Breast Cancer Nutrition Awareness featuring GoMacro

October is breast cancer awareness month and I'd like to introduce you to Go Macro. GoMacro is a family-owned vegan food company that was started by a mother-daughter duo on their organic family farm. They have two different lines of products- MacroBars and Thrive. In honor of their co-founders breast cancer recovery, they have released a special “give-back bar” that donates 10% its proceeds to the Keep a Breast Foundation. I love this bar because it touches on some important nutritional concepts (antioxidants, fiber, plant-based). Learn more about the awesome Keep a Breast Foundation here. Let us get brought up to speed on some breast cancer stats:

According to Breastcancer.org, here are some recent statistics on breast cancer in the United States (source here): 

• In 2016, there are more than 2.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.
• About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations.
• Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2016, it's estimated that just under 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.
• About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

Amelia, Breast Cancer Survivor & her daughter: Co-founders of GoMacro

Here’s the thing, no matter what illness or disease a person may become afflicted with in life, they can fight it better if they have been following a healthy lifestyle beforehand. Being an overweight woman is a risk factor for developing breast cancer, possibly because the more the fat cells grow, the more estrogen is produced from the fat cells. That production of excess estrogen can signal breast cell growth, which in turn increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

What can you do from a nutritional point of view?

PB Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls featuring Paleo Pro Powder

Who doesn't love to make homemade protein snack balls? I have had the wonderful opportunity to try the Paleo Pro products and I am SO impressed. In fact, I used their Aztec Vanilla protein powder in what has now become my favorite shake combination ever (1/2 frozen blueberries, 30g Aztec Vanilla protein powder & 10 ounces of coconut almond milk). I am an unbiased and honest reviewer for everything I write on this blog and can tell you, as someone who has a sensitive stomach, these products made me feel great: no bloating, etc. And OMG THEY HAVE A PUMPKIN SPICE FLAVORED POWDER! Yes, I am one of those people who loves on that pumpkin spice. Judge away. You know you want some- click here to get some. No soy, no whey, no added sugar, no gluten, grains, wheat. artificial ingredients, and so on. The cost for these products is very reasonable given their high quality. Way to go, Paleo Pro! You have a fan for life. I loved making the protein balls and was originally going to use almond meal in the recipe but am so glad I used the coconut flour because it added some great fiber content. The recipe is below- give them a try!

www.paleopro.com

Ring the bell! School is in...and so are these items...

It is back to school time and travel soccer season for my household. There are some products out there that I have really been enjoying lately:

Summer Veggies: Banana Peppers & Caprice Kabobs

It is summer veggie time and I am always on the lookout on ways to use the delicious fruits and vegetables I get from the Lowes Foods Carolina Crate and from my very own garden (which is doing quite nicely). This week I made some caprice kabobs with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, basil, and mozzarella. My kids seem to really enjoy anything with basil and tomatoes, so these were a good treat for them. And for me. I used bamboo skewers, but I might look into getting some skewers that I can use over & over again. If you have any that you would suggest, please let me know by leaving a comment. I did kick them up a notch by adding some tangerine infused balsamic vinaigrette that I had on hand from The Crushed Olive. Delicious! My next quest was finding something to do with all of my banana peppers...

Gluten-Free Party Mix with Glutino Salted Caramel Covered Pretzels

This is such a busy time of year for me between school & getting the kids to soccer games that it is always good to have a quick snack on hand that is always tasty.  This is so incredibly easy to make and once you try the Glutino Salted Covered Pretzels, I imagine it will be hard for you to put any other sweet into the mix because it is one of the best GF pretzels and GF sweet snacks I have ever had.
 In fact, the reason why the bag looks a bit wrinkled in the picture is because I couldn't keep my kiddos away from these.  The sweet & salty of the salted caramel with the savory party mix is a wonderful combination.  Put this mix in a couple of snack size ziplock bags and if hanger hits in your family, you'll be well prepared.

Glutino Gluten-Free Goods- Love! Love! Love!

What is that saying...you always want what you can't have?  That is how I felt when I first tried eliminating gluten with the Fodmap diet to help identifying the foods that were causing abdominal distention/bloating in my diet.  I had tried a few "bread" products and really was not optimistic.  Then, one day, I took a leap of faith and found Glutino's Gluten-Free Bagels in the freezer section of the Food Lion by my house.  And my husband and I were so happy because they are really, really good!  I wanted to see what other GF products the Glutino company carried.  Maybe, just maybe, they would be able to answer my prayers and make a GF English muffin.  Prayers answers.  See here.  I am in love with the original premium english muffins that Glutino makes.  I am a huge fan of making my own breakfast sandwiches and generally prefer the english muffin over bread when it comes to sandwiches (especially the peanut butter and banana combo).

Fun Saturday Night Snack

One of the best Christmas gifts we received this year was a Bella brand air-popped popcorn maker.  It is so easy to use and the kids think it is hilarious watching the popcorn fly out of the machine.  You can melt the butter or margarine on top while the popcorn is cooking.  I am so happy with the money we are saving too!  I bought a bag of white kernels for $1.39 at the store and can easily make 15 "bags" worth of popcorn with that.  Popcorn is a great snack, with only an average of 31 calories per cup of air-popped popcorn!  Thanks Russ & Cindy for the wonderful Christmas gift!  The family has enjoyed it so much and I would suggest this as a gift for anyone looking to get something fun or thoughtful for others!

WOWBUTTER- A peanut butter replacement product

3 million Americans report being allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, or both.  We have all seen the horrible stories of children with peanut allergies having allergic reactions and losing their lives due to accidents involving exposure to peanuts.  People with severe peanut allergies can exhibit symptoms such as inflammation, itching, hives, swelling, and in some cases, anaphylaxis in which the air passages are blocked and the circulatory system can collapse leading to death if not treated immediately.  Some school systems have made peanut-free zones in their cafeterias, or have eliminated peanut products completely from their schools.  WOWBUTTER is a peanut free, gluten free, tree nut free, and dairy free product that is a peanut butter replacement product.  One of my co-workers son's (who is 3 years old) loves this product so much that he asks for a spoonful of it at night as a snack.  I do not have a peanut allergy and love traditional peanut butter, so it was difficult for me to have an unbiased opinion, but I thought it was just okay.  However, if  I had a peanut allergy or if my kid's schools were peanut-free zones, I do think this would be a decent alternative if placed on some bread with some jelly or banana slices.  It certainly maintained the smooth, creamy texture of regular peanut butter.  And from all of the sampling of the product, the kids who tried the WOWBUTTER were happy with it, but the adults were stuck in their ways of regular peanut butter.  The really cool thing is that on the website, you can request a free sample for your daycare, school, or camp.  There is also a lot of resources for speaking to school boards about peanut allergies and allergy facts in general.  Thank you WOWBUTTER for letting my review panel and I sample your products!  I am glad you are such a great advocate for people with peanut allergies!

Peter Rabbit Organics Review by Actual Children & Giveaway!

Working in a childhood & adolescent weight management center, I am always on the lookout for healthy snacks to recommend to families that actually taste good.  AND being someone who fancies a Starbucks every once in a while, I was curious about the Peter Rabbit Organic Products that I would see whenever I would go inside the coffee shop.  I was hesitant about trying these because after working as a clinical dietitian for so long, I was worried that anything "blended" would be...well...icky.  So, I decided the best way to test these treats was to give them to actual children.  I tested them on kids ages 4, 6, 6, and 10.  They tried the following flavors:

• Strawberry and Banana
• Apple and Grape
• Mango, Banana and Orange
• Sweet Potato, Corn and Apple
• Carrot, Squash and Apple
• Pea, Spinach and Apple

It turns out that all four kids thought that the flavors were awesome!  Except for one flavor (the sweet potato, corn, and apple):

The most raved about flavor was the Pea, Spinach, and Apple!  I was told to go and buy more of those pronto!  There are so many benefits to these snacks besides their kid-approved taste:

• These products are ORGANIC
• They are BPA-free & easy to transport, use, and cap for later use!  These snacks are a perfect addition to a day out, a long car ride, or school & sports team snacks.
• There are 100% fruit and vegetable, with no added sugar or preservatives
• They are high in Vitamin C, between 70-85 calories each (a perfect snack), 0 grams of fat, and between 1.5-2 grams of fiber!
• You can find them all over the place:  Starbucks, Whole Foods, www.amazon.com...Just to name a few!!

And thanks so much to Peter Rabbit Organics, YOU have a chance to try them too by entering the giveaway! The grand prize winner will receive a 12-pack of these Peter Rabbit Organic treats in the six flavors mentioned above.  GOOD LUCK!



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Bare Fruit Cinnamon Apple Chips

Every once in a while I have to travel from my forever home in North Carolina to my home state of Michigan, where most of my family & my husband's family still resides.  It is always difficult finding quick go-to snacks that I am comfortable with feeding my kids while we make the 14 hour drive up North.  Or shall I say...it was difficult until I was introduced to Bare Fruit Cinnamon Apple Chips!

These 100% Organic and Kosher apple chips are fat free and gluten free, with no added sugar, preservatives, or additives.  The BEST thing about the apple chips is that they taste incredible!  They are crunchy, filling, and delicious.  They also come in Granny Smith Apple Chips & Fuji Apple Chips.  You can throw them in salads, oatmeal, cereal, smoothies, pancakes, and so much more!  You can find these tasty chips in your area here.  I can sometimes find myself on long drives or flights, tempted to eat mindlessly.  These apple chips satisfied my hunger, preventing overeating, and were quite popular to every one that I had give them a try.  I highly recommend giving these chips a try yourself.  You will soon make them a go-to snack like I have!

Thank you SO MUCH Bare Fruit for letting me review your wonderful apple chips at no-cost for my review!  All opinions are 100% my own.

Honey Wafer Baking Company

Have you ever tried the honey wafers from the Honey Wafer Baking Company?  If not, then you are truly missing out on one delicious treat.  These treats are two very thin wafers that are sandwiched with a honey filling.  They are only 90 calories (and a pretty perfect serving for that 90 calories!) and are 100% natural, Kosher certified, and made in the United States of America since 1925.  The original wafers were also named "The Official Honey Wafer of the Chicago Cubs" in 2001, which in Chicago...says a whole lot about the taste and quality.  They are sooooo good!  I know they are an instant household favorite when my kids ask for them specifically for snack time.  They also come in a chocolate wafer, which is tasty too.  Right now, you can get free holiday shipping & I would suggest them as an excellent addition to any holiday party or event you are hosting or attending.  Besides being flavorful all by themselves, the wafers can also be used in recipes.  We liked them as an addition to a small bowl of ice cream, but they can also be used in a variety of other recipes: taffy apple wafers, Polish wafer cake, and caramel apple pizzas to name a few.  You can find Honey Wafer Baking Company on Facebook for updates and additional information.  Thank you Honey Wafer Baking Company for allowing me to try your tasty treats at no-cost.  All opinions are 100% my own & 100% positive!

Pirate's Booty Snacks

I am sure it is hard having a Dietitian as a Mom.  Although my kids stand up for their healthy lunches I pack for them, when other kids who eat Doritos and Oatmeal Pies every day in their lunches criticize them for having fruit and vegetables, I know that sometimes they want something a little extra special in their lunch.  So I enjoy packing them Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Snacks.  In fact, Pirate's Booty has 12-pack half-ounce lunch packs that are perfect for lunches!  You can find them at Whole Foods and Target, but their popularity is spreading fast, since more and more people are seeing how tasty it is!

Here's why I like Pirate's Booty:

• They are ALL NATURAL 
• They are BAKED
• They are GLUTEN FREE & TRANS FAT FREE
• Low-Calorie & Low-Fat

I find that Pirate's Booty makes a great addition to lunches, but also a great snack for the kid's sports teams.  I love introducing better snack options when I provide snacks to the kid's sports teams because the kids always love them.  In fact, this Halloween, they had the Pirate's Booty boxes to give out the snacks for treats (see above picture), but I bought a few boxes for soccer snacks...and for...my lunch.  When they say "Get Hooked!" on Pirate's Booty, they are right.  This stuff is good...really, really good.  Try it out on your kids and yourself and you will get hooked!  Thanks so much to Pirate's Booty for letting me review your products at no-cost.  All of my opinions are 100% my very own.

Flatout Review & Do Good Donation!

Feed your body:

I have always been a HUGE fan of Flatout wraps because they are high fiber/low calorie/taste awesome alternatives to bread.  This is important for me, as a Mom who needs to keep my children entertained when I pack their lunch every day.  These wraps are PERFECT for the Halloween season.  Last night we had another family over & made pumpkin-face pizzas with the new Hungry Girl Flatout Foldit Flatbread for the kids & for the adults, Honey-Wheat Flatouts.  It was a blast!  Flatout has some incredibly spooky ideas for Halloween treats on their facebook page including Spooky Snake Bites, Creepy Crawlies, Goblin Grabbers & Yummy Mummies just to name a few.  They are quick and easy to make for a super fun addition to your Halloween festivities!  Check out these recipes at:  Flatout Halloween Recipes

Feed your soul:

Flatout Cares! Do Good Donations in October

“Helping others is important to us at Flatout. Knowing that one in six Americans go hungry every day, we recently donated 20,000 lbs. of our new Hungry Girl Foldit® Flatbread to food banks across the country. 

Tell us about a Flatout fabulous organization that you support and how it could benefit from a “Flatout Do Good Donation.” Now through Nov. 5, 2011, we’ll pick one great cause a week and donate $1,000 plus Flatout products to help make a difference. No purchase necessary.

For more details and how to enter, visit www.facebook.com/FlatoutBread now through November 6.

·     Tell us in 200 words or less about an organization that you support that can benefit from a Do Good Donation of $1,000 and Flatout product

·     We’ll pick one winner each week and donate to the nominated organization

Thank you Flatout for providing me samples of your products at no-cost for my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

                                                

Cobra Corn Review & Giveaway

I CAN'T STOP EATING THIS!!!  Beware, this snack is highly addictive because of its tastiness!  I wanted to review Cobra Corn because I love popcorn, I love snacks, and I love cobras.  Cobra Corn has a one-of-a-kind flavor- Mumbai Masala which is a blend of 10 Indian spices and seasonings that tantalize your taste buds, but they also keep it real.  As in, it's good a really good snack choice too:

• No artificial flavors or colors
• No MSG (thank you!)
• No preservatives
• Gluten-Free & No Trans Fat

I fed this to my co-worker who was addicted after the first bite (also a Dietitian).  We both love the spices, it is just yummy yummy yummy.  Plus, the company is based out of Chicago & I love Chicago.  And to make things ever better, Cobra Corn is giving away a case of it for one lucky reader (6 bags)!  Thank you Cobra Corn for graciously sending me your awesome product for free & for giving my readers the chance to win it as well!!!

Clif MOJO Bar Review :nom:nom:nom:

I don't know about you, but any time I can ingest some extra MOJO...it has to be a good thing!  I contacted the CLIF Bar company about their products because they are a very popular choice with clients.  CLIF MOJO are trail mix bars made with mostly (70%) organic ingredients with a pretty good dose of protein.  I was sent the Chocolate Almond Coconut, White Chocolate Macadamia, & Dipped S'Mores bars for review. 

CLIF MOJO is a line of trail mix bars made with organic ingredients and featuring a variety of nuts plus, pretzels, raisins, chocolate chips and other real ingredients for a crispy, crunchy texture and sweet and salty flavor.

 

Chocolate Almond Coconut:  :nom:nom:nom:  I loved this one the best.  It tasted like a dessert, in fact, much like one my Grandma would make at Christmas.  It was sweet & the coconut is plentiful.  I am not sure I would classify this as a trail mix bar, rather an excellent alternative to a candy bar!  You could slice this up into squares and serve it as a dessert at a potluck and no one would know.  Yum.

Dipped S'Mores:  This trail mix bar actually tastes more like an actual s'more than most s'more products out there.  The extra cocoa dip makes the mouth feel of this bar very enjoyable and it is not too sweet/not too salty.  I am not a huge fan of s'more flavored products, but I would certainly eat this one again.

White Chocolate Macadamia:  I was pleasantly surprised at this bar.  I expected it to be sweet, but it really only had a hint of sweetness, which was really refreshing because I felt as though I was consuming a more natural trail mix bar while eating it.  This bar would be excellent if you are out and about (hiking, events, games) and need a snack because it has a good 8 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrate (perfect for a snack!), and 190 calories.

For more information about these bars, check out CLIF Bar or like them on Facebook-CLIF Bar

Thank you CLIF MOJO for letting me review these delicious trail mix bars at no-cost for my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Brothers-All-Natural Healthy Snacks

I think the kids and I might have a new favorite snack! Brothers-All-Natural were kind enough to send me their Fruit Crisps for a review.  Since I work out of a childhood & adolescent weight management clinic, I am always keeping my eyes out for healthy snacks to recommend to kids and their families.  The Fruit Crisps are 100% freeze dried & come in 7 flavors:  apple, apple cinnamon, pear, banana, strawberry & banana, and pineapple.  There is no sugar added to these tasty snacks and I think they are an excellent choice for on-the-go and in-the-lunchbox!  Check them out at Brothers-All-Natural to find a store that sells them near you.  I was happy to see they were available at many retailers where I live.

Here is my youngest daughter taking a snack break after school.  She LOVED them!

I tried the Apple Cinnamon Fruit Crisps and they were delicious!  My husband tried the Banana Fruit Crisps and he thought they had just the right amount of sweetness.  My daughters wanted more of the Fruit Crisps and for only 35-60 calories per Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Fruit Crisps, you can bet this snack will not spoil their dinner.  In fact, if I had one suggestion for Brothers-All-Natural, I would suggest at least 100-150 calorie packs of the snacks.  Give them a "Like" on Facebook & in all honesty, these snacks are great & I am putting them on my FAVORITES list!

Delicious Fire Ants on a Log

Sometimes taking a traditional snack like Ants on a Log and transforming it into something a little more exciting, such as Fire Ants on a Log, can make eating a healthy snack a little more enticing to your kids.  If you have ever been bitten by a Fire Ant, chances are you will never forget the burning and swelling that accompanies the pain.  And if your child has been bitten, I am sure they would have no greater pleasure than pretending the Fire Ants on the log are real, and therefore reciprocating attack on the little suckers by consuming them in a delicious peanut butter and celery environment.

Fire Ants on a Log are nutritious because the celery contains insoluble fiber, which helps...ahem...bulk your stool and keep you regular.  The peanut butter (of course, I prefer natural peanut butter) is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, in which studies have shown helps to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.  The Craisins...well they are very high in sugar, but a good choice to give the snack some sweetness that is enjoyable to children.  As long as they are not sitting down and eating log after log in their vengeful fury, then enjoying this snack in moderation (such as one whole celery stick as a log for a serving) is a super fun and super easy way to get some fiber and protein into your kids' snack time.