We hear it all the time - you are tired of only drinking water! Your taste buds are screaming for more but you don't know what to grab that won't have you guzzling 50 grams of sugar and ingesting countless chemicals. We are very particular (as you can probably tell) about what products we talk about on this website so when Ocean Spray contacted us about PACt® cranberry extract water we were skeptical at first but once we looked at the products we were sold. When they came in the mail and we were able to try them we were speechless, seriously! One of the many things we loved? Ocean Spray® PACt® cranberry extract water is sweetened naturally with only 10 calories per 16 ounce bottle!

We were sent Cranberry Raspberry, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cranberry Blood Orange, and Cranberry Mango Passionfruit. We loved them all but if we had to choose a favorite it would be Cranberry Mango Passionfruit!

You are probably like us and think of summer when you hear those flavors. As we move into fall and winter we want to help you all stay on track and keep up your healthy summer habits. Staying hydrated when it's not as hot outside is difficult but is very important in order to keep your body performing and looking its best.

You might be wondering what PACt® water is - it's not a juice. PACt® cranberry extract water is a new product from Ocean Spray that contains PACs, or proanthocyanidins – unique, powerful elements found deep inside cranberries, to help cleanse and purify your body better than water alone. (PACs (Proanthocyanidins) are found in cranberries, not in water.)

Visit PACt.OceanSpray.com to learn more about Ocean Spray® PACt® cranberry extract water and take Ocean Spray's Hydration IQ.

Let's all make a pact to keep up with our workouts, healthy eating habits, AND drinking enough water throughout the fall and winter! How do you plan to make every day #evenbetter?

This post was sponsored by Ocean Spray® PACt® cranberry extract water. The opinions and text are all mine.

Clean Eat Education: "Which Protein Powder Should I Choose?"

March 9, 2015SupplementsWhitney Carlson5 Comments

While we prefer to get our protein from whole foods, we do supplement with protein shakes because - let's be honest - sometimes we just don't feel like cooking or we just don't feel like eating what we have cooked! It's a great goal to get all of your nutrients from whole foods, but from our experience coaching, most people aim to do that but then fall short and find themselves in a bind because they are starving and aren't prepared with whole foods or a protein supplement! This leads to NOT eating enough! The simple solution is to find a protein shake that you enjoy and can count on when you need that quick meal.

One of the most popular questions we get is "Which protein powder should I choose?". While we can't tell you which one will work the best for you, we can share with you which one we use and explain why. You may have read our review on protein powder before (it's one of our most popular posts) but since that has been published we have actually started exclusively using a new protein powder. We use the TLS Whey Protein Powder for our source of whey protein along with our favorite vegan options. We have also included the TLS Nutrition Shake in this review. Both have great flavor (even when just mixed with water...but we like to jazz them up!) and do not have that normal chalky protein powder taste!

Interested in ordering? Use the link below and when it asks who referred you enter whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com. If you would like a FREE Shake & Bake Recipe eBook, which is filled with delicious recipes using these protein powders, email us at whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com before you order!

TLS Whey Protein Powder

Why do we love TLS Whey Protein Powder? Just to name a few: it is rBGH free, made with stevia, and is free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives (There's only 7 ingredients!). It also comes in very convenient packets that are easy to throw in our bags and take on-the-go! We use this anytime we need a quick meal during the day and we always travel with them. It is optimal post-workout because it provides 21 g of protein and BCAAs that your body needs for recovery.

In order to make this a complete meal, you will need to add a carb/fiber source. such as fruit (we usually just throw in some frozen organic berries). Try one of our delicious protein shake recipes.

This protein powder also bakes very well - we use it in all of our protein powder recipes now because of the cake-like taste it provides!

PACKAGING: 12 packets (servings) per box - available in chocolate and vanilla

PRICE: Breaks down to less than $2.90 per serving! Plus, you can email us at whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com for more information on the FREE Shake and Bake recipe eBook, cashback, coupons, and sales!

WHERE TO BUY: SHOP.COM

You can read more here: TLS Whey Protein Shakes Product Brochure

TLS Nutrition Shakes

While this isn't our first choice, and isn't as "clean" as the TLS whey protein, it is definitely better than the drive-thru at McDonalds! If you are allergic to stevia or prefer a full meal replacement shake all in one, you will like the TLS Nutrition Shake. All you need to do is add liquid (water or unsweetened almond milk are our favorites) and you have a tasty meal!

This protein powder comes in canisters instead of packets so it's easy to just scoop it into your blender or blender bottle and go! This protein provides 18 g of protein and 10 g of fiber without any added sugars.

PACKAGING: 14 servings per canister - available in chocolate and vanilla

PRICE: Breaks down to less than $2.50 per serving! Plus, you can email us at whitneycarlsonfitness@gmail.com for more information on the FREE Shake and Bake recipe eBook, cashback, coupons, and sales!

WHERE TO BUY: SHOP.COM

You can read more here: TLS Nutrition Shake Product Brochure

* According to the FDA, no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rBGH-treated cows and non-rBGH-treated cows.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Our website may contain affiliate links. Clicking or purchasing something through these links does not cost you any extra. We may receive a small commission which helps us keep the recipes, workouts, and educational information you love coming!

7 Tips for Choosing the Right Jogging Stroller

December 29, 2013Runners Resources, Workout TipsWhitney CarlsonComment

We don't do very many posts dealing with babies and toddlers, but since I have a baby, I wanted to share with you some tips to find the right jogging stroller for you. I read TONS of articles and reviews, as well as, "test drove" several before making my final decision. After all, if you are like me, you will use your jogging stroller at least 3-4 times per week for cardio and maybe even for the occasional jaunt at a local festival or fair.

This is a guest post written by Tiffany.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Check out these additional mom resources, also written by Tiffany!

7 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Jogging Stroller

1. Determine Your Strollers Function - What will you be using the stroller for? Is it strictly for running or will you need something to attach to your bike or even cross-country ski with?

If the stroller is strictly for running, proceed with a jogging stroller like the BOB Revolution or the Baby Jogger FIT.

If you need your stroller to function in multiple ways, perhaps a jogger/bike trailer is more appropriate for you. Consider brands like the Allen Sports Premiere or the Aosom Elite.

2. Fixed Wheel vs. Swivel Wheel - This is your number one concern when determining which stroller you will buy. NEVER run with a stroller that does not have a fixed wheel or a mechanism so that the wheel can be locked in the fixed position. This is VERY dangerous and could harm your child. Strollers with swivel wheels are made for walking and strolling.

3. Frequency of Use - How often you will use your jogging stroller really will determine the quality you will need to purchase (and most likely, the money you will spend on the jogger). If you are a marathon runner and plan to take your child on long-distance jogs, you will need a more durable stroller designed specifically for this purpose. Strollers like the Mountain Buggy Terrain may be more appropriate for you. On the flip side, if you are planning to use your stroller on days that you can't get to the gym to do your cardio, you can go with a more fitness oriented model, such as the Kolcraft Sprint Pro Jogging Stroller.

4. Storage Space - If you are tight on space in your home or plan to transport the stroller in a smaller vehicle, you will want to ensure your stroller folds down. If it doesn't, you will need to find a place to keep it fully assembled in your home and have a vehicle such as an SUV to transport the stroller.

5. Handlebar Height - Since I am short (5'2''), I really pay attention to this one! My husband is on the taller side (6'2''), so if he and I are both using the stroller, we either have to find a comfortable height for both of us or find a stroller with an adjustable handle.

6. Child Positioning - This is something you really can't afford NOT to look at! First off, think about your child. Do they like to take naps in the car or stroller? Will jogging be any different? Do they need a cup holder or a belly bar to hold on to so they can comfortably look out the stroller? Finding a stroller that offers a range of positions from upright to reclining may be your best bet. If you plan to use the stroller to walk prior to your child's 6 month birthday, I suggest looking for a system that also allows you to clip an infant seat into the stroller. Just remember: You shouldn't jog with an infant seat attached!

7. Brake vs. No Brake - Do you like in a hilly area like me? Your stroller should have a tether strap that you will wear, but if somewhere along your normal route, you encounter lots of downhills, I would suggest a brake. Momentum can be fierce, especially when you are pushing 50+ pounds of jogging stroller and child!

REMEMBER: Most pediatricians, as well as jogging stroller manufacturers, recommend that you do NOT jog with your child until 6 months of age.

Review of Baby Jogger FIT

The Baby Jogger FIT.

(Update: 2/2/18) Here is a link to the newer version.

From the moment I received the stroller, I knew I was going to like it! It was very easy to put together - no help from the hubby required! The best part - I could use it right away. I didn't have to go to a bike shop to have the front wheel inflated.

To test it out, Bryce and I went on a short run - a 2.5-mile jaunt in the nature preserve in our neighborhood! I have to admit, I have a snazzy Britax stroller system for everyday use and was a little anxious to try the fixed wheel of the jogger. I had visions of not being able to turn and potentially tipping Bryce over in the stroller. NOT the case at all! The fixed wheel of the Baby Jogger FIT seems to have a little give in it. I did have to rear back on the handlebar to turn, but much less than I expected! Speaking of the handlebar, it doesn't adjust but it is comfortable for myself and also for my husband.

At 7 months and 20lbs, Bryce seemed comfortable in the stroller and has tons of room to grow. The stroller adapts to a reclining position and has a nice angle for its upright position. The sunshade is adjustable and quite substantial. It did wonders for keeping the wind off of his face since we did a later afternoon run. The stroller seemed to effortlessly glide along our jogging path, with little disturbance at a bump or crack in the path. It was challenging pushing it up our monstrous hills in the neighborhood but nothing I couldn't handle. The brake was a MUST for the downhills of the same size - it provided some much needed reassurance that I wouldn't lose control.

Do you have a jogging stroller? If so, which did you choose and why? What types of activities do you do with your stroller?

Featured