Just for Fun

Brit’s Best and Worst Nutrition Bars

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best_worst_energy_bars_i

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been tracking my food intake on My Fitness Pal (because it syncs with my Jawbone) and I’ve noticed how many nutrition and protein bars I eat in a typical week.  Contrary to popular belief, all nutrition bars are not made equally.  Unfortunately, many of the super nutritious ones taste like poo (real talk).  And others that taste great aren’t nutritious at all – they are loaded with sugar and calories.  This gave me the idea to do some independent research on the most common nutrition bars that I consume.  I evaluated each bar by my personal 5 critical criteria (listed below) and then added in my own personal preference for the official GRIT by Brit Nutrition Ranking.

best nutrition bars

Brit’s Nutrition Bar Criteria:

  • High Protein
  • Low sugar
  • Great taste (according to me)
  • High Fiber
  • Low Calorie

I know some people may care about other things like organic ingredients, other vitamins and minerals etc., but I just chose to focus on these 5 nutrition elements because they are most critical for weight management.  Any who, I put the bars to the test and here are the results!  I hope you find this information helpful.

Nutrition Bar Show Down!

kashi

Ranking #1 on my List is the Kashi Go-Lean Crips Chocolate Pretzel Bar.  Not only am I obsessed with the taste, but these bars are full of fiber and protein and only have 160 calories (which equals 16 minutes on the elliptical) YIPPEE!

Ranking LAST on my list is the Amazing Grass: Super food Chocolate Whole Foods Energy Bar.  I mean…how is this even considered “healthy”?   It’s loaded with sugar and hardly provides and protein and fiber.  I find this to be true with a lot of “energy” bars.  Be careful my friends.  Organic and Super Food labels don’t always mean healthy…

amazing grass

What are your favorite nutrition bars?  Any favorites?  Any you hate?

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Abs, Home Workouts

5 Minute Ab Workout – Vol. 2

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As promised, here’s another 5 minute ab/core workout for you to enjoy.  In case you missed my 5 minute Abs Vol. 1, you can CLICK HERE to check it out.  Feel free to do the workout on your own or with me in real time via my YouTube video below.  Lots of luv, Brit

5 Minute Abs
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hFndoy23OY&w=420&h=315]

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Inspiration & Motivation

Reach for the Sky! 5 Tips to Live By

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reach for the sky

Happy Friday everyone!  As I was sitting at my desk, unwinding from a busy week and getting ready to enjoy my weekend, I came across this blog post that truly inspired me.  I totally agree with these 5 tips (especially Tip #5).  The time is now!  Whatever dream has been sitting heavy on your heart, now is the time to pursue it!  Tomorrow isn’t promised – so get up and go for it.  Lots of luv, Brit 🙂

5 Tips to Live By

by Steven Blaser

Source: http://stevenblaser.wordpress.com/2013/10/04/5-tips-to-live-by/

Every single person you meet will have some sort of advice for you. Unfortunately, I struggle to believe most of it or find it actionable in my daily life. It is difficult to learn a new trade, to think in the clouds, and generally to run out and change my life. How can I do that in the confines of my busy life while also gaining great value out of each activity? From an economics perspective, the opportunity cost of everything we do is quite high, especially nowadays as people become busier and busier. This is why I give 5 pieces of advice that I feel can drastically change the way you think and live while barely changing anything at all.

1. Give more than you receive. To me, this one is the most important. People that give are happier, more successful, and more fun to be around. If a person asks you for advice with your trade, give it to them over dinner or a drink. No favor will go unpunished and it is more than likely this will lead to them providing you with future opportunities or just a new friend or perspective. Many people argue with me that people should do charity for the sake of helping others and not have a selfish motive. To me, it doesn’t particularly concern me either way. Most people that do charity enjoy helping others but that does not indicate that you should feel guilty getting a benefit from your charity as well.

2. Network. The saying that I have found most true in my life is that it is not what you know but who you know. Networking can be as easy as meeting new people at work or as difficult as asking your job to pay for you to attend a conference or seminar. Networking will not take too much time out of your life and can even be attached to events like going out, work functions, and dinners. Whenever you can, get a business card and a contact. Again, you never know when it will come in handy.

3. Learn the Economy – it is very sad to me how few people understanding anything about the economy. Without this understanding, it will be very easy for people to get ahead of you. I do not care if your only connection to money is the paycheck you receive because that is a direct implication on the economy and the economy will still affect you. See my post about the economic machine in 30 minutes to get a pretty comprehensive understanding. If you have other questions, let me know.

4. Read + Write – this stands by itself but the greatest business minds, scholars, political figures of our time are well read and well written. You should join these ranks. Start a blog or a journal but reading and writing will improve your analytical thinking, your knowledge, and may even get a few more people to notice your skills.

5. Act Now. Do It. There is no better time than now to get started on what you want to do. Tomorrow is far too late.

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Inspiration & Motivation

New GRIT by Brit Workout Video on BOOYA Fitness

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photo (4)
That’s me, front and center, delivering the GRIT by Brit workout for BOOYA Fitness

Last weekend I filmed my 2nd official GRIT by Brit workout video!  The video will drop on Thanksgiving Day as part of the launch of BOOYA Fitness.  BOOYA is an revolutionary new fitness company that provides high-end workout videos to consumers on demand.  Think NetFlix for workout videos. It features amazing fitness instructors mostly from the best boutique fitness studios in NYC.  You can check out more details on their alpha site www.booyafitness.com but be on the lookout for the Thanksgiving Day launch of their new site and new workout videos – featuring yours truly!

Personally, I decided to support BOOYA and be a featured instructor on the platform because I love the idea of being able to connect with my students outside of the group fitness classroom.  Also, the co-founder, Prita Kumar, is a fellow Harvard Business School MBA and Fitness Fanatic (like me).  Prita and I met each other over Twitter and instantly connected.  I’m so excited for her to transform the fitness industry through high-end video content.  You can learn more about her journey to starting BOOYA Fitness on this cool start up documentary, CLICK HERE to watch.

So, let me move on and tell you a little about the cool experience I had at the BOOYA shoot and what you can expect from the new and improved GRIT by Brit workout…

Headed to the studio with my cue cards in hand!
Headed to the studio with my cue cards in hand!

So if you have a copy of my DVD (if you don’t buy one on Amazon – PLEASE) you’ll notice that the workout I designed for BOOYA is very similar.  However, I really tried to take my game to the next level.  In addition to the jammin’ music, I incorporated new techniques I’ve learned to over the past year to enhance my workout.  Specifically:

  • More FUN – I incorporated some “dance-like” moves into the cardio sections and into the choreography overall
  • More FIERECE – After each cardio round I have a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) section
  • More FITNESS – Through the workout I really focused on focus on toning the legs and core.  Also I only use of body weight resistance training – no hand weights this time

I feel a HUGE sense of accomplishment after this shoot because I can look back on my progress over the past year and see how I’ve really grown as a fitness instructor and personal coach.  It feels good knowing that I’m better able to help people reach their fitness goals.  I’m VERY confident that my new workout video will inspire and motivate tons of people to have fun, get fit and show their GRIT 😉

I'm clearly very excited to explain the GRIT by Brit workout during my BOOYA fitness interview :)
I’m clearly very excited to explain the GRIT by Brit workout during my BOOYA fitness interview 🙂

For the BOOYA shoot, I was fortunate to have a rock star group of participants, Minal and Lateefah.  Minal, is another HBS MBA / Fitness Guru – she is the founder of BollyX and did me the honor of being in my video.  “BOLLYX is a Bollywood-inspired dance-fitness program that combines dynamic choreography and intensive workouts with upbeat music from around the world.  The workouts are fun and invigorating but, more importantly, designed to drive fitness results through cardio and muscle-building exercises. ”  Lateefah, is the founder of EmpowerFit.    “Empowerfit is empowerment through fitness.”  Lateefah and I met the day of the shoot, but we instantly connected – it was like we had known each other for years.  She brings a solid dance cardio background to the video which complimented the GRIT by Brit signature moves very well.

Both of these lovely ladies ROCKED IT OUT and brought some serious energy and enthusiasm on shoot day – I’m super grateful for them both!

Lateefah, me and Minal after a successful shoot!
Lateefah, me and Minal after a successful shoot!

Overall, I cannot wait for the official video to drop on Thanksgiving Day!  I’ll keep you guys posted on the details.  In the meanwhile, keep grinding, keeping shinning and keep showing you GRIT.   I’ve got a new ab workout coming this week, so stayed tuned for that as well.  All the best to you!

Lots of luv,

Brit 🙂

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Inspiration & Motivation

“September Shape Up” Home Stretch: Blake’s Week 3 Progress Update

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Blake’s Week 3 Thoughts / Results:

I am down another 2 pounds on Brit’s September Shape Up Plan (woo hoo).  The most important part of this process has been the ability to focus on my diet and exercise (even though the later has been waylaid due to illness). As I mentioned in my week two review, I have a lot of personal things going on: renovating our new house, getting ready to move, and preparing to start a new job (all while finishing up at the old one)! Having this challenge has actually been a blessing since I tend to stress eat! So, here’s how I did last week…

Diet:

I managed to get in three smoothies for dinner and subbed for 2 other meals on other days. I am actually really enjoying having the smoothies and utilizing unique ingredients for them. I think when everything is said and done with this challenge that I might actually keep this practice around. I don’t know about you but usually my Achilles heel when dieting is dinner. I tend to eat pretty well through out the day and then get home and my diet goes quickly down the tubes. Having to record my food and having smoothies has definitely helped with this! I’ve also started experimenting with some new to me foods including coconut water and almond milk. Hooray for new food items!

Hydration:

Being sick has really focused me on making sure I am drinking way more than I usually do. Hooray for checking off this box!

Blake (in the pink pants) and Friends after a sweet 3 mile run!
Blake (in the pink pants) and Friends after a sweet 3 mile run!

Exercise:

  • Monday: Brit’s 10 minute HIIT workout and Skinny Girl Yoga
  • Tuesday: Flywheel
  • Wednesday: Three mile run
  • Thursday: Assisted with tiling at the house – this entailed lifting hundreds of pounds of tile up and down the stairs in my house for about three hours – talk about some power lifting – marble is HEAVY.
  • Friday: More tiling in the house.
  • Saturday: Attempted to help with the tiling in the house. Instead I was so sick that I sat on the floor pretty useless.
  • Sunday: Definitely really sick 🙁

Brit’s Tips for Blake:

Stay strong to the finish!  You are doing an amazing job and already seeing great progress – down over 4 pounds!  Also, be sure to stay hydrated when you’re sick.  However, I believe that it’s still important to stay active when are you aren’t feeling well – physically and mentally exercise can help you get back to feeling normal.  If you feel sick, do some resistance training or yoga.  If you aren’t able to workout, be very conscious of your calorie intake – lots of low-calorie fluids, water and nutritious smoothies instead of heavy meals.  You’ve already done so much hard work, so keep on truckin’ – you’re almost there.  GO BLAKE 🙂

For more info about Blake’s weight management journey, be sure to follow her blog: http://www.binanutshell.com/

strong to the finish

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Abs, Home Workouts

5 Minute Abs Vol. 1 – Complete Killer Workout Video for your Core

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Hey Gang!  I just designed (and tested) this ab workout.   It’s super effective, only 5 minutes and works ALL of your core muscles.  You can simply follow the instructions or work out with me in real-time via my heart-felt video below.  Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for lots of super fun and super gritty home workouts.  Hope you like!  

Lots of luv, Brit 🙂

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc6WVP2o4_g&w=420&h=315]

5 Minute Abs

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Just for Fun

My UP Life: UP by Jawbone Product Review

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After seeing all of my friends with their fancy “wrist wellness” devices, I decided to jump on the band wagon a purchase one for myself.  In case you’re unsure of what I’m talking about, several devices have recently taken over the health/wellness scene for young professionals and hipsters.  The Nike Fuel Band, FitBit and of UP by Jawbone are just a few of the most popular.  They range in price from $75 – $130 (the Jawbone is $129).  Essentially, the devices are worn around the wrist and track daily activity.  They sync with a mobile device and have apps that can be downloaded for free to store all of your personal data and activity trends, lifestyle patterns, etc.  But what we consumers really want to know is, “Are these devices effective? Does simply having data bout our lifestyle actually promote healthy habits?”

Well, I’ve taken the personal challenge and bought myself an UP by Jawbone.  My hope was that having knowledge about my sleep patterns, daily activity and calorie intake/burn would naturally encourage me make healthier decisions.  In some cases this has been true and in others it hasn’t.  But before I go there, let me tell you a little about the device itself.

my jawboneI’ve been using the Jawbone UP for about a 2 weeks and overall I really like it! First I’ve been satisfied with the product quality.  I bought mine at the Apple store and the customer service/return policy is great.  So far it works perfectly.  The battery life is really long (like 10 days) before I have to charge it. I also think it has a cool/chic design and, honestly, I hope that people see it around my wrist because it signals that I’m “health conscious.” 🙂

Here’s a quick list of my likes and dislikes of this specific product…

Likesjawbone sleep patterns

  • It vibrates will I’ve been sitting for too long (kind of scared me the first time and literally made me jump out of my seat)
  • It has an alarm clock vibration to wake me up in the morning, only when I’m in a “light sleep cycle”
  • It tracks my sleep cycles (see the chart that get populated in the app – right) !  I didn’t think this would be that big of a deal but I’m more conscious about what I do during the day and what time I go to bed to ensure I get quality sleep
  • It syncs directly with “My Fitness Pal” app so I like to log my food and exercise there
  • It doesn’t track any activity other than my “steps” or so if I’m are doing yoga or riding a stationary bike I don’t get any “points.”  At firs this annoyed me, but this makes me actually make me more conscious about remaining active throughout the day.  For instance, I get up from my desk during the day and just walk around which is really important, even for those of us who exercise daily.  Remember what we learned from our registered dietitian?  “Sitting pretty” is unhealthy!

Dislikes

  • I haven’t found the perfect fit.  The small was too tight and the medium is too loose.
  • I don’t like that I have to actually plug it into my iPhone for my app to update, I wish is had Bluetooth so it will update in real-timejawbone with iphone
  • The design is really cool/chic, but sometimes the devices get hooked onto my sleeve because it doesn’t close all the way around (see pics below)

Overall, I think the Jawbone has a leg up over the Nike Fuel Band and the Fit Bit because it has the sleep tracking capability.  I didn’t realize just how much my lack of “deep Sleep” was impacting my liveliness and personal vitality.

Has Jawbone Changed My Life?

I would say, definitely YES!  First, I’m now knowledgeable of the specific daily habits that prevent me from getting deep sleep.  For me it’s drinking wine before I got to bed, going to bed late (after 11pm) or eating dinner too late (after 8pm).  If I avoid these things, I’ve found that I get much longer “deep sleep” cycles.  Also,  I’m more active throughout the day in addition to my morning gym workouts.  For instance, I try to take the stairs instead of the elevator, I walk the long way back to my desk during coffee breaks and I park as far away from my building as possible.  These small changes usually ensure that I meet my daily step goal of 10,000 steps.  In terms of body weight, I haven’t really noticed a significant difference.  But this is probably because I haven’t been tracking my calories very diligently.  If I got more disciplined with that, I assume the Jawbone would also be really effective for weight management.  All in all, at the end of the day, I give the Jawbone a big GRIT by Brit 2 thumbs up!

Do you guys have a Jawbone?  Or a Nike Fuel Band?  Or Fit Bit?   Are they effective for you?  Let us know!

jawbone-up

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Just for Fun

September Shape Up: Blake’s Week 2 in Review

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Hey gang.  I hope your week is off to an excellent start.  Blake, my fit friend from binanutshell.com has officially completed Week 2 of my September Shape up plan.  Are you trying the plan for yourself?  Do it!

If you were around last week, you’ll remember that Blake got off to an amazing start losing over 2 pounds in Week 1 – woo hoo!  During Week 2, however, she’s experienced some setbacks.  BUT we are all about showing our GRIT – passion and perseverance for long-term goals.  Even though Blake had a “less than stellar” Week 2, we KNOW that she will keep on truckin’ and be successful in the end!  Here’s her update.  Wish her luck, strong to the finish! 🙂

GRIT

Blake’s Week 2 in Review

Overall, I am saddened by my progress in week 2. I was really excited to keep up with Brit’s Shape Up September, but I wasn’t able to due to health reasons.  I am just going to be upfront and say that even knowing that there are 2 weeks left in the month, week 2 was definitely the most difficult. Early in the week, I was plagued with a summer cold that left me lethargic, sneezy and coughing – which of course resulted in my not working out.

Also, I have an inordinate amount going on in my personal life – some really great things that I am not quite yet ready to share on the blog, but stay tuned for a personal life update soon!

Here is how last week panned out:

Diet

I managed to get two nights with smoothies in, one night without dinner at all, one business dinner, and two dinners out with friends. Unfortunately, most of those events were planned way before Shape Up September, so I worked around the dinners out by eating really healthy breakfasts and having a smoothie for lunch! Smoothies for the win!

Exercise

  • Monday: Brit’s GRIT Ultimate Body Burn workout video – seriously folks, if you don’t own this video, you should.  Buy it on Amazon!
  • Tuesday: Brit’s 10 minute HIIT circuit – I had a super late meeting and didn’t get home until almost 10 and was starting not to feel well
  • Wednesday: Skinnygirl Yoga at home (note to self: downward dog does not feel good with congestion)
  • Thursday – Sunday: Sick, sick, sick

Hydration

Still focusing on having a full glass of water on my desk at all times. Hooray for this. Also, I think the water was really helpful from keeping me on the healthier side of sick… since the hubs was knocked out for twice as long as I was.

Week 3 Focus

This week’s focus is definitely going to be CARDIO! I am excited to get back to working out now that I don’t feel like walking up the three flights of stairs to my bedroom is going to make me winded.

Here’s a quick cardio workout I recommend for Blake in case she is pressed for time time next week – cardio is KING (wink,wink) xoxo, Brit

15-min-cardio-fix2

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Home Workouts

Can Eating Before a Workout be Beneficial?

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I love this blog. Ladies and Gents, check out these awesome pre-workout snacks from Bella Froza Fitness. I often workout on an empty stomach because that’s what I always did in high school and college before volleyball and basketball games. But having a clean, pre-workout snack can really enhance performance and increase calorie burn. Enjoy and let me know what you think. Lots of luv, Brit

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