Friday 5: Five foods I got to try this spring

People like to send me things to eat. I like food.  It’s pretty much a marriage made in heaven.

So, I’m joining up with Cynthia, Courtney, and Mar for their Friday Five with  5 yummy things I was sent this spring to try. Surprisingly, I liked them all.

1. Ladera Granola

I’ll be honest, I only eat granola when someone gives me some or if it’s part of a breakfast buffet.  It’s not that I don’t like granola, it’s that I like it too much.  If I have it in the house, I snack on it until it’s gone (usually in an alarmingly short amount of time).  That said, if I were going to buy granola, I’d buy Ladera Granola.  It’s made in the USA, has all natural ingredients (whole grain oats, all natural California almonds, extra virgin olive oil, grade A medium amber maple syrup, all natural California pecans, brown sugar, spices , salt), and is packaged in a recyclable package.  I think the bag they sent me lasted one day.  Really.  So yummy!

2. PowerICE

You know those popsicles you buy that are in the plastic bags and you freeze at home?  The ones that you buy for your children, but end up eating too?  Yeah, these taste exactly that.  I’ve enjoyed a few after hot runs this summer and they are awesome! Electrolytes + ice = super refreshing.  I’m actually going to buy a few boxes to keep in the freezer for a reward after my summer runs.

3. Pure Protein Bars and Drinks

I first had one of these at the Alexandria Running Festival expo.  I’d forgotten to eat lunch and was getting crabby.  This was a life saver!  So, I was excited when the company offered to send me some to review.  They sent me a bunch of bars and some of their shakes to try.  I liked that the amount of protein (19-21 grams) per serving is high but still within the range of what dieticians have told me your body can absorb at once.  The flavor of the bars is really good.  The shakes I was a little “meh” about.  I was disappointed to realize that all of their products have sucrolose, which I try not to make a regular part of my diet.  I will keep them around for those times when I  just CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT CHOCOLATE (you know those times).  They seem to satisfy that craving and, unlike candy bars, I can keep them in the house and have no real desire for one and they don’t set me on a sugar binge.

4. PJ’s Organic Burritos

OMG!  These were soooo good!  I was sent the new breakfast burritos to try and I loved every flavor that they sent me.  Confession: I ate them for dinner.  My favorite was the Denver style, but the Surf’s Up one was pretty awesome with a dab of Greek yogurt.  I love that they are organic, as locally sourced as possible, and have a decent amount of protein.  Even better, I’ve seen them in my regular grocery store.  We don’t buy a lot of pre-made foods, but I do keep a few things in the freezer for soccer night or when Beer Geek has to fix his own dinner.

5. Muscle Milk 

I was sent three cases of this as an ambassador for ZOOMA: chocolate, vanilla, and light chocolate.  I gave away the light chocolate as I don’t really like the flavor of it.  Too artificial tasting.  The regular chocolate though?  Hello, addiction.  I could drink these every day, but I save them for when I’ve run a race.  I’ve taken one along for every half marathon this spring and had it after the race.  I like the combo of protein and carbs and that it doesn’t need to be refrigerated.  I have a hard time eating immediately after a race and I’m usually in need of both calories and hydration, so this has become my go to for refueling immediately post race.  Doesn’t hurt that I love the flavor too!

Have you tried any new foods recently?