Iced Blueberry Water
8-12 ounces cold water
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
Blend in a blender or use an immersion blender.
Enjoy!
A tasty way to cool off AND get a serving of a superfood!
On the move! I am a Classical Pilates Instructor, mommy and wife. Sharing my thoughts and tips on fitness, food, family and feeling better!
Showing posts with label snacking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snacking. Show all posts
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Iced Blueberry Water
When it is hot outside and I am craving a fruity drink, rather than reach for something sugary, I like to make my own fruit-infused water.
Iced Blueberry Water
8-12 ounces cold water
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
Blend in a blender or use an immersion blender.
Enjoy!
A tasty way to cool off AND get a serving of a superfood!
Iced Blueberry Water
8-12 ounces cold water
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
Blend in a blender or use an immersion blender.
Enjoy!
A tasty way to cool off AND get a serving of a superfood!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Let's Talk About Algae!
I am really excited to announce that I am a Brand Ambassador for the Energy Bits company. Energy Bits are dehydrated spirulina algae that come in little tabs. They are NOT a supplement, they are food. Supplements, like vitamins, are made in a lab. Algae is grown, then dehydrated and pressed into a tab or "bit." It is just like dehydrated apples or bananas.
Energy Bits are organic, non-GMO food. You can chew them, but most prefer to just swallow them with water as they have an ocean-y taste :)
Algae is 60% protein, whereas meat, like steak, is around 25% protein. Algae provides iron in a fully absorbable form, entering your system within 2-5 minutes of eating.
I am attaching a little more about spirulina algae if you are interested. Please feel free to research it yourself, too.
I know it sounds crazy, but since adding algae to my diet I have more energy, my skin isn't as dry, my nails are stronger and my constant urge to snack is gone. Algae is great for managing hunger and aiding in weight loss, too. One tab = 1 calorie so you can take 10-20 as a meal replacement!
I get asked all of the time what a good snack is to have before a workout. I now have a solid answer to give. EnergyBits! I swallow 10 before I run and I am not overly full but am not hungry at all. Another 10 post-workout with water and I am hydrated and completely nourished.
Visit BitsOfHealth.com to see the full line of bits. They also have chlorella algae, which is better at detoxing the system and strengthening the immune system. I eat both spirulina and chlorella.
Here is the nutritional information. As you will see, algae offers a full range of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that you can't get anywhere else as easy for your body to digest.
As a Brand Ambassador I do get financially compensated, however, I am not selling Energy Bits in the traditional way. I don't have my own inventory, you won't give money to me, you will just go to the website and order EnergyBits, RecoveryBits, SkinnyBits or VitalityBits. MAKE SURE TO USE THE CODE HEART at checkout. This lets the company know that I am the one that sent you that way AND you will receive 15% off your order!
I don't put anything into my body without triple researching it and feel so safe with my EnergyBits and I feel so much better!
I have so much more information I could share with you about the Bits of Health brand but I know it's not fun to read lengthy posts. I will be sharing bits here and there to keep you informed.
Algae really is a perfect addition to any diet, it has been shown to lower blood pressure and to help balance blood sugar. I used to always fret about my blood sugar dropping while I am out and about, but with a tin full of Bits I don't worry anymore because I will always have a balance source of food with me!
Please feel free to come to me with any questions that you have about Spirulina, Chlorella and the Bits of Health products.
I hope you will give being Powered By Bits a try!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The 1 Diet Mistake You Are Making
I like to think that everyone tries their best to eat healthy. Some more than others, but we all know what we should be eating, whether we do it or not is the challenge.
But what if you think that you are doing everything right and...you just aren't?
As a Pilates instructor I hear from my students, family, friends and acquaintences about what nutrition paths they are taking. I also tend to pay more attention to social media posts and conversations about diet and nutrition.
In my opinion there is one critical mistake that most people tend to make. But it's not their fault. And if you are doing it, it's not your fault. Blame it on marketing, big business, common misconceptions...the misinformation comes from all over.
Okay. So, I need to get to the point. What is the mistake?
You aren't eating REAL FOOD.
That 100 calorie cereal bar that promises to fill you up and aid in weight loss is basically just chemicals and fillers.
The frozen diet meal that looks so appetizing on the box and is described just like a favorite restaurant meal may taste great and get you thinking that you are on the right track, but, again, it's chemicals, fillers and pretty packaging.
The breakfast sandwich that claims to be "lite" is light on nutrients and healthy ingredients that will help you get through your day.
So, what's a person to do?
Just eat real.
It may take a few extra minutes of prep work, but I promise it isn't as hard as it seems.
Clean Eating Examples:
Breakfast - Peel and slice a banana and sprinkle with cinnamon. Add a dollop (1 tbsp) of nut butter or sunflower seed butter. Dip and enjoy! In the picture below I added berries because they were in season!
Lunch - Carrot sticks, celery sticks, a cutie orange and/or berries, 1/8 cup of almonds, walnuts, pecans or your favorite nut. Add a small piece of cheese, like swiss or babybel, along with whole grain crackers. This is what I pack nearly everyday for my lunch or dinner at work. My favorite brand of crackers.
Dinner - Cook real! Real ingredient always win over pre-packaged. Even if the fat content is higher if, for example, you make a bechamel sauce as opposed to a "fat-free" jar of alfredo, that is okay. Remember, fat doesn't make you fat, sugar (and chemicals!) do.
Here are a few of my favorite clean eating dinners:
Salsa Chicken and Red Beans
Vegetarian Mexican Pizza
Quinoa Tuna Casserole
A quick google or pinterest search for "eating clean" or "eat clean recipes" should also bring you a treasure trove of ideas.
When in doubt, pack whatever veggies and fruit you have and take with you, whether it's to work or to run errands. A banana or apple in my purse has kept me from grabbing fast-food many times! Keeping a Larabar or Kind Bar in my desk has also saved the day quite often!
Remember, you don't have to eat perfect, you just have to eat the best YOU can each day!
What is your favorite clean eating meal?
What is your typical breakfast?
Do you have any emergency healthy snacks packed in your bag or desk?
But what if you think that you are doing everything right and...you just aren't?
As a Pilates instructor I hear from my students, family, friends and acquaintences about what nutrition paths they are taking. I also tend to pay more attention to social media posts and conversations about diet and nutrition.
In my opinion there is one critical mistake that most people tend to make. But it's not their fault. And if you are doing it, it's not your fault. Blame it on marketing, big business, common misconceptions...the misinformation comes from all over.
Okay. So, I need to get to the point. What is the mistake?
You aren't eating REAL FOOD.
That 100 calorie cereal bar that promises to fill you up and aid in weight loss is basically just chemicals and fillers.
The frozen diet meal that looks so appetizing on the box and is described just like a favorite restaurant meal may taste great and get you thinking that you are on the right track, but, again, it's chemicals, fillers and pretty packaging.
The breakfast sandwich that claims to be "lite" is light on nutrients and healthy ingredients that will help you get through your day.
So, what's a person to do?
Just eat real.
It may take a few extra minutes of prep work, but I promise it isn't as hard as it seems.
Clean Eating Examples:
Breakfast - Peel and slice a banana and sprinkle with cinnamon. Add a dollop (1 tbsp) of nut butter or sunflower seed butter. Dip and enjoy! In the picture below I added berries because they were in season!
Lunch - Carrot sticks, celery sticks, a cutie orange and/or berries, 1/8 cup of almonds, walnuts, pecans or your favorite nut. Add a small piece of cheese, like swiss or babybel, along with whole grain crackers. This is what I pack nearly everyday for my lunch or dinner at work. My favorite brand of crackers.
Dinner - Cook real! Real ingredient always win over pre-packaged. Even if the fat content is higher if, for example, you make a bechamel sauce as opposed to a "fat-free" jar of alfredo, that is okay. Remember, fat doesn't make you fat, sugar (and chemicals!) do.
 |
| When in doubt, throw as many fresh veggies together as you can, drizzle with olive oil and a splash of lemon or orange juice! |
Here are a few of my favorite clean eating dinners:
Salsa Chicken and Red Beans
Vegetarian Mexican Pizza
Quinoa Tuna Casserole
A quick google or pinterest search for "eating clean" or "eat clean recipes" should also bring you a treasure trove of ideas.
When in doubt, pack whatever veggies and fruit you have and take with you, whether it's to work or to run errands. A banana or apple in my purse has kept me from grabbing fast-food many times! Keeping a Larabar or Kind Bar in my desk has also saved the day quite often!
Remember, you don't have to eat perfect, you just have to eat the best YOU can each day!
What is your favorite clean eating meal?
What is your typical breakfast?
Do you have any emergency healthy snacks packed in your bag or desk?
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Coconut Brownie Dip
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It is no secret that I am a big fan of sweets. It is really difficult for me to go an entire day without some kind of treat. But I know how bad sugar is for the body and I am always in planning mode to give up refined sugar. Sigh.
While scanning blogs and Pinterest I have noticed all sorts of recipes for various "healthy" desserts. Of course I click on those links and I am usually disappointed to find that the recipes use fake sweeteners, aka poison, or some other sort of chemical-laden ingredient, like pudding mix or Cool Whip. It has taken me a little time to brainstorm and test recipes but I have come up with what I feel are some really great healthy alternatives to traditional desserts!
Before we get started, let me just say that I know this recipe has coconut in it and that people either love or hate coconut. If you are the type that hates coconut, PLEASE keep reading and know that the coconut can easily be omitted without compromising taste :)
And now...drumroll please...
Coconut Brownie Dip
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup nut or seed butter (I used sunflower butter bc of L's allergy)
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp oats
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
4-6 tbsp sweetener of your choice (I used maple syrup, but you could used agave or honey, too)
1/3 cup dehydrated coconut
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
In a food processor first place the oats and pulse a few seconds.
Add the all other ingredients except the coconut and chocolate chips. Blend until smooth and scoop into a bowl. Fold in the coconut and chocolate chips.
For extra fun, top with a little extra coconut or chips.
This dip is great at room temperature or chilled. You will want to store it in the fridge.
It's great with fresh strawberries, bananas and apples. L and I also snacked on graham crackers topped with Brownie Dip. Or you can always just eat it straight from the bowl!
As I said, L loved it, so it's preschooler approved. My mother-in-law volunteered (sort of) to do a taste test. She knew it was brownie dip but didn't know it was made with beans. She gave it 2 thumbs up!
Enjoy this recipe and please let me know if you try it!
It is no secret that I am a big fan of sweets. It is really difficult for me to go an entire day without some kind of treat. But I know how bad sugar is for the body and I am always in planning mode to give up refined sugar. Sigh.
While scanning blogs and Pinterest I have noticed all sorts of recipes for various "healthy" desserts. Of course I click on those links and I am usually disappointed to find that the recipes use fake sweeteners, aka poison, or some other sort of chemical-laden ingredient, like pudding mix or Cool Whip. It has taken me a little time to brainstorm and test recipes but I have come up with what I feel are some really great healthy alternatives to traditional desserts!
Before we get started, let me just say that I know this recipe has coconut in it and that people either love or hate coconut. If you are the type that hates coconut, PLEASE keep reading and know that the coconut can easily be omitted without compromising taste :)
And now...drumroll please...
Coconut Brownie Dip
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup nut or seed butter (I used sunflower butter bc of L's allergy)
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp oats
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
4-6 tbsp sweetener of your choice (I used maple syrup, but you could used agave or honey, too)
1/3 cup dehydrated coconut
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
In a food processor first place the oats and pulse a few seconds.
Add the all other ingredients except the coconut and chocolate chips. Blend until smooth and scoop into a bowl. Fold in the coconut and chocolate chips.
For extra fun, top with a little extra coconut or chips.
This dip is great at room temperature or chilled. You will want to store it in the fridge.
It's great with fresh strawberries, bananas and apples. L and I also snacked on graham crackers topped with Brownie Dip. Or you can always just eat it straight from the bowl!
As I said, L loved it, so it's preschooler approved. My mother-in-law volunteered (sort of) to do a taste test. She knew it was brownie dip but didn't know it was made with beans. She gave it 2 thumbs up!
Enjoy this recipe and please let me know if you try it!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
High Hopes Vegan Bakery Review + Giveaway
I first heard of High Hopes Vegan Bakery, where else, Instagram! If you are on Instagram make sure to go follow @highhopesveganbakery
Located in Long Island, NY, locals can order treats to be delivered or picked up. For those that are located elsewhere there is an Etsy shop where you can order treats to be shipped.
This is how I got my goodies and they tasted freshly baked, so don't worry about that!
Cynthia offered to send me a few treats to try. Could I be any luckier?
I opened my package to find Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies and a Cranberry Cluster!
I can, without any hesitation, say that I have tasted more than a fair amount of chocolate chip cookies in my day. I am so close to being Cookie Monster that sometimes I think I should be covered in blue fur ;)
The cookies are the perfect mix of crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. The chocolate chips are big, more like chocolate chunks!
Sweet enough but not too sweet. Perfectly sized that one would be enough, although you will want another.
Imagine the perfect chocolate chip cookie.
Looking at and tasting these cookies you would not know that they are 100% vegan. The meatiest omnivore or the pickiest picker will love these!
Perfect look and taste, you will want some for yourself and to give as gifts.
The Cranberry Cluster is vegan and gluten free. I don't know about you, but I just love chocolate and fruit together. The cluster has a delightful chewiness to it thanks to the cranberries. One is enough to satisfy a sweet craving so keeping these on hand can be a healthier alternative to a giant pastry.
Teaching Pilates and being a runner, I am able to afford a few extra calories, but not too many. I also despise putting the laundry list of chemicals in my body that most store-bought sweets have.
I try to avoid eating too many sweets, but I am also a firm believer that most foods are fine in moderation, and that eating clean, even clean treats, is ideal. Looking for a clean-eating cookie? Here you go!
Although I often contemplate being vegan I am a complete omnivore. I think I will start my quest to being vegan with Vegan baked goods and treats!
Next on my list I will be ordering the vegan peanut butter cups!
High Hopes Vegan Bakery is offering one lucky ready One Dozen Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies! Good luck!
I am using Rafflecopter again to make entering a breeze!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't leave yet! I am currently running another giveaway for ENERGYbits spirulina tabs. Plant protein, 40 vitamins and mineral, all in a convenient tab. Check it out here.
Located in Long Island, NY, locals can order treats to be delivered or picked up. For those that are located elsewhere there is an Etsy shop where you can order treats to be shipped.
This is how I got my goodies and they tasted freshly baked, so don't worry about that!
Cynthia offered to send me a few treats to try. Could I be any luckier?
I opened my package to find Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies and a Cranberry Cluster!
I can, without any hesitation, say that I have tasted more than a fair amount of chocolate chip cookies in my day. I am so close to being Cookie Monster that sometimes I think I should be covered in blue fur ;)
The cookies are the perfect mix of crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. The chocolate chips are big, more like chocolate chunks!
Sweet enough but not too sweet. Perfectly sized that one would be enough, although you will want another.
Imagine the perfect chocolate chip cookie.
This is that cookie!
Looking at and tasting these cookies you would not know that they are 100% vegan. The meatiest omnivore or the pickiest picker will love these!
Perfect look and taste, you will want some for yourself and to give as gifts.
The Cranberry Cluster is vegan and gluten free. I don't know about you, but I just love chocolate and fruit together. The cluster has a delightful chewiness to it thanks to the cranberries. One is enough to satisfy a sweet craving so keeping these on hand can be a healthier alternative to a giant pastry.
Teaching Pilates and being a runner, I am able to afford a few extra calories, but not too many. I also despise putting the laundry list of chemicals in my body that most store-bought sweets have.
I try to avoid eating too many sweets, but I am also a firm believer that most foods are fine in moderation, and that eating clean, even clean treats, is ideal. Looking for a clean-eating cookie? Here you go!
Although I often contemplate being vegan I am a complete omnivore. I think I will start my quest to being vegan with Vegan baked goods and treats!
Next on my list I will be ordering the vegan peanut butter cups!
High Hopes Vegan Bakery is offering one lucky ready One Dozen Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies! Good luck!
I am using Rafflecopter again to make entering a breeze!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't leave yet! I am currently running another giveaway for ENERGYbits spirulina tabs. Plant protein, 40 vitamins and mineral, all in a convenient tab. Check it out here.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Celery, Cheese and Walnuts
My absolute favorite go-to snack is celery with babybel cheese. When I am feeling really wild I will add walnuts. Just ask my friends from work. I have been taking this as my lunch or dinner for over 2 years now. I credit my love for this food as being a major part in my weight loss from a couple of years ago. Many times I would be tempted to stop at a drive-thru, but didn't, knowing that my tasty celery and cheese was waiting for me.
I was beyond excited to see the Men's Health Magazine featured Edam cheese, brand name of Babybel, as one of 16 New Muscle Foods!
So, today, here is this magical snack!
1 Babybel cheese, left at room temperature just a few minutes to soften
2-3 celery stalks
6-8 walnut halves
Break the cheese apart into marble-sized pieces and spread on the celery. Top with walnuts for added protein.
Enjoy the obsession!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Cheribundi Cherry Juice
I love fresh cherries. I like them plain, I like mixing them into salads and baking with them. In recent years I have heard how good cherry juice can be for you but I had yet to try it. To pay around $20 for a small bottle of cherry juice concentrate just wasn't at the top of my shopping list.
And then I heard about Cheribundi. Cheribundi is single-serving bottles of cherry juice. Plain along with several other flavor options.
I was super excited to try them out!
I love that each bottle clearly states how many cherries are in each bottle. 50 cherries in a bottle of Tru Cherry, which equals a half pound of fruit! Definitely nice to know, any day, but especially those busy days when it feels like it's hard to get anything healthy. The juices are not from concentrate and are allergy friendly. Only Whey Cherry contains milk. The cherry flavor is very intense (duh, it's cherry juice!) but I really like the tart/sweet taste. It's more for sipping rather than chugging, perfect for the drive to work or for a mid-day treat at your desk.
Both E and L loved Cacao Cherry and JF tried the juices, too. He's not a big juice drinker OR fruit eater, but I noticed my Cheribundi bottles disappearing. I think it's safe to say my husband is a fan!
Drinking the juice straight from the bottle is great. You can also add it to smoothies. I created a recipe for vegan fro yo below, and I think the juice would also be great for de-glazing a pan!
The benefits of cherry juice are ever-expanding as more and more research is done. I like that cherries and cherry juice can help to fight free radicals and to aid in muscle recovery.
Whey Cherry 40 Cherries!
This is the first one that I tried. I am constantly looking for extra sources of protein. I do eat meat, but I don't eat a lot of it, but I am very active and if I don't get enough protein I tend to feel tired and gain weight. I am also always looking for healthy, fast options that I can drink or eat between teaching classes. In an 8 fl oz bottle there is 8grams of protein, along with 100% daily values of several vitamins, including B12 & 6 and Folic Acid. I drank this on my way in to teach one morning and it was a great way to start the day without being too full to teach cycle class.
Ginger Cherry 50 Cherries!
Cherry Juice by itself has been shown to help with oxidative stress and muscle recovery, which totally interests me because my body does a lot for me throughout the week as I teach around 15 classes and run 4-10 miles. I have been on a kick lately of trying different natural anti-inflammatories, and ginger is at the top of the list. I have never been a big fan of the spicy taste of ginger, so I was least excited to try this one. But I also LOVE the idea of a double dose of anti-inflammation. There is a definite kick of ginger, but it is manageable even for someone like me. I also used Ginger Cherry as a smoothie base and it was SO good!
Tru Cherry 50 cherries!
Cherry juice. Tastes like cherry pie cherries. Seriously. If you like cherry pie you will like Tru Cherry. Great by itself or in a smoothie. Check out my recipe below!
Skinny Cherry 40 cherries!
Same refreshing tart cherry flavor but with 90 calories rather than the 130 calories in Tru Cherry. It is sweetened with Stevia leaf, a natural sweetener. This is a great option for anyone trying to limit their sugar intake.
Cacao Cherry 50 cherries!
To say this one was my favorite kind of feels like cheating. I mean, it's chocolate and cherry. Right there this guy has the advantage. But how can you NOT have this one be your favorite, right? Another great choice for post-workout or to help out when you have a chocolate craving. The chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder, so it is natural and not too sweet.
Cherry-Chocolate-Banana "Fro Yo"
You will need:
1 Banana
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp Cheribundi Cherry Juice - I used Tru Cherry, but Ginger Cherry would be great, too!
Peel and slice the banana and freeze for 2-3 hours.
In a blender or food processor, combine the frozen banana with the cocoa powder and cherry juice. Blend until smooth. Eat immediately!
I know what you are thinking: I want Cheribundi NOW! Well, today is your lucky day! Cheribundi would like to send one lucky reader a case of cherry juices. Once again I am using Rafflecopter. Don't worry, neither Rafflecopter or I will share your info. I just want you to win. Oh, and follow my blog :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Make sure you follow Cheribundi on Twitter and Facebook. I do and I love the recipes and tips they post daily!
One more thing: when I posted a picture of Cheribundi on Instagram I was asked by several people where they could find it.
For those of you local to Kansas City you can go to Nature's Pantry in Independence or to Whole Foods in Overland Park.
For my readers elsewhere click here to locate a retailer near you!
**Cheribundi sent me a case of 12 juices to try but I was not compensated for this post. All of the opinions are mine**
And then I heard about Cheribundi. Cheribundi is single-serving bottles of cherry juice. Plain along with several other flavor options.
I was super excited to try them out!
I love that each bottle clearly states how many cherries are in each bottle. 50 cherries in a bottle of Tru Cherry, which equals a half pound of fruit! Definitely nice to know, any day, but especially those busy days when it feels like it's hard to get anything healthy. The juices are not from concentrate and are allergy friendly. Only Whey Cherry contains milk. The cherry flavor is very intense (duh, it's cherry juice!) but I really like the tart/sweet taste. It's more for sipping rather than chugging, perfect for the drive to work or for a mid-day treat at your desk.
Both E and L loved Cacao Cherry and JF tried the juices, too. He's not a big juice drinker OR fruit eater, but I noticed my Cheribundi bottles disappearing. I think it's safe to say my husband is a fan!
Drinking the juice straight from the bottle is great. You can also add it to smoothies. I created a recipe for vegan fro yo below, and I think the juice would also be great for de-glazing a pan!
The benefits of cherry juice are ever-expanding as more and more research is done. I like that cherries and cherry juice can help to fight free radicals and to aid in muscle recovery.
Whey Cherry 40 Cherries!
This is the first one that I tried. I am constantly looking for extra sources of protein. I do eat meat, but I don't eat a lot of it, but I am very active and if I don't get enough protein I tend to feel tired and gain weight. I am also always looking for healthy, fast options that I can drink or eat between teaching classes. In an 8 fl oz bottle there is 8grams of protein, along with 100% daily values of several vitamins, including B12 & 6 and Folic Acid. I drank this on my way in to teach one morning and it was a great way to start the day without being too full to teach cycle class.
Ginger Cherry 50 Cherries!
Cherry Juice by itself has been shown to help with oxidative stress and muscle recovery, which totally interests me because my body does a lot for me throughout the week as I teach around 15 classes and run 4-10 miles. I have been on a kick lately of trying different natural anti-inflammatories, and ginger is at the top of the list. I have never been a big fan of the spicy taste of ginger, so I was least excited to try this one. But I also LOVE the idea of a double dose of anti-inflammation. There is a definite kick of ginger, but it is manageable even for someone like me. I also used Ginger Cherry as a smoothie base and it was SO good!
Tru Cherry 50 cherries!
Cherry juice. Tastes like cherry pie cherries. Seriously. If you like cherry pie you will like Tru Cherry. Great by itself or in a smoothie. Check out my recipe below!
Skinny Cherry 40 cherries!
Same refreshing tart cherry flavor but with 90 calories rather than the 130 calories in Tru Cherry. It is sweetened with Stevia leaf, a natural sweetener. This is a great option for anyone trying to limit their sugar intake.
Cacao Cherry 50 cherries!
To say this one was my favorite kind of feels like cheating. I mean, it's chocolate and cherry. Right there this guy has the advantage. But how can you NOT have this one be your favorite, right? Another great choice for post-workout or to help out when you have a chocolate craving. The chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder, so it is natural and not too sweet.
 |
| 3 Ingredient Vegan Fro Yo |
Cherry-Chocolate-Banana "Fro Yo"
You will need:
1 Banana
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp Cheribundi Cherry Juice - I used Tru Cherry, but Ginger Cherry would be great, too!
Peel and slice the banana and freeze for 2-3 hours.
In a blender or food processor, combine the frozen banana with the cocoa powder and cherry juice. Blend until smooth. Eat immediately!
I know what you are thinking: I want Cheribundi NOW! Well, today is your lucky day! Cheribundi would like to send one lucky reader a case of cherry juices. Once again I am using Rafflecopter. Don't worry, neither Rafflecopter or I will share your info. I just want you to win. Oh, and follow my blog :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Make sure you follow Cheribundi on Twitter and Facebook. I do and I love the recipes and tips they post daily!
One more thing: when I posted a picture of Cheribundi on Instagram I was asked by several people where they could find it.
For those of you local to Kansas City you can go to Nature's Pantry in Independence or to Whole Foods in Overland Park.
For my readers elsewhere click here to locate a retailer near you!
**Cheribundi sent me a case of 12 juices to try but I was not compensated for this post. All of the opinions are mine**
Monday, September 24, 2012
Uber bar by Larabar
I am always looking for healthy snacks that I can eat between classes or on the go. I also LOVE when a food combines many healthy ingredients so that I am getting a well-rounded mini-meal.
I buy Larabars all the time for myself and for Ezra. Parents: your children will eat these! Seriously. Ezra loves the Peanut Butter Cookie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough bars. The best part is that both of these bars contain nuts and dates and all-natural ingredients so the snack that I am sending him to school with is healthy and will keep him going the rest of the day, rather than a bag of chips or pastry that will just cause him to crash.
I am lucky that I received 4 uber bars, a new line by Larabar. They come in 4 deliciously fun flavors:
I tried Bananas Foster first (wouldn't you?) and it was so good! I had it between teaching group cycle and Reformer. The bar contains pieces of nuts and banana and tastes like fresh-baked banana nut bread. Satisfying, without being overly filling, it got me from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm when I could have my lunch. I also had the Cherry Cobbler bar between classes. Tart and sweet , just like a piece of cobbler. And the protein from the nuts gets me through my day!
Ezra and I shared the Roasted Nut Roll bar. I wasn't sure if he would eat the Uber bars. Lara bars look more like your typical energy bar, with the ingredients being finely ground and pressed together. Uber bars, on the other had, have actual pieces of nuts that you can see, so I thought maybe this would turn him off (parents of picky eaters, you know what I am talking about). But he ate his entire half bar and asked for more! Picky eater approved.
I tried the Apple Turnover bar on a hectic morning. I had to take the boys to (separate) schools and then immediately go teach Pilates. Getting ready to go, making the boys breakfast and packing their lunches all had to happen in about a 20 minute time period. I needed to eat something healthy, and I like to combine fruit and protein at breakfast, so grabbing an Uber Bar just made sense. It tasted great, just like Apple Pie, and went well with my morning coffee.
There really are so many reasons I love Uber bars and Larabars. I could go on and on, but instead, I will make a list:
I buy Larabars all the time for myself and for Ezra. Parents: your children will eat these! Seriously. Ezra loves the Peanut Butter Cookie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough bars. The best part is that both of these bars contain nuts and dates and all-natural ingredients so the snack that I am sending him to school with is healthy and will keep him going the rest of the day, rather than a bag of chips or pastry that will just cause him to crash.
I am lucky that I received 4 uber bars, a new line by Larabar. They come in 4 deliciously fun flavors:
- Bananas Foster
- Apple Turnover
- Cherry Cobbler
- Roasted Nut Roll
another reason I love this line!
I tried Bananas Foster first (wouldn't you?) and it was so good! I had it between teaching group cycle and Reformer. The bar contains pieces of nuts and banana and tastes like fresh-baked banana nut bread. Satisfying, without being overly filling, it got me from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm when I could have my lunch. I also had the Cherry Cobbler bar between classes. Tart and sweet , just like a piece of cobbler. And the protein from the nuts gets me through my day!
Ezra and I shared the Roasted Nut Roll bar. I wasn't sure if he would eat the Uber bars. Lara bars look more like your typical energy bar, with the ingredients being finely ground and pressed together. Uber bars, on the other had, have actual pieces of nuts that you can see, so I thought maybe this would turn him off (parents of picky eaters, you know what I am talking about). But he ate his entire half bar and asked for more! Picky eater approved.
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| Happy Snacking :) |
I tried the Apple Turnover bar on a hectic morning. I had to take the boys to (separate) schools and then immediately go teach Pilates. Getting ready to go, making the boys breakfast and packing their lunches all had to happen in about a 20 minute time period. I needed to eat something healthy, and I like to combine fruit and protein at breakfast, so grabbing an Uber Bar just made sense. It tasted great, just like Apple Pie, and went well with my morning coffee.
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- all natural ingredients that are listed in plain english. No "natural flavorings" or other vague descriptions for these bars. Sea salt. Dates. Honey. Cinnamon. If it's in the bar, it's listed. Thank you!
- Healthy yet tasty enough that kids will eat them. I feel so good about sending these to school with Ezra and/or having him eat them as an afterschool snack. These would also be great pre or post a sporting event. I would much rather have him eat a Larabar than, say, a Twinkie or granola bar.
- Sweet flavors without being overly sweet. All of the Uber Bars and Larabars have amazing flavors but they don't taste overly sweet at all. Enough to satisfy a sweet craving but I also eat these when I am craving something a bit hearty.
I was hesitant to try Larabars. Nuts. Dates. Blended together. It sounded a bit too healthy. And, yes, these bars are healthy, but you wouldn't know it if you were doing a blindfolded taste test. I have had Coconut Cream Pie in addition to the cookie flavors that Ezra loves. My favorites are Peanut Butter Cookie and Key Lime Pie (just the right amount of lime flavor). There are 18 flavors of regular Larabars. Click here to check them out. With flavors like Blueberry Muffin and Cappucino there is something for everyone on your shopping list. Next on my list Chocolate Coconut Chew. Really, I just can't say enough good things about these bars. I love them for their taste, the fact that they combine several healthy ingredients, and that they provide me a fast yet nutritious option for a snack or part of a meal.
The kind folks at Larabar would like to giveaway a sampler case of 16 Larabars! If you have never tried them, or if you love them as much as me and my family, this is a great opportunity! Just take a few moments with Rafflecopter to enter. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Larabar provided me with 4 Uber bars to try. The other flavors I mention I bought fair and square :) I was not compensated in anyway and all opinions of Larabar and Uber Bar are my own. They are really THAT good. I can't stop gushing about it!
The kind folks at Larabar would like to giveaway a sampler case of 16 Larabars! If you have never tried them, or if you love them as much as me and my family, this is a great opportunity! Just take a few moments with Rafflecopter to enter. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Larabar provided me with 4 Uber bars to try. The other flavors I mention I bought fair and square :) I was not compensated in anyway and all opinions of Larabar and Uber Bar are my own. They are really THAT good. I can't stop gushing about it!
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