In My Bag: Everyday Edition

Going from sweaty to ready in a matter of minutes is a practiced skill set, and one that I’ve got down to a science ever since I’ve started working in the fitness industry.

*Old Navy muscle tee & compression pants; shop this look below:

Oh, the stress over packing one’s handbag in the morning… The struggle, man. It’s so real.

Personally, I’ve come to avoid it entirely. I have one bag that I carry all the time — my convertible backpack). Like a spouse that I don’t have, I’m fully devoted to it so that I’m not rushing around, rifling through zipper pockets, forgetting to pack my favorite Nourish Snacks and losing my damn mind.

(Have I told you guys just how many $75 apartment lock out fees I’ve eaten the cost of this year? My parents will straight up fly to New York and smack me silly if I confess, so let’s just say “a few” and move on quickly. Ask me later.)

Over the past few months, I’ve gotten quite a few questions about whether or not (and how) my lifestyle has drastically changed since becoming a fitness instructor. The answer is a resounding yes (and in many ways), but mainly in three specific areas: (1) What I eat, (2) how I sleep and (3) my overall happiness from spending more time moving and less time in a digital hypnosis.

The happiness factor you can read more about here.

As for sleep, I’m pretty bad at it. Plain and simple. I teach (or workout/cross-train) very early in the morning and do most of my blogging work at night, so I think I essentially take naps every few hours rather than actually laying down to slumber at night. (I know, I know — that’s not good. I’m working on it.)

While my schedule differs day-to-day, there is one factor that’s constant: I survive on the contents of my backpack. Truly.

I’m often running — literally — from class to class (or meeting to meeting), and as a result, my everyday tote has become a bag of mixed tricks; including clean clothes, healthy snacks and electronic essentials.

Sharing the contents, I thought, would be one of the best ways to give you some insight into just how my lifestyle has changed — or evolved, as I like to think of it. (For real, though; these are the actual contents of my bag from this week.)

First, a bit about the bag: It’s waterproof (so perfect for days in which it’s raining sideways); plus, it has a hundred pockets for all of my random shit. It’s sold out (sorry!), but there’s lots of similar options at Zappos. Athleta also has some really cute, affordable gym bag styles — but I’m considering saving up for this Rebecca Minkoff backpack. That color! I need it.

Anyway, time to spill the deets — err, contents. Let’s do it:

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REFUEL

As for my diet, I generally eat pretty healthy on the reg — but let me tell you, I am always eating. And I mean ALWAYS.

My consumption habits have become so grab-and-go, so built-in portion control, wholesome nutrition, ease and affordability are essential factors that I look for when I’m stocking up on snacks that will help me replenish and refuel.

I always have at least four (at least) bags of Nourish Snacks in my bag. I’m constantlys nacking before, after and in between classes, so these are a must-have. I’ll tell anyone who will listen that they need these, too.

Here’s the deal with Nourish Snacks:

You can buy them in single packets or in bulk (*raises hand*), and they amount to less than $3 per pack. (However, Nourish is kind enough to be giving c+c readers a discount, so stock up and save 15% off by using the code CORALS15 at checkout. Yay!)

My favorites are Almond to Cherries, Honey Bee Good and Sweet & Salty KAPOW. While all of their snacks are good, these are the three with the highest protein and fiber counts.

If want to try ‘em out — and I genuinely recommend them — go for the Sampler Pack. And then report back with your favorites!

… So, yeah. I eat a lot. Click here to shop Nourish Snacks — and use the code CORALS15 for 15% off your order.

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REPLENISH

In addition to snacks, hydration and muscle function is really important to me — obviously. And no, I’m not gonna get all technical on you — so don’t worry.

A friend of mine (thanks, Theodora!), recently turned me onto DailyBurn’s PRE- and POST- workout packets, which are pictured in the above photos, and I’ve been hooked since Day One. Another one of DailyBurn’s supplement products — the FUEL-6 vegan protein powder — has become a habit that I recently blogged about, so I was happy to give these a go.

As you can probably relate to, sometimes you just need a little pre-workout boost. Coffee tends to give me acid reflux in the morning, so I’ve switched to drinking these pre-workout — the combination of B vitamins and (a little bit of) caffeine amps up my workout without the jittery side-effects.

It’s like a powdered kick in the ass, really (and as a bonus, I think it tastes good).

Of course, I don’t have the skill set to do a scientific review to trial the claims, but I can tell you it makes a difference you can feel. I’ve reordered these twice now!

Trench coat: L.L.Bean (love this version)
Pink sweater: J.Crew ‘Tippi’ (on sale/in lots of colors)
Grey sweatpants: c/o JustFab (also love this version)
Convertible backpack: Tumi (more styles here)
Perforated flats: DV by Dolce Vita ‘Gibsin’ (on sale)
Lipstick: NARS Audacious in ‘Anita’

*Click to shop this post (below):

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BEAUTY

I don’t wear much make-up to begin with, but there are certain products I rely on for a quick, two-minute fix on my face — both before or after I work out. And yes, I’ll admit it: I do wear a minimal amount of make up when I teach my classes. But, seeing as how I see and sweat with so many people each day, I want to look my best. Or like the best non-zombie version of myself.

In my bag, you’ll find YSL Touch Eclat and NARS velvet matte lip pencils. I recently started trying Rimmel London‘s WonderLash mascara (in full disclosure, because the brand asked me to), but I actually really like it.

We’re going to go into my spring beauty routine on Friday of this week, so for now, I’ll leave it at that.

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THE ESSENTIALS

The must-have items in my bag (in addition to snacks on snacks on snacks) are the items that enable me to teach — and blog: My computer and my music. I got my first pair of Beats by Dre headphones nearly two years ago and I’ve never looked back. I always, always, always have my computer with me.

I carry my notebook, too — after all, you never know when inspiration will strike. I like to write things down to remember them better, whether it’s a throwback song, a cool move or a nugget of inspiration I want to share with my riders (and readers).

*Click to shop my studio essentials:

Lastly, because they’re necessary [*opens second pack of Nourish Snacks as she’s typing*]:

Deodorant, of course, goes without saying. I have been using Secret’s new Outlast formula lately — a lot of my shirts are black, and white deodorant stains aren’t cute. I like how this is a clear solid (that actually lasts). In addition, I always have Oscar Blandi dry shampoo to add volume and dry out my roots — it’s especially useful in not looking like a wet dog in-between double classes.

And of course, when all else fails, sunglasses are a fail-proof, post-class alternative. My new aviators are in heavy rotation!

What’s in your gym bag?

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Lydia Hudgens Photography

Thanks to Nourish and DailyBurn for partnering on this post. In full disclosure, these brands gifted me the aforementioned items, but I am including them in this round-up because I genuinely think they’re great products.