LYRA MAG.

Part One   KETO        -         has been the hottest 'diet' trend lately ...but we feel the low glycemic -high fat/protein/veggies/nuts-seeds foods = sticking around-and entering the permanent lifestyle realm. Like the Mediterranean diet-there are a slew of  health benefits to a low sugar daily intake...and it's easier then ever to get on board. Pictured above...those smart folks at The Spice Lab offer their  ultra premium spices packaged for Keto advocates. Why a need (we asked!!!)? Apparently many spices are packaged with corn starch (or something) to reduce moisture...and it's not on the label. Some have sugar in them to (blends)...or have carbs -naturally. With The Spice lab selection-the taste enhancing choices are low carb- gluten free. And seriously-only a tiny amount of The Spice Lab's offerings are needed for savory bursts of dish enhancing flavor- def. less than other spice brands-because the quality/purity is so hig...

Fancy Food Show '18 Two companies that we've written about prior-showed new (to us)-versions that stood out... Reishi mushrooms have herbal medicinal properties-help detox the body, boost the immune system+fight stress. FYI-there is absolutely NO mushroom taste in this pleasingly sweet enough (coconut +coconut sugar) crunchy chewy bar.    organic pumpkin, chia and hemp seeds, sunflower kernels-and peanuts+peanut butter, cashews+almonds- in this flavor-with 7 grams protein purely elizabeth. brand expansion on their popular granolas...with a bunch of bars-including four flavors of  GRAIN-FREE Granola Bars with organic extract from SUPERFOOD REISHI mushrooms in the mix. NON-GMO, certified gluten-free, vegan and bonuses-NSF certified (great for athletes) & purely elizabeth =  CERTIFIED B Corporation .  USDA Organic Keep Healthy® Low Glycemic Bar -are tasty treats-with meaningful amounts of plant based protein-making this ...

Fancy Food Show 2018 Vegan Rob 's Kombuchabar™ bars-"crunch consciously" with organic quinoa, pumpkin+sunflower seeds and very slight hints of all star ingredient-n kombucha (yup- like the 'it' sip-the tea )...fermented-therefore has active bacteria cultures aka probiotics). Also delivered, 6 gram plant based protein- more than similar bars not loaded with whey (and therefore, not vegan)....and 4 grams of real deal fiber. Four flavors available-Non-GMO, cold pressed (heat protection for probiotics), vegan and grain free. Factoid-this company has plenty of snacking fans...founded by the leading light of Pirate's Booty popcorn. BIENA 's salted roasted chickpeas (deliversr a bit of protein, calcium, iron and potassium, naturally) -are a fav snack-now the company has taken a sweet turn with Fair Trade certified dark chocolate coated and FUN-Girl Scouts' inspired THIN MINTS' flavor-that nails it-the chocolate int so unique surrounds crunchy chic...

Sit-down 3 meals daily-gives way to more bite times of smaller eats. Life on the go doesn't mean less nutritious though...whether fresh or frozen, meal worthy snacks are substantial and healthy clean now. Convenient too. via GIPHY THE easiest substantial snack for a sit-down moment=a pairing of locally sourced- fresh baked bread+cheese-typical of our daily meal enjoyed while traveling abroad on a budget. Cheese loving nations in Europe---started it all...but now terrific options worldwide, just about-either with dairy based cheese or tasty regional dips like hummus (both protein loaded). Sweet nutty Norwegian Jarlsberg  + chewy fresh dough bread or flavored crisps-like crackers or savory flatbreads-easy does it crowd pleasers. Just add a beverage-and some fresh fruit=insta meal. Indoors? A practical posh set-up courtesy of beautiful and inexpensive  Royal Doulton housewares-china-as seen at their showroom...breadsticks, fresh figs and olives  look even more inv...

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...

NYC For those that drink their nutrition-as a meal or snack… Appethyl® -which tastes like most 'green'-powders we've tried-is made from spinach that is "carefully processed in a proprietary and patent pending method.." to make the vegetable's powerful  thylakoids-purported to slow down digestion and absorption of fats- bioactive…releasing "satiety hormones that signal to the brain…" one ate enough. As a food supplement-adding one 5g package of Appethyl® to a smoothie or soup is a palatable way to ingest-though it's also been suggested the appetite curbing effectiveness is enhanced when taken with a tbsp of healthy oil (e.g.olive oil). We tried it with orange juice as a mid-afternoon snack and def. satisfied without over filling us-before a workout.    Crunchy snacks like delicious potato chips are crave worthy…and fortunately-there are a slew of healthier options that satisfy the need for something crispy. Coconut oil has bec...

Outdoor Retailer, SLC What to eat on the go-when hiking, training for a 100 mile dash through some mountain terrain, or just hanging out paddling on some lake---there was a lot of noshing going on at the most recent OR tradeshow. One trend that is coming to store shelves near you-brick and mortars or virtual-are beefed up bars, gourmet jerky- and snacks packed with protein from sources that are not traditional for the energy bar market. No one was tasting these when we were at the booth-laden with CHAPUL Cricket Bars (maybe cultural hurdle in the bunch at the booth at that time?). Nice packaging though-and Chapul's eats-get its protein source from 'farm raised' crickets that are ground into flour…that we were told-is somewhat akin to crustaceans-hence not for those with shellfish allergies. Insects are staples in many countries' diets as cheap and readily available sources of protein. Plenty of consumer products also have insects in it-as the 'natural'...