10 must have items for a fitter you!

I get lots of questions about the "one thing" I feel you should have at all times to stay on track. That's a tough one to answer, because I don't have just "one thing." So I thought about it, and made a list of the 10 things I just can't live without!

 10. Good workout clothing
This is worth the investment. I would rather have a few nice pieces than lot’s of inexpensive one. Having clothes that wick sweat away, wash well, don’t hold odor and fit well can make your workouts more comfortable and appealing. If you are working out with the right intensity you DO need good support and clothing that will wick sweat. One brand that I LOVE is Lululemon. It is pricey, but the clothes fit well, support, wash well and hold up for years. I get Lululemon when I want to splurge. Slightly less expensive is Fabletics, and for much more budget friendly workout clothes, I go to Target.

9. Headbands

I can't stand to have hair in my face while I workout. It gets it my eyes during a run, it gets sweaty, then sticks to my face, and I keep having to brush it away! Having my hair off and away from my face is a must for a good workout! My favorite two brands are Bolder Bands (guaranteed to stay on your head), and Under Armor ones, which I buy at a discount at T.J. Maxx.

8. Sunblock and self-tanner
Self-tanner is my ‘secret’ for that healthy glow. I am 45, but I don’t feel it. I NEVER leave the house without a solid SPF. I use a physical blocker spf 45 on my face always- even on cloudy day. That said, I am guilty of loving the LOOK of a tan. Since I do NOT go unprotected in the real sun, I have discovered some self tanners do not turn orange, as well as some body bronzers. A healthy looking glow can make you look and feel leaner which ultimately gives you more confidence. More confidence makes me want to push myself harder so YES my faux healthy glow helps me with that I love. My favorite self-tanner is ULTA brand spray, light to medium.

7. A good cooler, and portable containers
I typically like to grocery shop and prepare my food for the week on Sundays. For the week, when I'm at my office Monday through Friday, I will divide my meals into equal containers that I can pop into cooler. I used to carry around glass portable containers in my cooler, but they got heavy! If it's a salad, or a meal I know I will not be heating up, then I will pack it in plastic containers. However, If I'm going to heat up the meal in the microwave at work, then I pack it in glass. My favorite cooler is the Fit & Fresh Jaxx FitPak Meal Prep Bag and Container Set.

6. Energy: Natural caffeine
Even the most healthy diets can still have you in an afternoon slump. Or maybe you need a little extra oomph before your morning workout. Some of you may NOT agree with caffeine, but I personally am a fan of green tea and a healthy pick me up. For days that I feel especially tired and I need to focus and I want a hard workout I LOVE my Energize. It's part of the Beachbody Performance line! It is natural, and does not have harmful ingredients that fat burners have. It's made with beta-alanine, low-dose caffeine, and quercetin. Energize helps me work harder for longer, whether I'm running, doing a 21 Day Fix Extreme workout, or a lower impact workout like PiYo.

5. GREAT music on my iPhone
Nothing gets me more in the mood to workout then new music! IPods have become increasingly inexpensive and small. You can download music inexpensively and load up your favorite tunes. Or, I just keep all my playlists and music on my phone.

4. Shakeology

It's an ideal stabilizer! It's a nutritious meal replacement, all natural, non-GMO, organic, and helps curb hunger, and add some fiber, protein and healthy fat in an instant! I can take it anywhere and even add fruit, extracts, vegetables, nuts and nut butters, or anything else I want to make a new recipe! For some Shakeology ideas and recipes, click HERE.

3. Protein bars and Protein filled snacks
I aim for real foods but protein bars help me in binds. I stock my purse, gym bag and car with these and they will do when traveling, stuck in traffic, or just craving something with more of a cookie texture. The think with protein bars if you need to be careful as many are utter garbage and have no better nutritional value than a candy bar! Choose bars that you can define the ingredients.

2. My high powered blender

I have Vitamix 5300 Blender, Black  and I love it. I am all about convenience and my vitamix allows for that. I use it mostly for quick meals. I am an expert at making a smoothie for meal! I have frozen fruit in my freezer at all time and tossing that , a scoop of protein powder and some healthy fat (like a nut butter) make a filling healthy meal QUICKLY. AND I whip up my Shakeology in it!

1. My water bottles Proper hydration is important for so many reasons but it is easy to forget to drink water all day long. I LOVE my stainless steel water bottles – they stay cold, are inexpensive, and come in fun colors and patterns. I carry it with me all day long. Having it by my side is an instant reminder to drink more water!