I was at Whole Foods the other day, browsing the fruit and protein bar aisle, and I have to admit, it got a little overwhelming trying to pick out a new bar. The selections have really expanded to include any type of flavor or type of bar that you might be looking for.
I was particularly looking for a raw bar - something that would be simple, delicious, and had just a few ingredients. One in particular caught my eye because of its packaging - Earthling Organics Raw bars. Simple and naked almost, with barely any ingredients, just raw fruit and nuts. The label said it all.
I took home two flavors - vanilla and the Yogi flavor - and loved them. They were crunchy with just the right amount of flavor; not too sweet and with a hint of a nutty flavor. Anyways, I loved them, they work great in the morning with a banana and a refreshing yerba mate.The snack comes in a variety of flavors, like Gogi, Matcha, and Rawnola.
Try it, you'll thank me. You can check them out at your nearest Whole Foods, in the protein bar area. Or order them direct from the Earthling Organics check out page.
We are so used to eating out here in Los Angeles, that it's hard to imagine using your kitchen sometimes. But it's often useful, especially if you have specific food preferences and preferences.
But how to begin, especially if you are used to eating at restaurants?
Get yourself a really good, simple cookbook to get started on your culinary journey. My current favorite is The Naked Foods Cookbook: The Whole-Foods, Healthy-Fats, Gluten-Free Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great, by Margaret Floyd and and James Barry. This book gives you the scoop on how to make delicious meals that are whole, organic, natural and gluten free.
Cooking "naked" to the authors means cooking meals that contain no preservatives or harmful additives. The meals featured in the book also take into account your busy lifestyle and are organized into the time it takes for you to cook them: quick 20 minute meals, longer "impress the neighbors" recipes, and also time intensives recipes for when you have some extra time.
Check it out and tell me what you think!
You all by now know how much I love raw snacks and foods. Well I particularly love raw food on the go, for when you are out on the town or on vacation somewhere awesome.
The go-to snacks for me right now are Bella Bars, luxury raw food bars, which are all natural, preservative-free and vegan, and with no added sugar and only 210 calories. I love these because I am an avid chocolate lover, and this is an easy way to get your choco fix without the stomach aches and calories that come with regular choco bars.
Bars come in chocolate nut and cinnamon nut flavors, both enough to satisfy your sweet tooth or that hunger on the go.
The bar's all natural ingredients include: Dates, Walnuts, Pecans, Agave Syrup, Hemp Seed, Rolled Oats, Hemp Powder, Ground Flax, Brown Rice Protein, Cocoa Powder, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Salt.
Order these online HERE.
I love to eat healthy and try new healthy foods, but I also have a really strong sweet tooth! It's difficult when you get those cravings because there's not much that's out there that is also easy on the stomach. But luckily, I recently found Twin Cakes bakery, gluten-free, raw and vegan sweets for your tooth that was recently given honors by VegNews magazine.
The bakery offers biscotti, snack bites, crackers, and flat breads, and these are shipped directly to your house (they are no longer offered at farmer's markets, unfortunately).
They say that what makes their sweets different than other raw vegan products in that they dehydrate their treats, which preserves its nutrients.
They also explain their use of coconut oil, which is pretty good for you:
It actually is comprised mainly of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCT’s). These MCT’s are liquid at 76 degrees and remain liquid in our bodies. They also quickly convert to energy and are most likely NOT going to be stored as body fat like long chain animal fats. Coconut oil is also very stable therefore does not oxidize easily to create free radical damage. Athletes consume 1-2 tablespoons of MCT’s before competitions for added energy!
Coconut oil also contains Lauric Acid, known to be anti-bacterial/viral.
Check them out for yourself and try a treat - and make sure you check out their blog for more gluten-free and fitness favorites.
My parents often visit me from out of town, and we love to sample the awesome and healthy food options that Los Angeles has to offer. Sometimes they just feel like staying indoors and ordering in a good meal.
Luckily, we have found MotherOrganica, which cooks and delivers healthy and amazing vegan options to your home.
It's basically like having your own private chef, because they go shopping at local farmer's markets to create customized meals that they then deliver on Monday and Thursday mornings. All you do is provide them with your dietary needs and restrictions, and voila! your own private meal arrives at your doorstep. They also offer private party catering, events and consulting.
I loved the options and my parents did too, so I'm sure you'll feel the same way!
Check them out here.
