Clif Bars

I’m a BIG fan of Clif Bar & Company.  They’ve done great things to create sustainability, promote eco-initiatives, provide healthy programs for employees, support their communities, and engineer a variety of organic & sustainable products for consumers.  Read all about Clif Bar & Company in their 2007 Aspirations Report.  You’ll become a big fan, just like me!

I’m a hypoglycemic, lactose-intolerant vegeholic* (*my definition: someone who can’t seem to get enough fruits & veggies but could really live without meat).  As a result, I need a consistent supply of protein to regulate my blood sugar levels but don’t naturally get it due to the lack of dairy and meat in my diet.  Clif Bar products to the rescue!  Clif Bar products do not use dairy sources, no high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated fats, and contain high levels of protein.  Each Clif Bar product has a different purpose and benefits, and you can find out the details for each at the Clif Bar website.  Here are some thoughts:

Clif Bar: The Original: These all natural energy bars are a conglomeration of all kinds of natural goodness.  They average 230 calories per bar and contain 23 vitamins & minerals.  They come in a large variety of flavors, so if you don’t like one be sure to try some others!  Some people don’t like the mish-mash ingredients, but it warmly reminds me of a hearty cookie…  These bars now also come in minis!!!  You can’t buy them everywhere, but the minis are 100-110 calories apiece, perfect for any girl’s (or guy’s) pre-workout energy boost.  For the girls (and guys), there are also Clif Luna Bars below with other girl-friendly considerations.

Luna Bar: At 170-190 calories per bar, these are designed as the perfect fuel for active women who don’t want the calories of the average energy bar.  It contains 23 vitamins & minerals in a combination just for women, including high calcium and folic acid, as well as 9-10 grams of protein and 3g of fiber.  They come in a wide range of tasty flavors that don’t have that typical energy bar taste.  I usually keep a small stash of these around for when I’m having a sugar craving but want my calories to count for something.  These always hit the spot!

• Luna Bars also come in 3 specialty varieties: Luna Sport, Luna Teacakes, and Luna Sunrise.  I have not tried the Sport or Teacakes.  I have tried the Luna Sunrise, which comes in more breakfasty flavors than the original.  Sunrise does not have as many vitamins, contains more carbs, and fewer grams of protein than the original.  However, if you like these flavors better, you’re still giving your body a healthy boost.

Clif Mojo Bar: “The Sweet and Salty Trail Mix Bar” The biggest snacking surprise of the year!  I had low expectations of this bar, since I’ve tried many fruit and nut snack bars in the past and have never been particularly impressed.  If you have the same feelings, you should really give this a shot!  The glycemic index of this bar must be incredibly low.  I normally need to eat at least every 3 hours, but after eating this bar I was fully satisfied for over 5 hours!  Wow.  This bar does not contain the same number of vitamins & minerals as other Clif Bars, and each bar has around 200 calories.  But if you’re looking for sustained energy, this may be it.

• Clif Mojo Bars also come in a Dipped variety, which I have not tried.

Clif Nectar Bar and Nectar Cacao: This is how I bribe my husband into eating his daily serving of fruit.  Each bar contains two full servings of fruit, is made from 100% organic ingredients, and is a serious source of fiber.  These are pure decadence and might as well be eaten for dessert. We’ve tried every flavor, and they are delicious!!!  While these are an expensive way to get your fruit, they are a guiltless indulgence.

Clif Builder’s Bar: This bar claims to be the only all-natural protein bar, and it has 20g of protein per bar which means the glycemic index is very low.  It’s marketed toward men, but I’m a big, big, big fan of this one!  (Oh, and the hubby like it too!) There are about 270 calories for a full bar, so I like to eat one bar in stages throughout the day between meals to keep myself fueled. I was particularly impressed with the texture of this bar, which has a layer of “clif pro” (rice and soy puff stuff) and a layer of thick protein-y goodness, all dipped in a coating. (Sorry for the poor terminology!) This is simply a delight to eat, and I like it with a cup of coffee.  However, I’ve only tried the Vanilla Almond flavor so far, so the others may still be suspect.

Clif Kid Z Bar and Twisted Fruit: I haven’t tried these, but my hunch is they’re good!  They’re marketed as a healthier alternative to granola bars and fruit snacks.  According to Reader Ashley (see her comment below), she eats the Z Bars for dessert.  I’ll just have to try that myself…

Clif Shot: This is Clif Bar’s line for performance atheletes, and I haven’t tried any of them.  (I guess I’m just your average runner…)  There are 4 options: Shot Blocks is a pack of 33 calorie cubes to pop while on the course; Shot Gel is a packet of liquid carbs for an on-the-go boost; Shot Electrolyte Drink is a mix to use in your water bottle for before and during performance; and Shot Recovery Drink is a mix that contains all kinds of body-nourishing nutrients.  Once I try them, I’ll let you know.

I hope you turn out to be a big Clif Bar fan just like me!  Feel free to share your thoughts and comments, especially on the products I have yet to try.

Posted by: Lynnette

Burt’s Bees Royal Jelly Eye Cream

This is the second installment in my quest for the perfect eye cream.  For my other eye cream review (and more to come), click here.

Why I’m on an Eye Cream Quest:  My eyes are extremely sensitive to changes in the weather, and if the delicate skin around my eyes is not properly moisturized, it gets scaly – literally scaly.  I’ve spoken to my doctor and several cosmetics consultants who all gave me the same answer: my skin is reacting as though I was not using any moisturizer whatsoever.  But I was!  But I do!  It turns out that the pores around your eyes are smaller than the rest of the pores on your face.  Eye creams are specially formulated to be finer than regular facial moisturizers in order to be properly absorbed by that fine eye skin.  However, not all eye creams are created equal!  Apparently my eye pores are very, very small, and some eye cream formulas are not quite fine enough for my skin to absorb.  Therefore, some eye creams sit atop my eye skin for hours, eventually evaporating into the air.  Unfortunately, I cannot determine at the time whether the cream has been absorbed or evaporated, and it takes at least a week of using a product to determine whether or not it is effective.  Consequently, I have tried many, many different types of eye cream and would love to share my experiences with you. 

About 7 months ago, I went on an all-natural cosmetics makeover.  Because I had not yet discovered the Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy by my house, I scoured the Bartell’s shelves for affordable natural products and ended up with an entire stash of Burt’s Bees facial care.  I have mixed reviews about the whole experience, which I’ll likely expose to you at a later date.  The Burt’s Bees Royal Jelly Eye Cream retails around $15 most places.

Things to love:  This stuff is 98.75% natural and contains a laundry list of good-for-you ingredients that you can find on the Burt’s Bees website.  Because it’s so natural, this product is great for people with chemical sensitivity, and I’ve read several rave reviews to the effect.

Less than perfect:  The texture of this product is like a cross between Vaseline and cream; therefore, giving it a very glossy finish that looks great alone but is impossible to apply just prior to eye makeup application.  It was so thick and moisturizing that I started using it only before bed.  Also, after about a month of use, my eyelid scales returned!  Oh no!  This means that the little moisturizing particles weren’t quite small enough for all of my tiny eyelid pores, and my eyelid was thirsty even under the layer of the cream.

Final analysis:  Most people don’t have my tiny eyelid pore problem, but the inability to apply it under eye makeup would have been a deal breaker for me in any case.  However, if you have very sensitive skin and don’t wear eye makeup because of it, this might help you get the moisture you need without irritating you.  It’s also cheaper than most natural eye creams.

Posted by: Lynnette

Aveeno Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream

Expect this to be the first in a long series of eye cream reviews.  My eyes are extremely sensitive to changes in the weather, and if the delicate skin around my eyes is not properly moisturized, it gets scaly – literally scaly.  I’ve spoken to my doctor and several cosmetics consultants who all gave me the same answer: my skin is reacting as though I was not using any moisturizer whatsoever.  But I was!  But I do!  It turns out that the pores around your eyes are smaller than the rest of the pores on your face.  Eye creams are specially formulated to be finer than regular facial moisturizers in order to be properly absorbed by that fine eye skin.  However, not all eye creams are created equal!  Apparently my eye pores are very, very small, and some eye cream formulas are not quite fine enough for my skin to absorb.  Therefore, some eye creams sit atop my eye skin for hours, eventually evaporating into the air.  Unfortunately, I cannot determine at the time whether the cream has been absorbed or evaporated, and it takes at least a week of using a product to determine whether or not it is effective.  Consequently, I have tried many, many different types of eye cream and would love to share my experiences with you. 

I tried the Aveeno Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream in my search for a natural product that wouldn’t break the bank.  I believe that it retails for around $20 for 0.5oz, which is pretty par for the course on decent drugstore eye creams.

Things to love:  Before I used this product, my eyes were in a scaly condition, and after a week the scales had completely subsided, revealing smooth eye skin that felt awesomely moisturized.  As the name suggests, it does life and firm the eye skin, creating a nice palette for eye shadow.  However, I’m in my mid-20’s and do not know how well it would work on middle-aged eyelids.  (If you know, let me know.)  The cream contains a faint hint of sparkle, which is great for those days when you want to wash & go.  Lastly, the pump container allows you to use just enough and not a drop more.

Less than perfect:  This cream contains Shiitake mushroom extract.  Directly on the packaging, there is a warning to avoid contact with the eye itself because of the extract.  Let me tell you: it stings!  It only took one slip of the finger in application for me to forever be much more careful with my precision.  I rinsed my eye out and the stinging was gone within a minute.  However, if you have sensitive eyeballs or wear contacts, this should definitely be a factor you consider.

Final analysis:  If you do not have sensitive eyes and don’t want to pay a fortune for high-end natural brands, I’d recommend you give this a shot.  Overall, it’s moisturizing performance is great.  As far as eye creams are concerned, it’s on the inexpensive end of the spectrum and won’t be a huge loss if you end up not liking it.

Posted by: Lynnette

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy

For the past year and a half, I’ve passed the Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacyon 45th Street in Seattle countless times.  Tucked back off of the street on the first floor of the Wallingford Center, it’s difficult to see into the windows without looking silly.  Consequently, I had learned to quell my curiousity by ignoring its existence.  Meanwhile, I’d scoured the shelves at the Bartell’s and QFC across the street, searching intently for any decent natural products to offer my skin and home.  Occasionally, I would venture to the pharmacy section of the local Whole Foods but would rarely buy unfamiliar products.  Why would I spend such a premium if I don’t know if it’ll work?

Yesterday, I finally ventured into the Pharmaca in response to a mailbox ad I received last week.  The colorful newsprint featured many of my favorite and familiar natural brands and quickly convinced me that I’ve been needlessly scouring shelves at other stores for far too long! 

Things to love: 

• Selection.  Everything from candles, greeting cards, fitness, supplements, teas, prescriptions, home care, pet care, soaps, lotions, make-up, skin care, hair care, chocolates, books, magazines, and more.
• Staff.  These ladies were incredibly helpful and responsive to my questions.  They knew about each product and also suggested alternatives, citing pros and cons for each.  I really appreciated the customer service and personal attention I witnessed them give to me and to all of the other customers – including a 10-year-old girl wanting to know the differences in types of chocolate!
• Cosmetics & Skin Care.  This was likely my favorite part of the store.  They carry Dr. Hauschka’s, Avalon Organics, Astara, Zia, and many others that I don’t remember.  However, I can say that they have the full spectrum of price ranges, which I definitely appreciate.  They also have a “Makeover Bar” with a full set of cosmetics and products to try right there with the assistance of a staff member.  I was looking for a good eye cream.  Instead of trying to sell me the cream right there, she sent me home with several different samples and told me about each.  I really appreciate the opportunity to try these premium products before making the monetary commitment.  They also give the same sample treatment with all of their cosmetics and skin care products, and I can guarantee that I’ll be back!
• Price.  While most of the products are premium in comparison to those at the local drug store, the prices are very reasonable compared to other retailers for the same and similar items.
• Pharmacy.  The pharmacy accepts most insurance carriers.  While I haven’t tried this out, I intend to do so the next time I need to fill a prescription. 

Less than perfect:  Pharmaca is currently only located in selected areas of California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington State. (Check out the website for specific locations.)  Unfortunately for those of you who live outside these areas, the Pharmaca website doesn’t contain a product list or links to featured brands.  You’ll have to stick to alternative means of obtaining great natural brands.

Final Analysis:  I’m sold and never want to walk into a normal drug store ever again.  If you’re into natural products, this is definitely something for you to check out.  If you haven’t tried many natural products, this is a great place to get started with the help of their knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Posted by: Lynnette

Dr. Hauschka’s Mascara

I’ve been wearing contact lenses since I turned thirteen and mascara for about as long. Since then I’ve been searching for the perfect mascara: one that won’t clump, flake, or irritate my contacts, and one without scary ingredients. I may not have found my perfect mascara, but I like Dr. Hauschka’s much better than anything I’ve tried to date.

Dr. Hauschka makes high-end, natural beauty and skin care products. Guilty confession: I was inspired to try this stuff because I heard that Julia Roberts was a fan. It’s not readily available at big-name pharmacies, however. In Chattanooga, I buy it at Greenlife, but you may need to order it online if your natural grocery doesn’t have a large beauty department. The mascara comes in a sleek tube and is available in black, brown, and royal blue and is also available in a “volume” version.

Things to love: the mascara doesn’t dry out — all day. Your lashes look fresh until you wash the stuff off at night. I’ve only tried the black, but it’s a pretty, rich color that looks very natural. It also feels good on and is never stiff. I rarely see any flaking, either. According to Dr. Hauschka, the mascara actually nourishes your lashes with organic plant extracts. I’m particular about what I put near my eyes–much more so than the rest of my face–and so the natural ingredients are a huge plus for me.

Less than perfect: this mascara isn’t cheap. At $23.50 a tube, you’re definitely making an investment. I think it’s worth it, but for some it’s a definite budget-buster. Another strike against it is that is comes off very easily, which can lead to smudging at the first hint of moisture. On the plus side, the smudges clean up easily and the mascara comes off without a trace before bed.

Final Analysis: For me, this is a worth-while beauty splurge. I love the way the product feels on my lashes, and it doesn’t have that funky mascara smell. Especially for you ladies with sensitive eyes, this a great product.

Posted by: Catie