MightyNut Review and Giveaway!

It is Wednesday!  Yay! That means it is almost the weekend! Lately my weekends have been pretty busy, so I have been doing a bit of food prep during the week.  My experiments in the kitchen lately have been turning out pretty delicious!
One of my favorite peanut butter brands, Peanut Butter & Co just launched a new item, powdered peanut butter! Thanks to my awesome partnership with FIt Approach & Sweat Pink, I was sent some MightyNut to review!
As always, I am thankful for the opportunity to review items and receive compensation for my work.  All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own!

I am sure you have seen other powdered peanut butters out on the market.  I have seen and used different ones so I knew I was already a fan of them.  Getting to try Mighty Nut was a really great experience.  Not only was the flavor great in the 2 choices I tried, but it forced me out of my comfort zone to get creative with the product!

Mighty nut comes in 4 awesome flavors!

I chose to try the original and the flax & chia flavors!  I love that it came with a little scoop!

Coming up with a recipe was my next challenge!  I made a super simple one for a quick on the go drink or post-workout drink.

Mighty Nut peanut butter & vanilla shake

• 1 scoop of the chia & flax Mighty Nut
• 1 scoop your choice vanilla protein poweder (I used Young living vanilla spice)
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk.

I added the ingredients and shook it in my blender cup and 1 min later I had one of the best shakes I have ever made!  Wow! I did not want to be finished drinking it!

I also wanted to experiment with the original Mighty Nut! Oh it was fun!  The Hubs was really happy to be my test taster over the last 2 weeks!  He especially enjoyed the peanut butter cakes that I made with a recipe from A Whisk and Two Wands!
This recipe was inspired by my love for Thai food but wanting to make my own meals at home vs always getting take out!

Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps!
Ingredients

Marinade

• 1/2 cup sesame oil
• 1/2 cup tamari (can use soy sauce too)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 lbs chicken, cut into cubes

• 1 TBS sesame oil for cooking
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 head of red leaf lettuce (or another lettuce of your choice)

Peanut sauce (you might need to play around with the ingredients till you find the right taste for you.  This ended up with the peanut taste and a little tangy and sweet at the same time)

• 3-3 1/2 TBS powdered peanut butter
• 4 TBS sesame oil
• 4 TBS tamari
• 2 TBS brown sugar

Directions

1. Mix the marinade ingredients together.
2. Place the chicken in the marinade for at least 30 min in the fridge.
3. Mix the peanut sauce together while the chicken marinades.
4. Add sesame oil to frying pan and add in the chicken
5. Cook the chicken for about 10-12 min till it is no longer pink on the inside (I take the largest chunk and cut it in half to test)
6. Once chicken is fully cooked, place it in a food processor or blender.  Pulse it until the chicken is shredded.
7. Cook the red pepper in 1 tsp of the finished peanut sauce.
8. Add all ingredients to a lettuce wrap, garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

I also took the leftovers and made a salad! SO good either way!

And now an even more fun part, YOU can win a jar of Mighty Nut along with the adorable scooper!!  Click below to enter!!! Contest will end on Sunday, November 1 at midnight EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Giveaway restrictions:

• U.S. only
• One prize per person. If your winner has already won through another SPA’s giveaway, we will ask you to select another winner. We suggest including this disclosure in your post:

One prize per person. If you win this giveaway, and have already won another prize from Mighty Nut through another blog, please disclose that you have already won so we can choose another winner.

Good luck!
Have a healthy and happy day!

UP4 Probiotic Review

Hello all!  Get ready, there will be a few posts coming your way today!  First I want to share with you about an awesome product I have been using the past few weeks.

{Disclaimer:  I was given Up4 Probiotics in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given.  All thoughts, opinions and humor are my own.  I am always thankful for any and all support I receive for Chocolate Runner Girl!}

Soon after I posted my Bulu Box Review last month I was contacted by UAS Life Sciences to try even more of their probiotics out!  I was all about that!  I love me some good probiotics!
Let me rewind.  Since my high school days I have struggled on and off with tummy issues.  I was never diagnosed with anything specific, so I did some experimenting on my own with different foods to try and find relief.  When I was in college it was finally discovered that I had some food allergies!  Knowing what I was allergic to was huge!  It took some time but I was able to reduce my stomach issues by staying away from the foods I was allergic to! I mean, no-brainer right?  Even with all the changes I was still having issues on and off.  It was a bit frustrating.  It is no secret that life with stress, traveling, not always stellar eating habits cause issues with our digestive systems. After a few years of trying even more products/cleanses/detoxes/etc, I stumbled upon probiotics.  They were a HUGE help with all my internal digestive issues!

What is a probiotic?  Great question.  It bacteria.  Not just any bacteria, but happy bacteria that helps to keep your insides happy! If you suffer or struggle with digestive issues then a probiotic just might be what you need to find some relief!

Over the past few years I used different brands here and there.  When I am consistent with them, I do see changes in my digestive system, but it always felt like something was still a little off!
When I was given the chance to try out UP4 I was excited! I had tried a small sample that was in my Bulu Box and just using them for a few days I could tell a huge difference in my tummy! Such a relief!

What is it that sets UP4 apart than other probiotics I have tried?

• UAS Life Sciences has been making probiotics, and only probiotics since 1979! They are experts!
• They come in a handy little cube that you can just gobble up!  I HATE swallowing pills, and pills usually make me nauseous, so these are so much better for me.  I don’t dread taking them!
• The flavor is pretty mild!  Just don’t eat it right after brushing your teeth! (Not that I have any experience with that…haha)
• UP4 brand doesn’t have to be stored in the fridge! (However, they do recommend storing them in temps that are less than 70* F).
• They are very potent, so a small cube gets you what you need each day!
• Sugar free, gluten free, low calorie, non-gmo, non-dairy and vegan.
• Loaded with CFU- colony forming units! A container of yogurt has about 1 billion CFUs.  An adult cube has the recommended 3 billion CFUs!
• A wide variety of formulas to meet every person’s needs (kids, adults, seniors, athletes, heart health, etc). You can see here for all the option

As you can see, you can’t really go wrong with taking UP4 Probiotics!!
And because y’all are so awesome, UAS Life Sciences has provided a way for you to receive a free sample!!!  Just click here!  Then you can be as cool as I am 😉

Let me know if you try it and what you think!!!

Love Freekeh Review and Giveaway!

Hello friends!  Happy Wednesday!  Today I have a fun review & giveaway to share with y’all!  Thanks to my awesome ambassadorship with Fit Approach, I was sent some Freekeh and tried it out!
{Disclaimer: I was sent the Freekeh for free in exchange for a review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own!}
If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen me post lately about some meals I have enjoyed with some Freekeh!

 

You may be asking yourself, what IS Freekeh???  Well, Freekeh is an ancient grain first discovered in the Middle East roughly 2,000 years ago!  It comes from the top of green wheat and then is roasted.  It reminds me a little of quinoa or really fluffy rice.

Freekeh Foods comes in 3 flavors.  I was able to try the original and the rosemary sage.  They also have one more flavor, Tamari, which I would love to try one of these days! Besides Freekeh tasting so great, it is packed with fiber and protein, and this brand is organic and non-GMO! So winning in many areas!

Over the past few weeks I have toyed around with Freekeh in my kitchen and made some yummy meals with both the original and the rosemary sage flavors.  Here are a few things I came up with:

Freekeh Apple Crisp!

Freekeh in a smoothie bowl

Freekeh stir fry

Freekeh in taco salad

Freekeh with rosemary chicken and roasted brussles sprouts!

Wow!  I am drooling again looking at these pictures!  As you can see, Freekeh is very versatile and can be used in many different recipes!
Have you ever tried Freekeh? What ideas do you have for a recipe??
Would you want to try some Freekeh AND a cookbook full of awesome recipes?  Well, here is your chance!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure you click on the link to enter the giveaway!  It will end at midnight CST on Friday, Sept 11, so enter now!

Have a healthy & happy day!

Bulu Box Review PLUS an awesome discount code!

Happy Monday friends!  Can you believe it is the last day of August?? Where has the summer gone?  It feels like it was May just yesterday!
Anyways, I have a fun review to share with you today!  I love that I get to try new things and share with y’all thanks to my partnership with Fit Approach and being a Sweat Pink Ambassador!
So I present to you, my Bulu Box.

What is a Bulu Box you ask?  Well let me explain! It is a fun box that comes with samples of items that pertain to health and/or weight loss (you pick your category).  It is a variety of supplements, foods, sports fuels, nutrition items, sleep aids, energy boosters and more!  Each box comes with 4-5 different samples plus a lifestyle bonus! The beauty of Bulu Box is that they also have full size items for sale right on their website and often have sales on the items!  If you participate in reviews of the products on the site, you earn reward points and can get $ off your boxes!  That sounds like a win-win to me!

So what did I get in my box?  Let me share!

The first item I tried was a Mediterra Bar.  I was a delightful crunchy bar that would be perfect for a on the go snack!  They use real fruits, veggies, grains and seeds to make the bars, so a win in my book!  (Hint, if you go to their website, you can also try 2 flavors for free…just $1.00 for shipping)
The next item I tried was a Island Boost.  Island boost is an energy fuel source you can take at the beginning of a workout session and throughout the duration of the workout.  I used it a few days ago for a jog and it did seem to help my energy level as I was pretty tired from watching an infant overnight.  The only thing that I was not thrilled about was that it was so sweet! I would be interested in trying different flavors (Valor and Renegade) to see how they compare.

The next item in my box was a sample of Yerba Prima Fiber Plus Powder. Yerba Prima is a company that provides herbal supplements to help things flow properly…if you get my drift 😉  I am all about having enough fiber in my body and making sure there are no issues.  This product is a great way to do that by using natural substances! I love that the products support a healthy digestive track as well as eye sight, respiratory health, memory and more!

My next item is Runa.  It is a tea based on clean energy.  This packet is loose leaf, and I have actually not had a chance to try it! But, I think it will work in a french press?? Someone help me out here.  I can’t wait to try it.  I LOVE tea, and a tea that is made with fantastic ingredients from the Amazon Rain Forest is all good with me.  Plus, it smells amazing through the packet!  I can not wait to get this in my system!
Note: They also sell the tea already brewed in bottles and cans! My last item in the box was what they call a Lifestyle Bonus!  UP4 Probiotics are a kid friendly probiotic. This one came in vanilla, but they come in a variety of flavors as well as being tailored to different genders, ages, and need for immune support.  Even these were for kids, I tried them out.  When I first saw the cube I was afraid it was going to be super chalky, but I was pleasantly surprised it was more creamy.

So that is my Bulu Box!  Now, because you are all so awesome, Bulu box is offering a 50% discount for anyone who signs up for a 3 month subscription!  You really can’t get much better than that! That means $5.00 per box!!! So what are you waiting for??
When you sign up, use code: SWEATPINK

When you sign up, let me know what you think!!

Disclaimer: I was sent the Bulu Box for free in exchange for an honest review. All options are my own. 

Review on Endangerd Species Chocolate :)

Happy Sunday!
As you know by my name, I am a lover of chocolate!  Anytime I can get my hands on quality chocolate I am a happy girl!  Several weeks ago I was contacted by Endangered Species Chocolate, and I am so glad they reached out! After several emails back and forth with Monica, the Communications Coordinator, I received a sample package with several flavors and the hubs and I had a great time test tasting these!

Endangered Species Chocolate began in 1993 with a mission: “to source natural, ethically traded chocolate as a carrier for an environmental message.” So not only do they make delicious tasting chocolate, they are also helping the environment! They donate 10% of their net profits to non-profit environment groups who are known for their wildlife conservation and habitat preservation.
One creative way that they display the animals they are helping is including a picture of them outside and more information inside each wrapper! I really enjoyed reading about the different animals as we went through the taste test. I learned a lot too about each of the animals.
You can find all this and more information on the website in their mission statement!
Not only does Endangered Species Chocolate help endangered animals, but they are also all about being excellent stewards of the environment!
They are also all about using quality ingredients, and have options in the bars that are certified rainforest alliance, non-GMO, USDA organic, OTCO Oregon tilth, gluten free, vegan and kosher! With all those options, there is chocolate for everyone (unless you are allergic). You can find out more details about each of these options here.

It was a honor and privilege to bring you a review about some of the products from Endangered Species Chocolate!

Disclaimer: I received free samples by Endangered Species Chocolate and all thoughts and opinions are honest and they are my own.

Sea Salt & Lime Crème Filled Dark Chocolate, 72% Cocoa (Fischer’s Lovebird) – This was my favorite of the group! It had a wonderful mixture of all three flavors. Each bit began with the taste of the dark chocolate with 72% cocoa and immediately the hint of sea salt and lime come to life! It is a good thing I had my husband to share this bar with, or I would have eaten the entire bar myself (and probably in one sitting)!

Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt & Almonds, 72% Cocoa (The Owl) – Each piece of the bar has a subtle hint of the sea salt and almonds mixed in with the 72% cocoa dark chocolate. I really liked this over other types of chocolate bars that have almonds because these almonds are chopped really finely and spread evenly throughout the bar. Another winner in my book!

Dark Chocolate with Cranberries & Almonds, 72% Cocoa (The Gray Wolf) – This bar also had a base of 72% cocoa dark chocolate. There were subtle hints of the cranberry and almonds in each bite. It was not too sweet like cranberries can be when mixed with chocolate. It certainly was delightful with the fruit, almond and chocolate mix.

Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa (The Chimpanzee) – Simply pure, smooth dark chocolate! It was a perfect blend for my taste buds! I already have plans in my brain about using this chocolate for trying out some new recipes!

Dark Chocolate 88% Cocoa (The Leopard and The Jaguar) – This dark chocolate certainly had a higher percentage of cocoa, which has a slightly more bitter taste than the 72% cocoa chocolate. The taste to me is still very pleasant, however, the hubs preferred the 72% cocoa dark chocolate.

Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (The Sea Otter) – Although I am not as much of a fan of milk chocolate as I used to be, this bar certainly was yummy! It was creamy and melted nicely in my mouth! The hubs was a big fan!! For you milk chocolate fans out there, this is the bar for you!!

So what are you waiting for?? Time to get some chocolate! Right now there are a few specials going on at Endangered Species Chocolate for you to take advantage of!!

Take 15% off our new vegan Crème Filled Bars with coupon code FILL15 (expires 3/16).

Also there is an end-of-the-season sale on our Holiday flavors ($1.50/bar Peppermint Crunch, Pumpkin Spice & Almonds, Vanilla Chai).

Ps, you can also get the bars at your local Kroger grocery store!

Thank you again Monica for all your wonderful help!!

Enjoy!

– Chocolate Runner Girl-