body beautiful: Wings of Nature Nutrition Bars

looking for some yummy, healthy treats that will give you energy and nourish you body? let me introduce you to Wings of Nature's Nutrition Bars. they're made with whole, natural ingredients and perfect when you need a snack. i never thought these would be as good as my favorite Lara bars, but they have won me over, for sure.

while you may find the words healthy and decadent hard to put into the same sentence, these bars are just that. they are are so good for you and taste amazingly delish! take a look (and try not to drool)...




Cranberry Crunch was my first pick to try. i love cranberries, and the ingredients (peanuts*, raisins*, sesame seeds*, agave syrup*, almonds*, rice syrup*, crisp brown rice*, cranberries (cranberries*, apple juice concentrate*, sunflower oil*), pumpkin seeds*, cranberry flavor*) worked fabulously together to create a deliciously satisfying, chewy, sweet and nutty snack. i was only disappointed when it was gone.




Espresso Coffee Bar was my pick once my next snacking opportunity came around. this bar combines the rich flavor of espresso and cocoa that is mmm, mmm, good! the coffee flavor is so well-balanced-- any coffee or espresso-lover will enjoy this one. ingredients include: sun dried raisins*, brazil nuts*, cocoa cass, sunflower seeds*, agave syrup*, crisp brown rice*, walnuts*, brown rice syrup*, roasted coffee beans* and espresso flavor*.




Almond Raisin Bar was the last bar to be tried, and i still can't decide if this is my favorite one. sesame seeds*, raisins*, agave syrup*, sunflower seeds*, almonds*, rice syrup*, crisp brown rice* and pumpkin seeds* made my taste buds so happy-- i loved the salty sweetness and the chewiness was perfect.

all of these bars are low sodium, good sources of fiber, vegan, dairy free, certified organic and kosher, and are low glycemic (keeps blood sugar levels in check). they're all also free of preservative, additives, cholesterol, gluten and trans fats, and are non GMO-- healthy, healthy, healthy! :)

currently, Wings of Nature Bars can be found in a few (very few) stores, but are sold in packs of 24 online. hopefully, they'll be expanding soon! visit their website, freshharvestproducts.com for more info.

xo
products featured were sent to me for review; *certified organic by OC/PRO Canada K9V 4R1 Cert. #648

body beautiful: Green Smoothies!

for the past 3 weeks i have been drinking (and loving!) green smoothies. what is a green smoothie, you ask? basically it's green veggies blended with some fruits and water to make an amazing, good-for-you smoothie.

it all started with the fabulous Kitiya starting up her Healthy Sexy Beautiful 2010 program. with that i started walking more, drinking more water, and really trying to be even better to myself in the health department.

one of K's tips for getting on the HSB2010 bandwagon was to read Kimberly Snyder's blog. there i found not only valuable tips on being healthy, but the recipe for what would become my favorite way to start the day!




the recipe is super simple:

•1 1/2 cup of water
•1 head of organic romaine lettuce, chopped
•3-4 stalks of organic celery
•2 organic apples, cored and chopped
•1 organic banana
•1/3 bunch of organic cilantro
•1/3 bunch of organic parsley
•Juice of 1/2 fresh organic lemon

add the water and chopped head of romaine to a blender. starting the blender on a low speed, mix until smooth. gradually moving to higher speeds add the herbs celery and apples. add the banana and lemon juice last.*

this makes a whole blender full and keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days. i drink half the pitcher one day and the rest the next day.


it tastes better than it looks!

the first day, i thought i wouldn't be able to drink these everyday (the smoothie was good, but you know, not something i was used to drinking). then my energy and focus were so amazing throughout the day, i had to drink another the next day. and it tasted better!

now i am adding a bit of agave nectar (for sweetness) and other greens like kale and spinach to it. the fruits pretty much stay the same, but peaches are really good to add as well. now, thanks to my blogger pal and fellow green smoothie lover, Brittany, i add cinnamon-- yum!!!

so, that's how i have been starting my days. i don't even think about it anymore. i look forward to drinking my smoothies ("ewww, green smoothie", as my kids say it) everyday. i'm getting in so many more veggies and fruit and i feel fabulously energized. love it!

xo
*read kimberly's entire green smoothie post here

beautiful nutrition

battered and deep fried foods, sugary sodas, processed lunch meats, greasy snack chips, white bread and refined pasta. most canned spaghetti and ravioli, sugary breakfast cereals, frozen fried chicken, fish sticks and corn dogs.

do these foods sound good? to most people they do. but to me, it's just a waste of time, and eventually my energy, to eat. so, instead, i choose to eat more whole foods. foods that will help me, not bring me down.

what we eat is a huge contributor to how we feel. remember the saying you are what you eat? well, in some cases it can be true. who wants to be greasy or unhealthy? not me. and, hopefully, neither do you! we want to be fresh and glowing, full of energy and vibrancy. i know that when i don't eat properly, my body lets me know. i'm tired, my skin looks dull, i'm moody, i crave more junk, and i feel "off". when i eat good foods, like whole grains, green veggies, berries and fruit, i feel the difference.

eating healthy doesn't come easy for all, but it can be something we do. mindfully, take the time to add a salad to a meal or have fruit for dessert. choose a sweet potato over french fries, and reap the benefits of vitamins and nutrients over grease and fat. over time, this will dramatically change your perspective of the benefits of healthy eating. choose your food wisely. ask yourself, "is there a better choice?". and don't think you have to deprive yourself. just remember that moderation is the key. your body will thank you for it!



xo