I just mentioned kale in Monday’s post and it seemed like a lot of people were interested in finding out more ways to enjoy it… Well here is one easy way – try snacking on these delicious kale chips made by New York Naturals. Yes, I said “kale” before “chips” and “delicious” before “kale”. They are actually really good! They’re also 100% raw and vegan. How do they get cripsy you might ask? They are air-dried at 115 degrees for up to fifteen hours.

I’m a huge vegetable lover, especially of leafy greens like kale, so I was expecting to like them, but I wasn’t expecting that from everyone else… I’m happy to say that my husband and several friends are also now fans. My point: you don’t have to be a crazy vegetable lover to think these taste good. I definitely like the “cheese” (they’re vegan) the best, then the ranch and then the spicy miso while my husband says the exact opposite. Decide for yourself – either order them online or visit a store currently keeping them in stock (the most options are not surprisingly in New York). Here’s a cute story about the creation of this kale centric company: slashfood.com .

{via}
FYI - Somersault Snacks is celebrating the start of summer with a summer solstice giveaway – 5 of the first 437 people who ‘like’ them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SomersaultSnacks will be automatically entered to win a “summer full” of snacks (a value of more than $100)!

Some of the basics & benefits of yogurt:
- If you want to avoid high sugar content just go with plain! Even the plain varieties naturally have 12 g of sugar. The sweetened have up to 35 g!
- Greek yogurt, which is much thicker, can contain up to twice the protein of a non-Greek brand, but it has less calcium.
- Yogurt contains probiotics, which is healthy bacteria. Probiotics are linked with a healthy digestive system and a stronger immune systems.
- Do not drain out that top watery layer! That liquid is pure protein (specifically whey protein).
- Some of my favorite additions to plain yogurt: a drizzle of honey (a prebiotic which encourages the activity of probiotics), walnuts, fresh berries, sliced banana, and wheat germ.
- Since yogurt has probiotics, a lot of people that are lactose intolerant do not have issues with consuming it!

Photo Credit: Stonyfield Farm
Here are some coupons & discounts from one of my favorite brands: Stonyfield Farm
I have a new favorite snack that is so easy, tasty and healthy. A friend gave me the idea for this a while ago (Thanks, Dana!).
Recipe:
- 1 bag organic plain popcorn (An option: Newman’s Own Organics — go for the no salt, no butter variety)
- a really good drizzling of extra virgin olive oil (probably 1 tbs total)
- 1 – 2 tbs of Brewer’s Yeast Powder *not the flakes (Easily found at your local healthfood store. One option: NOW Foods)
- sea salt to taste
- mix it all up
- Enjoy!
So it’s a combination of fiber + good fat + B-complex vitamins. The Brewer’s Yeast actually makes the popcorn taste a bit cheesy and I’ve found this is my favorite way to take it (much better than adding it to water or juice). I made this last night and I literally could not stop eating it. I love when something so nutritious is also so delicious!

Somersault Snack Co. specializes in making all-natural snacks that are simple yet satisfying. Their little round creations are full of natural goodness like toasted grains, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. For a chocolate kick without a lot of sugar (only 5 grams) and not a lot of calories, the cocoa variety are a great pick. For an alternative to chips or crackers, try the sea salt or salty pepper – both high in fiber and containing 6 and 7 grams of protein, respectively.
Whether you choose the chez cocoa, s.s. sea salt, or salty pepper, you will experience a tasty, unique, and wholesome treat!

Photo Credit: Somersault Snack Co.
Garden of Eatin’® makes tortilla chips called Red Hot Blues that are quite delicious. They are spicy and flavorful, but not too spicy. They are salted, but very mildly salted.
I would highly suggest these if you’re looking for a healthy, but flavorful tortilla chip!

Photo Credit: Garden of Eatin'