Review: Wave Bar

So y'all know how I'm obsessed with bars, right? I've only reviewed roughly a million varieties.

And I've just had my mind blown again by a completely revolutionary bar - a hidden veggie bar with half a serving of fruit AND half a full serving of vegetables in every bar that still has a taste and texture that would make my 8 year old sister ask to have it in her lunchbox.

Wave Bar is pretty new and still only has two flavors, Baked Apple and Mixed Berry, but quality over quantity definitely holds true here. They may not have a laundry list of varieties (yet, I hope) but the two that they have are delicious and so nutritious that they're easily a great addition as a daily snack.



Around 75% of American children don't get their daily vegetable requirement, but these snacks make it easy to remedy that - the very first ingredient is Natural G Foods' special blend of vegetables and fruits!



After all, it's a food company that's made by health-conscious parents for health-conscious parents, so they know exactly what you need to make it work.

They know what parents want in a bar and they know what kids don't. They know that detectable veggies in a bar will have kids running and screaming from the table, but that a soft, sweet, normal-looking bar will keep both parties satisfied and prevent a snack-time war.



Um, kale in a kid's snack bar? But I swear you can't taste it (or, equally important for kids!) see it at all.



They look just like your standard Nutrigrain-style soft baked fruit and grain bar and taste the same - sweet, chewy, soft, and vaguely pastry-like. AKA, very kid friendly.

And just me-friendly, in general. I travel a lot and especially this fall, what with trying to get a job and be a gainfully employed adult next year (definitely a more attractive option than taking my expensive Harvard diploma and heading into Boston to be a hobo) I'm traveling a lot for interviews and whatnot. Last week, I spent more than half of the week outside of my state and was in five different states in three days.

Um, EXHAUSTING. But I beasted it.

Emperor Kuzco style.

Still, a hectic schedule like that is not exactly healthy-eating-friendly. When I'm out and about, carbs take over (even more than usual, haha) and produce doesn't really make it into the picture. I don't want to risk food poisoning and I don't want to schlep a mini-fridge around with me (aka: that's not possible) so bars, sandwiches, cereal bags, and fast food make up the bulk of my diet. This has the comforting carb-y taste and convenience, but also some veggies in there to make sure that I don't become all sorts of vitamin deficient while I'm out and about trying to make a future happen!



And once life settles down a bit more (or, if life ever settles down a bit) I love babysitting and these are the kind of snack that I can pack in my bag and enjoy with the kiddos at the park or when we're slaying dragons down by the river.

Um, no I'm not five. I swear I'm a grown-up, I have a government-issued ID and everything.

Anyway, make sure to check out Wave bars here, where you can learn more and even order some online!

Don't these sound amazing?

Do you have/want kids?

Where are you in your career journey?

Review and GIVEAWAY - Mamma Chia Squeeze Snacks

Now that we're well into get-a-job season, interviews are everywhere you look. And what does that mean?

HE-LLLO, Boston Logan! That's right, lots and lots of travel. It's only been about a week, but I swear - I'm already turning into a french fry from all the low quality airport fast food (and near-the-hotel fast food) I've been consuming.

Yes, that's more or less a must and a month or two of less than healthy eating isn't going to kill me. But now and then a real power snack to get something wholesome in my system during my travels definitely does the taste buds and energy levels some good.

Mamma Chia Squeeze Snacks are doing the trick - at 3.5oz per convenient squeeze pack (shelf stable!) they're just under the TSA liquids/gels limit and are thus a perfect little something to stick in my carry-on for an onboard (or mid-trip) snack.



They're gluten-free, vegan, organic, and have 1200mg of Omega 3 fatty acids per single serving pouch!

For those of you who have tried chia seeds, they're basically the consistency of a regular chia gel (what you get when you mix chia seeds with liquid and they absorb it). The seeds aren't processed in any unusual way, as far as I can tell, but they're mixed with fruit and vegetable juices and purees, so it's sweet and tart and fruity and refreshing.

I'm not going to lie and say that everyone is going to love these or that they're kid friendly. Some kids might like them, but the pearly texture certainly isn't for everyone. The flavors, on the other hand, are great.



I think the Green Magic looks pretty great (and makes me feel pretty healthy after I snack on it) but the Blackberry Bliss Chia Squeeze is probably the tastiest. They're all pretty tasty, though, and a great light snack. Especially when you haven't been having much other healthy food for a while!

Oh, and another great plus? They're pretty new, so Mamma Chia is currently offering free shipping on online orders!

Free shipping is awesome.

Just like these awesome snacks - and don't take my word for it, enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a variety pack of Mamma Chia Squeeze Snacks!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Louise's Chia Granola Review & GIVEAWAY!!

I'm on a unique granola kick!

Today's unique granola is another grain-free granola - but instead of being based on kale, it's based on chia seeds, nuts, and seeds.

I like a lot of what they have to say (and what they are/stand for) but I'm not really loving the hating on Kellogg's and General Mills. Those brands definitely do have some cereals that wouldn't top any nutritionists must-eat list, but they also have some solid options - I'm a big fan of Fiber One cereals (and a lukewarm fan of cheerios) and I think it's great that those big brands have tried to shift cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch (a childhood favorite) and Fruit Loops in a healthier direction with whole grains.

And I just don't like slander campaigns, whether it's for politicians or products.

Anyway, back to the cereal.

Louise's Granola has no oats, no grains, no added sugars, and nothing unnatural. It's great for those with celiac's disease or those who try to limit grain consumption (I personally think grains are part of a healthy diet) or keep carbs under control (like diabetics). 

It's also great for anyone trying to add in some heart-healthy fats or just looking for an alternative cereal to mix things up!

Best of all, it genuinely tastes really good. Many of us would probably consider it more of a trail mix than a granola, with all the dried fruits, nuts, and seeds that are in it, but I really liked that about it!

It made an excellent yogurt topping as an afternoon snack, and I'm sure a bowlful would taste great with some almond milk for breakfast (though I haven't tried it that way yet).

As stated earlier, it's super healthy. A healthy breakfast is important to start the day properly and this one certainly fits the bill! I love that you don't have to worry about a sugar crash with it and all the healthy fats give it staying power.

A third cup isn't a meal-sized serving for me, it needs to be at least a cup, but a cup is 450 calories and that's appropriate for breakfast - you don't want to eat like a bird and be starving in two seconds! I have LSATs next week, so I'll definitely have this before the exam. Brain food for the win!

Want to try it yourself? They're letting me give their granola to TWO lucky LLE readers! If you're over 18 and in the US, enter through Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will be announced here on June 20.

What do you eat before exams?

What's your favorite breakfast at the moment?

How often do you eat granola?

Guest Review: Mom Takes Over!

I'm a vegetarian, so I don't eat fish. Fish has so many health benefits for omnivores, however, ranging from heart health benefits to muscle and tissue benefits and even brain and nerve benefits!

I have to keep my bases covered by eating plenty of walnuts, almonds, etc.

But if you're an omnivore, fish is a great way to get those super healthy DHAs in! The rest of my family are all omnivores, so my mom's taking over the review today to share one of her favorite convenience foods with you.

VitalChoice sells canned seafood and their canned sockeye salmon is my mom's favorite. It's a lot more convenient and a lot more budget-friendly than fresh salmon, making it possible for her to serve salmon a few times a week (as recommended) instead of just on special occasions.



The salmon is wild and not farm-raised, so the whole family really appreciates that in terms of what it does for the environment. And they think wild fish just tastes better!

My mom's favorite way to serve VitalChoice canned sockeye salmon is as lunch for her and my (adorable) little sister. My little sister likes her (weird) ketchup-mayo concoction with her salmon and bread.



My mom prefers a it more plain, with just a little mayo on toasted wheat.



Both of them really like adding some parsley for a burst of fresh flavor (and it looks so nice with the pretty pink salmon)!

Do you like fish?

How often do you eat canned foods?

If you're veg*n, is your family veg*n too?

Must-Watch Movie Schedule and FruitChia Bars!

If you're like most of us, chances are that your Omega 3 : Omega 6 fatty acid ratios are skewed towards Omega 6 fatty acids. But why does that matter? A fairly equal omega 3: omega 6 fatty acid ratio is important for healthy brain function, skin, metabolism, and a whole lot more!

But if you don't like fish (or you're vegetarian and don't eat fish) what can you do about it? You can eat walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds, that's what! Your best bet is to eat them all (as well as other sources of Omega 3 fatty acids) as variety is key to good health!

But while walnuts plain (or as a nut butter!) are absolutely delicious, and flax seeds make a great cereal mix-in or ice cream topping, chia seeds can seem pretty unappealing if you're not into the gelatinous texture of chia pudding.

FruitChia Bars are a delicious option to get those Omega 3s in - 1040mg of 'em!!

FruitChia Bars come in four flavors - Raspberry Blast, Cranberry Blast, Strawberry Blast, and Blueberry Blast.

Basically, there's a whole lot of fruity blasting going on.

Their ingredients lists are super short, super healthy, and super natural!

With 2 full servings of fruit per bar and no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors, these gluten-free vegan bars are essentially just fruit and chia seeds. Awesome!

Because they're just dried fruits and chia seeds, they're extremely fruity in flavor and it's absolutely delightful! They're all very true to their flavors, but all of a slight apple taste (they're made with apple puree, after all). It works well in all of the bars, though! Especially in the strawberry bar.



Have you had strawberry and apple together before? I'm not sure that I have, but it's a delicious combination! And the bars are made all the more deliciously satisfying by the crunch of the chia seeds. Those healthy fats also make the bars filling in a longer-lasting way that your usual all fruit bars.

I really liked these, they're delicious! Sticky, sweet, satisfying, and so so good for you.

The other flavors are all really good, too, though. They're all very fruity!

I love breaking them (well, more like 'pulling apart,' since they're sticky and bendy) over a container of greek yogurt. It makes a great snack!

YUM YUM YUM.

Anyway, since I've just shared a yummy new bar that you need to try with you, now I'll share some great movies that, if you have time and cable, you ought to try to catch before Christmas!

Today ABC Family is showing all three of the Santa Claus movies back-to-back, starting with the first one at 6pm! The second comes on at 8pm and the third at 10pm!

Gosh, they're all so funny that I don't know which one I'll watch...

Tomorrow, ABC Family is showing Fred Claus at 12:30pm and How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 7pm and 9:30pm. And there's the Polar Express on ABC Family at 5pm!

And on Christmas Eve, there's Eloise at Christmastime on the Hallmark Channel at 6pm for the younger ones and Home Alone at 9pm on ABC Family for the whole family!

For Christmas Day itself, the Hallmark Channel is rolling out two pretty new movies - Hitched for the Holidays (originally aired November 25) at 2pm and Matchmaker Santa (originally aired November 17) at 4pm!

Oh, and yes - the male protagonist in Hitched for the Holidays is the same as Joey in Melissa & Joey. I love that show!

Have you tried FruitChia Bars?

What are your favorite ways to get your Omega 3s in?

What movies are you planning to catch before Christmas?

Don't forget to enter my LUNA Protein Giveaway to win 24 yummy bars!

Friday Foodie Finds #18

I posted the winner of my Ronco Food Dehydrator giveaway, so head on over and see if you've won!

My Madecasse Fair-Trade Chocolate Taster Bars giveaway and my Tookies Smores Cookie-in-a-Jar Gift giveaway are both still going, so don't forget to enter those!

Okay, you're going to hate me for all the non-stop exclamation marks, but I need one more before we give it a rest: WOW, Friday Foodie Finds is already 18!

I remember starting a six hundred-something day countdown for my eighteenth birthday. Then when it happened, it wasn't even that awesome.

Wait, no - that last part is a lie. Being 18/over 18 was/is every bit as awesome as I imagined. 

Anyway, in celebration of Friday Foodie Finds' 18th birthday, the theme of this week's recipes is birthday treats! And instead of individual recipes for a cake or cookies or a dish, it's recipes/ideas for parties!

Shelley's Pinkalicious Party

Kim's Pirate Party

Kara's Snow White Party

I know this is intended for a 3-year-old, but is it bad that I'd actually really like a Disney princess party?

Real Simple's Circle Party

Kara's Fairy Party

So this isn't a party food (well, why not?) but remember how Quest Bar launched a new line of Quest Cravings high protein chocolates not too long ago?

Well, I recently tried their new peanut butter cups!

These aren't peanut butter cup protein bars, don't be confused - they're actual peanut butter cups with 21g of protein!

It's 240cal for a pack, which is pretty much in line with Reese's (as are the fat values) but this comes with way less sugar and way more protein than Reese's.

The flavor is spot on, though, and the chocolate is creamy and delicious! The chocolate to peanut butter ratio is also just right. The only difference is that the peanut butter filling is, for lack of a better description, somewhat powdery. As you can see, it's not the peanut butter-y texture that other peanut butter cups have.

But it's still delicious and I'm impressed with how they managed to hide 21g of vegetarian protein in two chocolate peanut butter cups! YUM!

For a lighter treat (or a more traditional energy bar), I really like the Health Warrior bars I tried the other day. They come in three flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coconut, and Acai Berry.

All three bars are based on chia seeds and loaded with antioxidants, fiber, protein, and Omega 3s!

In case you get Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids mixed up (I know I do), Omega 3s are the ones that are generally in short supply in most of our diets. Making sure we get enough Omega 3 fatty acids, to keep that fatty acid ratio optimal, is important for optimal brain function, growth, development, and even stuff like weight maintenance, memory, mood, energy, heart health, and good skin! Some good sources of Omega 3s include fish or walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds!



The ingredients list isn't short, but I'm familiar with most of the foods on the list and it's a lot of good, healthful stuff. The ingredients list for my yogurt messes (I'm all about the mix-ins) isn't short either, so that alone isn't something to be too concerned about!



As you'll notice, these bars are all only around 100kcal each, though they provide a really powerful nutritional punch for such a light food product (check out all that fiber and all those Omega 3s).

It's clear how they achieve the low kcal count, though - the bars are quite small,.I was actually a bit surprised by how small. I eat a lot of bars, so I have a pretty good feel for what's a standard bar size and what's big or what's small.



These are definitely small.

What they lack in size, however, they make up for in quality!

They're chewy, with a nice seediness from the chia seeds, and pretty true to their flavors. Though there's cashew butter in the bars, you don't taste that. You taste fruity berries (I thought I tasted primarily strawberry and acai), chocolate and (secondarily) peanut butter, or coconut in the respective bars! Yum!

If I were hungry, one of these wouldn't fill me up since they are so small. But they make a great snack if you're just feeling a bit peckish or they make an awesome healthful addition to a larger snack if you're hungry!

I definitely recommend trying these out (especially the Acai Berry which, in my opinion, is the best of their three flavors) if you can't get into the goopy texture of chia pudding but you're looking for a healthy way to add some chia to your diet. I prefer having it this way - it's delicious!

Do you ever have themes for your parties?

What do you like chia seeds in best?

Have you tried Quest Cravings Peanut Butter Cups?