LYRA MAG.

Healthy, Portable, Shelf Stable, Crunchy-Chewy...the best cheese/seed crisps and dried fruit bites for on the go eats. In re-sealable bags... NON-GMO + USDA ORGANIC Toasted Flackers Seed Crisps -all plant based ingredients in a delicious cracker sub that satisfies -fiber loaded, low carb _ vegan too. Several flavors-all starting with a combo flaxseed + apple cider vinegar base that typically make up  pre-probiotics focused products. Superseeds indeed-keno friendly. Widely available. Traina Foods FRUITONS-grow their fruits -guaranteeing freshest dried fruits that are chewy good. The Summer Blend of bite sized Peaches, Nectarines + Plums combines the ripest selections that translate into  natural sweet flavors-no added anything needed. Widely available Montmorency Cherries and cranberries are packed with anti-oxidants-making them both an athlete musts. Handier formats: Graceland Fruit Premium Dried Montmorency Cherries and Cranberries (no added sugar)-natural...

ATHLETE ESSENTIALS Crunchy Sweet, Bite Sized... New Snacks that are everything their supposed to be (FUN TO MUNCH ON)-with added nutritional benefits. I mpressive- SPROUT  is a private company that makes a slew of tasty snacks-packed for one-six sized portions-perfectly portable for on the go crunch musts.   In the mix-veggies form the basis of USDA ORGANIC goodness...no circumspect ingredients in the mix! Everything we sampled-from the airy properly puffy Two Peas in a Pod-to the densely crunchy Crinklez-...were great. And dip worthy. Toddlers and kids of all ages will enjoy.  There is a slightly less salty/greasy taste than the mass market junk food equivalents...fyi. Which might a be plus for many. This company also makes baby eats. Pumkin Carrot Crinklez pictured-(also Cheesy Spinach Crinklez) and Two Peas In A Pod - Aged White Cheddar. (other flavors-Broccoli, Sweet Potato Cinnamon). ALL Gluten + Dairy Free, VEGAN, Non-GMO, no added sugar, no fake col...

Plant based protein yogurt, milk , creamers and ice cream are super popular...and it's not just the clean labels, ethics, and/or the more functional ingredients---it's the taste!!!! Not surprisingly-our fav products come courtesy of smaller -innovative companies. via GIPHY  A few Halo /   Half N' Half slayers from the recent Fancy Food Show/Consumer Products Events: WOWWEEEEEE! Organic Nectars Cashewtopia -hand made in a Hudson River  town...just floored us! In a good way. This delicious creamy USDA Organic, Vegan +Kosher- plant based gelato w/ cashew nut milk as the 'dairy' stand-in-is dairy free+ gluten free. No worries tho'-the rich decadent spoon licking flavor we tried...chocolate hazelnut-is sweet enough-(organic agaveLight, organic coconut palm sugar) w/ real deal chunks of chocolate +hazelnuts. IMO-will convince even the skeptical that a better for you ice cream sub-tastes better too. We should of asked for more samples. That good. Available in Wh...

Trends sometimes become a way of life beyond the initial  marketing campaign. A prime example=the footwear/fashion designs/products for "athleisure" lifestyles-an established moda operandi for years now. AND worldwide consumers want to eat and consume-products with fewer, simpler ingredients -and where they're sourced, too. via GIPHY Top Picks for snackin'packing protein options...and chewy bars.

Part 3 GT'S LIVING FOODS, HARMLESS HARVEST Gut health...has been trending for the past few years-with the benefits of  good intestinal bacteria-credited with immunity strength, vital digestive functions,  clearer skin and maybe even a cancer slayer . All anti-aging attributes-making one feel younger as in 'you are what you eat.' Probiotics live/active micro-organisms- and the prebiotics that feed the probiotics,  are bio-available in real deal eats/drinks-like kombucha tea,  kefir (we written about Lifeway's selections), sauerkraut, miso and the popular Korean seasoning kimchi. via GIPHY

A lcoholic liquids... the opposite of some of the new better for you  functional fluids hitting the market can be the perfect pairing of dress-upped, mixed drinks. Ideas on how to update the last decades fav Red Bull and Vodka-include  now 'cleaner' carbonated alternatives-plus fluids boasting health benefits. via GIPHY The new behind the bar staples??? Lifeway's slightly sparkling organic Elixir-fresh tasting-in fruity tangerine, elderberry, hibiscus and our fav, warm spicy ginger-delivers active culture probiotics. Served chilled -with clear alcohol-like gin or vodka-or 'straight up'- over ice ...naturally low in calories-and gluten/caffein free, vegan +kosher.  Apple Cider vinegar is the old/new remedy for human ailments-including diminishing detoxifying inflammation,  sore throats, help in weight loss, support heart health, improve blood sugar/insulin levels etc. That abrasive tartness though-on its own-or swoished in water-isn't for most. ...

 Fancy Food Show 2017/Editor Showcase Our fav new products from recent foodie -centric events...ready to eat/drink...and delicious. CALIFIA FARMS, CHOBANI, FARMER'S PANTRY, GREYSTON BAKERY, SAHARA DATE COMPANY via GIPHY Who knew? For Half N' Half addicts...here is finally-a worthy creamy rich alternative by Califia Farms -that delivers in quart and half pint sizes-in unsweetened and original, slightly sweetened vanilla, and hazel. Our MUST HAVE new coffee pair-up---this Almondmilk Creamer with coconut-a healthy heart fat and with no sugar or cholesterol (unlike diary cream or whole milk)...has the same thick pourable texture and great shelf life as it's dairy equivalent-BUT is vegan (plus gluten/soy/dairy-free, non-GMO certified, carrageenan free, and kosher). CALIFIA FARMS dairy free, plant based milks-from Almond+and Coffee Brews available from coast to coast.  Shake well before using-and this container is recyclable. POST ENDURANCE RACE-ditch ...

Gut enhancing fluids, nutrient blessed dairy alternatives  - tempting consumers-delivering life's winning edge...hydration-wise. Lifeway Elixir, Makomas Baobob, STEAZ Energy, GURU Organic Energy, Brooklyn Organics via GIPHY Lifeway's tangy tart USDA Organic Kefir-naturally loaded with active probiotics-supportive of natural GI functions (plus immunity, weight-and theoretically a whole lot of other human health issues)- are a daily habit.A latest fav flavor-=Organic Ceremonial Matcha Green Tea kefir-makes us feel like Superman-Wonder Woman after one tasty sip. New to the product line-up- LIFEWAY ELIXIR - slightly fizzy effervescent beverages in four on trend flavors -spicy ginger, fruity tangerine, floral hibiscus (reportedly an aphrodisiac), and elderberry-fyi-all make excellent cocktail mixers. Naturally low in sugar (45 calories/bottle)-and easy on the taste bids-straight up (imo)-these sips are -organic, gluten+caffeine free, kosher, vegan-a good post workout thir...

  via GIPHY source arifai.om An eating habit akin to PAC MAN addiction, food wise-just might be inhaling a handful of pistachio nuts. No wonder...culinary spinoffs of this popular treat-grown in California (mostly, and Iran)...are enticing consumers. Top Picks: Setton Farms employees must be cracking' happy-all those delicious nutritious (servings-serve up 7 grams of protein,  10% daily fiber, plus Vitamin B6, magnesium, thiamine, phosphorus, copper ad potassium).. 100% natural pistachio nuts probably placed for grabbing- all over their facilities. New: Adding to their travel friendly- snack sized Chewy Bites collection , a winning pair-up of chewy dried blueberry infused cranberries in a pleasingly gooey crunchy pistachio nut mix-up, sweetened up with coconut+ maple brown rice syrup.  Non-GMO, gluten free, vegan, certified Kosher, AND heart healthy for guilt free, nutritious snacking-made of of 50% pistachio nuts-5 grams protein/serving. Available now. ...

Part 2 via GIPHY withitworld.com/phizzogs Garden Of Life- Cleanest Performance Ingredients are in this family of products-rare and big deal to have the NSF and Informed-Choice.Org  independent certifications-guarantee no weird (banned ) stuff -all traceable-verified claims-in the mix-critical for athletes-pro AND amateur. PLUS GoL's MO-always USDA Organic and NON-GMO. Protein bars - in 4 flavors-Sea Salt Caramel, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Fudge, Peanut Butter Chocolate-all Vegan,  Dairy -Soy Free-protein bars-deliver 20G plant (pea) protein + 9-10G fiber, 8G sugars-in a chewy textured bar-def have with a liquid like water-serves as a post workout -light meal replacement. BONUS POINTS: Certified B Corporation USDA Organic Honey-from well cared for bees-hits the sweet spot-in Wedderspoon family of New Zealand derived-highest quality, genuine raw, NON-GMO verified Manuka honey treats-including these soon to be launched- kid friendly lollipops for ...

ACTIVE EATS with SINGLE SIZE CONVENIENCE... Back in the day-sitdown meals ruled-but since middle school days-it seems real deal snacks,  on the go...are  waaay better suited to lifestyles now. NOTE: AND it's not just cereal anymore, our former,  easy to pour dinner entree--- via GIPHY BIG DEAL:  NYC Public Schools get points for dumping sugar loaded Kellogs' offerings- giving the over quarter of million breakfast eating-kids our fav USDA Organic-and traceable Back To the Roots ready to eat cereals instead -(pursuant to a student taste test TOO-yay). PART ONE: New eats-for food grab and goers...not just for kids... quick make P+Bs (or any f the new nut butters)...slather on Rudy's organic breads -in child friendly flavors...squishy in a good way -Soft White and Soft Wheat have textures like the 'other' brands without the junk AND with 24g of whole grains/serving, vegan+dairy free $4.29.

No longer a holiday only flavor---pumpkin gets some love year round: via GIPHY source zdzoo.tunblr.com URBAN ACCENTS aka "your culinary wingman™" has a slew of convenient well flavored pumpkin tagines, simmer sauces that will transport any dish to an exotic location . Pictured above-a spicy take on Mexican Chile Pumpkin Mole-a pumpkin-tomato,garlic, onion simmer sauce based in chicken broth...just add veggies or chicken-dish is complete. Urban Accents Indian Coconut Pumpkin Curry simmer sauce-takes savory spices turmeric, nutmeg, ginger, cumin+coriander-with a hint of coconut-in warm pumpkin blend. Moroccan Apricot Pumpkin Tagine -North African coriander, cinnamon, cardamon, red pepper and cloves even up this thick pumpkin simmer sauce. Terrapin Ridge Pumpkin Honey Mustard -pumpkin, cinnamon sugar, nutmeg+allspice blended with honey mustard to adorn grilled cheese, vegetables like carrots-or goat brie...

Energy Bars that are leaning sweet tasting-are more nutritious than candy -but are not supposed to be better than a healthy balanced meal. No doubt-some energy bars lining retail shelves are full of 'junk' ingredients...but there's a sizable number on the market-slightly pricier options-often conjured up by athletes themselves...that satisfy  and deliver meaningful vitamins/protein/minerals-WITHOUT artful colors or ingredients. via GIPHY All Killer, No Filler™ is an apt MO- R.e.d.d. Bars are Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Brown Rice (which has arsenic levels might surprise health types) and non-GMO- with a bit of caffeine buzz from Yerba Mate (35+MG) ...as well as 9-10 grams of protein (from pea and pumpkin seed, cashews or peanuts), 11 superfoods like Betta Berry™ blend that includes acai berry, goji berry and pomegranate juice etc-  and 23 vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Chromium, Riboflavin, Niacin, B...