Spring Allergy Season Must-Dos

March 20, 2022 is officially the first day of spring. As much as I am looking forward to warming temperatures, I am not looking forward to spring allergy season.

I am determined to make it through this springtime with less sneezing, watery eyes, and stuffiness. After talking to my doctor and considering my previous spring allergy seasons, here are the things I am doing differently.

Choose Your Outdoor Time Wisely

Springtime temperatures call to me: “Come outside, Rachel! Enjoy the sun on your shoulders!” But, I’ve learned the hard way that I shouldn’t always rush outdoors just because the sun is shining.

If the pollen counts are high or too many pretty things are blooming, it is wiser for me to stay indoors. So I head to the gym instead of hiking through a park. If it is windy, I also plan to stay indoors to avoid the wind blowing all the pollen into my nose.

When you need to be outdoors on a day when your allergies are at their worst, wear a face mask.

Take Your Meds

Daily allergy medicine, like Claritin, works most effectively when it has time in your system. So, it is best to start taking your allergy medication before you start experiencing all the usual allergy symptoms.

Once you start taking your allergy medicine, keep it up! Set an alarm and take it every day.

Watch What You Bring In

It is so tempting to open the windows and air out the house in the springtime, but this is dangerous for allergy sufferers. As much as you want to enjoy that fresh air, you will do better with the AC when things are in bloom.

Take off your shoes when you enter your home instead of tracking allergens throughout your home.

Vacuum and dust regularly.

Towel off your pets when they come back inside from outdoors.

Protect Your Eyes

During spring allergy season, I wear my glasses more often – especially if I am outdoors.

I also use eye drops.

When I am working from home, I am surrounded by flowers just in time for allergy season to come full blown! With my eyes getting itchy from allergies, I need something that works fast to provide relief!

That’s why Pataday® Once Daily Relief is the perfect solution this allergy season. It contains the #1 doctor prescribed eye allergy itch relief ingredient. In addition, these once-a-day eye drops work in minutes!

Now @pataday is over the counter and is a great way to fight itchy allergy eyes!

Check the Pollen Counts

Some days are worse than others for your allergies.

I’ve found checking the pollen count to be really helpful for deciding if I am going to exercise outdoors or at the gym.

The Weather Channel app predicts allergy symptoms with a “very low,” “moderate,” or “very high” level.

Pollen.com is another option.

And Zyrtec has an Allergy Tracker App.

What tips do you have for spring allergy season? Please share them below!

5 Ways to Show Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been celebrated every October since 1985. The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to teach women about breast cancer and promote early detection methods.

If you are an American woman living in the United States, you likely know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.

This is because 1 in 8 women in the U.S. is at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

According to the National Breast Cancer Coalition:

• In 2020 there were 684,996 deaths from breast cancer globally.

• Excluding basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S.

• Every thirteen minutes, a woman dies from breast cancer.

• As of 2019, there were an estimated 3.8 million individuals living with a history of breast cancer in the United States.

Even if you haven’t been affected by breast cancer, these numbers show that breast cancer is a real concern for many women, and all the more reason we should support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Wear Pink

October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month are synonymous with the color pink.

According to Cancer.org, “During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and throughout the year—people wear pink ribbons to honor survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and to support the progress we are making together to defeat breast cancer.”

The simple act of wearing a pink ribbon shows your support. You may even want to have a “wear pink” day to show support in the office or the classroom.

Get a Mammogram

Possibly one of the best ways to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to take care of your own boobs.

If you are 40 years old, it is time to start your annual breast cancer screenings.

If you are under 40 years old and have a risk of breast cancer due to family history, your doctor may want you to begin annual screenings.

Don’t worry! Mammograms are not as scary as you think they are!

Participate in an Event

There are tons of Breast Cancer Awareness events, such as fundraising walks.

By participating in these events, you raise money for cancer research and show your support for those who have suffered from breast cancer.

Plus, many of these events give you a firsthand opportunity to meet breast cancer survivors and hear their powerful stories.

Donate to a Chemo Ward

In addition to donating financially to a research group you trust, consider donating physical items to a local chemo ward.

They are often in need of blankets, scarves, hats, and pillows for patients.

Create a Fundraiser

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also an opportunity to make your own fundraiser. Facebook makes it easy to donate to a charity you support and encourage your followers to participate.

In addition, you can create your own fundraisers, such as a pink lemonade stand or a pink fashion show for the ladies in the neighborhood.

What are you doing to raise awareness? What are you doing to take action for yourself?

Why I Never Leave Home Without IMODIUM®

This post is sponsored by IMODIUM®

Alright, ladies, let’s get real. Poop happens. Often, at the worst possible time. That’s why we laugh the hardest when we watch the unforgettable scene in Bridesmaids when Maya Rudolph and Melissa McCartney struggle to overcome a horrible bout of food poisoning during a bridal fitting. Or when Charlotte mistakenly drinks the water during her shower in Mexico in Sex and the City: The Movie and doesn’t make it to the hotel suite in time to relieve herself. We laugh because this seems like the absolute worst thing to happen, but we also laugh because we’ve all had an experience where we didn’t think we would make it to the bathroom in time.

Recently, I made the poor decision to eat a heavy breakfast before hitting the road. My family left for a four-hour road trip upstate. Shortly into the ride, my stomach started to feel a little off. I’m not a big fan of using the public restroom, but this was an emergency situation.  Unfortunately, this was during the time when public restrooms were not all fully open and other places had restrictions. The outlook was not looking good. 

Thankfully, I had IMODIUM® with me (I never leave home without it). I quickly took two IMODIUM® A-D Caplets and shortly afterwards, my stomach started to settle, and I made it to our destination without any embarrassing mishaps.  I’m sure I’m not the only mom to have ever broken out in a sweat thinking I wouldn’t make it nor am I the only mom who has had to miss out on the fun because I had to keep going to the bathroom.  Read on to see why I’m such a huge fan of IMODIUM® A-D Caplets and would highly recommend it to every woman I know.

IMODIUM® Helps Me Survive Life’s Busy Seasons

Life as a working mom never slows down, but some seasons are busier than others. Like the holiday season. According to a survey reported by the New York Post, “The pressure to have a ‘perfect Christmas’ also takes its toll on 41 percent of Americans, 5 who confess to working ‘too hard’ to achieve it. The percentage jumps to almost half (49 percent) for moms, who put even more pressure on themselves.” Almost half of today’s modern moms blame the pressures that come with holiday planning for their bouts of “less than festive” stress. If you catch my drift ;) …

Beyond the holidays, the pressures and high demands of everyday life alone can trigger diarrhea. With IMODIUM® A-D Caplets, diarrhea is one less thing you have to worry about! As soon as I feel an upset stomach coming on, I can take a caplet and find relief within an hour. Which is great, because then I can tackle my giant holiday to-do list without having to worry about constantly running to the restroom. Basically, IMODIUM® A-D Caplets have been a true game-changer for me.

Where to Find IMODIUM® and Where to Keep It

IMODIUM is #1 doctor-recommended anti-diarrheal brand for symptom relief and control. The IMODIUM® A-D Caplets work for even mild bouts of diarrhea by slowing your digestive system back to its normal, comfortable pace. I like the caplets because they are fast, effective, and small. I love that I can take them discreetly and even without water. 

IMODIUM® A-D Caplets provide on-the-go relief, which is why I always keep them with me (in my purse, in my car console, and in my medicine cabinet). And, I never ever travel without IMODIUM® A-D Caplets. Ask anyone who has ever experienced Traveler’s diarrhea and you’ll see why IMODIUM® A-D Caplets is a travel essential. 

You can find IMODIUM® A-D Caplets at most drug and grocery stores. Go to Target.com to snag a box today!

12 Tips to Help You Go to Sleep Faster

If you are like many moms, going to sleep isn’t always easy. As tired as we are, we lay in bed tossing and turning before we fall asleep. And we need all the sleep we can get! Sleep is important for our overall physical and mental health. So, if you struggle with falling asleep, implement these 12 tips to help you go to sleep faster.

1. Make Your Bedroom Relaxing

Your bedroom should be designed to be a place of rest. You should feel soothed as soon as you enter it. Opt for soft colors and subtle patterns rather than anything bold or flashy. And, keep it clean. A cluttered and messy bedroom will only increase your anxiety, making it more difficult to fall asleep.

2. Wind Down

Every evening before you head to bed, do something relaxing. Take time to wind down. Whether you choose to take a nice bath, read a book, or listen to quiet music, do something that makes you feel a bit sleepier.

3. Disconnect and Say No to Blue Light

If you are anything like the rest of America, then the last thing you look at before you go to bed is your phone. This is the exact wrong thing to do if you want to go to sleep faster! Not only will the scrolling keep you alert, but our cell phones use blue light which messes with our body’s natural sleep rhythms.

My advice – Put your phone in a different room out of reach, such as your master bathroom. Not only will this prevent you from looking at it before you go to bed and as soon as you wake up, but it will also force you to get up to turn off your phone alarm in the morning.

4. Invest in Quality Bedding

Yes, those high thread count sheets are worth it. So is the fancy mattress topper and the expensive pillow.

5. Follow a Sleep Schedule

Teach yourself to fall asleep faster by going to bed around the same time every night and waking up around the same time.

6. Avoid Caffeine in the Afternoon

Most of us need a morning jolt of caffeine, but if we drink it throughout the day (such as stopping at Target for a mid-day latte), we will feel it when we try to go to bed. Experts recommend avoiding caffeine after lunch.

7. Dim the Lights

A little before your regular bedtime start to dim the lights. For example, close the curtains and switch from full lights to dimmer lamps.

8. Block Out the Noise

If you are not already using a white noise app or machine, now is the time to start. These things are amazing with blocking out noise so you can sleep soundly.

9. Keep a Notepad on the Nightstand

One reason many moms have trouble going to sleep is that we have so much on our minds. Our brains are so full of stuff all the time! A fix for this issue is to keep a notepad on your nightstand where you can jot down your thoughts before you go to bed (such as tomorrow’s to-do list).

10. Lower the Temperature

According to Healthline, “If your room is too warm, you might have a hard time falling asleep. Setting your thermostat to a cool temperature between 60–67°F (15.6–19.4°C) could help.”

11. Take Melatonin

The supplement melatonin can help regulate your sleep. Healthline explains, “Doses of 0.5–5 mg taken 2 hours before your desired bedtime, which is usually around 8 to 9 p.m. for most individuals, might improve sleep quality.”

12. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Be careful about what you eat and drink before bed. For example, if you eat something heavy before trying to go to sleep, you’ll struggle. Likewise, if you eat something like chocolate, which has caffeine, you’ll struggle. Also, some people think drinking alcohol will help them sleep. This is false. It may make them fall asleep faster, but they will wake up throughout the night.

How to Prepare Kids for New School Rules

In less than two weeks, my girls will be back to school following a hybrid model. It’s nerve-wracking, to say the least. I realized that if I am feeling this anxiety about what this new school year will look like, then I am sure my girls are also worried. Especially when you consider all the new school rules. Here is what I am doing to ease their fears and prepare my kids for new school rules due to COVID.

Wear Masks Now

I wrote a blog recently about how to prepare your kids for wearing masks to school. My main tip was to start wearing masks now. I cannot emphasize this enough. Don’t leave mask enforcement up to the teachers. See my blog Preparing Your Child to Wear a Mask at School for tips.

Demonstrate Social Distancing

Let’s be honest. Social distancing is hard – even for adults. When kids get to see their friends in the classroom after being apart since March, it is going to be extremely hard to practice social distancing. Take time to demonstrate what social distancing with friends looks like, such as not hugging, sharing, or whispering. (it’s pretty sad to actually write those examples though.)

Teach Healthy Habits

Talk to your kids about the importance of healthy habits, like washing their hands and sneezing or coughing into their arms. Go ahead and purchase mini hand sanitizers they can keep in their bookbags and cubbies. We’ve also started having our girls sanitize their hands every time they enter a vehicle after being in a public space and plan to stress this rule when it comes to school.

Talk to Them About What to Expect

You absolutely must talk to your kids about what to expect. If they show up to the school to see plexiglass dividers around desks and no toys lying around, they will be heartbroken. Instead, spend time talking about the differences they should expect and do so in a positive way. A psychologist from Boston Children’s Hospital suggests talking about things like: “What will the classroom look like? What will lunch and recess be like? What extracurricular activities or clubs will your child have or not have? How will they access extra supports, like tutoring or counseling? Walking through the specifics can give your kids something concrete to hold onto.”

Start Screening for Symptoms

Most schools are implementing some sort of screening for students. Whether you will be responsible for taking temperatures or your child’s school, it is a good idea to start screening for symptoms now. If kids are used to doing it at home, then they will be more prepared and unafraid at school.

Explain the Risks

It’s also important to explain the risks of COVID-19 to kids in a language they can understand. They need to know why these new school rules are in place so they will be more inclined to follow them.

Keep Your Opinions to Yourself

Lastly, keep your opinions to yourself. It’s not going to be perfect. And there will be plenty of times when things do not go according to plan. But, keep your frustrations and opinions to yourself and avoiding spewing your feelings to your child. This will only make kids feel more anxious about school.

What other tips do you have for the upcoming school year? Let me know in the comments!

10 Tips for Exercising on the Reg

With gyms still under many restrictions, it is easy to let your healthy exercise regiment slide. Even without a pandemic, we’ve all been there. Sometimes it is hard to find the time and the motivation to do our workouts. But regular exercise is so important for our overall well-being! Today, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite tips for exercising on the reg. No more excuses!

1. Allow Someone to Hold You Accountable

Accountability is so important when it comes to exercise. Simply telling your partner that you plan to exercise in the morning is a great way to make yourself actually get up and moving when the alarm rings. If you think your spouse will not be the best accountability partner, there are apps you can use. Check out Bare Minerals 6 Fitness Apps to Keep You Accountable & Motivated.

2. Work Out with a Friend

Not only is working out with a friend fun, but it is also a great way to build stamina. You will strive to match your friend step for step or move for move. If you are social distancing, Peloton allows you to work out with friends.

3. Use an App for Reminders

Don’t forget to exercise by setting phone reminders. You can take it to the next level by downloading the app Workout Plan, which allows you to create a fitness schedule and sends you reminders.

4. Do What You Love

My favorite tip for exercising on the reg is to do what you love. It really is that simple. If you love going on morning runs, taking dance classes, or going to CycleBar, you are much more likely to do it. It won’t feel like a chore you dread – it will be something you look forward to doing.

5. Create a Playlist

Good music makes you want to move. Trust me – it’s scientific. According to Science Daily, “A new study has shown that listening to high-tempo music increases the benefits of exercise for physical fitness and reduces the perceived effort involved.”

6. Reward Yourself

After working out consistently, treat yourself to something nice. Now, I don’t mean heading to Starbucks to get a giant sugar-calorie-filled iced coffee. I mean, treat yourself to a manicure or a new pair of yoga pants.

7. Track Your Progress

It’s important to track your progress because it helps you discover what works and what doesn’t. There are tons of workout tracking apps available. Check out Lifewire’s 10 Best Workout Log Apps of 2020 for iOS and Android.

8. Follow Encouraging Fitness Accounts

When it comes to who you follow on social media, you want to stick with those people who encourage you. Of course, there are some accounts that are unhealthy to follow, but I love Women’s Health list of the 33 Best Fitness Instagram Accounts To Follow For Major Motivation.

9. Cheer Yourself On

Be your own cheerleader. When you start to get tired, cheer yourself on. Remind yourself that you are strong and capable. It may feel weird at first, but positive self-talk has been proven to change our mindsets.

10. Fit in Quick Fitness

One of the main reasons I miss a workout is because I don’t have enough time. But now I have learned to fit in quick fitness whenever and wherever I can. For example, HIIT workouts are all the rage right now. These are high-intensity interval training exercises that are around 20 minutes. Do a quick search on YouTube and you will find tons!

Share your best tips for keeping up with workouts in the comments!

How to Deal with Self-Doubt as a Mom

As much as I can appear on social media to have it all together, I struggle with self-doubt just like any other mom. I think the world has set women up to doubt themselves – mothers, especially. According to Psychology, “Self-doubt has  been  defined  as  uncertainty  about one’s abilities, potential for success, or competence in performance situations.”

How many times have you questioned your abilities as a mom? But, even though it is common, it doesn’t mean we should just accept it. Self-doubt is unhealthy and can actually make it harder for us to succeed.

Here are the 6 things I am trying to do when self-doubt starts nagging.

1. Treat Yourself Like a Friend

Be honest with yourself. You are much harder on yourself than you would ever be to one of your friends. You say things to the face in the mirror that you would never utter aloud to someone you care about. When you start to think bad thoughts about yourself, try practicing self-compassion instead. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, then don’t say it to yourself.

2. Change Your Thought Pattern

Along those same lines, you need to change your thought pattern. If you tend to think negatively (especially about yourself and your abilities), you need to stop. When those thoughts cross your mind, don’t let yourself go there. Instead, change your train of thought and don’t dwell on the negativity.

3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

A huge problem for moms is that we spend way too much time comparing ourselves to other moms. The comparison trap leads to self-doubt. Speaking of comparing yourself, don’t compare your mothering to someone else’s highlight reel (as seen on social media). Instead of focusing on what someone else does better, remind yourself what you do well.

4. Get to the Root of It

I think it is important for you to get to the root of the issue, too. There are times when it is important to think about why you may be feeling the way you are. Is this an ongoing feeling or something new in this season of life? Could you just be hungry or tired? Is it something you need to talk to a therapist about?

5. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Negative thinking is contagious. If you spend time talking with negative people, it won’t be long until you start thinking negatively, too. In the same way, if you are listening or reading negative things, then your mind is going to be full of negativity. Instead, surround yourself with positive people and ideas.

6. Be Proud (But Not Prideful)

One more thing. Women are taught to be modest, but too often, that means not acknowledging our accomplishments. We’ve all done something that we are proud of. Own it. Hang that certificate on your wall. When thoughts of self-doubt start trickling in, remember what you have accomplished. Begin with the basics – you’ve kept your kids alive. Good job, Mom!

Skincare for COVID Mask Woes

No matter your stance on wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are going to have to wear one. Whether it is required where you live or by your employees, mask wearing is the new norm.

I am all about doing what I can to protect others, and mask wearing is one way to do so. However, many mask wearers are discovering that their masks are causing a lot of skin problems. There is even a new term called mask-ne, which refers to acne adults are getting from wearing masks.

CNN explains, “June 20 is the official first day of summer, and summer means increased temperatures and humidity, which could affect both our comfort while wearing a mask and the health of our skin.” Face masks can cause skin irritation from where they rest on your face and cause friction or chaffing. Additionally, face masks can trap all the things, like oil and dirt, that cause acne, eczema, and rosacea.

That’s why it is so important to have a healthy skincare regiment. Your skin needs protection, too.

Choose the Right Kind of Mask

The first thing you should do to protect your skin when wearing a face mask is to choose the right kind of mask. Now that the mask shortage is over and you can find masks practically anywhere, you want to invest in masks that are good for your skin.

Dr. Harold Lancer of Lancer Skincare explains to CNN, “If you’re making your own mask, use simple 100% cotton fabric to construct it. The more synthetic a material is, the more heat retention occurs on the skin that is covered by the mask. This will likely lead to irritation, so make sure to avoid those.” This also applies to the masks you purchase. And don’t forget to wash your face mask!

Heal Irritated Skin

If you are in a situation where you are required to wear a face mask for an extended period, you may be dealing with skin irritation or redness. If this is happening to you, then you should apply a skin healing ointment (such as Aquaphor) to the irritated skin. These types of ointments also work as a barrier to protect the skin from the rubbing face mask.

Maintain Your Skin Care Routine

It is critical that you maintain your skincare routine while wearing a face mask. Each morning and evening, you should wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser. Another part of your routine should include using facial moisturizer. In addition to mask woes, you are also dealing with the heat of the summer. Your skin needs to be moisturized.

Skip Makeup Under the Mask

If you stopped wearing makeup over the quarantine, you might be itching to “put on your face.” But you may want to hold off for a while if you are wearing a face mask. Dermatologists do not recommend wearing makeup under a face mask because it will create even more skin issues. If you absolutely must wear makeup under your face mask, then keep it minimal.

Skincare by Loreal explains, “Higher temperatures, wearing more makeup and wearing a mask can be a recipe for clogged pores and irritation. Avoiding heavy, comedogenic products is a good idea in the summer, but even more so when wearing a mask.”

Protect Your Lips

Lastly, don’t forget to protect your lips under the mask. While it is pointless (and messy) to wear lipstick under a face mask, you should wear a moisturizing lip product, such as petroleum jelly or beeswax, to prevent chapped or dry lips.

You Need to Buy Blue Light Glasses for Your Kids

If your home is anything like mine, your usual screen time limits went right out the window when schools shut down. Our kids were suddenly thrust into the world of online learning and started spending significantly more time staring at the screen for longer periods. And, then they started complaining that their eyes hurt.

Blue light refers to the light that technology and devices give off, and too much blue light exposure is probably causing your kid to feel and act differently. Studies suggest, “Blue light emanating from the screens of video games, smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions can affect kids’ vision and their overall health. Growing evidence and research show that, at the least, overexposure to blue light due to screen media consumption can produce digital eye strain, headaches, and a lack of deep sleep in children.”

Blue Light Causes Eye Fatigue

If your child has been complaining that his or her eyes hurt and they have been spending more time than usual staring at screens, it is likely due to blue light exposure. Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause dry eyes and blurred vision.

Blue Light Causes Headaches

Has your child had more headaches since online schooling started? Blue light may also be the cause because eye strain can also lead to headaches.

Blue Light Hinders Sleep

I know everyone’s routines are out of whack, but you can still recognize when your child isn’t sleeping well. Kids need sleep, or else they show out. Unfortunately, decreased sleep quality is one of the main effects of blue light. Blue light is a stimulant and typically works to help our body recognize when to wake up. Therefore, if you are exposing yourself to blue light close to bedtime, you throw off your sleep rhythm. That’s why doctors advise turning the tv off a while before bedtime.

According to the American Optometric Association and Optometry Cares, “ Limitation of personal electronic device use before bedtime is recommended to be the most effective method for reducing light-induced sleep disruption in children. The use of amber-tinted spectacle lenses during the use of electronic devices immediately before bedtime has shown promise as a strategy to reduce their altering effects […]”

Blue Light Decreases Your Attention Span

Plus, too much exposure to blue light will decrease your attention span. If your eyes feel strained or tired, you won’t be able to read screens or pay attention as well. With everything going on, it is hard enough or our kids to focus, so we don’t want too much blue light exposure to hinder them more.

How Blue Light Glasses Help

Most adults in office environments are already knowledgeable when it comes to blue light glasses. You can search Amazon and find tons of fashionable options. But you may not have realized that they also make blue light glasses for kids. And given our current circumstances, your kid likely needs a pair. Doctors recommend blue light filtering glasses to anyone who works with electronics – and now that includes our kids. These glasses are designed to block or limit blue light that is emitted from electronic devices, such as computers and tablets.

Are You Getting Enough Protein? Here’s Why It Matters (+ A Giveaway!)

As a busy working mom, I am not ashamed to admit I need all the extra help I can get. Fortunately, I have discovered that I can get a huge amount of help from boosting the amount of protein I get each day. If you need more proof, read on!

How Much Protein You Need Each Day?

According to Healthline, “The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. This amounts to:

• 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man.

• 46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman.

Though this meager amount may be enough to prevent downright deficiency, studies show that it’s far from sufficient to ensure optimal health and body composition.”

This is just one of the reasons I love Premier Protein! Just one 11.5 oz bottle packs 30 grams of protein, meaning I almost reach the required minimum with just one drink!

Protein Reduces Hunger Cravings

You can hear you need protein all day long, but if you don’t know why you won’t feel the need to add more protein to your diet. But DIET is the keyword here. Did you know by increasing your protein intake you decrease your hunger cravings? Protein is filling; therefore, it reduces your appetite. Healthline reports, “In one study, increasing protein intake from 15% to 30% of calories made overweight women eat 441 fewer calories each day without intentionally restricting anything.”

Protein is the Muscle’s Building Blocks

Plus, protein is excellent for post-workout recovery. In the same report, Healthline explains, “eating adequate amounts of protein helps you maintain your muscle mass and promotes muscle growth when you do strength training.” This is why I also have Premier Protein with me when I go for a hike or to the gym.

Protein Gives You Longer-Lasting Energy

But, as a busy working mom, what I really need is energy – another thing you can get from increasing your protein intake. CNN explains, “Not consuming enough protein during the day can be a primary reason for fatigue. Protein-based foods provide the body with fuel to repair and build tissues. Protein takes longer than carbohydrates to break down in the body, providing a longer-lasting energy source.”

Premier Protein Makes It Super Easy to Get What You Need

This is why I have come to rely on Premier Protein shakes and bars. Premier Protein makes it super easy and convenient to get enough protein in my diet. Their protein shakes come in 11.5 oz bottles with closed lids so you can toss them in your bag and take them with you anywhere you go. This makes it much easier than mixing your own protein shake at home and transporting it - and no cleaning! Plus, they offer delicious flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Cookies and Cream, so I enjoy drinking them.

GIVEAWAY – Win a 4-Pack of Café Latte

Mixing a Protein Shake with added caffeine is a wonderful idea, like a delicious coffee with protein, to get my day going! Premier Protein just released their new product with added caffeine (equivalent to 1 cup of coffee) with the same 30g protein, 160 calories, 1g sugar, and 24 Vitamins and Minerals that gives my daily routine that extra spark. We're also giving away one 4-pack of Café Latte for you to enjoy too!

Hop over to my Instagram to get all the giveaway details! Hurry – it ends October 31st.