The Sunday Review- 1st Step Pro-Wellness & EpiCor (and a giveaway!)

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.  Welcome to the first edition of the “Sunday Review”.

OK truth be told, I think I may have used this post title before, but just go with it.  I’ve decided to put a little structure into my blog efforts, and therefore, product reviews will now be posted on Sunday nights.  Unless I decide to post them on another day, in which case, you can just ignore the previous statement.  I’m horrible with with schedules.  

(Exhibit A: it is currently 9:00 pm, and I’m just now typing this post, so you will likely read the Sunday review on Monday.  See what I’m saying? Horrible)

Tonight’s review includes supplements with a CONTEST at the end.  So stick it out, kids.

Intro aside, let’s talk about this nasty “flu” going around.  New England appears to be one big germ factory between the months of October through May, and typically, I become victim to any and all viruses that are going around.    All of my coworkers have been sick for weeks: coughing, hacking, generally miserable.  It’s pretty gnarly, and makes me avoid breathing within a 3 foot radius of ANY of them.  

SOMEHOW, I’ve managed to avoid this nasty bug. I hate to even tell you that, for fear of jinxing myself and waking up with a fever and cough tomorrow morning.  But for sake of sharing: so far, I’m healthy.  I attribute it to a few things:

1) Exercise.  Dur.

2) Healthy eating (97.53 % of the time.  I blame the other 2.47% on the fact that I live in New England, and it’s a regional mandate that one MUST partake in Dunkin Donuts. )

3) Supplements.  No, not the chemical junk.  The good stuff.  Sure, supplements are not ideal, in theory it would be best if we could all obtain ALL of our necessary vitamins and nutrients from whole food sources. But since we can’t, supplements can have their place for many of us. Having recently converted to a vegetarian, I’m finding that I have to pay even MORE attention to what I eat. The boyfriend works for an all natural (almost all organic but I don’t think I’m allowed to legally call them organic) supplement company, and adding some natural remedies into my diet has really helped me.   In addition to that, I’ve had the opportunity to try some new products, two of which I’m going to share with you…..right now.

1st Step Pro- Wellness Liquid Vitamin B12 Complex

What they say: At 1st Step Pro-Wellness, we are redefining what natural, great tasting energy means – stripping the mentality that energy needs to come from drinks full of sugar, caffeine, artificial flavorings and a line-up of unrecognizable ingredients. Our 99% pure pharmaceutical-grade B-12 complex begins quickly converting food into energy to give you the everyday energy you need, while helping to enhance your mental health over time.

What I say: just like the 5 hour energy shots, or my ex-beloved-carbonated-energy drinks…without all the junk.  Easy to take, gave me a boost of energy, no crash at the end of the day.  The only complaint I have is that they are almost TOO sweet.  The flavors: natural cherry and tropical (combination of passion fruit, mango, and papaya) are tasty…just very, very sweet.  Certainly better than the alternative: tasting like crap.

Now this isn’t something I take everyday, but it is convenient to keep in my backpack or my locker at work, for when I start to feel lethargic or just need a mid day pick me up. 

Want to give 1st Step Pro-Wellness a try?  Here is a $4.00 off coupon they gave me to share with my readers!

According to them: EpiCor is an all-natural nutritional health ingredient used in dietary supplements that helps support the immune system. It is a unique, complex ingredient comprised of protein, fiber, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and other metabolites. Taken daily, EpiCor has been shown to be a safe and effective way to help support immune health and maintain wellness. Unlike many other immune health ingredients on the market, EpiCor does not stimulate or “boost” the body’s immune system; it balances it. A balanced immune system makes the appropriate response at the right time. EpiCor is clinically proven to be a safe and effective way to help support immune health for year-round health and wellness. As with most things in life, balance is best.  

FYI: it contains no salt, wheat, gluten, corn, soy protein, preservatives, artificial coloring, or flavoring.

What I have to say:  I added it into my morning vitamin/supplement routine about a month ago, and I haven’t gotten sick yet.  End of story. I really have no other way to review this product.  Is it to thank for keeping me healthy? Maybe, maybe not.  But I repeat: I have avoided the flu. And even the Governor of our next door neighbor, Massachusetts, declared a state of emergency because of the flu.  I mean, everyone is sick.  Except for me.  Which, for this girl, is a flipping miracle.  Thus, I’m going to continue taking it, and add this into the regular Run Faster Mommy daily routine.

Here is the best part:  my friends at EpiCor have offered up an EPIC giveaway to one lucky reader:  5 cases of FRS Healthy Defense (containing EpiCor) for one person, a prize worth over $150! (quite frankly, I’m jealous. I want some!)   

A little more about FRS Healthy Defense:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: Although I am an ACSM HFS, please consult a physician before beginning any diet or exercise plan. If you choose to do any of the workouts or take any of the supplements featured on this website, you do so at your own risk.