Good snacks that are good for you!

Enjoying healthy snacks & baked goods doesn't mean skipping out on flavor. You can easily replace those store bought sugar bombs with healthier options, and treat your body like royalty at the same time! Cut the sugar, gluten, grains, oils, and chemicals out of your diet by switching to natural, healthy alternatives by Nature's Eats.

Over the past year, I've been slowly easing the heavily processed foods out of my home. Weaning my family off of the store bought treats, and offering them healthier alternatives. It's been hit & miss, with some hiccups. However, they've seemed to embrace most of the change without much resistance. My most recent endeavor has been finding alternatives to baked goods, and quick snacks.

Some brands claim to be healthy, but if you read the labels, they're loaded with preservatives! It's been challenging finding products that are quick & easy, without additives. If you're in the same boat, then you understand the struggle. I have found a solution, and if like to save you time and effort, by sharing my experience with Nature's Eats.

Nature's Eats is a health conscious brand, offering natural products that not only taste good--- but are good for you! They have an amazing selection of snacks, as well as baking products. The products are grain free, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, oil free, vegan, AND paleo friendly! They may be missing a lot of things, but flavor is not one them!

One of my family's favorite snacks is trail mix. We gave up our sugar laden go- to, and embraced the Nature's Eats Cranberry Delight Trail Mix. It's a delicious blend of nuts, seeds, and cranberries. The entire family can enjoy this snack, and I don't feel guilty for feeding them so much processed garbage! ♡♡♡ 

We also enjoy snacking on nuts, so the Whole Natural Almonds, Sriracha Ranch Cashews, Hatch Green Chile Cashews, and Simply Go Raw Trail Mix were also a big hit! These snacks are full of protein, and really satisfy! If you're daring, and don't mind spice, I highly recommend the Sriracha Ranch Cashews, Hatch Green Chile Cashews. They're addictive!

Switching out baked goods & cooking products has been a bit more challenging than simply purchasing a new brand of snacks. It requires planning, and a bit more effort. I've been tinkering with substituting flour & bread crumbs with Nature's Eats Blanched Almond Flour. So far, I really enjoy the switch. Nature's Eats Almond Flour is a grain free flour that can easily be used in many recipes! A few of my favorite ideas: gluten free crackers, breads, cookies, and donuts, or even as a breading for vegetables and meats! 

So far, my family has given almond flour 2 thumbs up on the baking front! We've enjoyed making baked goods, and our favorite quick treat are these 3 Ingredient Almond Flour Cookies, from PowerHungry.com. They're ridiculously easy to make, and can be tweaked to suit your taste! Add cholocate chips, dried fruit, or even go bold like I did... Add trail mix! These cookies are low in sugar, and have a rich, delicious flavor, that's perfect for any palate!

I still embrace a few of our old go- to baked goods, but I'm learning how to incorporate almond flour more. Eventually, I'll cut out all of the old habits! Until then, I'll continue to surprise friends & family with fun new ways to enjoy quick snacks and baked goods WITHOUT all of the added junk. 

Sometimes a simple dietary switch can make a world of difference! However, it can seem daunting at first. In my experience, it's best to just jump right in and embrace the change. It'll take some getting used to, but your body will thank you on the long run!

Nature’s Eats products can be purchased online at Eatnuts.com & Walmart.com

#natureseats #tryazon 

Products received complimentary, for testing & review purposes. All opinions stated above are honest reflections belonging solely to Sarah's Honest Opinion.

Drink to your health!

Looking for a quick pick me up in the morning? I've got just the thing! Boost your metabolism & energy with this quick & easy Green Tea smoothie. It's packed with green tea goodness, and protien.

The perfect way to start your day!

Green Tea Smoothie
1 banana
1 tbs almond butter
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp honey
1 tbs matcha green tea powder
Handful of ice

Blend well & enjoy!

This recipe is vegetarian, dairy free, & gluten free. Substitute honey for agave or maple syrup to make it vegan friendly. 

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some Chia seeds. This is a great way to add additional protien, and control your appetite without empty calories or added chemicals.

Healthy kids are happy kids!

Healthy foods don't always taste good, and our kids know this. As parents, we try everything to keep them healthy --- hiding veggies in their favorite foods, and giving them supplements. Unfortunately, kids can usually detect the hidden veggies, and most children's vitamins on the market are loaded with sugar. There has to be an easier... better way.

There is.

I've been battling the unhealthy eating habits in my home for a long time. If there's a way to disguise food, or sneak in a vitamin, I've tried it. I was literally at my wits end when I finally found what I was looking for. The vitamin jackpot! Mega Foods.

Mega Foods are well known for their adult vitamins & supplements. However, they now offer vitamins and supplements for children. Their children's health line spans from age 5- 18, and includes powder and pill form vitamins!

My kids are really into homemade smoothies, so the vitamin powders are the perfect way to add a supplement without them even knowing! Mega Foods offers the vitamin powders in 3 varieties: Kids Daily Immune, Kids Daily Multi, and Kids Daily B-Centered™. All three of these products can easily be added to soft foods or drinks, and they don't really leave any residual flavor! My kids have been taking them for weeks now, and have no clue that their smoothies have been packing extra vitamins.

Each powder comes in a sealed glass bottle, complete with directions & dosage. Also included are a measuring scoop, and 30 doses of product!

Kids Daily Immune Nutrient Booster Powder

This powder is perfect for fall and winter, but can also be beneficial year round. This vitamin booster helps to maintain your immune system, and is packed full of healthful antioxidants!

Includes: Astragalus, Echinacea, Elderberry, Organic Oranges, Blueberries and Cranberries.

Kids Daily Multi Nutrient Booster Powder™

If you're looking for a well rounded supplement, this is a great place to start! It's specially formulated for growth and development, and also helps to maintain a healthy immune system. It also focuses on gum, bone, teeth, and muscle health. It's easy on the digestive system, and contains no sugars, or preservatives!

Includes: Turmeric, carrots, and Farm Fresh Fruits full of protective antioxidants.


Kids Daily B-Centered™ Nutrient Booster Powder

If your little one is easily excitable, or needs some extra help with mental clarity and focus, this is a great choice. It promotes a sense of calm through B vitamins, and provides support for a healthy nervous system.

Includes: Chamomile, lemon balm, Bacopa, brown rice, broccoli, and L-Theanine.

My kids favorite smoothies:

Peanutbutter banana

• 1c Vanilla (Greek) Yogurt (can sub with 1c vanilla almond milk)
• 1 banana
• 2tbs Peanutbutter (add more for extra pb flavor!)
• 1tbs honey
• 1/2c ice
• Blend until smooth

Very berry

• 1c Vanilla (Greek) Yogurt (can sub with 1c vanilla almond milk)
• 1c mixed berries
• 1/2 an avocado
• 1tbs honey
• *add 1/2c ice to thicken OR freeze berries first!
• Blend until smooth

In a previous post, my daughter and I made "Maddie's Smoothies " --- They're delicious & perfect for vitamin powders!

Mega Food Nutrient Booster Powders are the perfect way to add healthy, natural, vitamins to your child's diet. They're easy to use, and affordable. If my picky eaters can't tell the difference, yours won't either! Mix the powders into soft foods (yogurt, applesauce), sauces, or make some smoothies. Add some nutrition back into their diets. Healthy kids are happy kids!!!

          

      

   

                    

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.

Summer Eats

For me, summer is all about heat, and trying to refresh and stay cool. Living in the south, summers aren't the best time for heavy meals, so it's best to find light, fresh foods that satisfy. Seasonal fruits & veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Of course, BBQ's are a summer must, but we save them for cooler evenings if possible!

This summer, my favorite recipes feature big flavors, and fewer starches. The unique thing about these foods is that they're served cold, with the exception of my favorite summer grilled foods.

Caprese Salad

A light, fresh salad of hearty tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, and basil. This salad is sure to please even the pickiest of palates! It's gently seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. To amp up my caprese salad, I love to add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The balsamic really makes the salad pop!

Gazpacho

If you love fresh produce, you'll love gazpacho! It's a thin, chilled, tomato soup, spiced with peppers and garlic. You can serve it blended or whole. However, if you blend it, the flavors all meld together, and it's absolutely delicious! For an extra kick, I like to add a dash of hot sauce!

Kebabs

There are 100's of ways to make kebabs, it all depends on the seasonings you use to marinate the meat and cook them. The only rule of kebabs is that you have meat and/or vegetables on a skewer, that are well seasoned & grilled to perfection!

My favorite kebabs are:

• Chicken Nicoise: Toss cubed chicken breast and pancetta, olives and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, oregano and salt. Skewer and grill.
• Israeli Lamb: Mix 1 pound ground lamb with 1 cup each minced onion and chopped parsley and 2 teaspoons each paprika, salt and pepper. Form into 2-inch ovals; skewer and grill.
• Steakhouse: Marinate cubed beef tri-tip in 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon each soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley and thyme; add salt and pepper. Skewer with onion, mushroom and boiled potato; grill.
• Veggie Souvlaki: Mash 3 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon each coriander seeds and olive oil, and 1 teaspoon each cumin, paprika and salt into a paste. Brush on zucchini, eggplant and bell pepper chunks. Skewer and grill.

These foods can be found at any restaurant, but they're also super easy to make at home. So, get out there and make some delicious food!

Recipes & photos compliments of the Food Network. They've been my summer cooking inspiration this year, and I highly recommend their recipes!

My very first jam-boree!

Ever hosted a jam-boree? I'm not talking about your average, every day party... I'm talking about a jam party. Yes, a party celebrating jam! Probably not, and that's ok--- Because it's weird and unless prompted, who really thinks about throwing a jam party?!? Well, I did. I recently hosted a jam-boree, celebrating these fantastic new fruit spreads that I tried.

Until I discovered Just Jan's, through a party I hosted via Tryazon.com. My only experience with jam was on toast (and on a few baked goods.) I would never have dreamed of adding it to savory dishes. The thought of adding jam to my cooking was strange, and intriguing. I simply had to try it! So, I invited some friends and family over, and introduced them to Just Jan's... In an interesting way. I made dinner!

My Just Jan's Tryazon pack included Just Jan's Lemon Curd, Just Jan's Kadota Fig Fruit Spread, a 6 pack of assorted mini Just Jan's jams, some recipe ideas, and a super cute apron. So far, my friends and I have only tried the minis on toasted sourdough... but we got a taste of jam magic with the Lemon Curd and Kadota Fig Fruit Spread! Yes--- I added jam to dinner, and it was MAGICAL!!!

Our dinner consisted of: pan seared turkey breast, corn on the cobb, and kale with apple and fig. Dessert was a home-made sweet oat muffin with pecans and lemon curd. The entire meal was absolutely amazing, and healthy!

Who'd have ever thought to add jam to kale?! Sounds weird, but it's actually delicious! I made this amazing kale side dish and it was a hit----- Even the kids loved it! It's healthy, full of vitamins & minerals, and tastes heavenly.

My Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of kale, washed, & chopped
• 1 pink lady apple, peeled, cored, & chopped
• 1/2 tbs garlic powder
• 2 tbs olive oil
• A big pinch of salt
• 1 tbs Just Jan's Kadota Fig fruit spread

Directions

1. Toss the kale in a heated pan, with olive oil, garlic, and salt.
2. Once kale has wilted a bit, add chopped apples.
3. Continue to toss until Apple's begin to brown.
4. Add Just Jan's Kadota Fig fruit spread. Stir in until the jam is evenly dispersed. 
5. Continue to cook a few more minutes, until the kale is completely wilted & apples are soft.

Sadly, the healthy, flourless, oatmeal muffins are not my own recipe (but the kale is!!!) However, you can click here for the recipe. They're delicious, and I omit the raisins & top with pecans instead. I dont think raisins wouldn't taste too good with lemon curd, but if anyone tries it--- Let me know?!

Just Jan's has lots of other flavors, including sweet & savory! Head to JustJans.com and check out their vast selection of jams. Every flavor is unique and 100% natural. Make every meal a jam-boree!

#JustJans #SpreadTheGoodness #Tryazon #GotItFree

Product provided complimentary, for sharing & evaluation.

My chocolate cure...

Lately, I've been super tired, and feeling under the weather. I've had a really hard time shaking this crud off, and gaining back a sense of "me". I was starting to wilt, and it was really depressing. Then, I saw an ad for natural cacao nibs, and it touted them as a super food, that could restore, revitalize, rejuvenate... Yeah right... But, I was desperate, so I did some research, and it looked promising. I decided to go for it, and start pumping my body full of vitamins and antioxidants.

You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find raw, natural, cacao nibs, let alone decide on a brand to use. I contacted Pure Natural Miracles, an online store, that specializes in raw, natural, goodness. Soon enough, I had a fresh bag of raw cacao nibs, and a serious determination to feel better.

The bag suggests trying them raw. I love chocolate, so I was down to eat them! I took a small handful and tossed them into my mouth. Instantly I knew something was off. Then, I started chewing. Oh boy, raw cacao nibs are bitter, and having a mouthful of them is an awful experience. But, there was no turning back. I choked them down, and decided there had to be a better way to do this... The bag also suggest additional ways to eat them... I settled on smoothies. I make some awesome smoothies, so I knew I could make it work!

My first experiment was a huge success. In fact, my 3 year old ( who has to have a smoothie any time I make one) loved the smoothie so much, we dubbed it " Maddie's Smoothie." It's seriously good... I'll post my recipe. It's a basic recipe, and I've tweaked it to our liking, so feel free to tweak it to yours!

I've been whipping up a batch of Maddie's Smoothies every day now, for the past week. I love them first thing in the morning, or a pick-me-up between lunch & dinner. Since the first day, I've noticed an increase in energy. In fact, I started to feel a bit more like myself, and not the sick zombie I had become. By day 3, I was feeling renewed. I was in good spirits, and I had the drive and desire to move and be active. Now, 5 days in, I feel awesome! Plus, Maddie has not caught the virus I had. She's been boosting her body with the antioxidant rich smoothies too, and they've kept her healthy! The power of raw cacao is real, and it's a miracle!

So, how does it work? What makes raw cacao so healthful? Its chocked full of amazing vitamins, minerals, and natural boosters.

Pure Natural Miracles states, on their full disclosure of the product;

"Cacao is the Best Natural Food Source of the Following Nutrients:
Antioxidants:Cacao contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world.These antioxidants include polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health and wellbeing. The cocoa flavanols are natural and powerful antioxidants and help to strengthen your body’s own natural defence against free radicals before they can cause any harm. By weight, Cacao has more antioxidants than red wine, blueberries, acai, pomegranates, and goji berries COMBINED. 

Magnesium:Cacao seems to be the #1 source of magnesium. Magnesium is one of the great alkaline minerals. It helps to support the heart, brain, and digestive system. Magnesium is also important for building strong bones. This is likely the primary reason women crave chocolate during the monthly cycle. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is associated with more happiness. Magnesium is the most deficient major mineral on the Standard American Diet (SAD); over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in Magnesium! Cacao has enough magnesium to help reverse deficiencies of this mineral. 

Iron:Iron is a critical mineral in nutrition. Iron is part of the oxygen carrying protein called hemoglobin that keeps our blood healthy. 

Chromium:Chromium is an important trace mineral that helps balance blood sugar. Nearly 80% of Americans are deficient in this trace mineral. Cacao has enough chromium to help reverse deficiencies in this mineral. 

Anandamide: 

(The Bliss Chemical) is an endorphin that the human body naturally produces after exercise. Anandamide has only been found in one plant Cacao. Anandamide is known as “The Bliss Chemical” because it is released while we are feeling great. Cacao contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies’ ability to breakdown anandamide. This means that, when we eat cacao, natural anandamide and/or cacao anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good longer. 

Theobromine:Cacao usually contains about 1% theobromine. Theobromine is an effective anti-bacterial substance and kills streptococci mutans (the primary organism that causes cavities). Theobromine is a chemical relative of caffeine but is not a nervous system stimulant. Theobromine dilates the cardiovascular system making the hearts job easier. This is one of the major reasons why cacao is an important part of a heart healthy diet. 

Other Benefits

Cacao Also Contains the Following Important Unique Nutrients: 

Manganese:Manganese is an essential trace mineral. Manganese helps assist iron in the oxygenation of the blood and formation of hemoglobin. Interestingly, manganese is also concentrated in tears. 

Zinc:Zinc is an essential trace mineral. Zinc plays a critical role in the immune system, liver, pancreas, and skin. Additionally, zinc is involved in thousands of enzymatic reactions throughout the human body. 

Copper:Copper is an essential trace mineral. In the human body, copper helps to build healthy blood. 

Omega 6 Fatty Acids:Cacao contains essential omega 6 fatty acids. All cooked and processed chocolate contains rancid omega 6 fatty acids (trans-fat) that can cause an inflammatory reaction when one eats cooked chocolate. 

Phenethylamine (PEA):Phenylethylamine (PEA) is found in abundance in cacao. Because PEA is heat sensitive, much of the PEA in conventional cooked and processed chocolate is missing. PEA is the chemical that we produce in our bodies when we fall in love. This is likely one of the main reasons why love and chocolate have such a deep connection. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness. 

Tryptophan:Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is transformed into important stress-protective neurotransmitters including serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan is heat sensitive and therefore it is cooked out in many high protein foods and in conventional processed chocolate. 

Serotonin:Serotonin is the primary neurotransmitter in the human body. Serotonin is similar in its chemistry to tryptophan and melatonin. Serotonin helps us build up our stress defense shield."

There you have it. Proof. Scientific, truthful proof, explaining why this "super food" is so... Super.

I'm well, energized, and feeling amazing. I owe my health to incorporating raw cacao into my diet, and I highly recommend this practice to any and everyone! Unless, of course, you like to feel like crap. 

 Pure Natural Miracles 

Purchase your own raw cacao nibs

My Smoothie Recipe

Sample provided for review

*Recipe* Liquid Laundry Detergent

So many people have been asking me about my laundry soap.

The questions I am asked most often are; Why do you make your own laundry detergent? What's in your detergent? And, Can you teach me how to make my own detergent? To be honest, I make my own detergent because I like knowing what I'm putting on my skin, and controlling what chemicals my children are exposed to. Plus, it's super economical! As for what I put in my soap--- I use basic ingredients. Soap, washing soda, borax, water, and essential oils. I do however have my favorite products that I prefer to use in my detergent. For example: I prefer Fels Naptha to Zote, and my favorite essential oils to use are From Purasentials.

Anyhow, here is my basic recipe. Feel free to modify it as you see fit!

1 bar Fels Naptha or Zote ( any soap can be used but the consistency will vary!)
2 cups Washing Soda
1.5 cups Borax Powder






Grate the soap into a large pot ( I prefer a medium grate --- it seems to melt evenly an quickly without clumping too much!)




Add 1 gallon of water to the pot or soap shavings, and heat on medium. Stir continuously until the soap dissolves. If the water boils that's ok! Just turn the heat down so that it doesn't suds up!

Pour the liquid soap into a 5 gallon bucket. Add another gallon of hot water.





Stir in the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir until they dissolve into the liquid soap! 

Continue to add hot water until you've reached the "fill" line on the bucket. Be sure to stir as you add water --- to be sure that the soap, Borax, & Washing Soda mix into the added water.

At this point you can add essential oils to scent the soap, or leave it plain. This go round, I've added 20 drops of lemon oil, and 10 drops of lavender oil! Tweak it to the scent you like! ( Unless you add scent, the soap will leave very little to no scent at all in the wash!)

Cover the bucket and let it sit for 24 hours before using! This makes 5 gallons of liquid laundry detergent concentrate!!! The consistency will range from that of egg drop soup, to a thick gelatinous substance. ( Fels Naptha I'd a denser soap and is more on the runny side. While Zote is a very creamy soap, and gels up pretty thick!)

To use: mix thoroughly & add 50/50 liquid laundry detergent concentrate & water --- use 1/2 cup to 1 cup of mix per load. Adjust the soap amount if the load is exceptionally dirty.

*This is a low sudsing solution & is safe for HE washers!

**This recipe makes a total of 10 gallons of liquid laundry detergent, once mixed 50/50 with water for use.