A healthy lifestyle has been important to me for well over a decade but even more so since we had kids. Household cleaners and products are some of the worst offenders when it comes to harsh ingredients and toxins. If you are careful about what you put on your body, you should also care about what you’re touching and breathing day to day. That’s where Branch Basics cleaning supplies come in.

While I’m certainly not perfect when it comes to clean living – I don’t buy all organic food, I highlight my hair, and I’m always on the hunt for the BEST mascara (this Tarte mascara holds the #1 place currently) – I do try to make a conscious effort to switch to better products that we use in our daily life. Progress is better than perfection. (And definitely better than not trying at all!)

My Honest Branch Basics Review: What I Love and What I Don’t

Over the past few years, I’ve really focused on improving what we use for our household cleaning supplies. We have used Branch Basics for 5+ years. I like it for some things but not all, so I’m sharing my honest thoughts below.

What is Branch Basics?

Branch Basics is a concentrate and multi-purpose cleaner that is plant and mineral-based. It removes grease, grime, dust, and dirt without the harmful chemicals typical multi-purpose cleaners leave behind. The unique thing about Branch Basics vs. other “clean” cleaners you’ll find is that you only have to buy ONE product. How? You can use their concentrate to create almost any type of cleaner. More details are below on how that works.

How does Branch Basics work?

The Branch Basics concentrate is simply mixed with water. The exact ratio of concentrate to water varies depending on the type of cleanser you’re making, e.g., laundry detergent vs. counter spray vs. hand soap. You can add essential oils for scent or leave it as is. This short user guide is helpful.

What can you use Branch Basics for?

Everything. In short, the concentrate is safe for practically every surface. We’re talking your garage floor, your delicate laundry, sneakers, ovens, driveways, and also even your PETS. I put a star next to the ones I’ve used it for and recommend.

• Shaving
• Produce wash
• Hardwood floors * (I use a TINY amount in my Tineco)
• Bathing your pets
• Cleaning your jewelry
• Washing cloth diapers
• Cleaning your coffee machine
• Body wash * (This is what I use on my toddler!)
• Tubs *
• Sinks *
• Showers * (I use Force of Nature for mold, however)
• Mirrors
• Toilets *
• Floors *
• Cleaning grout
• Dishes
• Countertops *
• Stovetops *
• Oven
• Fridge *
• Stainless steel
• Grills
• Cars
• Outdoor furniture *
• Bikes *
• Toys * (My son loves washing his toys, inside and out, and I appreciate this safer option for him)
• Driveway
• Laundry * (It’s okay but not great – more on that below)

Branch Basics Concentrate Ingredients

• Purified water
• Decyl glucoside
• Organic chamomilla recutita flower extract
• Coco-glucoside
• Sodium citrate
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Sodium phytate

The concentrate is:

• Human safe
• Plant and mineral-based
• Free of harmful preservatives
• Biodegradable
• Not tested on animals
• Non-GMO

Branch Basics mark their bottles with guides so you know how much concentrate + water to use per “product”. So instead of buying a million different products, you only need one bottle of concentrate + water + bottles to hold your mixtures.

You can buy the spray bottles directly from Branch Basics, which are made with measurement lines on them, or use your own bottles and measure the Branch Basics concentrate and water yourself. Branch Basics offers both plastic and glass bottles. And the glass ones are so pretty, you almost want to clean with them. (In fact, I do weirdly love wiping the counters down.)

My Honest Branch Basics Review

Branch Basics Laundry Detergent

You know that concentrate that I just mentioned? You can use it as laundry detergent. I loved it for a few months (especially its simplicity, just adding the correct measurement of water and voilá, detergent), but after a few months, I noticed that my clothes were feeling stiff and hard. I started to hate how our clothes and towels felt, so I switched to the Force of Nature Detergent Sheets (which I love).

BUT, Branch Basics also just released a laundry detergent that’s separate from just the concentrate. I have a feeling this will be much better, so I would 100% try it (I’m going to!).

Branch Basics might be an excellent option if you are super sensitive to most detergents. Since the ingredients are so clean and simple, it’s an excellent option to try. If you try Branch Basics concentrate for your laundry, use just 3/4 – 1 capful! And it’s also a small cap!

Branch Basics Oxygen Boost

I don’t love the concentrate as my detergent, however I do love the Oxygen Boost (one of the only other products they sell, other than the concentrate). I add it to the wash whenever I’m washing towels or sheets.

Branch Basics Hand Soap

All you need for this is a foaming hand soap pump and you can add various essential oils to it. Or, you can buy their hand soap pre-made, which is much better, honestly. I don’t love a foaming hand soap and I keep the premade one in my kitchen.

Brand Basics Multi-Purpose Cleaner

I use the multi-purpose cleaner mixture in my kitchen to wipe down counters, remove fingerprints from cabinets, and clean my Peloton and yoga mat. I also keep one in my workout area in the basement.

For cleaning bathrooms and disinfecting the kitchen sink, I prefer Force of Nature cleaner.

Using Essential Oils

While I was initially iffy about Branch Basics, I realized that I liked it a lot more once I started adding essential oils. I am actually really sensitive to scent and hate scented laundry detergent, garbage bags, etc., but I do like the freshness that an essential oil brings to the Branch Basics cleaning products!

Is Branch Basics a Disinfectant?

No. It is not a sanitizer, either. Branch basics works to remove germs from surfaces the way soap and water do from your hands. If you want a disinfectant, definitely go for Force of Nature (full review linked).

Are typical cleaning products actually toxic?

Yes, many are. Many of the products in our homes are harmful for us. In fact, they even contribute to things like respiratory issues, fertility issues, cancers, immune system issues, and more. There are so many chemicals in the products that we use every day, and making the switch to a brand like Branch Basics is such a simple but effective choice for your family’s health.

How to know which cleaning products are toxic

To evaluate what’s under your sink, Branch Basics recommends thinking through these things:

• If there isn’t an ingredient list, toss.
• If the bottle says WARNING, CAUTION, or DANGER, toss.
• If fragrance is listed as an ingredient, toss.
• And if it says UNSCENTED or FREE & CLEAR, without an ingredient list to verify, toss. (“Fragrance” will often show up in these!!)
• If it contains synthetic preservatives, toss. Words to look for: methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, phenoxyethanol.
• If it contains ethoxylated ingredients, toss.

Branch Basics Starter Kits

Below are a few options to get your “cleaner” cleaning going.

Premium Starter Kit

This Premium Starter Kit is the option I started with, since I knew I wanted to replace as many cleaners as possible from the get-go. It comes with the 33 oz concentrate, three empty spray bottles, one foaming wash bottle, one laundry bottle, and one Oxygen Boost. This kit costs $75 and you’ll only need to buy more concentrate and Oxygen Boost going forward.

The Premium Starter kit comes with plastic bottles which makes it more affordable, but if you prefer glass (I do!), you can order the Premium Starter Kit in glass for $125.

Cleaning Essentials Kit in Glass

The Cleaning Essentials Kit in Glass includes a 33-oz. concentrate and three empty spray bottles. This kit is $89, but if you prefer plastic bottles, you can order the same Cleaning Essentials Kit in plastic for only $67.

Laundry Kit

The laundry kit comes with a 33 oz. concentrate, one laundry bottle and one Oxygen Boost. You can get this in glass or plastic. Glass is more expensive at $85, plastic is $69.

Trial Kit

If you’re just trying to see if you think you’ll like Branch Basics, start here. This trial set comes with a mini concentrate, which has just enough concentrate to make one full bottle. It’s only $5, and a complete no-brainer.

Other starter sets

If you’re a teacher, you may be interested in the Classroom Essentials Kit and if you REALLY love Branch Basics and want to take it with you while you travel, grab the Travel Kit.

Where to buy Branch Basics

Right now, you can only buy Branch Basics directly from Branch Basics online. You can simply place one-off orders or put your Branch Basics on a subscription and save 10% (this is my preference since I love not having to think about ordering new cleaning supplies).

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I am strangely passionate about my cookware and bakeware. Maybe that’s showing my age, but it’s the truth. I’ve loved cooking for decades, and over the last few years, I’ve discovered a brand of cookware that puts my Le Creuset and All Clad to shame. I found Caraway Home a few years ago, and since trying their non-toxic cookware, I’ve become a loyal fan. In fact, I bought a full second set of Caraway for our vacation home in Boone, because I didn’t want to cook or bake without them when I’m there.

And before you laugh, I do get asked about my cookware fairly often, so it’s not just me who feels passionately ;).

Today, I’m sharing a general review of my Caraway Home cookware, my favorite pots and pans, and then answering some frequently asked questions below. Hopefully you’ll find this helpful if you’re shopping for new cookware or if you’re a new Caraway owner!

Let’s jump in!

Caraway Pans Review

In general, I love Caraway Home cookware because it’s non-toxic AND non-stick and it’s just plain GORGEOUS. It’s priced fairly well too, for high quality cookware. I love that they come in sets, which save you money (you can also purchase pieces individually). And I love that they’re really easy to cook with (as opposed to stainless cookware that can be difficult for non-chefs).

Each pan/sheet is made with an aluminum core and ceramic coating on the inside and outside of the pan. They also have a nonstick, non-toxic coating that’s free of teflon, PEFE, heavy metals, and PFOA. The pans have a stainless steel plate which makes them safe for electric, gas, and induction. Oh, and they take less than a minute to heat up!

I’ve had my Caraway cookware for over 5 years now, and I even bought a second set for our other home in Boone. We’re obsessed, so say the least.

The best bang for your buck is to purchase a cookware or bakeware set, since they’re significantly discounted when you purchase that way!

Let’s talk about each piece that I have (I’m including cookware AND bakeware here!).

Fry Pan

The frying pan is $95 and it’s perfect for eggs, sautéing veggies, flipping pancakes, heating tortillas, you name it. I will say, this pan sticks slightly more than I’d like (especially with eggs), but I’m able to clean it with a little elbow grease! I use olive oil or coconut oil when I cook; I never use nonstick spray, since that will NOT come off easily.

Saute Pan

I LOVE this saute pan! It’s the perfect size for making bigger dinner dishes, like black bean tacos or bolognese. It’s $145 on it’s own, but does come with a lid. This is such a great size for dinner. I use this multiple times a week.

Sauce Pan

The sauce pan is great for making smaller batches of pasta, soup or anything you need to reheat. I use this at lunchtime quite often, since I work from home.

Dutch Oven

I LOVE this dutch oven for making pasta or soups. I noticed right away that water boils SO much faster in Caraway pots than my other pots, which are stainless steel. This pot is $135 and comes with a lid. The Caraway website states that their pans heat up in under a minute and retain temperature more efficiently than most traditional cookware, which is probably why it boils faster.

Large Baking Sheet

The nonstick factor of this large baking sheet is shocking. It honestly blew me away the first time I used it! The size is perfect for roasting a large batch of vegetables. The large is $55 and the dimensions are 18×13.

Medium Baking Sheet

This is nice for making smaller batches of things or reheating a few pieces of pizza. If you’re getting just one, I’d always for for the larger size. The medium size is 15×10 in size, and $45.

Circle Pan

Circle cakes pop out of this pan SO easily. I plan to buy their other baking items as mine need to replaced because I’ve been so impressed with these!

Caraway Magnetic Pan Rack

This pan rack is absolutely genius. It allows you to store your pans horizontally, so that you can pull them out as needed, versus stacking them. I HATE having to pull everything out at once to get what I need and this rack makes it SO easy. How have I never had one until recently? These come with cookware sets and you cannot purchase them separately.

Okay, now let’s talk about the pans I don’t have yet. 

Mini Fry Pan

The new mini collection is perfect for someone living in a smaller space, like an apartment, or if you’re only cooking for 1-2 people. This mini fry pan is great for single serve eggs or dinners for two. Since this is $85, I’d opt for the regular size, if possible, for $10 more.

Mini Sauce Pan

Same situation here. The mini sauce pan is great for SMALL recipes. Think rice for 2, homemade sauces, one can of soup, etc. It’s $105, and you can get the larger size for $10 more.

Minis Duo

This set of the mini sauce pan and fry pan is a good gift for college students or newlyweds living in a small space; I think I’d stick to the full sizes for any other scenario!

Bread Pan

My bread pans need to be replaced BADLY. They’re rusting and bread baking season is ahead!! This is $40 and I’m grabbing it the next time Caraway has a sale!

Rectangle Pan

This pan is great for casseroles, baking chicken, baked oatmeal, you name it! This is $55.

Square Pan

Great for the same reasons as above — but a little smaller. This is $40.

Muffin Pan

The Muffin Pan is on my list to purchase, since I use my current one pretty often, actually. This is $50, so if you typically use muffin or cupcake liners, you may not want to invest in this pan, since sticking is a non-issue with liners.

Cooling Rack

I specifically love that this cooling rack doesn’t have “feet” to stand on, so it doesn’t take up space when storing it. It’s raised off the counter to help with cooling, but it’s not propped up like most cooling racks I’ve seen. It nests right inside the large baking sheet , which is nice for storage. This is $40.

Pros

You’re probably researching Caraway pans for all the reasons listed below!

• They’re beautiful.
• They are non-toxic.
• They heat up and cook food quickly.
• They’re long-lasting. I’ve had mine for + years!

Cons

• Require somewhat gentle care but I think all non-toxic, ceramic cookware does.
• You can’t use nonstick spray on them. They stick somewhat easily with certain foods.
• The bottom of them gets stained easily, but I’m never quite sure what causes it. Most of it comes off with a good scrub but not all.

Caraway Pans FAQ

How to clean Caraway pans:

Hand clean them with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth. When I’ve had food that was hard to get off (or my husband or nanny accidentally used nonstick spray, which is a nightmare in Caraway), a Scrub Daddy (or Scrub Mommy!) worked well without damaging the pan.

Are Caraway pans dishwasher safe?

Not really. The detergents and the abrasive cleaning of dishwashers breaks down the coating after time. If you hand wash, they will last much longer.

Can you put Caraway pans in the oven?

Yep, they are safe up to 550 degrees.

Are Caraway magnetic pan racks sold separately?

Caraway makes pan racks so that you can store your cookware horizontally, instead of stacking them in a cabinet or in a drawer. It also come with a hanging fabric rack for the lids that sticks to a cabinet door. However, racks are only included when you purchase a cookware set or bakeware set. You cannot buy them separately.

Do Caraway pans work on induction cooktops?

Yep!

How long do Caraway pans last?

Likely 1-3 years, depending on how well they’re taken care of. All non-stick coating eventually wears off, but I’ve been pleased with mine for the last two years. Caraway does have a limited one-year warranty covering any major damage to the body, handles, lids, or anything else that functionally impairs the cookware, other than discoloration or damage through wear & tear.

How to care for Caraway pans:

It’s best not to use metal utensils on them, since that can scratch the coating. Wooden, silicone, plastic, or nylon utensils are all great for Caraway products. I just got these cooking utensils and love them!

Bottom Line

I love them, despite the few cons. I have purchased two full sets of cookware and am gradually buying the bakeware (which I may love even more than the cookware). If you want pots and pans that are pretty enough to leave on the counter or just want an aesthetically pleasing set that is also non-toxic, I doubt you can find anything better!

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I’ve loved ginger chews for years — I first discovered them in college — my love grew even deeper when I realized that they have benefits beyond just tasting great. I eat them daily like candy, and they were one of the only things to help my first trimester nausea and morning sickness during early pregnancy. And now, even that I’m not pregnant, I still have Prince of Prince ginger chews on autoship since my husband and I eat them daily!

So, why do I like ginger candy so much? I’ve had stomach issues on and off for 20+ years. Most of it is related to my gut and digestion, which I manage well with my diet, but sometimes, I’ll get an upset stomach even when I’ve been careful about what I’ve eaten. One of my essentials for dealing with indigestion and nausea is Prince of Peace Ginger Chews.

Today I’m sharing the benefits of ginger chews and why I eat them regularly.

But first, what are ginger chews? Ginger chews are pieces of pure natural ginger root that are boiled to soften and then coated in a thin layer of sugar. My favorite brand is Prince of Peace Ginger since they don’t have too much sugar. They also have flavored versions, like peanut butter, lychee, mango, mandarin orange, and lemon. My favorites are the original and mango flavors. My husband likes the lychee best.

Ginger Chews Benefits

So what is so good about ginger chews? Ginger a well-known stomach soother to help fight nausea and motion sickness, and ginger has anti inflammatory properties as well. And beyond that, ginger has compounds that provide various health benefits. It contributes to antimicrobial, anticancer, antiobesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses in the body. It even has some cardiovascular and respiratory benefits (source), and research suggests that ginger may reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (source). It’s also been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels in recent studies!

Here are five reasons I always keep them around!

Ginger Chews For Nausea

As I mentioned, I lived on these during my first trimester to help ease pregnancy nausea. I literally never left the house without them—I keep a handful in my purse. At home, I had some at my desk, by the couch, and in the kitchen. Our pantry is always well-stocked with ginger chews!! A small dose of powdered ginger for morning sickness is recommended, and these chews were the perfect way for me to get just enough in my diet.

Ginger is a well-known stomach soother that helps fight nausea and motion sickness. And beyond that, ginger has compounds that provide various health benefits. It contributes to antimicrobial, anticancer, antiobesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses in the body. It even has some cardiovascular and respiratory benefits. (Source)

Ginger chews are also recommended for people going through chemotherapy since nausea is a common side effect of treatment. (But, of course, before you take anything new when you’re working with a doctor, be sure to ask them first.) These are amazing for helping relieve nausea. It’s no wonder so many people tell you to include ginger in your diet.

Ginger Chews For Digestion

I also eat them after every single meal. Why? Ginger helps move food through the body more quickly, and since slower digestion is a common issue during pregnancy (thanks to hormones!), ginger chews quickly became a must after meals when I was pregnant. Just one chew helped a lot with my heartburn and the feeling of “Why do I feel so dang full?! I didn’t even eat that much!” that so many pregnant women experience, myself included.

I still eat them after most meals now!

Ginger Chews For Upset Stomach

If you’re a runner, you may have experienced upset stomach woes after a long run or race. Ginger chews are one of my go-to’s when that happens. Soothing my stomach quickly is essential since refueling after a hard workout is so important (and so is fueling before!). But if your stomach is upset, it makes it hard to eat a real meal.

Similar to helping food move through your system more quickly, ginger also helps expel intestinal gas, which relieves an upset stomach. (Gas often builds up after races or long runs due to the fuel you’re taking in, gulping air when drinking water, and just the general stress on your body.)

When I’m logging serious miles, I usually end up eating a few Prince of Peace ginger chews in the afternoon after my workout. And I also plan to take the with me to every race from now on, after my great pre-Boston puking disaster.

Ginger Chews For Motion Sickness

Despite how much I travel, I hate flying. I get really anxious during take-off and landing and if there is any turbulence, I am VERY on edge. (I had a full-on panic attack on a plane one year, where they had to call for a medical professional on the plane. Oof.) On top of that, I also get motion sickness from flying. Consequently, I NEVER fly without ginger chews. Not only do they help with the nausea I get on planes, but they’re a comfort food since I eat them at home so often.

Ginger also helps with carsickness. When we head up to Boone, NC, I pack extra ginger chews since the roads there are very curvy and wind all over the place. While sitting in the front, or ideally, driving, helps with my nausea a lot, I’m a small person, so I often get relegated to the backseat. And holy moly, nausea is a LOT worse for me when I’m sitting in the backseat. So, popping ginger chews is necessary.

Ginger Chews For Acid Reflux

Ginger can reduce inflammation, which may relieve some of the symptoms of acid reflux. Typically acid reflux is caused by the inflammation of the esophagus, and if that is less inflamed, you won’t feel acid reflux as strongly. Not only that, but ginger also helps with gastrointestinal irritation and lessens gastric contractions, which helps reduce the risk of acid flowing from your stomach from your esophagus…sorry for the TMI!

Ginger chews have just the right amount of ginger to help, without too much that can cause irritation.

Satisfying a craving for something sweet!

They taste GOOD I hope that was obvious in the introduction when I told you I’ve loved these for a long time, but I really do eat them like candy. My husband and I eat them after lunch and dinner and treat them almost like a piece of gum. They’re sweet and spicy with the texture of a Starburst. I’m like both the regular and the lemon flavor!

These taste better than most sweets, which makes me want to keep eating more and more (ahem, ice cream sandwiches). The POP Ginger Chews don’t have nearly as much sugar as some other brands I’ve tried, and the spicy ginger kick makes them so that just 1-2 chews is plenty to satisfy my afternoon or evening sweet tooth. My grocery staples are all in this post.

Convenience

Prince of Peace Gingers Chews are individually wrapped (they are not like Tootsie rolls in a parchment paper wrapper; these are in little bags you tear open), which makes them easy to keep in your purse and take everywhere—which I do!

Are Ginger Chews Good For You?

Short answer: yes! Longer answer: Yes! But in moderation.

Ginger Chews have tons of health benefits (which you’ve already read about) and they can be a great aid for people suffering from stomach issues. However, too much ginger can cause heartburn, so make sure you’re not eating Ginger Chews by the handful ;).

A few (I probably eat about 2-4 a day) is great. And since they’re individually wrapped, you don’t need to worry about eating too many without thinking. As with any candy, sweet treats are always best in moderation, even when they have the great health benefits of ginger. Each ginger chew is 15 calories.

While ginger tea is certainly another option to get all the benefits of ginger, I’ll be honest, I never make it, especially in the heat of summer when pregnant! And I definitely don’t want all the sugar that comes with ginger ale. (I also can’t stand sweet drinks). So ginger chews are the way to go for me!

Prince of Peace Ginger Chews Nutrition

So what is in Prince of Peace Ginger Chews? Not much! Cane Sugar, Tapioca Starch, Ginger and Coconut Oil are the only ingredients in the Original Ginger Chews.

They’re 100% natural, gluten-free, and vegan. One chew has about 15 and 3 grams of sugar.

Where to buy

I typically buy them online at Amazon or Whole Foods. You can also find them at Target (new in the candy section!), Rite Aid or Vitamin Shoppe. You can use this Store Locator to find them near you.

You can also find other brands of chew ginger candies (like Ginger People/Gin Gins) on Amazon, however I’m partial to Prince of Peace Ginger Chews.

If you’re a fellow ginger chew addict, I’d love to hear why you love them! Snag them here.

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I’ve tried dozens of protein powders over the years but Arbonne Protein Powder is the one I always go back to. Here’s why I love it, with a breakdown of ingredients, taste, and cost.

Arbonne Protein Powder Review

Arbonne has been around for over 30 years, and I think they’re mostly known for their skincare. However, the main products I buy from them are supplements, including their protein powder and greens powders. As a fitness junkie (I originally started as a running blogger!), I feel like I’ve tried every kind of protein powder. Orgain, UCan, Vega, Truvani, Just Ingredients, Clean Simple Eats, you name it, I’ve probably tried it (I have another blog post about the best protein powders for runners here). The one I like best is Arbonne’s Protein Powder, since it tastes great and is easy to mix up after a workout. And as a busy mom with two young kids, a quick post workout drink is essential.

Different Types of Arbonne Protein Powders

Arbonne has a variety of protein powders, so you can choose which you like best for your needs. Their shakes are also gluten-free. My favorite is the Essential Meal, since it has more staying power with added fats and slightly higher calories and since I’m breastfeeding and trying to put on muscle, I don’t skimp on calories.

Essential Meal

If you want a protein shake to serve as a meal, Essential Meal Replacement Protein Shake is the one you want. It has 24 grams of vegan protein and avocado oil for a little healthy fats to help keep you full. It comes in chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. It’s sweetened with cane sugar and stevia.

The coffee flavor is seriously so good. I don’t use this as a meal replacement or for weight loss, but rather, just to tide me over after I workout; I then eat breakfast about 45 minutes later. If I do want it to be a full meal, I have to up the calories, so I blend it with frozen banana, non-dairy milk, spinach, flax and then the protein. And if I have any extra coffee in the pot, I throw that in there too.

This one doesn’t come with a scoop, so just measure out 1/3 cup to add to water. It says to add to 9 oz of water, but I find I need a lot more with this one and mix with 20 oz. This one also has to be shaken very well to get it to blend, so make sure you use a blender bottle.

Nutrition facts per serving

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 7g
• Carbs: 9g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g

Feel Fit

Arbonne’s Feel Fit Protein Shake is their most basic protein powder. It has recently been revamped to include less than one gram of sugar (see the Feel Fit Simply1 section below), but this is the original version and is sweetened differently. The Feel Fit protein powder comes in three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and coffee.

The main difference between Feel Fit and the Feel Fit Simply1 is that the Feel Fit is sweetened using cane sugar and stevia leaf extract, while the Simply1 is only sweetened by stevia leaf extract (I don’t like the taste of stevia, so I prefer the regular Feel Fit even though it contains more sugar).

This one comes with a scoop, so just add two scoops of protein to 9 fl. oz. of cold water and then shake well (I prefer to add a little more water so it’s not as thick but that’s just me).

Nutrition facts per serving

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 3.5g
• Carbs: 13g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 20g

Feel Fit Simply1

Arbonne’s Feel Fit Simply1 pea protein shake is very similar to the Feel Fit above, but the Simply1 has less than 1 gram of sugar (hence the name Simply 1) and only 5 grams of carbs, along with 23 vitamins and minerals. It has 130 calories and 20 grams of vegan protein. 

However, this one uses Stevia Leaf Extract as the only sweetener, and I don’t like the taste of Stevia and it’s definitely prominent in this one. The flavor options are chocolate, vanilla, coffee, or strawberry. 

Nutrition facts per serving

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 4.5g
• Carbs: 5g
• Sugar: <1g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g

Golden Renewal Protein

The Golden Renewal Protein is their newest protein powder and it does use monk fruit as the sweetener. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m not really inclined to. However, I do love that this one has a botanical blend to support live health and minimize inflammation. But, you can only buy this one as part of the 7-Day Fresh Start bundle. I haven’t bought that yet, but I’m dying to try their matcha so I may have to (I’m on the hunt to find the best matcha)!

Nutrition facts per serving

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 4.5g
• Carbs: 6g
• Sugar: 0g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g

Which Tastes the Best?

From my experience, Feel Fit and Essential Meal are the best-tasting, since they don’t contain Stevia (well, Feel Fit does contain Stevia, but it also contains cane sugar which is the main sweetener). I like the coffee flavor the very best, followed by chocolate, mint, and vanilla. I haven’t tried the other flavors, but I know they offer some seasonal options, including cinnamon roll. The mint also seems to be seasonal, since I don’t currently see it on the website.

Arbonne Protein Pros and Cons

Pros

Best Tasting I’ve Found

Unlike most protein powders, Arbonne’s don’t taste chalky or fake. I don’t like monk fruit, which is why I don’t like the very-popular Truvani and almost all protein powders use Stevia these days, and I just hate that taste. While all of Arbonne’s protein powders contain Stevia, two of them also use cane sugar so they taste better. 

Essential Meal is Filling

So many protein powders claim they’re good meal replacements but leave me hungry. Arbonne’s Essential Meal actually satisfies your hunger and leaves you feeling full.

Cons

Can Only Buy Online

Their website isn’t the most intuitive, but once you figure out all the lingo, it’s easy enough to order. I actually keep mine on subscription so I don’t have to think about it. What I’ve always done is sign up as a “Preferred Client” to get a 20% discount and free shipping. It’s a $29 membership fee for a year and the savings you get on just one bag of protein powder almost covers that cost.

I’ve added the link to sign up as a “Preferred Client” to this recommended cart, which has every protein powder listed. Just delete anything you don’t want.

Don’t Like That They Position as a Meal Replacement for Weight Loss

I don’t think protein shakes are sustainable for weight loss or even the healthiest way to lose weight, so I don’t like that marketing language. But, I just ignore it and enjoy my protein shake for what it is – a tasty addition to my otherwise balanced diet, with fruits, vegetables, lots of bread, meat and dark chocolate. 

Uses Stevia 

Three of the four protein powders use Stevia. I don’t love the taste of Stevia so this is a con for me; however, their products still taste better to me than any other protein powder I’ve tried and I think it’s because of the type of stevia they use (more on that below) and that the protein powders I like best use both Stevia and cane sugar. 

The Essential Meal and Feel Fit use a blend of Stevia + cane sugar. The Feel Fit Simply1 only uses Stevia as the sweetener. And the Golden Renewal doesn’t use any Stevia or cane sugar, but instead uses monk fruit to sweeten. 

All the Stevia used in Arbonne products are highly purified extract powders of the Stevia Rebaudiana bertoni leaf vs. pulverized Stevia leaf powder, which is what you typically buy in the grocery store. Extract forms of Stevia allow for quality control of contaminants and a consistent standard of sweetness. They also source their Stevia based on seasonality and to adhere to ethical sourcing, given their ingredient standards to maintain B Corp status. 

Expensive

This protein powder runs more expensive than most. Just how much does Arbonne Protein Powder cost?  

They range from $94-$104 a bag, depending on which type of protein you choose. Essential Meal Replacement Protein Shake is $104 for 30 servings, the Feel Fit Pea Protein Shake comes in at $94 for 30 servings, and the Feel Fit Pea Protein Shake Simply1 is also $94 for 30 servings. So if you do the math, that’s about $3 per serving. That’s more than the average of the five other brands I reviewed in my blog post about the best protein powders for runners. 

The good news is you can get these products cheaper with the code ARBONNE10, and again, if you become a preferred client, they’re even cheaper. When you sign up as an Arbonne Preferred Client for $29/year, you get a 20% discount for a year. You can also earn perks when you order, such as free shipping, 40% off Arbonne Special Value Packs, ReplenishMe benefits, etc. It’s all kind of confusing at first, but the bottom line is that you essentially pay for your membership with one just purchase of protein given the extra savings, so for that alone, it’s worth being a Preferred Client to save 20% when you order protein (I keep my protein on ReplenishMe too). I added the “Preferred Client” option to the recommended cart below, so the best way to make sure you include that in your order is to delete anything you don’t want to buy from this recommended cart.

Conclusion + Bottom Line

I’ve tried dozens — literally dozens — over the years and still go back to Arbonne protein powder. When I was a running/health blogger, I had a lot of protein powders sent to me (and still get some sent to me!), but I still spend my own money on Arbonne since I like it best.

The post Arbonne Protein Powder Review (the Different Kinds & Which Tastes Best) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

My Daily Supplement Routine

Listed in the order I take them in.

Daily Aminos from MD Logic Health

Amino acids help with protein synthesis (important as we age) and energy. My good friend, Liz Wolfe, developed these aminos specifically for women 35+ and I trust her — and the formulation — completely.

Oliveda I70 The Beauty Molecule

This is packed with antioxidants to help prevent signs of aging and to help with inflammation, which I’ve really struggled with since having my second baby. Today was the first time I’ve run postpartum without intense joint pain and this is the only thing I’ve changed in the last few weeks!! I sometimes take I66 – this one has collagen which I prefer, but they’re hard to snag while they’re in stock, so I just take whatever I can get.

I01 Orac & Camu Camu Olive Leaf Concentrate

This is packed with antioxidants and is high in Vitamin C. I take this daily for inflammation and joint pain and take it 3x a day when I’m sick. (I explained more about this product in my Oliveda’s Internals post.)

Seed Probiotics

I’ve taken these for years! Although there is some new research that shows that short-term use of probiotics is better than long-term so I may stop taking them once I run out. We’ll see. (Use code TERI for 15% off your first month. Read my Seed review here.

Sertraline

I had horrible postpartum depression and anxiety with my first baby. I feel so much better this go-around (I made the choice to stay on my medication during pregnancy as well) and I’m so grateful for this medication. It changed my life.

Perelel Daily Iron Ease

I take this both AM and PM. Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off. I’ve had chronically low iron for years and years (which my InsideTracker bloodwork and monthly bloodwork at my OBGYN during pregnancy showed). My body seems to absorb this particular iron very well because my iron has actually been in the ideal range for the first time EVER since I started this brand.

Sunflower Lecithin from Legendairy Milk

To help prevent clogged ducts while breastfeeding, which I’m very prone to. (More of my breastfeeding essentials here.)

Nutrafol Hair Growth Supplement

Not 100% convinced it’s helping since I’m still losing hair like crazy postpartum but my hair doesn’t feel as thin as last time, so I think I’m losing less hair and my hairline seems to be maintaining rather than receding!

NOW Foods Vitamin D3 + MK-7

My bloodwork has always shown I’m low in Vitamin D so I pop this daily.

Coffee Flavored Protein Powder from Arbonne

I don’t follow a high protein diet (or track macros) but I often am rushing between working out, getting ready, breastfeeding, working and appointments so I have a protein shake most days to make sure I’m getting some protein in the mornings.

I’ve tried dozens (literally dozens) of protein powders over the years (I used to get a ton sent to e during my running/health blogging days) and this is still the one I go back to. I like the Meal Replacement version texture best, but I don’t actually use it as a meal replacement. I LOVE the coffee flavor, and linked the vanilla I use in smoothies. I love that they don’t use stevia or monk fruit sweeteners. Use code ARBONNE10 for 10% off.

Arbonne Greens Powder

I’ve also tried lots of greens powders but like the taste of these best. I’m not convinced they help with anything groundbreaking, but I view them kind of as a multivitamin. A little insurance for some vitamins and minerals and I like the taste, so why not.

LMNT Electrolytes

The best ever and the only thing that quenches my thirst. Read my LMNT review here.

OliveMush

OliveMush is designed to be a coffee alternative. I still drink coffee in the mornings, but I have OliveMush in the afternoons (most days) instead of going to get a latte, which I’d gotten in the habit of doing most days. I like that it’s high in antioxidants and has functional mushrooms to help me focus and decrease stress. I explained how I prepare it in this post about Oliveda Internals – just search for OliveMush on that page.

Magnesium Citrate from Natural Vitality Calm

I take this at bedtime to help things move along the next morning. Ahem.

Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack

I like this brand and like this little pack has multiple supplements that are especially beneficial for postpartum moms. (More of my postpartum must-haves here.) Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off.

The post My Daily Supplement Routine appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I’ve been ordering Daily Harvest smoothies for 10 years and have tried almost everything they sell, so today I’m sharing my honest review, including my favorite products and what is NOT worth buying from them.

Originally, this post was sponsored by Daily Harvest, but I wanted to update and re-share it now that I’ve been buying Daily Harvest on my own dime for my family for a few years. Plus, transparently, they wanted me to include all their items and I don’t really like anything except the smoothies — more on that below.

Non-Sponsored Daily Harvest Reviews of Everything They Sell

While I’ve tried a ton of the items from Daily Harvest, the only think that WOWs me is the smoothies. I gave a quick rating below — Buy, Pass, Maybe — to help you shop and then did a comprehensive review of the smoothies below. I also included some FAQs about Daily Harvest near the bottom of the post in case that’s helpful!

Smoothies

Absolutely buy. They’re delicious and convenient. Plus, they give me nutrients in my diet that I might not get otherwise. Am I really going to buy passion fruit or parnships to add to a smoothie? Nope. But I get those nutrients with their smoothies.

Harvest Bowls

Pass. Harvest Bowls have decent flavor and cook in about 5 minutes, but I always felt like the texture was icky. It all became mush, even if I cooked them in a skillet instead of the microwave.

Bites

Pass. These are a little bit like my homemade energy balls, but they’re really expensive for what they are. They’re a combo of superfood and sweetness rolled into a ball. They’re all gluten-free. I much prefer to make my own energy balls.

Daily Harvest Soups

Maybe. I’ve loved all the soups I’ve tried! Lentil + Cremini is a favorite. I just wish the packaging was different. The bowls were so flimsy that I always felt like they would disintegrate in my hand.

Forager Bowls

Maybe. The only one I’ve tried is the Blackberry + Majik; I wasn’t a fan, but Thomas was! You have to remember 6+ hours in advance to prepare it, so it can soak in the fridge overnight.

Flatbreads

Maybe. These make a great lunch option if you work from home since you have to factor in time for preheating the oven and baking, but they only take 20-25 minutes in the oven (or use an air fryer).

My favorite is the Kale + Sweet Potato. It has sweet potato, red cabbage, kale, cauliflower, spinach and coriander. I tried the Kabocha + Sage and it was fine, but I wouldn’t order it again. I will say, they are not protein heavy so I add an egg or leftover grilled chicken on top. Again, they’re decent, but I don’t LOVE them.

Mylk

Pass. Overpriced and not worth the effort since I don’t care that much about this type of milk.

Scoops

Pass. Dairy-free, plant-based ice cream is always a treat for me. None of their ingredient lists are complicated – just clean, simple food. Again, just not worth the price since it was all rock hard and not super flavorful. I have other non-dairy ice cream I like better.

Daily Harvest Smoothie Review (after buying them for 10 years)

I first tried the Daily Harvest smoothies a years ago and I remember being completely shocked by just how good they were. I didn’t have them again until I started ordering them during marathon training, and I had the same reaction then that I did the first go-around: They are SO GOOD. And I consider myself pretty adept at making a good smoothie! (I have a few tried and true smoothie recipes!)

With Daily Harvest, you just take the cup of fruits and veggies, fill it to the top with the recommended liquid noted on the container (water, coconut water, almond milk, etc.) and pour it into the blender. Blend, pour it back into the cup, and you’re done. We’re talking 60 seconds. If you don’t have even 60 seconds, you may want to read my Splendid Spoon review since they sell pre-blended smoothies.

I typically add protein powder to mine since most of the smoothies are not naturally high protein. And if you add a protein powder, you’ll need to add more liquid. (This post has my favorite protein powders.)

My husband also loves these smoothies. Tommy typically just grabs a protein bar as he runs out the door to work so this is a great way to get some fruits and veggies in him to start his day. And let me be clear – Tommy definitely doesn’t crave healthy food the way I do. So if he didn’t like a smoothie, he’d tell me. He loves the Mint Cacao smoothie, which has banana, spinach, cacao, cashew, chlorella, and peppermint in it. It tastes so fresh.

The most impressive thing about Daily Harvest Smoothies is that our 3 year old loves them! Thomas is a very picky eater, so getting fruits and veggies in his diet can be a challenge. Thankfully he’ll always drink a Daily Harvest smoothie.

One of Thomas’ favorite flavors is Banana + Almond–– which contains banana, parsnip, almond, dark chocolate, cashew, and flaxseed; SO good and that one actually has 15 grams of protein! Don’t let the parsnip scare you! It gives it great texture and filling power. He also loves the Strawberry Cashew smoothie, which is one of my favorites too. He likes to eat the little frozen squares off the top, which is frozen coconut milk, I believe. Kids are weird.

Our favorite flavors

This is my usual order.

Mint + Cacao

The Mint + Cacao smoothie tastes like mint chocolate chip. It’s made with bananas, spinach, cacao nibs, cashew butter, chlorella powder, vanilla bean powder, and peppermint extract.

Strawberry + Cashew

We LOVE the Strawberry + Cashew flavor. It tastes like strawberries and cream and is made with strawberries, strawberry puree, water, dates (organic dates, organic coconut flour), carrots, cashew butter, almond powder, and coconut cream.

Strawberry + Peach

Another favorite in our house is the Strawberry + Peach flavor, especially in the summer. It tastes like you’d expect: fruity and bright, like sorbet. This one is made with strawberries, bananas, peaches (organic peaches, ascorbic acid, & citric acid), raspberries, gluten-free whole grain oats, flax seeds, and goji berries.

Tart Cherry + Raspberry

Finally (but not really because we like SO many of them), we like the Tart Cherry + Raspberry flavor. It’s such a fresh berry flavor and has a brightness kind of like sorbet. It’s made with cauliflower rice, tart cherries, mission figs, raspberries, and blueberries.

How many calories are in Daily Harvest Smoothies?

They really vary; smoothies can range from 100-600+ calories. So, if you are trying to lose weight and are using Daily Harvest as a tool to do so, pay attention to that. They also have varying amounts of protein.

What is Daily Harvest?

Daily Harvest is a meal delivery service that makes it easy to eat more fruits and vegetables every day. Everything is shipped to your door, completely frozen and ready to eat with just a few minutes of prep. Everything comes packed with dry ice in a large box (it sits at the bottom of the packaging). I do have to note that over the last 10 years, the packaging has changed, and now they’ll sometimes arrive defrosted but rarely. Customer service is always good to refund.

One thing to note is that they are now carried in some grocery stores so check the freezer aisle before you pay for shipping!

Is Daily Harvest actually good for you?

All of their items are gluten free, dairy-free, plant-based and 95% of their ingredients are organic. They never use gums, fillers, preservatives or artificial anything. And you can also filter your options to meet other requirements like vegan, keto, low-carb, etc.

Is Daily Harvest a subscription?

Yes. You can choose a plan of 9, 14, or 24 items that come weekly or monthly for your first Daily Harvest box, and then anywhere between 6-26 items per box following that initial box. Daily Harvest is extremely flexible though. You can skip deliveries whenever you want, add or remove items, and change box sizes. Their app makes it super easy to manage and ensure you don’t get anything you don’t want.

How much does Daily Harvest cost?

Each item is between $5.99-11.99 each. And there are certain things in life that I’ll pay a little more for, for convenience’s sake. Yes, it may seem expensive, but so is your time. Especially when it comes to getting healthy foods in my diet while taking care of two little ones.

But really, when you compare it to eating out, it’s definitely cheaper. Most smoothies in my town cost $8-$10. And if you live in a bigger city, you’re likely paying even more than that. You’re also getting them brought straight to your door, which makes it EASY as a busy mom.

How does Daily Harvest work?

You pick out your food from all of their collections online, choosing how many items you want to get in your order (9, 12, or 24 items) and how often you want them (weekly, monthly). They ship frozen (packed with lots of dry ice) directly to your door. Just pop them in the freezer until you’re ready to make them.

You can change each delivery and even skip weeks, which is nice for when you want variety or things come up in life. Since they’re shipped frozen, you can keep them for a WHILE. This video shows an unboxing and what the smoothies are like.

Bottom line: is Daily Harvest worth it, and would I pay for it myself?

For the smoothies, yes. For everything else, no.

I’ve partnered with Daily Harvest twice in the past, and both times have received free items to try, but I’ve been buying my own smoothies for years. I wouldn’t spend my own money on other items.

Be sure to use promo code TERI to get up to $65 off your first box.

The post Non-Sponsored Daily Harvest Reviews of Everything They Sell appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

If you decide to order, you can use my LMNT referral link to get a free sample pack with your order so you can sample every flavor they have.

You can watch the below video for more details or keep reading!

Unsponsored Review of LMNT Electrolytes

I’ve been using LMNT Electrolytes for almost four years now, and there are three main reasons I fell in love with it and still love it.

1. It actually quenches my thirst. In all my years of taking electrolytes as an endurance athlete, I never had the satisfaction I got from that first packet (and now hundreds of packets later, I still feel that way). And I finally stopped feeling thirsty all day. I wish I’d discovered LMNT during my Boston Marathon training days because I know it would have made such a difference. But even though I’m not running distance these days, I’m still just a very thirsty person (my bloodwork has always shown low sodium) and LMNT is the only thing that helps.

2. I love the taste and I love how salty it is. LMNT also doesn’t taste like chemicals or wreck my gut, like so many others I’ve tried over the years. Gatorade and Powerade destroyed my stomach during endurance runs so I couldn’t use them. LiquidIV tastes like chemicals, And countless other brands I tried tasted okay but didn’t seem to quench my thirst. LMNT does. I like how salty it is so I use a full packet in my 24 oz water bottle, but my nanny uses only half a packet each time she drinks LMNT. So just dilute to your preference.

3. It improved my milk supply: When I was breastfeeding my first son in 2020, I was SO thirsty and struggling with supply issues. One of my friends sent me a pack of LMNT Electrolytes to try. And that first LMNT packet made such a difference. I immediately felt like my thirst was finally quenched (cliche to say but true). And I ended up breastfeeding for two years, so it’s safe to say supply improved. That was HUGE to me since breastfeeding is very important to me.

So, how much sodium is in LMNT?

The sodium level is a hot topic since it’s high in LMNT. But that’s the point.

LMNT electrolyte drink mix has the optimal ratio of electrolytes – 1000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium –  to support hydration.

Yes, it’s a lot of sodium. But low sodium and/or salt restriction can lead to unwanted side effects of low sodium, like low energy, headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness and insomnia. And those who eat the healthiest are often the most prone to low sodium because they don’t consume a lot of processed foods, which is typically high in sodium.

Plus, the latest science shows that salt restriction is ineffective for lowering blood pressure and that instead, the sweet spot for sodium intake is at least double what the government recommends. You can read more about why LMNT has so much sodium here.

That’s not to say we should consume unlimited sodium. But most people need at least 4–6 grams of sodium daily. (More if they’re active or eat a ketogenic diet.) So what happens when you’re light on sodium? In addition to the side effects listed above, your body goes into sodium retention mode. Your body releases sodium retention hormones that make your kidneys retain sodium. These hormones also raise blood pressure. Ironic.

LMNT Electrolytes Pros and Cons

Alright, let’s get into the pros and cons. The biggest pro is listed first but I want to explain it in more detail. Most popular electrolyte drinks contain sugar and unhealthy ingredients, with low amounts of electrolytes. LMNT has more electrolytes in the proper ratio that our body needs: 1,000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium. Yes, it’s a lot of sodium. But again, that’s the point.

It has zero sugar, no artificial ingredients or fillers, and no preservatives. Many (most) electrolyte drink mixes are full of sugar; sugar can help you absorb sodium and fluids, but it’s not essential for hydration. So, LMNT doesn’t include sugar.

Pros

• Perfect ratio of electrolytes
• Tastes amazing
• Super salty (but can be diluted with more water)
• NO SUGAR! (Great for low-carb diets if that’s your jam, but low-carb is not my jam.)
• Keto friendly for folks following a keto diet
• Paleo-friendly for those following a paleo diet
• Simple ingredients
• Comes in a powder form instead of a tablet that has to dissolve
• Free shipping
• No-questions-asked return policy (seriously! They refund immediately. They have amazing customer service.)
• Can be ordered on Amazon – if you’re running low and want to place a quick order, you can do it with Prime shipping. But you’ll save more money with a subscription from LMNT’s website.

Cons

• Pricey. There’s no denying that LMNT is pricey, but it’s worth it. Nuun is about $30 for 30 tablets, which is slightly more affordable than LMNT. But LMNT works better.

That’s the only con I can think of!

How many packs of LMNT should you drink per day?

Everyone’s electrolyte needs will vary, so the answer depends on the person, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer (especially as a breastfeeding mom). However, LMNT shouldn’t be your sole source of electrolytes each day.

Clinical data shows that around 5-7g of sodium, 1-3g of potassium, and 250-500mg of magnesium throughout the day is ideal, and it’s great if those are from various sources (ideally from predominantly whole foods). That equates to 1-2 packets a day, depending on your activity level (and if you’re exclusively breastfeeding)

I have two, sometimes three, packets a day since I have low sodium, have resumed working out and I’m exclusively breastfeeding.  

Use this link to get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase.

LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix Flavors

There are lots of LMNT flavors:

• Citrus salt
• Grapefruit
• Orange salt
• Watermelon salt
• Raw unflavored
• Raspberry Salt
• Lemon Habanero
• Mango Chili
• Chocolate Salt

My favorite flavor of LMNT is watermelon or raspberry. Citrus and grapefruit are pretty good too. I do not like the spicy ones unless I use them in my favorite virgin margarita. You can also try a few different ones in a variety pack, which you get for free with my referral link.

They also have seasonal flavors, like chocolate caramel and chocolate mint in the winter. Note that the chocolate ones are meant to be mixed with HOT water and consumed like a hot cocoa powder-inspired drink. I didn’t realize that for about 6 months, and I was so confused by the chunky texture that I thought it was nasty. Once I tried it hot, it was a game changer, and I loved having it before bed.

I did not like the raw unflavored, but if you like a different drink (perhaps a protein shake or something with carbs and calories) and want to increase the electrolytes in it without impacting the flavor, that may be a good option for you.

Ingredients

Each flavor has one or two different ingredients (the natural watermelon flavor has Malic Acid, and the orange flavor uses Citric Acid, for example). Here’s the general breakdown for the Citrus Salt packet. Again, each packet has the perfect balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

• Salt (Sodium Chloride)
• Citric Acid
• Magnesium Malate
• Potassium Chloride
• Natural Flavors
• Stevia Leaf Extract 

I typically hate the taste of stevia but it doesn’t bother me in these.

How much does LMNT cost?

It ain’t cheap.

One time purchase

The most basic way to purchase LMNT is to order boxes individually. A box contains 30 packets, and it costs $45 per box, which is $1.50 per packet.

This is a great way to try LMNT the first time to ensure you like it. But, since they refund if you don’t like it, you may as well get some freebies on your first order with my LMNT referral link.

Subscribe and save

The other option is to set up your LMNT as a subscription and save money. When you subscribe, each box is $39, making each packet $1.30. Since I use 3-5 packets a day, this is by far the most economical option for me.

Free sample pack

After ordering LMNT a few times, I reached out to them to see if they’d be willing to offer a promo to my readers. They were super generous and gave me a shopping link that gets you a FREE sample pack with ANY drink mix order. And to top it off, if you end up buying 3 boxes, you’ll also get a 4th for free. I believe you can use my link with every order – not only the first – to get a free box or sample pack.

LMNT Electrolytes for Breastfeeding

Since I’m breastfeeding, I also want to touch upon electrolytes while breastfeeding since I’ve tried many brands and only one helped my supply. The short answer: LMNT. The longer answer is below.

Like I mentioned above, I first discovered LMNT while breastfeeding my first baby. Now I’m breastfeeding my second baby and to my surprise, I have an oversupply. I know that an oversupply is not only because I’m regularly taking LMNT. But proper hydration does contribute to adequate supply, so I have to believe it’s helping. It certainly isn’t hurting and I don’t feel chronically thirsty like I did at this stage with my first.

I went down the rabbit hole about taking LMNT during my first breastfeeding journey and if it was safe, so I wanted to share what I learned. Hopefully it helps answer any questions you may have too! 

First, are electrolytes important for breastfeeding?

First, let’s focus on your baby’s needs. Yes, babies need electrolytes. They get electrolytes  through breast milk (or formula – if you’re using formula, make sure it has electrolytes in it!). Your sodium intake directly connects to the amount of electrolytes the baby gets.  

In fact, in the very early stages of breastfeeding when your milk comes in as colostrum, the sodium concentration is elevated and this helps the baby’s immune system. There’s actually research that suggests that a child’s health could be negatively impacted with inadequate breast milk electrolytes.

Sodium is also correlated with cognitive function as your baby grows. It can even help with better motor function, memory, and IQ! Read this study on sodium and premature babies. So interesting. Your salt status is also connected to milk production volume. This study shows that farmers have been adding sodium to dairy cow’s diets to increase milk production for a while. While there’s not enough research to concretely say this is true on the human front, I feel confident that taking LMNT increased my supply (with my first, and definitely now with my second).

Unfortunately, because many people believe that restricting sodium helps expecting mothers avoid preeclampsia, lots of moms limit salt both during and after pregnancy.

However this 2018 study found that there’s “no convincing evidence” that salt intake influences hypertension or preeclampsia risk. Additionally, women with preeclampsia are also more likely to have low blood sodium levels compared to others. Low sodium can result in hormonal changes that actually raise blood pressure. So, increasing sodium intake can actually help LOWER blood pressure.

All this to say, since there’s actually evidence that low-sodium diets can negatively affect your health and since we know sodium is important for baby’s growth and development, I did not decrease my salt intake when pregnant or breastfeeding. I actually increased it. I was getting regular bloodwork. Also, I knew my sodium was low – even with LMNT. So, there were no concerns with me continuing with it. However, every pregnancy is different. So, talk to your doctor about your specific situation – your health, your thirst, your bloodwork, everything.

How much sodium do breastfeeding moms need?

The answer is more than you think, especially if you’re a breastfeeding mom. While the FDA recommends 2,300 mg a day (which is about 2.3 grams) for people 14 years and older to help reduce high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease and deaths, there’s new science that shows that 4-6 grams of sodium a day is actually optimal (granted, this is dependent on diet and lifestyle).

And this study actually found that people who consumed lower than 2.5g per day of sodium had higher blood pressure than those who consumed larger amounts. Obviously, talking to your doctor is important since everyone’s health is different, so take this all with a grain of salt (heh) but read LMNTs take on why they recommend so much sodium here.

Since nursing moms also provide sodium to their babies, more sodium is likely best. Nursing moms may actually find that they need a little more than that to help replace what’s given to their baby.

Other important electrolytes for breastfeeding

Potassium

Potassium is important because it balances the effects of sodium and helps women maintain healthy blood pressure during pregnancy. Shooting for 3.5–5 grams of potassium per day is a good goal. Pregnant and nursing moms should aim for the higher end of that range. LMNT contains 200 mg of potassium, which won’t get you to that mark alone. So, be sure to prioritize potassium-rich foods in your diet, like bananas, avocado, spinach, and kale. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important electrolyte at all stages of life, but especially during pregnancy and postpartum. It is also involved in bone formation and density, which makes it important for a baby’s development. 400–600 mg of magnesium daily is a good target, and LMNT contains 60 mg, so it’s important to eat magnesium-rich foods to help keep your magnesium level optimal. I also take this Natural Calm magnesium supplement at night.

I hope all this information is helpful! This post is not sponsored, but I became an affiliate a few years ago after reaching out to the brand, so that’s how I’m able to provide the promo linked below.

Get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order you place through this link.

By the way – It’s pronounced “element” not L.M.N.T. as many people say. So if you found this post by searching element electrolytes drink, good job you!

The post Unsponsored Review of LMNT Electrolytes (Pros & Cons) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I’ve taken Seed Probiotics for five years – here’s what makes it different, how it helped my gut and what happened when I stopped taking it.

My Honest Seed Probiotics Review

A handful of years ago, I was listening to a Rich Roll podcast about a probiotics company named Seed. I’ve been taking probiotics for years but have always blindly shopped and brand-hopped, never really sure if I was getting a “good” probiotic. After listening to the podcast, I immediately signed up for Seed’s monthly shipments. What struck me the most is how much research and data they have around their specific probiotic strains, something lacking with other brands.

I first started taking probiotics about nine years ago but never exactly knew how to buy a “good” one. So I’d go to the probiotics section at Whole Foods and buy whatever sounded like it had the “most” strains. Or, whatever was expensive. Or whatever happened to be on sale. Not exactly the most scientific approach.

After learning more about Seed, I switched and haven’t gone back to any others. In fact, I’ve taken Seed probiotics for about 4 years now. I take two capsules a day on an empty stomach, so usually right as I wake up. So when someone asked, “is Seed Probiotic actually good?” I always say yes. It has been SO good, in my experience. 

Here’s what I noticed after taking the Seed Probiotics Daily Synbiotic

Regular bowel movements and more quality BMs

Sorry, perhaps TMI but poop is super important y’all! And as someone who has struggled with digestive issues for over 20 years, this is a HUGE win in my book. Over time, things have improved even more. Seed can’t treat or cure any disease, but it’s certainly helped my irritable bowel, which is amazing.

Where’s what I noticed when I stopped taking them

After about a year, I stopped taking Seed because we moved (long story, but in short, we moved out of our old house and moved into our mountain condo while our new house was being finished) and I wasn’t sure where to ship my subscription since timing was so up in the air so I just cancelled it.

After just a couple weeks without it, I noticed that I had more gas, was more constipated and when I was able to go to the bathroom, I had loose stools. So, I quickly signed back up for Seed and just dealt with all the address woes. Within a few weeks, things were back to normal.

Is Seed Better than Other Probiotics?

Yes. The Daily Synbiotic is a 2-in-1 capsule. It contains probiotic strains that benefit the gastrointestinal system, which influences overall health.

The science is complex, but essentially, most of the bacteria we carry around actually help keep our bodies healthy. We’ve been told so much that we need to sanitize, bleach, and get germs off of everything. And yes, it’s wise to wash your hands and clean surfaces.

But, there are also many good strains of bacteria. Good bacteria help foster a healthy gut, microbiome, digestive system and immune system. And that’s where probiotics come into play.

• The inner capsule contains 24 clinically studied strains of probiotics. These strains are not found in yogurt, most supplements, or fermented foods and beverages. They were selected for their strain-specific benefits.
• The outer capsule is a Prebiotic. It contains punicalagins, which come from Indian pomegranate. The gut transforms the prebiotic outer capsule into powerful “metabolites” for the human body. The outer capsule contains the inner probiotic capsule.

What are metabolites?

Basically, metabolites are like bacterial poop: the end product of what they metabolize. As bacteria do what they need to sustain themselves (e.g. their version of “eating”) they take bigger compounds and turn them into smaller compounds. So metabolites are simply small molecules and naturally formed as substances are broken down.

The Seed Probiotics Daily Synbiotic formula was developed by the Seed team in conjunction with scientists and doctors who are experts in the field of probiotics. Their Chief Scientist is Dr Gregor Reid, Ph.D., a world-renowned specialist in beneficial microbes. He serves as the Chair of the United Nations World Health Organization Expert Panel on Probiotics. And he led the group that authored the globally accepted definition of ‘probiotics’. Additionally, Seed has a Scientific Advisory Board, made up of male and female MDs and Ph.Ds. All of that to say, these are experts with serious backgrounds.

If you really want to learn about probiotics and the science behind them, read about Seed’s approach here.

What is a Synbiotic?

A Synbiotic is defined as a “combination of prebiotics and probiotics that, together, promote gastrointestinal health by improving survival and adherence of live microbial dietary supplements”. In simpler terms, the idea behind synbiotics is that adding prebiotics to a probiotic supplement can help ensure that digestion-friendly microorganisms arrive in the gut alive and well.

2-in-1 Capsule Technology

The 2-in-1 probiotic capsule technology resists stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and bile salts. In addition, it has a Chlorophyllin exterior to protect the strains from light. And the powder prebiotic suspension helps protect it from oxygen, moisture, and heat (all of which bacteria are sensitive to).

What are the benefits of Seed Daily Synbiotic?

Note: all of this information comes directly from Seed. I shared my personal experience above.

Gastrointestinal Health

• Supports digestive health
• Helps maintain regularity, eases bloating, and can alleviate occasional constipation
• Improves stool hydration, making bowel movements easier

Gut Barrier Integrity

• Helps maintain gut health barrier function and integrity

Gut Immune Function

• Supports healthy gut immune function and ‘cross-talk’ between immune and intestinal cells
• Increases production of short-chain fatty acids

Cardiovascular Health

• Promotes heart health
• Helps maintain blood cholesterol levels already in the normal range
• Supports healthy intestinal recycling of cholesterol and bile

Micronutrient Synthesis

• Supports folate (vitamin B9) production
• Supports intestinal synthesis of vitamin B12

Seed probiotics also support skin health.

The Science Behind Seed Daily Synbiotic

Seed Daily Synbiotic Formulation

Seed ds-01 daily synbiotic is made up of different probiotic blends to support different functions in the body:

• Digestive Health / Gastrointestinal Immunity / Gut Barrier Integrity Probiotic Blend – 37.0 Billion AFU
• Dermatological Health Probiotic Blend – 3.3 Billion AFU
• Cardiovascular Health Probiotic Blend – 5.25 Billion AFU
• Micronutrient Synthesis Probiotic Blend – 8.05 Billion AFU
• Microbiota-Accessible Prebiotic [MAP] Blend – 400 mg

The other ingredients included are:

• Acid-Resistant Vegan Outer (chlorophyllin) and Inner Capsules (hypromellose, fermented gellan gum, water)
• Organic rice fiber 
• Organic rice extract blend

Seed is a vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free probiotic and doesn’t contain soy, binders, or preservatives. It’s also free of the 14 allergens identified by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies.

Note: A few years ago (May 2020), they made a minor update to the prebiotic blend in the Daily Synbiotic. Scandinavian chaga and pine bark were removed to allow for a higher dose of the primary prebiotic, punicalagin. I didn’t notice a difference at all in how my gut felt after that change.

Seed Probiotics Daily Synbiotic FAQs

How long does Seed take to work?

Since it has localized benefits, most people notice the benefits (less bloating or more frequent bowel movements) within about 24-48 hours. Some of the other benefits will take longer to “notice,” and you may not notice any changes at all in terms of cardiovascular health.

Seed Probiotic Side Effects

While I didn’t experience any adverse side effects when I started taking Seed, some people have noted that they had some bloating, increased gas, loose stool, and headaches when they first started taking Seed. Typically, those things are resolved after a short period, but it’s worth noting if you experience the same thing.

How much does Seed cost?

You can only buy Seed probiotics online, but that’s a major perk for me. I like that the probiotics ship to me monthly, so I don’t have to think of re-ordering them. And I like their approach to sustainability, where they send refills for a green glass jar rather than entirely new containers each month. All of the packaging is compostable. It’s actually really cool – some of their packaging is made from mushrooms. Oh, and it’s completely shelf-stable, so you don’t have to worry about that.

Your initial order comes in a box with with a glass jar to hold your monthly refills. They also include a travel jar, which I love! While your order only includes a one-month supply, they are shelf-stable for 18 months at temperatures up to 78 degrees.

The cost is $49.99 a month, which is about $1.60 a day.

A little pricey, yes, but to me, your gut health far outweighs a Starbucks coffee run. Since you purchase Seed as a monthly subscription, it’s also great to note that you can skip a month or cancel altogether at any time. I highly doubt you’ll want to, but if you do, it’s not an issue!

Oh, and shipping is free!

And then you just dump the refills into your jar! They come in a 30-day supply.

Where to buy Seed Probiotics

You can only buy Seed from Seed.com. They are only available as a monthly subscription, which provides a 30 day supply each month. The shipping is free, which is a great bonus.

Is Seed Probiotics FDA approved?

The FDA actually recently authorized an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for DS-01 (the Daily Synbiotic). This is an important milestone because it grants permission to begin clinical trials to investigate the safety and efficacy of a drug, food, or dietary supplement.

Is Seed safe for kids?

Fun fact, Seed actually has a Prebiotic made specifically for kids! The PDS-08® Pediatric Daily Synbiotic for Kids + Teens is great for ages 3-17. Thomas hasn’t tried this yet, so I don’t have a personal experience to share, but if your child struggles with digestive woes and tummy aches, you may want to read into Seed’s Kid’s Prebiotic.

Is Seed pregnancy safe?

I took Seed during both of my pregnancies (and while breastfeeding), but always check with your doctor about your particular situation.

Fun company fact: Seed Co-Founders Ara Katz and Raja Dhir were introduced when Ara was pregnant. Her journey through pregnancy and breastfeeding is part of what inspired their vision for Seed.

You can purchase Seed here. Use promo code TERI to get 15% off your first month.

The post My Honest Seed Probiotic Review (NOT SPONSORED) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

UPDATE: After taking Modere Collagen for about a year, I now take a different form of liquid collagen, the Beauty Fountain from Oliveda. It tastes better than Modere and I like that it includes hydroxytyrosol, which is a highly effective antioxidant. I’ve left my Modere review below in case it’s helpful in your shopping decision. And here is my full Oliveda review.

Chances are you’ve heard the word “collagen” a lot lately. It’s become a popular buzzword in the world of anti-aging, skin, and joint health, but first, what is it? Collagen is a protein in our bodies responsible for making strong bones, muscles, tendons, etc. And when you’re young, your body produces a lot of collagen, which is part of why we feel so agile and youthful in our younger years.

But as we age, our body stops producing as much collagen, which results in our bodies feeling stiffer and less agile and our skin begins to sag and wrinkle and our hair begins to thin. All of the things we complain about as we age, right? But hey, it’s just part of it! (I do miss the days where I didn’t really need to warm up before a workout though!)

Your body starts to decrease collagen production in your 20s and you lose about 1% of your collagen every year, so by age 50 you have nearly 30% less collagen than you did at 20, and almost 50% less collagen by the time you’re 70.

While there are many types of collagen in our bodies, type II is most important for articular cartilage (the connective tissue in our joints). The three major components for healthy joints are type II collagen, hyaluronic acid (essential for skin hydration, tissue maintenance, etc.), and chondroitin sulfate (supports joint flexibility).

The most important type for skin, nail and hair health is Type I collagen. And some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, wrinkles and roughness, as well as signs of aging.

So then the question poses itself, “Can you just take more collagen in through your diet?”.

And the answer is…sort of. I’ve taken collagen for years and years and it’s one of those things that I can’t say definitively made a difference since there are so many things that could go into my joint health and my mobility (or lack thereof!), including my exercise routine, genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding and more. And there’s mixed research when it comes to taking collagen supplements, but I’ve found a lot of comfort in the fact that one of my favorite running cookbooks (Run Fast Eat Slow) recommends collagen since I wholeheartedly trust the authors of that cookbook (Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky). But, most dietitians recommend that if you are going to take collagen, it should come through food sources (like bone broth) for the best results.

All that to say, I love the idea of collagen supplements and I do feel like they can provide some benefits and they certainly can’t hurt as long as you’re getting a high-quality brand. I’ve always taken a powdered form, usually Collagen for Her. But when I learned about Modere and the fact that it’s a liquid, I was intrigued because a liquid form is so convenient. I find that the powder makes things taste funny (and no matter what people say, it does taste funny), so if I use Collagen For Her, I typically put it in a smoothie. But, let’s say I’m not making a smoothie. That’s when I really like Modere as a liquid collagen option.

I’ve been getting a number of questions about Modere on Instagram (where it’s quite trendy), so I ordered some to try it for myself.

(You can read my review of Collagen for Her in this post. Note that while that post was sponsored, this post is NOT.)

In this post I’m going to share how Modere Collagen is different from other collagen on the market, what ingredients it uses, the benefits they claim and the ones I’ve noticed, and my honest thoughts since trying it for a few months.

Let’s jump in.

Modere Collagen Review

Modere is unique in the way they create their collagen. They state that most collagen molecules are naturally very large in our bodies, which makes them very hard to absorb and utilize. That’s why they use a unique science to create a collagen molecule that’s small enough for our bodies to digest called BioCell. I think this is a particularly interesting argument for using a liquid collagen vs. a powdered form. I don’t know enough about the science to really dig into it and evaluate the claims, but it certainly makes sense that it’s not enough to just ingest something. It needs to be absorbed into the body to get the most benefit. Bioavailability of a supplement can be just as important than what’s on a nutrition label.

So, with that goal in mind, Modere created a highly bioavailable liquid form of sternal cartilage that is a matrix of collagen, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. It is derived from humanely-treated chickens raised without GMOs, antibiotics and hormones on some of the world’s most reputable and regulated farms located in the US and Europe. Their products are manufactured in the United States and it’s actually headquartered in my home state, Utah, in a town where I worked during college. I always have a soft spot for Utah-based companies.

Modere Liquid collagen is a combination of Type II collagen, hyaluronic acid, and a small amount of chondroitin that work together to enhance absorption and utilization. And it works because it mirrors the composition of our body’s own articular cartilage.

Ingredients

The below list is slightly long, but it can be helpful to see everything at a glance since the liquid collagen has more ingredients than powdered forms.What I DON’T like is that all that fruit is NOT organic. More on that below.

• Apple fruit juice concentrate – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from apple (Malus domestica).
• Grape juice concentrate (fruit) – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from grape (Vitis vinifera).
• Liquid BioCell® – Supports joint mobility and lubrication, and skin hydration. Hydrolyzed collagen type II peptides, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid made from chicken cartilage.
• Strawberry fruit juice concentrate – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from strawberry (Fragaria ananassa).
• Mangosteen fruit – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana).
• Cranberry fruit juice concentrate – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from ripe cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon).
• Blueberry fruit juice concentrate- Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium).
• Jujube fruit – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from jujube fruit (Ziziphis jujuba).
• Acai berry extract – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from acai berry (Euterpe oleracea).
• Wolfberry fruit extract – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from wolfberry (aka – goji) fruit (Lycium barbarum).
• Pomegranate fruit juice concentrate – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from pomegranate (Punica granatum).
• Noni fruit – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia).
• Maqui berry – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from macqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis).
• Nopal leaf extract – Supports antioxidant capacity. Made from prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica).
• Resveratrol – Supports antioxidant capacity, cardiovascular health and healthy aging. Made from Japanese knotweed root.
• Purified water – This is an absorption agent. Purified by reverse osmosis and deionization.
• Citric acid – Provides acidity regulator to preserve freshness. Made from the fermentation of sugar.
• Fruit and vegetable juice – Provides color. Made from carrot (Daucus carota sativa) and blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium).
• Ascorbic acid – Preserves freshness. Form of vitamin C made by fermentation.
• Pectin – Thickens and stabilizes. Made from citrus peel.
• Potassium sorbate – Preserves freshness. Salt of sorbic acid made from synthetic sources.
• Natural flavors – Provides mixed berry flavor. Made from natural sources.
• Sodium citrate – Preserves freshness. Salt of citric acid made from synthetic sources.
• Xanthan gum – Thickener and stabilizer. Made from fermentation of carbohydrates.
• Rebaudioside A – Sweetener. Made from stevia leaf (Stevia rebaudiana).

Modere Collagen Benefits

It’s important to note that these benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and they list the typical disclaimer on their website, i.e.“This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” But I have noticed many of these myself as I’ve been taking Modere Collagen. People typically notice a difference between 30-60 days of consistent usage.

Improved joint mobility and lubrication

I would LOVE to see a marked improvement in this since my ankles and knees are SO achy and crunch and pop and I’m not even 40. I plan to the try the Sport Collagen to see if it helps with that.

Reduced joint discomfort

Promotes healthy cartilage and connective tissue

Improved muscle tone

Reduced wrinkles

Increases skin’s collagen content

This helps with visible signs of aging.

Improves skin’s hydration, firmness and elasticity

This is one of my biggest goals and I do feel like my elasticity has improved since taking the Skin collagen regularly.

Reduces hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that can make your skin age.

Promotes healthy hair, nails, gums and eyes

Supports cardiovascular health

Boosts vitality

What does that even mean? haha.

Modere Biocell Product Line

Modere makes four different liquid biocell collagen products. All with slightly different goals, as outlined below.

Modere has done studies in controlled clinical environments to show that the body readily recognizes and accepts all types of Liquid BioCell. Their studies actually compared collagen and hyaluronic acid levels in the skin and in the blood of participants at weekly intervals. They saw measured increases in collagen and hyaluronic acid among study participants, indicating that Modere Liquid Biocell collagen is effectively absorbed into the bloodstream and is not broken down in the digestive system the same way as typical collagen proteins. (Source)

All of their liquid collagens should be taken as one tablespoon, twice daily. I typically take one in the morning and one at night.

Liquid BioCell Skin

BioCell Skin, Hair, and Nails contains the Modere BioCell blend and then 18 fruit and vegetable concentrates. It’s essentially superfood juices, which are full of antioxidants. There’s no way to tell just how much of each of the 18 fruits and veggie concentrates are included, however. A study that was completed in 2004 found that these concentrates increased the antioxidants in the blood, which is what improved skin health (reduced skin aging by reducing the damage from free radicals, which speeds up aging).

Liquid BioCell Life

Liquid BioCell Life is pretty similar to the Skin version, but it contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that may play a role in the prevention of chronic diseases, and Wolfberry, which has similar benefits as well. This is the one that I’ve tried and I do like the taste!

Liquid BioCell Pure

Liquid BioCell Pure is simply the BioCell blend of collagen and hyaluronic acid. It does not contain any sugar or calories, so this is a great option if you want to ONLY get the collagen and HA. This is the best option if you’re taking collagen for your skin or joint health.

Liquid BioCell Sport

Liquid BioCell Sport is very similar to the Skin and Life options. It contains BioCell and a variety of fruit and vegetable concentrates, but it also has an amino acid blend of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) and L-carnitine. These help improve exercise performance and increase muscle strength. None of the other BioCell options contain protein, but this does contain 1 gram. This product is also NSF certified, so athletes can take it since it fuels physical and mental performance.

This is the one I want to try next since my ankles really bother me as I’ve started aging (almost 40) and I’m hoping this will improve some of my joint issues.

My Review of Modere Collagen

Okay now that you know all of the details, let’s get into my personal thoughts.

Pros

Tastes good!

Like I mentioned above, powdered collagen does taste funny, no matter what people say, and the only way not to taste it is to bury it in a smoothie. I cannot take it in coffee. I don’t find that the Modere BioCell Collagen tastes bad at all; in fact, I like it. But, I haven’t tried all the different types they sell (only Skin and Life), so maybe the Pure or Sport is nasty. (If you’ve tried others, let me know!)

Different types of collagen for different goals

I love that there are options. If you prefer to skip on the fruits and veggies, the BioCell Pure is a perfect option. I prefer to have all of the superfoods in my collagen, and I have that option with the Skin or Life Biocell.

Less joint pain

I have noticed that my ankles and wrists (which are VERY prone to a deep ache) don’t hurt as much since regularly taking collagen. They do say it improves joint health. Placebo effect? Maybe. Worth it? Yes.

LONG lashes

My lashes and nails grow so much faster when I’m regularly taking collagen! This took a few months to notice but it definitely is noticeable if you stick with it. When I stopped taking it, I noticed a distinct difference.

Cons

Expensive

It’s VERY expensive collagen, especially considering I feel like I’m paying for juice. Superfood juice, yes, but still juice. They do have referral codes that customers can share with their friends and this link should save you $10. Every bit counts, right?

There ARE a few ways to save however.

• You can join Modere as a Subscribe & Save member (there’s an option at checkout). Once you select that, you get 5-15% off monthly orders and off any a la carte orders. On your second shipment, you’ll receive $20 in product credit and on your third shipment, Modere will MATCH your savings (i.e. if you are at the 10% off tier, your third shipment will be 20% off). You get a text message each month before it ships and it’s super easy to cancel.
• Additionally, each customer receives their own referral code, GIVE $10, get $10 in product credit for future purchases.

Not organic

Considering how many fruits and veggie concentrates are added, I feel like they should be organic, especially since non-organic berries have some of the highest levels of pest control spray.

Bottom Line

Overall, I really like Modere Collagen. I use it a few times per week, when I’m not having a smoothie (I use Collagen for Her with I have smoothies since you can’t taste it) and when I run out of Collagen for Her, I’ll probably switch to this exclusively. I wish Modere’s wasn’t so expensive. But that’s the case with so many things where you’re paying for convenience.

I tried a few other items from Modere when I ordered the BioCell. This may sound weird, but I am truly OBSESSED with the toothpaste. I also tried the TRIM that’s supposed to inhibit fat storage, reduce fat cell formation (help with weight loss), improve muscle tone and restore youthful skin, but no luck with that. It gave me diarrhea (sorry, I know that’s TMI, but how’s that for side effects!).

If you decide to place an order with collagen, below are other things I like as well as a few things I just ordered. One to note is that while they DO have a generous return policy (full refund), it’s kind of a pain. I had to get on the phone with them vs. just process it online. So keep that in mind.

A few other Modere products I love:

Toothpaste – I didn’t know I could be THAT obsessed with toothpaste. My teeth feel like I just had professional cleaning and it’s free of crap that’s in most commercial toothpaste! I love the mouthwash too!

Digestive Enzymes – filled with lots of good things to help with upset stomachs after an occasionally heavy meal.

Phytos – these are powdered greens, fruits and superfoods. I ordered them to see how they compared to Balance of Nature, which I’ve used for 20+ years. I’ll do a full review soon, but in short, I actually like them BETTER, which is did NOT expect.

Sunless tanning foam – I haven’t used a self tanner since middle school and was still scared 25+ years later since it was so streaky and smelled so bad, ha! I was BLOWN away by how easy this is to apply (the mitt is fantastic) and how natural it looks. I’ve gotten so many comments about how tan I am and people ask if I’m hitting the pool a lot. No, no I am not.

I have all of these items and the Skin Collagen on Subscribe & Save so I save money and if I’m not out of anything when it comes time to ship, I just remove whatever I don’t need. (You get texts before your order ships.)

Alright, that’s it! I hope this is helpful. If you have questions, let me know and I’ll do my best to help answer!

The post Modere Collagen Review + how it compares other collagen brands appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.