Vegan Box from Conscious Box

Helloooooo out there! It has been FAR too long since I have blogged & I hate it! I had some personal things going on & I just completely put my blog on the back burner *gives blog a hug* BUT I am back! It's a new year & I couldn't be more excited. 2012 was a great year for me but I predict 2013 being even better :)

I have some exciting vacations coming up this year so I'm scrambling to get into better shape.  I've been using MyFitnessPal as always & doing Zumba which makes me feel amazing!  This Conscious Box honestly couldn't of come at a better time.  I've had some spare time on my hands so I've been snacking a bit & this box came with some amazing things to get myself back on track!

I've previously reviewed a Conscious Box & I was blown away by how many things came in it...this box was just as amazing.  My January Conscious Box is their very first Vegan Box! I personally am not a Vegan but know quite a few people who are so I think this is such a neat idea.  I was worried that since I'm not Vegan the items wouldn't appeal to me but I was very wrong! 

January's Vegan Conscious Box 

 That card with the beautiful snowy scene is an adorable postcard!

First look opening the box!

Amazing Grass Wild Berry Flavor Drink Powder

I consider myself a kid at heart so I'm pretty sure this is right up my alley :)

 Bodhichitta Botanicals Sacred Temple Lotion

The scent description is verrry intriguing. 

 Dr. Singha's Mustard Bath

I'm all about ridding my body of impurities & relaxing, although mustard does sound a little strange. I may try it on my feet first ;)

 Simply Straws

My husband laughs at me but I am addicted to straws, I can not take a drink of anything unless it's through a straw so we are constantly buying those plastic ones that go right in the trash, I love this idea! It'd also be great for a family since each member can have their own color!

Dale's Raw Protein Bar in Cafe Mocha with Chia Seeds

I've been hearing so many things about chia seeds & was pleased to see it was included in this, I need to do more research on the health benefits...can anyone out there fill me in on them?

I did notice that this says Keep Refrigerated, I'm unsure if they mean once opened or at all times. The latter would mean this wouldn't be the best for on the go.  I love that it's high in protein! 

 Maakoa Koopuwa

This didn't come with a very in-depth description & instructions so I had to go to their website & it's full of Cupuacu & other Super Fruits. You are supposed to drink 1-2 ounces daily.  I really like that it's not something that you have to drink ___ amount of servings throughout the day.  Never heard of this before so it will be interesting to try out!

 Happy Squeeze Fruit & Veggie Twist in Apple Mango Kale

I've recently become a fan of kale due to my juicing so I'm always on the look out for it in different things.  I usually buy the little squeezable fruit packets from the store but have never tried this brand nor have I seen any that have veggies as well. I'm going to take this on my upcoming trip to Europe for a little mid-day snack. 

 People Towels On-The-Go Alternative to Paper Towels

I'm the first to admit I use waaaay too many paper towels, I feel like we are constantly buying them (along with straws, hehe) & I hate feeling like such a waster every time I throw a paper towel in the trash.  This feels nice & I love the cute design on it.  This will be great for drying hands in the kitchen. 

 Peeled Snacks Apple Clusters in Berry Crunch

I've been snacking on some apple chips the past few days & was kind of getting a bit bored of them.  These combine 2 awesome things together in a crunchy little snack.  I like that I could throw this in my purse but not have to worry about them being squished. 

Hail Merry Choco Macaroons

These are gluten-free, vegan, made with no raw oils, & no refined sugar.  The ingredients are minimal which makes me happy.  I love all things coconut so I'm looking forward to trying these out after dinner 

 Nutiva Organic Shelled Hemp Seed

I received a small bag of hemp seed a few months ago but wasn't really sure what to do with it.  This package says you can eat it out of the bag or add to smoothies.  I'm not sure of the nutritional benefits of hemp seed.  So anyone that can answer me about chia seeds & hemp seeds I would love to know!

 Whew! So that's everything! Tons of stuff for a really great price.  Conscious Boxes are $12 per month + $7.95 shipping which comes to $19.95 per month. They now offer this Vegan Box so you can choose between this or their normal (& just as amazing) box. Just click here & you can sign up for your own Vegan Box that will be delivered right to your door. This is a great way to try different items for one low price. 

Have you ever tried a Conscious Box before? Are you planning on trying one?

Until next time,

This box was sent to me for review purposes.  My opinions are my own & I am not influenced in any way.

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Update & Getting Back Into Shape...AGAIN

A while back I had created a post about me wanting to get back in shape...I was determined! Last time I had decided to get back to my old body it was so much easier, I just cut out sugars & watched my sodium & fat intake & the weight melted off...this time, not so much.  I've recently started working another job and sometimes burritos & corn dogs are my only lunch option (that's not true, I'm just usually too lazy to make myself lunch so I'm stuck with fast food options). I'm back to eating dinners very late at night and loading on carbs and sugar during the day.  I just can't seem to resist fast food & all the icky items I KNOW I shouldn't be putting in my body.  The pounds just keep on a'comin! It seems like every time I want to start my week off by eating right I have some excuse or reason of why I should just grab a TV dinner or order takeout.  I feel like I'm in such a weight-loss rut.  Making videos has become last on my priority list because 1. I can't seem to find time and 2. I feel so horrible about myself & weight that the last thing I want is to be putting myself out there.

I need to remind myself of this every day!
Since my last update/weight loss post in April, I've gained 5 pounds, now that may not seem like a lot to some people, but for me, it's meant not fitting into my favorite dress, pair of jeans and tops. There's nothing more upsetting than not fitting into your clothes. There's only so many excuses I can make, I've GOT to get back into shape and start living a healthier lifestyle.  I'm hoping to take you all along on this journey of getting back to the old me, yes it's embarrassing to put it all out there like this but I feel like it will help me stick to my goals.  What are some words of wisdom or advice you could give me?  What are your favorite low sugar/low fat snacks? If you're on MyFitnessPal please add me, I can use all the support I can get! It's always easier when you have your friends along for the ride.  Also, if you're on Pinterest let's follow each other! I'm always looking for new healthy recipes and snacks on there!

Until next time,

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Getting back in shape! Adios sugar & fat, hellloooo MyFitnessPal!

For about 7 years I've struggled with my weight.  Last December I finally buckled down and started to change my eating habits since I would be getting married that April.  I lost 30 pounds in 4 months from JUST cutting down my sugar intake to 26 grams a day and keeping my sodium under 1500 mg per day, I know it sounds cheesy but the weight literally melted off.  My husband and I went on our honeymoon that April for 2 weeks, then 3 weeks later went on a week long cruise with my whole family. Yikes.  My body got used to NOT having so much sugar during my 4 months of eating right.  The trips really did me in.  I was getting back into my old eating habits. Things seemed to always be happening that I couldn't get back into my "eating right routine." Before I knew it, the holidays were here (we alllll know what that means! LOL) Now it's April, I'm 10 pounds heavier than I was last year and 20 pounds away from my goal weight.  Enough is enough! I'm ready to feel good about myself again and not be embarrassed to wear shorts or show my arms! 

I used MyFitnessPal (they also have an app for you Android or iPhone) constantly and that really helped me monitor my sugar, sodium & fat intake.  I absolutely love it.  You can input recipes that you are making & it will give you all the nutritional information. I usually always find the food I'm eating in their database.  I especially love the forums, there's one where people post their favorite recipes. I usually spend Sunday going through the forum for recipes then planning my weekly shopping trip off of that! It's like a weight-loss social media site! I am getting back into using that again, if you are a member, please feel free to add me! My user name is: marinamoreno 

I always struggle with breakfast because I despise breakfast foods...I don't care for bacon, eggs, sausage, hash browns...nada! My mornings consist of protein shakes which I get tired of quickly.  I love cooking dinner and lunches for my husband and I so that's usually simple for me (Breakfast ideas...anyone???)

My biggest fear right now is getting over the "hump" as I like to call it.  That time where my body literally goes into withdraws for sugar and icky foods.  Headaches, mood swings, it's not cute. BUT I know once I get past that, my body doesn't even miss the junk anymore.  

So here it goes...today, April 30th, I weigh 171.5 pounds.  My goal is to feel better, look better & eat better, as well as losing 20 pounds. Hopefully putting this out there for the world to see will motivate me even more!

I'd love to hear from you all! Favorite recipes, tips, tricks, words of motivation! Anyone else out there trying to get into a healthier lifestyle? 

Until next time,

Marina - mCubedMakeup

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