Happy Friday, everyone! I’m trying something new on the blog today – one thing you may not know about me (or maybe you do if you’ve been following me long enough!) is that I’m just as passionate about health and fitness as I am about fashion. I used to write for the health website Greatist when I was in college. Fun fact: they didn’t have a photographer back then, so every article I turned in also had to include pictures. It’s actually how I discovered my love for photography! Anyway, I thought I’d do a “Friday Favorites” post but featuring some new and/or trendy health and fitness topics.
First up, a bunch of you have asked for a review of the Fitbit Blaze.
I had been wanting an activity tracker watch for quite a while but had NO idea where to start. I decided on the Fitbit Blaze for several reasons…
Large Screen: I love the large face on the Blaze! The large screen makes it really easy to read the time, steps taken, etc. It even connects with your phone and displays text messages on the screen. I had no idea how useful this feature would be, but I LOVE it. If I’m driving or in the middle of something, I can quickly glance down at my watch screen to see the text message instead of opening up my iPhone.
Activity Tracker: The Fitbit Blaze tracks your heart rate, steps taken and calories burned throughout the day. At any given point in a day, you can look down at your watch and see your heart rate at that moment. Before a pure barre class, I start the “workout” function on my watch that tracks my entire workout, my heart rate throughout the workout and how many calories I burn during it. Sometimes my watch will vibrate and say things like “You need to get in 250 more steps this hour!” Overall I find it incredibly motivating! Since having the watch, I’m more motivated to get in more steps, go on walks with Winnie or work harder during workout classes.
Sleep Tracker: This actually might be my very favorite function of the watch! The watch connects with your iPhone to show you how well you sleep at night. I have trouble sleeping and am trying to get in more of a routine, so this is really helpful for me. At 10 p.m. every night, my watch buzzes to tell me that it’s time to start winding down for bed (you can set it to whatever time you’d like it to be). Once I’m asleep, the watch keeps track of how many times I’m restless or wake up during the night and then gives me a “total hours of sleep” number in the morning. I knew I wasn’t sleeping well, so this helps me determine the problem and what I can do to fix it.
Alarms: Another cool thing about this watch is that you can set alarms. I set one to wake me up in the morning, and the watch gently vibrates to wake me up. You can set alarms throughout the day as well.
Interchangeable bands: I’m adding this in because a lot of Fitbits don’t have interchangeable bands, but this one does! I ordered this rose gold and white band for a more feminine look (versus the all-black). I like both, but you can switch them out depending on your outfit or how you’re feeling that day.
Next up, some workout gear! I’m really loving these wrapped up leggings that tie at the ankle. First of all, they are THE SOFTEST WORKOUT PANTS of all time. I’m not kidding. I have a zillion pairs of workout pants and these are the softest. They are expensive, but they’re the highest quality workout pants I’ve ever owned. Secondly, the tie detail is so cute and different! Everywhere I go, people ask where they’re from – even my checkout lady at the Fresh Market 🙂 They also come in pink, coral and blue. Also, how cute is this water bottle?! I love the message because it’s totally something I would do haha!
And finally, I thought I’d share a healthy recipe that I made for Chris the other night that we both loved! This crock pot chicken taco chili is low in fat and contains 21 grams of protein and 8.5 grams of fiber per cup, and is freakin’ delicious. I adapted the recipe slightly to make it a little spicier (Chris lovvvves spicy foods). I added in tomatoes with diced habaneros + spicy Mexican-style chili powder (both found at the Fresh Market). But I’m sharing the original recipe in case you don’t want it that spicy!
Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili via SkinnyTaste
Ingredients:
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 (15.5 oz) can black beans, drained
– 1 (15.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained
– 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
– 10 oz package frozen corn kernels
– 2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with chilies
– 4 oz can chopped green chili peppers
– 1 packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
– 1 tbsp cumin
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, diced tomato, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker and mix well.
2. Nestle the chicken in, making sure it’s completely covered, and cook in low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
3. Thirty minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir to combine.
4. Top with your favorite toppings! I love plain Greek yogurt and a little bit of shredded cheese.
Whew okay! That’s it for Fitness Friday! If you like these kinds of posts (or if you DON’T like them!) please share with me in the comments so I’ll know if I should do more, or not. 🙂
On another note, I’m so happy it’s the weekend because my boyfriend and I are headed to Charlotte for the St. Patty’s Day bar crawl! This is our favorite event every year! We went to our first one together (back in 2013) and it’s actually where Chris told me he loved me for the first time! So the event is meaningful for us 🙂
I hope everyone has a great weekend! xoxo
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I love this post! I absolutely love your fashion, but getting to see other aspects of your life is so fun! I really want that Fitbit, but I used to have one and never used it so I can't decide haha! Also that recipe looks yummy 🙂
xoxo,
Lauren Lindmark
dailydoseofcharm.com
Those leggings are adorable, I need to try them on and see if they'll fit with the bump! Have so much fun at the St. Patty's day bar crawl! I love that he told you there that he loved you, he sounds like fun! Lol!
Xo, Nina
Law of Fashion Blog
LOVE theses types of posts!! I also love that you reviewed the Blaze. I have the fitbit HR and I really like it but after seeing your post I think I want to upgrade to a larger screen and I love that the bands are interchangeable. Hope you guys have a great time this weekend. As always, thank you for maintaining such an informative, wonderful and upbeat blog, I look forward to your post every.single.day!
Love the leggings and can't wait to try out this recipe! Such great fit tips!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
OMG those leggings. So cute! I wonder if they would work with running and/or Crossfit…. probably not. So I should probably get my butt back to Pure Barre if only so I can justify those. 😉
I make that chili pretty often and it is SO good! I'm going to have to check out those leggings – I need another pair like I need a hole in the head, but when you're a fitness instructor, they're kind of necessary purchases, right? (That's what I tell myself!)
LOVE LOVE LOVE this type of post. I have been wanting to buy a activity tracker of some sort and didn't know where to start, like you also said. I love the interchangeable band. Thank you thank you! You look amazing by the way. I will be buying mine soon as a birthday gift. xoxo
I've been trying to buy these leggings (in pink) FOREVER but they are always sold out. I think they look so cute!
Thanks for the recipe share too – I'm always on the lookout for a good home-cooked meal 🙂
http://www.luellapearl.com
Caitlin
I loved my FitBit when I had one ! The sleep tracker is awesome. Now I'm OBSESSED with my Apple Watch, which also has all sorts of activity tracker apps you can use. If you enjoy the FitBit Blaze, you will definitely LOVE the Apple Watch if you ever venture that way.
haha too cute! I love the getting pizza water bottle:P
Shall We Sasa
You make me want a fitbit! And I am definitely going to try that recipe this weekend! It looks FAB!
http://www.oneswainkycouple.blogspot.com
Super post! Beautiful manicure too!!
Rebecca
xx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
You look great! 😉
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
I was thinking of checking out the South End craft beer crawl! Love your leggings…swooning over pretty workout gear instead of the old stuff I have!
https://hotmesscoolday.wordpress.com
YUM! This recipe sounds amazing. I've been contemplating a watch that can track my heart rate for my spin classes. This one is so cute!
Mindy amixofmin.com
I have the newer version of the Fitbit Charge and I absolutely love it. The screen is bigger than the first version and the bands are interchangeable. I really like that it reminds me to move every hour if I haven't, especially since I sit in a cubicle all day long.
So cute! Will you share where the top is from? It's so hard to find one that covers the bum!
Girl! I love this whole post!! And so true that a fitbit that has interchangeable looks is ideal! Thats why I haven't bit the bullet and gotten one yet, but this one I will definitely get if the day comes for me to purchase one!
xo, jess
alljessedup.com
Love this workout look! Where is the top from?
http://www.giltedgeblog.com
Do you think this was accurate? I have the fitbit charge and was thinking I might change it up!!!
https://t-shirtsandtantrums.blogspot.com/
Those leggings are so cute and that water bottle speaks to me. I just bought a Fitbit and you just reminded me that I should put that to use!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Great post! I love those tie-up leggings, they would definitely make me more motivated to work out! Plus that recipe sounds amazing – thanks for sharing!
Check out how I got my gorgeous new Valentino Rockstuds at half the price on the blog now | http://blushandbordeaux.com/birthday-blues-valentino-rockstuds/
How is the Fitbit while sleeping? Is it noticeable? Did it take getting used to?
Target makes some leggings that are pretty much identical to those! And they are also super soft http://www.target.com/p/women-s-ballet-wrap-legging-mossimo-supply-co-juniors/-/A-51502948
Love these posts! I think it's great you've included a fitness aspect to your blog. I've been thinking about getting a fit watch for ages but would get overwhelmed with all the options and research needed, looks like you've found the perfect one for me so thank you for that!
Love these posts! I think it's great you've included a fitness aspect to your blog, very informative and helpful. I've been thinking about getting a fit watch for ages but would get overwhelmed with all the options and research needed, it looks like you've found the perfect one for me so thank you for that!
I love this post! By far the recipe you included made it so neat. And I love that you share your thoughts on th fitbit. Pretty handy post since I jab been looking to buy one. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
Love this post. I am loving the recipe and those leggings are gorgeous. Your style is amazing. Thank you for sharing this fitness part of your life.
– XO
I love the fitness posts!! I would love more workout gear ideas too. 🙂
Love this post! Thank you! Where did you order your color bands from? I clicked the link but it is only masculine colors. I'm thinking of treating myself to the Blaze for my upcoming birthday 🙂 I too love PB! What do you average for calorie burn and steps? Email me at littlelangs@gmail.com!
Love this! Where did you get your blaze color bands?
How well does the Blaze keep up with your heart rate during Pure Barre workouts? I do a similar ballet barre workout here called Define but I found my Fitbit couldn't keep up with the up and down, interval type workout. It would get 'confused' and all I would see is a dash for HR. Wondering if the technology has caught up with the Blaze.
I definitely hope you keep up the fitness Friday posts, I loved this!!
Lauren | prettyasapeonyblog.blogspot.com
More of these lifestyle type posts please! Great post!
I have a FitBit Surge, and I am obsessed with it-the sleep tracker is also my favorite function! FitBit makes some amazing products 🙂
Jordan: Teacup of Style
Instagram @teacupofstyle
Definitely like these types of posts! Hope you had fun on the bar crawl. I live in Charlotte and did the crawl for years!
Love this post!! Definitely hope to see more! & that sleep tracker sounds amazing!
Love, love the lifestyle posts! So fun! 😊
I love when you post recipes and I love those leggings babe!
So cute!!!
I used to have a Fitbit but I purchased an Apple Watch about a year ago and have been using that ever since. i do miss the software and ease of use of the Fitbit! The white and rose gold band is super pretty, too!
Karli K.
Stylegeeknaturefreak.com
First, I love your blog!! I'm not going to lie, I'm considering the fitbit watch for the first time after reading this post.. my biggest worry about the watch is it being too "sporty" for normal life. I have an office job and wear a Michael Kors watch every day. I'm worried that this will look too chunky but I love all the capabilities it offers! Anyways, thanks for the post and I'd love to hear your opinion about the whole "wear it all the time" thing 🙂
Love this post! Hope to see more Fitness Fridays!
Such a great post. I have a FitBit too and it's the best fitness gadget I've ever owned!
xo http://www.stylefile.in
I have a Fitbit Alta and love it! Those leggings are so cute, I'm addicted to Pure Barre too so they're perfect for barre!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
Fantastic blog you have here. You’ll discover me looking at your stuff often. Saved!
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