Get Fit Tips For Every Day Energy

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Clif Bar & Company. All opinions are 100% mine.

Now that I’m working full-time (and then some), I understand the struggle that some have to maintain their lifestyle by staying on top of their normal workouts and activities. On top of that, it can take extra time and planning to keep nutritionally dense meals and options around.

Since I am currently working in an environment that doesn’t provide a refrigerator or microwave, I have to get creative in what I bring with me to keep me feeling energized throughout the day.

I’ve been a fan of Clif Bars for years, and today I am teaming up with them to share a few new nutrition options that I’ve been loving lately. Also included is everyday workout and nutrition tips that will energize your body pre, during, and post-workout!

Breakfast is something that has to come together quickly for me these days. If I’m not grabbing something while I’m walking out the door, it’s because I’ve prepped it the night before. My go-to has been overnight oats, and I make a batch while I get the next morning’s coffee pot set up (<- do you do this too?) and wind down for the night at least a few times a week.

There are endless variations on how to make overnight oats, and I’ve learned an extremely simple way. Grab a cup of your favorite Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup raw rolled oats, 1 Tbsp. chia seeds, and enough almond milk to stir it around in a sealable container. Put it in the refrigerator overnight and stir to enjoy in the morning!

I usually top my overnight oats with some kind of fruit like banana slices or strawberries. I don’t always finish the bowl, as it’s very filling. Even so, I love knowing that I’m starting the day with a smart meal. I try to pack a lunch that doesn’t need refrigerating (for now), but when my days are too rushed to prep, I do my best to find better-for-me options on-the-go.

Lately, I’ve been turning to a local coffee shop for an afternoon hot tea (only caffeinated on occasion) and a wrap, or salad bowl!

If I know that my day is going to be crazy, I come armed with protein-dense foods that curb my hunger and offer nutritional value. Grapes are great for a natural burst of sugar, and you can find a protein bar in just about every bag I own. They’re perfect for pre-workout, post-workout, or simply getting you through the day while keeping your energized until the next meal comes around.

If you’ve never tried a Clif Bar, then you’re definitely missing out. I’ve sampled just about every flavor, and I recently tried two new-to-me products that are great. The Organic Energy Food pouch recipe is designed to provide endurance athletes with energy from real food ingredients you would find in your own kitchen.

I was sent the new Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal and Banana Maple Oatmeal flavors, and I have to say that both are very satisfying and comforting. I’ll throw a pouch in my backpack and turn to it on my walk to work, before a workout, or for a quick pick-me-up at any time during the day! 

Clif Builder’s Protein Bars are low glycemic and a convenient option for post-workout recovery. They offer 20g of protein to help repair muscle, which is perfect for when I am able to fit in a workout class and need to get back to work at the studio as soon as possible. I’ve been enjoying the chocolate hazelnut flavor, and I have my eye on the chocolate mint next. (<- my all-time favorite combo!)

Packing my purse or backpack with snacks that tie me over in between meals is more important than ever, now that I am spending at least ten or more hours a day outside of our apartment. I can’t always control my meals, but at least I know that I can grab something that is good for me between them.  

Now onto those fit tips …

Bob Seebohar is a Sports Nutrition Expert and Clif Bar Nutrition Partner who created the easy workout and nutrition tips you see below. He’s a competitive athlete (for more than 30 years), is one of the top sports dietitians in the country, and provides nutrition expertise for Olympic athletes!

Check out his 5 “Get Fit Tips For Every Day Energy”  for easy ways to incorporate exercise into any daily routine.    

With occasional twelve hour days at the studio, it’s not always easy to fit my normal runs and workouts in. This will be easier, of course, when our studio is up and running. (One of the biggest perks of working for a gym is being able to hop into a workout when it’s convenient!)

After a long day, I’ll complete a dumbbell workout at home, go for a run with the sunset, or turn on a free YouTube workout if I don’t feel like attending a class that requires a commute. Sometimes it takes some extra motivation, but there are plenty of 20-30 minute workouts out there that are much better than skipping a sweat all together. If I can just knock it before my shower, I can go to bed knowing that I didn’t skip out on my goals that day. It’s a wonderful feeling.

I’d love to hear about some of the ways you stay fit and energized throughout the day!

Do you take a long walk during your lunch break?

Do you participate in challenges with co-workers?

Do you pack nutrient dense foods that are easy to access?  

Do share!