Kale is Cool! Don't believe me, try New York Naturals!

New York Naturals kale chips and snacks are handmade in Brooklyn, NY with the highest quality ingredients. Amy Hamberry first started making them in the New York Naturals health food store on Flatbush Avenue in 2008. Customers loved them, and pretty soon the demand was so great, Amy and her husband Joe decided to close the store and open The Kale Factory facility in Crown Heights, Brooklyn neighborhood where we make them today. 

Their company is "The Kale Factory" and right now, their only brand is "New York Naturals".

New York Naturals snacks are raw, vegan, kosher, dairy-free, gluten-free and Paleo friendly. They are dehydrated slowly at temperatures below 115 degrees so they are packed with enzymes and nutrients. Our kale chips and snacks are high in vitamin K and A, iron and fiber. 

New York Naturals kale chips and snacks are like a tasty snack that is really a salad! WARNING: They may be addictive! 

Okay, okay, okay. I know what you are thinking. Kale.. as a snack!?

Before you go and decided that it is disgusting, hear me out. I though I would hate it as well. Being a firm believer in trying everything (alright, maybe almost everything) at least once, I gave kale a try. New York Naturals is definitely the company to try if you are a kale newb, like I was. They make delicious, almost addictive kale snacks in many different flavors. Certainly something to suit everyone's taste buds.

I got to try the New York Naturals Greenola. In case the name doesn;t give it away, I will fill you in on what it is. Greenola is like granola, but with kale in place of the grains - granola made with greens, not grains. Sound strange? It's delicious! You can eat it straight or pour milk on it, just like granola... except a whole lot more nutritious. I find that it is great out of the container, added on top or yogurt, or even mixed with a handful of dried fruit for my own healthy party mix! My personal favorite Greenola was the Cranberry Nut Crunch. 

I also really enjoyed the Coconut Cacao Chips. They are delectable. They didn't even taste like kale! They were chocolately sweet with the perfect dash of coconut. Lucky for me, and you!, they are on sale right now!

The Kale Factory not only makes the Greenola. They also make Kale Chips, and Kale Powder.

 

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Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

Raw Revolution- My Kind of Organic Bar

Raw Revolution was launched in Alice Benedetto’s home kitchen in 2004. A registered nurse and natural food chef, Alice was looking for something that she could give to her kids – a healthy snack that also tasted good.

Alice started slowly, feeding her delicious, natural snacks to friends and family, and then started selling small batches through local stores near her suburban home. When the first bars sold out within days, Alice knew that she was on to something.

With the encouragement of her husband Dave, Raw Revolution expanded. Alice developed new flavors and taste combinations. Dave scoured factories for used equipment, ultimately putting together a production line of equipment once used at pizzerias, chocolate factories and bakeries.

Ten years later Alice and Dave are producing millions of Raw Revolution bars every year. The bars are now sold through major retailers both in the United States and overseas. Each one is still made at Alice and Dave’s family owned factory just outside of New York City.

A lot has changed in the last decade, but some things are the same as they have always been. The ingredients are fresh. The taste is revolutionary. And the story is just beginning.

My Thoughts

It is not that I am lazy, but I tend to not get around to eating breakfast. I seem to have too much to do as soon as I roll out of bed, and by the time I feel comfortable with sitting down to eat I feel sick. I do this way too often, and have found that food bars really come in handy. They help me to not get nauseous, and allow me to keep my metabolism up despite not having the time for a proper meal. I have eaten may bars in my life, but they never get old. Well, maybe eating the same one daily has that effect, but that is why I am forever searching for new bar companies to try out. I was definitely excited when I got an email from Raw Revolution. Before even trying the bars, I was in love with the company. They strive to use all organic ingredients. Meaning that consumers, farmers and the environment are not being exposed to GMO's during the production and consumption of Raw Revolution Organic Bars. Every bite contains sprouted superfoods instead of overly processed soy isolate and corn syrup. I love that despite using great quality ingredients, Raw Rev is cheaper per oz. than a lot of other leading brands who choose to go the cheap route. These bars are also Vegan, which is a definite plus!

That is all well and good, but how do they taste??

OMG! These bars are delicious! I really cannot wrap my head around how good they taste. They don't even seem to leave an aftertaste, which is really saying something. My personal favorite was the Heavenly Hazelnut Chocolate. Just like the description says, it is a tempting and crunchy combination of Hazelnuts and Chocolate. Mmm! I also super enjoyed eating the Chocolate Crave, and the Coconut Delight was perfect with a hot cup of tea.

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Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

Energy Bits Review and Giveaway

About ENERGYbits®

ENERGYbits® algae tabs are your answer for raw energy and health. All naturally too. With just one calorie per tab, ENERGYbits® will stop your cravings, slay your hunger and give you a steady stream of energy all day or night. Remarkably, ENERGYbits® have just one ingredient, spirulina algae which is a super hero in the world of super foods. Spirulina’s nutritional pedigree is so impressive that The World Bank, NASA and Olympic athletes have all declared spirulina to be the most nutritious food in the entire world.

Why? Well for starters, it effortlessly and naturally boosts your energy like an energy drink, energy bar or coffee  but without the downside of chemicals, caffeine, calories or sugar and gram per gram, there is no denser source of nutrition than spirulina algae. Research done by NASA showed that that 1 kg of spirulina had the nutritional equivalent of 1000 kg of fruits and vegetables.  That's a  lot of groceries! But if an endorsement by NASA isn’t enough to convince you of the health benefits you’ll get from our ENERGYbits® and spirulina, consider that many International Health Organizations including the United Nations have hailed spirulina as one of the “Greatest Superfoods on Earth.” Don’t worry if you haven’t heard about this super food yet. You will. It may be virtually unknown in America but for the last 50 years, millions worldwide have taken it to improve their energy.

Who can benefit from ENERGYbits®?

ENERGYbits® have the highest concentration of protein in the world (64% protein which is three times the amount of protein in steak), over 40 nutrients, and are just one calorie per tab.  Just a handful of 30+ bits will not only fill you up, they will meet most of your daily nutritional requirements, and all for just ONE calorie per tab.

Just a few of the benefits:

• Helps improve physical energy
• Helps improve endurance
• Helps reduce fatigue
• Helps speed athletic recovery
• Helps healing from brain concussions and reduces brain fog
• Helps build muscle
• Helps improve mental focus and clarity
• Helps reduce anemia
• Helps reduce blood pressure
• Helps reduce cholesterol
• Helps balance blood sugar
• Provides natural nitric oxide
• Provides most daily nutritional needs, especially greens 
• Provides high quality protein and nutrition on the run or on the road
• Helps fight free radicals with high concentration of antioxidants
• Helps balances all body functions - is100% alkaline
• Helps improve skin, hair, nails, bones and eye health
• Helps build healthy blood, cell tissue and muscle
• Helps improve mood
• Helps remove hunger
• Raw food, great for vegans or those who hate greens
• Safe nutrition for anyone of any age, from children to seniors

My Thoughts

First and foremost, I must say SWALLOW these bits whole. OMG did I made a huge mistake by chewing my first one. Literally the worst taste I have ever had in my mouth. Now, with that being said: If I would have read more about ENERGYbits®, I would have known that the taste is bad, hence why most people swallow them like vitamins. The bits are about the size an ibuprofen tab, super easy to swallow. Silly me, that was all my fault.

I loved how the ENERGYbits® gave me a noticeable amount of energy. The first day I took them, I woke up with a huge headache. I pinned it to having allergies, as a cold front came in while I was sleeping. Weather changes always make me feel awful. The ENERGYbits® helped my headache go away, made me more alert, and actually made me in a better mood. Who knew something so small could do so much good for me!?

 ENERGYbits® are SO easy. Gone are the days I spent hours trying to chew enough veggies to get my nutrients or worse, make a disaster of a protein shake, only to be disgusted and overwhelmed with a huge mess to clean up. With ENERGYbits®, all I have to do is swallow them! No mess, no crying, no throwing anything! Thanks ENERGYbits®.

Energy Bits are literally a meal that fits in the palm of my hand and supercharges my energy!  Carrying around a tin of ENERGYbits® is like having a salad and big steak tucked away in your back pocket or handbag.

The best part about ENERGYbits®? No additives, chemicals, caffeine, sugar, gluten, animal products or artificial ingredients either. Nadda. Just 100% spirulina algae, 100% natural, 100% green, 100% raw. Straight from Mother Nature herself. They are safe for kids and pets, just proving how safe and natural these bits are! 

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Win a tin of ENERGYbits® for yourself!

Open to US residents 18 years of age and older. The giveaway will end on 1/13/14.The winner will be chosen randomly, and will be contacted by email. They will have 48 hours to contact me back to claim their prize. Living the Paisley Life is not responsible for lost prizes or prizes that are not received.

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  Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

Brad's Raw Foods Review

About Brad and his Raw Foods

"In 2006, Brad was the typical American guy – overweight, high cholesterol, low energy, didn’t sleep well. Sound familiar?
 
After nearly 20 years in the telecommunications industry, Brad moved back home to Pennsylvania to seriously reevaluate his life. He was at least 40 pounds overweight, mildly depressed because of a recent business failure, and prescribed the drug Lipitor to normalize high cholesterol levels. Needless to say, he was not in the healthiest state.

Brad’s aunt then happened to introduce him to the documentary film “Eating,” which highlights the benefits of a plant-based diet. For some reason the film really resonated with him, and overnight he adopted a strictly raw food diet. Within months, Brad felt like a completely different person. He had shed over 40 pounds, lowered his cholesterol levels, and discovered a youthful vigor and energy he hadn’t experienced since his mid-20s.

While he was completely invested in this new way of eating, he did miss the familiar crunch of traditional American snack food. He started experimenting with raw chips made from fresh vegetables, sprouted flax seeds, fruit nuts, buckwheat groats and an array of spices. He dehydrated the chips, keeping the temperature below 115 degrees, so as not to break his commitment to a raw diet."

Click to read more. 
 

Brad's Raw Leafy Kale

Brad’s Raw Leafy Kale starts out with the most nutritionally dense leafy green vegetable available…fresh, leafy kale! Then they batter it up with flavorful, natural ingredients including raw cashews, sunflower seeds, & spices to give the kale that extra punch of flavor.

The product is then dehydrated below 115 degrees (retaining active enzymes) to transform it into a light, crunchy and delectable snack food that rivals any popular unhealthy snack.

I got to try the Naked Variety 

Coated with red bell pepper, cashews, sunflower seeds, lemon juice, chickpea miso, and Himalayan sea salt, these kale chips are good for snacking whenever and wherever!  They are great for sprinkling on your soup, pizza, sandwich or using them to add extra crunch to your salad.

Brad's Raw Chips and Crackers

Brad’s Raw Chips & Crackers start out with a base of healthy vegetables and seeds, such as carrots, kale, red bell pepper, buckwheat groats & flax. Then, all of the ingredients are ground together, laid flat and cut. The shape and texture of the chips & crackers make them perfect for dipping!

The product is then dehydrated below 115 degrees (retaining active enzymes) to transform it into a light, crunchy and delectable snack food that rivals any popular, unhealthy snack.
 

I got to try the Sweet Potato Variety.

The Sweet Potato flavor of Brad’s Raw Chips is a favorite for adults and kids alike! These subtly sweet chips are made with carrots, sweet potato, flax seeds, raw buckwheat groats, maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, salt, vanilla extract, Jamaican allspice, nutmeg, and Himalayan sea salt. Snack on them right from the bag or try crumbling a few into your soup to add a delicious crunch!

Never baked or fried, Brad’s Raw Chips are dehydrated at or below 115 degrees to preserve essential nutrients and enzymes that enhance digestion and dramatically increase energy levels.

Brad's Raw for Paws

I was surprised to learn that Brad's Raw has their own line of dog treats. My dog Paddington was more than delighted to give them a go. Brad’s Raw 4 Paws are an assortment of fresh, whole vegetables, fruits and seeds gently dehydrated to preserve living enzymes and rich nutrients. This superfood is free of grains, animal products, fillers, preservatives, extenders, and chemicals and is sourced and handcrafted right here in the USA. Their treats are people-quality and low glycemic. 

Paddington got to try out the Pooch-Pourri Variety.
Pooch Pourri is a mixed box of all five Raw 4 Paws flavors.

My Thoughts

Overall, my family and I (including the dogs!) loved Brad's Raw Foods. The flavors were great no matter what we were snacking on. Even the dog biscuits weren't bad. I love how these products are tasty enough to make me forget how healthy they are! I will definitely be buying more treats for all of us after the holidays. 

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Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.