Spring really just snuck up on me here. Did that happen to anyone else? Literally, a week ago it was snowing and hailing, and now it’s 80 degrees (Yes, I live in Colorado where the only thing you can count on changing is the weather). Spring is always the time I get motivated to shed the extra winter “baggage”. You know… the few extra pounds from the holiday baking, excessive Starbucks splurging, and sweet sneaking. But with the spring coming later than normal, I am feeling a little rushed to get swimsuit ready.
Then I saw the Slimfast 14-day Slimdown Program and thought it wouldn’t hurt to try it. Because, like most of us, I literally have no more time in my day to commit to bikini dreams. And sometimes chasing those dreams becomes as difficult as getting ahead on a treadmill. People often ask me why my blog name is A Dash of Sanity, and it’s only when I share a glimpse into my normal day they begin to understand the name and why the Slimfast Slimdown Program is perfect for someone like me.
At 4:40 am, it begins when I head to the gym to get my butt kicked by TRX or Les Mills. At 6:45, it’s sometimes a quick shower and strait to the stove to cook breakfast for 12.
Within 15 minutes, daycare arrives and four of my own five sleepy cherubs arise. On to waking the eight-year-old with the sleeping habits of an experienced teen. Then on to 16 reminders for lunchboxes, snacks, homework folders, backpacks, and jackets, as I load every last one of them by 8:25.
Two schools, 28 stopsigns, and a Starbucks run later, I get back home so I can start one of the three loads of laundry that will eventually pile up in front of my dryer by the end of the day and reconstruct the living room after the morning’s toddler tornado. Then back on the road for school drop number three, immediately returning to prep for dinner and feed the remaining four kids before the final school run just after noon. Once back, the three toddlers are tired, so it’s songs, stories and naps for them, and lunch cleanup, second load of laundry, and blog time for me. Right before 3:00, it’s get the nappers up ready for pickup, and head to each school for the daily pickup parking battle. When we get back home, it’s snacks and getting my two boys ready for baseball. Madden, my seven-year-old, will be a few minutes late to his practice at 4:00, but Aiden, my 11-year-old, will be on time to his at 4:30. Then back to finish dinner, set the table, and pick up the living room for the fifth time so plastic dinosaurs, Mr. Potato Head, or Legos don’t interrupt our girls’ nightly dance routines. Pick up Madden at 5:30 and Aiden at 6:00, and pray at 6:20 that only one glass will be spilled at dinner. Then it’s pick up dinner and two spilled glasses, finish the dishes, and link up to a few blog parties. It’s now when homework, reading, dance, drawing, stories, and “Dancing with the Stars” takes place before teeth brushing, hair combing, and pajamas come into play at around 8:30. Then my husband puts them to bed, so I can ready my blog post for the next day. And when I finally snuggle up to my hubby by 10:15, I’m asleep in his arms in just under three minutes.
So when are my meals? Besides dinner, I am horrible about sitting down and eating a real meal. I mainly munch off of what I make for the kids. Yes, I am one of those moms that, as they are clearing the table, literally lick one of my kid’s plates clean.
In the afternoon, while I am preparing dinner, dessert, or whatever I’m blogging, I munch of that. Then, when the kids get home from school, I eat snacks with them. I’m officially grazing all day.
Now, I know my problem is I am not getting enough protein or enough essential nutrition to keep me going. I don’t take the time to nourish my body like I should. I know that eventually I will get back to feeding my body like I feed all the kids’, but for now, I need something more, something that will give me the boost I need and stop the grazing, helping me get this mom-body ready for the summer.
Using the Slimfast Protein Shake was easy to add in. I simply removed my Starbucks run and drank the shake instead while I was driving and finished it up when I got home.
I sipped on it for a bit, well, because that is what I am used to doing with my morning steamer. This was so easy. I was surprised when at 10:30am, I wasn’t shaking or hangry. Instead, I had a few almonds and went about my day with an added energy I wasn’t used to having.
It was already 1:30 when I realized I still had not eaten lunch.
So, I made a quick shake using my Slimfast PinaColada Protein Shake, ice, and my blender.
Then it was time for dinner.
These were simple changes made easy thanks to Slimfast’s Protein Meal Shakes.
While Slimfast shakes make it easy to replace your meals, the snacks are the challenge. So I reached out to some of my favorite blog friends and asked them to share some healthy snacks with me and my readers, so we can have some great-tasting, healthy choices that prevent us from grabbing the leftover pancakes from breakfast or hidden chocolate bars to nibble.
I hope you will join me in preparing your mind and body for the summer. Remember, each person is unique, so find something that works for you. Start your own journey. Bring back your confidence and let your inner light shine out of a bodacious bod.
For me this year, the Slimfast challenge is something I am up to, something that is inspiring me to get swimsuit ready. Whatever your journey is, good luck.
XOXO San
Information on the 14 Day Slimdown Program with Slimfast
– Swap two meals with a Slimfast Protein Shake or meal bar.
– Third meal, dinner 500 calroies.
– Enjoy 3 x 100 calorie snacks or fruit.
– Do 30 minutes of light to medium exercise daily and drink plenty of water.
– Stick to a low calorie diet, 1200 calories a day (this may very per person).
Try the 14-day Slimdown Slimfast challenge and reap the benefits, losing up to 6 pounds in 2 weeks.
Check out the Slimfast Facebook page where you can learn about the Slimfast 14-day Slim Down Sweepstakes running May 12, 2014 till May 27, 2014. There will be TWO $5,000 grand prize winners, given a gift card to a specific retailer or a Visa/Amex gift card.
Link to sweepstakes: http://goo.gl/pbttUi
Need ideas to get inspired, check out Slimfast Pinterest page for more stories, product info and recipes.
Healthy Snack Ideas
Double Layer Carob Fudge Bites
Healthy Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus & Parmesan Herb Pita Chips
Thanks for including my recipe! 🙂 I really appreciate it.
Of course! It is amazing! xo San
Slimfast sure has come a long way over the years! It’s a great way to get in shape!
It is. xo San
I have always wanted to do a slimfast challenge!
You should enter to win the prize and maybe that would motivate you. xo San
Pina Colada Slim Fast? Ooh I need to try that! I often forget to eat lunch too, but I have to admit that I’m not nearly as busy as you. If you can do it, so can I! Thanks for the encouragement!
Any time girl! And ps you are just as busy. xo San
I DID THE 14 DAY CHALLENGE BUT IT WAS TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE FOR ME, I WAS BREAKING OUT BAD. NEXT TIME I KNOW TO NOT HAVE THE CHOCOLATE SHAKES!
Yes you need to try the pina colada – but each person can find something that works for them. I have had my stages in life and right now it just works. xo San
This sounds similar to eating very little (a week at about 1000 calories) on the Fast5 week of Nutrisystem. I DO love your healthy snack ideas, but I know that for me I couldn’t survive right now on only 1200 calories. I need more like 1800, but it should help!
I have used slim fast in the past.. The shakes are good and the really work great! Make sure you exercise and it comes off even faster!
Slimfast is wonderful! Thanks for you comment! XO San
I love the collection of snacks! I just cut up a huge bowl of fruit for today, but it won’t last long! 🙂 Plus, it’s nice to have something to sink your teeth into during the day!
I love these snacks! xo San
I seriously need to try this, I could lose a few before summer for sure – if only to not buy a new wardrobe from the Winter 10 I’m carrying around! Grrrr
Hope it’s going well for you! xo San
It’s tough to stay on track sometimes. I’m not really looking forward to swimsuit season.
You can do it! xo San
It’s nice to hear that your Slimfast is working for you. I have a pool party this week that I’m trying to de-jiggle for as well. 😉 Thanks also for including my Carob Fudge Bites in your round-up. Have a wonderful week!
Thanks girl! xo San
I love Slimfast. And I definitely do need to get ready for swimsuit weather.
This is a great way to do it! Summer, here we come! xo San
Wow, you certainly are busy! Slimfast sounds like the perfect choice for busy schedules and people who have a hard time figuring out what to fix to eat. I wish us all success in our efforts to get in shape for a healthy summer!
Yeah! xo San
I haven’t had Slim-Fast in ages. I used to love it back when it was in the metal cans. The new shape would be easier to take with me in the car and sip as I drive.
And now they have so many flavors. Give one a try. XO San
I just recently tried slim fast and was suprised on how good it tastes.
The pina colado shake was quite tasty. XO San
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing these healthy snacks! How did you know this is exactly what I’ve been looking for?
We are all looking for healthy snacks, I’m glad these are up your alley. Enjoy XO San
thanks for sharing your secrets because I could use some! I am going on a big beach vaca this year. 🙂
Have a great time on your vaca. These healthy snacks will help you reach your goal. XO San
We have a busy summer planned too! Slim Fast is great, tastes good too!
I hope you were able to join in the Slim Fast challenge with your busy summer ahead. XO San
That hummus and those pita chips look delicious! I am always looking for healthier snacks.
This is a simple and easy one too. Enjoy. XO San
Oooh. I want some of the oatmeal peanut butter cookies! Yum! Oh wait… roasted red pepper hummus? That’s my favorite dip! I’ll take some of each, please.
I know – right? Enjoy. XO San
You are in amazing shape though for having all those little ones! Sounds like you are busy, busy!
I appreciate that. The kids keep me moving. XO San
Oh I love those shakes. They are super-easy to just grab while running out the door and they do a pretty good job of keeping me going for a bit. Thanks for sharing all the yummy snacks, too
Absolutely. I agree the shakes are easy to grab and go. XO San
I love that collection of healthy snacks! YUM! So many great choices. I struggle with sit down meals for Breakfast and lunch too! I’m good with dinner but horrible with the others.
These are a great collection of snacks. Putting a few in my purse. XO San
Here in IL it’s starting to (finally) feel like Summer so that means swimsuit season is not far behind! I, too, had a little damage done over the Winter so I’m going to have to start doing something about it. It really sounds like you’re getting a jump on that bikini body-good for you!
Thank you for all those fantastic recipes! I’m going to have to try several of them 🙂
I wish I could wear a bikini but with young girls in my home now and them becoming teens soon, I am sticking to a one piece. LOL xo San
Oh yum! They look a lot tastier than I remember them from back in the day! Great snack suggestions!! Thank you!!
They are much improved. I remember my mom drinking them, the chocolate is my fav! xo San
Bathing suits! Ugh! I’d better get it together lol!
LOL! xo San
These look really tasty! I am like you and always forget to make time for feeding myself!
I think many moms do. xo San
Haven’t tried Slimfast but now I’m drooling over those snacks!
There are so many good snacks in there too. xo San
Slim Fast is definitely great for on-the-go. I love grabbing a quick shake when I am in a hurry!!
Me too now. xo San
I don’t know how you have time to blog with that kind of schedule. I TOTALLY get the blog name now! Good luck with the SlimFast kickstart routine!
LOL, glad you get the name now… Thanks girl. xo San
I have never tried slim fast, but it seems like a great way to get some nutrients. I have a horrible diet (I am not going to lie) and that could be a good substituent for my terrible eating.
It is always worth a try to find a way to nourish our bodies. I think there are several of us in this boat. Give it try. XO San
I love the pina colada flavor! it works so great not just as a way to slim down but to maintain and not go awry with all those summer snacks like ice cream, cocktails, etc!
It’s wonderful! xo San