Review: For the Dogs

Standard

I received these products from Tomoson.com to review.  My opinions are my own and I would not recommend anything I did not enjoy or believe in. 

I’ve told you about my dogs before.  They are so full of energy, love, and shenanigans!  They’re all getting older and have different needs now than when they were pups.  Oz is about 13 while Fred and Victor are each almost 11.  They’re eating senior formula dog food and we’ve cut all wheat and corn from their diets and give them carrots or fruit slices as treats.  They LOVE apple and banana slices.

Other than aging and occasional issues, they’re pretty healthy.  Fred has hip issues, though. She has days when she limps for a while after awakening and it lasts for a few days.  She’s a trooper, though, and doesn’t let the pain or stiffness keep her down.

My dogs do help me on my wellness journey.  Pets help keep my blood pressure down and occasionally join me on walks.  Boxer boy Victor knows when I’m dealing with high pain levels and stays by my side.

I’ve added two new products to their routine in the past two weeks and want to share about them.  Both were sent to me free of charge for review purposes.  Before agreeing to accept the products, I did a little research and decided to give them a shot.  These three are part of the family and I wouldn’t use just any old product on them.

dog joint stuff 2

Did you know that 25% of all dogs will develop joint mobility issues of some sort during their life?  I knew to keep my eyes open for the signs, but didn’t know that many could be effected.  TerraMax Pro’s Hip and Joint Supplement Formula could help. I take a glucosamine supplement myself and it seems to help, so giving one to the dogs makes sense. Hip and joint Supplement is an extra strength formula with 1600 mg Glucosamine, 1200 mg Chondroitin, MSM, and Hyaluronic Acid.  TerraMax Pro comes in liquid form and apparently tastes great because they inhale their breakfast and dinner every time.  It has a 4.7 of 5 star rating on Amazon.com

I’ve given the dogs a dose (two teaspoons each for their weights) at each meal for two weeks now. Fred was in the middle of a flare when she started it and is running around like her usual self. Her limp and the swelling are gone. Old Man Oz and Victor are each moving a little faster as well. I should have started them on it sooner.

I’m going to stick with this liquid formula because it seems to work well, worked quickly,
and they like it. Oz has a sensitive stomach and has had no problems with the addition to
his diet.

Get your bottle of TerraMax Pro’s made in the USA Hip and Joint Supplement for $39.97
With three dogs taking the highest dose, I haven’t put a dent in it yet.

dog tear stuff 2

Another new addition ot the canine care arsenal is vet-formulated Paw Choice Tear Stain Remover.  Poor Victor gets tear stains like mad.  Several breeds are prone to them, and my white Boxer boy is a textbook case. Baths and supplemental face washes are part of his routine. He know what a washcloth means and sometimes I think I’m hurting him when I wipe away those tears. I’ve tried specific dog shampoo formulas for white dogs in the past. While it made his coat glow, it didn’t seem to keep the tear stains away for long.

Paw Choice is a plant-derived formula with coconut that’s perfect on sensitive skin. My sweet boy didn’t wince when I washed his face. Tear Stain Remover seems to keep the stains from returning as quickly. It’s only been two weeks for us; I’ve heard from others that the stain prevention gets even better with multiple uses. I like what I’ve seen so far and will keep using it. My boy deserves the best and that includes a tear stain-free face to smooch.

Paw Choice is free from fragrance, parabens, alcohol, bleach, sulfates, phosphates, MEA, DEA, and Tylosin. Get your bottle from Amazon today for $18.95

You’ll see more of the dogs doing their dog things if they’ll pose for the camera or keep playing while I take a candid shot.  Until then, peace.

One week ago

Standard

This time last Saturday,  your friendly neighborhood Sherrie walked her first 5K.

The original plan was to walk/run, but the joints were not having it.

I arrived late and started after everyone was gone.  Adele was singing her heart out in my ears and I was near tears myself.   But I kept going.  Besides, Charleston needed to see me repping for #TeamVegan.  I had someone ask about my shirt and plant-based living, which is what I’d hoped.

20160116_094038

And this band was my mantra.  I was there to compete with the Sherrie from a few months ago.  The Sherrie who wouldn’t have pushed the crowd out of her head and just walked.

20160116_094459

But I did it!  Black Girls Run Charleston,  Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness community, Official Team Green, Vegan N3rd Squad,  and my Facebook fitness families and running clubs, thank you.  To my family,  thanks.   To Sherrie from a few months ago,  see what you did?  We’ve got this!

20160116_094505

On to the next one!

 

 

Healing by any means

Standard

No, this is not another ‘no longer vegan,’ posts.  It’s just a commentary on trying work around meds and supplements that aren’t exactly veg-friendly. 

It’s a struggle,  y’all.  Not sticking to my way of eating, but trying to find vegan supplements and meds.  I’ve found many that work, but not all are veg-friendly.   Does it make me less compassionate?   No.  It means I’m one of the many dealing with this.

If you choose to judge me based on this mindset, so be it. Step into  body on a high pain day(well, week)  and talk to me afterward.  I’m doing what needs to be done while I find the optimal balance.

Does it mean veg-friendly instead of certified vegan supplements?   If the veg-friendly products work best, yes.  Does it mean dealing with meds that have no vegan alternative?   Yes, unfortunately.   Does it make me sad?  Yes.

I need to keep it together while on the journey.   On days like today, that means healing by any means necessary.

It’s on!

Standard

Happy  2016!

So, what goals have you set for yourself?  I registered for the Shrimp & Grits 5K on January 16 – my first non-virtual event!  The 5K is part of the Charleston Marathon series of events that include a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and bike ride benefitting the Youth Endowment for the Arts.  I’m so excited!  This will not be my last. Are you running, walking, or biking?

train shirt

My other main goal for 2016 is to become more flexible.  My joints and muscles will thank me for it.  As for weight and fat loss, food, etc., I like the path I’m on and will keep on it.  I’m seeing progress and that’s all I need.

So, what are your 2016 plans?

Product review: Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottle

Standard

I received the Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottle for free to review via Tomoson.com.  My views are my own and I do not recommend anything if I don’t believe in it.

I don’t always take wine with me wherever I go, but when I wanted to in the past, I had to either deal with bottles or a box.  You know you found a box of Franzia either at your place or served at a party back in the day.  While boxed varieties have improved over the years, I still haven’t found one that makes me happy.  I don’t drink much wine, but when I do, I want a glass of good Pinot Grigio or Zinfandel with dinner or dessert.

Did you know that there are events around Charleston that allow attendees to bring alcohol?  The biggest – and my favorite – is the Spoleto Finale held at Middleton Place every summer. I’ve taken a bottle or three before, but worried about breakage the entire time.  A box just didn’t feel right and reminded me of the old days when money was tight and my youthful taste buds only wanted the wine ‘warmth’ and not the flavor.

Instead of mediocre box or fumbling with bottles, I now have the option of filling up a bottle with my wine of choice.  Thank you, Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottles!  I wouldn’t have thought of filling my own bottles before finding these.  The bottles are tiny when empty, but don’t let that fool you.  The Vino Mio refillable bottles each hold a full 750 ml bottle of wine. Filling them takes a little patience the first time around. Don’t wait until the last minute because you have to fill the bottles a little at a time and force the air bubbles out as you go.

Vino Mio bottles

I’m tickled by the label.  “Possibly Quality Wine?”  In my younger years, ‘possibly’ was the truth.  Each package includes a bottle with a red or white-type of label so you can take one of each style with you wherever you go.

These bottles are BPA-free, re-usuable, flexible, and foldable or rollable, making them easy to put away when it’s time to go.  The tiny size means they don’t take up much space in the kitchen, either.
I can take my favorites with me instead of making do with one I don’t particularly care for or worrying about broken glass. I cannot wait to use them again during next year’s finale.

Want a pair of your own?  Two Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottles are just $13.99 on Amazon.com.  Shipping is free for Amazon Prime users.  Cassani Company stands behind its product with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  It’s a hassle-free lifetime guarantee; that says a lot.

Drink responsibly.  Follow the local laws about public alcohol consumption and leave the beach, park, or picnic area as nice as you found them.  Don’t be that guy.

Social dieting – do you participate?

Standard

Do you share your fitness journey on social media?  I do.  I share the good and bad, and have found a tribe of like-minded folks who support and share as well.  My feed is full of people at all stages of the fitness journey and it helps me keep motivated and focused. Note:   I compete with myself and see other’s journeys as theirs alone.  My progress is mine and where I am is directly related to me and former versions of me. 

Support and challenge groups are not new, but a new type of challenge is on the rise.  If you follow fitness accounts on social media, you’re sure to run across calls for challenges or bets that award prizes to the biggest loser.  Some challenges call for pledges of  $5, $10, $25 or more and the winners get to split the pot at challenge end.  I haven’t participated in this sort of challenge, but they are many.  Studies show that incentive-based challenges may increase motivation and success.  A Mayo Clinic study on “Individual- Versus Group-Based Financial Incentives for Weight Loss” not only found that “sustained weight loss can be achieved by financial incentives” and that “financial incentives can improve results, and improve compliance and adherence,” but lead author, Jeffrey T. Kullgren, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., also cited the advantages of social dynamics for employers offering such awards to help control health care costs while also improving the health of employees, noting, “We found that these incentives were substantially more powerful when delivered in groups…” The study concluded that “A group-based financial incentive was more effective than an individual incentive.”  A Brown University suggests that shedding pounds can have a “contagious” ripple effect and concluded that social networks and teamwork play a significant role in enhancing weight loss outcomes in weight loss interventions.

If you want to start or join a cash prize challenge to kick off 2016 with a bang, consider signing up with HealthyWage. HealthyWage provides cash incentives, social and expert-based support, tools and resources, and goal-setting and tracking technologies to address our nation’s obesity epidemic and improve America’s collective health.  How does a $10,000 top prize sound to you?  One top winner, Kristin Westerfield of Indianapolis, IN lost 114 pounds and won $4,000.

Are you a social dieter?  Which platform do you use?  Does it keep you motivated?

 

Sources: 

N.A. Christakis and J.H. Fowler, “The Spread of Obesity in a Large Social Network Over 32 Years,” New England Journal of Medicine 357(4): 370-79 (July 2007)
Teamwork Makes Weight Loss More Fun & Successful

Leahey, T.M., Kumar, R., Weinberg, B., Wing, R.R., “Teammates and Social Influence Affect Weight Loss Outcomes in a Team-based Weight Loss Competition,” Obesity, 20 7, 1413-18 (2012)

http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1671710

Last-minute gifts, boozy edition

Standard

Can you believe that there are only four shopping days left until Christmas?  Or just 10 days left in 2015?  Where did the time go?

With time flying by, you may not have picked up gifts for everyone on your shopping list.  If you’re thinking of sharing spirits with the over-21 crowd, keep in mind that Charleston liquor stores will be closed on Christmas day, so you need to swing by your favorite before then.

As for boozy suggestions, try whisky.  Classic cocktails are all the rage and whisky takes the starring role on quite a few.  A Hot Toddy and or spiked nog call for a shot of whiskey (it’s particularly yummy in Coconut Nog) and no stocked bar is complete without a bottle or two.  Here are recommendations close to my heart.

Bulleit Hot Toddy

Bulleit 10 Year-Old has a smooth finish. Try it in a Hot Toddy. This 91.2 proof whiskey retails for around $50

Dickel Rye Smash

George Dickey Rye is an economical choice. It’s 90 proof and is a nice one for drinking straight up. It retails for around $25

Northern Harvest Rye Buck

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye was named the 2016 World Whisky of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, becoming the first Canadian Whisky to receive the honor.

The 5 Keys

Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight is Diageo’s latest offering. This contains whiskey some of the oldest stocks, including the last ever produced at Stitzel-Weller. This 91 proof gem retails for around $50.

The Beelzebub

I.W. Harper is back after 20 years! Try this one straight up, in a Hot Toddy, or a cocktail. It’s another economical choice at a suggested retail of just $35.

Remember, drink responsibly.  Don’t drink and drive – have a designated driver.  Take the keys if someone is impaired and give them a place to sleep or call a cab.

Don’t mix alcohol and medication.

Make it an occasional indulgence if you’re working towards a specific fitness goal.  Yes, alcohol is carb-free, but it’s also full of empty calories.

 

Eating for real

Standard

Let’s be real for a minute. We know it’s better to eat at the table so you can put your focus squarely on your meal, but that isn’t always how things go. We eat at our desks, in the car, and while watching tv.  While protein shakes and smoothies are a great option for mobile meals, those don’t always do the trick.  My question is this:  what kinds of things do you reach for when you need something more but don’t always have both hands available?

When I need to eat at my desk, easy-to-eat fruit and nuts is one of my favorite combos.  Apple slices or strawberries with a serving of mixed nuts on the side makes me happy.

apples n nuts

Give me a Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Ambrosia, or Granny Smith and I’m a happy woman. 

When fruit isn’t what I’m feeling at that  moment, muffins make me smile.  Blueberry, oatmeal, apple spice, pumpkin or sweet potato muffins are blissful one-handed goodies that don’t always leave a mess on my clothes or keyboard.

blueberry-yogurt-muffins2

These Blueberry Yogurt muffins from Happy Herbivore Light & Lean and delicious, guilt-free, and quick.  Happy Herbivore photo.

You can never go wrong with a good old fashioned sandwich.  I make sure it’s not made with messy fillings so I don’t have to worry as much about a gloopy keyboard or stains on my tops.

sandwich

Nothing like a sammy full of holiday leftovers.

What are you favorite meals or snacks when you eat on the go or in the office?