Sneaker Review: Asics GEL-Fit Sana

Today we’re talking about these fun new kicks:

Through my relationship with Fitfluential, I was recently sent a pair of the new Asics GEL-Fit Sana sneakers. These are a women’s training shoe, and I was more than happy to welcome them into my ever-growing collection.

The first thing I noticed when I took these shoes out of the box was how lightweight they were. Designed with a smooth inner lining and lightweight, low-profile midsole, the GEL-Fit Sana proves a barefoot-like sensation. They actually only weigh 5.6 ounces!

Because of the stretchable mesh upper and MONO-SOCK® upper construction, the sneaks seriously fit my feet like a glove. I think the sock-like fit is because the GEL-Fit Sana has an elastic internal sleeve instead of a traditional tongue like most sneakers do. Since these are not designed to be a running shoe, I tested them out during my lifts and cross training at the gym over the past few weeks.

I really like how lightweight and flexible they’ve been during my workouts, but they are definitely more suitable for cross training than they are for weight lifting. Also, one thing Tim and I were laughing about is that you could totally see my awkward toe spacers through the mesh. Minor detail, but since I love awkward things, I just had to point it out. One last thing to mention about these sneakers are that they are versatile enough to wear around before or after your workouts. I don’t tend to pair many of my workout sneaks with jeans, but these are lightweight and comfy enough that I think I could wear them walking around town or doing errands. A shoe that I can wear with leggings or my everyday pants sounds good to me!

If you are interested in trying out the GEL-Fit Sana, they are available online for $80 and come in six different colors. I like my pink and purple ones, but I think the teal and navy and white combo is calling my name next. Also, for what it’s worth, these sneakers shipped immediately and I had no issues with the Asics online ordering process.

Let me know if you decide to try these out!

–Let’s chat–
Do you own a pair of Asics sneakers? What color sneakers do you tend to gravitate toward? Is having a versatile sneaker that you can wear for both your workouts and errands important to you?

This post is sponsored by Fitfluential on behalf of Asics.

Lightened Up Apple Crisp

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC. All opinions are my own.

A few weeks ago, during one of my massive Sunday food prep sessions, I had the urge to make apple crisp. Apple crisp is totally one of those perfect fall desserts that you just HAVE to make at least once a year, right? I definitely think so, but despite being made with fruit, it’s really not so great for you. Every time I’ve tried to healthify apple crisp in the past, I still ended up using butter, white flour, or granulated sugar to some extent. Either that, or I ended up with a massive kitchen fail. My desire to create the perfect lightened up apple crisp recipe came at a great time, because I was recently asked to develop a recipe using Canadian maple syrup through my relationship with FitFluential.

This was perfect because one of my favorite ways to sweeten a recipe without using any added sugar is with real maple syrup. It’s pure, all natural, and something we pretty much always have in stock in our kitchen — and for more than just topping pancakes or waffles with. In the past couple of weeks, aside from this apple crisp recipe, Tim and I used Canadian maple syrup in recipes like quinoa stuffed acorn squash, crockpot pumpkin oatmeal, and mashed sweet potatoes (made with only the syrup and plain Greek yogurt!). And on our meal plan later this week? Maple dijon chicken drumsticks. It’s a very versatile ingredient, and it really adds a lot of depth/complexity to our cooking.

Keep in mind that a recipe is not necessarily sugar free just because it doesn’t call for any added white or brown sugar. For example, maple syrup is still a source of sugar because it’s made directly from the sap of sugar maple trees (the sap is boiled down 40 times to make the syrup). It’s just a better choice in my opinion because it’s unprocessed and offers health benefits of vitamin and mineral content without losing its sweet taste. Think zinc and magnesium (necessary minerals for post workout recovery!), potassium, and 54 different antioxidant compounds (the darker the grade, the higher the antioxidant levels).

Anyways, back to the apple crisp. After poking around a little bit online, I think I was able to combine a bunch of different ideas to create a winning recipe for you guys.

Lightened Up Apple Crisp

Makes a 9×13 inch pan’s worth (serves a crowd!)

Ingredients

• 6 medium sized apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 4 cups almond flour
• 1 cup Canadian maple syrup
• 1 cup unsalted pecan halves/pieces
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• Coconut oil or coconut oil cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with coconut oil cooking spray, or grease with regular coconut oil.
3. In a large bowl, mix all the other ingredients together.
4. Once combined, spread evenly into the baking dish.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and begins to crisp up.
6. Sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top, and enjoy!

This apple crisp, despite not having the typical bad-for-you ingredients, still had an ooey gooey middle and tasted like the traditional version. The only thing I would say is that its not AS crispy as its non-healthified cousin. After Tim and I finished all our food prep that Sunday, we each enjoyed some of the apple crisp with a scoop of So Delicious almond milk frozen dessert. It definitely satisfied my sweet tooth craving, without the guilt!

You can make this recipe for a smaller group by cutting the ingredients in half and using an 8×8 baking dish instead. Just cook for 30 minutes instead of going over. As long as the pans are the same depth, you should be okay. I’ve made both versions now, and each came out great.

–Let’s chat–
How do you make apple crisp? What’s your favorite go to fall dessert? How do you like to sweeten recipes without using any added sugar? What’s something you think you would like to make using Canadian maple syrup?

Next on my maple “to try” list is maple water! As someone who simply cannot jump on the coconut water bandwagon, I have high hopes for this one.

PUMA Fitness: Apparel Review

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of PUMA. All opinions are my own.

I recently received a workout outfit from PUMA to review and share with you on F&F.

I must admit that my first few months as a Fitfluential Ambassador are not letting me down – there’s so much fun fitness gear being sent my way! Selfishly, I like adding to my ever-growing drawer closet of workout clothes, but I also like to give you guys the rundown on new products and apparel on the market. I always say that I have zero fashion sense when it comes to dressing for work or going out, but I can talk spandex any day.

Here are the three PUMA products I tried out last week:

Sneakers
(Formlite XT Ultra Women’s Training Shoes)

When I took these out of the box, the first thing I said was “oooo these are fun” because I love, love, LOVE the colors. I don’t have a token pair of bright pink sneaks, so I’m psyched to add one to my sneaker collection.

These are VERY lightweight, and it feels like I am walking on air while wearing them. While I still haven’t made the switch to minimalist sneakers for running because I prefer a shoe conducive to my orthodic inserts, I liked wearing these while in the weight room and on the spin bike. One feature I’m not that hot on is the ankle height. Maybe I just need to get lower socks, but even my “no-show” socks were peeking out too much with these guys! Nerd alert.

Tank Top
(Graphic All Eyes On Me Tank)

Gah, I want to love this one so bad.

I want to love this tank top because like the sneaks, the color combo really appeals to me. I want to love this tank because of its comfortable fit throughout the body. And I especially want to love this tank top because of its unique design on the back. I can totally rock this one, no!?

But I just can’t love it because of its damn built-in sports bra! I know I’m not the most well endowed girl out there and that I no longer have the chest I used to, but I still need to wear a sports bra while working out. While this tank boasts having a built-in bra lining, it just didn’t feel supportive enough to do a high intensity workout in. I can’t be letting the ladies hang out, especially when teaching in front of a class!

When a tank has a built-in lining, cups, etc., I often double up and wear a regular sports bra anyways, but wearing both with this tank just felt too bulky and awkward for my liking. Unfortunately, unless I can get over the doubling up discomfort, this tank will probably be reserved for home workouts, yoga, or spin classes in the dark. Boo!

Crop pants
(Gym graphic 3/4 tights)

These crops are my favorite out of the three items I received. I guess I’m a sucker for PUMA’s bright color combos, but I have to mention (again) how much I like the aesthetics of these.

The color panels start on the sides and then wrap around to the back of the pant. Not only do these bottoms have a flattering design, but they fit PERFECTLY and are super comfortable to work out in. They have that moisture-wicking material that is necessary to remain dry during the sweatiest of workouts. Now I want to go grab a few more tops to match so these pants can be in my rotation more often than only when my black tops are clean. I think I’ll check if PUMA has some without the built in bra first!

–Let’s chat–
Do you own any PUMA apparel? Do you prefer workout tanks with or without a built-in bra? What color combinations do you tend to go for when shopping for gym gear? Out of the three items I reviewed, which would you be most likely to buy?

Hope your weeks are all off to a great start!