Adoration: Oxygen Magazine

Magazines are a favorite of mine. I have never been a big book reader, except for the Fear Street Novels- oh to be in 6th grade again. But I have been reading a lot of the health and fitness magazines lately. I have a subscription to Women's Health and Shape. Women's Health is slowly losing its touch because of the greater focus on more lifestyle type articles and less about fitness. Shape is still a favorite, but I have recently discovered Oxygen. I like this magazine because it has more weight training tips and tricks- the others tend to stick with more resistance training. Also it is less about fashion and hair and more about health and fitness. The exercises are a little more advanced so it may be a good read for those of you who are looking to expand on your gym routine. 

Check out their website here.

© The Simple Wife

Versus: Almonds

Almonds, the secret to a great diet- well, so says just about every fitness magazine or wellness publication on the market now. They are said to be one of the Ab Diet's power foods because they pack a huge punch when it comes to vitamins, nutrients, and fighting off hunger. This is when I add that I really do not like any kind of nuts for snacking except for wonderfully salted and deliciously bad for you peanuts, so I am going to have to force feed these little guys. I tried two different varieties to see which is better.

Blue Diamond Natural, Oven Roasted Almonds with a Vanilla Bean flavor: These little ones are acceptable. The Vanilla flavor is not overbearing which is nice, and they aren't too dry (which is the main reason I don't like almonds- they are very dry), but definitely have a glass of water handy. The best thing about Blue Diamond is that they put serving measurements on the side of the container for perfect portions. 1-10, I would give the Vanilla Bean Almonds a 7.

Emerald Nuts Cocoa Roasted Almonds: I had to try these, being a slave to the chocolate. They too come in a re-sealable plastic container, but not with serving measurements. They actually do have a chocolate like flavoring, but it doesn't last long. Again have a drink with you, but these are a little easier to handle. Again, I am not an almond person, so any kind is hard for me to swallow. 1-10, Cocoa Roasted Almonds get an 8.

My next review: Publix Greenwise Honey Nut Oats v. Publix Honey Nut Oats- non organic.

Go out there and get munchin!

© The Simple Wife

Work It, Spin It

On our constant quest for more gym time, Mr. Grubbs and I have taken up a spin class twice a week. It is 45 mins of pedaling my behind and thighs away, followed by lots of sweat, and finally a huge sense of accomplishment for actually surviving the entire class. The only down side is the seats- they are extremely uncomfortable. So one on of my many, many trips to the Holy Land, a.k.a Target, I picked up one of these puppies and my bum is forever grateful.

{Schwinn Gel Seat Cover, $16.99}

Look out thighs, you're on the outs!