How I’m Becoming a Shinier, Happier Version of Me

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #OutshineSnacks #CollectiveBias

This is it. My year. The year I embrace the F-Word and make it my own. That’s right, I’m talking about fitness and how this year I WILL become a shinier, happier version of me.

One of the biggest steps I’ve taken is to make a concerted effort to make better food choices as often as possible.

Okay, so perhaps there have been a few bumps along the way…like switching back to creamer instead of milk (you milk people…how do you do it!?!?) for my coffee. And deciding I couldn’t give up red meat entirely (I tried, I swear, but that burger had my NAME on it…and it’s cousins, too). Honestly, though, what is life without a few bumps and curves? I’m still working out (almost) every day, I’m still eating better (mostly) and I have gone down two entire dress sizes.

Ultimately I’m okay with the progress I’ve made. I’d prefer a little more headway at this point in the year, but I’m still moving forward. Today for lunch, for instance, I had a salad instead of a sandwich. And this afternoon when it was really hot outside I opted for an Outshine Simply Yogurt Bar instead of flagging down the ice cream truck and throwing my money at the driver.

Bonus? My Outshine Simply Yogurt Bar was delicious. I’d tried the Outshine Coconut Water Bars before and loved them, but when I went shopping at Wal-Mart this past week I wanted to find a treat that was creamy, fruity and delicious, but that wouldn’t spend an eternity on my hips. One of the biggest things I love about Outshine is that they use simple, honest ingredients that taste as good as they make me feel – and they refresh from the inside out.

Let me tell you, those Outshine Simply Yogurt Bars may have save my life. Figuratively, of course. They truly are a refreshing way to shine brighter. Like I said, new year, new me…bumpy ride. One of the biggest hurdles for me is just how much I love sweet treats. LOVE them. I honestly would marry them if I lived in Nevada and Elvis promised to officiate. Before I decided to change my lifestyle I’d consume cupcakes and ice cream and cookies like they were little tiny lifejackets being sent in to rescue the cravings marooned in my tummy. Now I have a fruitier, truly better-for-me option to curb that craving when it sends up the proverbial *help me!* flag.

Beyond that, I’m still moving forward. Today my daughter and I are going for a walk after dinner instead of sitting right down in front of the television. When we get back, if we want a sweet treat I won’t have to feel guilty about what I have to offer her.

And, I won’t feel as if I’ve been punished for using the F-Word.

Check out Outshine’s Facebook page for great ways to snack brighter and tons of helpful links. Bonus: if you don’t know where to find your favorite flavor, you can use their product locator and hunt it down.

Take the Outsmart Your Snack Quiz from 4/20 to 5/31 for a chance to win these fantastic prizes:

• First 100 Winners receive a Fitbit Charge
• Next 150 Winners will receive an Outshine Beach Tote with: towel, tumbler, and a free product coupon
• Next 300 winners will receive a year’s supply of Outshine product delivered via 12 free product coupons

Want to taste-test Outshine before you buy them? Check out one of the in-store demo’s at over 2000 locations on either 5/9 or 5/10!