I'll "Commit to Fit" with Protein Bar

PHOTO: PB&J Street Blended Drink at Protein Bar (c) Sery Kim

When ranking first world problems, stating how difficult it is to maintain my health while devoting 60 hours a week being a food and travel writer lands pretty high up there. During weeks where I have to review 2 or 3 restaurants, I devote myself to doing 60 to 90 minutes of hot yoga 3 or 4 times a week, as well as walking between 5 to 10 miles every single day just to stabilize my weight and not turn into an absolute cow. Then, when I travel and have to review restaurants twice a day, instead of taking cars I will walk an average of 10 to 13 miles simply to balance out the gluttonous array of 7 course meals with wine pairings.

So I’m always on the lookout to add to my health and fitness regime and was intrigued when I found out about the Protein Bar’s newest “Commit to Fit” challenge in 2016.

Having opened in Chicago in 2009, and quickly thereafter expanding to Colorado and D.C., Protein Bar has developed a loyal following with its fast casual health concept of serving high protein and nutrient-packed food to busy working, urban professionals. Personally, I only tried Protein Bar for the first time a few months ago so I was late to the Protein Bar phenomenon. Lucky for them (or me) I quickly became enamored with the Politics Acai -- incorporating it into my diet when I am in D.C. -- and thought to give the “Commit to Fit” challenge a try for a week since I missed the start date of January 4th due to being in Antarctica -- yes, it’s as empowering as you think to use “Sorry I was in Antarctica” as my excuse.

PHOTO: Monumental Perk Blended Drink at Protein Bar (c) Sery Kim

Basically, the challenge by Protein Bar is a month-long program to help their fan base kick start their fitness goals in 2016. By downloading the Daily Endorphin app (the Protein Bar app) you can plug in every healthy meal, workouts, meditation, and more to earn points with the goal that each meal is from the Protein Bar.

Also, when using the Protein Bar app, participants can receive daily $1 credits toward delicious Protein Bar meals. If a guest visits at least three times in one week, they will be bumped to “superfan” status and the daily credit amount will increase. Note, participants are not required to download this app to compete.

As an extra perk, Protein Bar’s team of fitness and nutrition experts from Aligned Modern Health, Flywheel (Chicago), and Epic Ride (Colorado) will support participants in reaching their goals by providing healthy tips and special fitness offers throughout the competition.

I look forward to letting you know how things go once I am done with the challenge. Two days in and I've already lost 3 pounds! More importantly I feel more awake and healthier!