Fall for these Skin Care Tips for Autumn Outdoor Lovers

 This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

I’ve been on a skin care and over wellness kick as I transition out of summer into fall. Especially since we just returned from a Mexico trip a couple weeks ago where I enjoy ALL the sun, and ate ALL the things! It was quite a treat to return home, to a box loaded with some of the latest, greatest products designed to help mid-life me live my best life! Read on for my fall skin care tips and how you can incorporate these products into your life.

Check out the “trailer” for all these great products that will help you optimize your health, wellness and beauty this fall!

Remember to Protect Yourself in the Sun

Despite the weather cooling off a bit, the sun can still be shining something fierce and lull you into a false sense of security. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun even gets through and damage your skin (and hair and eyes) on cloudy days. And because the weather is so mild and beautiful (isn’t it an amazing time of year?!), we are all probably spending more time outdoors. So, if you’re heading out for a run, hike or to watch your favorite sports team play outdoors, make sure you are taking proactive, preventative measures by wearing sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and long sleeves, if the weather permits.

Get Your Glow Growing from the Inside

Biosil ® Liquid Capsules.
Take two tiny Biosil liquid capsules a day (AM/PM) to help get your glow on!

In addition to preventative skin measures in the sun, you can also take care of your skin, hair and nails from the “inside out,” thanks to Biosil ® Liquid Capsules. After age 21, your body’s collagen production starts to decline – and UVR from the sun is no friend of keeping collagen, elastin and keratin fabulous over time. Ugh, that’s a real bummer for year-round sun worshipers like myself. But Biosil can help skin, hair, nails and joints that are suffering the effects of diminished collagen production.

Interestingly, Biosil isn’t actually collagen product like the powders and other supplements that are touted, but instead a clinically-proven supplement backed by my 25+ years and $20 million of research into how it can help your body generate more of its own collagen and protect what you already have.

The vegan-friendly capsules are clear, tiny and easy to swallow, and contain the liquid Biosil formula. As directed, I take two capsules a day, one in the morning and one in the evening.  Taking care of my joints is priority number one with me, but also, I appreciate how Biosil also helps elastin and keratin become more resilient and make wrinkles and fine lines soften and hair and nails thicker and stronger – and joints happier! You can learn more HERE.

Take Care of Previous “Sins of the Sun” at Home

Medpeel Professional Strength Dark Spot Corrector Brightening Serum Save 20% with code BABBLE20 at MedPeel.com (valid 10/1/22 to 12/31/22)
Medpeel Cark Spot Corrector is my new best friend!

If you’re like me, and getting a big older, you may have started noticing dark spots on your face . . . and chest and hands (for me). These dark age spots (or “liver spots” as my grandmother called them –ewww), are from cumulative UV damage from the sun, and can also be exacerbated by a genetic predisposition. Well, that’s no fun. I don’t have the time to sit around in a med spa or funds for any laser type treatments to zap them away – so I was THRILLED to find Medpeel Professional Strength Dark Spot Corrector Brightening Serum that is clinical strength, but safe enough for me to use at home. This easy to apply serum can fade dark spots with visible results and make skin tone more luminous overall in as little as 14 days.

Use up to twice daily, after cleaning, exfoliating and toning face with the products of your preference. Then rub in a few drops of the concentrated serum at problem areas (or honestly all over the tops of my hands and full face) and the finish with a sunscreen (SEE, ya need to keep up with the sunscreen). The active ingredient is Alpha Arbutin, a molecule extracted from the bearberry plant which helps prevent the formation of too much melanin which causes these dark spots. Alpha Arbutin is very gentle and kind to the skin and I am not noticing any irritation at all.

Save 20% with code BABBLE20 at MedPeel.com (valid 10/1/22 to 12/31/22)

Get Enough Sleep – 7 to 8 Hours Please

September though the end of the year is a VERY busy time of year. Back-to-school season, along with all the extra-curriculars that come along with busy family life. Work can be ramping up as the final fiscal quarters close out, and deadlines are a plenty. Plus, my running season is ramping up which means more early morning trainings and additional stress put on my body. All these factors may be wreaking havoc on your sleep hygiene – most of us need at least 7 to 8 hours to function optimally! Poor sleep can cause stress hormones to go crazy, and that’s just not good for your skin an overall well-being. So, turn off media an hour before bed, start a relaxing routine (like maybe pamper yourself with a warm bath!)

Exfoliate & Relax with a Seasonally-Inspired Home Spa Treatment

The autumn Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub scents are ahhh-mazing and my skin is too!
The autumn Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub scents are ahhh-mazing and my skin is too!

So, hey! Why not pamper yourself before bed, as mentioned with a nice calming bath, long warm shower, or some other spa-like, out-of-your-norm special treatment? I love using Tree Hut’s Shea Sugar Scrubs — they have an array of delicious scents that will evoke and seasonal mood! This autumn, I’m falling for Tree Hut’s newest Shea Sugar Scrubs — Pumpkin Spice Latte and Velvet Coffee. I can scrub away all that yucky dry skin from my summer adventures to uncover glowing, hydrated skin thanks to the good-for-me ingredients that leave my skin so happy and feeling fab. The Pumpkin Spice Latte scrub smells divine, wafting of pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and orange zest! The nutmeg seed powder acts as an anti-inflammatory to help calm the skin. The Velvet Coffee scrub has me buzzing with excitement because the infusion of caffeine helps to firm and tighten the skin topically while the coffee arabica seed is an effective exfoliant. Plus, it smells like a mug of blissful caramel maple coffee!

In addition, an, these products are also a great way to exfoliate my hands and face before I use the Medpeel Brightening Serum mentioned earlier.

Eat Well! Treat Yourself, but Remember Balance & Moderation

Use code FALLBOX25 on corefoods.com to save 25%
CORE Bar is an ideal snack before my workout & the limited-edition pumpkin spice is YUM!

I’m not a denier. That surprises people, since I’ve been lean my whole life. I say eat a little bit of the treat, it will satisfy you and you’ll be less likely to eat the whole package of “whatever” later. In the fall, the choices for goodies really REALLY ramps up – I’m mean, the Halloween candy alone . . .not to mention all the pies and candies coming up over the holidays. Growing up, my mom would tell me that too much sugar was bad for my skin. Not sure if that’s true, but I do know that drinking enough water and making clean, wholesome food choices most of the time does help with clear, bright, happy skin.

As mentioned, I will have a bit of sweets, if they are around. But I also like to keep healthy bars on hand to curb any cravings in a more mindful way. A favorite is CORE’S newest Pumpkin Spice Bars featuring the taste of warm cinnamon and spices and pumpkin with every yummy bite. In addition to the great taste and texture, I appreciate the quality, plant-based, wholesome ingredients in these bars that offer 6g fiber, 6g protein and immunity support. It’s the perfect bar to fuel up before my run or workout!

Use code FALLBOX25 on corefoods.com to save 25%

Does Spartan Race Have Water Stations or do I Need a Hydration Pack?

Spartan Race discount code 2026: UBST26-355637C - Valid on: • Spartan Sprint, Stadion, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids. • Tough Mudder 5k, Tough Mudder 15k, Tough Mudder Infinity. • Endurance events • Trail events. • DEKAFIT events.

For elite races gunning for a podium spot, hydration can make or break a race. And for us middle- and back-of-the-pack runners, drinking enough liquids on the course can also help keep fatigue, muscle cramps and lack luster performance at bay.  

Save 20% on any US Spartan race, Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids and Hurricane Heat ALSO GOOD ON MERCHANDISE and NUTRITION  Use code SAP-936039P at https://affiliate.spartan.com/thefitfork
POV: I should have stopped at the Spartan on-course water stations!

So, the question on pretty much every runner’s mind is – “Does Spartan have water stations?”  and/or  “Should I wear a hydration pack at Spartan race”? The official answer on-course water taken from the Spartan.com help desk is:

“We have water and aid stations on every course. During a 5K Sprint, we may only have one aid station halfway through the course. During a longer race, like a Super or a Beast, we will provide up to 4 aid stations. We do not provide food or gels, so please plan to bring your own.”

Spartan Race

Additionally, based on my experience, there is almost always free spartan water station made available at a table close to the start corral. Taking a few small paper cups of water here is a great way to top off your tank, without drinking too much, too early and circling back over and over again to the porta-potty station. If you’ve raced much at all, you may have your own hydration strategy, but this is mind (as a non-hydration pack wearer):

Spartan Race Hydration Plan

BEFORE (24 to 48 hours prior to start): Ensure that I am properly hydrated throughout the day (check out my  previous post “50 Shades of Pee” ), so that I don’t go into a race setting already flirting with dehydration.

BEFORE (2 to 3 hours prior to start): As soon as I wake up on race day, I start hydrating again and cut it off an hour before the start line so that I have time to empty my bladder.

 BEFORE (15 minutes prior to start) : Drink about 6 to 8 ounces from the start-line table.

DURING (as available in race): Drink at EVERY water station on the course.  I figure it may slow me down a bit, but in the end, I will be faster from taking care of my body’s needs.  Experts suggest drinking about 4 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes in a race which is a little harder when not wearing a hydration vest. Exact hydration needs can vary by the weather and other factors like a person’s size and environmentally-evolved or genetic propensity to sweat. But since I’m not a “super sweat-er,” I can get by with drinking about 6 ounces at every stop (about 2 to 3 little paper cups). Your needs may be different.

AFTER (immediately after finishing race): Right after the race, start replacing lost fluids. Spartan always has both an electrolyte-replacement drink and water option available as you exit through the finish chute. My advice is to take both. Additionally, you can find water stations throughout the festival area to get refills or visit sponsor tables that often also have cold drinks.

AFTER (next 24 hours): Continue to hydrate, without forcing water, for the few hours and day until urine returns to a light straw yellow color, or clearer. (see chart)

50 Shades of Pee - Urine Hydration Check - TheFitFork.com

Also, Spartan race always has provided participants a post-race Spartan Drink Ticket in their pick-up packet that is good for one beer or seltzer (seems to vary on what’s being offered). Be mindful to your body’s needs and drink that after you’ve had the water and electrolyte drink – alcohol can be dehydrating! Visit Spartan.com for more Spartan Hydration Tips

Save 20% on any US Spartan race, Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids and Hurricane Heat ALSO GOOD ON MERCHANDISE and NUTRITION  Use code SAP-718613Z at spartan.com
Save your beer or seltzer until you’ve rehydrated with water and/or a sports drink!

Get 20% off any U.S. Spartan Race: Sprint, Stadion, Super, Beast, Ultra Beast, Trail, Kids and Hurricane Heat! All Heats! Sign Up Today! — Use Spartan code: UBST24-TK88D27

Hydration Vests for Spartan Race

Save 20% on spartan race code: UBST24-TK88D27

Stadion, Sprint and Super Spartan Race distances are shorter, ranging from 5k to 10k in total distance and it’s pretty easy to get the water you need on course. However, for longer races like Beast, Ultra Beast and Hurricane Heat, there is a high probability (especially in the latter two) that you will have trouble meeting your body’s hydration needs. Or, if the forecast is very hot or you sweat profusely out of the norm, you may have issues. That’s when it’s a good idea to wear a hydration vest for the duration of the race.

There are so many types and styles of hydration vests, hydration packs, ergonomic carry-along water bottles and more – enough to fill up another post. But I’ve listed a few popular options here:

Save 20% on any US Spartan race, Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids and Hurricane Heat ALSO GOOD ON MERCHANDISE and NUTRITION  Use code SAP-936039P at https://affiliate.spartan.com/fishermerchandise

The SPARTAN by Weis Simer Hydration Vest was designed by a team of athletes, adventurers and long-distance runners who understand that details can make or break a race, a workout or a long run.  This vest was designed to withstand the toughest conditions while maximizing comfort, hydration and performance. $98 *Flasks sold separately

Save 20% on Spartan gear use code SAP-718613Z https://affiliate.spartan.com/fishermerchandise

Spartan by Craft Hydration Belt – a smart option for shorter races or when you know you have a spot to stop for refills. Lightweight mesh material, adjustable buckles, one zippered pocket for storage. $35

Another way to be proactive about your health and wellness before a Spartan Race be proactive about your electrolytes.

Save 20% on any US Spartan race, Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids and Hurricane Heat ALSO GOOD ON MERCHANDISE and NUTRITION  Use code SAP-718613Z
spartan.com

Being hydrated is NOT just about drinking enough water or fluids, it also has to do with maintaining proper balance of the essential minerals needed by your body. The Spartan 6-hour Hydration Tablets, make tending to this task easier with time-released, balanced electrolytes that are free of the sugar, weird flavors, strange colors and junk found in some sports drinks. My husband is a “super sweat-er” and is a 1000% fan, not just for race day, but in daily training too.  

Spartan Race discount code 2026: UBST26-355637C – Valid on: • Spartan Sprint, Stadion, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids. • Tough Mudder 5k, Tough Mudder 15k, Tough Mudder Infinity. • Endurance events • Trail events. • DEKAFIT events.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Improving Blood Oxygen Levels to Optimize Energy, Performance and Recovery in 50+ Year-old Athlete

This post is sponsored by Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000.

Today, I’m sharing with you my thoughts on and experiences with Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000, a dietary supplement that caught my attention as a safe, smart and simple way to improve my energy, performance, and recovery as Master’s level athlete and all-around active person over 50 years old.

Synthesit Oxygen Force 1000 iron supplement - Improving Blood Oxygen Levels to Optimize Energy, Performance and Recovery in 50+ Year-old Athlete
Save $10 code: JEN1000

What is Synthesit?

Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000 is a dietary supplement with the innovative bioactive mineral based on iron. It is intended to boost new blood stem cells production, restore circulation and increase blood oxygen level to as high as 100%. As a result, it gives you energy and strength to live life to the fullest. You can save $10 with code JEN1000

This particular dietary supplement stands apart from other common iron supplements. Synthesit is obtained using proprietary productions methods that result in superior absorption and increased red blood cells production.  It literally rejuvenates the body. 

Synthesit Oxygen Force 1000 iron supplement - Improving Blood Oxygen Levels to Optimize Energy, Performance and Recovery in 50+ Year-old Athlete
Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000 is helping me maintain my strength and energy.

Why do I need Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000 as an athlete?

In addition to Synthesit’s effects, like enhanced creation of blood cellular components, it also efficiently restores iron in the body and has no toxic effects. As a quickie science refresher, iron is needed to replenish the constant turnover of red blood cells (at the rate of 1% a day) and to keep this troop of tiny oxygen-deliverers adequately stocked with hemoglobin. Common ways athletes lose Iron is through sweat, GI-distress, even foot strike.

We need iron from food and supplements to be well absorbed. Absorption depends both on intestinal function and the quality of food. The better tissues and blood are supplied with oxygen, the better is intestinal function AND iron absorption. But, if your body doesn’t have enough iron, the blood oxygen level is also insufficient. Synthesit Oxygen Force helps to break this vicious cycle: “no iron — no oxygen, no oxygen — no iron.” 

Without oxygen moving from your lungs to every part of your body via the red blood cells, organs and tissues are not able to perform as they should, let alone at the optimal capacity demanded by the rigorous training schedule of an athlete.

A diet lacking in iron-rich foods, deficient in vitamins that are “helpers” to iron, or certain drugs that leach or prevent absorption can also be an issue.  Plus, menstruation and pregnancy have an impact on iron stores for female athletes. I have a past blog post regarding iron and runners, check it out HERE.

What are the health-supporting benefits of Synthesit for older athletes?

Your body’s ability to incorporate iron into red blood cells becomes less effective as it ages and tissue respiration decreases (athlete or not) on top of all the other issues descripted in the last section (like sweat, diet, drugs, etc.).  Having lower iron levels is all linked to declines in muscle strength, energy levels, recovery, mental abilities, and other issues which all affect training and staying well. But iron that is not absorbed creates free radicals which we don’t want either for the reason of different age-related health concerns.  Too little iron is bad, too much is bad – what do you do?  That’s where Synthesit can help.

Its superior absorption and an ability to boost new blood stem cell production allows you to exercise as if you were decades younger.  Synthesit simply gives the body resources for that: better blood oxygenation, new blood cells and better viscosity.  This keeps your blood young, with healthy iron levels, which eventually can help heal all tissues and organs. As mentioned, Synthesit is produced via a proprietary method which makes it a game changer for older body or any body, to help you feel and perform your best.

Because the blood quality can contribute to age-related health issues, keeping your blood within optimal condition is worth a discussion with your health care provider to figure out what’s right for you.

By the way, Synthesit isn’t designed exclusively for athletes, actually it has broad-spectrum benefits for anyone looking to improve vitality, energy, stamina, and general well-being as they age. It can help stabilize blood pressure; improve the health of damaged organs, musculoskeletal and skin regeneration through improved microcirculation; and support improved cognition among a range of other benefits. 

Synthesit Oxygen Force 1000 iron supplement - Improving Blood Oxygen Levels to Optimize Energy, Performance and Recovery in 50+ Year-old Athlete
My husband is using Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000 too!

How do I take Synthesit and is it safe?

It’s easy to use Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000, simply add one capsule to your daily routine, ideally before breakfast. For best results, take at least 90 days and science shows that new blood stem cells take about 3 months to turn over. I was very happy to find that taking the supplement on an empty stomach did NOT make me feel queasy as most other iron supplements have in the past. One capsule is the recommended dose and it contains 1000mcg of the mineral based on iron (which equals 1mg).

According the National Institutes of Health (see Iron Fact Sheet), Men over 19 need 8mg a day, Women ages 19-50 need 18mg a day, Women 51 and older need 8mg a day, and Pregnant Women need 27 mg a day.

Taking a supplement is not meant to be a replacement for eating a balanced, healthy diet, but when dosed properly can help you fill in any gaps. Synthesit also helps you to absorb vitamins and minerals from your food.

Synthesit is safe to take “forever,” as an essential daily mineral for health. However, Synthesit is only indented for adults, and you should consult your doctor before use If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition or suspected medical condition.

Yoga side plank with prAna, use code ESJFF15 to save 15% at prAna.com

What is my personal experience with Synthesit?

I have not yet taken the supplement for 90 days (it takes 3 months for the new blood stem cells to turn over), but am seeing some initial results that may be linked to using Synthesit.  I am sleeping better, feel more alert in my day-to-day tasks, and feeling a little more energetic in my training sessions – it’s all interrelated, I know! I talked to my healthcare provider and will keep taking this product 1x per day, along with eating a healthy, balanced diet, as I continue to keep up my demanding training schedule and also transition through menopause (not quite there yet). I did appreciate that I noticed absolutely no nausea upon taking the supplement, which has been a big issue of mine with other iron supplements or multi-vitamins containing iron.

Disclaimer: Synthesit is a dietary supplement made with imported ingredients in an FDA-approved facility in the USA. The health statements here and on their website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice from your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Carefully read all product documentation. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your regular health care provider. For adult use only. Please keep away from children, accidental iron poisoning is a leading cause of death in children under age 6. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Live Life Fully, Don’t Stress Little Problems! Mind & Body Products to Help

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx #TENApartner

Living life to the fullest reaps so many rewards and opportunities.  You love more, you feel more, you see more, you do more, you move more, you give more.  But living life, in general, creates little “issue areas” that can put a damper on ‘seizing the day’ if you allow it.

Mind and Body products to help with life's little issue areas.

Check out four life “issue areas” for me and the mind and body products I’ve been using to help me keep my self-confidence at 100% so that I can live my 110% best life!   

NO MORE GETTING HANGRY

Pursing all the things I love (plus life’s obligations) sometimes gets my schedule overbooked and puts me on the go-go-go. In the past, this has led to a skipped meal or not having time to grab a post-workout snack. Missed opportunities for nourishment and refueling are not good for my general health and wellness. Getting hangry between meals is the WORST – not just for my body, but for friends, family and innocent bystanders.  However, when I make a priority of eating to fuel my goals and staying on top of timing my protein through the day, life is GOOD!  Point of reference, I try to get 25-30g protein at each meal, and 10g for snacks.  

Nutrition products for Tone it Up are delicious., plant-based and offer a great way to boost protein intake for the day.  Try the protein cookies and protein bars.
Protein Bars and Protein Cookies from Tone It Up

Tone It Up nutrition products helps me meet my snack-time protein goals and soothes my notorious sweet tooth in a better way. The Plant-Based Protein Snickerdoodles Cookies has a sweet cinnamon flavor and soft-baked texture, offering 10g of protein and 170 calories per serving.  The Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are light and crispy, and seemingly decadent while actually a great pick-me-up snack with 10g protein and 170 calories per serving. Tone it up products are plant-based dairy-free, gluten-free and never made with sugar alcohols.

NO MORE ANNOYINGLY DRY SKIN

Every woman wants to feel presentable, if not absolutely fabulous – am I right?!  But I am plagued with dry skin, especially coming out of cold weather. After a winter of sitting in front of my space heater all day, these legs of mine look like old, dried-up elephant hides. With shorts-season underway and a bikini-baring trip to Mexico this week, I needed to feel fabulous again STAT!

TreeHut Strawberr Shea Sugar Scrub - I love this body scrub with Vit C and BHA to naturally keep skin smooth.
Tree Hut Strawberry Shea Sugar Scrub

Thanks to Tree Hut Strawberry Sugar Scrub, I’ve been able to exfoliate my legs (and arms and feet) into silky smoothness. Plus, I love that fresh, summery scent of strawberry with hits of pineapple and peach. I feel confident using Tree Hut scrub, the company never skimps on good ingredients. For example, the top three ingredients in this scrub are sugar, shea butter and the natural compound BHA which penetrates into pores to more effectively reveal glowing skin. Additionally, it’s free of parabens, sulfates, alcohol, formaldehyde and is suitable for a vegan lifestyle.

NO MORE STRESSING OVER SCARS

If you are living life, it’s pretty hard not to get a scar. Collectively, there are something like 100 million new scars made per year, or so they say. I personally have a zillion and they sometimes make me feel awkward – at least, if I have to recount to stories of how I got them!  Whether it’s fresh new scar from something as simple as scraping your knee or an existing scar resulting from surgery, New Skin® Scar Fade™ is an easy, quick, and effective way to make scars less visible for adults. Use on new or existing scars from injury, surgery, burns, and stretch marks. It is even safe to use on the face for acne scars.

New Skin Scar Fade

I’ve been using my New Skin® Scar Fade™ in three places — a NEW long scrape scar down the front of my shin, an older thick scar on my arm from a fall, and a raised scar under my chin left from stitches.  The silicone gel of Scar Fade provides greater efficacy than the “combo” ingredient products that exist today and clinical results showed users to have an 86% reduction in texture, 84% reduction in color and 68% reduction in height of scars.  I haven’t been using long enough to give a before-and-after report, but I can say that I’m already seeing and feeling good results!

NO MORE AWKWARD BLADDER SITUATIONS

I sometimes pee myself a little, involuntarily. There, I said it. Initially, this problem arose with the pregnancy, birth, post-partum process from three nine-pound babies. With one delivery, I suffered a urethral tear, and that definitely didn’t help the situation.  This was about a 15-year time chunk of my life where I suffered with prolapse and incontinence. You can search the blog, I’ve written about it before – and how I finally, mostly healed under my own volition, with time and with exercises to improve muscle weaknesses! However, I do notice that hormones also tend to play a big role in leakage for me, certain times in the month. And now that I’m flirting with menopause, I’m experiencing this problem just a little more frequently again.  

TENA Intimates pads help with incontinence and light bladder leakage you may be experiencing with pregnancy, post partum or in premenopause or menopause
TENA Intimates Pads

But instead of being embarrassed or not living life, I just dealt with it (and sometimes still do) as needed, and then move on to live life. So should you!  In fact, if you are a woman in North America, chances are 1 in 3 that you suffer from urinary incontinence, you are not alone! It annoys me that there is a stigma attached to this – a woman’s body is always evolving and, as I mentioned for me, the post-partum and menopause years are two life stages when this can be the biggest issue. TENA Intimates pads offer a solution you can feel confident using and have been gynecologically tested. The pads are made with super absorbent materials that help lock away moisture from your skin, preventing irritation and discomfort. This breathability also helps control odor.

Use code TENA10 for 10% off any TENA Intimates Pads product.

Nutritious Pantry Staples for Quick Meals & Snacks

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

March is National Nutrition Month. It’s a great time to become better informed about your food choices and make any tweaks necessary to support healthful eating that fuels your body and goals.

March is National Nutrition Month, a great time make informed food choices and add better-for-you staples to the pantry. Find out my must-have condiments, prepped whole grains, and nuts I keep on hand for easy meal and snack making.

For example, my goal is to eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits and veggies, and whole-grain carbs to give me enough energy to perform my runs and workouts along with the proper nutrients to recover quickly. I like making homemade meals, but often convenience is king. However, I’m not willing to scrap my nourishing meals for takeout, so I keep my pantry stocked with quality convenience foods, condiments and better-for-me snacks to help ensure success.

Nutritious Pantry Staples for Quick Meals & Snacks  

is Organic Coconut Aminos from Coconut Secret -- organic, non GMO, lower sodium, soy free. A great substitute for soy sauce.
Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos are a lower sodium, soy-free way to add flavor!

Coconut Aminos: One of my must-have pantry staples is Organic Coconut Aminos from Coconut Secret. For those of you who don’t do soy products or are being mindful of salt consumption, this soy sauce alternative really delivers that slightly sweet yet savory punch of umami you crave from a condiment. Made from hand-harvested, naturally fermented organic coconut blossoms, the only other ingredient in Coconut Aminos, is just a hint of sea salt. Coconut Aminos has 72% less sodium than the leading soy sauce brand. It’s also gluten-free, msg-free, has no added sugar, and is Whole30 approved. A 1:1 ratio soy sauce replacement, I use Organic Coconut Aminos in so many ways including in my ramen bowls, in marinades and glazes for grilling and oven roasting, and in veggie skillets.

Mighty Sesame Organic Tahini is a delicious seed based product ready to drizzle on salads, sandwiches and more thanks to the awesome squirt bottle.
I love how Might Sesame Co. Tahini comes in a squirt bottle – so convenient!

Tahini:  It’s amazing what kind of amazingly flavorful dishes you can create in a flash with a bottle of Mighty Sesame Organic Tahini. If you’re not familiar with tahini, it’s a creamy product made from sesame seeds. The squeeze-bottle on the Mighty Sesame Harissa Tahini is SO CONVENIENT and VERSATILE — it’s shelf-stable, always creamy, always drizzle-ready and is kicked up with a little bit of roasted chili pepper! There is no gunky stirring and spooning from a jar like I’ve persevered with other tahini brands. Perfect to drizzle on salads, grain bowls, tacos and raw veggie snacking for a boost of flavor, healthy fats and extra protein (7g per serving). Suitable for vegan, glute-free, dairy-free, kosher, and halal diets.

Minute rice cups and brown rice & quinoa cups can be made in 60 seconds. Simple ingredients, nothing artificial, no weird processing. The cups are BPA free and can be recycled.
Oh, hello! Wholesome whole grains in 60 seconds with Minute rice cups!

Pre-Cooked Grains: Keeping shelf-stable, pre-cooked grains (like rice and quinoa) in the pantry allows for quick, creative meal-making on even the busiest nights. I’ve stocked up with Minute rice cups, they are easily made in the microwave in about 60 seconds, perfectly portioned so I don’t overeat, and feature just quality rice – no weird chemicals, harmful ingredients, or weird processing methods. Even the plastic cups are BPA-free and can be recycled.  The Minute Basmati microwavable rice cups offer that nutty, aromatic rice experience that’s hard to resist and Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa microwavable rice cups have a delightful texture with chewy brown rice and crunchy quinoa. Both are non-GMO, preservative-free, MSG-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. These easy rice cups are a smart and simple way to add the beneficial nutrients, like fiber from whole grains, into your busy lifestyle.

Looking for a vegan nutella? Classic Hazelnut Spread from Nutiva is a win-win with delicious creamy hazelnut taste and 40% less sugar than the leading brand.
Yes, please! Nutiva Hazelnut Spread with 40% less sugar than the leading brand.

Nut-based Spreads: Naturally, almond butter, cashew butter and peanut butter are always stocked in my pantry – -but sometimes something chocolatey can really sooth that sweet tooth!  When cravings hit, I grab a jar of Nutiva Organic Classic Hazelnut Spread from the pantry. It’s creamy, it’s decadent-tasting, it’s delicious all while being a product I can feel good about eating. Not only does it have 40-percent less sugar that the leading brand (that’s huge!), it’s non-GMO, suitable for vegan diets and the hazelnuts are harvested in a way that is rainforest and orangutan safe.  My favorite ways to enjoy this vegan nutella -like spread is to smear it on whole-grain toast, drizzle on my oatmeal, or use as a dip for fruit!

Flavored nuts that are mess free? RECIPE 33 infused almonds are nutritious, delicious and don't leave unwanted residue on your fingers.
The first rule of game night is to always have nuts nearby! RECIPE 33 infused almonds keep my hands neat and are yummy to eat!

Nuts: I LOVE nuts, especially almonds! They store so well in the pantry and are a good source of grab-and-go nutrients including fiber, protein, vitamin e and more. A favorite brand is RECIPE 33 infused almonds, not only for the inherent benefits of nuts, but also because the are flavored yet mess free! A proprietary, small-batch process takes real ingredients to infuse flavor into each almond without artificial flavors or additives. The result is an amazingly flavorful snack that leaves no messy, oily, sticky or other unwanted residue on your hands. These mess free almonds are so perfect for squashing hunger when out and about (I keep a bag in my purse), on salads and other recipes, or for charcuterie boards!  Save $2 on any 4-ounce infused almond bag with code Try RECIPE33. SHOP HERE