Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Find Balance in Your Life with The Quickie Chick and Balance Bar {Review & Giveaway}

Balance Bar logo
While there are many days that I would like nothing more than to bury myself under the covers and hibernate until spring has truly arrived (when will the snow finally stop??), I know that isn't possible.

However, at the same time, doesn't it sometimes feel as though as soon as Daylight Savings Time passes and we gain that extra hour of sunlight, that we all somehow think that means that we need to be even more productive and squish even more errands, events and chores into our already jam-packed days?

Fortunately, before the stress takes over, it is possible to make that extra daylight really count with actionable and easy tips for balance from lifestyle expert, Laurel House, known as The Quickie Chick, and Balance Bar.

The Quickie Chick

Founded in 1992 by a group of sports enthusiasts, scientists and people with a passion for life, Balance Bar was one of the originators of energy bars and the nutrition bar category.

good nutrition
As they have long crafted their products with the perfect balance of great taste, quality nutrition and lasting energy, it is easy to see why their 40-30-30 nutrition principle (40% of calories come from carbohydrates, 30% from quality protein and 30% from dietary fat) provides balanced energy... as opposed to a sugar rush and subsequent crash.

Add to that the many different flavors, styles and formats of energy bars that Balance Bar offers and there is no reason that nutrition can't be easy and delicious for everyone. These convenient bars can be eaten at home, work or on-the-go, so no matter if your day has you attending meetings, running errands, picking up the kids, squeezing in a workout or more, you can stay balanced and ready to keep up with it all.

So, with the official start of spring already past, it is the perfect time to check out Laurel's advice:

1. Eat well.

You don't want that extra sunlight to cause your entire day to be in a daze. Counteract the fact that the average person loses 40 minutes of sleep the first night of daylight savings time by eating energizing foods that will help keep your mind sharp and your mood lifted. A few to try and why:
  • Rye Bread – Filled with iron and lots of nutrients, rye bread helps to deliver fresh oxygen to brain cells, keeping you alert and energized.
  • Avocado – The monounsaturated fat in this healthy food helps to keep healthy oxygen flowing.
  • Onions – Sulfur found in onions can increase blood flow and circulation, both essential for energy.
  • Apple with a smear of peanut butter –This energizing combo of fiber-rich carbohydrates and protein takes longer to digest than eating carbs alone, therefore maintaining elevated energy longer.
Yogurt Honey Peanut Balance Bar
  • Original Yogurt Honey Peanut Balance Bar – This nutrition bar (as with all Balance Bars) also has energizing benefits, providing a balance of calories between carbs, protein and fat for long-lasting energy.
2. Be Selfish.

Your life called and asked for its balance back. Don't feel bad about leaving the office when it's still light. That doesn't mean you're leaving early. Take advantage of the extra hour of daylight by taking care of yourself.

Use it as a transition time to decompress, shed the work stress and enter into the second phase of your day. Finally take that yoga class that you’ve always wanted to try, take a walk to find the best view of the sunset, or stop on your way home at the flower garden that you always pass and smell the roses.

3. Be Selfless.

After work, go to your local animal shelter and take a couple of dogs for a walk. Or volunteer somewhere in your area. You'll offer help to those who need it, and brighten your evening, too.

4. Focus on your relationship.

Cut off the work energy, drop the residual stress of the day, and reset the stage for romance. It doesn't take much time or energy to put some effort into your relationship, but it's often those little things that make the biggest long-term difference. Here are a few ways to fill that extra hour with love:
  • Take a walk together before dinner.
  • Reservations are easy. Make dinner instead, even if you don't know how. In fact, even better if you don't know how. You are trying. You are taking time. You are putting some effort in.
  • Bought bouquets are nice. But just a simple flower is sweeter, especially if you were driving or walking down the street, spotted one, and it made you spontaneously think of a loved one.
  • Stop at a card shop and buy a dozen little cards. Then, once a week, hide a simple "I love you" note in a closed laptop, a coat pocket, a travel bag – somewhere you know it will be spotted.
5. Focus on your friendships.

A Walk and Talk Happy Hour! Stop debating between working out or having girl time. Do both! Instead of meeting up at the bar, spending too much on mixed drinks and straining your voice as you scream to speak, take advantage of the extra daylight and make plans to meet up for a walk and talk!

It's one of the best ways to catch up, gossip, dig deep into issues that you need advice on, and simultaneously get in a workout! A few ways to do it:
  • Meet up on a certain corner at a specific time and take off from there.
  • Pick a house – yours or theirs, as the meeting spot, then walk from the house.
  • Choose a favorite hiking trail, beach walk or scenic local spot and start from there.
S'mores balance bar
  • If you live close to each other, decide to leave your houses at the exact same time and meet somewhere in the middle, then walk a new route together.
  • Make the hour even happier by bringing along a S'mores Balance Bar. It will sustain you through your walk and you’ll feel like you're eating dessert first (without the calorie-dense guilt).
What great tips! As well as being impressed by all of Laurel's knowledge on how to keep life from getting out of hand, I was able to try out a selection of many of her favorite Balance Bars.

Balance Bar review

Yum, yum and yum! I love that each of these bars include a great deal of fiber and protein, while keeping the calories fairly low. Instead of reaching for an unhealthy snack to satisfy my chocolate cravings, I'm definitely grabbing a Dark Chocolate Crunch, S'mores or Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch Balance Bar instead!

Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch Balance Bar

At the same time, my sweet tooth has been loving the Yogurt Honey Peanut and Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Balance Bars as well, as they both contain just the right amount of tangy, salty goodness to make my belly happy!

Honey Yogurt Peanut Balance Bar

Whether you are struggling to keep up with the fast pace of life or you simply know that it is better for your body to eat healthy snacks throughout the day to stay fueled (and not starving!), Balance Bars are a delicious way to keep you on track... while giving your taste buds a treat at the same time.

Why not combine the great taste of sweets with healthy nutrition, energy and convenience and stay energized and ready to take on the world?

To find out more about the HUGE variety of Balance Bars and the endless number of flavors available, visit them at Balance.com and on Facebook and Twitter. As well as keeping an eye out for these bars at your local grocery store and health food store, you can also find them at ShopBalance.com as well as on Amazon.

Plus, thanks to the generosity of Balance Bar, one person will be able to have a large dose of healthy nutrition this spring as well, because...

One lucky person will win 25 bars* from Balance Bar!

*Winner will receive (5) S'mores Balance Bars, (5) Dark Chocolate Crunch Balance Bars, (5) Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch Balance Bars, (5) Yogurt Honey Peanut Balance Bars, and (5) Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Balance Bars.


A big thank you to Balance Bar for providing a prize pack for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

226 comments:

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silveryweb said...

Those bars look great! I struggle with having enough healthy snacks with me at work. I tend to wait until I'm starving and then I'm grabbing something that isn't good for me. Plus, I'm hungry soon afterwards. So I think that these bars would be a great way to satisfy my hunger and give me real energy.

s said...

Try to eat healthy and exercise.

Natalie Parvis-Nichols said...

Exercise, a lot.

Unknown said...

I keep balance by spending time with my Grandkids. They make me HAPPY!!!
Thank you for this chance!

Jackie said...

I try to get enough sleep each night.
Thanks!

ide2678 said...

Not to sweat the little things and try to keep perspective in my daily life with 4 kids under 5. Also to take in everything I can and make sure I get "me" time. It recharges me and makes me feel calmer and less stressed.

apple blossom said...

don't over schedule

Blueiris, RhondaC said...

To keep balance I try to meditate an have a great cup of tea when things get off kilter.

Fangirl Jen said...

I make time for some alone time.

Blogroll Please... said...

I try to take things slow and make careful decisions.

lemonlaurie said...

I keep balance in my life by taking a walk everyday

Anonymous said...

Take a complete day of rest. No computer, no cleaning, no nothing. Spend time with a good book, outside, or with your family.

peg42 said...

I like to write down what I need to do and try to keep my schedule organized.

Gina F. said...

I try to eat healthy and exercise.

Unknown said...

I've found that exercise keeps me balanced

Marti Tabora said...

I keep balance in my life by making lists, it helps to keep me organized.

greenhome said...

keep your thoughts clear and balanced, exercise love GOD.

Laurie J. said...

Always try to take some time out of each day for yourself!

DShope said...

I try to take an hour walk everyday, it's good exercise and allows me alone time to think about things.

blue65829 said...

My tip is to walk every day and don't undervalue sleep! It's so important.

kroch said...

My tip for keeping balance is to make a schedule and to schedule in time for yourself to just relax. We all spend so much time taking care of others that we sometimes forget about ourselves.

Katie Roch
dancehottie1621(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Walk away from a stressful situation, breathe & smile...

Marcia B said...

I balance life by making sure that I take time out for myself as well as my family.

Anonymous said...

I try to keep balance in my life by making some personal time for myself whenever possible.

puye said...

I try to take things slow and make careful decisions

agnesye@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I make a conscious effort to eat fruits and veggies and exercise

jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

d schmidt said...

I try to keep balance by going offline two days a week and focusing on spending time with my children and Husband

(d schmidt in widget)

Jill D said...

I try to make a schedule and avoid procrastination (it doesn't always work but it's an ongoing goal). mary987 (at) hotmail (dot) com

bettycd said...

balance is good - family, friends, work and also time for myself.

Unknown said...

I love to read and I have found that if I find one hour everyday to read, I can get through everything else just fine.

Anonymous said...

Oddly enough, my balance is to go onto all my favorite blogs and enter giveaways. It's always great to read what my blogger friends have to think, review, and it's a great way to relax.

TeachTechie said...

If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them and find a job you enjoy :)

Dave said...

I just try to balance work and the kids and take yoga as often as aI can

Helga said...

I pray every day

Stephanie said...

I try to take a minute to "smell the roses" every day before I go to work.
Stephanie
steph 0828 at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

I keep balance by relaxing and trying to eat right. Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
Reneewalters3 at yahoo dot com

Breenah said...

Remember to take time for yourself. It's all fine and dandy if your kids and spouse are happy, but you being happy is just as important.

Katherine said...

make exercise fun! not a chore

Anonymous said...

It took me 55 years to learn to say NO sometimes!! You really can stretch yourself too thin!! And the advice "moderation in all things" is the best advice my parents gave me.

Unknown said...

I would love to win this variety pack of bars to try! They look delishes!

Unknown said...

making enough time to laugh adds balance to things that we start taking way too seriously.

Npinti said...

Nancy p

I take time to read a good book

JJ said...

Balance - I try to be organized but I do not get upset because I must allow my daily schedule to be flexible, especially since I have children. Thanks gahome2mom

Anonymous said...

I keep balance in my life by doing yoga in the morning!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Meggiedarlin said...

I make sure to take advantage of having the house all to myself.

ighmeg at yahoo dot com

clc408 said...

I have a standing weekly lunch date with my girlfriends. It's better than therapy.

Unknown said...

Good article with healthy tips. Balance bars sound great

Tara said...

My tip for keeping balance in my life is to get lots of sleep and try not to obsess over one thing. I make sure to do at least one social event outside the house each week, no matter how busy I am.

GANDORF57 said...

A lot of sleep, healthy food & exercise.

Unknown said...

exercise and eat healthy

sweepmom said...

I have learned to take time for myself and do things that I enjoy in addition to my daily responsibilities.

Beef McBig said...

I try to always get enough sleep -- Joanna F

Kim said...

I keep balanced by running and getting plenty of rest

Anonymous said...

create opportunities for my mind to rest

Nadya said...

i try to not be too busy so that i am free to help others without feeling overwhelmed! i find time to rest and enjoy life by prioritizing areas of life!

Amy Z said...

I schedule time for exercise and relaxation to keep balance in my life!

Saki said...

take everything in strides.

Unknown said...

I schedule social activities into my week and gym classes so i have something to look forward to
Ttrockwood (at) yahoo (dot) com
Ttrockwood

llinda29 said...

I follow my heart

Victoria Nyquist said...

Having days of actual rest and working out throughout the week!

SueZH said...

Treat each day like it was your last.

melsywsou said...

date night

Unknown said...

Read The Holy Bible everyday and Pray. And if you need more help watch the Nuns on EWTN . Thank you. Jerri Davis

Unknown said...

I try to keep balance by eating healthy

krun said...

Getting good sleep!

kdrae said...

Patience!!

Anonymous said...

Walk.

Unknown said...

By saying my prayers and keeping focused on family.

Bo said...

Even though I can, I try to never work from home. That way, I can keep home a "sanctuary" from work stress!

Unknown said...

meditation, gratitude and lots of movies

♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡ said...

always make some time for yourself (even if it's just a an hour)

Thank you for hosting this giveaway

Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

ShellyH said...

To keep balance, I take a lot of ME time out for myself and hubby & I take out a lot of US TIME and hold date night every 10 days to 14 days. It's great for reducing stress & keeping our lives balanced

Danai @ Living, Learning, Eating said...

I try to step back and reflect from time to time, to make sure that I'm not stressing about certain things!

Susan Christy said...

Get plenty of sleep and spend time with my dogs.

Selinda said...

Make sure you have time to spend on yourself!

Thanks,

selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com

LaurKnotter said...

Staying true to yourself is all I got.

LaurKnotter said...

Staying true to yourself is all I got.

pinksarahh said...

Drink LOTS of water!

SnowflakeDay (Audra) said...

I try to have balance in my life by making time for myself (usually exercising) and also trying not to procrastinate about things I dread (like taxes). :-)

Anonymous said...

I keep balance in my life by drinking plenty of water.

Unknown said...

I make time to exercise regularly.

eclairre said...

Try to eat healthy and exercise.

Jennifer T. said...

I try to live by the rule of everything in moderation. But it's always a struggle.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com˘

dawn keenan (newnameford) said...

I do some blogging at night to relax and have some time.

sdavis said...

i try to not get stressed out and just take one day at a time

Unknown said...

eating right,hiking and going to the gym

Unknown said...

get enough sleep at night...not always easy.

Unknown said...

try not to forget yourself when taking care of everyone else. you matter too!

walk9 said...

exercise and eating healthy

MiniMeeh said...

I skip the last bus ride home, and walk the final 10 blocks. it's a bit of exercise and a chance to think quitely

The Studio said...

For balance, yoga. Quiet mommy time.

Maryea said...

I try to make sure to spend a little time just being quiet, counting my blessings each day.
magloro@gmail.com

Michelle said...

I make a point to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep will cause me to lose balance quicker than anything. Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

The balance bar works great as a mid morning and mid afternoon snack that is convenient while being beneficial in maintaining weight and energy. Great giveaway. Thanks.

Becca said...

Getting enough sleep helps me keep balance because I can do anything if I am well-rested :)

Katie74 said...

I try to exercise a few times a week

Heather! said...

I need a bit of sleep, a bit of play, a bit of work and a bit of family and/or marital time to be happy and feel balanced. I go by my gut: what do I need right now?? It's not perfect, but it works all right.

h4schaffer at gmail dot com

iggysaysno said...

take time after work with the family before starting dinner

Allison said...

getting some exercise

Running In Boise said...

try to keep a consistent schedule with time for fun on weekends.

jcwega27 said...

taking care of my responsibilities as well as taking 'me' time
jessicawedwards@gmail.com

mkjmc said...

Take time out for myself but look for opportunities ti serve others

Unknown said...

I try not to let myself get into a slippery slope of worrying. Reminding myself that I still have control, but to allow things to occur without getting too stressed out is one way I've found that I can keep myself balanced. It's hard though.

Teresa said...

It's ok to say no. You can't do everything.

Jennifer Wilson said...

I make lists and do the most important things first.

Unknown said...

I try to keep a nice balance between the amount of time I put into work and leisure activities.

Unknown said...

Create a schedule to make it all work.

tina reynolds said...

Family time is sacred make it a priority

Karen said...

Trying to work smarter, not harder, so I can balance easier and reduce my stress!

jlafount said...

Get out and stop thinking about life sometimes

Anonymous said...

take a nap, relax.

Theresa said...

Focus on God

anonymousmom said...

my tip is to eat balance bars everyday! The vanilla yogurt is my fave!

JESSIEMAE said...

I love these bars, can't wait to win and enjoy!

dropastitch@yahoo.com said...

I try to focus on the positive in every situation. That helps me to maintain balance. And my sanity

Leanne Hill said...

think positiveand remember to have fun!

cheryl lister said...

eat healthy, stretch, focus on my family, and start the day with God's Word

KellBee8 said...

I treat myself when I've worked hard

Anonymous said...

Eat healthy and exercise is my tip.

Unknown said...

Lots of sleep

Kelly Blackwell @ Heres My Take On It said...

I keep balance in my life by going to bed early and getting up a half an hour before the rest of my family so I can relax and just be me.

Kelly Blackwell @ Heres My Take On It said...

I keep balance in my life by going to bed early and getting up a half an hour before the rest of my family so I can relax and just be me.

kyl neusch said...



don't over schedule day

polly said...

exercise...good food... lots of sleep

Unknown said...

I keep my work problems at work ... My family doesn't need a stressed out mommy!!

Amanda Rauch said...

I try not to over commit to things. I love time with my family-it is precious and i have to put it first.

Jenn Hiles said...

I try to get outside for at least an hour a day and walking helps too.

Unknown said...

I keep balance by tracking all activities on a calendar and by making sure I get out to exercise every day to keep my sanity.

LesleyfromWI said...

I don't let small things upset me as it just isn't worth it

judy gardner said...

i try to spend a little time each day just by myself with a cup of tea or coffee and the newspaper before everyone else gets up

velvetelvis46@yahoo.com

Kristen said...

I make sure that my priorities are straight -- God first.

Danika said...

I try to take a moment everyday and just count my blessings.

Unknown said...

Yoga!!!

/\Heather/\ said...

I make lists. It's easy to see if there's too much of something if it's written down.

Roy F. said...

Get enough sleep

Unknown said...

By waking up early to watch the birds by myself during my morning coffee

Sarah said...

Flexibility! I've learned to roll with punches and adapt, so much less stress than trying to control everything.

Unknown said...

To save time for the "fun stuff"....don't let life run by without enjoying it!! :)

Melissa said...

keep balance by focusing on my health... cooking healthy food, exercise, etc.

Anonymous said...

Exercising and eating healthy foods!

Anonymous said...

Make time for yourself!

alena said...

try to relax more and get good night sleep

Robyn Dones said...

To balance out my life, I give myself an hour before bed to unwind by reading. Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway!

Unknown said...

I take time out to have time to myself. I also do yoga and it really evens me out.

cman said...

Pray.

BlondeMomBlog (Jamie) said...

I say no to a LOT. Instead of immediately committing to something, I'll wait a few days. I also try to walk 3 to 5 times a week. Key word, try! ;)

Unknown said...

i make time to have me time ;)

Maureen said...

I am a home educating mom of three children ages 5, 6 and 7 so it can be hard to keep balance in our lives. How do we do it? We head out into nature for a bike ride, hiking and even just sitting and stargazing together.

Kathleen said...

gardening! my kids can play outside while i do a bit of gardening and we all learn in the process

lemonzest12 at hotmail dot com

Sunnymay said...

I keep centered by walking 2 miles a day and eating healthy 80% of the time.

Unknown said...

Keep balance in life, buy trying to get up same time every day, go to bed same time, avoid stress, eat breakfast and watche high sugar bring you down in the dump foods..(lol)

Denise said...

I try to get all the sleep I need everyday and cut out the things that would keep me up at night.

Seth said...

Try to exercise as often as possible.

huntcm74 said...

I like to walk and cut out extra sugar

Unknown said...

dotn deny yourself sweets. a mix of healthy and unhealthy is ok.

dani marie ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I try to meditate so that I can have some quiet time/space for myself.

Unknown said...

I am not sure I do have balance in my life, I am always stressed with a full time job and kids and a house, but I do try to take a long walk every day and think about nice things, that helps me destress before bedtime.

Unknown said...

I keep balance by prioritizing things I need to do.

susie said...

Try to be stress free. thx

Unknown said...

I pray as much as possible and try to get enough sleep.

Cori Westphal said...

I think it's very important to have quiet time. Whether it's a walk all by yourself, a hot bath, or staying up late with a good book. Take time to just be alone, and enjoy the silence!

coriwestphal at msn dot com

- Epic Fail said...

The best way I keep balanced is using my time wisely. Equal time for workouts, family time, school work.

Jessica Rose
ijessica_r at yahoo dot com

Lisa said...

I make sure to have some me time each day

cheryl lister said...

relax and have a cup of tea and some dark chocolate

Sherry said...

I try not to let everyday life get to me and I spend at least a day a week just relaxing with a good book and some alone time.

Marti B. said...

Remember that I can't actually do it ALL by myself.

Miss Sarah said...

Getting enough sleep and making sure to get some exercise sure helps!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Desert Survivor said...

Sleep, exercise, laughter, play, prayer, and not taking life too seriously!

Lainey said...

I try to keep balance by spending time with my family
Elaine C
elaineneal389(at)hotmail(dot)com

Paula V said...

Focus and determination to keep it balanced...a continue work in progress.

katfam95 said...

I'm constantly striving to find ways to make my life easier and more efficient. I usually do a pretty good job of keeping things from getting crazy.

Jen lleras said...

I stay organized so I can keep my self balanced

Denise S. said...

I pay attention to a variety of interests each day instead of getting stressing about any one of them.

Valerie Taylor Mabrey said...

just have to tell myself that time for me is really time for the family since I would be happier
vmkids3 at msn dot com

Unknown said...

When my big kids are at school and my 3 yr old takes a nap, I take one, too.

Kat said...

I strive to stay present in the moment

deniseyweesy said...

My tip is to count your blessings

Katie said...

make time for yourself!

Heidi Reads... said...

If I go to bed at a decent hour and fit in some exercise, I have more energy to handle everything else with a good mood.

lisa c said...

peanut butter

KrazeKatLady said...

I make eating right my main priority.

Karen said...

I try to make sure I occasionally take time for myself.

sparkedcat said...

I do yoga to keep balance

Unknown said...

I stop, breath deeply & just think of me for at least 1 minute a day. You would be surprised how refreshing this can be.

Tricia316 said...

I take time every day to count the blessings in my life. Being grateful for these things keeps my life in balance and perspective.
Tricia Andrews

Unknown said...

say the serenity prayer,,,and sometimes its narrowed down to ,,,please God, help me do whats right!!

webwalking1 said...

I am trying to balance being a stay at home mom and a grandam

Melissa O. said...

I don't have balance in my life so I don't know how useful any tip from me would be. I am working on controlling my anxiety through prayer.

Unknown said...

I try to balance my life with "me time". It is important to take time for yourself to help deal with the everyday stresses.
donovandiva61269@aol.com

Teresa Thompson said...

Daily yoga sessions, eating right and maintaining an emotional balance.

Becca Ann said...

I keep balance by exercising and eating healthy

Sara said...

I keep balance by eating healthy

Unknown said...

I have sleepapna so trying to lose weight

Unknown said...

I have sleepapna so trying to lose weight

Rusthawk said...

I keep balance by getting enough sleep and eating well, and spending time doing things I enjoy that ease my stress

Anonymous said...

All things in moderation

brendaelsner said...

I try to take time out for myself.

tiffanynichole89 said...

to get balance in my life i make sure to exercise and get enough sleep

lilyk said...

My tip for keeping balance in my life is to keep things in moderation.

Lisa Ehrman said...

having "Margin" read the book, it's awesome

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