Five Fantastic Finds

Social media is great for a lot of things like getting a shout out from Montell Jordan (yup happened and I have it saved!) or it is a way to find new and exciting products. While I hold my tweet from Montell Jordan near and dear to my heart today I am ready to share 5 new products that have burst onto my scene. Now some may be old news to you, but they are new to me! Yes I live under a rock when it comes to some crazes. Shocking I know. ;)

Let's get this party started!

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1) Nuun Hydration

This is one where I am DEFINITELY late to the party.

Nuun is leading the way in portable hydration with three drink options to keep you refreshed and replenished all day, everyday. All three are ideal to help keep you hydrated and to make the most of the water you drink.

I tested two of the three versions of Nuun: Active Hydration and All Day.

The Active Hydration is a great way to replace the sugary Gatorade I normally use during long runs or races. Nuun has less than 1g of carbs, fewer than 8 calories, no sugar, no high-fructose corn syrup and no artificial flavors or colors. All big plusses in my book when trying to keep a more natural approach to fueling while training. Plus the watermelon is a nice treat during a triathlon transition. ;)

Now I personally do not have a problem keeping myself hydrated as I drink at least 100 ounces of water a day. BUT plain water can get boring so I enjoyed adding in some Grape Raspberry All Day into my mix.

Did you know dehydration is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue? Sugary and caffeinated drinks take you on a roller coaster ride during the day, but with zero sugar, under 8 calories per tab, and a blend of A, B, C, D, E vitamins, Nuun All Day keeps you going.

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2) RUNFELLOW

I love promoting local companies and small businesses whenever possible and Runfellow fits into both. Runfellow is a Somerville-based runner-inspired gear company started by Jillian, who I have the honor to get to know the past year.

Runfellow is a running community with a focus on motivating and inspiring fellow runners. Our positive, quirky taglines catch your eye, make you smile and push you a little further. We’re not just another running clothing company, we’re a community of runners and for runners.

Not only is Jillian offering cute tanks, tech shirts and long-sleeve t-shirts for both men and women, but she started a kickass running club in the Somerville/Cambridge area that meets every Tuesday night. Location changes every week and is announced on their Facebook page.

Picture Courtesy of Runfellow

I should also mention that $1.00 from each shirt purchased from the shop will be donated to the Young Survival Coalition, an organization and resource for young women facing breast cancer.

If you are looking for a fun shirt to wear to run/walk a race or spectate then check out Runfellow. And if you are in the Somerville?Cambridge area, come join in for a run. I'll give you your first high-five!

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3) The Skinnytaste Cookbook

Gina from Skinnytaste.com is one of my favorite bloggers out there. She is also a staple topic during my Weight Watchers meetings since she offers simple low-PPV recipes that my members LOVE because she doesn't sacrifice taste.

Did you know after having her two kids, Gina turned to Weight Watchers for help to lose weight?

So when a copy of her book happened to show up at my door (value $30) around my birthday I took it as a sign ... it was time to get to cooking. Fine! We all know my wife does the cooking in my house. So really it was time to highlight recipes I wanted my wife to make.

The Skinnytaste Cookbook features 150 recipes - 125 all-new dishes and 25 of her must-haves - covering breakfast dishes, dips, appetizers, salads that won't bore you, meat dishes, vegetarian dishes, desserts and so much more. It seems like she is including something for everyone.

In her first cookbook, Gina makes sure each recipe offers her personal story behind the concept, her tips for success dubbed "Skinny Scoop," as well as the nutrition facts. Super easy for my Weight Watchers friends to calculate the PPV of each recipe.

After drooling over the 100 delicious looking photos, I quickly dove into Gina's "Skinny Basics," aka her hints for creating a good-for-you kitchen and lifestyle.

I can't wait to dive in and have an entire weekend of enjoying her recipes starting with Dad's Jammin' Crepes (pt 51) and finishing with the Silky Chocolate Cream Pie (ps 295).

And the entire meal will be guilt free.

So if you are looking for the perfect gift for your spouse, mom, dad or fellow Weight Watcher friend, get your copy of The Skinnytaste Cookbook today!

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4) New Balance Glow Beacon Jacket

I am not one that easily becomes obsessed with running gear, but immediately after slipping into this jacket I was hooked.

An eye-catching layering piece, the women’s New Balance Beacon Vest features 3 levels of visibility details, making you visible from dawn to dusk. First, low-light visibility comes from the bright color, blending safety with style. Second, oncoming-light visibility comes from the 360-degree reflective trim, so you’ll catch the light when headlights and streetlights hit you at night. Third, no-light visibility comes from the revolutionary glow-in-the-dark technology on the sleeves and back: charge the Beacon Jacket under light and you’re ready to go, and ready to glow, day or night.

So what would I look like in the dark? Here you go:

It is a bit blurry since I was moving so quickly before the camera. ;)

In addition to the great reflective properties, the jacket also offers front zip pockets for storage, as well as interior media pockets for additional storage.

The New Balance Glow Beacon Jacket's versatility is well worth the $175 price tag.

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5) iFit Active Tracker

Just when you didn't think there could be another version of an activity tracker enter iFit!

The iFit Active fitness tracker (value $129) works with its mobile app to track your everyday activity, sleep, and nutrition, while providing you with the tools to live a better and healthier life.

After entering in my basic information and sharing about the Fox that I am, it was time to customize my settings.

My favorite feature is "Move Time." I set my iFit to buzz when I haven't moved for 30 minutes. It is the jolt I need when I am distracted in work on my computer or sucked into a TV marathon after work.

I also love that it is waterproof. I wore it during my pool workout last week and it lived to tell the tale. ;)

Now I do not use the calories portion personally, but it is a great feature for those that do.

Please excuse me while I go take some laps around my apartment to hit my 10k step goal!

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Which of these five fantastic finds will you try?