LARABAR review & giveaway!

I'm always on the lookout for delicious, healthy snacks. Which was why I jumped at the chance to work with...

After reading Jillian Michael's Master Your Metabolism, I learned how important it was to eat clean whole foods that are unprocessed, and worked at applying that to my diet. The great thing about LARABARS, is that they are unprocessed fruits, nuts, and spices that are ground and mixed together. 

What else do I love?

They are not baked or cooked. 

They are Gluten free, and all varieties without chocolate chips are Vegan.

They have no added vitamins, minerals or supplements. Only what the ingredients themselves contain.

There is no added sugar.

They will not freeze or melt.

I like to have half a bar as a pre-workout snack in the morning, or as an afternoon snack. I was fortunate to try a few fabulous flavors. Here they are in order of my favorites...

1. Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte

Simply dates, dairy free chocolate chips, almonds, unsweetened cherries, cashews & sea salt.
This is by far my favorite bar I tried. The tart flavor is amazing, and I love the chocolate chips inside.

2. Cappuccino

contains fair trade coffee, dates, almonds, cashews, & vanilla extract.

These bars provide a little zing of caffeine, and taste fabulous.

3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

contains dates, peanuts, dairy free chocolate chips, and sea salts.

Good peanut flavor with yummy chocolate. Isn't this a favorite combination for everyone?

4. Carrot Cake

dates, almonds, walnuts, raisins, pineapple, unsweetened coconut, carrots, cinnamon, and extra virgin coconut oil.

All that was missing was a cream cheese frosting. Delicious.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

cashews, dates, dairy free chocolate chips, and sea salt.

Not my favorite, but still a tasty option. I just didn't find it close enough to 'real' cookie dough.

Look at those ingredient lists.

simple. natural. whole foods.

Easier for our body to use as fuel.

Lara is a genius for creating these amazing bars with so few ingredients. I'm honestly amazed at how it all comes together to form the bar so well.

I want you to be able to snack & fuel smarter too, so LARABAR has offered a sampler pack to one lucky reader!

How to Win

please leave a separate comment for each entry

1. Be or become a follower of my blog!

2. Visit LARABAR HERE and tell me what flavor you think you'd want to try.

3. Like Running to Health on facebook HERE.

4. Share the giveaway via blog, facebook, twitter (1 for each).

You have until 1/29 to enter, good luck!

Nathan Winner!!

Recently I did a review on my new favorite hydration pack, courtesy of Nathan!

You can read more about my review HERE

The winner of the very fabulous Speed 4 belt is....

Tracy @ Our Life with 3 guys and a doll!

Congrats Tracy!

email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com to claim your prize!

The good & the bad.....

Today I crashed & burned. I had a 15 miler scheduled, solo at the gym because Shelley & I still weren't feeling the snow. However, having a wild work holiday party, eating some junk, drinking a bottle of wine, and going to bed around 1am is reallly poor long run preparation. I know better than that. I tried to sleep in, but Kevin woke me up around 7:30, I made breakfast, downed Aleeve & gatorade all morning, and hit the gym around 12:30. I was doing ok, but right after 5 miles, my stomach began cramping, and I was practically doubled over. I've had this problem before after a bad night of eating/drinking, so like I said, I knew better. I clocked in a total of 6.5 miles before stopping, and stopped at starbucks for a peppermint steamer to calm my tummy on the way home.

On the way home, I started thinking about how the foods (and drinks) you consume prior to a training run can really impact your performance. I hate that heavy, can barely move feeling. I came home and started googling the best foods for fueling your runs, to help me remember why I need to eat healthy (and maybe not drink all that wine).

Best & Worst Pre-Run Foods from about.com

Worst

1. High FIber foods

2. High fat foods

3. Caffeine

Best

1. Refined Carbs

2. Low fiber fruits & veggies

3. Safe Dairy

Then I found a great article on preparing for your long run. I liked it because it broke preparations into several categories besides just nutrition.

some of my favorites?

1. Rest, sleep at least 8 hours prior to your long run (major fail here today)

2. Begin hydrating the day before (fail as well, I was dehydrating with booze)

3. Avoid foods with excessive protien/fat saturday

4. Drink lots of fluids while running (I did manage this today)

5. Refuel within 15 minutes after running

Check out the entire article HERE

The party? Well, that was wicked fun...

girls at the pre-party at my house!

If you recall I posted pics ~4 months ago at her baby shower. Doesn't she look fab?

my mini team at work!

cocktails & Ke$a = wild dancing

Bad stuff? My nana passed away last night, which is sad, but at the same time I am happy for her. She has been wanting to pass for awhile. She couldn't see, hear or remember anything. She held on waiting for my aunt, uncle & mom to visit her all together before going. Now she can join my pop-pop and uncle, and I'm sure she's much happier. I love you Nana!

Good stuff? Despite the crappy run, I'm feeling cleansed and motivated for a good week. Bring it on!

Don't forget my Sweaty Bands giveaway HERE, it ends 1/18!