Happy Power Monday! And happy 4 Year Gluten-Free Anniversary to me! 🙂
It feels like I have been gluten-free my whole life, not just 4 years! It is so weird to think back and try to remember actually eating any other way. Of course I do remember, but I can tell you I would never go back to eating gluten if there was miraculously a cure to Celiac and gluten intolerance. I love being gluten-free and love that I have been able to enjoy all the wonderful benefits it has given me. I have discovered endless new foods, recipes, and ways of cooking. I have healed my Celiac tummy and intestines (for gluten). Most importantly going gluten-free started me on my path to healthy living. Ever since then I have been so interesting in food, nutrition, fitness, and health. When you are on a path to healing, you have to become a lot more in-tune with your body and how you treat it. That's why when people go gluten-free for medical reasons (the right reasons) they do it right and healthfully, not gorging on all the processed products popping up on the market now. Even through these last 4 years the gluten-free industry has continued to grow immensely, and while it is wonderful and awareness is out there, it is also sad to see its portrayal are a fad-diet in the media. I am hoping we can reverse these thoughts, but continue to grow awareness and better living for the real gluten-free(ers). Like the FDA labeling, but there is still so much more work to be done. We are behind countries like Canada who have made allergy awareness and labeling a priority and years ago at that. Come on USA let's make a Celiac's life easier!
O hey, and there will be the first ever online Gluten-Free Summit on November 11th-17th. It is free to sign up and you will hear from 25 experts in the field, interviewed by Dr. Tom O’Bryan, on gluten related disorders, research, nutrition, and healthy living! It sounds like a good time so sign-up!
Now, I didn't forget about Power Monday! In the spirit of wellness, health, and happiness, I wanted to give you guys my review of ENERGYbits (+giveaway) on this wonderful Power Monday! I was tweeting about ENERGYbits for a giveaway on another blog awhile back and they tweeted me back saying they would love to share. So I asked to do my own review on the blog and if I liked the product a giveaway as well. So we emailed back and forth and they sent over a sample for me to try! They are so nice and a wonderful company to work with!
So who and what are ENERGYbits? Well they are "a new Boston based sports nutrition company. Our “bits” are rapidly becoming the fuel of choice for athletes and people looking to lead active lifestyles. ENERGYbits have the highest concentration of protein in the world and deliver a steady stream of energy, all naturally and all without sugar, caffeine, chemicals or stomach distress. Even better, ENERGYbits are the only protein in the world that also contain natural antioxidants and Omega 3 which reduce muscle inflammation, iron which prevents fatigue, chlorophyll which builds the immune system and electrolytes which replenish mineral imbalances, all for just one calorie per tab. No other protein offers all this."
Sounds pretty cool right? I thought so. So I decided to give them a try. Not only are they a "super-food" buy they increase energy, endurance, mental vitality, are a high protein snack (1 calorie per tab and they recommend you take 30 at a time), they can curb hunger, balance blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and reduce fatigue. I was a little scared to take all 30 tabs my first time so I stuck to just half and took them 30 minutes before my Group Power class last Monday. I knew I probably would feel the real energy increase since I only took 15 (which you just swallow with water...or you can chew, but they recommend water because they have a very "green" taste if you know what I mean!). So I was more focusing on the other nutritional benefits instead. They didn't bother my stomach and I felt mentally energized! I don't know if it was in my head, but I think they do put you in a good mood, haha! And I bet they would be really awesome if you are going out to tackle a long run or crazy workout (and take the full amount).
So now for the Giveaway part! ENERGYbits has offered to give 1 reader their own sample of ENERGYbits, (US residant only), to try! So all you have to do to enter is:
1. Comment below and tell me why you want to try ENERGYbits. (Mandatory entry!)
2. Like my Facebook page. (Optional entry, comment below and tell me you did!)
3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet: "I want to try @ENERGYbits from @RebeccaGF666 ---> Come enter the #giveaway: http://bit.ly/1e7MX8t". (Optional entry, comment below with the link to the tweet!)
So you have 3 entries total! Remember this is open to US residents only and I will announce the winner via a random number generator on Thursday (November 7th!) Extended to Monday November 11th!
One more note! ENERGYbits are only available at ENERGYbits.com, and Jonathan (their Brand Manager) has shared with me that he'd be happy to connect anyone with a current ambassador to share a discount on a bag of bits - you can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com.
So tell me:
Have you ever tried ENERGYbits or even Spirulina before?
What is you go-to natural remedy for an energy boost? A workout! No matter how tired I am, I always feel 110% better after I start moving around.
If you are G-Free, when is you G-Free Anniversary and how many years has it been? It feels like a birthday 🙂
**Disclaimer: ENERGYbits sent me a free sample to try and said if I liked them, I could do a review and giveaway on my blog. Of course all my opinions are my own and come from the heart!**
Michelle D...
I have never heard of ENERGYbits before reading your blog. Spirulina is one of our go-to items for popcorn. Spirulina, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and coconut oil on hot air popped popcorn, super yum!
Congrats on being GF for so long. I am not 100% GF but really restrict what gluten I eat, as I feel WAY better not eating it.
Looking forward to making your Chana Marsala, that is how I found your blog! Going to soak chickpeas overnight tonight. 😉
strengthandsunshine
Super food popcorn! Haha sounds delicious, I love nutritional yeast 🙂 I am so glad you are trying my Masala! Let me know ASAP how it goes 🙂
Michelle D...
I made the Masala recipe the other day and it was great! I reheated the leftovers for breakfast this morning and let an egg poach in the juices as it was heating. Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
strengthandsunshine
I never thought of having it for a savory breakfast! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Experienced Bad Mom (@ExperBadMom)
Hi! I'm visiting from #sharefest. It was neat to see your enthusiasm for GF living just poring out of your words. Congrats on your anniversary! And thanks for admitting you were hesitant to take 30 energy bits--I can't imagine taking 30 of anything at once!
strengthandsunshine
Thank you Katy 🙂 XOXO That is the one strange thing about ENERGYbits! I wish they would just make the tablets a bit bigger so you don't have to swallow so many.
Jill
I would love to try these energy bites for my runs!! thanks!
Carrie H
I want to try the bits to see if they really work!!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! 😀 I have been G-Free for 11 years now! NO WAY would I EVER go back to those old yucky ways! And how interesting, this online gluten free summit!! Hopefully I'll be able to tune in for some!
strengthandsunshine
Thank you XOXO 🙂 It sounds interesting. I always love hearing new views on being g-free.
Keri
I've seen energy bits all over the place. I'd love to try them as a fuel for my workouts!
Becca F
I would love to win energy bites so I could have energy to work out to get back in shape for my sister's wedding!
katsnf
I just started the Grain Brain challenge and am LOVING the creativity that going Gluten Free can force you into in a way!
strengthandsunshine
It really is rewarding, you should no feel piety for yourself! I hate when people are like "omg that must suck!" And I am like no it doesn't, the way you eat probably sucks 😉
Kaila @healthyhelperblog!
I liked you on FB!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog!
I follow you on Twitter!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog!
Congrats on your GF anniversary! I'd love to win the energy bits for giving me an extra burst of energy during my workouts!!
strengthandsunshine
Thanks Kaila! XOXO 🙂