Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Fitness Finds - MusclePharm Combat Crunch Protein Bars | Week 7

Fitness Find of the Week: MusclePharm Combat Crunch Protein Bars

What is it: Made in USA, Combat Crunch protein bars are baked using a proprietary baking process for delicious taste and a softer texture. Each bar {63g} is gluten-free, high in protein {20g}, with low active carbs and tons of fiber {12g}.

Why I like it: Combat Crunch bars have a rich chewy filling coated by a thick, crunchy layer of chocolate. Unlike Quest bars which can be a little hard and "taffy-like", Combat Crunch bars are like chewy, dense cookies. They have a slightly higher sugar {5g} & calories {210 calories} count  compared to Quest bars {average 190 calories/bar}, but they definitely taste a lot more like delicious, decadent dessert bars. Combat Crunch bars are also very filling and can do as a mini meal-replacement.

What can be improved: Less calories and perhaps not so sweet? Also, the chocolate layer melts easily and can get kind of messy.

Where to buy: In Singapore, Nutrifirst is the exclusive distributor of MusclePharm products. They are selling Combat Crunch bars at S$5/bar or S$55/box of 12 bars. There's a promo price now for boxes S$29 so we just stocked up on more haha. 6 flavours are available at Nutrifirst - Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup {my fave}, White Chocolate Raspberry, Cookies & Cream, Cinnamon Twist, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Birthday Cake {like vanilla Funfetti cake}.

These photos are part of the 40 Weeks of Fitness Finds series. This is why I started it.

Follow my Fitness Diary posts here or on Instagram {#AiFitnessDiary}.  

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Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Fitness Finds - The WOD Life Headband | Week 6

Fitness Find for the Week: The WOD Life Headband

What is it: Made in USA, it's a thin, but wide, headband designed to keep your hair and sweat off your face. The wicking material draws moisture away from the body, pushing to the outside of the fabric, where it evaporates away to leave you dry. Tapered at the back, one size fits all.

Why I like it: It is very light and doesn't keep heat in at all - you barely feel that it's there when wearing it. It does work to keep my {messy} hair off my face & stays in place throughout my workout {unless I accidentally pull it out of place}. I don't sweat buckets on my face even when working out hard so not really sure about the moisture absorption part. Easy to hand-wash and dry, or just throw in the washing machine. Also makes me feel a bit more "badass" when wearing it hahaha

What can be improved: I'd prefer if the text print was more towards the front middle, instead of at the side near the back. If I wear the headband behind my ears you can't really see the print as it gets scrunched up but I guess most people like to wear sports headbands over their ears. Maybe because it's more comfy? Would love to have more prints and colour options too!

Where to buy: From The WOD Life online store. Available in 4 colours {black, blue, pink & red} at A$15. There's another version with just their logo {see below} & it's available in 4 colours {blue, pink, red & neon yellow} at A$15 too.

That's exactly how I look like wearing it after a Crossfit session haha. This was taken on Monday when I did a team WOD with these gals and we were the first to finish!!! Woohoo! ( ᐛ )و

These photos are part of the 40 Weeks of Fitness Finds series. This is why I started it.

Follow my Fitness Diary posts here or on Instagram {#AiFitnessDiary}.  

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Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Fitness Finds - JAW Finger Sleeves | Week 5

Fitness Find for the Week: JAW Finger & Thumb Sleeves

What is it: From Australia, JAW Finger Sleeves are designed to fit snugly on your fingers, offering maximum protection and comfort while you work out. Made from durable fabric, they eliminate friction and protect your fingers/ thumbs from blisters and tears. There are 5 sizes {XS - XL} which you can use to fit any of your fingers.

Why Hubby likes it: It is extremely useful, especially for those that lift heavy. When you do heavy weightlifting, sometimes the nerves in your fingers feel pinched and the JAW sleeves helps to prevent that {or at least lessen the pain}. The fabric used is soft and stretchy, so pretty comfortable and good that it's washable too. Fabric is better than tape or leather as tape tends to rip easily and requires constant replacements, while leather is often too thick {causes discomfort} and has extremely limited flexibility. They are also easier / faster to wear than taping the fingers.

What can be improved: Have more colour options! There are currently none, but each size is represented by a specific trimming color. They do have a stretch component so will give a little after use. Would be good if they can minimise this somehow.

Where to buy: Hubby bought online at The WOD Life {based in Australia, where we get a lot of our fitness gear too}. It costs A$11 for a pair {i.e. 2 units based on the size selected}. Shipping charges apply to Singapore.

By the way, I think most people who are into serious strength or fitness training will not use gloves because they want to build better grip and forearm strength. If they need extra protection for certain exercises or parts of the hands, they'd use tapes or thin coverings like the sleeves; not full-on gloves.

Wearing gloves can make gripping the weights {I'm talking about dumb-bells and barbells, not when using machines} more difficult as the thickness of the gloves effectively increases the diameter of the bar and makes it harder to get a secure grip. Also, gloves don't prevent calluses anyway. You’re actually more likely to get callus because you won’t be able to lift weights correctly in your hands. But in any case, if you are into serious strength or fitness training, the formation of calluses on your hands are an inevitable and necessary part of training. It is better to have them as a thin layer of "armour" to protect your hands from tears and blisters.

These photos are part of the 40 Weeks of Fitness Finds series. This is why I started it.

Follow my Fitness Diary posts here or on Instagram {#AiFitnessDiary}.  

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Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Fitness Finds - Quest Protein Peanut Butter Cups | Week 4

Fitness Find for the Week: Quest Protein Peanut Butter Cups

What is it: From the U.S.A., these large peanut butter cups are made with just a few simple ingredients and 20g of high quality protein {blend of whey protein isolate & milk protein isolate}, plus pure non-dutch processed chocolate, no soy and no sugar. FYI, Dutch processed chocolate is chocolate that has been treated with an alkalizing agent to modify its color and give it a milder taste compared to "natural cocoa" so that it is less bitter or sharp.

Why I like it: I'd say it tastes 85% like Reese Peanut Butter Cups!! Which is pretty darn good and satisfying for any dessert cravings of peanut butter cups or chocolate, but in a more nutritious and less sweet way. Compared to a serving of 2 regular peanut butter cups {50g} which has 25g sugar, 6g of protein & 28g net carbs, Quest Peanut Butter Cups has 1g sugar, 20g protein and 4g net carbs! It is also filling and a yummy alternative from protein bars {I recommend Quest bars} / shakes.

What can be improved: Texture for sure! The filling's definitely not as creamy as Reese Peanut Butter Cups {might even consider it chalky}, and the whole treat is rather crumbly / messy to eat. I find that putting it in the fridge to harden up a bit more makes it better and easier to take out of its plastic holder though.

Where to buy: In Singapore, get from The Fitness Grocer. It costs S$3.70 for an individual pack of 2 cups, or a box of 12 packs for S$39.90.

The actual Quest Peanut Butter Cups look darker than what's on the packaging. See 5 other high-protein snacks I love to eat here.

These photos are part of the 40 Weeks of Fitness Finds series. This is why I started it.

Follow my Fitness Diary posts here or on Instagram {#AiFitnessDiary}.  

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Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Fitness Finds - Sony Waterproof Walkman & Wireless Earphones | Week 3

Fitness Find for the Week: Sony Waterproof Walkman with NFC & Bluetooth {NWZ-WS610}

What is it: A portable mini MP3 player with a lightweight, wrap-around headband for earphones. It has NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, can be submerged in water up to 2m in depth, and comes with a  compact, splash-proof remote control that can be worn as a ring or connected to your wristband. Comes with 16GB built-in memory space and built-in microphone. See  NWZ-WS610 full product specifications here. 

Why I like it: I must have music when working out but comfortable earphones that fit snugly in your ears and don't drop when exercising are so hard to find! I used Yurbuds Focus 300 but the cable had a small fray and I didn't want to get another as the soft silicone earbud covers drop easily and I had to replace them at least twice. The Sony NWZ-WS610 earbuds fit snugly {takes time for adjusting} and I like that I don't have to fumble with my earphone cables now haha. The walkman function means I don't even need to worry about connecting it to / carrying an additional music player around and the 16GB memory space stores up to 4000 songs! If I like, I can also connect it via Bluetooth to my iPhone to listen to my music there. It charges really fast too. A full charge takes around 1.5hrs but just 3 mins can make it last for about 1hr. It's waterproof and I can swim with it if I want to too, but I haven't tried that function yet.

What can be improved: Make the walkman / earphones smaller {the whole unit is light at 37g, but still looks kinda big} and available in more colours. I bought the black as it's easy to match any of my gym wear but if pink, red or gold was available I might have gotten them instead.If possible, make it a radio too but guess that means it can't get too small?

Where to buy: In Singapore, get from all major electronic stores. Costs S$199 and is available in 3 colours - black, green and blue. There's another version without NFC / Bluetooth - NW-WS410 - that costs S$149 and comes in lime green, ivory, blue and black.

These photos are part of the 40 Weeks of Fitness Finds series. This is why I started it.

Follow my Fitness Diary posts here or on Instagram {#AiFitnessDiary}.  

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A video posted by Ai Sakura  (@aisakuraharuka) on Apr 11, 2016 at 3:21am PDT

Video of me wearing the Sony NWZ-WS610 and doing an exercise above :)

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Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Fitness Finds - Go-Lo Sugar Free Dark Hazelnut Spread | Week 2

Fitness Find for the Week: Go-Lo Foods Sugar Free Dark Hazelnut Spread

What is it: Chocolate spread from California, USA. Perfect for anyone on any kind of diet - it is sugar free, gluten free, dairy-free, Paleo, Vegan, low sodium, Kosher, and only 1 net carb per two tablespoons. The main ingredient is chicory, a caffeine-free herb that is as a popular coffee substitute.

Why I like it: The product is branded as tasting as good as Nutella, but a much healthier version since it is 100% sugar-free. I love chocolates and have been eating it my whole life. I've tasted my fair share of "healthy chocolates" and some of them taste like crap but Go Lo Dark Hazelnut Spread really does taste similar to Nutella, but minus all the sugar and poor ingredients. It's dark chocolate so that makes it less sweet already compared to a milk chocolate spread. It is also very creamy so spreads easily and makes for a topping that is sinfully delicious, without the guilt.

What can be improved: Maybe make them available in bigger jars?? haha. If I'm not wrong, they are currently only available in 11oz jars. Oh there's a thick layer of oil at the top too so you have to stir and mix properly before spreading. I'd like less oil but I guess it's needed to prevent the spread from drying out and it's good in a way as it also means that hydrogenated vegetable oils {also known as trans-fats} that was chemically changed to make the liquid oil solid wasn't used.

Where to buy: In Singapore, get from The Fitness Grocer. Costs S$15.90 for each 11oz {320g} jar. They also sell Go-Lo Almond Butter spread.

P.S. Check out my easy recipe on a healthier version of Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Popsicles using Go-Lo Sugar Free Dark Hazelnut Spread!

These photos are part of the 40 Weeks of Fitness Finds series. This is why I started it.

Follow my Fitness Diary posts here or on Instagram {#AiFitnessDiary}.  

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Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Fitness Finds - San Franola Granola | Week 1

Welcome to my Wordless Wednesday series for 2016!! Thanks for supporting my 52 Weeks of Singapore Playgrounds series for 2015 {which only ended its run last week!} and sorry the new series is starting so late.

But well, better late than never and for the rest of the year, I'll be featuring some of the health, wellness and fitness food, equipment, clothes, accessories etc. that we personally use in quick, bite-sized reviews. If you've been following me for some time now, you'd know that fitness plays a huge part of our lives. We spend a lot of time, effort.. and yes, money too on it and I'd like to share our experience and knowledge of whatever helps us to be fitter, stronger, healthier with you.

No excuse for saying "I don't know how / have no time to be healthy" now!! (◉౪◉)

It really gives me great joy, and lots of motivation to go further in my fitness journey, when people say how inspired they are to start exercising and eating right because of me. The boy and I are not pro athletes or personal trainers - we are not paid to train or get fit in any matter. Like so many of you, we are just normal, working adults finding time in our busy lives to take care of our health, and be a role model for Lil Pumpkin to take care of hers.

I hope at the end of my 40 Weeks of Fitness Finds series, more people will be motivated, and stay dedicated, to reaching their fitness, health and life goals! ♥

Fitness Find for the Week: San Franola Granola

What is it: Freshly-roasted granola in mini packs from California, USA. They use a proprietary roasting technique to use natural ingredients like almonds, cinnamon, and ginger to flavor their granolas, resulting in less sugar, higher fiber, and more protein than other brands. Standard ingredients include oat bran, almonds, whey protein isolate, flaxseed, amber honey, rolled oats. Available in 5 flavours - California Raisin, Cinnamon Almond, Ginger Snap, Lemon Zest & Toasted Chia .

Why I like it: Robust flavours in big delicious clusters, making it perfect for breakfast or as an all-day snack. The single-serve mini packs are very handy {slim boxes} and convenient to bringing out and about. It's good enough to eat on it's own, or with a lovely bowl of Greek yogurt, fresh fruits and honey for a more filling snack. Also, each 44g packet contains 10g of protein {from whey protein isolate}, 6g of fiber and just 160 calories.. which I reckon is very decent for a 1/2 cup serving of anything!

What can be improved: I think the plastic gusset bag? The rectangular plastic packet makes it a tad difficult to pour out the granola chunks once they crumple and get stuck at the bottom. Maybe bar options or mini packs with yogurt on the side would be good too.

Where to buy: In Singapore, get from The Fitness Grocer. Costs S$2.50 for each 44g single serve pack, and all 5 flavours available. They go on sale sometimes too so look out for it!

These photos are part of the 40 Weeks of Fitness Finds series. This is why I started it.
Follow my Fitness Diary posts here or on Instagram {#AiFitnessDiary}.  

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Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Singapore Playgrounds - Aljunied Road | Week 52

Where is this week's playground?

Block 102 Aljunied Road

FUN Factor?

7.5/10. A small and colourful public playground in a quiet
HDB neighbourhood.
There are giant activity boards,
climbing poles, spring rockers and plastic slides.
Suitable for kids of all ages.

Can't believe that I've completed my 52 Weeks of Singapore Playgrounds series~
It's taken longer than expected, but thank you so much for
sticking by and coming along to check out all the
 fun, nostalgic and even quirky playgrounds we went to the past year or so.

I hope I inspired you to make play an even bigger part of your kids' lives and

explore much more of our beautiful Singapore!
I'll continue to post on the playgrounds we visit every now and then, but
look out for a new Wordless Wednesday series next week!! ♥

This photo is part of the 52 Weeks Singapore Playgrounds series.

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Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Singapore Playgrounds - Holland Village | Week 51

Where is this week's playground?

11 Holland Close {next to Holland Village}

FUN Factor?

8/10. The big public playground is part of an old housing estate,
but it is pretty well-maintained.
There are rock-climbing walls, monkey bars, giant activity boards,
FIVE plastic slides and a fitness corner nearby.
Suitable for kids of all ages. 

Just 10 minutes walk away from Holland Village,

a popular shopping and eating precinct in the West of Singapore. 

Pop by with the kids after a satisfying weekend brunch there!

Play is important for children to learn, grow and discover the world we live in.

As we visit as many fun, nostalgic and even quirky playgrounds as we can this year,

I hope to inspire you to make play an even bigger part of your kids' lives and

explore much more of our beautiful Singapore!

This photo is part of the 52 Weeks Singapore Playgrounds series.

*****

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P.S. Don't miss out on the Abbott Grow Hampers {worth S$50} Giveaway! Ends this Sunday! o(*^▽^*)o

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Wordless Wednesday {linky}: Singapore Playgrounds - Joo Seng Green | Week 50

Where is this week's playground?

Joo Seng Green {bounded by Upper Aljunied Road & Joo Seng Road}

FUN Factor?

8.5/10. Very colourful and clean, it is part of a new housing estate.
There's the usual soft padded ground, plastic slides, metal climbing poles, spring rockers
and the highlight would be a tunnel of giant hard plastic hoops.
Not as easy as it looks! You'll need lots of arm strength and balance to climb through,
as I realised when I tried haha.

Just a short walk away from the playground at Upper Aljunied Lane. 

We went to both in one day, that's why we're in the 

same matchy-matchy family outfits from Glitter Glam for both posts ＼(^ω^＼)

Play is important for children to learn, grow and discover the world we live in.

As we visit as many fun, nostalgic and even quirky playgrounds as we can this year,

I hope to inspire you to make play an even bigger part of your kids' lives and

explore much more of our beautiful Singapore!

This photo is part of the 52 Weeks Singapore Playgrounds series.

*****

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