Product Review Policy & NN WINNER!!

I just wanted to let you all know about my product review policy. I will always be upfront and let you know if the product was sent to me as a free sample or if I purchased it. I am going to give you my direct and honest opinions-even if I got it for free, that will not bias my opinion in any way. When I seek out products I look for things that are good for my body and I love companies that have a strong mission statement! I am going to be upfront, if I don’t like something I will say so, and if I love something I’m certainly going to pass that on as well! I’m not super cool to get a ton of things for free anyway, so most of my stuff will be purchased most likely, but I have been fortunate enough to be blessed with a few sample thus far! So those are my thoughts..do you have any??

Any in general?? My commentary has been so silent, I don’t quite know how to get that going….maybe with a daily question, speak up folks!

So I’m sure you want to know who the winner of the awesome Navita Natural Products are. Well, I’m still on my maca power from this morning, so I busted out the random number generator and out spouted:

24. Kelsey |  July 28, 2009 at 10:36 am

such a sweet giveaway! if i could, i would try the chia seeds. there are just so many good things being said by bloggers about these little things that i have to try!

Send me an email with your address at bb0517@gmail.com so I can get you your seedlings!!

Remember, the rest of you can still enjoy 25% off until August 27th and I can’t tell you enough how great their stuff is. I know I’m going to restock my lucuma, acai, and maca powers!!! The coupon code is thxu25.

My plans had a last minute change, so we’ll see what’s up for the day, but TGIF!

Maca Power and Mocha Tastings

Woohee! That Maca stuff is crazy powerful! I have put it in my shakes now for a few days and it leaves me talking a mile a minute, I think I need to be careful with it. It is definitely one powerful superfood, let me tell ya’! No need for any extra caffeine when adding just a teaspoon of that!

photo courtesy of www.navitanaturals.com

Fun Facts about Maca:

• possesses building blocks for seretonin
• helps with stress by helping adrenal glands regenerate
• from a root vegetable related to the turnip
• a little bit will do! only need about 1/2tsp a day

  After work today, I gathered a few of my ‘Bou buddies and we did a Mocha comparison with some of our coffee competitors to see if our new chocolate really lived up to it’s standard and actually came up with some good results! To preface, I love coffee, and just because i work somewhere doesn’t mean I’ll drink their stuff. I go after taste. For example, I worked at Starbucks in Seattle for years, but I LOVED Stumptown and Cafe Vita, and would always go there whenever I wanted to actually purchase a cup of really good coffee or espresso. As I have mentioned before, there is an art to coffee and espresso, and tasting it is much like tasting wine.

MOCHA ADVENTURE!!!

Thus, the mocha comparison began. It was free mocha’s at McDonalds, so we ventured over there and nabbed two small ones, very scary as it was literally pumped out of a machine, milk and all, and topped with Reddi Whip.

Then, it was off to Starbucks for a Grande Mocha and a Grande White Mocha, had to take off my Caribou shirt before going in there, hehe.

Once back at the ‘Bou, we poured them all into disguised sample cups, made one of each Caribou white and dark mocha, and then blind tasted them all:

THE RESULTS:

MCDONALDS: You pay what you get for I guess. If you want a gas station tasting mocha with flat milk and something that tasted like an instant cappucino mix with a very bad aftertaste for $1.90, then go for it, but you could probably make something better at home. BLECH!

STARBUCKS: This one was creamier, and we ordered it with 2% but one tester said it tasted almost like breve. The biggest complaint about both the white and dark mocha was the big oils on top, it was disgusting. “When is exxon going to come clean this spill up?” said tester #2. Biggest disappointment….major sludge at the bottom.

CARIBOU: Creamy, smooth, very rich. Good consistency throughout, and no sludge! One change I would make is less chocolate in a hot one though, because it might be too rich for a medium hot mocha if you were to drink the entire thing. Best one overall though and no oils!

WHITE MOCHA-

STARBUCKS: I used to love these, this one was creamy and smooth, but had a very bitter aftertaste and was almost too sweet. Once again, major oils.

CARIBOU: Very creamy consistency, nice and smooth, not too sweet, nice vanilla undertones, good balance. I think this recipe is right on.

WRAP UP-

None of the testers will ever be going to McDonalds. I used to hit up the ‘Bux for their White Mocha’s but once Caribou does their full run on their new chocolate, they have definitely won me over with their new White Mocha. We all agreed that Caribou’s new chocolate is better than Starubucks in both consistency and quality, in part due to no disgusting oils on top of the drink and no sludge at the bottom.

Once again, these are my honest chocolate buds talking, I am not partial to any of the companies. I will actually be quite sad when we have to go back to our old chocolate until the true launch, because I am not that big of a fan

If you are in the CHAPEL HILL, NC area, you can receive $1 off any size mocha, hot or iced at either the downtown Franklin store or Franklin/Estes store for the next two weeks by bringing in this coupon!

#571(Yes, my scary photo and this code is the coupon, my boss didn’t want me to get sued for using the logo)

(Sorry I couldn’t make it nationwide, but currently the chocolate launch is in test mode and only limited stores have it, but stay tuned for October!!!)

Affirmation for the day: It’s okay to be myself around others:) Especially when chocolate is involved!

Get some Power! Cheap Chia and Navita Natural Giveaway!!

Hopefully you have been able to check out my product review on the awesome Navita Natural Products I’ve been able to try-they have a very extensive line and so far I’ve been very impressed with everything I’ve had so far.

They are an incredibly generous company, and are offering all Faith in Food readers a 25% off coupon to use between 7/27 and 8/27! How awesome is that!  That means you could get yourself some chia power for only $4.50, and those will last you!  Check out there extensive line of a lot of other amazing superfoods as well that might not be available nearby.

To use the coupon:

at the checkout cart, enter code:

thxu25

I think I’m going to get me some of their other Twister Power smoothie mixes, they are buy one get one free right now…anyone want to go in with me???

THE GIVEAWAY!!!

1)Leave a comment telling me which product you would like to try and why.

2) For a second entry, post a link to back to my blog/giveaway or add me to your blogroll!! Share the wealth, this is a great deal!

The winner will receive product of their choice, courtesy of me! I was so blessed to receive such wonderful products, I am going to personally pay it forward! My weekly tips are being saved as we speak, cause I love ya’ll just that much!

The winner will be announced on Friday, July 31st.

An Infused Thursday

Man, I have to admit, Wednesday’s are usually my tough days, but today I was draggin’. Maybe it’s because I have been on a pretty long work stretch, good thing I had some super juice! I love it when it’s fresh, and I have been throwing a cucumber in it lately which has been a nice addition, unfortunately it didn’t make me cool as a cucumber today :p

I have definitely found myself to be an emotional eater, so I’m not sure if it was that or just true hunger, but I found myself getting hungrier earlier than normal this morning. I listened to my body though, and busted out the green monster. It was a quiet moment and I was able to pose for ya’ll in front of the collage I made for the store of all the employees with some of our regular customers, it’s pretty funny

I swear this shift dragged on forever today. I’m just not a nap person though, so I won’t go home to take a nap, plus I have errands to run. I know I’ll sleep good tonight though! I tried a new mix in my smoothie this afternoon, it was the Vega Smoothie Infusion. I didn’t know if it had any “flavor” to it, it didn’t That was okay though, because you know when you’re tired you get kind of queasy? I had also put in some other stuff that still sweetened it up just a tad so it was drinkable, but if I ever used this stuff again, I would add something else more flavorful or a heck of a lot of fruit. The nutrition stats on the infusion and ingredients are awesome though.

• 1/2 frozen banana, blackberries, and some papaya
• Vega smoothie infusion pkt
• 1c almond milk
• bit of Acai Power and bit of Lucuma Powder (good thing b.c i needed a bit of sweetness!)

The smoothie held me over for quite awhile. I didn’t need my snack until late afternoon an usually I want at least my fruits a bit sooner. So at least I know that infusion is pretty hearty! I’m going to be so sad when summer is over. It almost makes me want to live on a straight diet of fresh peaches, cherries, and berries, My friend and I might go berry picking this weekend though and I’m very much looking forward to that!! We’ll see how many actually end up in the bucket :p

So no one has given any feedback on the Body Pledge yet??? Come on guys, I know you’re out there….

Also, if you could try any of the Navita’s Natural products, which one would you want to try?

Lastly, check out Meals and Moves for a hydrating green giveaway!

Blessings!

Navitas Natural Product Review

A few weeks ago, Navitas Naturals sent me a generous package containing some very nutrition goodies which I have been testing out in my daily life and kitchen. Man, have I ever been impressed! I have only had one recipe go awry, and everything I’ve tasted has been wonderful. On top of that, I’m feeling so much better, my skin has cleared up, and my energy has increased ten-fold!

Acai Power-full of antioxidants, healthy essential fatty acids, polyphenols, and is wonderful in smoothies!! It adds just a touch of sweetness and thickens things up a bit which I have loved, on top of being an energy powerhouse!!

Lucuma Powder-This was completely new to me, and something that I think is just hitting the health world. I LOVE IT! It thickens things up and is an all natural sweetener that doesn’t mess with one’s blood sugar levels. On top of that is has naturally occurring iron, niacin, and beta carotene, making it ten-times better than splenda. I can’t wait to try it in baking!

Maca Power-fights fatigue, boosts libido, and increases stamina, no wonder its called a superfood! This is the only one I haven’t gotten to try alone, but I have had it in their TwisterPower and love that!

Cacao Power-high in antioxidants, magnesium, and iron. It has no added sugar and is all naturally processed, not to mention DELICIOUS! This is the real stuff guys and when I put just  a tablespoon of it in my Chocolate Chia Pudding I was ecstatic. The flavor is wonderful. You can bake with it, put it in smoothies, let your mind run wild, this is the pure stuff and it is choca-mazing!!

I have been so impressed by their line of products, I went out and got some more on my own I have been enjoying their TwisterPower in my smoothies which is a blend of their superfood powders and is amazing! I also love their chia seeds, very affordable! One of my favorite finds though, has been their Trail Power!

You might recall the Wild Berry Rice with cashews I made a while back with it. Not only was that incredibly delicious, but this has been great straight from the bag, sprinkled into yogurt, oatmeal, etc!

Thank you so much Navitas Naturals! You definitely have a loyal consumer for life from me! Check out all their other great stuff on their site, as well as tons of awesome recipes.

Stay tuned, I feel a giveaway coming on

Coconut Curry Delight!

It was mom’s last night, and now that she lives in podunk Idaho and heard that there was a PF Chang’s nearby, we had planned on going there for her final evening here. I have never been and she had been raving about their lettuce wraps all week. Lettuce wraps? Hey, sign me up!

We got there just before the rush which was nice because we were both starving. With a brief glance at the menu, and only a few questions to the waiter we immediately placed our order.

It has been so nice to be able to go out and eat with my mom again as I used to never go out to restaurants due to fears in regards with eating. Now I know I can still make healthy choices and look for those on the menu.  I will also choose some restaurants over others to try. Plus, my mom knows me better than anyone, so I knew that it would be a great opportunity to try a lot of these experiences.

We started with the chicken lettuce wraps complete with dipping sauce made for personal spice desire!

These were awesome! I love the little crunchy noodles! They say they’ve tried to be “recreated” but just never taste quite the same…the challenge has been set forth An entire dish of these could easily be a meal, but we split it between the two of us.

We then decided on two small sides of sauteed spinach and garlic, and seared mushrooms.

My favorite of the night was the Coconut Curry Tofu and brown rice. The tofu was pan seared on the outside so it was nice and crisp, but when you bit into it, the tofu literally melted into you mouth, it was delicious. The curry had just enough kick to it as well.

Here was my plate:

Happy Tummys

Good Fortune!

Good night!

Check out this very fun blog and get nutty with this awesome giveaway!

Berry Good Reviews, Recipes, and More!

Phew, despite this being my first four days off in a very long time, I think I’m almost more exhausted as my mom and I have been running ourselves ragged!

It was good to be home, and I started off the morning with my usual juice and fighting with the computer trying to download the weekend’s worth of pictures from my crappy camera and my mom’s spiffy camera!  My internet kept going out though from a brief period of southern thunderstorms.

I enjoyed a berry good monster via smoothie soup! It’s great this way. When eating raw they say you should “chew” your bites, even if it is smooth, and I even dropped a few berries in, I thoroughly enjoyed this! Once again, so nice to be able to sit and have my breakfast rather than rushing around!

We had to meet someone to get an estimate on some car work mid morning so we headed down to the coffee shop. My mom met some of my fellow co-workers, I got some computer work done and we met the mechanic. Haven’t heard back yet, but cross your fingers it’s not too much $$!!!

VORTEX SHAKER CUP PRODUCT REVIEW

While at the shop I had my good ol’ lunch shake, creamy and delish! Howeever, lately I’ve been finding it not holding me over as well, so I might need to oomph it up a bit. I seem to have lost the picture, but check out the cup I have been using. I love it! I can make my smoothie in the morning, take it with me in the car for a few hours, and it is still creamy and cold! Perfect for a girl always on the go!

photo from http://www.fit-fresh.com/images/prod_detail_vortex.jpg

If you are a constant smoothie drinker like myself, I definitely recommend getting one of these. The price is right, and I have also not had any green monster explosions like some of my previous shakers.

We headed out for an epic Walmart adventure. Normally I don’t like to support that company for ethical reasons, but when my budget only allows for so much, I have to succumb. We actually had some great finds, my apartment is becoming quite homey, so picts to come soon!!! My mom is a superb decorator!

I snacked on my fresh fruit of berries and mango+ a chocolate chip raw bar on the way there. It was perfect!

I had brainstormed a few ideas for dinner, but didn’t want to go to the store so on the way back I was thinking of all the leftovers I had in my head. Taco salad with a bean burger concoction came to mind and this is what came out:

Oaty-OoHempf Bean Burgers-

• 1/3c oats
• 1/2 c black bean pate-recipe on this post
• chopped peppers

Combine above in bowl and mix well. Divide into 1/2c portions and form into patties. Bake on a VERY WELL greased cookie sheet, grill, or fry in pan. ENJOY!

Makes 2 servings.

I served these in a taco salad with some homemade guac, and topped them with greek yogurt! Perfect!

Try your luck!

If you’re feeling “hangry” check out an awesome giveaway over at Hangry Pants for some MojiMix granola!

At first I was a bit torn on the Amazing Grass stuff, but after putting it in my lunch shakes for awhile, it’s grown on me. Oh She Glows is doing an awesome giveaway, check it out here!

Christmas in July

I have this tendency to live my life in a bit of denial when there is the possibility of getting bad news or things I don’t want to deal with, which means not checking my mail every day, because let’s be honest, I get sick of getting bills, bills, bills. BLECH!

However, this blogging stuff can sure have it’s kicks, like CHRISTMAS IN JULY!! Thank you Mr. Postman, and THANK YOU NAVITAS NATURALS!!!!

I went out, saw a little slip, rushed to the office, and lo’ and behold, a goodie box awaited for me!! Inside, delicious products to try and review, I can’t wait!!!

They were so generous! They sent me:

• Maca Powder
• Lucuma Powder
• Acai Powder (which I have already been trying in my afternoon smoothies and loving!!!!)
• Cacao Powder
• a really spiffy water bottle
• little recipe book, which I will be testing a bit from and creating my own!

I have previously tried and have their Twister Power, Chia Seeds, and 3 Berry Trail Mix and have loved all of the products, so I am very excited to try these ones as well. Stay tuned for reviews as well as a probable giveaway! For it is only right to be so blessed and pay it forward!

It has sort of been like exposure therapy, so I was encouraged to check my mailbox again, though I haven’t really been expecting anything. However, another surprising little slip showed up, and at first I thought it was just a box my mom had sent of all my stuff that has been cluttering her garage in Idaho this past year. However, when I went to the office, the box looked like nothing she would send. I ran like a silly school girl back to my place, ripped it open and WOOHOO!! HEMPY GOODNESS!! Hello omega faith power!

• Hemp Seed Butter
• Shelled Hemp Seed
• Organic Hemp Oil
• Hemp Pro 70

I seriously sat in a moment of shock just looking at the blessings around me, I don’t take anything for granted after working for so much and then looking at all this generosity. Thank you Lord, and THANK YOU MANITOBA HARVEST!! This could not have come at a better time because I was just told by one of my medical team that I really need to concentrate on getting my Omega 3+6’s in, and I hate taking those big gel pills.

What are some of your favorite recipes using hemp?

Lord, thank you so much for all of your blessings and meeting me where I am at. Thank you for your protection, guidance, mercy, and compassion.

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”-Psalm 48:14

Destress with Juice!

Happy 4th of July! I know most people out there are making flags out of food and red and blue sprtizers, but due to the great amount of stress I have been under, and sometimes even random holidays will bring about stress to some, I had to take a day to practice some self care, and that included some juicy mocktails that are specifically formulated to help your body deal with stress!  Most of my research came from a great book, Juicing with Life which I highly recommend to anyone serious about juicing because it covers all ailments from A-Z.

I busted out the Breville, and let me tell you, I love my Brutus (that’s what I have named him) dearly. He has yet to fail me. This was the first time I have juiced any greens, and I felt stress relief just pushing all the fruits and veggies through!! It makes a nice calm whirring noise, is easy to clean, and makes instant, refrshing healthful juices. Seriously, if you can’t bust out a couple hundred for a Champion juicer, the Breville is a great way to go!

My first juice was the Super Eight Stress Reliever-

• 1 kale leaf
• 1 collard leaf
• 1 stalk celery
• 1 carrot
• red pepper
• 1 tomato
• (it also calls for broccoli and parsley but I didn’t have those)

I have to admit I was a bit stressed at having to taste this, I’m honestly not a big fan of veggie juices (SACRILEGE!) Actually, I was quite surprised and it grew on me. I think I might add an apple next time, or some of the later made canteloupe juice because I’m just a sweet gal, but it was all in all pretty tasty, better than V8.

The endeavor was the Spicy Canteloupe Shake-

• 1/4 inch ginger root
• 1/2 cantaloupe, with skin

This too, caused a moment of stress as I didn’t know of Brutus could handle the canteloupe with the skin, but oh yes, he can and he put out some delicious juice! This was very tasty, and definitely had zing! It kept my tummy humming for an hour or so afterwards :p

The last one I made was the Strawberry Shake-

• Juice: 1 pint strawberries
• 1 firm pear
• Pour juice in blender and blend with 1 banana
• 1 T brewers yeast (found in your health section)-don’t mistake with yeast you use for bread

I snagged a bit of the fresh juice before blending and that was amazing! The shake was pretty good, I’ll admit it, anything with shake in the title is usually a winner with me. I could definitely taste the yeast, gave it that “healthy” vibe, but I would drink and make this again, especially if it will help me destress.

Great Vitamins found in Brewers Yeast:

• Folic acid
• B12
• Potassium
• Thiamin
• Niacin
• Chromium

It is low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, even has some protein! Brewer’s Yeast has been a great natural way to treat a number of ailments ranging from anemia, STRESS, high cholesterol, constipation, and eczema.

**Note: When reseraching this I saw that people allergic to Penicillin should be wary of this…I’m very allergic, so I’m hoping I won’t react and will let you know, I will also be making a call to a fellow naturopath…YIKES!

All in all these gave me a lot of energy throughout the day and I got a lot accomplished without any mental breakdown. My car even died again, found out I had to get a new battery, but God provided once again! The man I asked for help just happened to be a mechanic, and not only did he jumpstart me, but then followed me to the auto store, had them test my battery, helped me get a new one, PUT IT IN FOR ME, and replaced my break fluid. How generous is that?? He also told me a few other things so I got his number so I could take it to him later. Thank you God for protecting and providing again and for such a compassionate human being!!

Another Amazing Giveaway!!

I have joined Polly in reading a Psalm each day so I am trying to take my verse from the one I’m reading…feel free to join us as well, July is Psaml 30-60!!!

The poor man called and the Lord heard him; he save him out of all his troubles. The angle of the Lord encamps around thos who fear him, and He delivers them. -Psalm 34:6-7

We are sturdy beings. But in many ways, we are frage. We can accept change and loss, but this comes at our own pace and in our own way. And only we and God can determine the timing. -Codependent No More

“Boutiful”…spreading the message one cup at a time!

Being authentic, loving yourself, accepting you for who you are and what you are, I advocate for it all. I hate how society is continuing to send us negative and contradictory messages on top of holding a double standard with women. Caitlin, from Healthy Tipping Point has started a powerful movement to end fat talk called Operation Beautiful which has caught on so much it now even has it’s own site!

I started off by taking part in this movement by writing random notes on coffee cups and passed them out to women at work. (Some cups got “boutiful” since it’s Caribou.)  Some messages were written on the cup, some on the lid. I’m not sure how many people saw them, though I did see a few notice. Regardless, I hope it empowered them at least for the day.

Remember tonight is your last chance to enter to win the Trader Joe Giveaway!