in Times Square for the majority of the time. I think we must have gone in the Disney Store a million times (They all knew that I was a runDisney runner by the end of the weekend). LOL. That was my hubby's homebase restroom. #SafeRestroomSyndrome
     Again, I just cannot say enough good things about my experience with Row NYC! They were truly fabulous hosts from the moment we arrived in NYC until the time we left! And no, I did NOT want to leave!!! I am hoping to return to New York City later in the year so that I can watch my sister run the 2014 TCS NYC Marathon. I am still praying that somehow just somehow I will get a spot and be able to run it too! I will be trained so I could hop in with her, no prob!

      If it works out that I am back in NYC for the Marathon, there is no doubt that I will be staying at Row NYC. If not, 2015 NYC Marathon, Here I come!! I will be back soon to get my run on the streets of NYC! I am forever #MoreNYThanNY. :)

Make sure to follow Row NYC on FacebookTwitterInstagram, PinterestGoogle PlusYoutube and follow the Hashtag #MoreNYThanNY!

**What are some of your must-do's in NYC??