Every 30-something needs…

Daily Goodness: Convenient, Healthy Meals with LUVO

- Mel 1 Comment

Disclaimer: I received samples of LUVO frozen meals to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

luvo logo healthy frozen meals

Good Food Equals Performance
LUVO frozen meals don’t sacrifice nutrition in the name of convenience. “Whether you’re training for a marathon, or simply maintaining the marathon of everyday life, we’re interested in fueling every body to be the best they can be at work, at home and at play.” Hey! That sounds like me!

Here’s what I like (a LOT!) about LUVO meals and mission: A full serving of fruits and veggies. Appropriate levels of sodium and sugar. High in fiber. Whole grains. Meats raised without antibiotics. Meals made with ingredients your body needs and flavors your taste buds will marvel over. No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Non-GMO soy, corn & canola. Gluten-free and vegetarian options.

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First impression: Gluten-free freezer meals? For someone who dislikes cooking very much and in the midst of a training cycle where every hour is HANGRY, I was excited to be part of the BibRave Pros selected to sample some of LUVO’s dinner options. I received two different meals (3 of each): Chicken Chile Verde and Tandoori-inspired Spiced Chicken.

Meh, chicken. Despite my disdain for the poultry, chicken is a constant source of protein in my diet — and we runners need our protein.

But if I’m being honest, I was disappointed that I received two different chicken dishes, and I felt a little jealous that another Pro received a gluten-free enchilada option (*sad trombone*). Additionally, I was disappointed that both meals contained potato starch (why it’s a necessary ingredient for chicken meat, I don’t know). I do know it’s difficult to stay away from white potato ingredients particularly with prepared gluten-free products (though not impossible), and I try to stay away from it as much as possible. That said, these entrees were not a bowl of cereal or a sandwich-for-dinner, so it was a win for me considering I was consuming double meals for like two weeks straight in my most-recent training cycle, which coincided with my boyfriend’s travel work schedule — he’s the cook in this family.

That said, I’m always happy to see more healthy meals in the frozen section, from a completely selfless perspective!

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Each frozen meal contains a steam bag that remains in tact while it goes through the cooking process — which takes around 5-6 minutes. Upon opening my first box, it had a punctured bag (despite it exclaiming DO NOT PUNCTURE) and still cooked OK. Two of my tandoori chicken entrees had completely torn bags. Little disappointed about that, but cooked them anyways; I don’t know if the flavors would be any different had they marinated in a closed bag.

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Note to anyone who brings these to work: Bring scissors! You’d be amazed how difficult it is to find a pair, despite having thousands of coworkers. I had to cut mine open with a plastic knife so I could eat my lunch.

They plate nicely, right out of the bag and I thought the portion was good for someone (ahem, me) who eats every couple of hours. I also had some fun making my meal into a breakfast burrito BECAUSE WHY NOT?!

Meal #1: CHICKEN CHILE VERDE (with polenta and black beans)

LOVED the polenta and the chile verde sauce – though the pepita seeds got lost in the dish. Disliked the chicken, and the black beans felt overcooked every time. Flavors and spice level, however, were great.

Meal #2: TANDOORI-INSPIRED SPICED CHICKEN (with mango, brown rice, broccoli & cauliflower)

Blah, I do not like mango either, unless the flavor is completely covered up in a fruit smoothie. The flavor of the mango was almost-completely covered by the tandoori-ish flavor and added a sweetness to the meal; the vegetables and rice steamed up nice. Overall, this one packs a little heat, but it’s really, really tasty.

For both meals, I added either sour cream or plain greek yogurt for an added flavor profile. It’s especially helpful with the tandoori entree to balance the spiciness.

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LUVO’s website is pretty great — you can read all about their products and story, and learn more on other (more famous) ambassadors and partnerships (food on Delta flights?!). Ingredients for all of their products, as well as informative dietary and nutritional facts are marked with each product. Unsure why both of my entrees are identified as not being gluten-free on the website, but both of my packages are marked as such.

So I went out of my comfort zone a bit and tried something new. I really value what LUVO is doing, in providing healthy and convenient meal options — particularly helpful for athletes, and for myself in really focusing on “righting” my diet.

No discount codes to offer on this these guys, BUT there are are bunch of coupons on LUVO’s website!

Every 30-something needs… happy, healthy joints.

- Mel

Are you a daily supplement user? How do your joints feel during — and after — activity? Research indicates that active people should take glucosamine daily for joint health. I only recently started reading about supplements for my bones and joints because of my severe Vitamin D deficiency and the side effects of such. Glucosamine supports the function and mobility of joints.

Breakfast of Champions: coffee, Joint Juice and leftover cranberry bread from Thanksgiving! :)
Breakfast of Champions: coffee, Joint Juice and leftover cranberry bread from Thanksgiving! 🙂

The producers of a product called Joint Juice® connected with me recently to tell me about their products that supply a full day’s worth of glucosamine and chondroitin. Originally developed by an orthopedic surgeon for pro-athletes, Joint Juice® contains 1,500 mg of glucosamine in each of its products. Even better, their ready-to-drink supplement has 400 IUs of Vitamin D3, along with Vitamin C and other antioxidants. This daily drink is a convenient way to keep joints healthy and happy so you can do what you love and continue being active in your 30s and beyond. I received samples of the cranberry pomegranate-flavored drink from Joint Juice, which is tasty, though I did detect a slightly off-putting aftertaste. Kind of like when you chew vitamins — a necessary but temporary suffering.

So, what is glucosamine? Glucosamine occurs naturally in your body, which we tend to produce less as we age. That’s where supplementing has been shown effective in maintaining healthy joint cartilage. Glucosamine also works to lubricate your joints by helping cartilage tissue absorb water and to perform its job of cushioning and mobility.

What is chondroitin? Chondroitin is an element of healthy cartilage. So, taking chondroitin with glucosamine supports joint function.

Bonus: Vitamin D Recent research indicates that Vitamin D is essential for a number of cellular activities and most people don’t get enough. And I need all that I can get!

30-Something Approved: I’m an active person, so I am also actively concerned with keeping my body healthy and working properly. If you’re interested in trying Joint Juice®, it can be purchased at Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and the Joint Juice online store. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. If you’re in Pittsburgh and interested in trying, I have a couple samples that I can share too.

Disclaimer: Premier Nutrition sent me a case of Joint Juice® in exchange for review as part of the FitFluential network. All opinions herein are my own.

Every 30-something needs… to protect your eyes from sun damage!

- Mel

Recently I sat in on a webinar hosted by The Vision Council to raise awareness and educate about harmful UV exposure and its damage to our eyes. Protecting our eyes is an “out of sight, out of mind” thought for many of us 30-somethings — but the same UV exposure that causes sunburns, wrinkles and skin cancer also damages our ocular health.

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Dr. Justin Bazan, an ophthalmologist in New York and medical adviser to The Vision Council, told us is the session how to protect our eyes this summer, which was a reminder for those of us who are active outdoors in all seasons. I thought it was good info to pass along to you, as many of us (including myself) choose sunglasses based on style rather than function — AND it just so happens to be National Sunglasses Day today.

An adult’s use of eye protection depends on the activity — most often, we wear sunglasses for driving, at the beach or at the pool; and least often, when running, biking, gardening, or playing team sports. It’s just like sunscreen, for which I advocate relentlessly… and here, I’m a statistic and completely guilty of not protecting my eyes during my runs.

Here are some scary stats:

  • 1 in 4 of Americans rarely or never use sunglasses
  • 2 in 3 leave eyes unguarded on cloudy or rainy days
  • 3 in 10 don’t protect in Winter, when UV rays still present

The short-term problems of UV damage include: photokeratitis (sunburn of eyes), irritation, redness, swelling, hypersensitivity to light; and long-term eye damage includes: premature aging of skin, wrinkles and sunspots, abnormal growths on eye and eyelid, cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer of eye (and surrounding area).

Some other staggering statistics — the top 5 cities with highest UV index levels (based on sunny days):
1. San Juan with 320 total days of extreme and very high risk
2. Honolulu
3. Miami
4. Tampa
5. Mobile, AL

#18 Denver, I was completely not expecting, but because of its higher elevation, it ranks up there with a total of 128 days of high risk.

Here was some other important info noted from this session:

  • Reflected UV light is just as damaging as direct
  • Research shows the eye receives nearly double the amount of UV radiation during peak running times in the summer (early morning 8am-10am) and late afternoon (2pm-4pm) — nearly double the level than midday (10am-2pm) other times of the year
  • The color of eyes means different UV sensitivity. Meaning: blue eyes are more at risk of UV damage than brown.

So, how can we protect our eyes? Consider your lens options. There are anti-reflective, impact resistant, mirror-coated, photochromic, polarized, wrap-around, and scratch resistant lenses — all have some level of eye protection. There are some myths about sunglasses too: that all have UVA/UVB protection (they don’t), or sunglasses with UV protection are expensive (I have a free pair that I picked up at a convention that have UV protection stamped on the inside), or that darker sunglasses have UV protection (nope).

This session was enough to make the case for multiple pairs for different activities, so I was super-excited when The Vision Council sent me a “thank you” participation gift that included a pair of Columbia sunglasses that will be PERFECT for my outdoor runs.

Sun Safe Swag Bag!
Sun Safe Swag Bag — and my new sunnies!

Check out #sunglassselfie and #nationalsunglassesday on social media for more about National Sunglasses Day. You can read more about UV eye protection from clicking through and visiting The Vision Council website and download their sun safe infographic here.

Disclosure: I was gifted a Sun Safe Swag Bag from The Vision Council for logging into the webinar and agreeing to write a post about the session content. Columbia graciously gifted me a pair of sunglasses for my participation.

Every 30-something needs… a new identity.

- Mel

For the last year and a half, I’ve been juggling a job, school full-time — and for a long duration of that, playing roller derby, which often felt like another part-time job. For most of last year, I was burned out and stressed out and any other down-and-out emotion you could tack on. My relationship was a wreck. I was a wreck. My poor house was a wreck. I started to come to peace with having to give something up. If I can be completely frank, I don’t have to work, but I choose to because it gives me purpose and makes me feel more like a partner in a household rather than… well, I don’t know what the opposite of that is. Plus, my own money dot com like a responsible 30-something. School is my future self, and I’ve been working too hard and too long to go back now. I initially gave up my volunteering role, which I miss immensely.

Derby was the final decision. It’s something that I struggled to come to terms with — that loss of identity from playing a sport that I’d participated in for 4.5 years. The irony is, once I made the decision to retire, I found a much more whole and authentic identity that has made me happier than I ever imagined.

That’s weird, right?

IDENTITY was my word for 2015, as I faced a lot of my fears about change and leaving behind an old me that didn’t fit any longer. I ended January with a new job, loss of a job in which I was employed for three years (but that was making me miserable), a retirement from a sport that I loved to play (but hated the drama that came along with it), and a calm and “free time” that I had all but forgotten about.

After attending a home game this past weekend, I miss the sport and (most) people a lot, but I have residual damage. Derby opened up the opportunity to embrace my authentic self, and at the same time, made me feel more unsettled about who I was. Who I AM is taking some time to recognize. I’m getting there.

Maybe some day I’ll get to that point of lacing my skates back up again. But does that mean going back to a part of me that doesn’t exist anymore? Is that the opposite of progress — or the celebration of it?

Every 30-something needs: new workout gear for 2015!

- Mel

The holidays are a great time to take stock of your athletic equipment and think about what’s missing, what needs replaced, or what you need to reach your goals and resolutions. Several of my needs included items of a $20-price point that were inexpensive to add to lists for gift exchanges and stocking stuffers. Boy, was I was incredibly spoiled this holiday by family and the boyfriend, receiving almost every piece of athletic gear on my wish list. (Still need to upgrade my phone armband, which is probably good considering I’ve upgraded to another phone model since the holiday.)

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Christmas Loot!

Under Armor ColdGear Infrared hat — I’ve been running in a fleece-lined Browns winter hat, which offers up some quiet fist bumps on the start line from secret Cleveland fans, but it gets VERY sweaty. This UA hat not only is awesomely purple and properly retains heat, but has reflective elements AND a ponytail hole! {similar item}

Knuckle Lights — Considering Pittsburgh’s short days, some of my training runs are going to be in the dark. When I found these lights online, I knew that I needed them. They’re not bulky at all, and have three power options for high, low, and blinking.

Gaiam Everything Fits gym bag — my gym stuff is currently carried in one of those khaki fabric totes and does not a proper gym bag make. Of course, I fell for the teal color of this bag by Gaiam, but extra bonus of a bungie at the bottom of the bag to carry a yoga mat or foam roller. See also: TONS OF POCKETS, including a separated, mesh pouch for smelly shoes.

Amphipod — carrying a water bottle wasn’t a huge necessity… until I started on longer runs. And then there was that time one of those “foldable” flat water carriers leaked down my pants during a cold holiday run. Yep, I needed a water bottle option, but didn’t want another belt. This amphipod is pretty sweet: comfortable, lightweight, and has another pocket option for when I won’t need my winter running jacket.

Running Buddy — I ooooh-ed at this bag at the Hot Chocolate Expo, and the boyfriend remembered! Not only good for running, this magnetic “fanny” pack will be good for derby travel too.

Garmin Forerunner 15 and heart rate monitor – YAY! Definitely top of my list this year, and I’m excited to try it out for the first time (and be more conscious of pacing). There will certainly be a learning curve, as I’ve never used a running watch.

Tell me about your new gear!

Every 30-something needs: to belong.

- Mel

Belonging is on the psych triangle (Maslow), and an inherent part of the human condition and centric to motivation. It is a relationship requirement to have affection with significant others, feel wanted in friendships, with teammates, in community, church or with coworkers, and so on. We 30-somethings are becoming more comfortable with our sense of selves and in relationships with others as motivation for higher needs… and realizing where we belong in the process — where we need to belong.

maslow triangle psychology needs

Switching gears just a little bit. I’ve talked about the death of a blog before, and how it has an impact on personal identity. This post: Can a Blog Die? reinvigorated my internal argument about where I do belong. And then I had to create a personal goal plan in my Psychology of Personal Development course (finals week!). One of my three goals before graduation (without going into all the SMART specifics) is to blog again.

One of my life satisfactions is to have an outlet like this and feeling like part of this blogging community — I need this blog, as much as I need others’ blogs. Perhaps this space here will help me with some accountability in goal tasking, in realizing some of my gratitude, and maybe help some other undergrad trying to navigate the psychology career path. But most of all, I get to share my life and its highs, lows, and life lessons (ahem, mistakes) with a community that understands WHY we blog.

We belong. (Did I get Pat Benatar stuck in your head?)

Do you believe that Maslow’s hiearchy still applies in aspects of your 30s? Would you change the order?

More reading:
Why We All Need to Belong to Someone {Psychology Today}

The “Need to Belong” – Part of What Makes Us Human {Science of Relationships}

Image credit: liveit.loveit.blogit

Every 30-something needs: A 30-something birthday of relaxation and happiness.

- Mel

37, seriously?!

I guess that is how I expected to feel — interrobangs and all… but the birthday came-and-went with little fanfare or (gluten-free) cake and candles. The boyfriend was traveling and sent me a lovely bouquet of flowers and balloons in the afternoon, which was a beautiful surprise. He’s brought home flowers for me on occasion, but never a delivered order, so it was incredibly thoughtful and warmed up my cold-dark heart (OK, it made me cry). I hung out with a falcon in the morning at the Aviary (Bird of Prey experience, do it!). I also scheduled a hot stone massage in the afternoon, so I could truly make an attempt at relaxing. And I DID. I even had traffic, but I didn’t mind — my driving soundtrack was good (thanks, Songza!).

birthday flowers balloons

But “my day” never really felt like my birthday; I saw some old friends (visiting Pittsburgh, yay!), some new friends, drank some Sangria, ate a cheese plate, and even played in a video game challenge for charity — and read and smiled over all the wonderful wishes by text and FB and twitter. If you’ve been following along for a couple years, then you know the power in this statement: it never really felt like my birthday. Usually birthdays bring months-long meltdowns and depressing doctor diagnosis and standing in the mirror counting all my new sun spots hoping this is not another cancer. I honestly did not care this year — apathetic late 30-something. Ha!

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And hoooo-boy, if this is what 37 is going to be like (carefree and wonderfully happy and full of love), then I’m going to enjoy this year of my life immensely.

Every 30-something needs… to vent.

- Mel

So, after leaving a comment on a fellow blogger’s recent post about “finding yourself,” I felt like maybe I should vent. Here.

My comment:

I went through a lot of this “finding myself” crap in my 20s, including moving across the country (mostly, to escape a lot of thing) and living my life how I thought I should be living it… but in the eyes of others — writing about all my mistakes and turmoil via a decade-long blog that was most definitely written to sound like my life was awesome, regardless of all the buillshit.

I had my shit together for a little while, but here I am, at 36, having a breakdown on a daily basis trying to figure out how the hell did I get here? I feel like I have zero direction in life and so many things I still want to do — with too many rough patches (they feel extended now, for some reason) for one person. I feel more a “messy, terrified cog” at this point in my 30s, then I did in my 20s. Maybe because I felt like those things are supposed to happen in your 20s. (??)

By 36, I should have my life together, right? *sigh* I don’t know if that helps one bit, but I guess I find some solace to commiserate in numbers.

What do you do when passion wanes for one thing — something you used to love and feel changed by… changes? Leave it, and find something else? Rediscover (somehow) the passion?

Naturally, I am inclined to go about the discovery route, but what if I’m wrong? This is about relationships, but not romantic relationships… or maybe not really about relationships at all. Although I’m sure it could be. I don’t know why there is still a sense of “needing to belong” or a “sense of purpose” for women in their 30s, but… it’s there. Just being is no way to live, it seems — especially, when alone. I mean, do I really need a job or a degree to define me? It seems, yes, especially if you need funds to cultivate passions and friendships. And don’t want to get those looks from strangers when you tell them you only work part-time in a zoo. A stranger’s rejection hurts as much as romantic rejection. And then there is this “grass is always greener” façade — that you don’t know if this would happen here or there, or under different circumstances or places. Or, people. But it feels like it would be different because no one is showing you otherwise. My situation isn’t necessary about being overtly snubbed, but rather ignored.

I feel like an outsider.

So many damn feelings, and yet, so much life hanging in the balance. Or, is it “in the valance”? And yes, this is incredibly and intentionally vague because… well, life is complicated.

More reading:
Sense of Belonging Increases Meaningfulness of Life {from PsyBlog}

5 Reasons You’re Feeling More Emotional Lately – stress, natch. {via PsychCentral}

This article, about social rejection and the brain dealing with that kind of pain, might be of interest too. {also from PsyBlog}

Every 30-something needs… a bra for all occasions.

- Mel

Have I talked about how Victoria’s Secret discontinued the ONLY bra that fit me? I went in a couple weeks ago for a double, since I basically wear my Body by Victoria IPEX on the daily.

Perfection in a bra. No longer for sale.
Perfection in a bra. No longer for sale.

1. It fits PERFECTLY
2. NO UNDERWIRE
3. NO PADDING
4. Comfortable around the band and over the shoulders
5. Cannot see underneath t-shirts

I have resorted to trolling eBay and Poshmark for people’s hand-me-downs, which eeks me on one level, but is satisfying on a whole other. THAT’S how much I love this bra. And seriously, contact me if you have a perfect condition one to sell/give me.

I want to touch on something else too: why do bra designers feel it necessary to put wires into A cups? We don’t need them. The sales attendant even was incredulous when asking why I don’t want underwire. The three other 34A cup bras that I tried on in the VS dressing room were NOT created for an A cup — but as an afterthought to the A-cup market: a variety of weird styles, bulging extra fabric and OMG comfortable bras do not need to be so ugly!

As I get older, the “secret” I’ve discovered is that Victoria’s Secret regularly changes their bra collection (and their sizing, for real). There’s hope that my bra style might come back. But that only fits one of my underthings problems… and doesn’t help me right now. I basically only like sports bras right now.

Women generally need a bra for every occasion:

  • daily bra — for comfort
  • nude bra — never white, since they ALWAYS show; I’m talking skin tone
  • sexy bra — ahem. you know. Something with lace or prints and LOTS of pushup when something unexpected might happen
  • sports bra — to protect the ladies!
  • convertible bra — for different styles of tanks, tops and dress cuts
  • and a strapless — these things were also not made with the A-cup in mind, and I still have yet to find one. I’m 36 years old!

Tell me 30-somethings: do you have a favorite bra? AND, do you generally have a drawer full of them for different occasions?

Every 30-something needs: comfortable shoes!

- Mel

It seems like every year, I’m asking all my fashion and beauty people for good recommendations for shoes — I’m talking comfortable boots for women, appropriate for the 30-something city person who walks everywhere, even in inclement weather (hello, Fall!). Because I am a sucker for comfort above all things.

This is where I insert a picture of a stylish, comfortable-looking boot. One that fits all my criteria. Notice how this space remains noticeably picture-free.

An uncomfortable foot is an uncomfortable person. FACT.
Hashtag, shoe therapy.

My checklist is:
No heels.
Real leather — footwear that will eventually “mold” to my foot. Not patent leather either. Nothing plastic-looking.
Low- or mid-calf height — that will. not. sag.
Not ugly.
And not those fuzzy UGGS, for that matter. C’mon, I’m 36, not 16!
COMFORTABLE FOR WALKING SEVERAL CITY BLOCKS IN ONE EVENING.
No heels!
Bonus: warm.
Bonus, bonus: won’t upset my bank account too terribly.

But seriously, people. I AM WILLING TO PAY.

I typically get a few of those from the list, but never the full package. I don’t need a snow boot, since I rotate between my Hunters (with liners) and Sperry’s on wet and flurry days. The Hunters are stylish, yes, but not easy on the feet for long walks — even with insoles. I love my cross trainers, but I haven’t signed away my life to yoga pants and tennis shoes. Yet. I find a cute pair, but they’re cheap; I find a slightly-expensive pair, and they’re ugly. Most often, I succumb to the cheap, but then I get one season out of them.

Why can’t I be stylish AND comfortable? And why can I still not find the right pair of boots? So, spill it, 30-somethings: what boots are your fave?