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on the go snacks

Fuel For Fire

Rachel Sherwood

Being a busy working mom I am always looking for high quality food that can keep up when I am on the go. This week I tried Fuel For Fire as I was traveling and busy with work and family events around town.

Fuel For Fire is a fruit + protein smoothie made with real ingredients. Packed with 100% real fruit and whey protein isolate. Each pack contains at least 10g some even have 12g of protein with 130 calories or less.20180426_075720 Each single serve pouch is conveniently packed with a built in straw. They don’t need refrigeration but they do taste significantly better when they are chilled. They worked well for tossing in my bag, having a high quality snack at the hotel on the go and my kid really liked them too!

Fuel For Fire, High quality on the go snacks.
Fuel For Fire, High quality on the go snacks.

Although I would not say these are a mainstay staple for me. It is really nice to have a shelf stable high quality option when you need it. I feel these are a great addition to the diaper bag or purse when you need something in a pinch, you can always have one with you. I do think they are higher quality than most of the kids branded pouches out there so I am ok giving it to my child too.

Try adding some fresh fruit or granola for texture.
Try adding some fresh fruit or granola for texture.

It did take me a while to get used to the texture and sucking it out of the pouch. I think it’s just because I link this type of food with the kid pouches, at first I squeezed it into a bowl and topped with granola for a little texture. They have the consistency of a thick smoothie very similar to yogurt. They also come in a variety of flavors like Banana Coco, Sweet Potato Apple, Strawberry Banana, Tropical and Coffee. I liked the Tropical and Strawberry Banana best. My son loved the Sweet Potato Apple one. In my opinion however I would avoid the coffee one. This flavor it was actually a bit sour tasting and  had mild banana notes. In you are ok with Coffee Banana it may be a good fit fit but if you are a true coffee lover I would not recommend this flavor.

My son enjoying Fuel For Fire while out looking at new landscaping.
My son enjoying Fuel For Fire while out looking at new landscaping.

Best part they contain none of the bad stuff no crazy ingredient, gums, and free from gluten, soy, nuts, GMOs, fat and added sugar.

 

 

 

They typically retail for $2.99 each but right now get 40% off and free shipping on any purchase on with the discount code SAVE40. Offer expires July 31, 2018. Try out Fuel For Fire today or look for it at a store near you.

 

Full Disclosure:

Sometimes I receive sample products to test and share my honest opinions about. I will ONLY promote products that I love and currently use myself. I feature these products as they have made my life simpler or more enjoyable in some way. I share them with you only as a resource to better support you in enjoying a simply delicious happy and healthy life.
All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them as an expert in the field and hope these products work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.

 

I will occasionally link to specific sites or include affiliate links to help you purchase similar or recommend products. Again, I will only feature items I currently use and think will truly benefit you and your family. As always it is my true effort to serve you please contact me if you have questions about this process, products I mention or would like me to consider your product for a feature highlight. I am happy to help.

How to Store Nuts and Seeds

Rachel Sherwood
How to Store Nuts and Seeds
How to Store Nuts and Seeds

Simple is almost always better. Being a busy working mom I am on the go a lot. Can you relate? If it’s not running to meetings, it’s child pickups, daily errands or squeezing in a yoga class. One of my favorite go to snacks requires no cooking at all and gives me energy to get through the day. In my house we love nuts!

Did you know that by eating a handful of nuts and seeds each day can promote a healthy heart? Nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamin E. They make great simple on the go snacks, additions to salads, entrées and desserts. They are high in calories, so it’s important to limit portions but they are also high in protein helping you stay fuller longer so you don’t feel the need to eat as much or reach for other unhealthy options.

Did you know that eating more nuts and seeds has also been linked to lower levels of inflammation linked to heart disease. Nuts may also reduce your risk of developing blood clots that can cause a fatal heart attack. So this year, say, I love you with a handful of nuts, your heart will thank you. Want to know how to store nuts and seeds well or how to buy them for best long lasting flavor? Check out our simple guide How to Store Nuts and Seeds.

How to Store Nuts and Seeds

 When Shopping:

Try to buy the freshest nuts and seeds possible. I love shopping the bulk section, as they tend to have a quick turnaround, are restocked often and are usually less expensive than the pre-packaged ones. You can also get as much or as little as you want. If possible, taste before you buy to ensure freshness or at least try to small them, this is easy to do in the bulk section. Nuts and seeds should have sweet and mellow flavors and smell, if there is a strong odor or off putting taste this is a key sign they are old and rancid. Do not buy rancid items there is not way to fix the strong off-putting flavors and it will destroy your dish.

 

Storage and Location:

Store nuts and seeds in airtight containers. Keeping air out keeps nuts fresher. Nut and seed easily absorb other flavors around them so airtight is the best for long lasting quality and flavor.

Store nuts and seeds in airtight containers for best results
Store nuts and seeds in airtight containers for best results

If you are going to use your nuts or seeds within a few months, 1-3 they are fine in a cool, dark and dry place in the pantry. If you want to keep them fresher longer or like to keep a variety on hand you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Nuts freezer really well so if you find fresh ones on sale stock up and keep them cold.

 

Keep an eye on it:

In general, nuts and seeds will stay fresh for up to six months stored in the refrigerator and for up to one year stored in the freezer. The sturdier your container, the less likely they are to pick up smells from other foods stored near them.

 

Buy Nuts and Seeds whole and process them yourself
Buy Nuts and Seeds whole and process them yourself

Take Extra Care:

Process your nuts yourself. Whole, raw nuts and seeds will stay fresh the longest. When pre-chopped, toasted, or ground into flour or meal, nuts release their oils; these oils are then exposed to more oxygen, remember air makes them go rancid more quickly. Learn knife skills and try toasting nuts and grinding your own flour or meal in a high-powered blender or food processor. Doing this not only guarantees freshness but also your toasted nuts and seeds will taste better.

 

 

Do you have a favorite way for ideal nuts and seed storage?

Do you have questions about how to best store a particular ingredient? Let me know, I am happy to help.

For more ways to save money you may also enjoy Grocery Shopping on a Budget, how to save money without cutting out the foods you love.

Want more like this? Check out How to store Apples, How to Store Bananas or How to Store Citrus. 

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art-20046635

Almond Coconut Lemon Bars

Almond Coconut Lemon Bars

Rachel Sherwood

Cricket Flour

In my effort to try more natural gluten-free cooking my very supportive husband bought me cricket flour. Yes, you heard me right – 100% ground crickets! Apparently, they are very high in protein. I have to be honest I was a little hesitant at first but I am adventurous and people all over the world love bugs so why not give it a try? The flour looks and smells like dirt but tastes like nothing. Here is a look at my first attempts of cooking with crickets. I made gluten-free pizza crust and pancakes. They were pretty good actually, I just had to not thought about the fact that I was eating bugs and it was delicious.

 Cooking with Cricket Flour

(Cooking with Cricket Flour)

Gluten Free Pizza Crust with Cricket Flour

(Gluten Free Pizza Crust with Cricket Flour)

Gluten Free Pancakes with Cricket Flour

(Gluten Free Pancakes with Cricket Flour)

Don’t worry, I don’t expect everyone to love eating bugs so today I share one of my new favorite no-bake healthy snacks. Yes, they are also gluten-free and high in protein but they don’t include bugs – just healthy natural almonds, coconut, lemon and honey. These bars are super simple and a great treat to have for on-the-go or when you need something sweet without all the guilt. Enjoy these simple no-bake Almond Coconut Lemon Bars.

Almond Coconut Lemon Bars

Almond Coconut Lemon Bars

  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut *
  • ½ cup raisins
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • zest of one lemon, about 1 teaspoon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Line a 8×8 pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal of bars.

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until mixture starts to pull away from the sides and resembles a mealy dough that lightly sticks together.

Pour mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly with your hand. Allow to chill for 30 minutes for easy cutting. They are best if stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

* You can use sweetened coconut; they will just be sweeter.