Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Getting back into my routines...

Getting back in the groove...
My laziness in home life responsibilities has been showing lately. Home schooling while also working a full time job had become overwhelming to the point I wanted to just call it all quits and put them in school. My husband, who wasn't being supportive, was all for it. After all, he didn't want to take time out from what he does to help with what he deemed my responsibility. It made for quite a frustrating month. 
It came to a breaking point this past week. The conversation of divorce even entered the arena. Stress levels and migraines went through the roof as I tried to make sense of it all. I desperately grasped for moments of calm in the sea of chaos. Where did I go wrong? How do I get my feet back on solid ground? It didn't help to have someone accusing me of being all the things I strive to NOT be. Insult upon injury. 
I can't say my husband and I are getting better. But I do know I'm determined to fix my mothering issues. I've buckled down on being on a daily schedule. It's helped me catch up on what I've fallen behind in. They are enjoying the school work a little more so it's not a chore.
I'm cleaning as needed instead of all the time as a way to avoid other projects. Don't get me wrong, I'm still OCD about cleanliness. I just won't clean the same mess every couple minutes (kids toys) just so I don't have to do something else that is more important. 
I've noticed that the stress and lack of enthusiasm (depression if you will) has caused the pounds to once again pile on. Normally I'd consider it a blessing. I've gone down two pants sizes in the past three months. But considering my only workouts are those at work or cleaning at home, the excess is gathering in the middle. At work it's all weight lifting and walking. Carrying those 50 pound bags of dog food or hauling 20 pound boxes up ten foot ladders. The upper body strength is great. It's one of the things I said I'd work on this year anyhow. But it's not trimming the stomach which is building a gut. I've also gotten to where I eat simply because I'm depressed and not because I'm hungry. The things I eat aren't part of the healthy spectrum. So I'm getting back to disciplining my health. I need to set a better example for those looking up to me.
Cutting back on sweets. Limiting my portions. And working out those abs more. I've got Just Dance games for the Xbox 360 as well as the Wii. Playing them will also give me a chance to have fun with my kids. I used to be so much more energetic and fun. It's time to bring that back. 
I can't guarantee roses and sun shine every day. The daily grind and constant battles that I feel I must fight alone, often threaten to drag me down. I get my happiest moments from my children.
It's a conscious choice I have to make to get up and push back. To tell myself I can take it and more without falling. I'm not going to accept  failure and give up. It takes a lot, and I'm not alone in this scenario. I know I can't fool myself all the time. Some days I'm going to feel broken and I might even cry. I'll try to grab my journal and write the thoughts furiously flowing from head to hand in a river of emotions. Then I'll move on as if nothing is wrong. It's not always easy, but it's how I cope. And this is how I get through the difficult times. I'm getting back in the groove of accomplishments. I am going to make a better life somehow. One day at a time. For me and my kids. 
Remember this saying: "This too shall pass." No matter what it is, good or bad, it has it's limits and won't stick around forever. 

"The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly."
F. Scott Fitzgerald

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Inspiration for losing weight

2 weeks after giving birth to baby #3.
A friend of mine has recently reached the milestone of losing 88lbs! After gaining 75-80lbs during her pregnancy with her third child, mostly in fluid retention, she took to seriously working the weight off. She recently told me about it. "After Edward was born I thought I was going to lose weight fast. I was wrong. I lost about 20lbs fast and then I lost another 10lbs by Christmas. I didn't do anything special because I was breastfeeding Edward. I was hoping to lose more after Christmas but I didn't really  lose any weight. I was very depressed and told Avery's mom (my daughters friends mother) I needed to lose more. She suggested that I should talk to Jenny, Emma's old teachers aide. She owns a Body by Vi business. She said I should drink the milkshake with protein power from Body by Vi. It worked great and I lost other 25 lbs for about 2.5 months... And then my doctor said I should join the MyFitnessPal program. From there I read that I should eat up to 1200 calories per a day. When Ash Wednesday came around I decided to give up all sweet foods like candy, cake, etc. and no snacks. It was extremely hard for me but I did it! I lost another 20lbs in 40 days. I started eating more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables... I cut back on meats... no bread. I started drinking a lot more water and less diet Coke. From then until now, I have been watching what I eat. I'm planning to lose another 15 to 20lbs before I'm done. I'm much more happier then I was before.
Eating healthier helped me to lose the weight slowly. Doing so allowed me to lose the 88 pounds in the past year. My doctor thought I wouldn't lose weight like this, and I'm going to show him just how wrong he was at my next appointment on January 29th when I take Edward to his check up appointment.
Another thing I did to lose weight was drink Silk Pure Almond unsweetened with vanilla in my Body by Vi protein powder shake. It helped me to feel full. I only had to drink it twice a day."
2 weeks after her baby delivery on the left, a couple weeks ago on the right!
She's done an amazing job. And she's a wonderful mom. Love hanging out with her and hearing about her success! Thanks for sharing Alisa. 
 The right side is the most recent showing her loss of 88lbs.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Original Spout review and discount

Recently I tried a new shampoo. Its a name brand that I'm pretty sure everyone knows. Unfortunately, it didn't agree with my scalp and I ended up itchy-headed with dryness around my ears and edges of my hairline. It got me to thinking. This isn't the first time I've met a brand that wasn't good for me. The only reason I tried it to begin with was because I had a coupon for a free bottle. But its not natural, not organic... They say the healthier stuff is better right? Well, I'm on the lookout for more healthier living and shampoo is on the list too. That's when I came across Original Sprout.
They are 100% vegan, organic and natural. There is no testing on animals. The products are also made here in the United States. Original Sprout wishes to stimulate the economy, create new jobs while reducing the carbon footprints and ensuring non contamination of ingredients. Their products are also biodegradable. This is a truly Eco friendly company. They support Trees for the Future to globally replant forests as well. The founder of Original Sprout is Inga Tritt. She is a Master Stylist out in California who wanted to create professional styling products that were safe for families. You can read more about her and the company she started here.

Another reason I'm drawn to Original Sprout was because they are free of insect attracting honey. As a woman, I want to smell good all the time. But I don't like smelling so good that the bugs follow me around. Especially here in the south!

Now about the products I tried... The Natural Shampoo and Deep Conditioner are so light and airy. It has a gentle feel to it. Its lightly scented with organic rosemary. My hair feels softer as soon as I start rinsing. I noticed immediately that after using this only once, I had no tangles! I could run my fingers through my hair (which is normal thick and coarse) and feel the softer tangle-free way it had become. As soon as I started brushing after my shower, still no tangles! The softness lasted all day. Some brands of shampoos irritate my scalp as I mentioned above. These didn't.

The Scrumptious Baby Cream is also light feeling and doesn't leave an oily residue feeling. It kept my hands soft even after washing and using antibacterial sanitizer. Don't let the names fool you either, they aren't just products for babies. They are good for the whole family. Its good for all types of skin, including sensitive skin.
The last product I received to try was the Hair & Body Babywash. It's an extra moisturizing cleanser that gently washes away dryness, cradle cap, eczema, psoriasis, baby acne, heat rash, diaper rash and skin irritations. It doesn't matter how old you are, if you have skin issues I suggest trying it. I have dry skin and it worked wonderfully on me. It also keeps my baby girl's skin smooth and soft.

I decided to experiment this morning... After having used the Original Sprout the past several times of washing my hair, I used a name brand I was previously using. Big mistake! My head is itching like crazy. There is definitely a difference between the natural and the chemical types.

Original Sprout provides a number of organic products for your hygienic needs. Such as: shampoo, conditioner, Tahitian hair oil, face and body sunscreen, natural styling balm, natural curl calmer, baby cream, hair and body wash, detangler, leave-in conditioner, and natural hair gel. I haven't come across a single thing about these products that I didn't like! Even the price is right considering what other "healthy" hair care goes for these days. Definitely check them out and tell me what your thoughts on the products are. I love hearing from you all!
ALSO - They have given me a code that gives you 10% off your first order! Just enter TEN_PERCENT_OFF at checkout.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Lysol® Power & Free™ spray and wipes review

I'm a BzzAgent, in case you didn't know. They allow people who love to try new things and talk about them, test out products or services in exchange for sharing the knowledge with anyone and everyone! The latest product I was given to try was the new Lysol Power and Free spray and wipes cleaners.

I love Lysol. I don't know when the first time was that I came in contact with it... but I know I'm a consumer for life. I also love bleach. Bleach kills and destroys ANY germ in my opinion. Did you know bleach can actually "tamper" traces of some evidence. (Don't get any ideas.) But the smell of bleach is dangerous. You need to have it diluted OR have the windows and doors open to clean with it. Now, Lysol does have a cleaner with bleach. And I have that... but my husband and kids complain about the smell. (Whereas, I'm basking in the fresh scent of CLEAN!) So, I was pretty excited when I heard about this one. I really do love the scent. Its light and refreshing. And it has Hydrogen Peroxide. Ever get a cut or scrape and have your parents clean it with hydrogen peroxide? Watching those millions of bubbles get to work pushing out the contaminants in the wound to prevent infections was my favorite! I know... I'm a weirdo. But this is the same idea. Spray your surface, it bubbles up, wipe it off. Voila! Clean surface.
No need for cleaning gear: masks, gloves, eye wear. There will be no tears. Your fingers won't get raw and chapped - or bleed. And breathing this in won't have you gasping for oxygen. And best of all - it carries the well known Lysol promise of killing 99.9% of germs.
And for the wipes, they are soft but strong still. I wiped up a very messy stovetop with only one wipe. (And my husband in the background telling me how much he prefers the smell to my normal bleach routine.) Overall, I see a great product that I look forward to using around my family.
Here's to healthier living! And happier if you are like my boys and husband who don't like the side effects of bleach 8-P.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Cool Gear Chiller review

I feel guilty buying drinks on the go. More bottles that might end up in the trash, more money I have to shell out that I could be saving. So I usually try to bring my own. I fill it up with water and keep it in the refrigerator so it's cold when I want it. The first reusable cup I had was a tumbler I'd gotten in a freebie giveaway. The first time my son dropped it, it was history. I ended up winning another free one later on, but I have to keep it from the kids since it’s just another cheap one that would be easily broken. I went searching for more family-oriented gear. That's when I came across Cool Gear. They offer a wide variety of products for the whole family. Bottles, cute lunch bags, water filter bottles, travel mugs, storage options, customizable, and more for you to check out.
As the name says, they have lots of cool gear that's family friendly. Bright colors, styles, and uses that make it easy to find the right kind for each individual. They sent me a 20 ounce Chiller that I really love.
Vibrant orange with a tropical flower design all around it comes with a sturdy patterned grip so I won't have to worry so much about little butter fingers getting ahold of it. It has an inner layer with gel to keep my drink colder, longer. I enjoy taking it to work. It even brightens the office while keeping me hydrated and ready for action. It has a seal in the lid to keep liquid from leaking out.
I like this because if my boys get my cup and accidentally tilt it over while drinking, it's not as likely to make a huge mess that I'll have to clean up. It comes with a hard plastic reusable straw.
The straw has a large rounded out edge on the bottom so that the straw can’t just slide out if your cup gets titled over by the little bandits. If for any reason you do lose a part such as your straw or lid, they have the replacements parts! They have so much to offer for those trying to cut back on waste and keep the healthy lifestyle. Check them out and tell me what you think in the comments below! Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, as well as Statigram.

***This product was sent to me free for the purpose of writing this review. I was not otherwise endorsed or told what to say. All opinions stated are strictly my own.***

Monday, April 1, 2013

Journey Bar new flavors review

Journey Bars are amazing! I did a review on them quite a while back. After that initial tasting I've since kept in touch with Marguarette, the co-founder of Journey Bar. She recently contacted me about the new flavors they have added to the collection as well as some great changes they made to a favorite. The new flavors are Sea Salt and Sesame Ginger.
I thought the Sea Salt one was pretty good. Its chewy, tastes lightly of sea salt with the grainy flavor of the quinoa and amaranth.The Rosemary still tastes wonderful but now comes in chewy goodness.
I shared the latest ones with my mom to get some variety in the opinions, though, we often enjoy the same things. Here's what she had to say about them:
The Rosemary was good. I like it soft. It allows us old folks to chew it. I like the taste just as I did before. It is nice that it isn't full of sugar. When I eat a lot of sweet things it makes me wanna keep eating which is bad for my weight. I tried the Sea Salt one. Not bad. I still like the Rosemary one best. The Sesame Ginger has a much milder flavor than the Rosemary. It is good. Not too sweet and doesn't taste like cardboard. I could eat it. I am going to eat them as a meal replacement bar. Thanks for sharing them.
All of the bars are chewy, gluten-free, vegan, with added protein. I plan to get more and use them as my work meals. It saves money (even more so than normal brown bag lunches would). One of these bars and my reusable water cup keeps me energized and satisfied. And it would amount to about $2 for my lunch!
You can buy the Journey Bars online by checking their website here. Or search for a store near you that has them. I checked online and did some pricing: A sample pack that consists of 1 of each flavor is $10 or you could get the 12 variety pack for $22. There's another website (Drugstore.com) that sells them 12 for $18. That's a real deal on a healthy meal for someone on the go!
If you are out and about, you don't neccessarily want something sweet, sticky and messy. Sweets can make you hungry for more which adds pounds, sticky messes get everywhere and require wipes or a stop to wash hands. That's where savory, flavorful bars have their competitors beat. Check them out and let me know what you think! They have a Facebook Page as well as a Twitter account. Follow them and watch to see where they will be going next since they do events.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Runa tea

I like trying teas of different kinds. Especially a potentially healthier type. I was allowed the chance to sample some Guayusa tea from Runa. Guayusa plants are grown in the rain forest under the shade of other trees. I enjoyed reading about the process on the Runa.org website. If you want to learn more, check out this link. I like that Runa has tea in various forms: bottled, bagged as well as loose leaf. The benefit to Guayusa tea that most interested me was how one cup of it has an equal amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, however, it has twice the amount of antioxidants. Get the vitamins with the energy kick!
Runa sent me samples of 4 flavors: Traditional, Mint, Ginger-citrus, and Cinnamon-lemongrass.
I drank the Mint flavored one in the morning before breakfast. You can definitely taste the mintyness in it. It was strong, but not overpowering.
The Traditional one was sweeter (though since I flavor my teas with honey instead of sugar... could've been the honey?) than most teas I've had. I found I enjoyed this one the best.
In the Citrus-lemongrass I could taste the citrus. It wasn't a strong taste but it was good and on the sweet side as well.

I'm sorry I didn't try the Cinnamon-lemongrass one. Most cinnamon-flavored things makes me feel sick. My husband said he'd be up to try it and if not my mother might. Once they do, I'll add their comments about it.

As far as being energizing, I had them mostly early in the morning as a wake up kick-start or late in the evening when I felt ready to keel over. It gave me just enough boost to get back on track but I wasn't wired for hours on end. Runa has put together plenty of information concerning the health benefits they offer in their Guayusa teas. You can read about those here.
They are looking to push boundaries and expand a world of clean energy. In doing this, they have an ambassador program for "movers and shakers". If you go above and beyond in your own way, maybe you should check them out! http://www.runa.org/community/ambassador/
Right now it seems they mostly sell in New York. But you can also order from them online. Check them out and leave me a comment about what you think.

Monday, January 14, 2013

RW Garcia review and giveaway

Time for another great food review! Good thing I'm trying a lot of healthy things or I'd probably spend all my time at the gym... This time I was sent chips from RW Garcia. You can check out their website hereThey offer quite a variety of wholesome quality tortilla chips. We like tortilla chips for making nachos, eating with salsa or dip and for when we have parties!
These happen to be great in several ways. First, they are gluten-free. So if you have Celiac disease (which seems to be more common these days) or if you have allergies to wheat products these make a great alternative snack option. They are a healthier alternative to other tortilla chips that are loaded with highly fattening powdered flavoring. The taste is more baked into them than onto them.

They sent me 7 bags to try: MixtBag of Red and Yellow Tortilla chips, MixtBag of Yellow and Blue Corn Tortilla chips, 3 Seed Veggie Dippers, 3 Seed Blue Corn Dippers, 3 Seed English Cheddar Dippers, 3 Seed Curry and Mango Dippers, and 3 Seed Savory Dippers.
The MixtBags are a great hit in my family. My boys and husband especially love tortilla chips. We make nachos and dips or just snack on them out of the bag. The kids really love the different colors. It makes them fun and a great way to jazz up party dishes.
Another favorite of my kids and I in particular (and my siblings/mom) was the 3 Seed Veggie Dippers. They come as a mixed bag that has 3 flavors inside; Spinach and Garlic, Red Beet and Onion, Carrot, Tomato and Sesame.
Spinach and Garlic is of course green. The garlic isn't overpowering and neither is the spinach. They actually blend nicely. It has a taste to it that I find hard to put words for... So I'm just going to say it's not spinach-y. (Yes, I'm making up words!)
Then we come to the Red Beet and Onion Dippers - which I really enjoyed although they have a sort of vegetable after taste. You can taste the beet and onion in harmony together. My kids just liked them being red.
Lastly the Carrot, Tomato, and Sesame Dippers were really nice. You just slightly taste the carrots. The tomato was stronger in a good way.


3 Seed Savory Dippers are Himalayan Pink Salt and Cracked Pepper. Whether standing alone or dipping - the flavor is satisfying! Not overloaded with salt.
The 3 Seed English Cheddar ones are lightly flavored and were highly popular among the kids.
3 Seed Curry and Mango were definitely the strongest flavored chips by far! Word to the wise: If you can't handle some tangy spice, stay away! Eat more, feel the heat take it up a notch. The curry is most decidedly strong with this one. You can barely taste the mango. However, I actually like curry so this one was a pleasant surprise for me. Curry is an acquired taste, in my opinion. You either like it, possibly grow to like after being made to try it more than once, or you will never like it.
So what else can I tell you about these great chips? Let's see... the texture is really awesome and sturdy. They can handle heavier dips like guacamole. You can read the ingredients on the package without a "What the heck is that?!".
They also have recipes on their website. They tell you which stores offer their products or how you can order them online.
You can also connect with them via Facebook to be updated on their news of new products.
So now about the giveaway! They will send one lucky winner 1 bag of each of their Dippers. Just enter below via Rafflecopter and when its over, I'll randomly select the winner. Once I have the name and email of the winner, I'll contact you to get your address so they know where to send the chips.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


***These products were sent me to free strictly for the review purpose. I was not otherwise endorsed or in any way told what to say. My reviews are completely my opinions.***

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Mediterranean Snacks review and giveaway

I'm still researching healthy products. And I've come across another bunch of goodies to tempt you with. Mediterranean Snacks sent me some things to try and write about. They provide gluten free, no trans fat, and 30% less fat than regular potato snacks in their snack foods. They sent me the Original Veggie Medley Straws, Rosemary Herb Lentil Crackers, Organic Popcorn, and the Original Veggie Medley Chips.

The Straws were a huge hit with my family right off the start! My picky son and even my husband would have devoured the whole bag in one sitting if I didn't limit them both. They are a potato snack-like chips but shaped like square straws instead. So light and airy in texture, not drenched in some salty flavoring - they make a great snack.
Then we tried the Organic Popcorn. Normally the only popcorn I like eating is covered in cheese or caramel. But I really enjoyed this! It’s so light and fluffy. They are air popped with a hint of sea salt and olive oil. My husband even LOVED them. He usually complains if he doesn't have his absolute favorite brand name popcorn, saying that everything else just "isn't as good" or "tastes so-so". And since popcorn is always on hand in our home, this is a snack I truly appreciate having around.
The Original Veggie Medley Chips tasted the same as the straws, but were shaped just like a normal wavy chip. Again, very light and airy in texture. Not drenched in high sodium content. You don't end your snacking with colored sticky fingertips.

Rosemary herb is an interesting taste. I’m not used to it, but these lentil crackers were actually pretty good. It’s a very strong herb and it was good with my moms homemade salsa.  
The prices are comparable to most other store brands you might go for, so if you're paying that much anyways, why not get something much healthier for your family? They also have Hummuz Crispz, Baked Lentil Chips, and Multi Grain Chips. So many different flavors to choose from, great prices, and they may even have a store that carries them near you! Just check the Store Locator here: http://www.mediterraneansnackfoods.com/store-locator/. And to see more about them or what they offer, just go here: http://www.mediterraneansnackfoods.com/. You can also follow them to see what's new: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MediterraneanSnackFoods, via Twitter @medsnax. They also have store fronts on Amazon and Alice.com.

They are supposed to have a $1.00 off coupon on their website, but I was unable to get it to work on my computer. You can still give it a try and perhaps get it to work on yours.  http://www.couponfactory.com/share/71d858a9deef8c71486a972810f7bb05ed3d3364/
I foresee a trip to the store in a couple days when my boys run out of these good snacks!

***I was not paid anything for my reviews. They sent me the product in return for my honest opinions.***

Now for the fun part! A GIVEAWAY!!! That's right, one lucky winner will receive a mixed case of the Mediterranean Snacks Baked Lentil Chips (full size products). Just get your entries in below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 5, 2012

ChopSaver review - For People with Lips!

If you're like me, you need some kind of lip balm on a regular basis. Whether you play a wind or brass instrument, live in a hot climate (like Texas!) or even because of the medications you may be taking - your lips might get dry and sore. I always have to keep 2 on hand. One on my dresser for easy access inside and one in my bag that I carry when I go out. But I haven't found one that truly lasts long and keeps my lips really moisturized. I also don't like many of the flavors I've tried. Recently I contacted Chop Saver. They make a gluten-free, 100% all natural botanicals and organic lip balm. I thought, no way it can be all natural. Somewhere in there has to be one of those long worded chemicals that no one can pronounce. But I was pleasantly wrong!

So why am I now in love with Chop Saver?
1. All natural ingredients means its healthier for me. Less chance of "catching cancer" and all that jazz.
2. I love citrus tastes and smells. Since Chop Saver uses citrus oils and extracts, you can smell and taste it as soon as you put it on.
3. Long lasting! Even my husband tried it and could still taste some lingering the next day. My lips feel moist much longer than they ever did using name brand lip balms.
4. Made in the USA!! I'm a proud American who loves a homegrown product.
A little background info about Chop Saver:
It was originally invented by a musician. Trumpet player to be exact - Dan Gosling relies on his lips for a living. So they need to stay moist and comfortable as he plays. He began experimenting in his kitchen with herbs and extracts. From his search for the perfect lip balm came ChopSaver. There are two kinds: Original and Gold. Original is for everyday use while Gold has SPF 15 for outdoor use.

This is also great for patients taking Isotretinoin which is used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne (a certain type of severe acne).
Or even for people who suffer from Cheilitis (a medical condition involving inflammation of the lip).


You can request a free sample to see for yourself how wonderful it is by contacting ChopSaver in the following ways:

Dan Gosling -

Call 877-346-0951 ext. 300

Email dan@chopsaver.com

 

Rhea Newman -

Call 877-346-0951 ext. 301

Email rhea@chopsaver.com

 

Check them out at  www.ChopSaver.com
And on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/chopsaver?fref=ts
***I was not paid to say anything about this product. I was sent these items free in exchange for my honest opinions in the form of a review.***

Monday, August 6, 2012

Journey Bar review

Lately I’ve been on the hunt for healthier living - for me and my family. Especially for travel snacks that are not going to clog our arteries, make a huge mess (especially in this Texas heat) or sweeten my kids up to the bounce-off-the-walls point. Nutrition bars happen to be something I prefer, but most of them out there are sweet. Drizzled with chocolate, chocolate chips mixed in… If I wanted chocolate, I’d just carry cookies and a case of diaper wipes with me. So, to the internet I went – in search of other options. And I found the Journey Bar. These are savory bars ready to go wherever you go! Their ingredients are organic whole grains and authentic spices from around the world. Such a different experience than what most people are using these days. Journey Bar offers these great flavors: Coconut Curry, Pizza Marinara, Rosemary (crunchy), Hickory Barbecue, and Parmesan Romano (crunchy).

Journey Bar sent me a sample bar of each flavor to try so I could review it for you all. I even brought a couple of them to the manager’s office here at our apartment complex to try with me. She first tried the Coconut Curry (I’m not a big fan of coconut). She said the sweetness of the coconut offset the tangy curry flavor in a good but hard to describe way. Then we had some of the Parmesan Romano bar. It was definitely crunchy and tasted a bit like pizza. She says that bar for sure would be perfect to have on hand for days when you are tempted to have pizza but know you shouldn’t! We even shared these two flavors with the office worker and some residents to get a more rounded opinion. By far the vote leaned to favoring the Parmesan Romano. A tangy “pizza” flavor that was satisfying. These are definitely a great and tasty alternative to the widely used, sweet nutrition bars that you sometimes wonder - are they really that healthy for you…

Then came the ultimate test – my kids! I decided to let them try the Pizza Marinara bar with me. And to my pleasant surprise, my 3 ½ year old was smiling and begging for more after the first bite!!! He’s a really picky eater who hardly ever wants anything healthy besides fresh bananas or strawberries. My 2 year old son was too busy watching a movie at first to give me his opinion, but after a while he came running in asking for more “pizza”. 8-) So now I know they are also something that my family can enjoy together! I count this as another win for healthy living in my home.

I also enjoyed reading about how they got the idea and started up this business. Two friends doing lots of traveling around the world - looking for something better than the widespread sweetened nutrition bars to grab on the go. They use herbs and spices from places they have travelled to, to season these bars with. And believe me – you can definitely taste the wholesome flavors. The grain in these is mostly amaranth. It’s seedy, but chewy and dissolves in your mouth. It’s not like most bars that have oatmeal (that’s so chewy you look like a cow trying to get it down).
They have these bars in stores all around the United States. Just check their website to see if they have a store that carries them near you. If not, order online! Another great thing about them – FAST SHIPPING! I spoke with them Friday and received the samples Monday morning. Not many companies out there can boast such fast service.
100% natural ingredients, flavors that give your taste buds a pleasant change in pace, and satisfy you while out and about without the mess. I look forward to carrying these around with me. Want to know more about them? Check out the links I’ve included below.
You can check out their website here: http://www.journeybar.com/
Follow them on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/journeybar.france
Follow them via Twitter here: http://twitter.com/journeybar