The 14 Day Skinny Teatox System Review #SkinnyTeaTox

I love tea as it is, so doing this review came easy for me. Two weeks to a skinnier me and also a detox, I’m game!

The 14-Day system is very easy to adhere to. You make a cup in the morning from the loose tea and the Skinny TeaTox team included a strawberry shaped tea infuser to use. It is made of silicone and it’s the first of this type I have used, as all mine are metal base. The infuser was so easy to clean and dry that I became a huge fan of silicone infusers and can’t wait to get my hands on that adorable Manatea (get it!) one!

 

The A.M. tea steeps for about 4 minutes and I found it a little on the weak side in taste, so I let it steep longer. On warmer days, it was about 20 minutes and I would then walk by and toss 2 ice cubes in for a cold refreshment. Easy to make and the A.M. tea has very light notes that I would describe more towards an herbal like flavor versus the stronger notes you get from black and green teas. I started my morning hydrated and the effect I felt was mostly in energy. It was a welcoming effect because it did not just hit me, but it was the type of energy you don’t notice but I did notice I kept going. It gave me that extra edge and no jitters or negative effects like with energy drinks. I mostly had the tea with zero types of sweeteners but I did have a couple cups with a smidge of honey but to give you an idea of how light the tea tasted, I felt even a 1/4 teaspoon of honey made the tea taste like honey water versus tea, so I skipped on doing this.

Retail Price Point: 14-Day system is currently on sale for $32.00 on the site, from $42.00.  The tea infusers are separate and each sells for $11.00.

The evening tea comes in bags and is a much stronger tasting tea. Senna leaf is what I mostly picked up and it is known to be used as a laxative. Now, the tea did zero for me when it came to whatever it was suppose to do. I never feel hungry in the evening, so it maybe helps someone if they have issues with that. I had the tea hot and you drink the P.M. version every other day, not once a day like the A.M. one. Senna leaf is known to be used for constipation, to help move digestion and so forth. I would get a lot of stomach noises and sometimes the activity was loud when it came to noise but never did I feel like I had to rush to the bathroom or an unpleasant…..well, gurgle.  I expected to use the restroom more, but just got a lot of noises and squeals like you would experience with hunger and it got a little annoying.  Anyone around me would ask me if I was hungry or if I was okay.  That is how loud the noises were.

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Verdict:

All in all the system is super easy to follow and remember. One evening my Husband reminded me of my P.M. tea and I had to let him know it’s every other day and why….so he quickly kept tabs in case I would forget. He is always kind enough to offer to make me a hot cup of tea every night, so this why he kept tabs and would know what tea to offer me. The system’s main goal is detoxification that causes weight loss, via good energy and just helping the system to move along at doing what is suppose to do. See it as a cheerleader! I did however not lose a pound. I watch what I eat as it is but I only experienced an interruption in how I regularly use the restroom. When I took the evening version of the Skinny TeaTox, the following day I would not go like I go on my regular schedule (once after breakfast and once after dinner).  I had no need to go in the morning, so I felt uncomfortable and bloated (now, the noises make sense). I would then go two to three times that evening. It disrupted my healthy going pattern and a detox (if needed and remember healthy organs already do this for us) was not what I felt and saw. My skin does not look good. I thought maybe the purge is happening to my skin and it will look bad and then better. Thinking it’s part of the detox phase. Nope! My face recovered when the program ended and it took me about a week after to start seeing the effects and I had to push more water than before I started the program. In conclusion, my normal regimen of teas and water, plus a healthy diet is what keeps me losing weight and feeling better. My body says so by responding as it should and keeping even a healthier bathroom schedule. I think where you are when it comes to dieting, is how well any program, including the Skinny TeaTox will respond with you. If you eat bad then you may have things you wish to purge from your system but in the end, purging yourself of eating badly on a regular basis is what will make the real change. I maybe see Skinny TeaTox as a jump start program.  The program also details a healthy eating system and what foods you should eat and what to avoid.  This is where I praise the system highly because if you are lost or need a re-freshening course, the Skinny TeaTox provides information in a pamphlet they included and also on their site.  I can also see using the A.M. tea combined with any morning tea, as a natural energy booster shot!

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Connect with Skinny TeaTox at:

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• #SkinnyTeaTox

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Skinny TeaTox.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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Nutraplex: Megaberry Bar #Review #Nutraplex

 

We are always hunting for new nutrition, energy, supplement……well, you name it type of bars. I like to not only eat bars when I am busy but I actually enjoy eating them when they are done well. That latter part is where many companies seem to forget and it use to be because it was hard to jam real nutrition into bars.  Nowadays, that is not that difficult with so many ingredients coming in powder to liquid form without compromising their nutrition value. You can really amp a bar up without skipping in real nutrition but so many bars out there are what I call fakers! Bars that call themselves nutritional but offer nothing new than being a multi-vitamin disguised in a sugary concoction. I expect more and especially if the company is asking for more price wise.

Nutraplex is a company, which carries a variety of bars that offer energy and nutrition. Their flavors are:

• Megaberry
• Pineapple Coconut
• Pomegranate Cherry
• Mango Strawberry

I was sent the Megaberry one to try out. Nutraplex describes their product as a, “balanced macro-nutrient ratio, plenty of omegas and fiber”.

Ingredients: Dates, Chia Seeds, Cranberry (with Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Cashews, Pea Protein, Honey, Raisins, Safflower Oil, Blueberries (with Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Strawberries, Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Raspberries, Acai Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Mixed Tocopherols, and Citric Acid.

Let’s Break the above down:
The word “macronutrient” just means nutrition that the body needs in a large dose, so Nutraplex bars give you all your nutritional needs in what is really a small portion, which is a good thing. Feel full and have energy but you don’t need to amp calories and/or portions. The Megaberry has protein, which is derived from peas, so it at least breaks away from the soy enriched world so many bars have become. Once source of fiber comes from dates, which you can see from the picture is what makes up a lot of the bar and the word bar is it’s shape, but not exactly it’s consistency. Think of it more as a “soft bar shaped patty”. You have Chia seeds that are great for energy and also expand when wet, so you do feel full. You have acai in powder form, blueberries and strawberries to fill the antioxidant portion of the bar. Mixed Tocopherols and it’s really just an organic compound that helps preserve the bar and it’s oils. Many seeds and the oils they have tend to oxidize with air and light, so this is just Vitamin E used to help prevent (or at least slow down) this natural occurrence.

Retail Price Point: $2.99 per bar via Nutraplex’s site or $44.85 for a carton of 15 bars. I checked with Amazon and they have a price point of $39.45 for the carton.

Final Verdict:
Yes, the bar is free of gluten and non-gmo ingredients, but I did not see a non-gmo certification listed on the site. Free of high fructose corn syrup, soy and dairy free. You have no dyes or artificial ingredients, plus it’s kosher. The price point is high for ingredients that are not of high value but I am still making the leap that Nutraplex is using higher grades here. Trust me not all Chia seeds are created equal! Even with that in mind, the taste and texture matter. Really matter! You are dealing with simple ingredients and I value that, just not $3 a bar that is not even organic certified. Like I mentioned the bar is in it’s shape and not so much in it’s texture. I opened it and it flops a bit because it’s just ingredients compacted to form a patty…..sort resembles a seed disc for birds. Very soft and chewy and you taste berry seeds but not a burst of berry fruit notes. Think of raspberry seeds, strawberry seeds, the chia seeds and so forth but packed into a date and maybe some raisin batter. I did not find it pleasing and I’m all for the “naked bars” out there. I don’t need a coating of faux chocolate or a oat/granola filling to respect the bar but if you say berry, I expect well a berry slap of flavor. This was too date-y for me and I like dates but when you mush, grind, pulverize and so forth…….the individual flavors start to get muted and I like energy and nutrition, but I still believe you should like what you are eating to some degree other than it’s just good for you. I would walk out with a berry bag of dried (unsweetened) fruit with the same ingredients in cluster form versus the mashed-up form any day. I only tasted the berry one and maybe the other flavors will be better at covering the the date and raisin base. I just think 190 calories (70 from fat) and at only 6 grams of protein, is not worth the exchange or will equate a bunch of energy. You also have 21 grams of sugars and the vitamin content is low with none from vitamin A, 4% of Vitamin C, 10% of calcium and 10% of iron. Sunflower oil is used in the product and with all the fats to choose from in today’s market, I was surprised and again when looking at the list……maybe my idea of “macro-nutrition” means something else because Nutraplex’s bar did not (in my opinion) offer enough macro in their Megaberry bar!  It has nutrition but pretty low for energy and the nutritional facts say it all.  I just don’t understand the price tag when so much is missing.

 

Connect with Nutraplex at:

• On-line
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• #Nutraplex   #Food

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Nutraplex.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Klout: Fair Trade Moms Make a World of Difference #Perk #FairTrade

Here’s another great Klout perk to share and I list the Fair Trade boxes in my top 10 perks to get. The boxes are filled with wonderful goodies and are always a hit in my home. I have become a fan of many of the brands and have continued to purchase them all, just because of my introduction via these great Klout Perk boxes. This one was smaller but did not disappoint!

Included were 6 items from 4 different manufacturers that adhere to the Fair Trade global practices of delivering goods from workers treated fairly. Fair Trade USA is not a charity but a global organization that helps developing communities improve their quality of life, and also make it possible for us to enjoy the goods they produce. This can range from clothing to foods, but always knowing that the symbol on the package goes beyond just a simple promise. It’s a social movement constantly improving and finding ways to do things not only better…..also, the right way.

 

Numi Organic Tea– An indulgent tea and in a Chocolate Spice flavor. You think chocolate and tea does not seem right and you start associating it to maybe being a light latte or some thinned out hot chocolate drink. This is none of that! It’s a clear and light chai tea, which has nice soft notes of dark chocolate with just a hint of spice. It’s smooth and delightful and kills any sweet tooth craving you may have. The box comes with 12 tea bags and is also non-GMO certified. I enjoyed this blend and found that the chocolate taste is very present but balanced well with the tea leaves, plus you can adjust the strength by letting it steep a little longer. This is on my “buy again” list.

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Alter ECO chocolate truffles– I received my parcel in the start of the hot weather and also that week we got a nice little heat wave. My truffles were hot and liquidy inside and thankfully only one oozed a little outside of it’s wrapper. I quickly put them on a dish and into the fridge they went. I kept hoping the truffle would stiffen up and remain edible. Even though I did not enjoy these chocolates in their prime state, they still held up well regardless of their not so fair arrival. The truffle center that is soft stayed in place, so it seems I was lucky!

I received the Black Truffle and the Velvet Truffle. I can say that both had a very smooth consistency and were velvety soft with the difference pretty much being one was a dark chocolate and the other a milk. The Black truffle was very smooth with no bitter after-notes or a waxy consistency left in your mouth. It melted and dissipated nicely……sort making me wish I had another. The Velvet truffle was pretty great for being milk and had a rich flavor, smooth but not super milky. You taste the chocolate and for being a milder variety, I wished I had 2 more of these after I finished. I can say the truffles peaked my curiosity and Alter Eco Foods has a pretty large assortment of treats that I hope to try in the near future. Their brand goes beyond chocolate and you have Rices to Quinoa and even Sugars to choose from. My opinion is that if a stressed out little melted truffle can taste this good……can you imagine one in it’s prime state? I know, let me just ponder about it a little more 🙂

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Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil– I was so happy when I saw this bottle and Nutiva did not just include a sample packet, but a full size bottle. There is a reason why you visit the site and the product in the standard size is sold-out. Not all oils are created equal and this non-GMO oil takes the Coconut experience to whole another level. Clean and pure in taste, this comes from using fresh Organic coconuts in production. I baked delicious cookies that were moist in the inside and crisp on the outside and the pineapple chunks just gave them that tropical burst I was looking for. Nutiva makes everything you can get out of a coconut from flours, sugars, oils to you got to check out what an “o’ coconut” is! They also carry Hemp, Chia and Red Palm derived products. I got lost on their site just checking out everything they make!

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Fair Trade pin– I know it’s just a pin but I love this little stuff and I can now take pictures of my Fair Trade certified products with a pin by it! That makes the blogger in me happy and yes, I still have it in it’s plastic so it remains beautiful and shiny 🙂

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Runa Clean Energy– A Guayusa based drink that comes in an array of flavors, I was able to try the Lemon Lemongrass variety. I chilled mine before enjoying it. The product is a natural energy drink without the crash or too speedy feeling. You get a “pep in your step”, with no after-burn, plus it’s refreshing and tastes great. The lemon is nice too…think of a sweet tea that is not super sugary, so your thirst in quenched and you get that extra energy to go about your day. One bottle is only 50 calories and that is something your waist line will appreciate with Summer around the corner. Runa also carries other products made with Guayusa from the bottles to energy drinks and even loose leaf tins.

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I recommend checking out the companies above by simply clicking on the titles and please read on how they grow, make, cultivate, to how they get products to your door via the Fair Trade practices. Many have other advantages to being Organic and using non-GMO ingredients. To a healthier Summer 2014 and better choices!

You can also become a Klout member buy visiting Klout and all you need is a Facebook or Twitter accoount.  Simple and takes less than 3 minutes and you can start enjoying Klout Perks too!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Fair Trade USA and the above named companies.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

 

Teeccino: Organic Herbal Coffee in Chocolate, Dandelion Caramel Nut, Hazelnut, French Roast and Vanilla Nut #Review

Like most people, I enjoy coffees, trying alternatives to old favorites, and even different flavors and mixes. So many brands, styles, fair trade, even proprietary delivery cups…..it’s not so easy just picking out what to buy. I tried several decaffeinated coffees and only one has ever been able to fool me and actually quench my craving for a real cup of coffee.

In comes Teeccino with a whole new look on what you can do with coffee. Teecino calls their large array of coffee products, an “Herbal Coffee alternative” and some come in what I what call tea bags. Most flavors are Organic and don’t shy away when you see their products labeled as Naturally Caffeine Free. I thought this was a play of words and that I would not be happy and much less satisfied to start or end my day with a Teeccino cup, but just opening a packet made me think otherwise. I was 50% a fan before I took a sip or even boiled the water. They had me hooked on just how good the packet smelled. It smelled delicious and I figured I can proceed forward because this experiment can go easily into me just finding the best smelling aromatherapy cup on the market! One way or the other, Teeccino would get used. The company sent me a beautiful assortment of flavors:

• Chocolate in a Dark Roast
• Hazelnut in a Medium Roast
• Dandelion Caramel Nut in a Medium Roast
• Dandelion in a Dark Roast

They also go beyond one-serving tea bags, as you also can get 6 cup servings. I was sent two flavors to try in the larger pack variety:

• Vanilla Nut in a Medium Roast
• French Roast in a Dark Roast

I began by trying a one cup serving in Hazelnut. The aroma is intense and so inviting! Just simply delicious. As the water boiled, I flipped the packet and started reading. Teeccino, states you get the same satisfaction without the caffeine and acidity from coffee. I know what they are talking about because sometimes it can be too early or even too late in a day for me to enjoy a cup and the acidity can be a turn off at those hours. My Hazelnut bag contains Organic Carob, Chicory, Dates, Almonds, Organic Figs and Natural Hazelnut flavor. Very simple and I hear the tea kettle calling me.

I shake the bag and pour the water in. You can instantly smell…..well, coffee. It scent fills the room and it’s colors start filling the cup like any instant coffee would react. Still smells good, so nice to know my flavor is not just all in the packaging 🙂

I allow the cup to …….hmmm, shall we call it steep or brew? Let’s say the “tea-bag” soaks for 5 minutes, as it says in the directions to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. You make sure to dunk the bag several times in the beginning to get the best brew. You can add milk, non-dairy milk, creamers, even any sweetener you wish. I always taste before adding anything no matter what I’m drinking. I sip and this tastes like a nice Hazelnut flavored cup of coffee should taste. It’s not bland and full of burned, nutty notes but smooth. I see exactly what Teeccino means by being non-acidic. The roast was medium like listed and I added nothing to it. Yes, it was that good.  I liked not having the calories associated with sweeteners or creamers. I missed nothing and this is coming from the girl that will take out a french press to make 2 cups of coffee just right and doesn’t care if I am cleaning it at midnight. I have to clean nothing and just wait for water to boil. I’m hooked!

Later that week, I had all the flavors and recommend them all! There was nothing I did not like and some I added just a touch of honey, like with the Dandelion Caramel Nut variety. Teeccino’s blends also provide benefits like antioxidants, fiber to natural sources of Prebiotics. You get heart healthy potassium and a natural energy boost from nutrients and not stimulants.

Get your Herbal Coffee fix at:

• On-line– http://teeccino.com/
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/Teeccino
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/Teeccino
• YouTube– http://www.youtube.com/user/teeccino

I received the above product free of charge from Teeccino.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

ATH Sports: Hemp Gold, Organic Coconut Hemp Protein Powder Review #HempGold

Protein powders aren’t just for gym rats anymore. Everyone has to go, go, go, and a meal on the run is always appreciated. I am always seeking the new and especially a different approach when it comes to supplements and fuel for your body. The protein bar world is dominated and oversaturated and you can finally find bars that are both good tasting and nutritious, but I wish I could say the same for the world of drinks. Even though they have been around longer than the bars, they have not been what I call mastered by all. Many are filled with….well, fillers and loaded with sugars and cheap sources of protein. Thanks to hubby I have had a chance to sample many different powders, with some being great tasting but not so good for you. Some were good for you and tasted AWFUL (**cough-Arbonne-cough**). Only a select few have balanced both well. I saw a post on The Underground on a new brand that I had not heard of and it’s not your common mix, so when ATH offered to send samples, I jumped on it.

ATH Sports is a Hawaii based company and their Hemp Gold is derived from cold-pressed Organic Hemp Protein seeds. The cold-pressed process helps keep their natural antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, plus the enzymes intact. I also love that when it comes to sugar, they use an all-natural source….coconut, stevia and Lo Han Fruit Extract, also known as the monk fruit. The Lo Han Fruit is 300 times sweeter than sugar and your body metabolizes it more effectively. The ingredient list in this protein supplement is short and all that it contains is what I noted above. Don’t be fooled by the short list because this is the power punch you get from ATH Sport’s Hemp Gold:

• 15 grams of protein
• 2000 mg of Omega-9 Fatty Acids
• 6400 mg of Omega-6
• 420 mg of Omega-3
• 18 grams of Fiber
• 10 essential Amino Acids
• Non-GMO
• No Sugar Added
• Gluten Free
• Organic Ingredients

All the above from just 1 scoop! Each 3 pound container yields about 57 servings and ATH’s scoop size is a mere 24 grams. Each serving is only 130 calories, 36 coming from fat. The THC has been removed so testing positive for anything bad is not a worry! Not bad so far but let’s get to the taste test.

Taste Test:
The powder does not fight back when you try to dissolve it and you do smell the Organic Coconut notes, think almost a earthy scent when undissolved. It actually smells good and inviting, so far so good. I mix it and the color of the powder is deceiving, it is like a mustard-green but don’t be fooled……this tastes so good that you can’t believe it’s a protein drink. It’s like no other, no bad after-taste, no needing to chug it, no particles in the water that remain undissolved…..you actually are left with a Coconut butter taste that is better than any Coconut Water I have ever had!!! I’m a fan and can say of all the shakes, mixes, smoothies, the ATH Sports Hemp Gold should be an example to other brands, healthy, natural nutrition drinks can taste freaking awesome!

Get your Hemp Gold at:

• On-line– http://www.athsportsnutrition.com/shop/organic-coconut-hemp-protein/
• Connect via Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/ATHSportsNutrition
• Via Twitter– https://twitter.com/athsports
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/athsportsnutrition
• Even via YouTube– http://www.youtube.com/user/athsportsnutrition
• #HempGold

I received the above product free of charge from ATH Sports. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Swaggable: Runa Teas in Traditional Guayusa tea

My second flavor to try from Runa, was their traditional Guayusa tea. Call this guy the “espresso” of teas because I let it steep for 12 minutes.  I was seeking a tea flavor that remained smooth but still could stand on it’s own. Runa’s tea did just that and I love that little sweetness you pick-up in the aftertaste. Most aftertaste experiences can be negative but I had the soft herb-like flavor and then came a little sweet touch….I like it. I even added honey to my second cup because I steeped it in a mason jar, allowed it to get room temperature, and then enjoyed it cold from the fridge. This tea has such a good base that anything just compliments it. Try mint or even a few leaves from the “chocolate mint” plant to really change it up. A squeeze of lemon makes it a perfect cold glass on a sunny day! I’m a Runa fan indeed!

I received the above product free of charge from Swaggable. I am not obligated in providing a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on the experience with the product/brand, which may differ from yours.