I’m now accepting clients for my “virtual training” program. I know many of my readers do not live in Houston, but I’ve found a way that you can still train with me! For only a fraction of my normal personal training rates I will give you a month of virtual/remote training that will include a personal assessment, goal setting and workout plan customized for your goals. I will also include diet tips and work with you on any injuries or health issues.

This will still be PERSONAL training and you will not be getting a one-size fits all workout plan. You can also email or call me if you have questions when you are at the grocery store or if you are at the gym and forget how to do an exercise.

Email me at Cari@Cari-Fit.com for more details or you can signup here:

Options

1-Month Plan $30.00 2-Month Plan $50.00

Ok, guys…here is another round of product reviews that you have been asking for! This time I’ve included food, gear and clothes!

Lululemon Jumprope

I have this yellow one and I love it! It has great cork handles and a thick plastic rope that does not get tangled. Plus, it’s easy to adjust for different heights by just adding an extra loop or knot in the rope. I’m working on my skills and might even do a blog post and/or video on jump-rope soon! It’s such a great cardio workout!

Muscle Milk Light

I’ve never been a fan of pre-made shakes because most have tons of fake chemicals, lots of calories, sugar and fat. The shakes are low carb (only 3g) but it has 15g of protein and only 100 calories. It’s a good alternative to higher calorie shakes post-workout. I’ve been drinking one of these after my long runs on Saturdays because the extra protein can help my muscles recover. But, since these are low in carbs, which are important after long runs (to replenish glycogen) I also add a simple carb snack with the shake.  I like the chocolate and vanilla the best because the mint chocolate has a weird after-taste. You can get them at Randall’s or even Target.

Michael Kors Green Watch

Ok, guys…I’m going to let my secret out! This is the watch that I’ve had for almost 6 months that you have been asking me about! I swear I get a comment on it every day! I love the watch because it’s a cool sporty-style and slightly oversized. But, the best part is that the band is rubber so I can wear it during classes and weight training because sweat will not hurt it. I have to say..it’s held up nicely and it goes with everything…I even wear it out on the weekends when I’m in “normal” clothes. I got mine at the Michael Kors store in Vegas but you can order it online.

The Stick

Foam rollers have become popular over the last few years and they are a great way to massage and roll out your muscles to prevent soreness. But, foam rollers are pretty big, don’t have handles and are sometimes awkward to use. In comes “The Stick”! I saw a girl at my gym using one of these in between miles on the treadmill. I asked her about it and she said she loved it…so I decided to buy one myself. It’s a great tool because you can use it almost anywhere on your body and even hard to reach places like your back. Also, it’s lightweight and easy to store or pack. I love it after my runs and whenever I feel a tight muscle coming on. I got my travel sized one at Luke’s Locker here in Houston.

Firecracker Chocolate Bar!

Ok…yes…even I am bad at times and have to give in to some sweet treats! I occasionally buy dark chocolate bars and last time I was at Central Market, this one caught my attention! It’s called Firecracker for a reason…it has pop-rocks and spicy chipotle in the bar! Your mouth is going to start crackling and popping the minute you bite into it. It’s really fun and is tasty too! Plus, the dark chocolate and chipotle provide some antioxidants : )

Nike Women’s Running Capris

I’m very picky when it comes to my workout pant/shorts. I teach all day long and I also like to fit in a run either in the morning or evening. Plus, I hate having to change from cardio pants for a weights class, to yoga pants for yoga and then running shorts for my run. That’s way too many outfits for one day. So…lately I’ve been using Nike’s running capris. I have like 4 pairs of the style that came out about a year ago and I loved them. They changed the style since and some of them I don’t like because either they are too long on the legs, the waist is either too high or low or the fabric seems too tight. Well, I found these at Lukes Locker here in Houston (you can order online via Nike store too). I like them because they are a flattering length and the best part is the waist…they have an inner drawstring and then you can fold it down to make it low-rise or leave it up depending on what top you are wearing. Love them!

Peeled Snacks

I heard about these in a magazine recently and decided to order a sample box. I got them the other day and just finished my bag of “Cherry-Go-Round” while I was typing this article. They come in single-serving pouches so you don’t have to worry about calculating calories (most are under 150) and they are easy to store in your purse, car or office. Most are either dried fruits or nuts (Yum!). It’s really not too pricey either…$17.99 for a box of 8 which comes out to about $2.50 per pouch after shipping charges….less than your Starbucks Latte!

*Send me your comments…let me know if you’ve tried any of these products or if you think you will!

I love truffles..not because they are expensive and a delicacy…but because they have such a great unique flavor! Don’t confuse “real” truffles (similar to a mushroom) with the chocolate kind which are just shaped like truffles.

VS.   

Usually truffles are infused in dishes such as risotto, pastas and other things that will absorb the rich flavor. Most of the time truffle oil is used because a real truffle is VERY expensive and about $1,500 a pound! Over the last year or so, it seems truffle flavored items have become more popular and include chips, french fries, crackers and even popcorn…including new favorite product…Charlie’s Truffle Popcorn! I’ve tried to make my own before with regular popcorn sprinkled with a small amount of truffle oil, but it usually turns out to greasy and it just adds extra fat. This popcorn is light with 130 calories and 8g of fat (0 trans fat and only 1g sat fat) per serving, but that’s 1/3 of the bag.  It also has 6 grams of fiber AND 6 grams of protein which makes it a healthy snack. It’s great on its own but also works great for parties or happy hours because it tastes great with a glass of wine. I found mine at Central Market.

By now, you’ve probably heard of agave nectar or maybe seen it in your local grocery store by the honey and syrups. Most people associate agave with tequila because it is the plant (cactus-type) that the tequila is made from. The nectar (or syrup) looks almost identical to honey and can be used to sweeten beverages, foods and anything else you would normally use honey or syrup for.

Benefits of Agave vs. Sugar or Honey:

Agave has a low glycemic index. This means that it takes longer for the body to process this sugar (in the form of fructose since it is a natural sugar) and thus, you will have fewer blood sugar spikes. Refined sugars, syrups and other sweet/sugary products with a higher glycemic index raise the blood sugar faster and thus, cause spikes in insulin. Your body will process agave nectar easier and after it’s consumed you won’t have that dreaded sugar “crash” you often get from candies, sodas and other sweetened products.

You can buy agave nectar at most grocery stores and organic markets. Try it in your coffee or tea in the morning or use it to sweeten your greek yogurt, protein shakes or morning waffles.

It can also be used in a tasty salad dressing….check out my recipe of the month to see how Giada uses agave!

Here are a few of my latest and greatest!

Lululemon Slipless Headband

I wear one of these every time I teach a class and it keeps my hair out of my face. Unlike others, this one really stays in place because of a silicone gripper on the inside of the band. Plus, it comes in very cool colors (they have more in-store)!
      

Lucy Sports Bra

This is one of my favorite sports bras. Its fits tight in all the right places, but yet  you don’t kill yourself trying to put it on! The material is great and moisture-wicking.
       
   

Gaiam Mat Spray

I love the smell of this spray, especially when I’m close to my mat (like in child’s pose)…it makes a huge difference!  It has a bunch of different organic oils such as tea tree, coconut and rosemary. Although it has natural antibacterial qualities, I still wipe my mat down with disinfectant wipes at least once a week to really kill germs. (I found mine at Target.)

Accel Gel – Key Lime Flavor

Every weekend I do a long run and I try a new gel about halfway through my run to give me the energy to finish. Last weekend I brought along Accel Gel in the key lime flavor and I was surprised by how good it tasted! Plus, it was a little thicker and had a better consistency than others. The best part is that it has 5g of protein which helps your muscles recover faster when you are done. After mile 15 I wasn’t hurting so bad! (Got mine at Luke’s Locker in Houston.)

Sephora Waterproof Mascara

This is my new favorite mascara. It has the best lash brush and makes my lashes longer AND thicker! Also, it’s waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it streaking down your face during your workout! I usually swipe just a little on before my class to open up my eyes and the effect lasts all day!  

Fit & Fresh Smoothie Mixer

This little blender is great for making healthy smoothies or protein shakes.  All you do is fill the cup up, twist on the top and attach it to the blender. For such an inexpensive product (under $20) it surprisingly blends well! It’s also very easy to clean and dishwasher safe. (Got mine from GNC.)

Have you guys tried Zico Coconut Water? It’s actually really good! At first I tried the plain and I wasn’t crazy about it even though I love coconut. But…then I tried their flavored ones -  Mango and Passion Fruit: YUM! These are great after a workout (make sure you drink plenty of H2O though), in a fruit smoothie or in a summer cocktail. With only 60 calories per serving it provides a great low vitamin packed and high potassium option to Gatorade or other sports drinks and plus it’s all natural! But, it does have slightly higher sugar than some sports drinks (same as Gatorade though) with 14 grams of sugar. But, this sugar is coming from fructose and there is no added refined sugars. Look for it at Whole Foods.

For Real?! Yes! I am blogging about an alcohol-free champagne that I recently found. I’ve had to give up my nightly glass of wine (and frequently champagne) recently because of some medication I had to take. I thought this would be complete torture until I found a great tasting alcohol-free wine! I am a HUGE champagne fan, so I skeptically set out a few weeks ago to find a non-alcoholic version. I tried a couple of brands such as Ariel and a local sparkling fruit juice but they were very poor in comparison to the Fre Champagne I found at Specs here in Houston.

Fre even has 2 flavors! Spumante (sweeter) and Brut(my fav). I am very picky and I can honestly say that you will barely miss the real thing. Pair your glass with a strawberry for an even more realistic flavor. This is a great option to give your liver a break, or if you are like me and can’t drink due to medication. Also, you can recommend to your friends that are expecting…they will thank you!

*Related Article about Detox Diets HERE.

Bored with the same old snacks? Here are a few of my favorites that I stock up on every week. Give them a try and see what you think!

Whole Foods Brand “Karma Puffs”. These are tasty corn puffs that are very light and similar to popcorn. They have about 130 calories for 2 1/2 cups, are low in sugar and also provide a little protein and fiber. Look for them in the snack/chip isle…but beware…they are surrounded by many BAD options, so don’t get tempted!!

Fage Greek Yogurt (2%) with Honey – Taste better than chocolate cake! Really! I sometimes will have 1/2 and save the other 1/2 for later.

Cottage Cheese with Cantaloupe – Yum!
I also like the small cans of “lite” (no sugar syrup) cans of pears/peaches by Del Monte.

“Salmon Crackers”
I make this snack all the time before dinner or as an appetizer. It’s low-calorie, easy to make and provides an excellent source of protein and omega 3′s…plus it’s delicious! Take 3-4 water crackers and spread with small amount of lowfat cream cheese, top with a few slices smoked salmon (I get mine at Whole Foods) and top with a couple of capers and a sprig of dill.

Organic Valley Egg Whites. I make egg whites for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack almost every day! Instead of hassling with a pan/skillet, I just place about 1/4 to 1/2 cup into a microwave safe dish or bowl and heat until they are cooked through. Then, I sprinkle with a little cheddar cheese and serve with a piece of flaxseed toast or a whole wheat tortilla.

In continuing with the Vegetarian Month theme…I’m including info. on some of the new veggie products that I like. You can find most of these at any grocery store in Houston (Randall’s, Whole Foods, etc).

Morningstar Farms:

These veggie burgers are my favorite and easy to make! Just heat one up and place on a wheat bun with all the burger condiments you love. Add a side of baked sweet potato fries..YUM!

These mini corndogs are addictive!  I wouldn’t eat them all the time because they are a little high in sodium, but as a snack they provide 11g protein and some iron. You really can’t tell the difference between these and a “real” corndog! And think of all the gross hotdog ingredients you can avoid!

Quorn Products:

These “Chik’N” products (patties, nuggets,cutlets, etc) are delicous! They are half the fat of similar chicken prodcts, have the same amount of protein and are soy-free for those with soy allergies. I first tried these a few months ago and I’m hooked! They bake in the oven and are super crispy with great flavor. Try swapping real chicken breast for these one night a week. They have a new one with goat cheese and cranberry that I’m dying to try!

As you know, it’s best to eat as few packaged foods as possible and
stick to “clean” foods with minimal processing and simple ingredients.
However, this is not always possible nor practical. Here are a couple
new foods that I recommend:

-Bell & Evans Chicken (http://www.bellandevans.com/). I buy these at Whole Foods
in frozen section. They have a good selection of pre-cooked chicken
breast (regular, buffalo -style, etc.) as well as some chicken tenders
that are tasty. They are a “better bad choice” if you are in the mood
for fried chicken tenders.

-Eggology (www.eggology.com) You can buy these at Central Market or Whole Foods.
These are organic egg whites in a cup that you can heat in the
microwave to make scrambled egg whites! Easy way to get in some extra
protein.

-Gnu Bar (http://www.gnufoods.com/) these are great and have low sugar and high fiber.

-Zilch Mixers (www.zilchmixers.com).
For you margarita lovers! Much healthier than El Tiempo!! I just
ordered some today. My friend Jessica says they are the best…so I’m
dying to try it.

-Mann’s Broccoli and other vegetables (http://www.mannpacking.com/broc_caul.html#) they have these great vegetable packs by the bagged salad’s at Randall’s.
My favorite is the broccoli with cheese sauce (not on their website).
You put the package in the microwave to steam, then add the sauce (I
use about 1/2). It serves 2-4.

-Bear Naked Peak Protein Granola (http://store.bearnaked.com/detail.aspx?catid=1&scid=2) I eat this a lot on top of yogurt (low sugar). You can find it at almost any grocery store in cereal isle or organic section.

-Natural nut butters. Hopefully by now you have traded your Jify, Peter Pan,
etc. for the fresh ground peanut butter. You can find it at any store
and either grind it your own (it’s just plain ground nuts without
hydrogenated oils, sugar or weird ingredients). My favs are cashew and
almond butter.

Quick Protein Shake Recipe: 2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder, 1 small cooked sweet potato (peeled), 1 cup skim or 2%
milk, dash of pumpkin pie spice. Blend in blender until smooth. You can add ice to make thicker.