(Note: If you want to get straight to the fudge, scroll all the way down)

Now, I spent the majority of this past weekend at The CrossFit Games Northern California Regionals cheering on some of my best friends who competed both on teams and as individuals.

I’ll tell you what, if you ever want to be inspired, go to a CrossFit competition. The athletes are unlike any you’ll ever see, stopping to take pictures, shake hands, and smile immediately after a grueling event; the community of fans are some of the fittest and most supportive on earth; and everyone is hot (and I am not talking temperature-wise).

The outpouring of support from our NorCal CrossFit community’s SEA OF BLUE was inspiring, and I know Jason, Molly, Garrett, and both teams appreciated the love. Nothing beats seeing the community come together like that! Jason made us especially proud with this interview, explaining what CrossFit is really all about, before going on to win the Region.

After all of the commotion of the weekend (which required me to leave in the middle of the day all three days to go home and manage my pain), I went in for an epidural and multiple cortisone injections Monday morning. I’ll be in bed for 3 days and will be pretty achy until the cortisone begins to work its magic, but I am excited to be on a path to recover, and my friends and family have been amazingly supportive. Rusty is seriously my rock,

After the chaos that has been the last 4 days, I’m going to explain my weekend in photos because words might not do it justice, and I am not thinking 100% clearly right now. Here’s what I loved…

A whole weekend with this guy….

the kick ass NorCal CrossFit sea of blue…

the fact that my friends are stronger than yours…. Molly Vollmer finished the weekend with class, holding a top 20 spot even with a hurt ankle and not being able to complete the final two workouts…. watch out 2015!

watching the most badass momma I know and one of my best friends ever get back in the game…

watching these guys break records to earn their ticket to The 2014 CrossFit Games in Carson! (photo cred to Ali)

witnessing pure joy… (photo cred to Ali)

that these guys also made NorCal proud and had a blast while doing it…

getting quality time with my best friend and wife of the year….

the chance to see two of my best friends fight it out in the coolest workout of the weekend for first place with an amazing comeback for Wes Piatt… (photo cred to Ali)

and when this happened…

Pretty much sums it up!

And now for the nutrition tip for today! It’s actually more of a review for a new product That I found that I absolutely love. Fittingly, it’s called Love Bean Fudge, and I’m hooked. I bought the Essentially Raw (to get the most out of the superfoods), which you can order HERE.

WHAT’S IN IT: 

(Full ingredients and nutrition facts)

healthy fats, antioxidant rich cacao (superfood), and NOTHING processed (hence the “raw”)

need I say more? So here is how I used it….

WHAT YOU DO:

Blend and enjoy! [/recipe]

Some other fun ways include…..

Enjoying over Luna and Larry’s coconut ice cream:

Annnnd by the spoonful….

This stuff is loaded with healthy fats and it is DELICIOUS! I find it to be a great way to take care of any sweet tooth while actually staying very clean and not skyrocketing my insulin…. especially the essentially raw version, which isn’t even sweetened.

Here are a few words from the kick ass creator:

“Lovebean is in the business of pure and potent chocolate. We use only 100% Organic ingredients in our spreads and we always sweeten with delicious low-glycemic Coconut Nectar. Since our products are Virgin Coconut Oil-based not only are they a healthier option to your typical chocolate spreads and bars, but this allows the texture to vary from thick and creamy when cooler to completely liquid and perfect for dipping when warmer. You’ve never had so much fun with chocolate!”

Enjoy! I get nothing for posting about this stuff… I just like sharing products I genuinely love with all of you. Have a great week everyone! I’ll be over here recovering in bed and eating Love Bean Fudge….

At least I have great company…