August Food Reviews:

Hot List Reviews for August:
Here is my list of recent hot finds with links to the companies that make them and a where to buy list. Enjoy!

SNACK/GRANOLA BARS:
I am a busy lady and sometimes I don’t have time for to prepare a snack or have to eat on the run or in between sessions and classes. Bars are a great alternative. You can pack them anywhere and eat them on the run. I have tried a TON of bars and some are great tasting and others…not so much. Here are some of my latest and greatest finds:

Hip the be Healthy:
- by Greens+: great source of complex carbs, healthy fats and protein.
- my favorite is the organic dark chocolate coated bar..yummy!
- great for an afternoon snack
- does NOT taste like it is good for you!
- buy at: Feel Good Health Store
ReBAR Caramel:
- 12 grams of protein
- mix of veg and fruits in each bar and coated with dark chocolate
- great before or after your Bodysculpt Bootcamp or yoga class
- buy at Super Store
Raw Revolution Spirulina & Cashew:
- healthy fats mixed with green energy
- great bar for before class to give you natural energy
- buy at: Feel Good Health Store
Nature’s Path Choco Peanut Granola Bar:
- great for an afternoon snack
- complex carbs, healthy fats and protein
- wheat free and low sodium
- does not taste like they are good for you;-)
- buy at Super Store, IGA and Loblaws in organic section

My NO-NO List:
Special K bars & All Bran bars:
These are on my no-no list as what not to have in your cupboards. We can easily get caught up in all the marketing (red dress commercials from Special K) and ignore the fine print….the ingredients list. This is key to picking out a good-for-you snack bar. You want to look out for all natural ingredients and try not to get caught up in the fat content. We get fixated on the fat content and then ignore how much sugar is in the bar. Healthy fats will help keep you feeling satisfied and full. Low-fat bars that make up for flavor in sugar will only make you crave more sugar and you will be hungry an hour later.
Here in the ingredients list from a Strawberry Special K bar and in bold are some of the things you should stay away from:
Cereal (rice, sugar, whole wheat, wheat gluten, wheat germ, salt, wheat flour, malt [corn flour, malted barley], maltodextrin, thiamin hydrochloride, colour), sugar/glucose-fructose, strawberry flavored cranberries (sugar, cranberries, citric acid, natural flavor, concentrated elderberry juice, vegetable oil), fructose, dextrose, vegetable oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, milk ingredients, sorbitol, glycerin, natural and artificial flavor, calcium carbonate, soy lecithin, salt, tocopherols, BHT.
***notice the strawberry flavored cranberries…not even real strawberries! Why not call it a cranberry bar then????

BREAKFAST:
Nature’s Path Flax Plus® Frozen Waffles:
- top with natural almond butter and agave syrup for a breakfast on the run
- good combo of healthy fats, protein and carbs to give you energy in the morning
- am a big fan of all Nature’s Path brand cereals and bars
- buy at any major grocery store
- best selection at the Superstores
Ezekiel 4:9 cereal:
- sprouted whole grain & almond flavor
- not recommended if you are used to sugary cereals
- switch to a Nature’s Path granola before trying this one
- tastes similar to Grape Nuts
- great in natural yogurt with some fresh blueberries and papaya
Organic Spelt Flakes:
- similar to oatmeal
- easy to digest
- high is amino acids, healthy fats and fiber
- cook as you would large flake oatmeal
- buy at Bulk Barn

NATURAL SWEETENERS:
New Roots Stevia:
- no bitter aftertaste
- great in teas, coffees, cereals, yogurt, etc.
- buy at: Feel Good Health Store

Coco Natura:
- great new find and absolutely yummy!
- tastes like brown sugar
- FULL of healthy minerals
- low glycemic index
- buy at: Feel Good Health Store

Madhava Agave Nectar:
- Hazelnut Flavor or amber or light
- absolutely delicious!
- use instead of table syrup for my pancakes, french toast, wraps, etc.
- taste like a mix between honey and syrup
- buy hazelnut flavor at: Ninety Ninth Monkey in Brooklin
- buy amber or light at Feel Good Health Store or Superstore (dif. brand)

As much as possible I try to stay away from artificial sweeteners. If you are addicted to diet drinks or Crystal Light, etc., now is the time to cut them clean from your diet. It will be tough, but I know you can do it! Do your research on what artificial sweeteners can cause…there is a reason why you crave them so much. When I get my clients off of the diet drinks, I tell them to be prepared to go in to withdrawal. You may experience headaches and will take someone down for a sip of their diet drink when you hear the sound of a can opening. Give it 3 days and you will feel better…I promise! I had a client who suffered from migraines…she gave up the diet pop and her migraines have gone away.

MISC. HOT LIST:
Amy’s Black Bean Burritos:
- great for lunches or dinner
- mix of complex carbs, protein and healthy fats
- add a side of veggies or salad for a balanced meal
- buy at most major grocery stores in the frozen organics aisle
ACE Organic Granery Bread :
- full of wholes grains and sunflower seeds
- great for lunches, french toast, dinners
- buy at: Loblaws & Super Store

SUPPLEMENTS:
NutriSea Fish Oil:
- high quality fish oil for a healthy heart, healthy joints and improved mental function
- will help with cravings
- take one teaspoon in morning
- can be given to children – improves concentration and brain function and growth: super smart kids!
- mix into salad dressing
- add to shakes for healthy fats
- buy at: Feel Good Health Store or your local health food store
Bee Pollen:
- chock full of amino acids
- take 1-3 tablespoons before a meal
- I won’t lie…it is not super tasty, but you get used to it
- buy at: Feel Good Health Store or your local health food store
I also take Vital Greens and B-12 daily to help with energy and metabolism.

WHERE TO BUY LINKS:
Feel Good Health Store
Ninety Ninth Monkey in Brooklin

TO BE REVIEWED:
Brown Rice Tortillas – gluten free
Hempola High Protein Pancake Mix – buy at The Ninety Ninth Monkey in Brooklin (great store)

Subscribe to my blog to keep posted on my new hot finds and reviews. Feel free to add your own hot finds and let me know if you tried any of the above. If you want to learn more about what and what not to fill your cupboards with, book one of my Grocery Tours. I will teach you how to read labels, what to look for in the ingredients lists and find alternatives to the no-no lists.

Until next time, happy shopping!

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