Review: Vega Whole Food Vibrancy Bars By Sequel Naturals

Recently we were given the opportunity to test out the newest addition to Vega's award-winning product line, the Whole Food Vibrancy Bars in Wholesome Original and Green Synergy (they are also available in Chocolate Decadence).

Like all of Vega's products these bars are all-natural, raw and organic. Unlike many of the power or sports bars on the market, Vibrancy bars are vegan, gluten-free, sprouted, alkaline-forming and rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients and Omega 3.

My husband and I enjoyed both of the bars however my 3-year-old daughter preferred the taste of the Wholesome Originals as it had more of a pleasant flavor whereas the Green Synergy tasted very "green". I will be purchasing a few for travel snacks as they are extremely healthy.

Each bar contains:

* 17.5g of sprouts, rich in enzymes and phytonutrients
* 10g of raw protein for easy digestion
* 4g of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids
* 5g of soluble and insoluble fibre (20% of RDI)

I love that these bars contain 0 refined sugar, soy, and are GMO and pesticide free. They make excellent snacks and are nutrient powerhouses!

These are available at most Health Food stores however if you are unable to find them where you are, check out Sequel Naturals to order online or to view a list of retailers in your area

Thanks to Sequel Naturals for providing us with a few samples of these bars for review!

Raw Chocolate Orange pudding

I made this pudding last week and was blown away! I find it is more of a chocolate mousse than a pudding. So rich, creamy and smooth it would be a sure hit for vegans and non vegans a like. Vegan Fusion has some great recipes in their cookbook as well as on their website.

Chocolate Orange Pudding

from the Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Raw

Sure to please the whole family, this pudding actually resembles an elegant mousse.

Yield: 3 cups
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1+ hours
Serving size: [1/3] cup

2 cups avocado, mashed
6 TB. raw cacao powder
2 TB. raw carob powder
2 tsp. orange zest
4 dates, soaked
[1/4] cup date soak water
[1/4] cup agave nectar
3 TB. freshly squeezed orange juice

1. In the food processor with the s-blade attachment, blend avocado, cacao powder, carob powder, orange zest, dates, date soak water, agave and orange juice on high speed for 40 seconds until a smooth consistency is reached.

2. Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Variations

Substitute [1/2] teaspoon of mint extract for orange zest.
Try adding 2 tablespoons of rose water.

Recipe courtesy of Jennifer Murray.

Mark Reinfeld, Author, Vegan Fusion World Cuisine: Healing Recipes and Timeless Wisdom from our Hearts to Yours & The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Raw

Please visit www.veganfusion.com or www.blossominglotus.com for more information.

Healthy raw pudding

I found this on the VegFamily website while searching for healthy snacks for my daughter earlier this year. She LOVES it and its chock-full of nutrients.

Dad's Sneaky Pudding

This recipe was created by Earthsave International's Chair of the Board of Directors, Louisville Lawyer and amazing chef, John Borders.

• 1.5 cups frozen strawberries
• 1 banana
• 1-2 tsp. carob or cocoa powder
• 2 tsp. flaxseed oil
• 3-5 Tbsp. nut butter (cashew or almond)
• 2-3 Tbsp. orange juice or other healthy juice such as carrot juice
• 2 Tbsp. fortified soymilk
• 1/8-1/4 avocado

Set your little companion up on a stool beside you, ready to toss in the ingredients and push the button. Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender. This works best in a food processor; you might add a bit more juice or soymilk if you use a blender. Blend until smooth.

Makes 2 servings.

Per serving: 336 calories, 7 g protein, 40 g carbohydrate, 19 g fat.

Source