Zoganic FruitZip Review

Powdered vitamins you can mix into your drink instead of taking another pill? Yes please!  I was happy to receive 3 flavors of Zoganic FruitZip for free in exchange for my honest review.  I shared the trio on Instagram when they arrived.

A post shared by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jul 25, 2017 at 11:16am PDT

The Zoganic FruitZip are all low in sugar, organic, non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and all-natural vitamin powerpacks you can bring with you anywhere.  Another bonus is they're made in the US.  Just one box is full of antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, probiotics, and energy.  There are 4 different flavor combinations for your everyday needs.

First up for me to try was Coconut + Energy, which I put in my water for one of my Wednesday walks.  This flavor provides natural electrolytes, B vitamins, as well as calcium and magnesium to build stamina.  While I didn't notice anything different it was nice to have a little flavor in my water while I sweated away.

Next I tried the Orange + Immunity mixed in with some hot tea.  When I'm not feeling well I drink a lot more hot tea to knock out the blah feelings.  It would've been nice to have this flavor while we were sick in Germany because it bolsters your natural immunities, boosts energy, and offers a high-end shot of vitamins and minerals.

Finally I had the Multi + Refreshment on a day where my allergies were driving me crazy at work.  This flavor is just a berry flavored multivitamin but it seemed to have done the trick.  My sneezes and runny nose seemed to have slowed after I drank the Zoganic FruitZip.

Of course the flavor I really wanted to try when I saw this opportunity was the one I didn't receive - Pineapple + Digest.  But they said I was lucky because most others only received 1 flavor so I'm taking it as a win!  This flavor helps relieve acid reflux, boosts energy, and heals and balances the digestive tract.

Which of the 4 flavors of Zoganic FruitZip sounds like something you could use in your life?  Try a box RISK FREE with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.  You can even save 50% off your order using the code HEALTH2017!

Follow DrinkZoganic on Instagram for more ways to incorporate Zoganic FruitZip into your daily drinks.

Paka Baking Mix Review

I received these two boxes of Paka Baking Mix from Silver Fern Brand for free in exchange for my honest review.  I only expected to be sent the lemon bars mix so I was pleasantly surprised to see the blueberry muffins as well!

Silver Fern Brand currently has a baker's dozen of Paka Baking Mixes that are good for healthier breakfasts or desserts.  All the mixes are lower in sugar (therefore carbs) and calories as well as higher in protein and fiber content.  All but the pancakes are gluten free. Silver Fern Brand created their own proprietary sweetener called Kakato that includes an added boost of dietary fibers and probiotics. Other key ingredients are whey protein isolate, oat bran, whole algal flour, acacia gum, and flaxseed meal.  Pricing of these is about the same as what you see in the store for other gluten free baking mixes.

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Sunday I made both mixes so I could bring them with us to DC this weekend.  I want to have some healthy snacks for the road and evenings.

I started with the Lemon Bars.  I've eaten lemon bars before but never made them (as far as I can remember).  The crust was pretty easy to whip up and I didn't even have to mix it up as long as the instructions said.  I popped the crust into the oven and worked on the filling.  (To me the filling is something on the inside so I found it odd that's what it was called.  Searching recipes online I see some others calling this a topping instead.  Neither name seems fitting but I don't know what other name would work better.)

Once the bars were baking I started on the Blueberry Muffins.  My silicone muffin pan must be a little small because the box says that this mix makes 12 muffins.  I emptied the rest into one of the pans I normally use for banana bread so it wouldn't go to waste.  Austin laughed at me because I'd forgotten to keep the same bowl to use for both mixes, resulting in needing a second pair of hands (his) to scrape the glass bowl.

I don't know what it is about me and baking desserts (other than Austin's birthday cakes) but I seem to burn the bottoms every time.  Whether I've used a spray or a liner it still happens.  I embrace the suck (I can't remember where I heard this phrase but it seems fitting) with my baking skills and still enjoy what I prepare.  Austin wouldn't try any.  I think Benny was only eating them because they were there.  It must be an opposites attract type situation because he prefers the lemon bars and I prefer the blueberry muffins (and I'm not much of a blueberry fan).

It's been a while since I had lemon bars before so I don't have anything to compare but they didn't have an overpowering lemony taste.  Silver Fern Brand's Lemon Bars do have a cheesecake like flavor.  I cheated a bit and used lemon juice from a bottle instead of a fresh one so I'm not sure if that changed anything.  I mixed the lemon bar crust and filling by hand with a spatula and whisk.  The Blueberry Muffins didn't turn out light as shown on the box because I used the blender, therefore squishing some blueberries in the process.

What flavor(s) of the Paka Baking Mixes would you try first?

If your baking skills are worse than than mine or just want other dessert options, Silver Fern Brand also has chocolates and popcorn available that are boosted with fiber and probiotics.

WIW Goes #GreenInTheCity317

 

No weigh in this week since we ventured to the MashCraft Brewing Company last night.  I want to thank Lori, The Produce Mom, for putting the #GreenInTheCity317 event together.

We drove past MashCraft a couple of times before I finally spotted the sign.  When we pulled in we immediately saw Nature Fresh's greenhouse on wheels.  They had bell peppers, tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes on the vine to display.  They wrap the vines around otherwise they can go 40 ft or so!

They also brought some of their bees with strawberry plants from a neighboring farm.

Inside the brewery some culinary students from IvyTech had prepared some appetizers with cucumbers, tomatoes, and cream cheese, as well as some soup, all made with Nature Fresh produce.

 

Benny tried one of Mashcraft's regular taps (I have no clue what he ordered).  I tried some of the Red Pepper Ale made with Nature Fresh's peppers.  I could slightly smell and taste the peppers at first (was surprised with my sinus issues) but the regular smells and tastes of beer quickly took over.  Nothing we tried was as sour as I'd remembered but it didn't change my mind of not liking beer LOL.

 

We had a good time; I just wished we knew people there so we could be more social.  We brought home a swagbag of Nature Fresh goodies.  When I was putting them in the fridge I discovered we had some Nature Fresh tomatoes and peppers already there!

 

 

And now on to our regularly schedule programming...

<a href="http://aintnodramamama.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://imageshack.com/a/img537/4720/M6Nql0.png" alt="Weigh-in Wednesday!">

 

Have to back up to Wednesday...I woke up in the 4 o'clock hour with tummy/abdominal distress (pain, bloating, etc.) so I didn't get my workout done but I still walked.  I picked up a Mediterranean spice blend at the farmer's market.

When I got home I staked the rest of the tomatoes and watered the garden.  The lettuce, arugula, and Swiss chard are indistinguishable from the weeds so I didn't take a picture.

 

 

THURSDAY was Push Circuit 1.

 

FRIDAY was a makeup day from Wednesday so I did Push Circuit 2.

 

SATURDAY was Burn Intervals & Extreme Abs in the morning followed by standing around for a few hours watching the feis.  My cousin placed 4th in one of her dances; this was her first performance outside of Ohio.  After we got back I trimmed the bushes in the front of the house; Benny and Austin cleaned up.

 

SUNDAY was Burn It Off & Recharge.

 

MONDAY I woke up in the 3 o'clock hour with different tummy/abdominal distress so I took another rest day.

 

TUESDAY I wrapped up the push phase with Push Circuit 3.

 

Today I began the lean phase.  OMG Chalene has complex exercises for just about everything.  So many I did awkwardly in Lean Circuit 2!

Yesterday I went to the doctor about my abdominal issues.  I told him it was similar to IBS but without the diarrhea and constipation.  He pushed on my abdomen and found some tender spots in the upper right quadrant that took me by surprise.  Everything combined leads the doctor to believe that it's gall stones.  They drew blood and took my urine for testing.  The doctor said that he should have the results today but my EMR shows it won't be available until the wee hours tomorrow.  If the lab work shows something then an ultrasound will be ordered.  If it is the stones I hope they recommend the medication route rather than surgery.

TESTING: Blood Urine POC, Bilirubin Urine POC, Urobilinogen Urine POC, Ketones Urine POC, Glucose Urine POC, Protein Urine POC, Nitrite Urine POC, Leukocytes Urine POC, pH Urine POC, Specific Gravity Urine POC, Total Protein SerPI QN, Bilirubin Direct SerPI QN, Bilirubin Total SerPI QN, AST SerPI QN, Alkaline Phos SerPI QN, Albumin SerPI QN, ALT SerPI QN



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Morning Pep Blanched Almond Flour Review

I received the 2 and 5 lb bags of Morning Pep Blanched Almond Flour for free in exchange for my honest review.  I struggled with finding recipes for which I had all the ingredients or at least easy swaps.  Then, when I did, they seemed to flood in!

This was my first time using almond flour so I didn't know what to expect.  It seemed to bring a slightly different taste and texture to what I made but otherwise it was great!  I can't wait to see what else I can play with.

What I had an issue with was the seal on both bags.  The plastic zip is sealed on one side of the bag instead of both.  I was glad that I only opened the 2 lb bag since I had a container to fit the leftover almond flour.  I don't know what I'm going to do about the 5 lb bag yet.

Wednesday night I used Fit and Awesome's recipe for Paleo Chicken Fingers as my model since you can play around with different spice combinations to find out what you like.  I didn't have any ground mustard or curry powder to work with.  When I looked in the spice cabinet I discovered I still had an ancient curry blend (ancient because it's about 10 years old LOL).  At the last minute I decided to add garlic.  Why I didn't think about it until later I don't know....I put garlic in EVERYTHING I possibly can LOL.

Here are my ingredients

2 chicken breasts cut into strips (or 1 lb chicken tenders)

1 cup Morning Pep Blanched Almond Flour

1 tbsp curry blend

1 tsp organic turmeric

1 tsp paprika

1 egg

1/2 tsp garlic

Somehow my picture of the prep came out blurry...

I was hesitant about using wax paper in the oven.  I know even the package says you can but I'd never done it before.

I paired the chicken tenders with leftover potatoes and gravy.  Benny ate a salad while I had steamed broccoli.  He thought it tasted like soap.  I thought it tasted salty.  I blame it on that ancient curry blend.  Should I throw it away now?

 

 

 

Austin REALLY wanted me to make pancakes with the almond flour.  I'm not sure why since I was never able to make them before; I always burned them.  I guess he thought I've improved over the years... Austin requested pancakes without eggs (Benny's "eggcake" disaster) but I didn't find one.  So I went with this recipe from Simple Green Moms for Paleo Almond Pancakes as my base.

 

Here are my ingredients

 

1.75 cup Morning Pep Almond Flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2/3 cup almond milk

2 eggs, whisked

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Nu Naturals Cocoa Syrup, to taste (not shown)

 

Ready to scoop into the pan.

 



Austin had no complaints but the nibbles I had I thought tasted a little weird.  Nothing like pancakes out of a box.  It wasn't sweet enough for my liking.  Perhaps I can try it with some apple chunks?

 

 

 

 

After my workout I wanted some flatbread to use for my lunch as a sandwich wrap.  So I used a Coconut Flour Flatbread recipe that I found on Foodie Fiasco.  Well, let's just say it didn't turn out as expected.

 

Here are my ingredients

 

2 Tbsp Morning Pep Almond Flour

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp baking soda

2 eggs

1/4 almond milk

 

Ready to go into the pan.

 

The recipe called for splitting the mix in half to make two pieces but I didn't want to do that.

 

Immediately I started smelling the eggs.  YUCK!  When it was all done I cut off a nibble and confirmed the egginess.  DOUBLE YUCK!  I told Benny this one was his because it tastes too much like eggs and I don't like the taste of them.  I asked him how he wanted it since it was more of an omelet.  He asked for the flatbread to be cut up into strips so that's what I did.

 

 

 

Last night I wanted dessert so I used this No Bake Brownie Bites recipe from Simple Green Moms.

 

Here are my ingredients

 

2 Tbsp natural peanut butter

2 Tbsp honey

1/2 cup Morning Pep Almond Flour

2 Tbsp baking cocoa

1 packet Lean1 chocolate shake mix

2 Tbsp almond milk (plus a little more since it was dry)

 

Before even trying to make the balls I had to have a taste.  OMG it was SOOO good!  I said forget making these into balls I'm eating this straight up.  I ate about half of it last night and put the rest into the fridge for later.

Organic Chia Seeds Review & Giveaway

I had never thought of chia seeds before (besides the Chia Pet) but I'm looking for different healthy foods to ease my way into new recipes.  Just the other day Benny said he wanted me to cook something different.  So the opportunity to try chia seeds falls in at the right time.

I received Chia Seeds GOLD™ - 100% Organic (2 pound bag) by NutriGold for free in exchange for my review.  Since this is my first experience with chia seeds I've been scouring Pinterest trying to find what I can add them to or simple recipes I can make.

Most of the time I'd add them to my yogurt or oatmeal.

For dessert I frequently have a cup of #yogurt ... Last night was half vanilla half strawberry with about a tbsp natural #peanutbutter and about 1/4 scoop of #organicchia seeds. #200ktransform @dymatize @bodybuildingcom

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jan 27, 2015 at 6:48am PST

I tried twice to make chia pudding using a simple recipe but neither time did the pudding solidify.

Austin has been wanting me to buy apple butter but perhaps I can make it with chia seeds in the crockpot during the week (so he doesn't know the seeds are there).

 I found a simple Chia Jam in the BodyPeace book.

 

 

I used an apple as my fruit.  I cut it up and put it in the microwave for a minute.  Since I don't have a food processor I used my mini chopper...it seemed to take forever!  I didn't measure the honey but added it little by little.

 

 

How the red apple made green jam...I don't know.

 

I mixed the jam in a bowl with about 2 tbsp. of peanut butter.

 

 



I still wanted something more substantial so I added a yellow container amount of oatmeal.  I did add water to it but never warmed it up in the microwave.

It tasted a little too sweet once everything was mixed together.  I have a bunch of frozen fruit and cans of pineapple I can try next.

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BeastMode with Fish Oil

I weighed in last night down 2.4 lbs.  I went ahead and decided to make 140 lbs my official goal weight so the Weight Watchers leader updated everything in the system.  Hopefully I'll hit it at weigh in next week but at least by January 6th, so I would be starting 2015 in maintenance mode.

Week of Workouts

Thursday looks to be Cardio and Abs for these 5 weeks of the bulk phase.

Friday I worked my back.  I only had to use the resistance band for one exercise.

Saturday I worked my shoulders in the morning.  In the afternoon I sorted through my clothes to pull out the right size to give to my mom.

I began week 5 Monday working my chest again.

Tuesday was leg day.

This morning I worked my arms.  Benny hadn't gone to bed so when I was done he asked why I was walking funny.  It's because of yesterday!


Provitamaxx Omega-3 Fish Oil Review + Giveaway

I was surprised to find a fish oil with a natural lemon flavoring but it's so light it's barely noticeable.  I haven't experienced a fishy aftertaste either with Provitamaxx Omega-3 Fish Oil.  Perhaps it has something to do with this being in the triglyceride form.  All I know is I don't smell anything each time I open the bottle.

The health benefits of omega-3 fish oil are widely researched and documented.  Some areas that benefit are:

• heart health
• joint function
• circulation
• immune function
• healthy inflammatory levels
• eye health and function
• positive mood
• learning and memory
• normal brain and nerve cell function

The triglyceride form ensures maximum absorption of omega-3s, allowing you to experience the full health benefits.  The pills are gluten-free and contain no GMOs.  They are also certified by a Third Party Lab to be free of mercury, PCBs and any other toxins.  

Provitamaxx Omega-3 Fish Oil is produced using only sustainable fishing methods and is dolphin-safe.  The manufacturing process utilizes 100% green, carbon-neutral technology.

Provitamaxx Omega-3 Fish Oil is currently only available for purchase on Amazon. 

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Big Slice Apples Review & Giveaway

I absolutely love apples!  I try to eat one a day but plain old apples can get boring.  When I saw this opportunity for the Big Slice Apples on Tomoson I jumped on the opportunity!  Who could pass up such a variety of flavors for apples?

Grandma Hoerner's originally released only a few flavors of Big Slice Apples pouches in a handful of Target stores in January 2014.  Within a few months they expanded to nearly all Target stores in the country!  That tells you how much people are liking Big Slice Apples.

Big Slice Apples are sliced, kettle cooked apples mixed with a variety of sauces to make up the flavors.

• No high fructose corn syrup
• Made with domestic apples
• Non-GMO (for most flavors)
• Naturally gluten free
• Mostly under 100 calories
• Naturally fat free

The flavors are broken up into three categories - pure, fit, and luxe.  The pure line is blended with fruits and spices.  The fit line promotes energy, power, balance, and beauty.  The luxe line are rich, indulgent flavors.  You can add any flavor to yogurt, oatmeal, or just eat them plain.  I ate most in oatmeal for my breakfast since it's been so cold.

Five of the eight flavors received I liked - Natural; Cinnamon French Toast (which is weird because I don't like French toast); Raspberry, Hibiscus, & Green Coffee Extract (no mocha flavor to turn me off); Banana, Mango, & Hemp Seed (I was afraid might cause an allergic reaction since I'm allergic to the hemp plant); and Pineapple, Passion Fruit, & Fiber.  I figure it's pretty good to like 62.5% of the flavors!

The flavors I didn't really like were Cherry Vanilla, Boysenberry Chocolate (for one the seeds kept getting stuck in my teeth), and Blueberry Pomegranate.

The remaining eight flavors are

• Orange Ginger
• Apricot
• Lemon Berry
• Chai (would like to try)
• Peach Green Tea & Aloe
• Peach Bellini
• Cinnamon Candy (would like to try)
• Caramel (would like to try)

Big Slice Apples are available exclusively at your local Target store.  Check out the product locator to find the closest location that carries these delicious treats.

For every Big Slice Apples pouch purchased a portion of the proceeds are used towards their charity Sparkle.  Funds are used to help women and girls in need around the world.  Sparkle is partnered with several nonprofit ministries to achieve their mission.  Visit Sparkle's website to learn more.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.