The Athlete's Guide to CBD by Scott Douglas ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

"Whether you're a professional who's looking for a way to manage the rigors of a long season, a weekend warrior trying to best his neighborhood peers, or simply a health-conscious individual looking to find the right balance in your life, understanding the function and benefits of CBD can be eye-opening." --Tiki Barber

The wellness world is buzzing about CBD, the natural pain reliever that reduces inflammation, speeds up recovery, helps with anxiety, and improves sleep. These qualities make CBD a "holy grail" product for athletes and active people, but there's still a lot of confusion around the product. With oils, capsules, powders, and balms on the market, what method should you use for the results you want to see? Where should you buy it, and what should you look for when purchasing it?

In this comprehensive guide, veteran sports author Scott Douglas breaks down the many ways athletes can benefit from using CBD products, and answers all the questions that the "CBD-curious" might have. With input from leading industry analysts and testimonials from athletes of all levels, The Athlete's Guide to CBD gives you everything you need to know to determine if and how CBD can work for you.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

Scott Douglas is a contributing writer for Runner's World and the author or coauthor of several books, including Running Is My Therapy, The Athlete's Guide to CBD, Advanced Marathoning, and the New York Times bestsellers 26 Marathons and Meb for Mortals. Douglas lives in South Portland, Maine.

Author's Website.

Review: 

I find when I mention CBD to people they automatically think they will get high. Scott Douglas has written a great book with all the information one would need to decide if CBD would be helpful for them in their training. Douglas breaks down the difference of CBD and THC, how the CBD/THC is extracted, the different dosages, methods of administering (tincture, pill, topical etc) and which is more helpful for an athlete. Resources, studies and interviews from other athletes help a lot. I learned a lot that I didn't know about CBD, especially how our bodies (especially the endocannabinoid systems work) work & can use it CBD. 

A great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about CBD especially athletes. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. *~

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I Challenge You....

To a 4 week Health & Fitness challenge! 

Let's get on track with nutrition and fitness right in time for the summer. 

Been awhile since you have been to the gym? Never joined a gym before? No problem. This challenge will be for beginners +. I will be giving out free weekly tips and exercises for the 4 weeks on my Facebook & Instagram pages. 

Want a full program including meal ideas/recipes and workouts to either lose weight or build muscle? 

Sign up for my 4 week challenge program for $50. You will be added to a super secret email list & Facebook group (for conversation and motivation). This program is all online - can be done from the comfort of your own home - no gym membership required. You will need a couple sets of dumbbells, stability ball, yoga mat and a couple resistance bands. 

Help the dogs!

$10 from each participant will be donated to Rocky Road Dog Rescue. Space is limited.  Sign up today. I will be sending out the first email on May 6th, 2019! 

Want in-person training? I will be offering my personal training and nutrition coaching services starting in June - either in yours/my home or 1:1 online live training. 

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My Health Journey Continues........

Over the last four years I have been on a health and fitness journey. I did great when I got serious about dropping weight and getting fit. Over the years I have also been working on my mental health, realizing a lot of things over the years really harmed my mental health which then wrecked havoc with my physical health. I started working out hardcore back in August of 2014. I started to decrease my calories in and started eating a cleaner diet. In March of 2015 I hit it hard and actually got super strict with my food intake and did some carb cycling. For the first time in my life I didn't really have love handles it was awesome. It also gave me more mental strength to leave my toxic relationship and realize I didn't need to stay in that situation any longer and my kids and I deserved so much better.  I went super determined to get my life together and get out. During 2016 was a really tough time, left my ex while trying to stay friends with him and keep things good for the kids, got my house together to put it on the real estate market and spent sometime finding myself and enjoying life. All this go go go wrecked more havoc on my physical and mental state and found myself becoming super tired and lacking the energy to continue. PTSD and anxiety was really holding on and I kept trying to fight back only to get more tired. I then decided that I needed to go to a naturopath and see what really was going on with my body. 

The "fit" Genuine Jenn in 2016! Starting my running back then and working out daily with HIIT workouts

The fall of 2016 and into 2017 I suffered with Adrenal Fatigue. I was put on a ton of supplements, given a diet plan to follow and told to rest whenever I needed to and that was A LOT.  Slowly I gained weight because I couldn't workout, I would have to force myself to get out and walk only to come back home to sleep. I started eating comfort food because I was stressed over being so tired and angry that I was tired and gaining weight. When I started to feel better I was now back eating junk, still eating clean more than 70% of the time but I was drinking wine and beer and eating complex carbs. My Dr and Naturopath both suggested I start eating a hunter-gatherer type diet. I tried to eat clean and did well for awhile then would eat out and fall off. 

Fast forward to now, June 2018 I am back mentally on getting healthy and fit. I am working on eating to fuel my body with clean food and healing my hormones and the pain that I have been experiencing. I have tendinitis in my right rotator cuff and have been experiencing extreme hip pain. I have a Dr. appointment later this month to see what is happening with my hip. 

After the Adrenal Fatigue, eating out and being happy. I can actually run longer than I could two years ago so to me I am more "fit" even with the added weight.

I have been running since last fall and working towards running a half marathon in a year. I have been getting real sleep! I actually sleep through the night most nights now. This was a huge thing in the past. I wouldn't sleep a full night and wouldn't feel rested in the am. I am slowly working in other workouts but they have been mainly cardio due to my shoulder. I will start adding in two weight training workouts a week very soon. One of my daily goals is to get 10,000 steps a day, a combo of walking and jogging. I don't run everyday but I am working back up to 3 to 4 times a week. 

My husband and I are on this journey together and I couldn't be happier with the support he has given me over the last two years. He has been there for me through it all, my good days and the really hard bad days. I will check in here with my workouts and eating to share how we are doing. 

Until then, be happy! 

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Maimonides & Metabolism: Physiology of Fat-Loss by Rabbi Yonason Herschlag ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

Get the keys to sustainable weight loss--reduce hunger, speed up metabolism, and transform your body into a fat-burning machine, with a science based approach.

Today there is a debate raging among nutritional authorities concerning the timing of breakfast. Some argue that in order to avoid sugar lows and uncontrollable hunger one should eat breakfast shortly after awakening. Others promote the extension of the nightly fast by delaying breakfast, and thereby attaining the metabolic advantages and improved insulin sensitivity of intermittent fasting.

Maimonides & Metabolism explains in depth the physiological processes that are overlooked by many mainstream nutritional authorities, such as the fact that it's better to hold off on breakfast until at least three hours after waking. A person habituated to such a late breakfast won't suffer sugar lows because the hormone cortisol is at its daily peak half an hour after waking up in the morning, and cortisol boosts blood sugar levels. In fact, since cortisol raises blood sugar (the opposite of insulin which lowers it) eating a breakfast that includes carbohydrates too early will spike blood sugar levels too much, as the high levels of cortisol won't allow the insulin to lower the blood sugar to balanced levels. High blood sugar then leads to hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin). And simultaneous high levels of cortisol and insulin cause the body to increase the number of fat cells. Hyperinsulinemia also directs the body to store fat, and blocks the body from using stored fat for energy.

Maimonides & Metabolism delves into the timing of meals and exercise, habituating ourselves to the most effective strategies of daily intermittent fasting that alleviates hunger and puts us into the natural fat burning mode.

Several chapters go into great detail on macronutrients to arm dieters and dietitians with the understanding needed for sustainable fat-loss.

It includes hundreds of cutting edge studies backing up the recommendations of Maimonides and the Talmud, as well as the best proven short-term and long-term dieting methods for fat-loss and improved health. It also includes 16 charts, 14 graphs/diagrams/pictures, 358 footnote references, a glossary and bibliography.

Health professionals are hailing it THE Health Bible, recommending this book to their colleagues and patients for its amazing array of insights and solutions.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:

Rabbi Herschlag is the founder and CEO of Maimonides Health & Fitness Center in Beitar Illit (near Jerusalem), Israel. The center provides strength and fitness programs as well as nutritional and weight loss counseling. A world renowned religious scribe and Talmudic scholar, his interest in exercise and nutrition intensified after several injuries and middle age led to his waistline and CVD risk marker parameters going out of control. At age 52 he is a competitive weight lifter, dead-lifting 500 pounds, and an expert certified personal fitness trainer. He studied nutrition and physiology in the prestigious Wingate Institute of Jerusalem. His primary focus is researching physiology and endocrinology in the Maimonides Health & Fitness Center. Combining this research with the diet recommendations of Maimonides and the Talmud has led to the discovery of amazing unique scientific breakthroughs in weight loss.

Review: 

I have been reading tons of books and websites over the past year to learn more about losing fat and gaining muscle. This book hits the nail on the head. It has everything one needs to read about to learn more about the science behind fat loss not weight loss. One shouldn't want to just lose "weight". I know we all at one time or another decide it's time to diet and lose weight but what are we really doing to our bodies when we cut calories and slim down? Over the past year I have learned to not go by the scale. My Dr. is a very smart man and I really respect his opinions. He told me I shouldn't worry about what the weight on the scales say instead I should eat clean, exercise and look at how my clothes are fitting. Losing fat and gaining muscle means our waistline will trim down along with the rest of our body. Just because you lose weight doesn't mean you are healthy.

Rabbi Herschlag has really done his research with this book. It is a no non sense look at our bodies and how the produce different hormones and turn our food into fuel/energy. Yes, this book is very technical but I believe if you take it slow and read it a couple times it is very easy to learn the process of eating well, exercising and being healthy. It is an individual plan, not everyone can follow the same diet. I love that at the end of this book Rabbi Herschlag says that is is an needs to be an individual plan as we are all different with different conditions and circumstances. Rabbi Herschlag has explained how Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon from 900 years ago, was a Talmudist, codifer of Jewish law, physician, philosopher and communal leader. A very brilliant man from what I have read. He believed by eating a late breakfast and early dinner (what a lot of people call today intermittent fasting) exercising before every meal can help one lose fat and gain lean muscle.  Working with eating when our hormones can process the food into the right fuel and not store it as fat is a science but once one figures it out for their own body along with a physician help you will be on the path of great fat lose.

Rabbi Herschlag breaks his book into four parts - Part 1: The Paradox: How Restricting Calories Makes Some People Fatter, Part 2: The Metabolic Syndrome, Part 3: Macronutrients, and Part 4: Comparative Study of Popular Diets. I have tried over the past year to learn more about macronutrients and have struggled this book helped me figure out what they are and how to apply them to my eating habits. Learn how to tell which carbs are fast or slow burning and what the effects of sugars, starches and fiber.

We have all heard of fad diets and I am sure a lot of people have tried more than one. Rabbi Herschlag goes into comparing these diets giving pros and cons for each.

I have really enjoyed this book as Rabbi Herschlag has talked about many points that I am a firm believer of. I also feel that people years ago had the right mind frame and we have lost that along the years, adding more and more unhealthy processed foods into our diets along with lack of movement and exercise. I know some people might be freighted by "exercising" before eating but the Rabbi didn't mean a intense cardio or weight lifting session he means a brisk walk or climbs some stairs, do a little jog on the spot or some jumping jacks. Something to increase your heart rate and get your body moving inside.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I have read through it fully once, reread some chapters and gasp... think I will pull out a highlighter and take notes!

 
~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*~

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Update 2016 & Welcome!

source: Clip Art png

Wow, 2016 has been off to a fast start! I can not believe we are almost finished February. Where has the time gone? So many updates to share, I thought it would be good to post them all together.

If you are new to reading Genuine Jenn, Welcome! If you have been with us for awhile now I would like to say thank you! We have gone through a lot of changes over the last almost six years. It'll be six years of blogging in May 2016. Wow!

Let me start off with my first announcement ~

I would like to welcome five new reviewers to Genuine Jenn. Welcome to Kris, Inge, Libby, Liv and Carmen.

I am so happy and excited to have you all as part of the review team! Please check out the About/Contact page for everyone's bio (we'll be adding them all shortly).  We still have room for more reviewers, if you are a book lover we would love to have you. Send an email for more information.

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Next ~ This year my goal is to work on meditation and mindfulness. I have been working on my yoga practice and thought that I really need to work on my meditation. At the end of January I was very unfortunate, slipping on ice twice in 24 hours. Each time I fell I put down my right hand to catch myself. The second fall I really hurt myself but thought with rest it would heal. I was mistaken and had to see my family physician, who told me I had acute right periscapular muscle strain, in English, a hurt shoulder muscle. It hurt so bad that even sneezing would kill. I have spent a lot of time at the massage therapist working out that muscle strain. Now I am working on gently stretching and eventually building my muscle up again. I was lucky in the end that is the only damage I did to my shoulder. Both the therapist and doctor said it could have been way worse.

This has really made me slow down. I am left handed but I have learned so much about how I am very right dominate for mostly everything I do except eat and write. I learned to slow down even more and let people help me. The kids and husband helped out a lot when I needed it. Even just pushing a grocery cart or helping to bring in the groceries, carrying laundry baskets to the machine for me. This also meant I had to slow down on the computer. I am still working my way back into more time online but in smaller sittings. The muscle I hurt is the big one that helps hold your shoulder blade in place, the most of my pain is in the lower shoulder blade. Typing, clicking a mouse etc is felt right back there. Our bodies are one amazing thing. Everything connected in some way or another.

I have slowly started back into my fitness, missing out on my workouts has been very tough. I have learned that fitness to me is a must. It is my happy pill. I find I have more energy and I am less stressed when I get my fitness in daily. It also helps my joints and my lower back pain. I will be starting a yoga program February 29th. I am just trying to pick between The Ultimate Yogi 108 day program or PiYo. I am leaning towards The Ultimate Yogi because of the meditation and huge variety of yoga workouts. This is also a program I have had to review but keep starting it and then moving on to something else. I will commit to a program and will work on updating here to keep myself accountable. If you want to cheer me on or become accountable please send me an email, tweet or comment below. Would love to work with you on getting healthy and fit in 2016!

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Next on the update! My son, Parker, as some of you may have seen some of his reviews on here and photos. He has decided to get more serious about his reading and blogging. He has restarted his blog Mr. Park's Adventures and will be sharing daily fun and reviews. He is also talking about doing some writing, short stories and maybe even some videos. I am one proud momma! If you have the chance please check out Parker's blog and say hi!

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Writing ~ This was put on hold while I was mending but I am really hoping to start working in some writing time a few times a week to start and then go from there. I have a short story started but I am not sure I want to finish it. I may post what I have and see what you all think. Maybe I will finish it. I would also love to work on extending Miranda and Brad's story.

That is all for now. I hope you are having a great start to 2016!

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10 Budget & Time Friendly Home Workouts

Source:StockSnap

I know a couple of the biggest reasons people don't workout out is because of lack of time and costs of gym memberships, workout dvds & equipment. I was one of those people. As a working mom of two, when was I suppose to find time to go to the gym? Especially as my husband would be working until 8 pm. I went to evenings at work then to overnights and I found myself tired all the time. I was ready to cuddle down right after tucking the kids into bed for the night.

Since I have started my journey I have found numerous fitness people that share some awesome workouts with the world free of charge or very in expensive.  I love that there are also so many great workouts 30 minutes and under. The most popular workouts are HIIT workouts (High Intense Interval Training). These workouts are great to squeeze in either before work, after work, before dinner or where every you can squeeze it into your schedule.

Here are some of my favorite people to check out depending on what kind of workouts you are looking for: (The links will open up into YouTube channels)

Erin Motz - Bad Yogi

Betty Rocker

Fitness Blender

Loinsgate BeFit

Popsugar Fitness

Yoga with Adriene

Casey Ho ~ Blogilates

Tara Stiles

XHIT Daily 

Jessica Smith TV

Disclaimer: Please check with your doctor before starting any workout program, never sacrifice form for reps, only push as far as your body can handle it. 
 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Getting Active Doesn't Have to be Boring. Lets Get Active in 2016!

I just love this video! I wanted to share it with you as we are heading into that time that everyone is planning or has planned, their New Years Resolutions. What is your 2016 New Years Resolution? To get more active?

The best advice I can give you is just to get up and move, walk with the kids or dogs, take a hike, play with the kids, jump rope, anything that gets you moving and increases your heart rate.

In 2016 I would like to share more articles on Genuine Jenn, fitness and food is high on the list of things I would like to write about. I want to share simple exercises and easy ways to eat healthier and clean. Lets make 2016 a Fabulous Healthy & Fit year together!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Review ~ YogaAccessories 1/4'' Extra Thick High Density Yoga Mat (Phthalate Free) - Dark Purple

I  was recently asked to review a yoga mat from an Amazon seller, YogaAccessories. I decided I would take on that challenge as I love yoga. I have been doing yoga off and on for the last year and have been finding it super beneficial for my mind, soul and body. I will say yoga is not for the weak depending on which type you are doing. I have finished the PiYo program with Chalene Johnson with my husband and we both had some huge improvements in our body flexibility and strength. At the moment I am working my way through the Ultimate Yogi 108 day program with Travis Eliot. Little does the hubby know I will have him doing this program soon enough.

I have a favorite yoga mat I have been using faithfully since I received it at BlogHer in July '13. It has seen better days so I was super excited to try out this new mat.

Here are some of the specs on it:

• Extra thick (1/4''), weighs 3.6 lbs
• Phthalate free inks and dyes
• Extremely durable, latex and heavy metal free
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Extra long 74'' x 24'' wide

I have been using this mat for a couple weeks now and love it. It is a lot thicker than my other mat and gives a nice added padding underneath you.. We have hardwood floors and this mat has given me a little more padding under my back when doing floor work. I have used it for yoga, cardio and weight training. It doesn't move around on our floors when I have used it for cardio which is a huge plus. I find I need that little bit of padding between my shoes and the floor for my knees and shins while doing cardio/strength training.

I did notice it was a little slippery on my hands the first few times I have used it for yoga but it seems to be getting better. I am thinking there must be a little oil from when it was being manufactured. It is coming off and I am not slipping anymore. I am thinking of wiping it down with some yoga mat cleaner. I wear yoga shoes so it hasn't been an issue on my feet, just don't want my hands to slip.

I love the deep purple color! I am actually thinking of buying a couple more to have on hand for a fun change in colors. They have so many different colors, 24 I believe.

You can pick up your own yoga mat on Amazon through YogaAccessories.

Nameste 

 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Yoga for Beginners: Simple Yoga Poses to Calm Your Mind and Strengthen Your Body ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis: 

Learn Yoga in Your Own Home

Yoga for Beginners is the essential guide to getting started with yoga. With a friendly voice and step-by-step instructions, this book offers everything you need to start enjoying yoga’s calming and strengthening effects on your life.

• Complete beginner’s guide to getting started with yoga
• Simple instructions for the 35 essential yoga poses
• Full-color yoga illustrations
• 5 restorative yoga meditations
• Nutrition tips to complement your yoga practice
• Guide to building your own yoga sequences

Take a deep breath. Yoga for Beginners will do the rest.

Purchase a copy on Amazon.

Review:

If you are looking to start yoga this is a great resource book. It is packed full of great information on the history, poses, how to eat, meditation, and making sequences. The author is direct without any added fluff. It is really a KISS (keep it simple stupid) book for people looking to expand their knowledge of yoga.  I have been practicing yoga for about a year now and found a lot of useful information in this book. I am not huge history person but I do want to know where yoga came from and the author tells us without rambling on and losing me. I love how clean and crisp the book is laid out. Each pose has a bit of information about the purpose, preceding pose, counter pose, precautions, the yoga term/name with the English name.

The section on nutrition is broken down into ways people can eat to be healthier without saying there is only one way to eat. The meditation section is direct to the point with five different meditations to learn. I found this to be the best meditation that I have found that is to the point and don't have me feeling overwhelmed in the end. I know I could sit down and do any one or all of the five with no problems on knowing how to do each meditation. I really want to learn how to make my own yoga sequence and this book had a really good breakdown making me feel more confident in being able to accomplish this on my own.

I give this a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn yoga.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Ultimate Plank Fitness by Jennifer DeCurtins ~ Fitness Book Review

Book Description: 

A safe, challenging, and effective method of core conditioning, planking is one of the best ways to get fit and toned. Variations of planks are used across many fitness domains including traditional group exercise, personal training, home workouts, yoga, pilates, barre, CrossFit and more. Not only are planks perfect for crafting six-pack abs, they also target shoulders, pectorals, biceps, triceps, glutes, quads, and hamstrings. They increase the heart rate, offer calorie-busting cardio exercise, and create healthy muscle tone.

Ultimate Plank Fitness features 100 different variations of planks that can be used to customize your workout. Easily increase the difficulty of your core strengthening exercises by adding stability balls, gliders, and weights. Each exercise includes a step-by-step photo demonstration, points of performance, where to engage, along with common faults to detect ways to improve your fitness. Finally, CrossFit coach, personal trainer, and fitness instructor, Jennifer DeCurtins provides you with ten 5-minute workouts incorporating several planks that you can use to target trouble areas and build strength.

With countless variations of the exercise, ranging from traditional planks to side plank variations and planks using external weights or unstable surfaces, your entire workout can be programmed around the plank! Work your way to a healthy core with Ultimate Plank Fitness.

Purchase a copy through QBookShop.com 

About the Author: 

Jennifer DeCurtins is a fitness instructor, personal trainer, yoga teacher and creator of the popular blog PeanutButterRunner. She also holds a 200-hour registered yoga teacher certification through Yoga Alliance and teaches hot yoga, power yoga, and vinyasa flow yoga at several studios in Charlotte, NC. Her classes often have 30-40 people in attendance and she was just named "Twitter Personality to Follow" by Charlotte Magazine in their "Best of the Best" awards. She has also served as a Lululemon Ambassador.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | 

Review:


I get some really weird looks when I tell people I love burpees and planks. Yes, I would prefer to do both of those over Jumping Jacks! I love planks as they are challenging and a total body workout that is low impact....no impact. This is a great book for anyone wanting to learn how to do a multitude of planks for their workouts. This book breaks them down into sections like Full planks, Side Planks, Forearm, Side Forearm, Unstable Surface like Medicine ball, Stability ball, Bosu, even planks using weights & gliders and also plyo planks! Did you know there was that many ways to do a plank? I didn't know there was that many when I first started working out. 


This book is good for the skilled and unskilled! The book is laid out super well with a picture of the plank at the top with a nice section in yellow that tells skill and modifications, under that is the key performance points (how tos) and also common faults and the payoffs (what is helps improve). 


With this book you could really learn and improve on your planks and get a great total body workout. I love adding a few different planks onto my workout for the day to improve as I go. I remember the very first plank I did, I thought I would die 20 seconds into it. I had a whole minute to hang in there for! I also love that this book all the moves can be done outside the gym. I workout at home so I find it hard sometime to find books that don't need big gym equipment. This one passed the test! 


I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. The instructions are easy to follow and figure out and the pictures are great to help. I love the crispness of the layout, no clutter to distract for the workout pose. 



~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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NEW Vector Granola Honey Almond Flavour

I am always looking for tasty and easy protein ideas for my whole family especially as we are an active family. One of my favourite snacks is a bowl of yogurt with either a scoop of peanut butter or granola. I was super excited to try out the new NEW Vector Granola Honey Almond Flavour by Kellogg's. Our family has enjoyed many of the other Vector products. We love that they are high in fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. 

Vector Granola Honey Almond Flavour is no different then the rest of the Vector line and it includes 20g of protein, 5g of fibre, and 10 vitamins and minerals per serving.

The one thing I noticed right away with this granola vs some of the other store bought granola's is that this one has whole almonds! I love almonds and usually eat a serving a day... sometimes maybe even a lil more than a serving..shhh! This is a great post workout snack or one of the Vector bars. 

I find the taste not overpowering that it pairs just nicely with some yogurt and has a nice crunch. 

My daughter isn't a big breakfast eater but I can usually get her to have a bowl of yogurt and granola before kick starting her day. My son on the other hand would consume the whole box of Vector cereal if we don't keep an eye on him!

Visit Vector website for more information and don't forget to like Vector on Facebook! 

Giveaway Time! Our friends at Kellogg's would like to offer one lucky Genuine Jenn reader a Vector prize pack! The giveaway is open until the 13th of August at 11:59pm EST and is open to Canadian residents. Please enter the rafflecopter below. Good Luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Return to Food the life changing anti-diet by Sherry Strong ~ Book Review & Tour

Book Description:

Chances are if you are feeling flat, fat and tired, or are experiencing chronic illness, you are not eating real food. If you want to bounce out of bed feeling fit and fabulous you must find out what is and isn't real food. This book challenges prescriptive approaches to diet, eating and food, with a revolutionary philosophical approach based on over 20 years of working with private clients. This approach has seen thousands of people develop a more pleasurable, healthier, and more sustainable eating lifestyle.

Purchase a copy of Return to Food the life changing anit-diet. 
 
Programs Sherry's developed:

Return to Food Lifestyle Makeover Program:This 8 Module Online course is designed so that you can do a self directed Lifestyle Makeover using the philosophies and strategies Sherry has used to help celebrities, elite athletes, CEO's, billionaires and everyday people who want to lose weight naturally, increase their energy, have clearer thinking and more even moods without drugs or dieting. 

Return to Food Academy:This is the training program people invest in to become Return to Food Coaches. This is usually people who want Sherry's job and truly want to help people live healthier more fulfilling lives while developing a business that gives them freedom and deep meaning to their work.

Meet the author:

Sherry Strong is a philosopher, chef and nutritionist who has travelled around the globe to do diet and lifestyle makeovers, and has worked with celebrities, elite athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, billionaires, and Jamie Oliver and his Fifteen Foundation. Sherry’s philosophies and simple strategies help people feel better and live their best life by developing a healthy relationship with and their body. Sherry was the Victorian Chair of Nutrition Australia, the Melbourne Head of Slow Food, Curator and Co-Founder of the World Wellness Project Summit and founder of the Return to Food Academy where she teaches people to become Return to Food Coaches and Entrepreneurs. 

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Review: 

This book was just what I needed after moving away from as much processed foods as I can and eating clean and raw foods instead. I was blown away with the information on things that we think are less processed or safe. Also loved learning how different foods are processed and what they lose during this process. This is not a diet book it is a lifestyle change on how we eat. Most of the weight loss is achieved in the kitchen but to lose the weight we need to learn how to eat and Return to Food is a great resource to get people started.

The author includes nice drawings in the book that really compliment and break up the pages. I also love that Sherry tells readers that they can jump around in the book and it doesn't need to be read in order and to go ahead and use the recipes. It is more than recipes and information on how/what to eat there are also sections on mind and soul. Living mindful and eating mindfully. We have noticed a huge difference since starting to eat clean & raw and can't wait to add more of Sherry's recipes into our meal planning especially with it being summer we can eat more locally grown fruits and veggies. We have even planted a garden this year.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 and will be checking out more about the academy that Sherry has to teach people to help overs with the learning's from Return to Food. Thank You Sherry for all the great information. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Calming the Chaos by Jackie Woodside ~ Book Review Health

Book Description: 

Far too many people in contemporary culture feel they don’t have enough time to “get it all done.” The stress of this chronic overwhelm creates a disorganized mind that leads to a chaotic life. Based on her highly acclaimed “Energy Management” workshops, and drawn from over 25 years of counseling and coaching experience, professional trainer and speaker Jackie Woodside shares her breakthrough methods that lead to becoming the least stressed, most productive person you know!

In Calming the Chaos, you will learn the step-by-step skills and thought processes that lead to increased productivity and peace of mind. Jackie’s approach stems from the new frontier of human performance called energetic consciousness. Part philosophy, part psychology, fully practical application, you will learn:

• Why there is no such thing as time management and what to do instead.
• How to manage your energy instead of your time and stress.
• The three-step formula for managing every component of your life for the rest of your life!
• Why “to-do lists” are a set up for failure and what really works.
• “The Three Strikes Rule” that will end procrastination for good!
• How to always know that you have the time for what you want and need to do!

Many books promise to change your life. Applying these principles will make this a reality!

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Author's Website or Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:

Jackie Woodside, CPC, LICSW is a psychotherapist, coach, speaker and author, specializing in the power of managing personal energy, rather than time or stress. An Amazon bestselling author of 'What If It’s Time for a Change?' and highly sought-after speaker on leadership and empowerment topics, Jackie conducts training programs for public, private and government sectors nationwide.

Connect:  Website | Twitter | Facebook

Review:

As part of my health & wellness journey includes personal development so I have been reading as much as I can about becoming less stressed and living more in the now. This book I was really excited to read and decided I would do a read through first and then go back and work through the process once I had a chance to read about consciousness. I have realized I have already taken steps to becoming Calm in the chaos. I always over schedule myself and say yes to everything and then wonder why later as there is never enough time. This book really helps you realize that you need to make priorities and decide how you are going to live your life. You will never get "extra" time. We only get 24 hours a day and we do for the most part get to decide how to spend it or at least how you are going to focus on it with either negative or positive energy.

I love that this book is easy to read without it being "clinical" and full of things the average person would be lost reading. It is a very easy and quick read with great examples to help you understand what the author is writing about. The author also has you work through the book to understand where you are living your life on the table and also how to achieve your goals at a calmer life. I will be working on one area at a time on the energy list and moving through this book. I am excited for a calm to my chaos.

I highly recommend this personal development book for anyone who would like some calmness and be more aware and conscious of the now. To live life to the fullest. I give this a 4 out of 5 stars!


Giveaway! Win one of 20 copies of Calming the Chaos (Open to USA and Canada) Ends July 4
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~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Soffe Active Wear ~ Review

Since starting on my health & fitness journey I have set goals and rewarded myself with fun activities and fitness wear or equipment. One of my favourite workout brands is Soffe. They offer a wide variety of fitness wear for the whole family.

When I am choosing fitness wear I have a few things I will look for:

• Comfort
• Style
• Moisture Wicking
• Price

Soffe meets all my requirements. They are super comfy and easy to move around in. They are fun and stylish. I can wear them out of the house and feel good in my outfit. They also have fun colours and prints. Soffe makes a Dri line that is the bomb! They are super moisture wicking and leave you feeling great even after sweating buckets during your workout. They fit just right with a nice thick elastic waist band on the Dri capris! I love the feel of the material. I also love the price! They are reasonably priced so that you can have more than one outfit.

I had the opportunity to review the Soffe Dri Capris and Soffe Dri Performance Racer tank. I have to say I love them both! They are offered in a number of colours and available in sizes XS to XL. Both of these items move along with your body nicely and I don't find them constricting at all. I have worn them for HIIT workouts, weights and also yoga. Now that I have lost more weight I don't wear the pants for HIIT as they have gotten too lose. I will need to get a smaller size. 

Check out Soffe's Website or Follow them on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Hoo-rag Headband ~ Review

Hoo-rag are these crazy fun tubes of material that you can wear a in multitude of ways. My favorite uses for Hoo-rags are as a headband for my workouts. They are great! They stay put and keep the sweat from dipping down my face! If you do any type of intense workout like Insanity Max 30 or cardio like Turbo Fire you will know what I am talking about! I have tried other headbands and most of the smaller ones or elastic ones want to pop off my head the minute I start really getting into my workout. 

 

Hoo-rag offers a wide variety of patterns, colors and fun prints. Everything from camo, fish/hunting, flowers, flames and skulls! Available in Womens, Mens and dog bandanas. 

Not a fan of the big thick bandanas? There are even half Hoos available that are half the size. I really enjoy the Hoo-rag but I think for everyday wear I would like the half hoo. I find I have a small head and like a thinner headband so the half hoo would be easier to fit my head. They are a lot of fun to put your hair back and go. I have found them really useful in the mornings when running out the door with the kids to the bus or taking the dog out for a walk. No need to fix my hair just cover and go. 

Hoo-rags are made of 100 percent polyester microfiber that wicks away moisture and protects you from the suns harmful rays! Rated to 30 UPF. This is great as I don't like to wear hats in the summer but this summer I can throw on a Hoo-rag instead. I find they keep you cool when you are heated and I look forward to giving them a try in the fall around my neck to keep the cold breeze off. 

With 10+ ways to rock a Hoo-rag they are great for everyone! Check out this video to learn how to wear a Hoo-rag.



Follow Hoo-rag on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Idiot's Guide: Yoga ~ Review & Giveaway!

As you might already know I have fallen in love with the art of Yoga. I am working on including Yoga into my week at least 2-3 times. I just love the feel I get when I am in the middle of a yoga flow and also how I feel afterwards. There is just something about being in the "now" when practicing yoga that I love. I totally let everything go and focus on my breath and my moves. I try to get the best stretch I can with every pose and work on relaxing my whole body.

When I got started into my yoga practice I just popped online and looked up Yoga videos. I founds tons of great beginner videos and such but I didn't stop to think it may be a better idea to grab a beginners guide with pictures to learn each pose and their names.

Book Synopsis:

For a person who has never attempted yoga before, it can seem downright daunting. Not anymore! Geared toward the absolute beginner, Idiot's Guides: Yoga teaches dozens of basic yoga poses using a series of full-color, step-by-step illustrations that allow you to clearly see how every aspect of a pose is executed. Realizing that most people who are new to yoga won't be the most flexible or coordinated, Idiot's Guides: Yoga eases the beginner into poses with sidebars demonstrating how to modify the poses for the less flexible and warnings to correct improper postures. The poses are also grouped in small sections, with a practice sequence at the end to show how to connect the poses into a routine. Idiot's Guides: Yoga also grows with you: when you've mastered the basic poses and become more flexible, you can move on to more advanced techniques for more challenging modifications to the basic poses. Best of all, you'll also learn how to string together poses into full routines that target particular issues such as stress and flexibility. Features include:

• Clear, comprehensive color step-by-step instructions for dozens of basic yoga poses.
• Handy "Keeping It Easy" sidebars show ways to modify the poses for the less flexible.
• Advanced techniques show you how to go further into poses after you have mastered them.
• Sequences illustrate routines found in yoga classes, each targeting a particular area (stress relief, flexibility, meditation, etc.).

Grab your copy today through the image below! 

Review:  

This is a fabulous guide that will help anyone master the basic and more advanced poses of yoga! This is a step by step book in full color photos. It also includes a section on breathing which is a huge part of yoga and can be tricky to just "pick up" without learning it from somewhere. I love that for each pose it is described in a small paragraph what the name is, what other names it goes by, what it will help with, and also if you have a certain injury etc it will let you know to avoid the pose. I also love the "Keep it easy" key where they give you an alternative to make the pose easier if you are not flexible or have less balance when starting out. After time you will become more flexible and have more balance but it is very nice to have the modifications so yoga learning is enjoyable.

The book isn't cluttered and that helps the photos stand out and make it easier to learn each pose as you go. I find you can easily put this book on the floor or a stand and try each of the poses. They also include a skill level on each pose which is great to know before getting into a pose.

The end of the book has a great section on the Eight Limbs of Yoga, Mindful Eating, Mudras, Chakras and Seated Meditation. All are brief but a great into for beginners not to get overwhelmed with all of it.  Now that you have learned tons of great yoga poses how do you put them together? No worries there as there is a whole section on sequences or yoga flows! I found this super helpful as you get to get comfortable with each pose and moving into the next also you can choose to do one or a couple at a time depending on what you are looking for. A flow for awakening, back pain, anxiety, bedtime, and so many other great ones. This is an all around great guide to Yoga. I have already recommended this book to numerous family members and friends that are interested in yoga.

I give this a 5 out of 5 stars! This is a great go to guide and have practiced some of the flows especially the awakening and bedtime ones. 

Win a copy! Our friends at DK Canada would like to offer one lucky Genuine Jenn reader their very own copy of Idiot's Guide Yoga. All you have to do is fill in the form below, making sure to do the mandatory entry! This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only.
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~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein ~ Review

A huge part of my weight loss and fitness journey has been finding the right supplements for my body to do what I need it to do. There are many protein shakes available on the market and they all have many great or not so great qualities. If you are looking for just a protein, you can find that. If you need a meal or snack replacement there are tons out there. I am especially looking for wholesome, clean, vegan protein along with other great supplements like meal replacements and workout proteins. 

I was introduced to Garden of Life a couple years back when I was at a blogging conference but at that moment in time I wasn't super serious about losing the weight and getting myself healthy. Now that I have decided I need to do this for myself and my family I have revisited this great company and I am happy to share some of their products with you on my blog!

Today I want to share their Organic Plant Protein. I know it doesn't sound like human food, sounds like something you would use to give your plants but it isn't. It is a wonderful product! I will be honest I have tried a handful of vegan shakes and well they tasted grassy, gritty or just had an awful taste to them. Garden of Life products are so different. I haven't had one that I haven't liked, even their original flavor is great. I don't have to add in anything to get in my shakes I can have them just with water in my shaker cup.

Organic Plant Protein is a smooth and delicious grain free organic plant protein packed with energy-giving protein and wholesome fiber. It is available in four different flavors - Smooth Chocolate, Smooth Vanilla, Smooth Coffee and Smooth Energy. 

What is Organic Plant Protein?

Organic Plant Protein is a Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified plant protein supplement that is different to any other protein in the Garden of Life line. Organic Plant Protein is uniquely formulated to have superior taste and texture, ideal for anyone looking for a clean protein supplement that is free of common allergens such as gluten, grains, dairy and soy.

Key Benefits:

• Unique Protein Blend - Organic Plant Protein is made with a new different innovative blend of certified organic proteins which gives it an exceptional smooth and creamy texture... with no gritty texture
• Tastes Delicious – Designed for superior taste and texture when mixed just with water. Available in 4 mouth-watering flavors…Smooth Chocolate, Smooth Vanilla, Smooth Coffee (with Marley Coffee) and Smooth Energy (with Guayaki® Yerba Mate and added vitamin B12). All flavors are natural and organic, no artificial ingredients are used. Also tastes incredible with 8oz unsweetened almond milk.
• Grain Free and Gluten Free - all Garden of Life proteins are labelled gluten free, however Organic Plant Protein is unique in that it does not contain any grains or brown rice, and is therefore the only GOL protein that is considered both grain free and gluten free.
• Highly Digestible – Organic Plant Protein delivers highly digestible grain free plant protein with 13 enzymes and 1 billion CFU of probiotics. This is important for those people who have difficulty digesting grains.
• USDA Organic Farms - Garden of Life is working closely with and supporting several family farms in North America and Canada to produce high quality clean proteins. Organic Plant Protein is made with a unique blend of seven nutritious plant proteins, five organic American seed proteins — organic pea seed, organic flax seed, organic cranberry seed, organic chia seed and organic pumpkin seed. We work with our farmers to ensure that these ingredients are top quality and the cleanest available.
• 2 African Super Foods - Moringa and Baobab are rich in protein, minerals and antioxidants. We purchase them through the African Hub to guarantee Fair Trade.
• Excellent Source Protein – 15 grams of quality plant protein per serving with Complete Amino Acid Profile – ideal for growth, building muscles and repairing tissues.†
• Over 3g Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). Great for athletes, pre- or post-exercise, and anyone who wants to boost protein intake.
• Less than 1g Sugar*, 2g to 4g of Fiber and Only 100 Calories per Serving - ideal macronutrient profile for the health conscious and for weight management.†
• Cleanest protein on the shelf with DUAL Certification - All Garden of Life proteins including Organic Plant Protein are dual certified, Certified USDA Organic, and Non-GMO Project Verified (Independent, third-party verification). This is a gold standard for Garden of Life, yet it is surprisingly rare in our industry at present.
• Vegan Certified, Kosher - No Dairy, No Soy. No Artificial or Chemical Ingredients.

I have tried all four flavors and I can't even tell you which would be my favorite, maybe the chocolate or vanilla. The Smooth Vanilla tastes like a birthday cake! I had it in a smoothie one day with cherries and it was the best smoothie I had in a long time. All of these flavors mix extremely well in a shaker cup, which is perfect for quick shakes on the go or as you are running out the door in the mornings.

The Smooth Coffee does contain 40mg of naturally occurring caffeine per serving so it is a great protein to take in the mornings for breakfast. I love that it gives you that nice little wake up. The Smooth Energy has natural energy from yerba mate and vitamin B12. It is another great protein when you need a quick little pick me up. I find if I am dragging in the afternoons this one is a great snack. 

I will be posting some fabulous recipes (like a chocolate that is made from Smooth Chocolate & PBFit, YUM) in the coming weeks that I hope you will love as much as I do with these Garden of Life proteins!



~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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