Disclosure: I was sent a bundle of NOWfoods Products for review. #NOWGetFit
Last week, I got an amazing assortment of products from NOWfoods to test! Boy am I excited! A few of these products I am currently using (like the Instant Energy B12) but some of the NOWfoods products are brand new to me! I will be featuring some of these items in future food recipes on my blog, but first I want to do a review of the items I received.
In this NOWfoods bundle, I received the: Plant Protein Complex, Toffee Caramel Fudge Whey Protein Isolate Packets, Avocado Oil – Premium Cooking Oil, Coconut Infusions Garlic, Raw Energy Nut Mix, Organic Toasted Hemp Seeds, Organic Farro, Probiotic-10 Packets, NOW® Instant Energy Packets, Vitamin D-3 Cream and Bug Ban Spray.
NOWfoods has more than 1,400 foods supplements, sports nutrition and personal care items in their lineup. They focus on non-GMO products (all of their food and 75% of their vitamins), they are family-owned and provide high quality products.
Personally, I have trusted NOWfoods for the majority of my vitamins and supplements. I have also been slowly diving in to their food line. I find them in Natural Grocer and Sprouts – but they are sold all over! Anyway, about the items…
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this protein powder is vegan and vegetarian – that is hard to come by in protein powders! It is a blend of hemp, quinoa, pea and rice. One scoop provides 22 grams of protein. This plant protein powder is non-GMO and made of only quality vegetarian ingredients.
USE: Good vanilla flavor. I find that 1 scoop in my morning smoothies adds a healthy dose of protein to my day!
It’s coconut oil wonderful? We go through a ton of coconut oil in this house. We use it in recipes, to cook with, and even in our coffee. It is incredibly healthy and has a handful of benefit to your body, both inside and out. It has a high smoke point which means it is great for all sorts of cooking. This coconut oil is especially wonderful because of it’s garlic flavor. It adds great flavor to any dish!
USE: I had never heard of garlic-infused coconut oil before! I am so happy to have this product on hand, especially for when I need to eat Low FODMAP. I can’t have garlic itself, but I can have garlic oil! This stuff is the best! Delicious to saute vegetables with!
If you are looking for a untouched nut mix, look no further. This Raw Energy Nut Mix is unsalted, fresh, wholesome and tasty! It is a delicious and nutritious combination of raisins, walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds and cashews. This raw mix has great fatty acids, which are natural energy boosters.
USE: A little bit goes a long way on this nut mix! It is such a great topping! I have been adding it on top of my fresh salads and my morning overnight oats. It is also perfect for just snacking on! A handful fills me up quick!
NEW! Organic Toasted Hemp Seeds
Did you know the hemp plant has valuable essential fatty acids, including omega 3, omega 6 and amino acids? Hemp seeds are very healthy and delicious. The Organic Toasted Hemp Seeds are mild, nutty, crunchy and can be supplemented for any seed.
USE: This is my first time using hemp seeds. I never thought much about them before! They are great for salads, overnight oats, or as a snack. They can be added to smoothies or trail mix. They are super crunchy and add a new demention to recipes!
Farro is an ancient grain. It is a good source of fiber and protein. Farro is similar to rice, but more crunchy! It has a nutty flavor and is heavier than grains it’s size. It can be used in many dishes to add bulk – stews, soups and mixed vegetable dishes.
USE: I have yet to use this organic farro, but plan on using in the fall when I am making lots and lots of soups. Soups are kind of my thing, and I think that farro will add a nice texture to many of my recipes!
Probiotics are powerful and amazing supplements. They are one of those supplements that everyone should be taking. They are microorganisms that consist in your gut. They help a number of ailments by balancing the good bacteria and the bad bacteria in your gut. These NOW Probiotic-10 organisms consist of acidophilus and bifidus. They come in convenient shelf stable, unflavored individual packets. There are 24 packets that can be mixed into food or beverages.
USE: I sprinkle these on my morning yogurt or put them in my morning smoothies. They are great for on-the-go or when I am traveling!
Toffee Caramel Fudge Whey Protein Isolate Packets
Whey protein is a very high protein source. It has more essential amino acids content then beef, milk, casein or soy. No wonder it is all over the store shelves! This Toffee Caramel Fudge flavor is natural and mixes instantly into water, a smoothie or milk. It is ideal for those with an active lifestyle.
USE: This whey protein has a chocolate-y taste and goes well with milk. I enjoy this protein drink after a workout. I just pour it into an 8 oz. glass of milk and drink up!
NEW! Avocado Oil – Premium Cooking Oil
Avocado oil is very versatile since it has a high smoke point (approximately 520°F) and doesn’t have a overwhelming flavor. It is great for sauteing and stir fry dishes. When cooking with this oil, the options are endless. Other than heating it up, it is delicious as a dressing on salads or dipping sauce for breads. Avocado oil has healthy fats, a good amount of vitamin E and zero carbs.
USE: I prefer this avocado oil on my salads with a splash of balsamic vinegar and some pepper. I have been eating lettuce from the garden almost everyday and this makes a delicious dressing! It is smooth, buttery and has a very simple flavor.
B vitamins are very important for your body. These B12 vitamins are great for energizing. Each instant packet is 2,000 mcg of B-12. They are fast-acting individual packets that can be carried in your pocket, purse or wherever you want to take it!
USE: I take a daily B complex because of the numerous health benefits. Now when I need a extra boost of energy and concentration I take there easy instant packets of B12. I mix it in whatever I might be drinking at the time – juice, water or a smoothie!
Why not get D-3 through your skin as a natural and nourishing lotion? This vitamin cream has 1,000 IU per gram (about 1/4 teaspoon) of vitamin D-3. It is great for dry skin or for daily moisturizing.
USE: My doctor has me taking a vitamin D supplement everyday (one of the many, many supplements I take – many which are NOWFoods!). Along with my D vitamin, I have been using this lotion on my knees, legs, feet and elbows. It smells so fresh! I hope that the next time I get a blood test – my D vitamins are right where they ought to be!
Mosquitoes are a good way to ruin any outdoor evening fun. This NOW Bug Ban is a natural insect repellent (no harsh chemicals) that stops annoying mosquitoes in their tracks. This natural bug spray is made up of oil extracts from citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, and thyme!
USE: I have been loving this stuff. It is getting a lot of use – from outdoor patio dinners, night softball games to walking during the day on our neighborhood’s creek trail! The mosquitoes are ferocious this year, and this stuff is a must!
Connect with NOWFoods at:
Visit www.NOWFoods.com for more information on NOW products and local retailers.