Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Trying Naked Nutrition Protein Powder & Collagen: My Honest Thoughts

I'm always on the hunt for healthy products to help my body feel good and nourish it from the inside out. I’ve been trying to focus more on getting extra protein in during the day, and taking collagen to help with its anti aging properties.

I've come across some products from Naked Nutrition, a company founded by Stephen Zieminski, designed to use only the most simple and pure ingredients. Their goal is to be completely transparent in the products they make, using the least amount of ingredients possible, to give you the best health you can achieve. They're known for their best selling Naked Whey, harvested from grass-fed cows in Idaho and Northern California, as well as their Naked Pea, made from raw yellow peas grown around Canada and USA. Their products do not contain any artificial flavors or colors, nor any mixing agents or added sweeteners. They have over 100 products and continue to be fully naked, letting you see every ingredient they use, striving to be 5 or less.

The first product I tried was the Naked Nutrition Strawberry Banana Protein Powder. It is vegan friendly, made with premium pea protein, mct powder, coconut sugar, and freeze dried strawberries, just to name a few. Each serving contains 20g of protein, 3g of sugar, and is 130 calories, making it a healthy way to fight sugar cravings. This protein powder can be had as is, or dressed up into a delicious fruit smoothie for added benefits.

This powder has a really nice strawberry smell, but I have to say, the flavor was really lacking. I could taste a little bit of the strawberry, hardly any of the banana, and a whole lot of the pea protein. It was very gritty and left a bad aftertaste.The powder also refused to blend properly with water (whether it was hot or cold), and left way too much sludge at the bottom. I was hoping this was going to be an amazing protein drink, but it unfortunately left me less than satisfied. Maybe it will work baked into a dessert... it might make delicious muffins?

Next I tried the Naked Nutrition Vanilla Collagen. It is produced from grass fed and pasture raised cows, with just three ingredients: Bovine Hide Collagen Peptides, Natural Flavors, and Fermented Cane Sugar (reb-m). Each serving is 80 calories and contains 18g of protein. You use two scoops mixed into your beverage of choice. I was most looking forward to this product, because I love having collagen in my morning coffee every day.

When I first opened the container, my initial reaction was that it was going to be so good, because it smelled incredible! I added 2 scoops into my freshly brewed coffee, mixed well and took a sip. Stevia was the first and only thing I could taste. This made me so frustrated because I absolutely hate the taste of stevia. I continued with a few more sips and I just couldn't bare the taste. I am so sad this collagen basically ruined my cup of coffee for me. So I did a quick search on the ingredients and found that fermented cane sugar (reb-m) is actually made from molecules found on the stevia plant! That explains why it's all I could taste. So I can't recommend this product to those who are sensitive to stevia, like me, but if you're fine with that taste, it would be a great product for you! I know I would love it, as it mixes well and is pretty straightforward... if only it was made with regular cane sugar.

Even though I, unfortunately, didn't find these products to my liking, I'm sure they will have other products I would enjoy. I do like that Naked Nutrition uses simple ingredients, I just have to find the right one's for me. If you’ve tried anything from Naked Nutrition before, let me know in the comments below, what your favorites are because I’m already curious about trying more of their products!

You can find more products and information by visiting nakednutrition.com You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

On the Go Snacking With Nutri-Grain Crunchy Chocolate Chip Chia Bars

Have you tried the new Nutri-Grain Crunchy Fiber Bars?

They have two flavors, the Nutri-Grain Crunchy Honey Oat Flax Bars and the Nutri-Grain Crunchy Chocolate Chip Chia Bars. Each bar is made with 23g of blended whole grains like oats, barley, buckwheat, and rye. This makes them an excellent source of fiber, and they contain just 6 or 7g of total fats per package. There is no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or colors. They are also peanut free so they make great on the go snacks!

On behalf of the Kitchen Insiders Community, I received the Nutri-Grain Crunchy Chocolate Chip Chia Bars to try, and I am so thankful because these snacks are delicious! These bars are right on par with the Nutri-Grain brand. Each bite had a deep crunch and excellent flavor! You can taste the chia and chocolate chips together... It almost tastes like a healthier, grainy version of a Chips Ahoy Cookie haha! I especially like to eat my crunchy Nutri-Grain's as if it’s cereal … broken up into pieces, and soggy in milk. It's so good!

I am looking forward to trying the other flavors, as I am a long term lover of Nutri-Grain products. You can visit their website at nutrigrain.com to see their variety of snacks and goodies.

Tell me, which bar you would most like to try?

Also be sure to join the Kitchen Insiders Community! Where you will get first dibs on new products and information, connect with fellow Insiders, and even have a chance to win prizes and review some fantastic items, like these bars ☺

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

Mason Natural Mushroom Power With 95% EGCG and Matcha

I recently had the opportunity to try Mason Natural Mushroom Power, a dietary supplement designed to support overall wellness through a blend of medicinal mushrooms and green tea compounds. This supplement combines shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms with 95% EGCG and matcha, ingredients commonly associated with immune support, antioxidant protection, and stress resilience.

Rather than offering immediate or noticeable effects, this type of supplement is intended to work subtly in the background over time, supporting general wellness rather than targeting a specific symptom. It aids in:

Gentle immune system support
Antioxidant and cellular health benefits
Stress and inflammatory response support

The supplement comes in tablet form, one taken daily with water. The tablets are easy to swallow, which is always a plus. One thing worth noting, is that the tablets have a bit of a bitter taste when first placed on the tongue. Fortunately, there is no lingering aftertaste or burping, once swallowed, so the taste is brief.

I took Mason Natural Mushroom Power for several weeks to see how it affected my energy, stress levels, and overall sense of well being. While I didn’t experience any negative side effects, I also didn’t notice any significant or measurable changes during the time I was taking it. That said, this wasn’t entirely surprising. Supplements containing medicinal mushrooms and antioxidants often work quietly and may not produce noticeable effects, especially if you’re already maintaining a fairly balanced routine.

Mason Natural Mushroom Power may be a good option for someone specifically seeking very subtle, a long term immune or antioxidant support and who prefers tablets over powders or teas. But for those expecting noticeable improvements in energy, mood, or stress levels, the effects may feel too mild to detect.

You can find Mason Natural Mushroom Power supplements available for purchase in your local stores or on Amazon.

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review and compensation.. All opinions my own.

28 Things to Help Get You Out of a Funk

When you get into a funk, it’s hard to want to do anything, especially when your daily grind feels repetitive. Below is a list of things you can do to help you get into a new groove and refresh your mind, body, and heart.

1: Open the curtains and let daylight in first thing in the morning

2: Drink a full glass of water before you have your daily cup of coffee/tea

3: Tackle an area that has been ignored, to clean and organize

4: Take a 5–10 minute stretch or gentle movement break before you start your day

5: Step outside to breathe in that fresh morning air

6: Light a candle and meditate

7: Go to bed 20–30 minutes earlier

8: Change one small part of your routine

9: Put on music and move your body

10: Prep something today that helps you tomorrow

11: Eat a nourishing snack before you feel depleted

12: Do one thing you’ve been avoiding

13: Declutter one drawer, bag, or basket

14: Rest without guilt

15: Journal for 5 minutes: “What’s been weighing on me?”

16: Do something creative for 15 minutes

17: Get dressed in an outfit that makes you feel good

18: Take a longer shower or bubble bath

19: Write down 5 things you’ve handled well lately

20: Put your phone away for 30 minutes

21: Watch, read, or listen to something comforting

22: Reach out to one person (a text counts)

23: Spend 10 minutes outside during daylight

24: Make your space extra cozy (hello adult fort!)

25: Say no to one unnecessary obligations

26: Do one thing just for you

27: Make a small plan for something to look forward to

28: Reflect: What actually helps when I feel low? Write it down and come back to it for the future.

I try to do a lot of these things on a daily basis, but sometimes it helps to see ideas all written out, especially when you're in a mood that is hard to get out of. Are there any ideas you would add to this list? Let me know which ones are your favorite, and if you're in a funk, I hope these tips help you get back to feeling like yourself!

Get Whiter Teeth With Sensodyne Intensive Clean Clinical White Toothpaste

Sensodyne Toothpaste is always my go to for sensitive teeth, I really love using their Gentle Whitening Paste and use it daily! Since I've had great experience with Sensodyne, I was excited to try their Intensive Clean Clinical Whitening to see how it works! This paste is made with four key ingredients: STP, Alumina, and Silica to help remove stains and prevent future staining, and potassium nitrate to calm the nerves and aid in tooth sensitivity. Using the product twice a day, over 8 weeks, you should really start noticing results.

The paste squeezes from the tube good and applies onto the toothbrush as it should. Upon first brushing, I instantly noticed my teeth getting slightly whiter, so it definitely seems to work! I imagine after following the full 8 week trial, your teeth will be a shade or two whiter as mentioned. The only two downfalls I experienced are 1- The taste isn’t very minty to me and 2-the biggest factor is, it caused my teeth to become more sensitive than usual. My dentist told me this was because the chemicals in whitening products tend to make teeth more sensitive as it wears on the enamel. I guess the potassium nitrate didn't help calm my nerves in this product. So it loses a star for the sensitivity it caused but I really like the whitening it brings! If you do not have sensitive teeth, but want to whiten them, you should give this product a try and see what you think!

You can find Sensodyne Intensive Clean Clinical Whitening Toothpaste available for purchase on Amazon while supplies last!

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

Getting that Energy and Vitality Support With plnt's Organic Triple Maca Powder

Supporting my natural energy every morning, with the new, full spectrum, plnt® Organic Triple Maca Powder, thanks to The Vitamin Shoppe sending me a container to try!

This powder contains black, red, and yellow maca, organically sourced straight from earth. The flavor of maca is definitely a taste you have to adapt to, being slightly bitter and with a nutty taste, but just a scoop a day thrown into my morning coffee or breakfast smoothie, and I’m adding in an extra boost of nutrition to my diet. My favorite way to have this powder is a warm protein drink in the morning. A cup of warm water, a scoop of maca, and 1/4 cup of my favorite vanilla protein powder. I have grown to love this drink!

Now I have a morning beverage I can feel good about consuming, and increase my natural energy without jitters. Maca also helps regulate your hormones, support muscle strength and bone growth, improve your mood, and many other things!

Visit VitaminShoppe for more information and where you can purchase the plnt Organic Triple Maca Powder, or on Amazon for the plnt single maca.

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

Apply To Join the Bond Women's Health Sampling Opportunity

Join us in our mission to redefine women's hormonal and reproductive health. Bond is offering a unique FREE SAMPLING opportunity to try our innovative products for free, while contributing to our larger vision of empowering women with proactive, holistic health solutions.

Who We're Looking For

Women eager to take control of their hormonal and reproductive health through natural, scientifically supported methods. Whether you're focusing on fertility, seeking hormonal harmony, or aiming for a more predictable cycle, we want to hear from you.

Selected participants will receive FREE Bond products to sample and will be asked to provide their valuable feedback to help us in our quest to support women's health.

About Our Products:

Conception Boost: Aids fertility with key nutrients for egg quality and regular ovulation.
Daily Balance and Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Inositol Capsules Bundle: Supports overall hormone balance and healthy ovarian function.
Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Inositol Capsules: Promotes menstrual cycle regularity and hormonal balance.

Click Here To Apply Today!

Get 30% Off All Orgain Products For The New Year!

Did you know that you can get 30% Off any Orgain Product, when you use my Referral Code? WAFFLES30

Orgain has so many great products, from powders to bars, and supplements to nutrition, there's something to help get you going and on the path to healthiness.

Some of my favorites items are their Protein Powders, because they are always coming out with new flavors to try!

These protein powders make excellent shakes, but you can also you them in recipes! You can make different delicious goodies such as pancakes, muffins, cookies, and more. They even have vitamins and drinks for children as well.

Check out Orgain and use my code: WAFFLES30 to get you 30% Off your order!!

Why Does Baking Make You Feel Good?

Baking is something we all know about, even if we don’t all do it on a regular basis. The fact is that baking is something very special when you really think about it; it’s almost a magic trick in the way it uses heat and mixing to bring all kinds of different ingredients together to create one unique and very tasty treat.

There’s just something so good about baking and, linked to that, it actually tends to make us (the majority of people, at least) feel good when we’re doing it and even after it’s done. Despite the mess and the rules that need to be followed, it’s still a great thing to do if you want a mood-boosting activity. With that in mind, here are some of the reasons why baking makes you feel good.

Photo by Antonio Quagliata

Nostalgia And Comfort

One of the main reasons that baking makes you feel good and boosts your mood, giving you all kinds of positive emotions, is that it can link you back to the past and make you feel comfortable, comforted, and nostalgic in the most pleasant and warm way. Baking can bring back cherished memories of when you were a child or when your kids were little, and it’ll often make people think of happy family moments and traditions.

Even just the smell of freshly baked pies and cakes can be enough to make you feel great because of this (the sense of smell is the one that’s linked directly to your memories, after all), but actually doing the baking is something that brings those memories really flooding back, so, of course, you’ll feel good when you’re baking.

Creativity

Baking does have rules you need to follow, and those rules are fairly strict, especially when compared to other types of cooking - you need to have just the right measurements to make those chemical reactions work in the right way.

However, baking is also a massively creative thing to do when you think of the plethora of different things you can make and the various flavors and options you have. Although the measurements might have to be exact, you can make everything else up as you go along, creating new taste combinations as you go. Plus, there’s the decorating. If you’re making a cake or some kind of sweet treat, you can decorate it in any way you want to, and have a lot of fun letting your creative juices flow. That’s going to release endorphins in your body, and since they’re a natural mood enhancer, you’re bound to feel great.

You’ll Be Doing Something Mindful

Mindfulness is an important part of life - it’s a great way to de-stress because you’re focusing on the present moment and not worrying about the past or the future, which can be upsetting or just make you feel overwhelmed.

The issue is that it can be hard to add more mindfulness into your life, but baking could be the answer. The fact is that baking needs you to really concentrate on what you’re doing, from measuring ingredients correctly to reading the instructions for baking this classic French bread recipe or anything else you might be creating to getting your timings right, and all of that can be a way to clear your mind of everything except what you’re doing - which is a form of mindfulness.

Replenish Your Lost Electrolytes With Salty AF

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

Whether you're about to go party all night, workout intensely, or just need to replenish your system, Salty AF is the ultimate hydration blend to replace electrolytes as they're needed. Electrolytes are an essential nutrient our bodies need, to help maintain proper electrical circuit functions - such as the heart, brain, and nervous system. These nutrients get absorbed by the cells in our body and aid in regulating blood pressure, hydrating and feeding your muscles and nervous system, alleviating headaches, and much more. This bottle contains a 30 day supply of the following naturally occurring minerals: Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride Chromium, and Calcium. You can take the drops at any time of day, and feel good knowing that your body is receiving a healthy little dose of encouragement.

I love how simple it is to get in electrolytes now! With this easy to understand blend, I no longer have to drink sugary drinks to replenish loss of hydration after a workout. And the best part is, you can literally add Salty AF to any type of liquid. Including your favorite alcoholic beverage while at a party! The liquid doesn't really have much flavor, although some say it's sweet, others say it's salty, but all of that disappears in a cold bottle of water. This is a great way to re-hydrate your body in such a simple way. You can even enjoy it on an empty stomach! I love that the ingredients are straight forward with nothing extra added to them. No sugars, soy, starch, preservatives, flavors, or filler. It's all 100% Vegan, non-GMO and Gluten Free!

You can find Salty AF available for purchase on Amazon or at saltyaf.shop as well as more information and answers to the most frequently asked questions about this product. You can also find them on Instagram to see photos, product reviews, tips, and more!

I received a complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.. All opinions my own.

Starting My Day With Nutra Well Vitamins Peppermint Chlorophyll Drops

Have you heard about the new fad in using Chlorophyll? I've heard many things about it, so I thought I would give it a try and see what I think. It is said that chlorophyll will help detox your body, support the immune system, boost your energy, and so much more! It will even help with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, meaning your breath and body odor won't be as stinky. It can also help clear up skin issues over time. Crazy right?! I've been doing a lot of research on the benefits of using this great natural supplement, so I really hope it's not too good to be true.

I like to start each day with a glass of Water + two 50mg drops of Chlorophyll, so I can rehydrate and hopefully reap the benefits of this product. I'm not sure what Chlorophyll is doing in my system, but I like that it encourages me to down some water first thing in the morning! I love that these drops are so easy to use, you can literally put them in any drink or take as is. The chlorophyll has a slight green plant like taste with a hint of sweet peppermint. Not bad at all! I love taking mine each morning, feeling like I'm doing something great for my body. I will continue to use and enjoy the product!

You can find Nutra Well Vitamins Peppermint Chlorophyll Drops available for purchase on Amazon with a 5% Off Coupon while it lasts.

Time to Breathe: A Planner, Journal, and Playbook

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.

A new year brings so many possibilities when you feel like you start with a clean slate and give yourself time to breathe and start new. Using a planner will help keep you organized, but an Inspirational Life Planner, Journal & Playbook will keep you focused and inspired to take it further. The *Time to Breathe* planner is filled with day to day lists to keep your mind on the best track. You not only can make a to-do list, but also an end of day checklist to reflect on the good, a space to chart out your gratitude and things you're looking forward to, and so much more! I especially love that each page has inspiring quotes that will encourage you to start your day on a positive note.

This planner is not only great for your mindset, but it's also made with an environmentally-conscious design and recyclable paper, so it's better for the environment! It has a beautiful hard cover and 200+ perforated pages inside, so you can easily tear out a page as needed. It comes in a thick decorative box, which makes it excellent for gifting! You can find the *Time to Breathe* Planner, Journal, & Playbook available for purchase on Amazon, and for a limited time, you can save 20% off your purchase with code: 202BREATHE

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

Gnarly Sports Nutrition Greens, Collagen and Protein

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.

I recently tried a couple products from the Gnarly Sports Nutrition line: Performance Greens, Collagen Pro, and Vegan Plant Protein. Each of these products help your body in different areas and give you the supplements to build up your nutrition.

The first product I tried was the Performance Greens in the flavor of Blueberry Acai. This drink is supposed to support blood flow, endurance, and recovery. I was really hoping to like these greens, as they're an easy and healthy way to get in those needed vitamins... But that flavor was just too bad for me to handle. The powder did dissolve well in water, and it made a nice green color, but that taste... It was basically all green and no blueberry...I just can't get past that lol.

The next product I tried was the unflavored Collagen Pro, made with pasture raised peptides, vitamin C and Zinc. I've tried several different Collagen in the past, and unfortunately this one was probably the worst. I know it says it's unflavored, but it definitely has a taste. A very bad taste, that I couldn't stand to drink... But the scent was even worse. I won't go into describing that scent and taste, but just know, it's a hard one to stomach. It did also mix well in water, but unfortunately that's all the good it has going for it.

And the last item I tried, the Vegan Plant Protein, in the flavor of chocolate. It was my favorite of the three! This drink is made to build, nourish, and support muscles. It mixed well in water, and it had a fantastic chocolate flavor. For it being a meal replacement, it didn't seem to keep me full for very long, but I did enjoy drinking it for breakfast. It also seemed to give me a little boost in energy, which I'm not sure if that was supposed to happen, but I definitely enjoyed this protein shake!

It's been fun trying a few of the Gnarly Sports Nutrition products. I would love to try their other items and see if there anything else I might like!

You can find more information and products on Gnarly Sports Nutrition by visiting their website at gognarly.com

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

De-Stress Snooze with Ashwaganda by Stressballs

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the De-Stress Snooze with Ashwaganda by Stressballs, to help aid in better sleep and less stress. These gummies are made with whole-plant ashwagandha, lavender, chamomile, and melatonin, while also being drug-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, gelatin-free and non-habit forming.

I was pleased with how quickly the Stressballs made me tired and ready for sleep! The gummies were easy to take, and in less then 30 minutes, I was feeling extremely tired, and fell asleep near instantly. But the problem was, I couldn't stay asleep. After sleeping for about 6 hours, I would wake up, wide awake, but feeling so tired and cranky that I couldn't sleep longer. I didn't notice any changes in my stress levels, only the instant tiredness upon taking. If these could have kept me asleep for a straight 8-9 hours, I would have loved them. I know the results may vary per person, so I do want to point out that they were extremely easy to take, the gummy isn't too chewy, and they have a decent taste. Definitely worth the try.

You can find the De-Stress Snooze Stressballs available for purchase at trystressballs.com where you will also find more products and information.

I received a complimentary product in exchange for my honest review. All reviews my own.

Making Delicious Drinks With Dose & Co. Collagen Creamer

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.

If you are looking for a dairy free collagen creamer, I highly recommend Dose & Co. Their Collagen Creamer is made in a variety of flavor options to choose from, including Vanilla, Caramel, and Chocolate. I received the Vanilla Collage Creamer and absolutely love it! This creamer powder is made free of gluten, gmo and sugars. It includes 10 grams of type 1-3 Collagen and is great for the hair, skin, and nails. You use one heaping tablespoon a day to get the benefits your body desires.

I have loved trying out this collagen creamer! It's the best I've tried yet, because it doesn't have a strong collagen taste like others do, and it dissolves perfectly in my tea. The vanilla flavor mixes well with every drink I've tried it in, including Homemade Bubble Tea! I make sure to dissolve it in warm liquids first, so there are no chunks. It adds a good texture to my drinks and makes it that much better. I've even noticed my hair and nails growing faster! I really want to try their other products, because I love this one so much!

You can find more information and products for Dose & Co. Collagen Creamer by visiting doseandco.com

I received a complimentary product in exchange for my honest review. All reviews my own.

Breathing Easier With The Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Humidifier

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.

The Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Humidifier has been the best Humidifier I've tried yet! It's sleek black design looks good in most rooms and the (optional) blue light addition is beautiful against the black case.

The noise level is near silent, with just a peaceful stream of the water condensating through. I love that you can direct the paths of steam on top, so it can reach the entire room, as well as choose the amount of steam you would like it to expel. And the essential oil tray, though tight to open, it's really great for adding scents to your space. I love diffusing lavender or Sleep oils through mine. When the container is completely filled, it lasts multiple nights in a row, and I let it rest during the day. This is such a great humidifier, that I want to let it run, even when I'm not needing to add a little humidity to the air haha! I definitely recommend.

You can find this humidifier available for purchase at Everlasting Comfort and get 20% off with the coupon code: temporarywaffle

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies for Health and Beauty

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.

Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies are said to have many benefits. They encourage natural energy, support immune health, increase metabolism, aid in digestion, and so much more!

I've always wanted to try Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, as drinking the actual vinegar liquid daily, is a hard thing to upkeep. Taking 2 gummies a day is so much easier and they taste better too! It's surprising that something so bitter can taste good in the form of a gummy...I just wonder how much sugar I'm in-taking with them!

I would like them to be slightly less chewy, but overall, these gummies are great if you're looking for an easier way to get in some daily Apple Cider Vinegar. I haven't noticed any changes in anything, but I've heard great things so I will continue to use them up.