Malin+Goetz, Eucalyptus Deodorant

I’ve tried a bunch of natural deodorants, always disappointed with the results (B.O! And I really don’t sweat much – not even during my marathon runs.)

Since trying Malin+Goetz’s however, my outlook on natural under-arm protection has changed for the better. I’ve been using it for about a week, in and out of the gym, spin classes included – and no B.O., not a trace.

Alcohol- and aluminum-free, it contains odour-neutralizing Citronellyl Methylcrotonate plus Eucalyptus known for its antiseptic, antibacterial properties. What’s more, it goes on clear, leaving no mark or stain on clothing.

While the eucalyptus scent may be somewhat masculine, it doesn’t bother me once it’s on.  In fact, I don’t smell anything.  (More importantly, I don’t smell!)

Having said this, while my results have been all good, not everyone will experience the same right away.

According to the company’s blog, switiching to a natural deodorant can take some time for the body to adjust. They recommend you keep using it daily and within 2 weeks or so, you should be in the (smelly) clear.

Special thanks to my friend Christie for the insider tip on this product, and Gee Beauty for their amazing product knowledge and customer care.

To learn more, visit: www.malinandgoetz.com

Powerplant – Raw Plant Food Bar

In the world of nutrional bars, there’s a ton of junk for consumption. 

While the vast majority may appear to be ‘healthy’, the truth is most of them lack real food ingredients, are loaded-down by natural sugars (enough with the dates already!), provide too many calories (esp. carbs) – and quite honestly, lack worthwhile taste.

Enter the Powerplant Raw Plant Food Bar!

Containing mostly raw and organic ingredients, this bar is in a class of its own for a few simple reasons:

1. Real food ingredients: including spinach, kale, carrots, parsley, broccoli and bok choy – along with hemp oil, sprouted chia seed, flax, pumpkin seed, hemp seed and radish seed – wrapped in organic, bittersweet chocolate.
2. Amazing taste and texture.Especially when enjoyed right out of the fridge (though not necessary).
3. Low in calories (only 140 per bar), with 22g carbs, 5 g fibre, 6g protein.

Made by Fresh Fields Whole Foods, in Kelowna B.C., the Powerplant bar also comes in a fruit-based option – though I prefer the plant version for its greener ingredients.

So where do you find these amazing bars? In Toronto, check out Noah’s on Yonge (at Charles).  I haven’t seen them anywhere else – yet.

To learn more, visit: www.freshfieldswholefoods.ca 

You can also find them on Twitter: @fresh_fields

Enjoy!

Nike Training Club App

This isn’t a ‘new find’, but it’s a definitely a goody worth sharing…Called the Nike Training Club App, I was introduced to it last year,  hooked ever since.

Without getting too complicated, it features 55+ different interval workouts to improve your cardio, flexibility and overall muscle tone. 

You simply choose a category – Get Lean, Strong, Toned or Focused, select your level, specific workout, cue your playlist and go.

A voice-over guides you throughout.  For visual help, there’s also video clips featuring sporty models (in killer Nike fashions) showing you how to do each exercise.

My favourite is the ‘Body Buffer’ ( category ‘Get Toned’, Intermediate level).  It’s a 45 minute, total body workout. I always feel it in my butt and legs the following day (lots of ski jumps and mountain climbers). 

All you need is a pair of weights, a mat and medicine ball. An arm-band for your iPod is also a good tool to have.  I wear mine and find the workout much easier to follow along.

If you’re ready to UP your training without hiring a trainer, this is the App for you.  It’s also FREE to download – so there’s really nothing to lose by giving it a try :).  Are you with me?

Enerjive Power Crisps

Another CHFA find, these Power Crisps rock!  

Available in a bunch of flavours, they are low glycemic, gluten-free– and loaded with only pure, natural ingredients, including quinoa, cocoa and maple syrup.

I’ve tried tons (tons) of crackers, chips, crisps, chips…but none hit home as much as these! They are crispy and crunchy.  Taste incredible toasted with nut butter or hemp butter – or straight out of the bag. 

The Cinnamon COZY flavour is my personal favourite, though the Chocolate FIX are beyond amazing too.

One note of caution: These crisps are highly addictive! I recommend keeping them in the freezer for best storage, and safely out-of-sight.

Thank you to the founders and developers at Enerjive (Korey and Dr. Joel). Your crisps are my new and favourite ‘power-snacks’!

Unfortunately, Enerjive Power Crisps are not available for a few weeks. I’ll make sure to post an update once they resume shipping.  In the meantime, visit www.enerjivefood.com for more info.

Bioflavia

Just when I thought I had everything my morning smoothie needed for super-nutrition, I found a new formula I’m now including regularly. 

Called Bioflavia, it’s made from organic grape skin powder by a local winery in Ontario.  Loaded with antioxidants, just one scoop provides  11,000 ORAC Units. (ORAC is a measure of a food’s ability to neutralize all five free radicals found in the human body.)

Totally natural, with amazing purple colour and potent grape taste, I add a scoop to my smoothies – particularly following intense workouts to help combat free radical damage.

While I’ll never give-up my love for a good Pinot, I feel good knowing I’m nourishing my body with all the benefits of red wine—sans hangover!

Available at select health food stores, including The Health Shoppe and Rosedale General Store.

For more, visit: www.bioflavia.ca or check-out my article on SweetFit.ca

High Protein Bagels

While my marathon ‘carb-loading’ days may be over, I’ll never give up my love for bread, and these bagels definitely get my 2 thumbs-up! I found them at the CHFA Expo in October, and hope to see them on more store shelves soon.

What makes them so good?

• Lower in calories  (260) versus other bagels (400+!)
• Contain whey protein, providing 28 grams of protein per bagel
• Lower in carbs (25g) versus others (45g+)
• Taste amazing! Especially toasted with hemp, peanut or almond butter.

If bagels aren’t your thing, you can also find high protein bread by the same company.  Both taste equally good! If you want to get creative, try making french toast, pizza or toasty egg sandwiches.

For more, visit: www.highproteinbread.com

Earthling Organics Raw Bar

 

OMG, not sure what took me so long, but I finally tried an Earthling Organic Goji bar!

Seriously, the best tasting, raw and organic bar made with the cleanest, most simple ingredients: Organic Coconut, Almonds, Goji Berries (wild crafted), Figs, Real Raw Agave Nectar, Sun-Dried Sea Salt, Cinnamon, Vanilla Bean.

1 bar has 160 calories, 12 grams of fat and 10 grams of carbs.

The texture is cookie-like, the taste – pure coconut with a hint of sweet. I bought it at Noah’s, and can’t wait to try the other flavours, including  vanilla and matcha.