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We love make your own stuff around here. That is, when we aren’t the ones that actually have to make it. (Because who wants to make dinner after a long day of class? Helloooooo, cereal for dinner!)

Make your own granola mix.
Custom build your own photo art.
Design your own Nikes.

As long as someone else is doing the customizing, I am ALL about making things myself. I’m picky and I like things my way; just ask anyone who has ever been out to dinner with me. I customize my order like it’s my job, which makes the waiter’s job that much more difficult. But I don’t care – I want what I want and that’s that.

Which is why I am obsessed with Element’s Make-Your-Own Snack/Energy bars. I always love to have a bar handy in my bag when 5pm rolls around and the entire library can hear my stomach rumble, but I always catch myself saying “I wish this bar had chocolate or cashews, or dried cherries, or a protein boost” only to be disappointed. Element has heard my prayers (and probably my stomach rumbles) and is now offering every single one of our picky selves the opportunity to create a healthy snack just the way we like it. Read More »

My mom invited me to join her for a few sessions with her private Pilates instructor. Might I add that my mother did not mention to me that I would have to pay for half of said lesson until after the fact, which was quite a surprise to me. But, the money was totally worth it…even if I can’t really afford to do it ever again.

Not only did this woman work my muscles until they shook, but she taught me exactly what I needed to eat afterwards to optimize our one-hour session: protein and fiber. And she was so right.

Ever since that fateful day, I have been following my workouts with a big dose of protein and fiber. Sometimes it’s eggs and toast. Other times a little peanut butter on some whole wheat crackers. Usually, though, I don’t have time to make a hearty snack or meal after my workout (since I am usually running 20 minutes late to work as it is), so I depend on a good old protein/nutrition bar of some sort.

Let me tell you; if I eat one more freaking Luna Bar I am going to go crazy. Read More »