Categories: Non-food Products

3 Aug 2011, Comments (0)

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 2

Author: Healthnuttxo

This review is of Level 2 of Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred. I already reviewed level 1 HERE.

Level 2 was the same format as level 1, but with more intensity. As stated on the DVD box, there are “Three 6-minute Circuits Featuring Jillian’s 3-2-1 Interval System: 3 Minutes of Strength, 2 Minutes of Cardio, 1 Minute of Abs”.

What I noticed this time is that my core and balance were challenged a lot more than in level 1. There were strength moves that required standing on one foot, as well as a good deal of plank work. The strength moves were much more challenging than Level 1, and I felt a significant burn even using 5 pound weights for a few moves. One move toward the end, which was a simultaneous chair squat while raising dumbbells in a V formation was particularly challenging, and the first time I did it I took a brief rest during that segment.

The cardio moves also were bumped up a notch, and I felt as if I burned more calories during these cardio moves than the ones in level 1.  They were fun, yet speedy, and helped the DVD progress quickly.

Lastly, the abs, I found to be fair. They were not super challenging, but definitely not super basic either. My lower abs got a good workout, and I felt pretty satisfied.

I almost wish Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred had 4 minutes strength, 3 minutes cardio and 2 minutes abs, because I feel like doing the video just once isn’t enough for me. I ended up doing the Level 2 segment twice, as I did Level 1 the first time I tried it, for me to feel like I had a more complete workout. But then again, I’m an avid exerciser, and I live for the intensity. My family and friends swear I’m crazy, since I crave the intensity of exercise, and maybe I am, but whatever floats your boat right? =)

Overall, Level 2 of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is my favorite so far, and I can’t wait to try Level 3 !

Have you tried Level 2 of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred? What are your thoughts?

17 Jul 2011, Comments (5)

Reebok RealFlex Sneakers

Author: Healthnuttxo

As I mentioned before, I’m one of those people that loves to exercise. My primary forms of exercise include kickboxing, biking and strength training, along with occasional walks. I happen to love Asics when it comes to sneakers, and I was using Asics running sneakers knowing that I probably should be getting cross training sneakers. Which makes sense, doesn’t it? If I’m barely running, why get running sneakers?

Well, the story behind that is that ever since high school when I did track, I loved Asics, so I kind of just stuck with a brand name I loved. However, I went to the stores today and saw these sneakers that caught my eye. When the cashier told me I could use them as cross training sneakers, I knew I had to try them. I looked on the website about these sneakers, and saw they were meant for running as well.

I thought it was cute that the website said the shoes had “76 Running Buddies”, or squares on the bottom on the shoes.

I tried them on at the store, and I really liked them. They were super light weight on top, but felt very supportive and squishy on the bottom. I believe I even said It “felt like walking on mini marshmallows”. Don’t laugh at me =)

I got them for $90.00, which I thought was a bit steep, but a good investment. I rationalized that I wouldn’t need a new pair for another 6-8 months, so it was kind of like paying 12-15$ a month. I mean, if you could rent shoes and all…

But ANYWAY. The real test came when it was time to work out. I laced em up and used them at my cardio kickboxing classes. At first, they felt kind of weird. I was afraid I was going to roll my ankle because the top part of the shoe is very soft and cloth-like rather than a tough and thick top of a sneaker, like one made leather or what not. I felt slightly unsturdy with the ankle area, but only when we did lateral movements, like lunges where we lean to the left foot and then quickly to the right.

As class went on, I realized the support elsewhere was actually pretty good. I felt absolutely no pain or pressure in my knees, which I really liked. I also liked that the shoes felt so light, so kicking the bag felt easier than usual. I had to adjust the shoe once (untie and retie the knot) because after the lunges I felt my foot was slipping slightly in the shoe. I’m sure I will get used to them as time goes on.

Another thing I liked (which I have heard several times from people are the main reason they buy a shoe)? They looked really nice! I liked the color scheme, and they were attractive to the eye. I’ll be using these only indoors, so whoever goes to my gym or lives in my house will probably only see these pretty shoes until I buy a new pair. Which, again, I hope will be 6-8 months from now.

Overall? A pretty good shoe. I haven’t tried them running as of yet, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you bought these or tried them out! 4 stars

9 Jul 2011, Comments (7)

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 1

Author: Healthnuttxo

Not reviewing a food today, but, an exercise video I just bought! Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. I heard excellent things about it, and wanted to try it for myself. I bought it, not for weight loss as it promotes, but because I love intense workouts. Seriously- I have friends that are convinced something is wrong with me because I’m one of those “go hard or go home” kind of people. I can’t help it!

Now, keep in mind I have a background with exercise. I kickbox 5-6 times a week, strength train, and bike ride as well. So I’m certainly not a beginner, and consider myself an advanced exerciser. I used 5 pound weights for most of the video, but also used 8 lbs for some exercises.

There are 3 levels to the video, and this review is of Level 1. The video begins with a warm up, of not really stretching, but loosening up everything. Arm swings, jumping jacks, etc. I actually liked this form of a warmup because I felt ready to go once it was over. I hate going into exercise when I’m not warmed up, as I feel like I am slugging through the whole thing.

As stated on the DVD box, there are “Three 6-minute Circuits Featuring Jillian’s 3-2-1 Interval System: 3 Minutes of Strength, 2 Minutes of Cardio, 1 Minute of Abs”.

The strength training moves were quick and effective, and left a burn. I think I may use 6 or 8 pounds next time I try this level instead of 5 pounders. The cardio moves were not complicated at all, and kept the heart rate up. They were hard, but not super challenging where I couldn’t catch my breath. Lastly, the ab moves were ok. I kept in mind that it was Level 1 and as the levels progress the ab moves will probably become more challenging, but I did not feel any burn in my abs for the moves I performed.

Overall, Level 1 of this video was a hit for me. I liked that it was pretty challenging, and the fluid movement of the video. It was very quick, about 20 minutes, so I ended up doing the Level 1 twice. It was actually pretty fun for me, which is most important for me in a workout. If I’m bored, I’m out. But this was fun, and I can’t wait to try Level 2 and Level 3!

Have you tried Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred? If not, what’s your favorite exercise DVD?

5 Feb 2011, Comments (0)

AeroMAT Fitness Mat

Author: Healthnuttxo

Source

A little while ago, I posted about getting a free gift card from CSN stores to buy something online at their stores. What did I choose? The AeroMAT Fitness Mat. I always wanted a mat to use at the gym that would be soft and cushiony, and would allow me to do abdominal work without feeling the floor underneath my mat!

So I put this mat to the test and took it to the gym. I really liked the color- bright and cheery blue! I also liked that the straps were attached to the mat so it couldn’t fall off. One thing I wish it would have had is another strap attached to it so I could hang it on a hook- I don’t like to leave things on the floor if I don’t have to.

Anyway- I used this primarily for abdominal work. When I laid down on it, I noticed it was pretty cushiony and offered really good support. I couldn’t tell that I was laying on a hard floor. I also really liked that it had a good grip. Ever do crunches and notice that the mat seems to inch up and up and up until part of you is laying on the floor? That happened to me a lot with my last mat. But not with this one! It stayed in place the whole time.

Overall, so far it’s a really good mat! Love the cushioning and the support, I just wish it had a strap to hang it up with. Overall, 4 1/2 stars.

What’s your favorite abdominal exercise or something to strengthen your core muscles? I like the plank, followed by the bicycle crunches!

29 Oct 2010, Comments (0)

Green Smart Javan Style Insulated Lunch Tote

Author: Healthnuttxo

Remember lunch boxes in school? Whether a tin or a bag, they usually had some type of cartoon or some pretty design that kept the lunch cool or warm until it was time for a break? And then of course, I remember the stage where it wasn’t “cool” to have a lunch box, so the switch was then made to brown paper bags (so not earth friendly!!)

Well, it’s back to lunch bags- but this time, a more sophisticated “lunch tote”! And this bag has more to offer than the standard lunch bag doodled with designs.

I was offered a gift card from CSN Stores to pick out something to do a review on, so I chose the Green Smart Javan Style Insulated Lunch Tote. I chose this because I often have to pack a day’s worth of food ahead of time, and let’s face it. Warm yogurt is not yummy, and warm water is so not as refreshing as cold! On the plus side, this lunch tote is made from Neogreene, which according to the website, “is a water-based material which allows for a much cleaner chemistry than neoprene”. Along with that, it also stated this lunch tote “Uses 25% less petroleum, 25% less energy, and eliminates toxin laden solvent adhesives to bind the fabrics to the Neogreene”.

So, I recieved my lunch tote in the mail the other day, and packed my food (from 12pm in the fridge until about 6-7 pm is when I used it). It kept my potato salad cool and my water actually quite cold, which was a plus in my opinion. I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in there, which didn’t really need to be refrigerated, but it kept fresh as well- no soggyness!

I liked that on the bottom there was a sort of loop band to put a waterbottle in laying down- saved space! I also liked the bright tangerine color, and the fact that it was a soft lunch box, so it didn’t have that square shape or rough edges.

However, this lunch tote was a bit too big for me. I sort of had to hold it by hand rather than stash it in my bag on my way out the door, because it was a bit big. Although, there is certainly plenty of room to store lots of goodies, and I like that it kept my food fresh. I think lunch bags can be suitable for all ages! :)  4 stars

*S0, do you brown bag it? Or are you a user of the lunch box/bag? Please leave a comment below! :)

25 Sep 2010, Comments (0)

Ed Hardy BackPack Review!

Author: Healthnuttxo

Why a backpack review on a healthy food and product review website? Well, walking is a great exercise for the body. However, while I LOVE a good tote/shoulder bag, lugging a whole bunch of books, snacks or whatever in one of those I find can really put a lot of stress on the body. I know whenever I load up too many things on my shoulder back, my neck, back and shoulder are not too comfy by the end of the day!! So, with the generous gift card I was provided by CSN, I purchased an Ed Hardy backpack.

Upon opening it, I was in LOVE. Not only is the color  one of my favorite colors (teal/aqua blue), it’s also one of my favorite Ed Hardy designs/characters- the bird with the rose! I also really liked that the rose was studded with pretty reddish jewels- it added a nice visual appeal. I opened up all the pockets and was very pleased. There is 2 zipper compartments, one large one with mostly empty space, and a smaller one that has a little compartment for things like a cell phone, or hair brush/makeup (which is what I did).

I really liked the fact that there was a cushiony-gelpad thing going on on the back of backpack. Soft and comfy! The straps were really easy to adjust as well. There are two slots on the side of the bag where I put my water bottle, so I thought that was convenient as well.

I think it goes without saying, this is my new favorite backpack! Comfortable, stylish, and perfect for me. I haven’t found a problem with it at all =) 5 stars!

Hey! Dont forget the Sahale Snacks GIVEAWAY!!  =)

6 Sep 2010, Comments (0)

Tribest Yolife Yogurt Maker

Author: Healthnuttxo

*ZEVIA giveaway ends Sunday!*

Oh yeah- YOGURT MAKER!!

A little while ago, the generous folks at CSN gave me a 30$ giftcard to get the item of choice on their websites. I chose the Tribest Yolife Yogurt Maker, seeing as I LOVE yogurt and totally loved the idea of making any flavor I wanted (I’m thinking of doing a “peanut butter and jelly” the next time I try this machine!!)

So, I opened up my box, washed the containers and got ready to go.

Uh-oh. One thing missing. I needed yogurt cultures! So, I packed up the yogurt machine and went looking for yogurt cultures at some stores.

So after some searching  I finally found some. Hooray! Now I can make tasty yogurt from home!

What kind of flavor did I want to make? Fruity? Savory? Sweet? (I ended up using 1/4 cup sugar, a little bit of stevia, 1 tablespoon of banana extract, and a little bit of vanilla extract as well to the milk.)

I heated 4 cups of skim milk in a pot (before a boil) and let cool. This whole process took about an hour or so.

Then I had to put the cultures in a separate cup with a little bit of the heated then cooled down milk, and stir. I noticed that it sort of smelled like cheese! Then I added that little cup of milk back to the pot, and mixed again.

I ended up filling 6 of the little jars that the yogurt maker came with the milk mixture, and put them in the yogurt machine (without the jars’ lids on), and then placed the cover on the machine. I plugged it in, set the timer for 12 hours and well. Now all I had to do was wait!

The whole process took about 16 hours. I started at 4pm Friday and took it out around 8 am Saturday. Then of course, I had warm yogurt, so I had to stick it in the fridge to cool off. I let it sit for 24 hours in the fridge, and then took one out. It sort of had a silken tofu appearance, or resembled when I once had a soy yogurt. It looked firm on top, but then when I scooped some with my spoon, it kind of fell apart. It sort of looked like watered down cottage cheese in a way. Perhaps the next time I try it I’ll leave it in the yogurt machine longer? Or use different ingredients?

Overall, this gets 3 stars. It was a little time consuming, and didn’t really give me the texture I wanted. I do like the concept of being able to make custom flavors, and  being able to control the nutrition.

So, a question(s) for you readers! What flavor should I make next? Do you have any exciting or good ideas? Please leave a comment below if you’ d like to give me some ideas! =)
*also-Has anyone used a yogurt machine maker and can give me some advice on how to get firmer yogurt? I would appreciate it!

 

3 Sep 2010, Comments (0)

Jason All-Natural Liquid Satin Soap

Author: Healthnuttxo

Here we go- a natural NON food review! And this time? It’s about soap! =)

Jason sent me some coupons to get $1.00 off a product, so I ended up using them on some all natural soaps. I prefer to use soaps from a pump or container rather than a bar of soap when it comes to handwashing, so I thought these would be pretty good. As a bonus, they were all natural, AND could be used on the face!

According to the website, here’s some notes about the Lavender, and Mango & Papaya soap I chose to  buy.

“No Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates
Concentrated & Moisturizing
Never Dries your Skin
Natural Ingredients”.

I also chose the Cranberry scent, but those particular facts were not listed below the product on the website.

Anyway- onto the review!

Mango & Papaya- this one was thick and orange in color, with a light mango smell. It left my hands feeling soft, and left a very light scent on my skin. 4 stars

Lavender- this one had a stronger smell than the Mango & Papaya, but was actually quite refreshing! I loved the smooth and silky texture- a great soap! 4 stars

Cranberry- this one was my favorite of the 3. It had a very crisp, fresh and fruity smell. It sort of reminded me of fall and Thanksgiving time. I loved the sweet and fruity scent, and how it was gentle, and very clean feeling. 4 1/2 stars

Overall, I really like these soaps! I especially love that they can be used on the hands and the face- very convenient! They were a tad expensive though, I think it was about $8.99 for one at Whole Foods, so I was happy I  had a $1.00 off coupon. Another person tried this soap who has sensitive skin, and she liked it as well! Bravo, Jason! =)

17 Jun 2010, Comments (1)

Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh! Flouride Toothpaste

Author: Healthnuttxo

What? That’s not a food…

Well, who says healthy is limited to food and drinks? As part of a healthy lifestyle, you can also use cool products such as all natural or organic toothpastes, deodorants, hair products- anything! :)

Tom’s of Maine was very nice and sent me a box of their new Wicked Fresh! Flouride Toothpaste in Cool Peppermint along with some background information on this new product.

According to the product sheet I was sent, this toothpaste is…

“-Made with 100% Natural Ingredients
-No Artificial flavors, sweeteners, saccharin, dyes or preservatives
-No animal testing, or animal ingredients
-Fully-recyclable packaging and tube
-10% of Tom’s of maine’s net profits go back to the community to help take care of the world we share
-Available in Cool Peppermint and Spearmint Ice”

Cool! I also found out Tom’s of Maine never tests anything on animals. Isn’t that great! :)

So, I decided to try this toothpaste instead of my usual. The tube wasn’t like other tubes of toothpaste I have had in the past. Those are normally a soft plastic-y material, while the Tom’s of Maine tube was metal like and harder. The actual toothpaste was a pale yellow in color, but had the same consistency of my usual. The taste really is a “cool” peppermint, just like the flavor says! It wasn’t overpowering at all, but good to freshen up, and left that “cool” feeling in my mouth. It certainly wasn’t as minty as what I’m used to, and much lighter on the minty flavor, but it was still enoyable.

Overall, this toothpaste gets 4 stars from me. I like how there aren’t any artificial ingredients, the tube and the box are recyclable, and no animal testing! The flavor wasn’t as minty as I had hoped or expected, but it still left a nice “cool” feeling after I brushed. Not bad! I would definitely give it a try if you find this in your nearby store. The price for one 5.2 oz tube is $4.29, which is a little expensive, but I like how Tom’s of Maine has a lot to offer back to the community- so I think it’s worth it!

Active Ingredient- Sodium monoflourophosphate 0.76% (.14% w/v flouride ion)
Inactive Ingredients- Glycerin, Water, Hydrated Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Xylitol, Natural Flavors, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Chonodrus Crispus (carrageenan), Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (licorice) Root Extract.

16 May 2010, Comments (3)

Measure Up Bowl

Author: Healthnuttxo

Who says my reviews are only limited to food? Here’s my first HEALTHY PRODUCT review- you can’t eat it, but it will make eating fun!

Measure Up Bowls are literally (as the website states), “Portion Control in a Bowl”. They provide pre-measured portions in each porcelain bowl (which is conveinently dishwasher & microwave safe- WOO! No hand washing!) with visible lines. The Classic Bowl is intended for every day eats, like cereal and soups, and has measurement lines from 1/2 cup to 2 cups. The smaller bowl is intended for treats, like chips, ice cream and granola, and has measurements from 1/4 cup to 3/4 cup. You simply pour what you want in the bowls until the line is reached, and enjoy. Super easy!

Right off the bat, these get 5 stars for conveinence. Who likes taking time to measure? I like to pour, eat and repeat! But, how accurate are these bowls?

Well, here’s where the detective side of me kicks in. I decided to test the accuracy.

I measured 1 cup of mysterious orange liquid (haha, kidding! it was this Tropicana Light orangeade drink my family drinks a lot).

1 cup exactly- (plus a cute chia pet in the background!)

Then, I poured it into the bowl. The verdict- one cup exactly! Woo! :)

Overall, these are pretty cool! I think these are perfect for the “lazy dieter” (the people who can’t be bothered to measure!), or anyone who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and get an eye of what a true portion is. I give them 4 stars overall. The company sent me these two bowls directly, but you can also buy them at Target, Delight or at MeasureUpBowl’s website. (Don’t forget you can also join their facebook group for info on menus & upcoming events!)

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