Loving myself (why I will never compete in a bikini competition)

 I've spent many years of my life looking in awe at bikini competitors and I thought the only way I could look like that is if I lifted, did cardio, and starved myself. 

I hate to say this but a majority of bikini competitors reach their physiques in ways that don't appeal to me at all. 

Low carbs. No thanks.

Cardio. Yes, I love running distances but when I label it as cardio (ex. Staiemaster, elliptical, running for exercise and not enjoyment) and not for enjoyment or the bettering of my running, I start hating exercise. And that shouldn't happen. I strongly encourage everyone go watch Katiesfitscript on competing and why she will never do it again. I get a rush from running. I don't get a rush from eating no food and forcing myself to exercise. 

I love just doing into the gym and lifting whatever muscle I feel like lifting that day. I love going out and running 8 miles. I love health and all that goes with it. 

Exercise should be fun. If you enjoy competing, that's awesome! I applaud you! If you enjoy running (as I do) then you should be applauded as well. 

Love yourself! :)

Happy National Peace Day!!

Today is National Peace Day.

I also changed the layout and look of my blog. :) I will be posting more fashion looks along with my reviews and lifestyle tips. :))

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Spread the love. If somebody is different, that's just who they are. Accept that not everybody conforms to societys idea of "normal."

Happy Living, Macy.

WHAT I'M WEARING:

Leggings: TJ MAXX
Sweater: Kohl's

Shoes: Birkenstocks

Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bars (Nature Valley Dupe!)

Hey everyone, As I was sitting at home today, Inspiration struck me. So I ran out to the store and got some things and came home and started baking.

Today I am making these delicious, and secretly healthy, Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bars. YAY!!!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 RIPE Banana
• 2 TBSP of Peanut Powder (I used JIF)
• 1 TBSP of Natural Creamy Peanut Butter (I used Great Value Brand)**
• 1 cup oats (Quick or Steel Cut will work) 
• 1/2 Scoop of Protein Powder (can omit if desired)

**If you don't want the fat from the peanut butter, I would add more mashed banana

Directions

1. Mash your banana and add into a bowl. Make sure it's completely mashed or it won't bind as well.
2. Add both of your peanut butter products. (powder and regular)
3. Add oats
4. Mix thoroughly.
5. Fold in Protein Powder until completely mixed.
6. Bake in Oven at 355* for 8-12 minutes.
7. Top with desired toppings, (I used chia)

The longer you cook the harder they will be and more similar to the Nature Valley bars they will get, but make sure you don't burn though.

ENJOY and HAPPY LIVING :-)

PowerBar Triple Threat Peanut Butter Caramel Bar Review!!

Yummy. Just yummy. 

So I was on Instagram the other day and I saw iifym_queen (aka Andrea) post about how good this protein bar was. And of course I was skeptical because I've NEVER been a fan of the original powerbars, at least the ones I've tried, so I was very intrigued. Lucky enough for me, my nearest gas station had some of these so I bought two right away for $1.89 and called it day (haha bought more than two who am I kidding) 

So basically, this is good. Like really good. I would honestly compare it to a healthy tasting snickers. Now, I am not the biggest fan of caramel but this doesn't have too much where it ends up overpowering you. It has just a nice spread of caramel. 😍 here's an inside shot: (for some reason all my pictures flipped 

Now in the picture you would think that middle part would be crunchy? It's not. It's like a soft cookie texture (and almost taste!) it's sooo good. 

Now I wouldn't buy these all the time since they don't have the cleanest ingredients out there, BUT like I preach on my Instagram page (@Simplymacyslife) everything is ok in moderation. 

I give this a solid 9 out of 10. Only reason I'm nknocking a point off is because it melts sooooo quickly. 

Happy living, 

Macy xx

YOUTUBE?!?!

Hey friends, GUESS WHAT? I made a YouTube!!!!!! My name is Simply Macy's Life (duh) Since I am passionate about many things, and not just fitness, I plan on posting all sorts of types of videos!! I love food, fashion, fitness, motivational speaking, and tech stuff. I am so excited to post blogs and other videos!!!! The link is: www.youtube.com/simplymacyslife (the link should work if not then just search in Simply Macy's life in the search bar of YouTube) I already have two vlogs of my typical day up so please check those out and subscribe for some exciting content coming up!!

Happy living, Macy :-) 

Luna Chocolate Chip Brownie Review!

Went to target again today. (Of course) (I work by target) (spend to much money there) (I love target) ;)

Okay, so where I work, we just moved offices and we are now by a target! I only have a few days left (tear tear)! Now usually I don't normally go to target, because A. I just usually go wherever my Dad chooses to grocery shop. B. I never think about going to Target. (That's definitely changed) they have such a better variety of nut butters and food and protein bars and AHHH TAKE MY MONEY hahah

So today, I picked up a few different kinds of protein bars (aka I bought mostly my fav Luna protein bars and then decided to try one new one) and this one looked good so I decided to give it a go! I was kind of in a hurry so I just grabbed this or I would've picked up a few others too! 

This is what the packaging looks like. Believe it or not, this is the first Lara Bar I've ever tried! 

First impression: the texture was so strange! It was like chewy but very soft at the same time. It's a date base, so it's pretty much the same as any other date based bar. The macros are alright, I think there was 9 fat and 20 something carb and I'm not sure how much protein. There were chunks of almonds and chocolate chips through out the whole thing. Here's what the inside looks like: 

It tasted like a cross between a date bar and a brownie and it was really good!! I think this would be a good alternative for those of you who don't like clif bars! (I love clif bars) I think this would be amazing heated up and it would be like a gooey brownie!! 

Brb going to buy 12 of these.

Overall I give it a solid 7 out of 10!!

Can't sit to try the other flavors!!:-)

Happy living, Macy! 

Simple Protein Bar Review!! (Double Chocolate)

So as I was roaming the aisles of the grocery store today, I come upon these bars. Of course I had to buy them. Because protein. Chocolate. 75 cents. In my town, we have a store that is like Aldi's but it has all Kroger brand food. It's pretty awesome what you can find there.

So I bought two flavors, the Double chocolate (pictured) and Peanut Butter Extreme.

As soon as I got home, I opened one of these bad boys and gave it a go. It really reminded me of the Pure Protein Brand chocolate brownie protein bars. It has a very chocolatey flavor, and I love it. Call me weird, but I like the protein-y taste of protein bars, so I thought these were reallll good. It had little crisps of cookie bits in it (I think there called Protein Crisps??)

What I love the most about these is that A. There 75 cents per box of 6 at this particular store AND they are made with ingredients I can recognize. (Hence the name Simple)

Overall, I give these a 7 out of 10!! Definitely going to go back and buy like 10 boxes. (Not exaggerating either)


Happy Living, Macy :)