I have tried a lot of great things lately. What do today’s tries have in common? They are all plant based! Without further ado, “Tried it Tuesday: Plant Based Edition.”
Greenlite Meals and I followed one another on Twitter and they messaged me to see if I wanted to try some of their “healthy, home cooked, plant based meals.” Was this a rhetorical question? Of course I did! I checked out the company. It was started by a young man who lost weight after college with a plant based diet and exercise to combat the chronic diseases that were prevalent in his family. Greenlite Meals offers a wide selection of healthy plant-based meals delivered straight to your home or office. You can select from a few different “plans”: weight loss (all under 400 calories), gluten free, high protein and indicate other food allergies or intolerances.
Well I was blown away when I received their whole “Kickstarter” box ($79.99 retail value). It contained seven meals (a mix of breakfast items and lunch/dinner) and seven snacks. A great thing about these meals for me is that they are frozen so you don’t have to eat them all right away. I received: Pumpkin Curry Stew, Chickpea Salad, Tempeh with Spiced Spinach and Lentils, Braised Tempeh, Strawberry Coconut Oatmeal, Magic Maca Cereal, Mexican Tofu Scramble, Raw Fruit and Nut Balls, Fruit Bar, Carrot and Coconut Scramble, Blueberry Chia Pudding, Trail Mix, Banana Yogurt (non-dairy) and a side of Quinoa.
Each item comes with ingredients, cooking instructions, nutrition information and is labeled with dietary information (like GF/DF, etc.). I like that all of the ingredients are totally identifiable.
I have tried most of the meals and a few of the snacks. My faves so far were the Pumpkin Curry Stew (tasty and filling), the Tempeh with Spiced Spinach and Lentils (also tasty and filling), the Carrot and Coconut Scramble (light and fresh and a great snack) and the Banana Yogurt (loved this frozen – such a treat and all natural). I was not as big of a fan of the cereals. They were too sweet for me. The Strawberry Coconut Oatmeal says NS (no sugar), but it has agave and coconut and I found it too sweet for me.
In general, I find the meals to be tasty, filling and fresh tasting and a good value. If I order, I will stick with the entrees and savory breakfasts. The snacks are good, but I have so many fresh options here and I think the cost is high compared to the size. The entrees are easy for work, too, if you have access to a freezer and a microwave. The best thing for me was having something healthy and tasty for those moments when I did not have fresh food on hand. The only con to Greenlite Meals for me is that due to the packaging (in plastic bags and frozen), the food can be a bit shapeless and look less appealing when cooked.
You can learn more about Greenlite Meals on their website. You can also follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Also check the “deal” sites – Living Social if offering a great deal right now! They are also offering 30% off on variety packs and weight loss plans through July 1 with code SUMMER30.
Please note: I was not compensated for this review. I was offered the Greenlite Meals Kickstarter Kit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I found Artisana Foods’ nut butters and chocolate spreads a few years ago and have enjoyed them since. Premier Organics (the parent company) sent me a blogger box of goodies that included Pecan Butter, Coconut Butter and a bunch of new Ek-Chok (Venezuelan Criollo Cacao and Hazelnut spreads infused with Ayurvedic Herbs) sample packs. These come in five flavors of Chocolate: Cardomom, Vanilla, Licorice, Rose and Strawberry.
Artisana creates delicious, healthy, gourmet food. Certified Organic (QAI) using the most careful attention to detail, quality and handmade with care, their organic raw foods are crafted using a temperature controlled process that preserves the life-essential fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Products include: Coconut Butter, Coconut Oil, Pecan Butter, Macadamia Butter, Cashew Butter, Walnut Butter, Almond Butter & also a range of Superfoods’ Butters (these are very different – try a squeeze pack at Whole Foods if you see them!).
What is really cool about Artisana is their vision/mission. They say (exerpt):
“Although we are a small organic food company, we are trying to make a big difference. Our goals and ideas are much bigger than just organic food. We are devoted to sustainable living and through our community we support the organic and living foods movement, the Earth and her forests. We try to buy our foods as close to the farmer as possible. In many cases we are able to buy straight from the organic farmers.
It’s a choice. It’s how we operate. It is how we live our life.
What is noticeably absent from our products? Peanut, Gluten, Dairy, Heat, Processing, Sugar, Salt, Gluten, Pesticides, Artificial flavors/ colors, Preservatives, GMO’s, Oils.”
My favorite thing about Artisana nut butters and chocolate spreads is how fresh they are. The Pecan Butter is as fresh and delicious as the fresh ground one at Whole Foods. The Coconut Butter is decadent, creamy and delicious. The Walnut Butter is a favorite of mine, too. The Cocoa Bliss is a raw chocolate and coconut spread. They call it a “decadently healthy alternative to traditional chocolates.” I love it! I generally eat it with a spoon. They have a bunch of great recipes on their website, too.
The Ek-Chok comes in small squeeze packs. They are the perfect size for traveling or for an afternoon pick me up at work! I enjoyed all of the flavors. They are rich and delicious – think dark chocolate, hazelnut spread with spices or fruit. They are like a fancy truffle, but are GMO free, gluten free, vegan and kosher! I liked them all but especially the Rose and Licorice. They were different and surprisingly delicious.
You can find Artisana at Whole Foods and other natural foods stores. You can also follow on Twitter or Facebook. You can find Ek Chok at iHerb.com and Swanson Health Product. You can follow Ek-Chok on Twitter and Facebook.
Please note: I was not compensated for this review. I received Artisana and Ek Chok products at no cost in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.
Have you checked out the blog Happy Healthy Life from the creator of The Lunchbox Bunch? You should! This site offers great vegan recipes with beautiful pictures and tons of other resources. They currently have some great giveaways up right now, too.
- Rainbow of Smoothies– Enter to win a $100 Whole Foods card + signed book + HHL tee. ends 7/31/14
- Blendtec Blender– Enter to win a $650 Blendtec Blender. ends 7/9/14
- Philosophie – Enter to win a $100 Value Smoothie Goodies. ends 6/30/14
Check out the blog or join the masses and follow on Twitter and Facebook!
That’s all for now! What have you tried lately?
PS. Don’t forget my Dang Foods Coconut Chips giveaway, Lovely Candy Co. giveaway and “Heat it Up for Summer” Health and Fitness Bloghop giveaway.