A few months ago, I bid on an online auction supporting HealthCorps. HealthCorps is a 501 (C) 3 co-founded by Dr. Mehmet Oz, the cardiac surgeon and host of the “The Dr. Oz Show,” and his wife, Lisa Oz, to combat the childhood obesity crisis. The prize I bid on was a gift basket from Lifemax who make MILA chia.
It contained:
- 1 Vitamix high performance blender
- 6 month supply of Mila for Lifemax
- 1 Aztec Diet Book by Dr. Rob Arnot signed by the author
- Men’s and women’s “Mila” athletic wear (a tank, a women’s T and a men’s tech shirt)
- A $100 American Express gift certificate
The opening big was less than $400 and the value was estimated at $1,100. Despite my blender phobia, I thought that this was too good to pass up. Plus, I wanted Health Corps to get the proceeds as theirs is a mission I strongly believe in. So, I bid $400 and won. I sold the Vitamix to Natalie to recoup the cost – a great deal for her and me. I also gave her some chia. Then I sent some MILA chia to two nutritionist friends for their test, review and a few recipes.
You may remember my friend and favorite nutritionist, Lauren Antonucci from THIS post. Lauren is a busy mom, business owner (check out her business Nutrition Energy and if you are in NY – check out one of her seminars or make an appointment!), marathoner and triathlete. I asked Lauren to try out a bag of the MILA chia and give us her opinion. Here is what she said:
“When Erica first offered to send me a bag of her newly acquired, MILA, I was very excited. As a dietitian and endurance athlete I understand the benefit of including chia seeds in the diet…but honestly have not been able to get into the gel consistency of regular chia. I have tried regular chia seeds in oatmeal, smoothies, puddings etc., but try as I might, I have never been able to completely embrace it. Despite my recommending chia seeds to my athlete clients for a hearty dose of anti-inflammatory omega-3’s, stable energy and to help them maintain their hydration, for weight loss clients to help prevent overeating and increase satiety (feeling of fullness), and other wellness clients for overall heart health and well being and despite many, many attempts on my part – I simply did not like it.
MILA is a completely ground chia seed product, and for me, that makes all the difference. I have been enjoying “a scoop” daily since I received it from Erica (thanks again Erica for introducing me to it and sending me some!), and absolutely love it! I add a scoop daily to “something”. It has often been oatmeal or a post workout recovery smoothie, daily. I have used it as a topping for salads and “hidden” it in pancakes, muffins and breads I make for my entire family (including my three young children) to enjoy. I also used 1Tbs MILA plus 3 Tbs water to substitute of an egg when turning a favorite baking recipe vegan for a friend.
I made a chia pudding that my kids actually ate. Turns out, they didn’t like the texture of whole chia either, even if I tried to feed it to them in a homemade chocolate pudding! But this one they ate excitedly (and so did I!)”
Here is Lauren’s easy, family friendly recipe:
Great news! I have a bunch more MILA chia and I am giving away two 16 oz bags and the Aztec Diet Cookbook, too. One item per winner.
Please don’t forget to click the green button on each entry you choose. If you already like my page on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter, click that button on the Rafflecopter and get credit! The giveaway is open through the end of the day on Wednesday, August 21st. I will select and notify winners on Thursday, August 22nd. One prize per winner – winner selects prize from available options in order of draw. Only valid for participants in the US at this time.
Please Note: This product was won/purchased by me. Lifemax Corps did not provide any product or compensation for this post. All opinions are my own and those of Lauren Antonucci.
PS. Don’t forget to check out our awesome Honey’s Runners raffle to support the American Cancer Society. Only $5 to enter, 100% match to $2500 and GREAT prizes (1st 2 winners drawn 8.8!), today is the last day of my On The Go Snacks 3 giveaway and please follow my blog with Bloglovin, too!