Posts Tagged ‘review’

A New Greek Lover

I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour conducted by Clever Girls on behalf of Dannon. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program but my opinions are my own. 

For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.oikosyogurt.com or www.Facebook.com/oikos. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

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This morning when I went to make my breakfast, I wanted only one thing. And surprisingly it wasn’t more of the Mocha Oats (although amazing) from yesterday’s breakfast.

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The infatuation with my yogurt bowls has returned! Since it’s a rest day and I wasn’t having a quick pre-gym snack, I need breakfast stat after waking up. That meant no cooking. That meant tossing things willy nilly into a bowl – a sliced banana, some mixed nuts, peach flavored Greek yogurt, and some Fiber One 80 Honey Squares cereal.

If you have read my blog for a few months, then you know my adoration of a few things -

1) Greek yogurt
2) cereal
3) bananas
4) perfection of all together in one filling bowl for breakfast or snack

You also know that I have an affinity for a particular brand of Greek yogurt that shall remain nameless. Although, as Katy puts it, it made me a “CHO HO”. You’ve seen the pictures. Despite all that, I’m no “food snob” and will take someone up on their offer to show me there is more than one way to fill a yogurt bowl.

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Through the Clever Girl Collective network I had the chance to try Dannon Oikos Greek yogurt with it’s high claims of the following:

  • Dannon® Oikos® 0% Fat Berry Flavors beat Chobani 2-1 in a taste test!

I would be the judge of that! I tried any I could get my hands on. I hemmed. I hawed. I apparently turned 87 years old doing things like “hemming” and “hawing”.

I cooked with the yogurts….

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Fresh Peach Muffins

I used them as sour cream substitutes…

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I ate them straight up or with a basic handful of my favorite granola…

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I made a “yoatgurt” (yogurt mixed with my oatmeal…the closest thing to overnight oats you will see me eat)…

chocolate raisin oats

…and as the yogurt bowl breakfast I shared at the start of this post.

And after all of that, I finally came to a few conclusions. A penny for my thoughts? Here’s the breakdown:

Pros

  • not-runny! (the thick consistency makes for a filling, satisfying yogurt)
  • a variety of flavors (even Black Cherry!)
  • Dannon® Oikos® 0% varieties contain active yogurt cultures and range from 80 calories (Plain) to 130 calories (Fruit on the Bottom) per 5.3 oz. cup.
  • comparable nutrition stats – 12 g protein, 20 g carbohydrates (mostly from natural milk/fruit sugars), 0-3 g fat (depending on variety)
  • the honey and berry flavors really are VERY good tasting

Cons

  • slightly smaller size – 5.3 oz instead of a full 6 oz comparatively
  • some flavors too sweet – the non-berry fruit flavors (like peach) are sweeter than I think necessary

So, all this boils down to you will probably find some varieties of Dannon Oikos in my fridge (the honey flavor!) alongside some of my other favorite Greek yogurts (pineapple, hello?!). Or whatever is on sale. Or whatever I have coupons for.

  • What do you look for in a Greek yogurt? What is your favorite flavor?
  • Are you a “food snob” or a “brand snob” for any particular products? What?

Disclaimer: While I have partnered with Dannon in the Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt Series and been compensated for my time commitment to the program, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. You know my honesty!

Posted by on September 2nd, 2011 28 Comments

Running Etiquette–Potty Breaks?

Hey hey hey!!! How goes it? I’m doing well…although about ready to face plant into my pillow. I think I just may do that too. I have a long run tomorrow and we all know that busy life I lead needs some good rest. PS – Did you catch the giveaway in that busy life post? Hint hint. Wink wink.

Now onto the tough questions of life running etiquette. Yesterday afternoon I ran three miles. Whenever I run in the afternoon, my fuller bladder wants to go into overdrive on me. Towards the end of my run, I passed a gas station and really considered stopping in to use the facilities.

But then it hit me – I would only be stopping in to potty. I didn’t plan on buying any gas to go (have enough of that already) and didn’t even have any money on me.So, I told myself to keep it (the pee) to myself for another five minutes and wait to go at the end of my run. I had to stop in the store anyways to pick up some baby formula for B (that whole stopping nursing thing – which your comments blew me away over, so thanks!).

I almost faced a dire situation with my bladder bursting like a water balloon by the time I made it…but I made it. And felt reassured that I took advantage of a bathroom break where I planned to shop. Side note: You have no idea how good this wall of hydration looked after that run…

So, the dilemma – running etiquette: what are the parameters to using a public restroom? Help a girl out!

I do find it odd though that I worry about using the bathrooms but could care less about walking in to a public place smelling like a giant pit stain and looking like Clifford the Big Red Dog slobbered all over me.

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I will force my overly rank state of body on you, but don’t worry – I will be polite about using your potty. Ha! Now, come to think of it, these places probably wish I would either a) not come by at all or b) use the bathroom…as long as I use the sink for a quick wipe down. You should have seen the cashier’s face last night when I walked up. I truly think he grimaced. Perhaps I should start thinking of that running etiquette too? Winking smile 

On the bright side, I didn’t look completely like a drowned rat! I wore another piece from the Champion line of workout clothing I’m reviewing as part of their Shape Your Life program. You saw me hanging out in the clothes a bit earlier in the day, when I went to the park to play with the family.

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The Champion Double Dry V-Neck T-Shirt worked so well for me. I love that it contoured in all the right places for a flattering fit. It also felt extremely light and breathable, which I greatly appreciated both while playing with the kids at the park and when on my run in the afternoon heat. And I can say without a doubt that the moisture wicking capabilities are top notch! I love not having to run with a heavy, soaked cotton shirt. I now kind of want one in every color – Acid or Sequin Pink, please! Smile 

You also see me wearing the Smoothing Knee Pants in the above picture. I can give you my review of these real simply.

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Favorite. Workout. Pants. EVER!!!!! They make the booty look gooood with a little smoothing and lifting action. They move so well with the body and are tremendously comfortable. They fit at just the right height for me in the waist – enough to tuck things in and keep things smooth….but without feeling like grandma. The pants do come in a bit thicker material, which can make them a little more warm (I didn’t wear them on my run, for example), but for in the gym or when it isn’t Hades outside, I can’t go wrong with these. I have to keep myself from not plucking them out of the dirty laundry! But that doesn’t surprise you considering earlier parts of this post, does it? Ouch.

  • Running etiquette - what are the parameters to using a public restroom?
  • Will you go in public places sweaty after a workout?

The review in this post is sponsored by Champion and I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own. I only ever participate in programs that I see naturally fit my blog and that allow for honest feedback. Thanks!

Posted by on August 26th, 2011 53 Comments

 

 
Catch Up With Recent Posts

Announcement Time

Posted: November 23, 2011 at 7:47 am

Well, I have had a whirlwind of a few weeks over here. I missed all of you so much! I can’t express enough gratitude for your patience while I got some important things sorted out. Some scary things. Are you ready for the announcement? Here goes! I will no longer be blogging at Faith Fitness […]

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Self-Love Reflection: The Road Not Taken

Posted: November 20, 2011 at 11:47 am

Hello FFF readers! Nice to meet ya! My name is Carissa and my husband and I blog at Fit2Flex.  Well, I blog…he consults! We are both certified personal trainers with a passion for healthy, active living and clean eating.  I am also studying to become a registered dietitian, a race announcer, and a runner.  Stop […]

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Healthier Eating For Kids

Posted: November 19, 2011 at 10:56 am

Thanks to Plum Organics for sponsoring my post about tips for baby feeding magic. What if you let baby choose what’s for dinner? Check out their cute "Quest for Yum!" video and see what happens! As parents, we want the best for our children. We help them to feel loved. We strive to teach them […]

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Announcement

Posted: November 17, 2011 at 3:36 pm

Hey, everyone! I wanted to pop in and say I am working on some new and exciting changes.  As a result,I may not be posting as much during the coming week.  Please stay tuned for the big announcement! Love you all! And still feel free to find me on Twitter and Facebook for the time […]

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Where The Change Happens

Posted: November 16, 2011 at 7:54 am

It’s kind of funny. I become a certified personal trainer and the first workouts I turn to this week come from someone else. The book came in for me at the library last week and, after flipping through it, I couldn’t wait to give the circuits a go. Making The Cut includes a lot of […]

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From Beginning To End

Posted: November 15, 2011 at 11:53 am

Good morning! First off, thanks for the many congrats yesterday. Love you all bunches for the tons of support you have given me in so many things this year. I hope I can return a little bit of that love through this here blog as well. So yesterday I had my first parent-teacher “conference” for […]

55 CommentsRead more →