Not Drinking My Calories

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Pure Via®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PureViaSweet http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

  I'm sure if you've ever been on a diet in your life, you've heard the term "don't drink your calories." It's a rule that, for me, has constantly shown its value.  I can tell such a huge difference in my weight loss success when I cut sugary, calorie-laden drinks out of my diet.

But let's have some real talk: it's hard.  I love a big cup of creamer-filled coffee as much as anybody else, and man, sometimes it just seems like you just need a fountain soda.  I'll be the first to admit that sometimes it's just hard to live by this rule.  But it really is one of the most effective ways to cut calories out of your diet.

I have a challenge for y'all.  For one week, write down every single thing you drink, calorie-free or not.  You can click on the graphic above (or click here) to go to a printable .pdf version if you'd like to use this.  Write down what each drink is, how many calories it has (google is your friend), and whether it is water or not.  Then, add up all of those calories after the week is over...divide that number by 3500 (the number of calories in a pound of fat).  That's how much weight you could have lost just that week from cutting drink calories out of your diet.  You'll be shocked what a difference it makes!

Let's also go on and admit this fact: regular water gets boring.  I love it occasionally, especially when I'm working out, but I would lose my mind if I could only drink plain water.  I need flavor!

That's where this guy comes in. I love Pure Via because you get the best of both worlds: calorie-free sweetness that provides a natural alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.  This is a great alternative for those that are trying to live a healthy lifestyle.  Pure Via is actually made from the extract of the stevia plant.  It's not only natural, but Pure Via is also Non-GMO.

One of my favorite ways to use Pure Via is in a big fat glass of iced tea.  It takes no time at all to brew a big batch and pop it in the fridge.  I use about one pack of Pure Via per tall glass - I find that it packs a little more punch than a similar-sized pack of artificial sweetener.  This is my favorite go-to for an afternoon drink while I'm working or cleaning!

I've recently started infusing water with fruits/herbs...guys, if you haven't tried this out, it's incredible.  Pineapples, lemons, apples, and peaches are amazing for infusing water...just drop a few sliced fruits in a pitcher of water and let sit for 12-24 hours.  I even tried a few sliced strawberries and torn basil in some yesterday...delicious!  Again, I use about a pack of Pure Via per large glass of infused water.  I like infused water to be kind of light, so I don't want it too sweet.  Pure Via does the perfect job of adding a little flavor without overwhelming the flavor.

We live in a great time - we have natural sweeteners that not only provide a little flavor and sweetness, but cater to a healthy lifestyle. I love Pure Via for a quick, healthy, and calorie-free drink! 

I found the 40-count pack of Pure Via at my local Walmart.  You can pair their already great price with this coupon for ONE (1) Pure Via® Non-GMO, All Natural, Zero Calorie 40 Ct., while supplies last.  You can also download a free song and cookbook/songbook from Jewel at Pure Via's website...here's the link!

Find out more information about Pure Via at their website, Facebook page, or Twitter page!

Chunky Monkey Breakfast Smoothie with Carnation Breakfast Essentials

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Nestle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BreakfastEssentials http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

 I'm just not a big breakfast eater.

Can't do it.  I think my big problem is that I hate eggs, which are the basis of like 90% of breakfasts.

So when I breakfast comes along that I actually enjoy, I stick to it!

The smoothie craze that's going on right now has been awesome for me.  You mean I get to drink something that tastes like a dessert and call it a healthy breakfast?  Yeah, sign me up.

Double points when that delicious breakfast packs a healthy punch too.  That's where Carnation Breakfast Essentials comes in!

Carnation Breakfast Essentials is the perfect solution for a busy morning.  It's easy for either kids or adults to prepare and it's nutritious.  With 21 vitamins and minerals, 13 grams of protein, and as much calcium as a 6oz cup of yogurt in each serving, you're getting the nutrition that your body needs in the morning.

You're also getting a delicious, easy treat for breakfast.  Carnation Breakfast Essentials comes in delicious flavors like Rich Milk Chocolate, Strawberry Sensation, and Classic French Vanilla!

I've never thought of making Carnation Breakfast Essentials into a smoothie, but it's a crazy smart idea.  Why not load up your on-the-go breakfast with a punch of nutrition?

This week, I used Carnation Breakfast Essentials to make a delicious Chunky Monkey Breakfast Smoothie.  Here's the recipe!

Chunky Monkey Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients

1 pack Carnation Breakfast Essentials Rich Milk Chocolate powder

1 banana, frozen (do yourself a favor and peel it before freezing)

1/2 cup ice

2/3 cup skim milk

1/4 cup coffee, chilled

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Directions

Load everything into a blender and puree until smooth.  (Told you - super easy!)

Starting your day off right in the nutrition department is important.  But nobody said it couldn't be delicious too!

I picked up my packs of Carnation Breakfast Essentials at Walmart.  If you're heading that way, make sure your print out this coupon for $1.00 off any Carnation Breakfast Essentials!

You can find more amazing recipes with Carnation Breakfast Essentials on their recipe site.  Also make sure to like their Facebook page for the latest updates from Carnation!

Recipe - Skinny Root Beer Float Cupcakes

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TENways http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Since January, I've been working really hard to watch what I eat and stay active.  I count calories meticulously and make sure I'm getting plenty of exercise every week.

But honestly?  Sometimes a girl just needs a cupcake.

So I've finally found a solution to my sweet tooth problem!  You've probably heard of Dr. Pepper TEN before, but did you know that there are also TEN versions of 7UP, Sunkist, A&W, and Canada Dry?  I found these products at Walmart this week and absolutely fell in love. They offer a soda with less calories without sacrificing flavor!

I really like using these drinks in the traditional, drink-it-out-of-a-cup-with-a-straw way.  But they are also amazing to use in recipes too!

A few days ago, I whipped up a fun treat with A&W Ten..and I absolutely loved how it turned out.  Here's the recipe!

Skinny Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 box Vanilla Cake Mix
1 1/4 cup (or just shy of a can) A&W TEN soda, plus another 1/2 cup
24 Cupcake Liners
1 tub (4 cups) Sugar Free Whipped Topping
1 tbsp Root Beer Concentrate (This can be found in the seasoning aisle, with the rest of the extracts.  No big deal if you can't find it...just use Vanilla Flavoring.)

Directions

Mix together cake mix and 1 1/4 cup of A&W TEN until there are no lumps.  Spoon mixture into cupcake liners in a muffin pan.  Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.

Bake cupcakes for 17-20 minutes, or until tops of cupcakes start to brown.  Take out of oven and remove from muffin pan.

Poke 3-4 holes in the top of each cupcake (I used a chopstick).  Take about a tablespoon of A&W TEN per cupcake and pour into the holes.  Place in refrigerator and cool completely.

Mix together root beer concentrate and whipped topping.  Put about 1/4 cup of whipped topping mixture on top of each cupcake.

If made using this recipe, these cupcakes are under 100 calories each...and you'll never notice there's less flavor!  These are a great sweet snack to have on hand if you're dieting, or even if you're not.  Low calorie, full flavor, and delicious...you can't beat that!

You can find the Four Ten Calorie DPSG products at your local Walmart.  You can also check out info on the Facebook or Twitter pages!

And if you want to save a little when you're buying, click here to find out how to save up to $1.50 off two 2 liter bottles or 2 4-pack cans of 7UP TEN, A&W TEN, Canada Dry TEN, RC TEN or Sunkist TEN soda.  Offer valid 3/27-4/17.  While supplies last.