YES! I love new products. And I opened my mailbox the other day to  find this, I was really excited to try it. Banana is one of my favorite flavored things (REAL banana, not fake yucky banana), and combined with chocolate and natural ingredients Kashi uses? Count me in

Here’s the “box” it came in with a few facts.

Pretty cool huh? Half a serving of fruits and veggies in each bar!

I decided to eat this one this morning before my workout with a scoop of peanut butter (obviously ; )  ). Here’s what it looked like.

It was about the size of a Nutri-Grain bar, and a bit thicker width-wise. Oats sprinkled on the top, more for the eye in my opinion, as they looked nice but didn’t really add much flavor.

The bar was super soft, like a piece of homemade banana bread. Every now and then I got something crispy/crunchy like a piece of crisp rice, but I’m not entirely sure what it was. It wasn’t really that sweet, and had a mild banana flavor. I could certainly detect that it was banana, but it wasn’t screaming it or wasn’t super sweet like a standard piece of banana bread usually is.

As for the “chocolate chip” aspect of the bar. Uh…… what chocolate chips?? There were about 3 chocolate chips in the entire bar which was really a let down. They didn’t provide much flavor, but was a teeny bit of a surprise every now and then, but really, I only counted 3.

The bar was sort of lackluster though. I was 3/4 of the way done and I grew really bored of the bar and wished it was over. Not to say it was bad, but it wasn’t really amazing or all that great either. It was average, and I wish it was a bit sweeter.

Overall, 2.5 stars. I like the veggie/fruit serving aspect, and I also like the fiber and that it’s relatively low in calories (140 calories). It did provide me with stable energy during my workout which also was a plus. However, I don’t know if I would buy it in the future. And now I really just want to eat a slice of banana bread.

Officially holiday season! Christmas and Hanukkah are approaching quick! So in spirit, a holiday themed treat.

Clif Bar sent me their Peppermint Stick Clif Bar. I happen to love these energy bars, so I was excited!

The bar was standard in terms of texture for a Clif Bar. Chewy and dense, soft and had a few oats scrambled around. was sort of fruity minty. Like bubble-mint toothpaste in a way. You know when it’s slighty sweet like bubblegum but also minty. At first I took a bite and it had that standard Clif bar taste, slightly fruity/date flavor, but then in comes a peppermint flavor. Not super strong, but you definitely can taste it. In fact if you can’t taste it, you might need to get your taste buds evaluated ; )

But then some bites were different. Another bite had a very mild mint flavor and a bit of a white chocolate flavor. Hmm. I also saw streaks of red throughout the bar, not BIG streaks, but a mild red. I searched the ingredient list and saw peppermint candy, which not only explained the red but also the stronger peppermint flavors in some bites.

I normally go for energy bars early in the morning, when it’s too early for a full breakfast/I want to work out early. However, I took one bite of this and couldn’t do it. It was too strong for a morning tummy/ taste buds to handle (or at least mine anyway) so I ended up eating it later on in the day.

I got this bar for free, but I can’t say I would buy it again. I wasn’t really a fan, it was just ok. I like that it was seasonal and wintry with the peppermint, and I think it’s great if you really like peppermint. However, the only time I like minty things is when I brush my teeth or chew a piece of gum. This didn’t really work for me.

The nutrition facts seem pretty standard for a Clif Bar. Although a bit high in sugar for a bar that’s about the size of my palm. 2 stars

Peppermint? Yay or nay? I would say I’m average- I do like York Peppermint Patties! But, I would much rather have some christmas cookies than a candy cane!

I have a confession.

I’m obsessed with banana flavored things. Banana bread, banana ice cream, banana yogurt (yes! they make it!). I DONT like fake banana (aka laffy taffy) but real banana flavored things I absolutely adore. Which, go figure, I find weird because I’m not all that crazy about bananas themselves. Hmm.

So, I got this free Corazonas Banana Walnut Oatmeal Square from the company to review, and I was pumped. BANANA walnut. Even if it was Banana spinach flavored oatmeal square I probably would have been excited. Ok, maybe I’m overexaggerating, but let’s just get it out there that I love banana.

Who nibbled my bar!?!?! oh wait…

So, pregym, I had this bar with a scoopful of peanut butter. It was one of those mornings where I DID NOT want to wake up early and have a proper breakfast before the gym, so a granola bar would suffice. Although, always prepare for the munchies later on if you don’t have a big breakfast! Or at least that’s the case for me!

ANYWAY- this square was really quite good. It was soft, chewy and dense, and you could really taste the banana. It tasted like genuine and real banana for the most part, but did have a tinge of that “artificial flavor” feel to it. But not too bad. And not like laffy taffy (sorry to those who love laffy taffy- can’t do that fake banana flavor!!).

There was a slight cinnamon flavor, and it was certainly sweet! The oats gave it a hearty texture and it was a rather satisfying bar. I felt energized during my workout (trust me, I hardly sleep anymore so I definitely didn’t get the energy from a solid 8 hours of sleep!   ) and I couldn’t get over how banana-y it was. The whole “walnut” aspect of this bar was lackluster for me. I don’t even know if I remember tasting them?? Magical walnuts perhaps…?

Anyway- 4 stars. A good bar. I would buy it in the future.

I'm such a fail at taking pictures of nutritional facts. Boo.

Along with the Sunbutter Crunch bars I was sent to try for free from Enjoy Life, I was sent a few other flavors to try for free, including the Caramel Apple variety.

How can you really say no to something Caramel Apple flavored? An image of sticky, chewy, sweet and delicious comes to mind thinking of a caramel apple. And so fitting with the fall. Nothing like a crisp apple picked off a tree! (not that I get to experience that all that often given my current urban situation… -__- )

ANYWAY, insert Enjoy Life Caramel Apple Chewy Bars. Gluten free, vegan goodness in bar form. Very small bar form, aka the size of my pointer finger small, but whatever. Good things come in small packages!

This bar was pretty good. It was dense and chewy, and had the little crispy rice sort of action going on like the Sunbutter Crunch variety had. I liked that it was sweet, but not I have to make a dentist appointment for the cavity I’m going to develop sweet. A good amount.

I could certainly taste the apple flavor, which was a plus. While I was eating it, I couldn’t help but notice how much it tasted like Quaker Apple Cinnamon instant oatmeal. I would know – I ate that oatmeal SO FREQUENTLY when I was younger. It seemed like every school breakfast I heard the teapot kettle whistle, poured the hot water in my instant oatmeal, ate and went on the school bus. *sigh* back to when life was simple!

So, as a whole for this bar, although it lacks sustainability, as in I’d be hungry still if I only ate this, it was pretty good, and a good snack bar/pre workout boost. I’d give it 4 stars.

What was your typical breakfast before school when you were younger? I alternated with instant oatmeal, and toasted english muffin with peanut butter! =)

Yay for new products to try! I was sent a few boxes of EnjoyLife Chewy Bars to try to review for free. Of course I agreed, as I am always up to try new things. Plus….I eat granola bars like crazy! Even more…these bars are dairy free, wheat free, gluten free, fish free, egg free, soy free, and nut free!

I decided to try the Sunbutter Crunch bars first. Why? I don’t know. They called to me. They reminded me of baseball games when I was little where I was given sunflower seeds to munch on. At the time I didn’t know you supposed to take the shell off. I was literally chew-chew-chewing the seeds with the shell on. HA!

But anyway, I opened one up and took a look. The texture is quite weird. They feel almost rough to the touch and dry, and don’t bend well. If you bend the bar, it breaks off into pieces automatically.

These smell EXACTLY like sunflower seeds. Which I suppose they should…they are made from sunflower seed butter! I broke off a piece, and it seemed like a very dense and kind of dry bar. The only way to know for sure was to take a bite. I went for it, and…I can’t say I was a HUGE fan, but I can’t say I hated it either.

At first, it was kind of bland, and it was chewy and dense, with a puffed rice krispie texture thing going on as well. As I chewed, the bar became sweeter and sweeter. As expected, the bar was kind of dry, but not so bad where my mouth was calling water uncontrollably. These were actually kind of good! They had a mild sunflower seed taste, but tasted like peanut butter at times too (no worries- these are NUT free!!).

As I continued to eat the bar, I liked it more and more. A rather unique flavor, but really quite good! I liked it more than I thought I would, as I thought there would be an overpowering sunflower seed taste, but there wasn’t! My only complaint is these are TINY!. Here’s a pic of it in comparison with a pen. Blue ink only, guys. I’m biased and will only write in blue. ; )

See…tiny! But they are only 120 calories each, so I could eat one (or 1.5 of them!) before a workout as a snack and I feel like it would fuel me up just fine. Or pair one with a glass of milk! (unless you have milk allergies of course!) Overall, 3  stars. Recommended to try, especially if you like sunflower seeds!

Do you like sunflower seeds? flavored sunflower seeds? sunflower butter? Tell me! : )

Look-ee what I got in the mail, as a complete surprise to me…

YEP- some Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte LARAbars! With a cute little bag, button, sticker and slice of information pie.

What a nice welcome surprise once I walked in the door and had a package waiting for me. Thanks, LARAbar!!!

Now, down to business. It looks like your standard LARAbar….

….but it’s not.

This one ROCKS!!!! I noticed the bar seemed softer than usual when I took a bite, but still had that sticky density we all know and (hopefully) love. As I kept chewing, I really loved this bar. It tastes like chocolate covered cherries!!

It was sweet and tart, with that classic date taste. But,  then you get a hint of  dark chocolate flavor and a teensy bit of crunch. I really felt like I was eating almost a cordial cherry, with chocolate covered coating. This is definitely one of my new favorite Larabars!! And, according to the wrapper, this baby is Gluten Free and gives 1/2 of a fruit serving. What’s not to love??

Overall, this gets 4 1/2 stars. Really delicious! I will definitely buy in the future!!

What’s your favorite food involving cherries? I cant say I would turn down a slice of cherry pie

chipped nail polish. *sigh* forgive me???

Ahhh gingerbread. Brings me back to memories of Christmastime, either getting seriously sticky and messy decorating a gingerbread house, or baking delicious gingerbread cookies. I happen to be a fan of the deep taste of ginger and the slight crunch, and then a bit of frosting to add some sweetness. Delicious!

This particular bar is a seasonal one, and I’m assuming it’s available only around Christmastime. Why  I’m reviewing it in the beginning of September beats me, but, HEY- let’s just say I’m hopeful for the winter season to come (even though I DESPISE the cold. Gimme summer year round!! )

I opened the bar and was a bit surprised at what I saw. When I thought of “Iced” I thought there would be a layer of icing. Instead, it was more of a slight drizzle. A slight drizzle, in fact, that I barely tasted in the bar (was it really there? Or was it a figment of my imagination??)

As you can see, a few raisins scattered throughout the bar, with a light layer of icing.

The bar itself, was, eh, ok. It had a mild ginger flavor, but overall did have the flavor of a Gingerbread cookie. It was soft, and chewy, and rather dense. The raisins added a little bit of sweetness to the bar, but not much in terms of flavor. The taste actually reminded me of an oatmeal cookie, but with ginger.

It was ok, but certainly not my favorite. I dont think I would buy this in the future, for it was sort of lackluster, but it didn’t necessarily taste bad.  And, another thing to point out, 22 grams of sugar in one bar. OUCH! As a diabetic, I have to watch out for my sugar intake. I understand that some of the sugars may be from the raisins, but the first ingredient is Organic Brown Rice Syrup. Organic or not, sweetener is sweetener to me. And 22 grams is a bit much. But then again, this IS an energy bar- that energy has to come from somewhere!! (And I certainly had a ton of it during my spin class!!)

Overall, 3 stars.

What’s your favorite pre-workout snack? I usually stick to granola bars- easy on the stomach!!

Remember my oatmeal debate?  How I’d love to eat oatmeal all the time since it’s healthy, filling and deliciously versatile. But, I’m, well lazy. I don’t like cleaning pots, or waiting for the oatmeal to cook. Especially if a cold bowl of cereal is ready in five minutes after slciing up some fruit and pouring some almond milk. It’s just too easy!

However, I discovered I could still eat those healthy oats, but in an oatmeal square. I enjoyed the Chocolate Brownie with Almonds Oatmeal Square by Corazona, so I was sure I would also like the Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Square they sent me to try for free as well.

Some quick facts from the wrapper, this oatmeal square has 16 grams of whole grain, is all  natural, and “is made with ingredients proven in more than 140 clinical studies to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol”.

I opened this square up before a workout for a quick boost. I didn’t have time for a complete breakfast, so I figured this would be good to give me some energy alongside a scoop of peanut butter (you probably saw that one coming ; ) ). This also explains why there isn’t a picture. I’m a bad blogger and was in a rush to eat this. Sorry! : (

This bar was actually really tasty. It was decently sized, about the size of my palm. It was sweet and almost fruity in flavor, it was chewy and a bit dense, but really good.  It was light and slightly sticky as well. It had a mild oatmeal cookie flavor, but wasn’t as sweet as an oatmeal cookie would be. The chocolate chips added a nice touch, and tasted like a smooth milk chocolate. Also, the texture and taste almost reminded me of a sticky banana bread. It was really quite good!

Overall 4 1/2 stars. I would certainly buy it if I saw it in stores, and it provided me with a good amount of energy for the gym! Plus, who doesn’t like eating chocolate chips with some whole grains?

Favorite oatmeal add in? Mine is good ol cinnamon, butter, and milk. Like this yummy recipe here! : )

Here’s the nutrition facts from the website

And, well, I’ve eaten my fair share of green vegetables over the years and I’ve yet to see any transformation. Just saying.

But anyway, hoping to come to the green rescue is the Amazing Grass Organic GreenSuperFood Whole Food Energy Bar. According the the wrapper of the bar, it is organic, raw, vegan, gluten free, dairy and soy free, and has no sugar added.

It had a slighty fruity smell, almost like a date. The bar was very dense, but also soft to chew. The taste was pretty fruity, and surprisingly sweeter than I had expected. It reminded me sort of like a raspberry flavored fruit leather, but softer, and definitely not as sweet. It also reminded me of what the inside of a fig newton tasted like, but again, not as sweet. The tiny pieces of walnuts that were in the bar I liked, because it added a bit more flavor.

Overall, not too bad, but not my favorite. It was lackluster for me, but the nutritional facts were impressive. Chock full of awesome ingredients, such as organic dates, organic wheat grass, organic flax lignans and more. I felt as if it truly was a bar from nature, and green inspired. However, it wasn’t so good as to where I would buy it again (although I recieved this sample for free). And even though it was sugar free, I felt like I wanted to drizzle icing on it. Curse my sweet tooth. 2 1/2 stars

Have you ever watched the Ninja Turtles? Which one was your favorite? Leonardo was mine =)

I’m an oatmeal kind of girl.

Well….. I mean I eat  cold cereal for breakfast 6 out of 7 days of the week, but oatmeal is certainly on the top of my list for things I like to eat. I just hate cleaning pots and instant oatmeal is never as satifying as stove top.  SO basically, I’m a lazy oatmeal lover, where if it’s there, I’ll eat it, but if I have to cook it, I might just have cold cereal and wish it was oatmeal. But what about an oatmeal square?

Corazonas Chocolate Brownie & Almonds Oatmeal Squares got me covered. They incorporate the oats that I really should eat more often, and pair it up with chocolate. And almonds. And according to the wrapper, also “.8 grams of Plant Sterols” and “15g of Whole Grain”. That’s my kind of snack.

Do I get props for taking a good picture yet? No? Ok, I'll keep trying...

Chewy and fudgy in consistency, with some chewier peices that had the consistency of uncooked oats.It was very moist, and could easily be pulled apart. Lightly sweet, with more of a deep cocoa rather than chocolate flavor. I wouldn’t say this screamed “ALMOND” flavor, but there was a hint of almond flavor that went well with the fudgy chocolate flavor. I do think it reminded me of a brownie, but certainly a healthier type of brownie. It wasn’t overly sweet like brownies can be, but it did have somewhat of a rich flavor.  Also, it still  made me want to either

1. Grab a tablespoon of peanut butter to smear on top
2. Grab a cup of milk to eat with this
3. All of the above

(Can you guess which one I did?) (;

Overall, 4 stars. I like it. It’s a little small, but it’s a good snack for me on the go or before a workout, or to pair with some fruit and a glass of milk for a light breakfast. I like that it was sweet enough to feel desserty, but not too sweet where I have  a headache. (headaches from sugar? Not. Fun. Been there, done that, too many times. You think I’d learn! I never do).

So….if you HAD to choose… Cereal or Oatmeal for breakfast? tough choice, I know!

I was provided this bar to try, free of charge.