Food Finds to Celebrate National Nutrition Month

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx

Happy March, my friends! I can’t believe it’s March already, and we’re just a couple of weeks away from Spring. One thing that I love about this month (besides the warmer weather) is that it’s National Nutrition Month! And what better way to celebrate than by sharing some of my favorite new food finds with you all. My friends over at Babbleboxx were kind enough to send me a box of some delicious and nutritious goodies again this year, AND they have some great offers and discounts for you. So let’s get to it!

Action for Healthy Kids

Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) isn’t a “food product”, but it is an amazing organization! AFHK is a nonprofit that brings together educators and families to create healthier schools and communities that support the physical and emotional health of children. Through grant funding, programmatic support, online resources, and a parent ambassador network, they make an impact in schools and communities that need it most.

I’m at a huge fan of this nonprofit because they emphasize how important it is to teach healthy habits at an early age. Whether it’s the food kids are eating, their physical activity levels, or their mental and emotional health, Action for Healthy Kids realizes how essential it is to provide tools to address each of these important pieces of overall health.

According to a national survey by AFHK, 76% of parents say they have improved their own habits based on something their child told them about health and well-being. This program creates a trickle down effect where it isn’t only helping the children who are learning about health and nutrition in school, but it’s helping their entire family making it even more impactful and important. You can take action for your kids by joining the movement at www.actionforhealthykids.org/take-action. If you commit to Take Action for Healthy Kids by March 31, 2020, you’ll be entered to win a healthy taste test kit to host a fun and tasty nutrition education activity for students at your child’s school (valued at $175). To enter, just visit www.actionforhealthykids.org/win and fill out the challenge registration form.

Beet and Cherry + Beet and Tropical Fruit from Beetology

Beets are such a versatile and nutrient-packed veggie! They’re loaded with vitamins and nutrients associated with lowering blood pressure, fighting inflammation, boosting immunity, detoxification support, and so much more. So when you mix them with ripe tart cherries and naturally sweet apples or sweet pineapple and coconut juice, you know you’re in for something not only nutritious but super delicious.

These Beetology juices are 100% organic cold-pressed juice and are sure to make your heart skip a beet! They’re made with all natural ingredients and have no preservatives, additives, artificial colors or flavors. Beetology juices are not from concentrate and are GMO free. Head on over to http://www.beetology.com to learn more about these delicious juices and where to find them, and be sure to check out their tasty recipes while you’re at it!

Keto-friendly Snack Bars from GOODTO GO

You know I’m a fan of a good snack bar, and when I find one that’s made with real, organic ingredients, it’s an absolute must try! Not only are these soft baked bars delicious with an almost cookie-like texture, but they’re also vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free, kosher, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

GOODTO GO snack bars are low in carbs (3 grams/bar) and sugar (2 grams/bar) making them keto-friendly, and they’re packed with 13 grams of healthy fat. In fact, they’re even Keto certified by the Paleo Foundation. They come in four delicious flavors - Cocoa Coconut, Vanilla Almond, Raspberry Lemon, and Cinnamon Pecan. And four more flavors are coming out this month - Double Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Blueberry Cashew, and Raspberry Lemon. Head on over to http://good2gosnacks.com to learn more about these tasty bars and to find a retailer near you!

Power Dressings from Healthy Choice

When it comes to salads, I like them to be veggie and flavor-packed. So when I got my hands on these new Healthy Choice Power Dressings, your girl knew she had met her match. These dressings are made with real vegetables and no artificial flavors or soy ingredients. These dressings have such delicious flavor powered by a savory mix of herbs and spices, and they come in four different flavors - Creamy Ranch, Creamy Italian, Garden French, and Greener Goddess, all of which are 45 calories per serving.

Healthy Choice Power Dressings are the perfect addition to any salad! I also love to dip some fresh veggies into them as a snack, and I really love the Creamy Ranch alongside some air fried buffalo cauliflower. Head on over to https://www.healthychoice.com/power-dressings to learn more about these tasty dressings!

Shipt Membership

Raise your hand if you love convenience! Insert hand raising emoji here because. let’s be real, who doesn’t? That’s why a Shipt membership is an absolute necessity for me. Shipt is a membership- based grocery marketplace that brings fresh foods and household essentials right to your door! You just open up the easy-to-use app, place your order, and a friendly shopper will deliver it at a time that works best for you. Shipt has a commitment to exceptional service and simplifies life by saving time for what matters most.

If you didn’t already know, Shipt is a wholly owned Target subsidiary, so you can get all of your favorite Target essentials delivered right to your door. Shipt doesn’t just stop there though! They also work with leading retailers and local stores to deliver groceries to tens of millions of households across the United States. Shipt has been kind enough to offer $50 off an annual membership using this link, as if you needed more of a reason to sign up!

Dessert Hummus from Tribe Hummus

Dessert just got way easier and better for you with these delicious Dessert Hummus flavors from Tribe Hummus! Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a birthday cake fan, Tribe has a delicious flavor for you! Tribe Dessert hummus comes in five flavors - Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel, Cake Batter, Pea No-Nut Butter, and Vanilla Bean, all of which have only 5g of sugar per serving and no artificial preservatives.

They’re the perfect better for you dessert or snack at any time of day, and each flavor is free of dairy, Non-GMO project verified, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher. I love to dip fresh berries into the Dark Chocolate Hummus. It’s also a great sub for frosting! And the Pea No-Nut Butter Hummus is perfect on toast with banana slices or as a dip for pretzels. They’re really all so tasty! Head on over to http://tribehummus.com/find.html to find a retailer near you.

Let me know which products you try and what you think in the comments below!

Keeping It Consistent with Mighty Spark

This post is sponsored by Mighty Spark, however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to healthy eating - it’s too time consuming, the food is bland, recipes are difficult to follow, you can’t eat anything, the list goes on and on. It really doesn’t have to be so hard! Healthy eating doesn’t need to be all or nothing. It’s not about extremes; it’s about sustainability. To combat these misconceptions, I wanted to share a few of the things that have worked for me when it comes to trying to live a consistent, healthy lifestyle.

1.  I enjoy veggies with (almost) every meal.

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I love to get my veggies in! Whether it’s enjoying a salad for lunch, having a veggie-packed omelet, or making veggie noodle “pasta”, I try to make vegetables a key part of most of my meals. That’s not to say I don’t eat meals without them, but generally, they’re a staple throughout the day. It's important to note that the keyword here is *enjoy* because I don't just get my veggies in, I make sure to pick ones that I genuinely like. I never force myself to eat something because I feel like I "should" but rather because it's what I want and am craving. One delicious way I like to get those veggies in is with these Bruschetta Chicken Meatballs over Shaved Asparagus!

Recipe (Serves 5-6):

In a large bowl, mix together 1 lb Mighty Spark Bruschetta Ground Chicken Blend, ½ of a tomato, chopped, 8 chopped fresh basil leaves, and 3 chopped garlic cloves. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 12 minutes. Flip the meatballs and cook for an additional 12 minutes.

In the meantime, using a peeler, shave 3 bundles of asparagus (or thinly slice with a knife). Heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Once hot, add in one small container of halved cherry tomatoes, the shaved asparagus, and 4 cloves of chopped garlic. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes until the asparagus softens. Add in ¼ cup of shredded parmesan and the juice of ¼ lemon. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts. Serve and top with the chicken bruschetta meatballs.

2. I choose the foods I’m craving and that will keep me feeling satisfied.

Just like with my choice in veggies, I try to listen to my body and what it’s craving in terms of anything I eat. If I’m not feeling a food, I won’t force myself to eat it, and if I’m craving something, I will have it. I also generally try to pick foods that will fill me up and keep my feeling that way. Lean protein and healthy fats are key. I love Mighty Spark Chicken Snack Sticks, avocado, or mixed nuts as an easy snack when I’m feeling hungry between meals

3.  I keep it simple.

I love cooking most of my meals at home. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely go out to eat (multiple times a week in fact), but I like to cook the majority of my meals at home so that I really know what I’m eating. When cooking, I try not to over-complicate it. I like quick and easy meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Usually these will include lots of seasoned veggies, protein, healthy fat, and complex carbs. One of my favorite go-to easy meals is throwing a Mighty Spark Queso Fresco & Jalapeno Turkey Burger on the stovetop or grill and cooking it up with some side veggies and baked sweet potato fries.

Overall, living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s all about finding what works for you! Keep it simple, listen to your body, and stick to it! Consistency is key.

Celebrating National Nutrition Month with BabbleBoxx

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.

March is National Nutrition Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with some delicious and nutritious food! That’s why I was super excited when my BabbleBoxx showed up at my door. I literally felt like a kid on Christmas morning diving into the box, and it did not disappoint! Packed with tasty food and beverages, this box was literally stacked with the best goods. I may even have some discount codes on these amazing products for you, so you’ll definitely want to keep reading. So what’s inside?

VeeTee’s Thai Jasmine Rice & Wholegrain Brown Rice & Quinoa

Microwavable in just 2 minutes with no artificial flavorings, colors, or preservatives, this rice is super easy to whip up and perfect for any meal! The Jasmine Rice has that traditional sticky texture to authentically enhance (and soak up) your favorite Asian dish, and the Wholegrain Brown Rice and Quinoa is super versatile. You can use it as the base of a dish, as a side dish, or in a salad. No matter how you enjoy it, you won’t be disappointed! Does it get any easier than microwaveable rice? Make sure to check VeeTee out here: http://bit.ly/veetee-rice.

Wonder Kombucha

With only 10 grams of sugar per serving, Wonder Kombucha is the perfect non-alcoholic prebiotic beverage to nourish naturally occurring probiotic bacteria in the gut. It’s certified organic, non-GMO, gluten free, AND vegan making it the perfect way to improve your gut-health regardless of any dietary restrictions. You can get a $4 coupon for Wonder Kombucha for the month of March here: https://amzn.to/2GwYmUe.

Happy Healthy Co. Açaí bowls, Overnight Oats, and Smoothies

Eating healthy really doesn’t get easier (or tastier) than Happy Healthy Co.’s Açaí bowls, Overnight Oats, and Smoothies. Their smoothies come in 5 delicious flavors made from antioxidant-rich whole food ingredients. You just add your favorite milk or water, blend, and enjoy! The overnight oats come in 3 flavors made from heart healthy ingredients. You simply add your favorite milk or water, and place them in the fridge overnight. Voila! Delicious, easy oats to enjoy cold or hot. Packed with antioxidants, their healthy acai bowls couldn’t be easier. Thaw and enjoy same day or overnight in the fridge. All cups include only non-GMO ingredients and are produced in a nut-free and vegan facility. Find out more about them here: www.happyhealthyco.com, and get your mix and match bundle box delivered straight to your door anywhere across the continental US. New customers will receive $10 off their first order through the month of March.

Nutiva Organic MCT Powder Vanilla & Organic Squeezable Steam Refined Coconut Oil

Nutiva products have been a favorite of mine for years, and their Organic Vanilla MCT Powder and Organic Squeezable Coconut Oil just deepen my love. Made without chemicals, filler oils or additives, the vanilla MCT powder is the perfect way to boost you brain health and metabolism. It’s the perfect addition to your daily coffee, smoothie, or shake to keep you energized while providing mental clarity and fat burning benefits throughout the day. It’s a pure formula free form hexane, chemicals, GMO fillers, dairy, and gluten while also being certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, and Keto. The Organic Squeezable Steam Refined Coconut Oil is made from organic dried coconut without any chemicals. Thanks to the steam-refining process, it has a neutral flavor and scent making it perfect for baking, sautéing, stir-frying, and any and every other way you use butter, olive oil, and vegetable oils. Like the MCT powder, it is also certified organic, non-GMO, Keto, and vegan. Use the code NUTIVA25! or this link: https://store.nutiva.com/discount/NUTIVA25! now through 5/31/19 for 25% off all MCT powder flavors and refined/virgin coconut oil pouches.

Laird Superfood Creamers: Original, Cacao, Turmeric, and Unsweetened

If you’re looking to upgrade your daily coffee, Laird Superfood Creamers are the all-natural way to do it! Did I mention they’re also great in tea, smoothies, and your favorite baked goods? With naturally occurring MCTs, these creamers provide an energy boost without the crash. They’re made from all-natural, whole food ingredients without anything artificial, and they fit into basically all diets. There’s the Original Superfood Creamer which contains just four ingredients, the Cacao Superfood Creamer for my chocolate lovers out there, the Turmeric Superfood Creamer which is my personal favorite to add to tea, and the Unsweetened Superfood Creamer which has just a subtle natural sweetness from real coconut. Learn more here: https://lairdsuperfood.com/pages/laird-superfood-creamers, and new customers can use the code BABBLE20 for 20% off their first order (offer expires 6/1/19).

Let me know which products you try and what you think in the comments below!

Annie’s and Cascadian Farms at Walmart

This post is sponsored by Walmart, however, all ideas and opinions are my own.

Life can be pretty hectic. Between work, school, friends, kids, etc., we could all use a little help in terms of having enough time, especially when it comes to making smart breakfast choices. That’s where Walmart comes in. I’ve been making stops at my local Walmart to pick up some of my must-have items like fruits and veggies, plus they also carry better for you, organic options like Annie’s and Cascadian Farm.

On my most recent Walmart haul, I picked up Annie’s Cocoa Bunnies and Cascadian Farm Oat and Honey cereals. They’re both certified USDA Organic and absolutely delicious! I enjoyed my Cascadian Farm Oat and Honey with some fresh fruit and unsweetened almond milk before heading out the door. I think we can all agree, nothing beats a 5 minute breakfast!  I also love that this granola is non-GMO with no artificial colors or flavors.

I love my Annie’s Cocoa Bunnies with some milk as well, but I decided to mix things up a bit with these super easy chocolate peanut butter cereal bars. They only require one additional ingredient and will be a recipe that the entire family will love!

You just mix together 2 cups of the Cocoa Bunnies with 1 cup of natural, smooth peanut butter, spread the mixture in a parchment-lined 8x8 baking dish, and freeze for 45 minutes to an hour. Once hardened, remove the mixture, cut it into bars, and enjoy! You can also store them in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them. They make for a great snack or on-the-go, better for you breakfast option, and the kids will love them! Who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate?

Make sure to head to your local Walmart to pick up your Annie’s and Cascadian Farm products along with your other essentials like fruits and veggies. They make breakfast so much easier without compromising quality by using great, organic ingredients. Whether you choose to enjoy them with milk and fresh fruit or give the protein-packed cereal bars a try, you really can’t go wrong!

Daily Goodie Box Review

So I just received my first Daily Goodie Box, and I can literally say within this first sentence that you should all go sign up RIGHT NOW. Like no joke. There are so many great quality goodies, and it's literally free. You sign up (no credit card required), they send you a box depending on availability, and you give feedback on the products inside. I'd try to get you guys a discount code, but no need because it's literally FREE (yes, shipping is included). Plus the products inside are legitimately great quality products and a cover a wide range.

My box included:
-Pipcorn - Delicious Mini Popcorn. I've had Pipcorn before and LOVE it, so it's definitely nice to see something I know and love in this box.
-Gertrude Hawk - Peanut Butter Meltaway Bar. I haven't had this bar, but I know Gertrude Hawk, and that's some delicious, quality chocolate.
-True Natural - Benecos Natural Beauty Lipgloss. I'm all about natural beauty products, so I loved seeing this certified natural, cruelty free, and gluten free lipgloss.
-Bhatki - Yerba Maté Chai Artisan Tea. I love me some chai, and this one seems to have the best, straight-forward ingredients.
-Miss Jones - Organic Cookie Mix. Organic sea salt chocolate chip cookies? Count me in! I'll be baking these as soon as I get this posted. 
-Elemental Herbs - All Good Organic Skin Food. I use coconut oil every day (like a lotion), so I'm super excited to try this GMO-free, vegan, and gluten free coconut oil.
-Savant Naturals - Savi Crisp Chocolate Protein Bar. Can't wait to try these protein bars that are free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors!
-Wild Foods - Cocotropic, Chocolate Nootropic Drink. This powder sounds awesome! It contains reishi mushroom, raw maca powder, mucuna pruriens, and wild turmeric all helping to improve mental performance. You can sip it hot like hot cocoa or add it to smoothies, coffee, or other recipes.
-RunGum - Energy Gum. Gum that's packed with B vitamins, caffeine, and taurine to help keep you energized and improve performance. I will definitely be giving this a try before my next workout.
-Älsa - Energy Drink Mix. A healthy energy drink powder mix that's both vegan and gluten free. Another one to try pre-workout or just for that added boost of energy.

I'm literally excited about every single product, and can't wait to give them all a try. Check each one out, and don't forget to head on over to Daily Goodie Box to subscribe and get a box of your own!