Campaigns & Product Reviews Archives

What’s Beautiful? Strength and Determination

May 9, 2013 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RD9 Comments

I have always been a small person, petite, yet muscular. I was into gymnastics, cheerleading and running growing up and I had a muscular build to show for it. I am not going to lie, I always admired the toothpick skinny girls, you know the model types? Not so much anymore. As I started running more as an adult (i.e. races and marathon training) I discovered how powerful it felt to be physically fit. After having kids and overcoming the struggle of the weight changes that come along with pregnancy, I had a new respect for my body. I didn't care if I was skinny. I wanted to be fit and strong- … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews Tagged with campaign, exercise, fitness, setting goals, Under Armour

Simple Ways To See The Bright Side

April 5, 2013 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RD17 Comments

This week I am looking on the bright side.... Part 1: When Training Doesn't Go As Planned I was going to run a half marathon last weekend. I found out about it not too long ago and didn't mention it because I wanted to be certain I was ready. Two and a half weeks ago I worked myself up to 11 miles and felt great. I was happy with my pace and my endurance during long runs. I felt ready. Until right after that long run when my right foot started hurting. At first the pain was all over the bottom of my foot, then it remained around the ball of my foot. I rested for a few days then continued … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews, Nutrition & Wellness Tagged with mental health, positive thinking, self-improvement, stress, tips

Schwan’s Home Delivery Review

March 13, 2013 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RD12 Comments

When I was in graduate school in Boston back in 2000, I experimented with grocery store delivery services because I didn't have a car for the 2 years I was there and in the heart of winter I found myself unmotivated to lug groceries on the subway. I only did it a few times but boy was it convenient! I haven't thought of food delivery since then and when I was offered to try Schwan's home delivery through my FitFluential partnership of course I jumped at the chance. Any break from grocery shopping with 3 kids works for me! Schwans, the online grocery store and food delivery service started … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews, Product Review Tagged with food delivery, frozen food, product review, schwans

Get Fit with FitnessGlo {Review and GIVEAWAY}

February 13, 2013 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RD46 Comments

I love exercising at home, mainly because it saves time and also because I can look like a crazy woman who just rolled out of bed when I workout! Ever since I had my third child, it's been much harder to manage gym outings. My kids are always with me, with the exception of my oldest son who is gone for 3 hours a day for kindergarten. The gym here offers childcare but charges $4 per hour PER child which just doesn't fit into our budget. None of this stops me from working out though. I do almost everything at home from treadmill runs, weight training to workout DVDs and when the hubs is home and … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews Tagged with at home fitness, cardio, dance, exercise, fitness, online classes, product review, strength training

Who Will You Be Missing This Thanksgiving?

November 14, 2012 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RDLeave a Comment

Is anyone else in disbelief that Thanksgiving is almost here? It is such a lovely holiday where the focus is on family, friends, good food and being thankful. How can you not love it? One of the unfortunate parts of being in the military is that we usually live far away from family and since Thanksgiving is such a busy travel weekend we rarely make it home. … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews Tagged with

Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal

October 26, 2012 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RD8 Comments

October 29th is National Oatmeal day and what better way to celebrate than with a new oatmeal recipe! We are huge oatmeal fans in this house; every variety makes an appearance in our pantry from quick cooking to rolled oats to steel cut. I have always enjoyed oatmeal but it wasn't until I met my husband 10 years ago that I started including it in my diet on a regular basis. He adores oatmeal and eats in almost everyday. When we were first married and lived in San Diego I discovered that he makes the most perfect bowl. It's always so creamy with just the right amount of cinnamon and banana. … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews Tagged with apples, breakfast, brunch, fall food, gluten free, high fiber, oatmeal

Tips for Busy Women: How to Satisfy Sugar Cravings #SweetnessToGo

October 24, 2012 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RD2 Comments

Have you ever been so busy, yet all you can think of is eating something sweet? This could apply to any woman with a sugar craving, but for those that work full-time or are always on the go you have to do some extra planning to manage these cravings. It isn't enough to just pack a lunch these days. Breakfast and snacks often need to be considered too. … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews Tagged with nutrition tips, sugar cravings

Outsmart Hunger #theproteineffect

October 19, 2012 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RD8 Comments

It's fairly common knowledge these days that protein makes us feel fuller because it takes longer to digest. I know that I try my best to get some at each meal and snack or else I get hungry. Waking up with 3 young children I am often in a mad dash for breakfast. Cereal is definitely our most popular "quick-fix" breakfast for when we are running tight on time, but it's not typically high in protein. … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews Tagged with cereal, product review, protein, special k

Barilla Microwave Meals {A Review}

September 14, 2012 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RD26 Comments

If you've been following my blog for a while you know I am big on cooking from scratch. I try to avoid as much packaged foods as possible, but even I run out of time some days and need a quick fix meal. Being a stay-at-home mom to 3 young kids has me pulled in every direction. Now that we have started school and activities things are even busier. Plus my lil guy is in the pre-walking stage so any extra time I once had is now spent chasing him around the house and keeping him out of trouble. Getting dinner on the table has gotten a lot more challenging! … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews Tagged with Barilla, convenience food, kid friendly, pasta, quick fix, weekday meals

Look Again, It’s Gluten Free: Mocha Bread Pudding

March 7, 2012 by Melanie Flinn, MS, RDLeave a Comment

I am very lucky that no one in my family has food allergies or intolerances. Even though we eat a little bit of everything, I still like to experiment with recipes because it's nice to accommodate friends who do have dietary restrictions. When I was asked to create a delicious gluten free recipe to share with my readers, I was very excited. … [Read more...]

Filed under: Campaigns & Product Reviews Tagged with bread pudding, brunch, chocolate, gluten-free