Get Healthy & Get Probiotics In A Healthy, Delicious Way with @EFFiFoods

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

With the lack of Vitamin D, extra sugar and extra stress coming with the holidays approaching, many people find themselves sick. They turn to antibiotics to cure them fast but what that does is eliminate good AND bad bacteria. We need the good probiotics for our intestinal health and need to maintain a balance of both helpful and harmful bacteria.

We try to take our probiotics in vitamin form to build up those good bacteria but I just discovered an even tastier way to get these probiotics - Probiotic CareBars from EFFi Foods!

EFFi Foods offers organic and probiotic power bars and granola mixes and they are DELICIOUS as well as good for you!

My favorite was the Probiotic CareBar® Goji & Cashew!

This bar featuring contrasting textures of exotic, juicy goji berries, crunchy cashew pieces and smooth dates, lightly dusted by cinnamon, take you to places of real indulgence.

I was a little nervous about how these bars would taste judging from the look and sound of the bar - I never had a bar with probiotics in it! However, let me assure you these bars were delicious and I looked forward to eating one everyday! I was also super sad when the box was empty!

Another tasty but healthy treat from EFFi Foods is their Probiotic CareBar® Coconut & Cacao Nibs.
Hailed as a 'healthy brownie' this bar re-introduces traditional ingredients in a new adventurous way. A swirl of cacao powder and almond butter is warmed up by sweet notes of vanilla.

For all you chocolate lovers, this is FOR YOU! It tastes just like a soft, chewy brownie with cacao chunks! I couldn't believe what I was eating was HEALTHY!!!

If you are looking for a tasty way to get probiotics into your gut or into your children's without taking vitamins or supplements, then you have got to try these Probiotic CareBars! So full of delicious goodness and organic ingredients, you and your children will be wishing the box never ended!

Buy It:

You can purchase Probiotic CareBars for $34.99 for a box of 12 from the EFFi Foods website.

* Thank you to EFFi Foods for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

NEW Chia Vitality Bars from @MammaChia & #Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

If you are looking to get back on a healthy track after indulging this holiday season, then snack on Mamma Chia's new Chia Vitality Bars! I reach for these when I want a healthy, filling and organic snack throughout the day that I can eat on the go!

Mamma Chia, the leader of the chia revolution, is transforming snack time once again with the introduction of their soul-satisfying Chia Vitality Bars.

The new, organic bars lovingly combine nutrient-rich chia seeds with deep, rich dark chocolate, crunchy nuts, ripened fruit and sweet organic honey making them a truly delicious, anytime snack. Each bar is gluten-free and delivers 1000 mg of Omega-3s, as well as protein, fiber and more to provide vitality and energy to fuel your soul’s purpose.

Each serving of Mamma Chia Organic Chia Vitality Bar contains:

• 1000mg Omega-3s
• Gluten Free
• 6g Protein
• 3g Fiber
• Organic & Non-GMO

These bars are soft and as delicious as they look and sound from the ingredient list! Plus, I LOVE how much Omega-3s, Protein and Fiber I get from one bar! These are my go-to snack for sure as I head into the New Year and look to fulfill my New Year's weight loss resolution!

Buy It:

You can purchase all Mamma Chia bars from their online shop or at a local retail store near you.

Win It:

Mamma Chia is generously offering (1) Mamma Chia Prize pack including the NEW Chia Vitality Bars plus other Mamma Chia products to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Mamma Chia Prize Pack 
including:
 NEW Chia Vitality Bars 
PLUS other Mamma Chia products

(Worth $50!!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Mamma Chia for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Stock Your Stockings with Gluten Free Bars & Bites & Giveaway

* This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Need some healthy snacks this holiday season instead of all the junk food that is common this time of year??

Then let me recommend Gluten Free Bars & Bites! The GFB’s Gluten Free Bites and Bars are an ideal gift or stocking stuffer for gluten-free foodies!

Made in-house at the company’s own dedicated gluten-free facility, The Gluten Free Bars are simple, which is what makes them so special. There are no fillers or additives, the bars are certified gluten-free, vegan, Kosher and Non-GMO Project Verified, and each variety is made with easy-to-understand, all-natural and organic ingredients.

From toasted cashews and Virginia peanuts to certified gluten-free oats, crisped brown rice, and dried cranberries, the bar’s wholesome ingredients are treats for the taste buds. The flavors include: cranberry toasted almond, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter, coconut cashew crunch, dark chocolate coconut, and oatmeal raisin. An ideal breakfast or anytime snack, the bars are chewy and moist on the inside and feature a lightly toasted crunch on the outside. The result is a texture and overall taste experience that is incredibly satisfying and memorable.

The Gluten Free Bar provides a good source of fiber and a complete source of protein derived from brown rice and pea protein (10-12 grams!). The bars are also low in sodium, made with low glycemic natural sweeteners, and completely free of wheat, soy, cholesterol, trans fat, casein and dairy.

Created by two Celiac brothers and a pastry chef, these Bites are chewy and moist on the inside, with a lightly toasted crunch on the outside. Their decadent flavors are perfect for holiday gifting and include the following combinations: dark chocolate coconut, chocolate cherry almond, coconut cashew crunch, blueberry almond crunch, and new peanut butter & jelly, dark chocolate hazelnut, and dark chocolate peanut butter. Even better, they’re Non-GMO Project Verified, certified gluten-free, vegan and Kosher!

These ridiculously tasty gluten-free bites provide a good source of fiber and a high source of protein (a complete source of protein derived from brown rice and pea protein). The bites are also certified gluten-free, vegan, Kosher and Non-GMO Project Verified and made with all-natural and organic ingredients. In addition, each variety is low in sodium, made with low glycemic natural sweeteners, and completely free of fillers, additives, wheat, soy, cholesterol, trans fat, casein and dairy.

Buy It:

You can purchase The Gluten Free Bars online at Gluten Free Bar online shop and at natural and specialty retailers across the country for an SRP of $1.99 to $2.39. 

Win It:

Gluten Free Bar is generously offering 4 bags of the Gluten Free Bites to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

FOUR bags of the Gluten Free Bites

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Gluten Free Bar for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Snack on the Go with New #atkinsharvest Trail Bars!

This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer's Network.

If you are like me, you need a snack that you can grab on the go or stick in your purse, pocket or stroller to eat on the go. If I don't have a healthy snack that I can grab and go, I usually start to crave something that isn't healthy or won't sustain me as I go through my day.

Well, lately I have been grabbing the newest product from Atkins Nutritionals — the Harvest Trail Bar and it not only tastes great but it keeps me going and is easy to eat on the go!

The bars come in four flavors — all offering a simpler, low-carb snack with less sugar and lower carbohydrates than traditional nutritional bars– including Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel, Dark Chocolate Cherry & Nuts, and Vanilla Fruit and Nut.

The bars are full of good ingredients, including nuts as the first ingredient, and my favorite part: NO artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sugar alcohols. 

With the demand for simpler ingredient bars on the rise, Atkins responded to consumers’ needs by creating the Harvest Trail Bar line that is a perfect option for anyone who wants a snack that is low in sugar, and a great source of protein and fiber.

Atkins Harvest Trail Bars offers consumers the goodness of protein and fiber while keeping net carbs and sugars in check. Each snack bar contains less than seven grams of net carbs and less than four grams of sugar!

These bars really taste as GOOD as they look and I love the simple ingredients but tasty flavors. There really is a bar for everyone whether you like chocolate, fruit or nuts! Plus, I love how much protein each bar has so it keeps me feeling fuller longer!

Learn more and get social with Atkins:

· Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsDiet?mcid=hpFacebook

· Twitter – https://twitter.com/atkinsinsider?mcid=hpTwitter

· Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/atkinsinsider/

· Instagram – https://instagram.com/atkinsinsider/

Buy It: 

You can purchase these new Harvest Trail Bars starting in October 2015 for a MSRP: $6.48

* This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer's Network.*

Snack Healthy with Moringa Superfood Bars & Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Snacks are important to keep energy and metabolism going throughout the day but WHAT you are eating is important too! Healthy snacks are really important to choose!

So when you are ready to eat a healthy snack this school year, choose Moringa Superfood Bars by Kuli Kuli. All bars are all vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO and made with no more than 6 wholesome ingredients, (including nutrient dense moringa!) and are the perfect healthy on-the-go snack for this school year. Moringa Superfood Bars come in 3 tasty flavors: Crunchy Almond, Black Cherry and Dark Chocolate.

What’s Moringa?

An “Ancient Green” eaten by indigenous cultures worldwide for thousands of years, moringa is one of the most nutrient dense plants on the planet with all the essential amino acids of meat, 4x the vitamin A of carrots, 7x the vitamin C of oranges, and 4x the calcium of milk.

These bars are simple but full of nutrients! The Dark Chocolate and Black Cherry are the tastiest flavors but the Crunchy Almond is good if you don't mind the taste of Moringa!

I love the organic ingredients and how many nutrients I get with every bite! These are a family favorite in our house!

Buy It:

You can purchase Moringa Bars from the Kuli Kuli website.

Win It:

(1) 3 of each Goodkid Bar, 1 of each Kuli Kuli bars (Dark Chocolate, Almond and Black Cherry), 3 Kuli Kuli single serve Moringa Powders, and one bag of whole bean Vega Coffee Medium Roast to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

• 1 of each Kuli Kuli bars (Dark Chocolate, Almond and Black Cherry)
• 3 of each Goodkid Bar
• 3 Kuli Kuli single serve Moringa Powders
• 1 bag of whole bean Vega Coffee Medium Roast

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Craving Cookies? Try Cookie Dough Balance Bars & Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Did you celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day back on August 4th???!!!

Well, I personally think it is never too late!!!

You can celebrate your love of chocolate Chip Cookies and its dough EVERYDAY when you choose a healthier option like the protein-packed Cookie Dough Balance Bars.

Chocolatey chips are speckled throughout this charmingly chewy, energy-packed bar. And while your taste buds delight in delicious cookie dough, your body gets a boost from the 40-30-30 nutrition plan and essential vitamins and minerals.

This precise 40-30-30 nutrition plan promotes slow glycemic response, which helps keep your blood sugar levels in a normal range. It may even keep you from having those “hangry” outbursts!

Other features: 

• Low Glycemic Index (24)
• 210 Calories
• 15g Protein
• 23 Vitamins & Minerals
• Excellent Source of Antioxidants

So don't feel guilty next time you are craving cookies or their dough! Just grab at Cookie Dough Balance Bar and get a boost from its great nutrition, vitamins and minerals!

Buy It:

You can purchase Cookie Dough Balance Bars online or at a local retail store.

Win It:

Balance Bar is generously offering (1) box of Cookie Dough bars to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Box of Cookie Dough Balance Bars

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Balance Bar for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Celebrate Mediterranean Diet Month With Mediterra Bars!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

May is Mediterranean Diet Month and what better way to celebrate then to snack on bars inspired by the Mediterranean Diet! The Mediterranean Diet has been studied and noted by scores of leading scientists as one of the healthiest lifestyles in the world and was recently touted by the The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Council that helps shape the country's official dietary guidelines, as something Americans should follow. The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes eating more whole grains, fruits, greens and healthy fats, and less meat and sweets.

To help you get started on a healthier diet following this healthy Mediterranean diet, Mediterra recently launched six nutrition bars all based on the Mediterranean Diet. All the ingredients are from the Med region.

Featuring the first truly savory-flavored bars, Mediterra bars are loaded with fiber, nutrients and vitamins instead of complex sugars and saturated fats. Mediterra bars also feature ingredients native to the Mediterranean region including sesame seeds, sundried tomatoes, capers, walnuts, black olives and Greek honey.

Most importantly, these bars are all-natural, non-GMO and Gluten-Free!

The six bars come in three specific varieties with two flavors to choose from in each category:

The First Ever “Savory Bars:” The bars are rich in vegetable content, but low in calories, sodium and sugar and contain protein-rich pea crisps and a touch of olive oil. Each Savory Bar is 1.4 ounces and contains six grams of protein and fiber. They are certified kosher and dairy free. The Savory Bars serve as an alternative to sweet snacks providing super foods and amaranth, an ancient grain. Flavors include:
- Tomato/Basil/Capers
- Olive/Walnut/Chives

My children really enjoyed these:

“Sesame Honey Energy Bars:” –Traditionally known as “Pasteli,” these bars are dairy-free and contain only a few ingredients including, roasted sesame seeds, Greek honey, pistachios from Aegina Island or orange peel, respectively. The combination provides natural and long lasting energy. Each bar is 1.3 ounces, contains five grams of protein and two grams of fiber. Flavors include:
- Sesame Seed/Pistachio/Greek Honey
- Sesame Seed/Orange/Greek Honey

And my favorite:

“Yogurt and Oat Bars” –Bottom covered with yogurt-style coating, the bars are 1.6 ounces, certified kosher and contain seven grams of protein. The bars also feature fig paste, sunflower seeds and raisins. Flavors include:
- Yogurt/Oat/Cherry Pistachio
- Yogurt/Oat/Apricot Pistachio.

These bars are great for on-the go snacking, helping you start a healthier diet and lifestyle and keeping you from getting hungry! They are definitely unique and different than any other snack bar I have ever had!

Buy It: 

You can purchase Mediterra Bars for a MSRP of $1.99 or shop online from Mediterra's online store. 

* Thank you to Mediterra for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

The Balance Project & Giveaway

I was given product as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar.

In a recent effort to define the nation’s level of balance, researchers found that 98% of Americans believe achieving and maintaining balance in their life is important, however, only 14% report that they always feel balanced.

To help bridge this gap, Balance Bar Company, makers of Balance Bar® uniquely balanced energy nutrition bars, has launched The Balance Project, a multi-year, multi-platform program to open a dialogue that will aid in improving America’s levels of balance.

While discussions both in the media and by the water cooler focus on the importance of balance, there’s not much out there to help us share how we’re actually finding balance. The Balance Project is an online hub to share ideas, daily victories and challenges and even have some fun as we all embark on a journey to sustain balance.

According to the research, the most common ways Americans try to achieve balance is by keeping their finances in order (66%) and through activities that improve health – like getting enough sleep (68%), eating healthy foods (56%), and exercising regularly (48%). Just because it’s important to find balance in certain areas does not mean it’s easy to achieve. For example, when it comes to health and diet, roughly 2 in 5 Americans think it’s difficult to actually find balance.

The Balance Project’s exclusive guide, Gabrielle Reece, a worldwide fitness and wellness role model, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of three, will provide advice, tips and her personal insights for addressing and achieving balance in these areas.

“One the biggest reasons I see people fail at achieving their health and wellness goals is because they don’t go into a program with a balanced approach,” explains Reece. “I’m thrilled to share my perspective on balancing busy lives, families and work with healthy diet and exercise habits that anyone can incorporate into their lives.”

Balancing Act

Balance is a very fluid goal, as our levels of balance are always fluctuating, even day-to-day and season-to-season. For example, Americans report being the most balanced on Saturdays, and the least balanced on Mondays. They also indicate that they are most balanced during the summer months, and least balanced during the winter months, when 61% of Americans report feeling unbalanced.

Gender Wars

According to the survey, 70% of male respondents indicate that they are more likely to feel balanced, while only 63% of women indicate the same. What are men doing differently? Staying calm. When looking for balance, ladies should take the idea of “don’t sweat the small stuff” to heart. In nearly every area tested, women are more likely than men to admit something has a significant impact on throwing them off balance, including finances, sleep, health, and family.

Maternal Instinct

A mother’s work is never done, but at least she knows where to focus her attention to find balance. Nearly every single mom agrees that health (99%) and family and personal relationships (99%) are important to achieving balance in life. How can the busy mom get to a Zen state of balance? For starters, get outside. Enjoying nature (67%) and taking vacations (66%) are the top actions that have a significant impact on achieving balance for moms. Spending time with a significant other (63%) was revealed as the next most impactful way for moms to try and achieve balance.

*This study was conducted by KRC Research via an online survey of 1,002 American adults ages 18-64 from November 11-14, 2014.

Make sure to visit http://www.balance.com/blog/articles/a-life-with-balance/ and project.balance.com for Gabby Reece's tips & videos on staying balanced. Plus, you can take a fun quiz to find out how balanced YOU are!

And enter below for a chance to try some Balance Bars and win some other fun goodies!

Win It:

Balance Bar is generously offering (1) Balance Project Prize Pack (Balance Bar tote bag, notepad, iPhone card holder and a box of (15) Balance Bars) to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Balance Project Prize Pack
 including Balance Bar tote bag, notepad, iPhone card holder and a box of (15) Balance Bars

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was given product as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar*

Fill Your Easter Baskets with The Gluten Free Bar

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Still looking for a healthier alternative to stick in your children's Easter baskets this weekend? Then let me recommend The Gluten Free Bar!

Two celiac brothers, Elliott and Marshall Rader, believed in a better gluten-free bar. Sick of cardboard taste and hard-to-understand ingredients, they set out on a mission to create a bar that tasted awesome and was good for them too. The three pillars of importance, which they set for themselves when starting the process, was that the bar needed to be 1.) Delicious, 2.) High in protein and fiber to keep them feeling full, and 3.) Made with pure and simple gluten-free ingredients. It was a labor of love between the brothers and a pastry chef, and in 2010, The Gluten Free Bar was born.

The brand’s basic name and kraft-paper packaging reflects what is inside the bar: transparent ingredients that are easy to understand. Made in-house at the company’s own dedicated gluten-free facility, The Gluten Free Bars are simple, which is what makes them so special. There are no fillers or additives, and the bars are made with all-natural and GMO-free ingredients, 70% of which are certified organic.

From toasted cashews and Virginia peanuts to certified gluten-free oats, crisped brown rice, and dried cranberries, the bar’s wholesome ingredients are treats for the taste buds. The flavors include: Cranberry toasted almond, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter, coconut cashew crunch, dark chocolate coconut, and oatmeal raisin. An ideal breakfast or anytime snack, the bars are chewy and moist on the inside and feature a lightly toasted crunch on the outside. The result is a texture and overall taste experience that is incredibly satisfying and memorable.

The Gluten Free Bar provides a good source of fiber and a complete source of protein derived from brown rice and pea protein (10-12 grams!). The bars are also low in sodium; sweetened with agave nectar, brown rice syrup, and dates instead of added sugar; and completely free of wheat, soy, cholesterol, trans fat, casein and dairy.

These are a great grab-n-go snack when I am busy and I love knowing that there are no GMO ingredients and that they are mostly organic! They taste great, they are nice and soft and the whole family can enjoy them!

For more information, check out The Gluten Free Bar's Facebook page.

Buy It: 

You can purchase The Gluten Free Bars are available online at TheGlutenFreeBar.com and at natural and specialty retailers across the country for an SRP of $1.99 to $2.39.

* Thank you to The Gluten Free Bar  for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Join in the Balance Bar Summer Shape Up Challenge! & Giveaway

* I received the Walmart gift card as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar and Walmart.*

Baby #3 is due in 6 days and we are patiently (sort of....) awaiting the birth of our child! Having had two already, I know that getting back into shape afterwards takes effort, healthy food and snacks and exercise...but I am excited for the challenge!

Summer is the perfect time to lose weight and look great and I am stocked up on Balance Bars from Walmart to help me have lasting energy throughout the day and fight my sugar cravings to lose the baby weight after baby arrives!

And Balance Bar wants to help you as well with their Balance Bar Summer Shape Up Challenge!

The Balance Bar Summer Shape Up Challenge is all about looking and feeling your best all summer long. They'll motivate you with daily workout ideas, healthy eating tips and fitness challenges to help reignite your summer fitness routine that you can stick with through these hot summer months.

I recently headed to our local Walmart to pick up my Balance Bars and some other goodies to have fun in the sun and stay healthy! I found them in the Sports Nutrition and Diet aisle near the pharmacy instead of in the granola bar and snack bar aisle. They were on sale for $4.56 for 6 bars.

The Peanut Butter and Cookie Dough flavors were the only available ones but they sounded delicious and I couldn't wait to try them!

Along with great tasting bars, you can also expect some other great things from the Balance Bar Shape Up Challenge:

• Weekly workouts to attack trouble zones by expert trainer Holly Del Russo
• 40 days of 30-minute workouts ideas, fitness and healthy eating tips
• Feel your best in summer shorts, tanks and swimsuits!

So make sure to shape up this summer! 

Head to your local Walmart and get your delicious Balance Bars and be sure to check out the great tips and workout ideas from the Balance Bar Shape Up Challenge!

Win It: Balance Bars is generously offering (1) $10 Walmart gift card and a variety pack of Balance Bars to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) $10 Walmart gift card 
AND
A Variety Pack of Balance Bars

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* I received the Walmart gift card as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar and Walmart.*

Viance Nutrition Bars & Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

As I have mentioned many times before, I am always on the lookout for fast, easy to eat, and nutritious snacks that I can eat throughout the day! With two toddlers and one due any day, I have to be able to eat on the go!

Lately, I have been snacking on Viance Nutrition Bars from Viance Nutrition, a one-year old company based in Whitefish, Montana.

Viance has created a fabulous line of all-natural, gluten-free, vegan & non-GMO products including delicious whole-food Nutrition Bars, Vitality Blend Shakes & a fabulous Greens Formula. These products are also part of their really easy 3-Day Cleanse & 30-Day Weight Loss program.

Viance Nutrition Bars may be the perfect healthy meal. These nutrition bars are fresh, delicious and 100 percent natural, with no artificial anything. They contain no preservatives and are handmade weekly. High in protein, fiber, raw whole foods and plant based organic vitamins, these bars are perfectly balanced to keep you full and energized between meals eliminating cravings.

The bars are also packed full of heart healthy omega-3 fats that help you manage your moods and boost your metabolism.

My favorite flavor was the Mission Figs and my husband's favorite were the Peanut Butter. But most importantly, I love the overall ingredients in each bar: organic and natural ingredients that I can read and know! These bars keep me full and energized and I love that I can just unwrap and eat them anywhere, anytime! These bars aren't sweet like most mainstream bars but they are chock full of great nutrition!

Buy It: You can purchase Viance Nutrition Bars for $37.95 for a 12 bar box (per flavor) from the Viance website.

Win It: Viance is generously offering (1) Free Case of Viance Bars (the winner can select the flavor they want - Cranberry, Peanut Butter or Mission Fig) to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Free Case of Viance Bars
(the winner can select the flavor they want - Cranberry, Peanut Butter or Mission Fig)

$37.95 value!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Salba Chia for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*