Empowering Renewed Health

03/06/2026

One of my favorite protein bar brands has always been Barebells. Yesterday I tried one of their newer flavors, the Minty Chocolate bar, and it was absolutely delicious.

Today happened to be one of my off days where I enjoyed a few cravings without focusing on calorie counting, and one of those treats was Andes Mints. The first one I had tasted almost identical to the Barebells Minty Chocolate Protein Bar, which honestly surprised me.

So if you love Andes Mints but are looking for a healthier option that also provides 16 grams of protein, I highly recommend the Barebells Minty Chocolate Protein Bar. I was able to find this flavor locally at Giant Eagle. It might become your new favorite guilt free treat. 🍫🌿💪

03/06/2026

Healthy Alternative to Chocolate 🍫

Lately I have been struggling with sweet cravings, something many of us run into on a weight loss journey. Instead of reaching for traditional sugary snacks, I found a healthier alternative that has really helped me, cacao nibs.

Cacao nibs are about 80% cacao and are considered a superfood. They are packed with antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and healthy fats, and they are known to support heart health. The flavor is similar to a very dark, crunchy chocolate, which makes them perfect when a chocolate craving hits. They are available as sweetened or unsweetened. I prefer the sweetened cacao nibs.

I like adding cacao nibs to cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, pudding, trail mix, or homemade protein bars. You can also enjoy them on their own if you like the taste of dark chocolate with a little crunch. They do not melt like regular chocolate chips because they are made from crushed cacao beans.

Another thing I have started doing is using roasted cacao beans as an alternative to coffee. It gives a rich, deep flavor while still helping satisfy that chocolate craving.

I bought this brand off Amazon but stores like Target and health food stores usually carry them. Finding healthier swaps like this can make a big difference when trying to stay on track. Sometimes it is not about eliminating cravings, it is about finding better ways to satisfy them. 🍫💪lla

02/28/2026

Savory Oatmeal 28g of Protein 🥣

Who says oatmeal has to be sweet? It can be savory too!

This morning I made a hearty, filling, stick to your ribs high protein savory oatmeal using 1 serving of oatmeal, 1 serving of reduced fat cheese, and 1 serving of cut up turkey sausage patties for a total of 28g of protein. Savory oatmeal is so versatile and can have many different combinations. For even more flavor, try cooking it in low sodium chicken broth instead of water. It gives it a rich, almost risotto style taste.

Savory oatmeal ideas you can mix and match:

Protein options
• Sausage or bacon (Regular or Turkey)
• Eggs (scrambled, poached, or soft boiled)
• Shredded chicken
• Greek yogurt stirred in for creaminess
• Cottage cheese

Vegetables
• Spinach
• Sautéed peppers and onions
• Mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes
• Zucchini
• Avocado on top

Flavor boosters
• Garlic and herbs
• Red pepper flakes
• Everything bagel seasoning
• A sprinkle of parmesan
• A drizzle of hot sauce

Directions: Cook 1 serving of oatmeal according to package directions then add in cooked meat/protein and any vegetables or cheese of choice.

02/19/2026

Trying something new on my health journey 🤎

I’m swapping out some of my coffee for ground cacao. Cacao is considered a superfood and is packed with nutrients like magnesium, copper, and iron. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that supports overall wellness.

One of the things I love most is how it supports mood and relaxation. It can help reduce stress while still giving a gentle lift in energy. Unlike coffee, cacao contains theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant that feels smoother and longer lasting, without the jitters.

It also supports heart health by helping reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, support healthy cholesterol levels, and maintain balanced blood pressure.

Always learning, always making small changes toward better health 🌿

01/27/2026

Snow Ice Cream ❄️☃️

Ingredients:
2 cups clean snow
1/4 cup milk of choice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 T sugar or sweetener equivalent
Optional: toppings of choice

Directions:
Mix together milk, vanilla, and sugar in a bowl then slowly mix in small amounts of the snow until consistency of ice cream.

01/26/2026

Weight Loss Tip 💡

If you are serious about weight loss, weigh and measure your food.
I have weighed and measured everything since I started my health journey over 3 years ago, and it has helped me lose weight and keep it off.

Most people do not realize how small true portion sizes are until they actually measure them. It is a real eye opener.

Is it a pain to measure food? Yes.
Does it work? Also yes.

Weight loss takes effort, consistency, and determination. It is easy to gain weight, but losing it and becoming healthy takes work. There is no easy way out. Even with bariatric surgery, GLP meds, or other natural or prescription options, you still have to put in the work to reach and maintain your goals.

Hard work pays off. Stay consistent. You are worth it 💪✨

01/21/2026

Found these at Meijer and had to share. If you are on a health journey and looking for a better snack option, these mini rice cakes are worth checking out. They are made with chia, quinoa, flax, and avocado oil. One serving is 28 mini rice cakes for 120 calories, which makes for a satisfying snack without feeling deprived.

They come in so many fun flavors too, s’mores, lemon cake bites, chocolate and strawberries, birthday cake, French toast, cookies and cream, and cinnamon swirl. A great way to curb sweet cravings while staying mindful of your goals.

12/31/2025

Happy New Year’s Eve, everyone! 🎉 As I reflect on this past year, I am feeling incredibly proud and grateful. I lost 15 pounds this year, bringing my total weight loss to 187 pounds. I ran a few 5Ks, hiked many miles, and checked off some big bucket list items like ziplining and parasailing, things I once thought were impossible.

Heading into the New Year, my focus is progress, not perfection. I am committing to getting back into the gym, building strength and muscle, fueling my body with healthier choices, and continuing to care for my mental health. I am 20 pounds away from my ultimate goal weight of 125, and I am excited to keep moving forward one step at a time and at my own pace.

I am planning more hiking, biking, and kayaking adventures this year, and I would love to have others join me.

It is never too late to renew your health. This is your reminder that renewing your health can start at any moment. It does not have to be rushed, compared, or perfected. Progress is built one choice at a time. This journey is not a race, it is a process, and every step forward matters. Here’s to a year of strength, patience, and believing in what is possible. ❤️

12/30/2025

09/22/2025

Vacation and exercise can go hand in hand when you make it fun. Today I hiked almost 7 miles in Gatlinburg, TN exploring the Sky Park and Ober Mountain. The views were so gorgeous that it didn’t even feel like exercise, just pure adventure. 🥾🌳

02/01/2025

Healthy Snack 🍎

I highly recommend these low-calorie apple chips as a crunchy, low-calorie snack option, available in single-serving bags at Walmart or Sam’s Club, as well as larger bags at various grocery stores. These apple chips are ideal for an evening snack or a convenient work snack, containing only apples or apples and cinnamon, without artificial preservatives or oils. They also carry them in banana chips which are another great low calorie snack option. 🍎