Hi all!
I've often been told that I have a certain knack for discovering really obscure, high quality, unique products (which have a tendency to become discontinued shortly thereafter), and who am I to disagree? I'm hoping that with this blog, which will certainly grow over time, as it's just a little seedling at the moment... that I can share some of my favorite healthful items with you and that you will use and enjoy them and tell a friend! Remember those Albertsons commercials? Wow, 1980's TV marketing must've really done a number on me if I still remember that-- EEK!
So, my sweet tooth has been coming on STRONG since I completed that 4 week cleanse (gotta find a new excuse already, it's been weeks now!) and I wanted to share with you a list of some of my current favorite things to snack on... snacks that bring me much joy, might I add. This is only the first installment, and will likely become a regular feature as I've got so many great items to share with you all!
I have listed each item, with the pros, cons and my favorite way(s) to enjoy each. Note that for many of the items, price was listed as a con. Nevertheless, like Alice Waters of Chez Panisse fame (my new hero!), I must be an absolutist when I say... if you must skimp, do so in other areas of your life... NOT when it comes to your health! Preventative medicine starts with you and the daily choices you make. You can find incredible deals online these days, so shop around a little and go for quality and a little less quantity. You're worth it, and frankly, we can all stand to eat a little less!
Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
Pros – Gluten free
Refined sugar free
Organic
Only 3 ingredients
Snap, crackle and pop just like Kellogg’s
Brown (not white) rice
Cons – Slightly pricier than other cereal brands, but you’re worth it!
How I like to eat it: with chopped up maple pecans, almond milk and strawberries
Pacific Natural unsweetened almond milk
Pros – Minimal, all natural ingredients
No added sweetener
No added oil
Preserved with carageenan (a natural preservative derived from red seaweed)
Low Fat version now available
Soy and gluten free
One of the most nutritious non-dairy milk substitutes
Organic
How I like to drink it: with my Erewhon cereal! It is also wonderful in fruit smoothies. It is key that every fruit smoothie have frozen banana chunks blended through it to give it a luscious and creamy mouth-feel. I usually take bananas that are just about to become over-ripe (but not quite there yet) and cut into bite sized pieces and keep in the freezer in small zip loc bags for up to two weeks! Also excellent foamed up and perched atop a latte.
Didi’s Baking for Health Mac ‘n Cheese –
Pros – Great protein-packed meal or snack on the go
Minimal, all natural ingredients
Lovingly handcrafted in small batches
Raw
Gluten free
Cons – Very few stores carry this product (Erewhon in L.A. and Co-Opportunity in Santa Monica, that I know of, otherwise must ship from NY direct from maker)
On the pricey side ($5 per 1.7 oz. pouch) if they become a habit (which they likely will!)
Nuts not organic
How I like to eat them: A better question would be, how do I NOT like to eat these?! They’re so delicious that I always intend to snack on just half the bag (2 “cookies”--which are plenty) but end up gobbling up the whole pack of four and call it a meal. These are great pre or post workout or if you’re out and about and need a filling and portable meal.
Tierra Farm organic raw nuts and unsweetened dried fruits (ie. Bing cherries)
Pros – A wide selection of dried unsweetened fruits like bing cherries
Wide selection of raw nuts
Reasonable rates and shipping (especially compared to other organic fruit/ nut stores online)
Arrive fresh, beautifully packed and in perfect order
Cons – Not local unless you live in NY
How I like to eat them: On top of cereal, on the go snacks, and pre & post workout! Also great in homemade cookies and granola sweetened with date sugar, maple sugar and/ or brown rice syrup!
Teeccino Herbal Coffee –
Pros – Tastes SO much like coffee, but you don’t have to love coffee to love it
Selection of luscious flavors like Hazelnut, Vanilla Almond or simply Java
75% organic
Made of wholesome ingredients like nuts, dates, chicory that give you a natural energy boost
Inulin from chicory keeps you regular and promotes the growth of good intestinal bacteria. It also decreases the body’s ability to make bad fats associated with cholesterol and heart disease
20 Calories per serving
Caffeine free
Promotes alkaline balance
Dessert substitute
Promotes alkaline balance
Dessert substitute
Cons – A little pricey (about $9 per 11 oz. bag), but Vitacost.com (which, incidentally has the best prices ever on a surprisingly vast array of health food and supplement items) offers it at a great price!
25% not organic
How I like to drink it: Just under a Tbsp in a french press, steep 3 minutes. I like it straight with a tsp of organic maple syrup. Add a couple of Jennies macaroons (not vegan) and I am a VERY HAPPY GIRL! The slight bitterness of the Teeccino together with a bite of the sticky sweet macaroon is a heavenly combination. Also, it’s delicious as a latte with foamed almond milk on top and sweetened with maple crystals. Hazelnut is my favorite flavor thusfar, I recommend that you skip the mint chocolate.
Lakewood Organic Fresh Pressed Papaya Juice–
Pros – I always say, juice yourself if possible. If not possible, this brand is your next best bet
Organic
Not from concentrate
No added (non juice) sweeteners
Delicious flavors like papaya, pure carrot and pure pineapple
Short, pure list of ingredients
Glass (not plastic!) bottles
Cons – A bit pricier than other juice brands. Nevertheless, a good honest product.
Nutrients from fruit and veggies dissipate when exposed to heat and light,
that’s why it’s always best to juice yourself, and juice just enough so that you
consume the entire amount in a short time!
How I like it: Chilled with 1/4 water added to dilute the sweetness a touch. I also love combining with nut butters to make raw vegan salad dressings.
Tonic Scene raw dark chocolate –
Pros – Raw
High in antioxidants
Small list of natural ingredients
Very lightly sweetened with agave
70% cacao
Cons – (This is becoming a theme, but…) pricey. About $4.00 for a 1 oz bar
How I like to eat it: In under a minute before I get from the grocery store back to my car. Be sure to keep these refrigerated!
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