By Merilee Kern
Fall is here and you know what that means…time to change it yp! Yep, from kitchenware to snack staples, and much in between, the fall season always ushers in more than its fair share of get-worthy brands. Luckily for you I’ve vetted many, with these 7 among my top-rated gifts and gets for the season.
Nirvana Bars (www.NirvanaBars.com)
Here’s a great way to eat healthfully during a season notorious for heavy for fattening foods. To maintain your nutrition regime, bite into Nirvana Bars. Developed by Nedda–a doctor who specializes in pain management—and her sister Nina, these 100 percent natural protein bars made in-California promote relief from inflammation associated with exercise. They’re a great on-the-go snack with 12 grams of protein, while also containing 20-plus functional ingredients like tart cherries, turmeric, ginger and beetroot. On top of being gluten-free, these tasty bars are nutritionally balanced. “As a physician, I spent most of my life studying the body and ways to treat pain,” Nina says on the company’s web site. “I’ve always aligned myself with the adage of making food your medicine so medicine doesn’t become your food–so I couldn’t wait to bring these bars to market. As sisters, Nirvana Bars is our passion and providing clean functional food is our mission.”
SuperFat (www.SuperFat.com)
Also promoting wellness through nutrition is Superfat nut butters, a company that believes in dispelling myths and optimizing nutrition based on science and results. Whether your diet is Keto, Paleo, Kosher, vegan, plant-based, vegetarian or a combination of any or all of these, there’s no denying that everyone needs fat in their diet. As an all-natural product, SuperFat is free of sugar or artificial sweeteners and refined of processed carbohydrates. Unlike other nut butters out there that are often loaded with filler, palm oil, sugar or low-quality cheap nuts, SuperFat offers quality fats, convenient packaging and delicious flavors combined with functional ingredients. The various options feature a unique blend of nuts like macadamia, almonds and coconut combined with functional ingredients like probiotics, cacao and coffee. There are five great flavors: Cacao Coconut, MCT plus Probiotic, Nitro plus MCT, Protein, and Original. SuperFat is great for athletes, pregnant or breast feeding moms, or dieters wanting lose a few pounds and feel better. The key to SuperFat’s superior taste is in the quality, non-GMO ingredients and lack of fillers. They’ve created a better nut butter with real ingredients that taste great and offer an outstanding fuel source for whatever your day brings.
Veggies Made Great Options (www.VeggiesMadeGreat.com)
Earlier this month Veggies Made Great showcased five new and exciting products at Natural Products Expo East held in Baltimore, Maryland. The recipient of numerous awards, such as Cooking Light’s “The Healthiest Frozen Foods in the Supermarket” and Parents magazine’s “25 Best Frozen Food for Families,” Veggies Made Great continues to pave the way forward as a leader in unique, tasty and convenient veggie-rich foods. At the expo, the company spotlighted all five of the below newly-added options that, as with all Veggies Made Great products, vegetables are the first and primary ingredient: Butternut Squash Veggie Cake, Broccoli Cheddar Veggie Cake, Mushroom & 3 Cheese Egg White Frittata, Spinach Egg White Frittata, and its Veggie Bacon & Potato Frittata. We live in very interesting times when it comes to processed foods. What is deemed healthy has been a moving target for many decades—a phenomenon that has caused confusion among consumers by the ever-evolving messages about healthy eating. However, throughout all this evolution, one health message has never changed: “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES!” It’s apparent that Veggies Made Great is perfectly positioned to deliver on this message through their well-conceived line of products—both old and new. Luckily you need not have been an attendee at Natural Products Expo East to experience Veggies Made Great in all of its delicious iterations. Rather, simply head to the frozen section at your local retailer. Eating–and snacking–healthfully has never been so easy.
Limoneira’s ‘Take a Heathy Stand’ Initiative (www.lemonsforlife.com)
Attention all lemon-lovers. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean it’s time to go sour on this highly versatile and healthy citrus. In fact, consuming lemons proffers a wide array of wellness benefits, which is why Limoneira.com has launched its new “Take a Heathy Stand” awareness campaign.According to a spokesperson from Limoneira—an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting benefit, tradition, heritage and legacy of lemon agriculture, their “Take a Heathy Stand” initiative is intended to showcase the many ways that lemons can play a key role in helping the body fight serious health issues. This can even include heart disease, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and even cancer. On the lighter side, lemons can also help provide relief and promote healing for an array of other annoying afflictions like bug bites, cold sores/fever blisters, gingivitis, itchy skin, sore throat and more. Of course, one need not be a Michelin-starred chef to know that lemons are also one of the most versatile items in the grocery’s produce aisle. Whether opting for Limoneira’s Pink lemons, Meyer lemons or Classic lemons—or all of the above—there’s a treasure trove of tasty ways for utilizing this edible yellow gold. In fact, one glance at Limoneira’s online recipe section and you’ll find abundant inspiration for savory and sweet dishes. Want to make the perfect Garlic Lemon Shrimp, Lemon-Thyme Bruschetta or Sour Cream Lemon Pie? They have you covered…and will help you expand your recipe repertoire lickety split.
Lorina Lemonade (www.Amazon.com)
Even though summer is over, the refreshing taste of lemons can still grace your palate thanks to Lorina—an all-natural French, USDA organic sparkling lemonade made with premium best ingredients. Founded in France way back in 1895, Lorina is rooted in French history and is artisan-crafted using a time-honored secret family recipe. It is made with 100 percent natural ingredients like real organic cane sugar, and is entirely free of artificial flavors, preservatives and caffeine. There’s also a new formula made with 20 percent less sugar than the original. The crisp sip of Lorina is available in five refreshing flavors: Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Blood Orange, Lavender and Grapefruit. So if you’re winding down with refreshment or entertaining a group of family and friends, this beverage is certain to satisfy. You can find it at various retailers nationwide.
JURA D6 Automatic Coffee Machine (www.ShopJura.com)
Offering a new twist on cappuccino, Jura’s D6 automatic coffee machine easily prepares coffee classics. With the plain text display and ergonomically optimized switch, operation is easy and intuitive. Programming and maintenance are also self-explanatory. A series of advanced innovations results in six specialty coffees prepared to professional barista standard, with the system topping off beverages like cappuccino with temptingly fine, light-as-air milk foam. Its AromaG2 grinder features a perfected cutting angle and preserves the full aroma of the beans when freshly grinding them to the ideal fineness. A Pulse Extraction Process optimizes the extraction time to bring out the full bouquet of the coffee aromas. It also uses CLEARYL water filters to supply perfect water quality for the best possible flavor. They also protect the coffee machine against limescale and remove substances that could impair flavor and aroma (such as heavy metals or chlorine) from the water. To make maximum use of the filter and its capacity, JURA developed the Intelligent Water System. The filter cartridge and coffee machine are wirelessly linked by RFID technology. The filter is detected automatically, so using the filter has never been easier or more reliable. To enhance the JURA experience, this marvelous machine can be used with JURA’s Smart Connect device (sold separately) with Bluetooth communication, making it compatible with JURA’s app: J.O.E. 2.0 (JURA Operating Experience). J.O.E. allows the user to easily operate the machine from a smartphone or tablet.
Linkind Aroma Coffee Maker (www.AromaLinkind.com) If a pour-over coffee maker is more your thing, check out the Aroma Coffee Maker by Linkind—one of the most convenient, portable, durable and precise pour-overs of its kind that helps simplify your routine. Its precise timing water-to-coffee ratio delivers impressive consistency and handcrafted flavor all with the simple touch of a button. It’s compact and has an aesthetically pleasing design, and the reusable extra fine mesh filter and food-grade certified materials help deliver top-quality for every pour. With the Aroma Coffee Maker by Linkind, you can be your own barista and enjoy a cup of fresh and delicious coffee without having to wait in the long lines and deal with the hassle of going out for something as easy as a cup of Joe.
