FOODS I EAT AND AVOID WHEN I FLY

The facts are facts. You bloat when you fly. It was kind of eye opening for me when I was a brand new flight attendant and a senior mama pointed out a water bottle to me and said something along the lines of, “see that? That’s your body right now,” as the water bottle expanded before our eyes. I realized then that I am sacrificing a lot for this job. Being punished for eating veggies and hummus? ABSURD. But this is my life, and I want to share with you what I eat and avoid when I fly to feel good when I land.

EAT EAT EAT

  • GREENS! This one is kind of a no brainer. There are so many vitamins we get from greens so whether it’s a $10 green juice from the airport, packed salad from home, or greens tablets (Amazing Grass makes great ones), get em in!
  • Berries. They are full of vitamins and are such a hydrating fruit. Perfect to snack on midflight.
  • Citrus. Vitamin C + hydration. Winner winner chicken dinner.
  • Melon. Another hydrating fruit. Noticing a pattern here?
  • Cucumber. Eat you water!
  • Charcoal. Detoxify as you fly.
  • Ginger. Ever notice why ginger ale is such a popular beverage on flights? It’s great for your tummy! Bring ginger tea to avoid all the sugar.
  • Turmeric. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, I like to sprinkle a bit over veggies (+black pepper to activate the curcumin) or have a golden milk latte midflight!
  • No-legume dips. Listen. I love hummus as much as the next person. In fact, so much that I will sacrifice stomachaches for it sometimes. But the more I fly, the more I realize it’s not worth it, especially not on long flights. I’d rather opt for other dips that are just as good! Bitchin Sauce and Baba Ghanouj are some of my favorites! Kite Hill makes awesome dairy-free dips too.
  • Coconut water. It’s got a lot of electrolytes and great for extra hydration.
  • Kraut. Your digestive system gets confused when you fly, so one of the best things you could do is pay extra attention to your gut!
  • Gluten free oats. I love having oats because it leaves me feeling satiated which keeps me from mindless snacking. (Pro tip: prep your oats in a jar, then ask your flight attendant for hot water! That way you can create your own dream oats and avoid added sugars.)

AVOID AVOID AVOID

  • Legumes. It’s tragic, I know. Especially being plant based. Beans, lentils, chickpeas – I’ll see you when I land.
  • Cruciferous vegetables. Now this is just cruel. We are being punished for eating veggies and it sucks. But here’s the thing – broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, arugula, and cauliflower have fibers and raffinose which cause extreme bloating. And that is no bueno when you fly.
  • Carbonated beverages. I stopped drinking soda awhile ago, but I also stopped drinking sparkling water a little bit ago because of the bloat caused by little air bubbles. Think about it. You’re basically drinking air!
  • Dairy. I don’t consume dairy often anyway, but I especially try to avoid it when I fly because it upsets my stomach.

I should also add that I am not a nutritionist or a professional. For the past five years, my body has been a real life experiment and this is just what works for me. Also note that you should drink A LOT of water. More than you think you’d need. I also love to add FLIGHTFŪD to my water when I fly! I’ve noticed that when I take it, I land less bloated and fatigue. It’s like magic. As always, I hope this helps!! All the (gut) love.

TRAVEL SMART FOR THE HOLIDAYS

‘Tis the season! Between family, friends, work, and extra time to vacation, we’re here, there, and everywhere. I love working this time of year because it warms my heart seeing families reunited. Hearing stories about why people are traveling: whose grandparents we’re visiting to introduce baby to or what our unaccompanied minors are most looking forward to when visiting dad. It’s so special to be a small part of the journey. This time of year also brings new travelers and I just thought I’d share some tips to traveling smart this time of year (but also all the time).

  • Get to the airport early to fill your water bottle, get food, and use the restroom all before your flight. Plus, it’s nice to not be rushed!
  • Plan ahead if you have dietary restrictions and/or allergies. Pack what works for you and never assume the airport/airline will have a gluten free, vegan, kosher, nondairy, keto, whole 30, etc option.
  • Ask friends for music, podcast, movie, and book recommendations and come prepared with pre-downloaded material. Don’t forget your headphones!
  • Give yourself more than enough time for connecting flights to save yourself the stress later.
  • Essential oils work wonders for nausea, stomachaches, headaches. Just be mindful of others.
  • Have empathy and patience for airport employees, airline employees, your fellow travelers, and yourself. You don’t know what someone is going through and everyone will be much happier that way.
  • Stay hydrated and bring your favorite snacks!
  • Pack leftovers after visiting family and friends. You’re allowed to bring any food items with the exception of things like yogurt and soup.
  • Please and thank you goes a long way. Be courteous with your seat mate, cab drivers, hotel staff, flight attendants, gate agents, and TSA agents. So many people sacrifice family time to work during the holidays.
  • Don’t forget to pack your vitamins! Keeping your routines consistent is important especially to combat jet lag.
  • Extra supplements I like to take while flying are: Flight Fūd (inflight elixir, helps fight fatigue, jet lag, and other negative side effects of flying), greens tablets (I like the ones from Amazing Grass, Nuun (boost of hydration), and ginger tea to help aid digestion. These are not necessary but I’ve noticed a difference in how I feel when I land especially after long flights.
  • If you are an anxious flyer, check out my previous blog post written for anxious flyers here.

As always, I’m here for you! You can best reach me via DMs at @kaleintheclouds. Fly safe, fly happy, and fly smart. All the love.

POST FLIGHT SELF CARE

Traveling is probably my most favorite thing to do in the world, but flying is EXHAUSTING. As a flight attendant, I fly more than the average person and after years of doing this, I’ve finally figured out what works for me. I am also going to be sharing ideas via my Instagram friends too!

  • Going outside for some fresh air. I always feel so much better going outside after a long flight! Think about that recycled air – yikes!
  • Grounding. This is a new concept for me, but I am loving it! Grounding means to walk around outside BARE FOOT. Sounds weird, but it’s seriously the coolest and most relaxing feeling.
  • Hydrate. I like to stay hydrated while I fly, and luckily enough, being stuck in the middle or window seat is not an issue. Just remember to continue drinking water post flight because flying is super wearing on your body! The best way to “detox” is to hydrate. You don’t need fancy wellness shots, I swear.
  • Stay active while still listening to my body. After flying, most days I crave a walk or a good sweaty workout in the gym. Other days, I just want to crawl into bed. I try my best to honor my body.
  • Eating a nourishing meal and anti-inflammatory foods. Flying can mean snacking on things you don’t usually eat, and THAT’S OKAY. But after flying, I like to try and make sure that I am taking care of my body by consuming foods that make me FEEL GOOD. For me, that’s hydrating foods (cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon) and anti-inflammatory foods (greens, veggies cooked with turmeric and black pepper, nuts). I also love having smoothies after flights because it’s easier to digest.
  • Gua sha! I love to gua sha every morning but lately I’ve been using my gua sha after flights as well. It gives me a good reason to wash my face, apply nourishing skin serums and oils, then giving my face a little TLC. Gua sha is known to relieve pain, tension, and puffiness!

Other suggestions via IG friends:

  • “I drink a lot of coconut water to replenish electrolytes lost from working! And take a hot shower and relax with essential oils”
  • “Go to the gym and sweat it all out!”
  • “Throw on a face and hair mask, dance it out, journal, and hot shower”
  • “Epsom salt bath and legs up on the wall. Non negotiable”
  • “Shower and then read a good book”
  • “HYDRATE. And shower”
  • “Put on fresh sheets if I’m going home!!”
  • “Go for a long walk outdoors”
  • “I drink sooo much water when I get home after my trips and try to do yoga or exercise!”
  • “Wine. Lots of it.” (same)
  • “Shower!! I always feel so greasy after flights especially long ones”
  • “Thinking about what’s good to eat there!!” (also same)
  • “Drink loads of water and use rose toner spray. Eeeeks dry skin”
  • “Cryotherapy- esp helps with jet lag”
  • “Shower and skin care routine!”
  • “Sleep. I also like journaling and meditating, and skincare”
  • “Immediately unpack, do laundry, and get things put back where they belong”
  • “Take a nap! Because I probs needed 2 Xanax and a wine to get on the plane in the first place” (lol you go brave little toaster!)
  • “Def get fresh air, try to put my toes in the sand/ocean”

Hope this helps, my little gypsies! Safe travels and all the love.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT MUST HAVES (FOOD/HEALTH)

We all know how exhausting flying can be. Imagine doing it for a living!! Yep, I chose this life and I have no regrets. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get tired, fatigue, or jet lagged. There is no magic pill when it comes to traveling and every trip is different. Here are some things I like to keep on hand to make life a little easier, smoother, and more stress-free.

  • coffee – 3am wake ups are no joke. I love Bulletproof’s cold brew because it’s convenient, hassle free, SUGAR FREE but still tasty, and their packaging is recyclable which is super important to me.
  • greens – preferably in tabs because they pack well. I love the ones from Amazing Grass!
  • collagen sticks – I take collage daily because it helps with my joints (I like to run and do HIIT workouts) and because I open so many soda cans, I need my nails to be hella strong.
  • ginger and peppermint tea – both aid digestion. Flying always throws my digestion off.
  • healthy snacks – this goes without saying. Fruits, veggies, nuts, the less processed the better! But sometimes I will opt for a high fiber, high protein bar with low sugar.
  • charcoal pills – helps with bloating on the plane.
  • propolis throat spray – to help prevent sickness! I use it the second I feel off.
  • apple cider vinegar – so many benefits to taking ACV daily! I always have some in a little reusable jar.
  • adaptogens – I love carrying ashwagandha on me. It really helps me cope with stress!

*pro tip: stay hydrated, chew slowly, avoid carbonated beverages, and only eat when you’re hungry to avoid bloat! Our bodies bloat naturally when we fly but doing these things will prevent from maximum bloatage.

Hope you found this useful! All of the love and safest of travels!

SUGAR DETOX RECAP (+ RECIPES!)

I just wanted to check in with you guys and share my experience doing a 7-day sugar detox (for the first time!) inspired by Rachael’s Good Eats. After reading her blog post on the 7-day sugar detox, I decided to give it a shot. How bad could it be right? As some of you may know, I’ve fallen into the trap of many cleanses in the past. My last cleanse was regrettably a juice cleanse and it was a bit of a disaster. However after educating myself so much more, I decided this sugar detox would be a great reset for me. The idea of maintaining your blood sugar levels is something that should be a part of your daily life – I learned this after reading Body Love by Kelly Leveque (highly recommend read). I find that avoiding sugars in the morning (replacing with healthy fats and protein instead), helps me stay energized, satisfied, and keeps me from crashing. IE: instead of having a bowl of fruit for breakfast, I’d have avocado toast or a Fab 4 Smoothie (Kelly’s Leveque’s signature swear by shake – contains protein, fat, greens, and fiber).

So since I don’t have a ton of sugar on the regs, this detox wasn’t extremely difficult for me. However, I STILL struggled every now and then but more so in social settings. It also tested my will power  when I got packages in the mail with new treats to try out from incredibly generous and wonderful companies. Confession: I actually slipped my first day because I totally forgot I was even doing the detox until I was reading the amount of sugar was in each serving. Yikes!

WHAT WORKED

Out of sight, out of mind! I found that my cravings would go away if I just avoided the sugary aisles at the grocery store. This was extremely hard though with all the holiday baking posts on Instagram. Although I will say it did get easier as the week went on!

The benefits? Personally, I experienced no crash and I didn’t have craving. This also meant less snacking! My grapefruit tasted like candy and that in itself was pretty incredible.

WHAT HELPED

Here are some quick tips if you’re looking to try a sugar detox:

  • Using pomegranate seeds in salads – just a little sprinkle but it was so satisfying!
  • Berries in oats/smoothies. They’re not as sweet as bananas and  I actually prefer the tartness in berries over bananas.
  • Bulletproof chocolate with nut butter. I craved chocolate more than I craved anything else! This is sugar detox friendly and did the trick.
  • Eating small portions of fruit and then seeing if my body wanted more before investing in the entire piece. I did this with grapefruit especially and at most, I had half at a time.
  • Cacao and cinnamon everything! For all of my chocolate lovers, it will help so much.
  • Bulletproof matcha/coffee. I prefer my coffee black anyway so by adding some brain octane and healthy fats into my morning drink, I start my day off on a good start. I tried to avoid having fruit first thing in the morning because I didn’t want it to make me feel like I needed more.
  • Lee From America’s coconut fat balls! SO DELISH.
  • Again, out of sight out of mind! If there’s a plate of cookies in front of you, move it or walk away. Don’t let it taunt you!

RECIPES

Here are some quick recipes that became staples this week! Honestly, they have become combinations of things that I enjoy and prefer them over sugary alternatives.

NO FRUIT PROTEIN SHAKE

  • 2 scoops collagen peptides (I used Vital Proteins)
  • steamed purple sweet potato
  • Trader Joes frozen kombocha squash
  • spinach
  • 2 tbsp flax meal
  • 1 tbsp cacao powder (I used Navitas Organics)
  • 2 tsp açaí powder (I used Sari Foods Company)
  • 1 tsp ashwaghandam (I used Maju Superfoods)
  • topped with Lee from America’s coconut fat ball, bee pollen, and cinnamon

QUICK POST WORKOUT SHAKE

  • 2 scoops collagen peptides
  • 2 tbsp cacao powder
  • 2 tbsp flax meal
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

OVERNIGHT OATS

  • 1/4 cup rolled oats (I used Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 1 scoop collagen peptides
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp cacao powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Lee from America’s fat ball
  • sprinkle of blackberries
  • water

Final verdict? YES. DO IT. I am already excited to do this again in January. I felt so good after the week was through and although I thought I’d be so excited to have sugar again… I didn’t. I woke up the next morning and made my Bulletproof matcha and added one scoop of Terra Origin’s Greens Superfoods in mint and it was SO SWEET. I couldn’t believe it. My taste buds were totally in heaven. Also wanted to note, before I started the detox I wanted to bake EVERY treat on my IG feed, but now I don’t have much of a desire to. Part of that is due to laziness but I just don’t have that crazy desire to anymore.

Have you guys tried a sugar detox? I know it’s not for everyone but I’d love to know what you think!

GIFT GUIDE FOR EVERY SPICE IN YOUR LIFE

The holidays are just around the corner and what better time to create a gift guide than now with all the hot deals going on? Here are some of my favorites for every spice in your life.

SPORTY SPICE

  1. adidas by Stella McCartney Yoga Bag ($110) // This collection is insanely gorgeous and one of the best things you could get someone is something they might hesitate splurging on. Save $20 using coupon code “SCORE”
  2. Healthy Human Life Stainless Steel Bottle 32 oz ($34.99) // These bottles are such amazing quality and I take mine everywhere with me. And I love that there’s every color under the sun! Use coupon code “STOCKUP” for 20% your purchase.
  3. The Balance Collection Textured Roller ($21.97) // I just recently got one of these and it changed my life! The textures on the foam roller gives you a more intense massage than your standard foam roller. You can find this baby at Nordstrom Rack and save some moolah!

HEALTHY SPICE

  1. Bulletproof Brain Octane ($23.50) // Just one of those things you aren’t sure about but would secretly squeal over if found under the tree. I once was skeptical but this stuff is amazing. And now, you can save 20% off sitewide!
  2. Pearl Butter ($19.99) // These adaptogenic butters are not only great for you, but you can also release your inner Jackson Pollock using them too! I’ve seen some pretty sick creations on Instagram and am dying to get my hands on them myself! Use coupon code “GRATEFUL” for free shipping or my friend’s code “ANDAPINCHOFLOVE” for 20% off!
  3. Sun Potion Adaptogens from ($25.57) // These adaptogenic powders will give your smoothies, coffees, matcha lattes, etc. an extra UMF. A little pricey (but worth it) so it’s always exciting to receive! My favorites are ashwaghanda, cordyceps, reishi, and chaga! And guess what? They’re currently all on sale!

GIRLY SPICE

  1. Cocokind Holiday Basics Beauty Set ($49.99) // Gift sets make for the perfect gift come holiday season because you end up saving so much on these bundles. Cocokind is a brand I discovered via some of my favorite bloggers and since using their products, I’ve never looked back. Their products are all organic and natural. And you guessed it. The gift sets are all on sale!
  2. Glossier Cloud Paint Quad ($55) // Glossier has been a cult favorite in the online beauty community for a little while now and with reason! I love that they believe in skincare before anything else. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about these Cloud Paints, helping you achieve that natural blush all while being hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, paraben free, fragrance free, and cruelty free. Currently 20% off and free shipping sitewide!
  3. Julep Beauty Box ($39.98 for two months) // Fun fact: I used to work at Julep! I always loved the concept behind subscription boxes and Julep is unique in that you have the option of logging into your account and picking out your goodies every month. I’ve always loved that about Julep because how many times have you received a subscription box and gave away half of it? With Julep’s monthly Maven box, your girly spice can pick out what she wants! No sale, but seriously so cool.

JETSETTIN’ SPICE

  1. Fresh Nourishing Naturals Lip Duo ($25) // As a flight attendant, I especially know first hand how drying traveling can be. Your jet setter will appreciate you so much for this. Valued at $36, this is a steal!
  2. ClassPass (starting at $50) // I’ve been eyeing ClassPass for quite some time! I absolutely love the concept and get this – your traveling pal will get to drop into any classes offered in the system in ANY city with no extra charge! How cool is that?
  3. Amazing Grass Effervescent ($47.94 for a pack of 6) // I discovered these at the checkout stand at Whole Foods and it’s now one of my holy grail items. In just one tablet, you’ve got one serving of fruits and veggies. So convenient to just pop into your water bottle and get those nutrients in, especially when it’s not as easy to when you’re on the go. I love the berry flavor and plan on restocking with this sale they’ve got going! Currently on sale for 40% off plus free shipping using code “FRIDAY40”. Comes out to $4 a tube versus $10 at Whole Foods!

MAMA SPICE

  1. Groupon // I had my bestie in mind writing this. She’s going to be a new mom pretty soon and the first thing I thought of? MANIS AND PEDIS. Anything to make her feel special and give her a little break, even if it’s just an hour to herself. Purchase your vouchers on Groupon to save tons of money this holiday season.
  2. Sun Basket (starting at $80) // Takeout for new parents has got to be the best invention ever, but Sun Basket makes it easy to stay healthy while still cutting a lot of the time. They offer diet-friendly subscriptions whether you’re a vegetarian or paleo, there’s something for everybody. The best part is, these meals take only 30 minutes to make! Any new parent would appreciate this so much. Use code “BALANCED” for $35 off your purchase, courtesy of The Balanced Blonde!
  3. Everly Grey During & After Maternity Sleepwear Set (on sale from $67.38) // HOW CUTE IS THIS?! I don’t think there are truly any words for how precious (and maybe cheesy but whatevs) it is to see mama bear matching with her cub. These sets are currently on sale at Nordstrom.

I absolutely love shopping for my friends and family, especially this time of year. Hope this gift guide helps you in some way, even if it’s just planting an idea in your head with fun subscription boxes or introducing you to some of my favorite brands! Til next time, loves.

WHAT’S IN MY CARRY ON BAG – HEALTH AND BEAUTY EDITION

I’m currently sitting inside Caffe Nero at the airport, waiting for my sister to arrive so we can push start on our annual family trip! Another pinch me moment. I feel so lucky that my sister and I both have jobs that allow for traveling as often as we do, and getting to take mom with us is just another big bonus! I remember the day I got hired as a flight attendant, the first thing I thought of was how excited I was to give back to my mom and everything she’s sacrificed for me and my sister. /FEELS.

So today, I wanted to show you guys what I packed in my carry on – health and beauty related. Let’s jump in!

  1. Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask
    • What better time to use a face mask than on a 10 hour flight? And with sheet masks, you’ve got no clean up!
  2. Cocokind Skincare Matcha and Turmeric Sticks
    • Matcha is great for your undereye area, especially after a long flight. I also love using it as lip balm and on dry patches, as well as on my cuticles. The turmeric stick is amazing for skin recovery. While the cabin’s dark, paint your face with this yellow magic wand and remove with a wet cotton pad 30 min. later. Pro tip: I like to leave mine on longer, mostly cause I hate going into the lavatory. Ha!
  3. Kiehl’s Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist
    • Officially my holy grail. I had a stuffy nose and EVERYTHING felt so dry and so uncomfortable. With a few spritz of this guy, I immediately felt so much better.
  4. Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
    • I like to pack heavier moisturizers for flights. Your skin will thank you for it later!
  5. Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector Serum
    • Skincare is so important, especially on long flights. Perfect time to pack on serums, especially since I don’t wear makeup on long flights.
  6. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
    • See above!
  7. Clear Eyes Triple Action Eye Drops
    • I also have a case of dry eyes, so you better believe these are a MUST on flights.
  8. Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment
    • When I’m breaking out, I like to dab on a spot treatment in needed areas. This guy was my life saver this flight.
  9. The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer 
    • I think this one’s self explanatory!
  10. Tony Moly Magic Food Banana Hand Milk
    • I make it a habit to use hand cream after every hand wash. The hand soap on airplanes are super drying!
  11. Supergoop! Mint Fusion Lip Balm
    • Always a good idea to lather your lips with a good lip balm when flying.
  12. C.O. Bigelow Mouthwash
    • Packing travel size mouthwash for a quick pick me up is always a good thing. No regrets, that’s for sure!

Notes:

  • Being inflight is SO DRYING. Make sure to pack lots of moisturizers and balms for your skin and lips.
  • Try to avoid wearing makeup if you can, so you can really pamper yourself with a skincare regimen.
  • Now is a good time to bring those samples  you’ve been meaning to try! I get a ton of samples from my Sephora Play monthly subscription box and I love bringing serums and creams from my boxes. It’s easy to dispose of and will lighten your load throughout your trip.

  1. Healthy Human Life Water Bottle
    • Always bring a reusable water bottle! Not only are you doing good for the environment but, life hack: you can always ask your flight attendant to fill your water up for you. Free water beats $5 water bottles at the airport. I love that mine can double up as a blender bottle as well! Get your own Healthy Human Life water bottle with a discount using my coupon code: KALEIC10
  2. Rootz Nutrition Paleo Protein-Superfood mixed with Further Food Collagen Peptides
    • Being on the go means it’s harder to get all your nutrients in. That’s why I love combining my favorite protein powder (contains SO MANY superfoods) plus collagen peptides for more protein and benefits. Rootz Nutrition coupon code: KALEINTHECLOUDS & Further Food coupon code: KALEINTHECLOUDS10
  3. Eating Evolved Coconut Butter Cups
    • My favorite chocolate! Perfect sweet treat with minimal ingredients. Makes resisting candy at the airport checkouts so easy.
  4. Square Organics Protein Bars
    • Absolutely love these bars. They’re basically a candy bar in protein bar form – AND ORGANIC. What could be better? Square Organics coupon code: KALEINTHECLOUDS
  5. Emergen-C
    • I always pack Emergen-C with me when I’m traveling. Traveling is already so hard on your body. Think about the jet lag, lack of sleep, but also all the germs at the airports and on the plane. Take note from a flight attendant!
  6. Yogi Tea [Skin Detox, Immune Support, Probiotic Balance]
    • My favorite teas! These three are bound to keep you in tip top shape.
  7. Amazing Grass Green Superfood Tabs
    • A. MUST. I bought this on a whim at the checkout at Whole Foods, and I’m so glad I did. Each tab contains one serving of vegetables and fruit. You add it to your water and that’s it! It even tastes yummy!
  8. Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bar
    • Just discovered these and I won’t go back. They’re packed with quality ingredients and keep me satisfied, all while containing the benefits of collagen (check out my last blog post for more info).
  9. Kyolic Kyo-Dophilus Digestion and Immune Health Probiotic Supplement 
    • I take these every day so it’s definitely going in my carry on bag.
  10. Trader Joe’s Ginger and Turmeric Tea
    • My favorite tea when I’m feeling blah.
  11. Golden Root Turmeric Latte Mix
    • A sweet treat with all the benefits of turmeric! I literally CRAVE these.
  12. RX Bar
    • One of my favorite protein bars, so it’s gotta come with! They taste like bliss balls but in bar form!
  13. Zipfizz
    • With jet lag, I love keeping these on me for some quick B12 vitamins. It gives me just enough energy to keep going – and no crash!

Notes:

  • I’m not getting paid to promote any of these brands. They are brands I truly enjoy on a daily basis and get to share with my friends for a discounted price! Score!
  • Packing your own sweets and snacks makes it easy to not give into temptation at the airport. Make sure to pack your FAVORITES so you know the love is real.
  • Always pack your daily vitamins. Traveling is already hard enough on your body so you want to try to keep everything else consistent.
  • Packing your own tea is a good penny pincher life hack. It’s also a great way to take a little piece of home with you!

Hope you guys find this useful! Safe travels to all you on the go babes.

COLLAGEN YEPTIDES + NATURAL PRE-WORKOUT ELIXIR RECIPE

Okay, kind of dying at this punny title, for real. I hopped on this collagen peptides wagon several months ago and I feel like I’ve hit jackpot. How is it that I’ve JUST discovered something so incredible? For those skeptical or curious, I also want to admit that I, too, was a skeptic. I thought it was just another health fad. Before making my first purchase, I did A LOT of research. I read every tl;dr caption on Instagram about them. I looked up the top brands that I could find and read a ton of reviews. I did this for months, then I flew with a flight attendant who swore by them. I guess I just needed to hear personal experience from someone in person because that day, I went home and placed an order on Amazon.

Let me tell you firsthand that the benefits of collagen peptides are insane. Here are just some of them that really resonate with me.

  • Healthier immune and digestive systems
  • Reduces joint pain
  • Reduces wrinkles and cellulite
  • Supports hair growth, nail growth, clear skin
  • Contains amino acids that help muscle recovery
  • Contains protein, give your morning latte or smoothie an extra UMPH.

Since the day I got ’em, I have been taking collagen peptides daily in my morning smoothies and have noticed these benefits. It’s unbelievable. One of the most incredible benefits that I noticed was when I was training for my half marathon. I was able to run longer with less discomfort in my joints. The day of the run, I hit my PR of 2 hours and 27 minutes. Not to mention, my recovery was quicker and smoother than my last half marathon. Crazy, right?

My skin has also cleared up since using collagen peptides. Growing up, I was always very insecure about my skin. My skin scars easily so with every breakout, I’d deal with the aftermath, which was even more troubling than acne itself. It was frustrating. My favorite foundation was Estée Lauder’s Double Wear, a very high coverage foundation that made me feel comfortable because it covered every little scar. Anyone out there feel me? Now, I can confidently say that I enjoy no makeup days. Since seeing such improvement in my skin, I ditched my high coverage foundation for It Cosmetics’ CC Cream. Some days I only use it as spot treatment on my acne scars. Seeing my skin clear up has been a huge confidence boost and I’m thrilled to be sharing my “secret.”

Now what the heck is it and how do you have it, you ask? It comes in powder form and dissolves in liquid, can be used in baking recipes, etc. My favorite way to have collagen peptides is by sneaking them in lattes, smoothies, or oats. I find that when I do, I tend to remember to have them every morning. I’m currently obsessed with my pre-workout elixir, MATCHA MUSHROOM LATTES. (Don’t knock it ’til you try it!)

Here’s what you need:

  • 1 scoop collagen peptides (I use Further Food)
  • 1 tsp matcha
  • 1 tsp Bulletproof Brain Octane (or MCT oil)
  • 1/2 tsp Cordyceps (I use Sun Potion)
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice!)

Throw everything into a blender OR you can whisk manually or use a frother. I just got a frother on Amazon for $10. DEALS. Such a great idea for a stocking stuffer (yep, already going there). This latte is a perfect pre-workout elixir that’s made from natural ingredients and packed with a ton of nutrients and benefits from EVERY ingredient. Since weening off C4 (a pre-workout supplement filled with crazy chemicals), I noticed my workouts have become weaker. Since having this matcha mushroom latte, I noticed a boost in energy. It doesn’t feel crazy, I don’t get itchy, but it’s just enough to pull me through a HIIT workout + some weight training. This is real. I feel like I found the Krabby Patty secret formula!

As far as brands go, Further Food is the brand I currently use and I absolutely love their products. Health things can add up to be pretty spendy but their products are affordable and have lasted me so long. They’re a great company made up of friendly people who are passionate about health and wellness, which is something that’s super important to me when I do brand research. I’m a proud brand ambassador of theirs and if you use my code ‘KALEINTHECLOUDS10′, you’ll get a discount on anything on their website! I would never talk up something I don’t feel passionate about so you know this is real.

Do you guys use collagen peptides? What do you like to use them for and what are some of your experiences as far as benefits you’ve noticed? Let me know! If you’re curious and still have more questions, feel free to leave me a comment or e-mail me at kaleintheclouds@gmail.com. I tend to get rambly about things I love so if you’ve made it this far, I love you and hope you have a great day!