Vegan Plant Based Protein: VEGANSMART Nutritional Shake Review

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Naturade through 4sponsor.com with my unbiased thoughts.
Naturade has given me every product for free and Naturade has not paid me for this review.

Vanilla, Chocolate, Chai

My Review

Having a Vegan Smart Nutritional Shake in place of a snack or lunch was a change for me.  Swapping a Protein Shake during my day energized me and fortified me.  I did feel awesome by doing good by my body.  I also felt full and often did not reach for my snacks.  Drinking Vegan Smart Nutritional Shake gave me that edge I needed to get me through the day.

With each serving packed with Vitamins, Minerals, Probiotics, Omega 3, Non-GMO protein, and more--Vegan Smart's All in One Nutritional shake puts my multivitamin to shame.  Personally this will help me get back on the path to a  healthy lifestyle every morning!  Can I say that I love drinking healthily?
For more information on their nutritional facts be sure to check out more about their products on their website.

Using the Product:
All of the products after shaking and blending in a blender had a smooth consistent texture.  Vanilla was the first flavor I tried.  My mistake was forgetting to use Ice Water.  With room temperature water I could really taste the protein flavor!  Ice cold water is a must!  I quickly blended my mistake with some ice and fruit.  It easily came out just right.  It was far better tasting after blending it up.

On the second attempt with the Vanilla, I simply used ice cold water.  The taste of the protein was there still, but it was not bad at all.  I would not mind having a packet with just ice water on a daily basis.  Vanilla is such a versatile flavor that I find that I can use it with ice cold water and be happy---or supplement my fruit smoothies providing that perfect blend of vanilla taste and fruit.  Directions also say that I can mix-in Vegan Smart with juice, non-dairy beverage, and even as a nutritious supplement in my favorite smoothie recipes!

The Chai was not a strong chai, but I did enjoy it nonetheless.  My only wish is that perhaps maybe in the future there would be a Chai version that was a lot stronger.  On their website, they have one amazing recipe that you might want to try out--Oatmeal Chai Breakfast Smoothie!

Chocolate Strawberry Banana Smoothie
My favorite of the three flavors I tried was the Chocolate.  I made a Chocolate Strawberry Banana Smoothie.  After creating this very nutritious smoothie, I rather thought I was having a Protein Milkshake!  I rather enjoyed the chocolate, and can perceive this a product for myself.

Recipe for Chocolate Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

• Two Frozen Bananas
• Handful of Frozen Strawberries
• 1 Cup of Coconut milk
• 1 Packet of Vegan Smart Nutritional Shake "Chocolate"
• 2 tsp of Ground Flaxseed (optional)
• 1/4 cup of water

Directions:

In blender place Vegan Smart Nutritional Shake Mix first, then Coconut Milk, Bananas, and lastly the Strawberries.  As I start to blend I added about a 1/4 cup of water to make it a nice fluid consistency.  You can add as much or less water to make it thick or loosen it up.  

Final Thoughts:

 I found that this product did still have that protein smell and taste after shaking it up or blending it into a smoothie.  Apart from still tasting a bit of the protein, I did find that the flavors were still tasty and delicious.  

My husband and I have been looking for a Soy and Dairy free protein supplement, and I think Naturade has provided something that fits well into our family.  My husband is lactose intolerant and has a milk allergy--this product has a strong appeal to families like ours.  Another way it is perfect is because my sister is Vegan, and I found something we could enjoy together! 

Don't forget to connect with Naturade!

• Twitter: +Naturade 
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• Website: www.vegansmartshake.com

Warning: Before taking a dietary supplement, consult a doctor or other health care provider especially if you have a disease or medical condition, take any medications are pregnant, or nursing or planning to have an operation.  Keep out of reach of children.  

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Here you guys go!  I am really hankering for some yummy yummy Red Lobster...but sadly stuck at home...found this recipe!!!

http://www.food.com/recipe/red-lobster-cheddar-bay-biscuits-top-secret-version-256914

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

2 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
4 tablespoons cold butter
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3/4 cup cold whole milk
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Brush on top
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 pinch salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine Bisquick and cold butter. Don't combine too thoroughly. There should be small chunks of butter about the size of peas. Add cheddar, milk and 1/4 tsp garlic. Mix by hand until combined, but don't over mix.

Drop 9 equal portions onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until tops are light brown. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a bowl. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and parsley flakes. Use a pastry brush to spread garlic butter over tops of biscuits.

Make your own Ranch, Dry Onion Soup Mix and Taco Seasoning and store in small mason jars.

Taco Seasoning:
1/2 cup chili powder
1/4 cup onion powder
1/8 cup ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon sea salt
Put ingredients into a jar and shake.

Dry Onion Soup Mix:
2/3 cup dried, minced onion
3 teaspoons parsley flakes
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons turmeric
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Mix all ingredients in a jar, then give the jar a good shake. I’d recommend shaking the jar to mix the ingredients well before each use. 
Use 4 tablespoons in a recipe in place of 1 packet of onion soup mix. Store this in a dry, cool place.

Ranch:
5 tablespoons dried minced onions
7 teaspoons parsley flakes
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Mix together and store in an air tight container.
For dressing: Mix 2 tablespoons dry mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup buttermilk or sour cream.
For dip: Mix 2 tablespoons dry mix with 2 cups sour cream.
Mix up a few hours before serving, so the flavors all blend.

Recipe from Parga's Junkyard's Facebook Wall :)

8th Continents Soy Milk Review and Giveaway: Have you tried Soymilk?

My Daughter drinking 8th Continent Soymilk!

 

My husband is lactose intolerant as well as allergic to milk.  For us we utilize Soymilk as a milk substitute and incorporate it into our baking, breakfasts, and chocolate milk.  Soymilk is great for substitions as well as for those who are lactose and gluten intolerant.  8th Continent Soymilk was a brand I never really thought to try out, and am very glad I did!  Their Original flavor contains 8 grams of protein and is a good source for Calcium.  They have a variety of flavors and offer some of the best soymilk I have ever tasted. 

 

8th Continent Soymilk Review:

For today's breakfast I made some scrambled eggs and sausage.  Instead of using whole milk I used 8th Continent Soy Milk Original flavor.  The taste of 8th Continent Soymilk is light and has a hint of sweetness and to my husband's opinion "Not Bad of a Soy Milk."  Adding the soy milk to the eggs added a light and tasty sweetness to our breakfast.  I rather enjoyed it.  Texture of the liquid was similiar to regular milk with the exception of its thickness.  It is a bit thinner than milk.

I also tried out 8th Continent Soy Milk Flavor in Light Vanilla which features 40% fewer calories than their Vanilla Soymilk.  This is my favorite of the two types I have tried.  It is nice and light tasting with a hint of Vanilla reminding me of a coconuts and is not to "beany" of a flavor.  For some reason to me it has a coconuty flavor.

  I love utilizing 8th Continent in and mixing into my oatmeal.  A glass of Original in the morning is perfect for getting some Calcium and its 8 grams of Protein too.  With Eight Different options I think that 8th Continent Soymilk has something that will appeal to anyone.  The one flavor I am going to be searching for is their Light Chocolate!  The two local grocery stores in which I got my 8th Continent Soymilk was at my local Safeway and Albertsons. 

About 8th Continent Soymilk:
The one aspect that I truly like about 8th Continent Soymilk is that it is made from U.S. grown soybeans.  We are not only helping support my own country, but also the families whose jobs depend on growing and developing 8th Continent!  The soymilk is only found in the United States and focuses on family crafted products rather than manufactured--quality over quantity.  I love the principle of quality versus quantity.  If one is ever given the opportunity to buy a product that is equally priced but the quality is diffrent--there would not be too much of a battle.  Also, the soybeans have not been gentically modified. 
Charity Organizations: 8th Continent is involved with participating in Charity organizations such as Child S.H.A.R.E. , Autism Speaks, Cystic Fibrosis, Light the Night-blood cancers, Orangewood Children's Foundation, and so much more.  You can find more information on their charities here: 8th Continent Charities Support

Follow their social networks for news updates and special promotions!

facebook.com/8thcontinentsoymilk

twitter.com/8thcontinentsoy
Main Website:  www.8thContinent.com

Giveaway: 8th Continent Soy Milk has generously given me the opportunity to review their products along with the opportunity for FIVE winners to receive 2 free quarts of their Soy Milk!  Giveaway is Open to US residents. To Enter please fill out Rafflecoptor form below:
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Disclosure: I received 2 Free 8th Continent Soy Milk Coupons from the sponsor in order to try out the product.  All opinions are my own, I was not compensated in any other way.  I was not required to write a positive post. 

Tropical Traditions: Coconut Oil Review and Giveaway

Alright, So I absolutley love cooking, but never really know what to cook!  I was inspired one night by my Gold Label Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil--and turned to one of my mom's favorite dishes to make.  The smell of using Coconut oil on my hands just reminded me of Coconut milk so I pulled out this favorite dish from my childhood: Ginataan--Chicken stewed in Vinegar and Coconut Milk

Ingredients:
1-2 tbs Coconut Oil
12 oz can Coconut Milk
3-lbs Pastured Chicken,
2/3 cup Organic coconut water vinegar (or regular vinegar)
1 Onion, minced
6 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 TBS Pepper 1 TBS
2 tsp Salt or salt to taste
Cooked Rice
Optional: Cabbage or Spinach


Instructions:
Saute Onion and Garlic in Coconut Oil in pan.
Add Chicken-Sear chicken a bit then add Coconut Milk and Vinegar and Pepper.  I love pepper so I added quite a bit!
Simmer on medium for about 30 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
The sauce will have thickened which is what you want!  A nice lovely thick sauce.
Season with Salt.
Serve over Rice or even noodles if rice is not your thing!
Optional: Add Cabbage or Spinach at the end 5  minutes prior before serving.

Lately, I have been loving using Coconut Oil instead of olive or canola oil.  The taste is lighter in my opinion and almost has a nice taste of freshness!  For scrambled eggs in the morning I feel my daughter dislikes the taste of olive oil--so I have fully switched to using Coconut Oil to fry her eggs. 

 I also have a great recipe I would love to try out tomorrow for some sweet treats.  Instead of the use of butter, I will see if I can substitute Coconut Oil.  This coconut oil in comparison to other oils seems very fresh smelling and of a higher quality. 


Here's a great video on it!  Watching the process reminds me of my own family.  Though we never made Coconut Oil from the coconuts we had--I remember collecting the meat out of the coconuts and drinking the "coconut juice" from harvested young green coconuts!

Buy it:  Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is available for purchase at: www.tropicaltraditions.com

If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.  If you do order using my referral links, thank you, for it blesses our family.

Buy Coconut Oil: A guide to buying coconut oil online http://buycoconutoil.com/


Win it: Thanks for Tropical Traditions, I am able to give my readers the opportunity to win a Quart of their Virgin Coconut Oil! Giveaway is open to US and CAN residents. 
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Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

"na-na-na" Bread Recipe: Banana bread :)

Recipe for the Quick Banana Bread:

1/2 cup Butter Melted
3 Bananas Overly ripe is the best
1 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 1/2 Cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease and flour loaf pan (81/2" x 4 1/2") 
2. Melt Butter and set aside to cool
3. In mixing bowl mash bananas well.  Beat in sugar and eggs.
4. Combine flour, salt, and soda.  Add gradually to sugar mixture.
5. Pour in Melted butter and mix well.  Stir in nuts, if desired.
6. Pour into prepared loaf pan.  Bake 55-60 minutes.  Or until center is set and loaf is nice and brown.

Turned out really good for us.  Easy recipe!