chewgoodstuff picks: Evo Hemp Cashew Cacao bar, Coconut Aminos, SeaSnax

Time for another installment of chewgoodstuff picks where I’ll showcase some of my recent favorite packaged food discoveries. Of course fresh, whole foods that are unpackaged are the ideal food of choice, however these items that I feature are products that I view as appropriate to consume from time to time.

My criteria for selecting these items are as follows:
– Must be healthy (natural, organic or containing some organic ingredients, no artificial stuff, a short ingredient list, soy-free, gluten-free, not loaded with sugar)
– Must appeal to my taste buds
– Must be an item that I think you’d appreciate and find value in discovering

Here are my picks:

EVO HEMP CASHEW CACAO BAR

It’s quite difficult to find a nutrition bar (whether it’s a protein, granola, nut/seed/fruit bar) that either doesn’t have tons of added sugar (in many different disguises) or that has other ingredients that I don’t care for (corn derivatives, gluten, soy protein, dairy, artificial additives, etc). Believe me, I’ve combed the many natural markets and health food stores and can count on one hand the packaged bars that meet my needs.

That being said, I can now add another one to my list, the Evo Hemp Cashew Cacao Bar.

What I like about these bars:
– Simple ingredient list: dates, cashews, apricots, hemp protein powder, hemp seeds, cacao powder, coconut nectar and blueberries.
– raw, gluten-free, soy-free, paleo, vegan
– contains some superfoods like blueberries (high in antioxidants), apricots (also rich in antioxidants), and hemp (which contains some essential fatty acids)

Besides the health benefits above, most importantly these bars taste great! They are texturally palatable (not stiff and hard to chew like some other bars on the market) and also not super sweet. Though there is some sweetener added it’s from coconut nectar which is a little bit better than some other natural sweetening agents. Though I don’t recommend eating protein powders on a regular basis, from time to time I would say eating these bars which contain a small amount of hemp protein would be ok. I also view these more of a complete food due to the addition of some healthy fats (hemp seeds) and fruit whereas most protein powder supplements are simply isolated protein with no other micronutrients (carbs or fat).

I haven’t had a chance to sample their other flavor offerings yet. I’m intolerant to almonds so naturally chose the cashew-containing one, but some of their other flavors sound yummy: Cherry Walnut, Mango Macadamia, Pineapple Almond.

Give them a try:
Evo Hemp Organic Hemp Bars – Cashew Cacao Antioxidant – 1.69 oz Bars – Case of 12 – 95%+ Organic – Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Yeast Free – Wheat Free – Vegan

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COCONUT AMINOS BY COCONUT SECRET

What the heck are coconut aminos? According to the website of the manufacturer (Coconut Secret), coconut aminos are derived from the sap of the coconut tree mixed with a sun-dried mineral rich sea salt. This resulting mixture is rich in naturally-occurring amino acids, building blocks for protein. Soy-based sauces are also rich in amino acids, but many individuals avoid soy for a variety of health reasons. Learn more here on the company’s website:

https://www.coconutsecret.com/aminos2.html

What I like about this product:
– great flavoring agent: lends a salty, yet sweet flavor to dishes. Think soy sauce but more coconut-y (not sure if that’s really a word!)
– cook with it, add it to Asian-inspired dishes, or add a few dashes to an already cooked plate of food for an extra amino-containing nutrient boost

I’m a certified 21-Day Sugar Detox coach as you may or may not know. When clients of mine partake in this detox and abstain from sugar-containing foods for 3 weeks, having options on hand is critical for their success and sanity. Often times they are looking for foods that taste sweet that are compliant with the program (that are safe and allowed as there are some restricted carbohydrates, fruits and packaged foods). These coconut aminos are a “YES” food meaning they are allowed while detoxing. They impart a subtly sweet flavor to your food, yet are slightly minerally/salty. I found that by adding a little bit to no-added sugar/homemade desserts the bit of sweetness fulfilled my need for sweets while also doing the detox with my clients. To learn more about the 21-Day Sugar Detox, click here: http://www.chewgoodstuff.com/21-day-sugar-detox-testimonials/

I like the versatility of this food. Use in savory meals or to add a little sweetness as mentioned above. If you’re trying to cut out soy and soy-based sauces and marinades I highly recommend giving these Coconut Aminos a try.
Coconut Aminos (Three 8oz Bottles)

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SEASNAX – CLASSIC OLIVE

SeaSnax are simply toasted nori sheets that come in a variety of flavors. They are light, healthy, low in calories and have a slight crunch to them. If you’re someone who likes to munch on snacks such as chips these might do the trick for you.

What I like about these:
– they are nutrient-packed seaweed sheets delivering a variety of minerals
– canola-oil free! most chips and some snacks these days use the inferior oil of choice, canola or other types of oils — not this product! Olive oil is used instead; much healthier option
– come in a variety of flavors, gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO

I think these are snacks that are fun for the whole family. Light and portable, easy to pack in kid’s lunch boxes. Break off and crumble in soups and salads for extra nutrients or just take to the office for an afternoon snack.

I like the original/olive flavor though there are many to choose from.
SeaSnax Roasted Seaweed, Classic Olive, 2.16-Ounce

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Well, there you have it, my chewgoodstuff picks for this post. I enjoyed sharing some of my new recent “real food” discoveries with you.

For my previous chewgoodstuff picks post, click here:
http://wp.me/p5E8l7-99

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