Choctal Ice Creams

Choctal Ice Cream– It’s finally summer and you know what that means…ice cream! This brand of ice cream could not be any more perfect; not only because it tastes amazing, but because the ingredients are sourced from all over the world….how Vegetarian Tourist of them! It’s true; quality ingredients really do produce a quality product and you can taste that in every bite of Choctal ice cream. These gourmet delicacies come in chocolate and vanilla varieties and are named after countries where their ingredients originated (like the Indonesian vanilla and the Ghana chocolate). Of the ones I tried my favorites were the Costa Rican chocolate (flavors of coffee and caramel with a hint of butterscotch) and the Mexican Vanilla (sweet and spicy vanilla with wisps of cinnamon and a note of coconut). Seriously, some of the best ice cream I have ever had. I just couldn’t get enough of the rich flavor with each bite and I want to stock my entire freezer full of this unbelievable ice cream. Trust me on this one and check out Choctal!

Everyday Vegetarian Cookbook

Everyday Vegetarian Cookbook– I get super excited by vegetarian cookbooks. That sounds so geeky doesn’t it? I guess it is because I know that I can turn to any single page and have whatever recipe is listed and not have to alter it by omitting meat. So, it comes as no surprise that the Everyday Vegetarian cookbook is right up my alley. What I love is that this book is divided by season and the recipes and suggestions are all based on what fruits and vegetables are in season during that particular time of year. There are so many awesome recipes that I can’t wait to really get my culinary game on, especially since most recipes require 10 or less ingredients. Did they write this book for me? That’s SO my kind of cooking!

Terlato Kitchen Products

Terlato Kitchen Products– I was invited to a fabulous dinner at Mariano’s market last month and all of the ingredients used for the dinner that evening were from Terlato Kitchen. I really enjoyed the dishes and was thrilled when I was asked to try out some additional products. What’s great is the pasta sauces are all made with San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, salt and spices. That’s it. I love that there is no sugar or high fructose corn syrup or other preservatives added to the sauces, just wholesome, simple ingredients! Again, you can tell when quality ingredients are used to create a quality product. I also tried out delicious low sugar strawberry preserves…you know the kind…where you can literally could just spoon it up out of the jar and eat it plain (don’t judge…I may or may not have done that). The takeaway; Terlato Kitchen has created some wonderful, healthy and quality products that I know I will be continuing to purchase.

Mastering the Art of Vegan Cooking

Mastering The Art of Vegan Cooking Cookbook– I’ve mentioned before that I would like to be vegan, but a love for pizza and cupcakes will always be the reason that I never can be. But, I’d like to try to be vegan most of the time if possible. Mastering the Art of Vegan Cooking is the perfect book since it has lots of great recipes and tips on how to creatively stock your pantry with items needed to be vegan. The book also prioritizes being on a budget and utilizing the leftovers that result from the recipes, to help with reducing any kind of waste. How very economical and useful of the authors. I love it! It really is about focusing on spending less and getting more. Hmm, maybe this cookbook will finally convert me to being vegan? Nah, if nothing else, it will help give me some great tips on my path to a mostly plant-based diet (with the occasional pizza and cupcakes now and then).

Go Macro Bars

Go Macro Bars– I’m super picky when it comes to the million different kinds of bars out there (as in protein/granola bars…not drinking bars…but I guess I am picky about those too)! I admittedly was a bit skeptical when I received a box of 24 mini Go Macro bars to try out. I handed some of the bars out to my co-workers before even trying them, just to share and get some additional feedback. Now of course I am regretting that decision because I absolutely loved the Go Macro bars! Ha ha, funny how that works (but I’m happy I shared). What’s so great about these high protein, gluten-free bars is that there are so many great flavors to choose from (not a shocker that my favorite was the peanut butter chocolate chip) and all the ingredients are vegan, organic and non-GMO. Also, the mini bars were all around 100 calories per bar so I knew I could eat one and not feel guilty for that time around 3pm when I always get hungry. My co-workers also loved the bars and were so happy to try out something new and find a snack they liked. The consensus; I will definitely be stocking my snack drawer at work and pantry at home with these delicious and healthy bars.

The Paleo Vegetarian Diet

The Paleo Vegetarian Diet Book– At my previous job, a few of my co-workers were doing the Paleo diet. I hadn’t even heard of it before so they had to educate me. The Paleo diet is basically taking it back to the basics and eating like the caveman did; meats, fish, nuts, leafy greens, regional veggies, fruits and seeds. Thus, no sugar, gluten, alcohol, processed foods, oils or even legumes or potatoes etc. On the one hand, it makes total sense…just eat whole, natural foods. On the other hand, as a vegetarian, I was not at all sure what I could have possibly eaten besides veggies and fruits (especially since grains were cut out). While in theory it sounded great, I wasn’t going to even bother with it because it seemed too restrictive. Fast forward to today, when I was offered a copy of The Paleo Vegetarian Diet book, I was definitely intrigued. I wish I had this book a few years ago when I was maybe more willing to really give the Paleo diet a go while my co-workers were doing it. This book helps guide anyone who is vegetarian with what can and can’t be eaten while on the Paleo diet, while providing recipes and great tips. It also serves as a guide for weight loss and healthy living. I definitely plan to use some of the tips and if you are vegetarian and looking to try out the Paleo diet, I totally think this book is great. Let me know what you think if you try it out!

Pines Wheatgrass

Pines Wheatgrass– It’s official; I’m an adult. Since when did I start adding wheatgrass to my morning smoothie? Crazy right? As I am taking my health more seriously and trying to cram more greens into my diet, I guess it’s not a bad by-product of growing up! After my intense morning workouts I definitely need to refuel, but I’m trying to do it up right. I like making a spinach, banana, mango smoothie in the morning and now after adding Pines wheatgrass, I definitely feel like I am doing my body good. The wheatgrass is adding that extra punch of greens and vitamins that I know I need. There are also other great Pines products like the beet extract powder and a super greens powder (with wheatgrass and alfalfa sprouts) to give you more ammo. Whatever you use, know you are doing great things for your body…and you too have officially entered adulthood, even if you didn’t want to!

Please Note: While I was offered to try out these products, all opinions are my own.