Product Review: Viva Naturals Organic Argan Oil

VIVA NATURALS ORGANIC ARGAN OIL is perfect for your skin and hair. If your hair likes to frizz out during these hot and humid summer days, try Argan Oil. If your skin seems parched...even if you are oily....try Argan Oil. Celebrities are raving about Argan Oil as the new beauty secret. Nourish your skin and your hair with Viva Naturals Organic Argan Oil.

I have fine hair that lays flat and lifeless or is frizzy, especially during the high humidity days we have been having this summer. Adding a drop of Argan Oil to my palm, I gently smooth the Argan Oil into my damp hair and I no longer have to worry about the frizz halo around my head. It also makes my hair feel a little thicker and is easier to style.

I have also used Argan Oil to moisturize and nourish my skin while I sleep. I have very oily skin and I used to think I couldn't use moisturizers because it would only make me more oily. But that is actually far from the truth. Oily skin usually needs MORE moisture. After washing my face before bed, I add a drop of Argan Oil and gently massage it onto my face. At first, it feels odd to have that much oil on your face, but it quickly absorbs into your skin and by morning, your face will feel amazing. Catherine Zeta-Jones does this every night and contributes her dewy complexion to her use of Argan Oil. I can really notice a difference in my skin as well as my hair after using the Argan Oil. 

Viva Naturals Argan Oil is certified organic and additive free. The oil is cold-pressed from kernels of the Moroccan argan tree so it's the real deal. There is a slight odor when you apply the argan oil that only last for seconds and then you can no longer smell it at all. 

I've been thrilled with the results of Viva Naturals Argan Oil. If you would like to purchase some, click the photo below:

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Thanks to Viva Naturals for sending this product for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the product through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Product Review: Viva Labs Organic Hemp Protein

I have been using protein powder in my smoothies for quite awhile. But after being approached to try Hemp Protein, I was curious because I had never heard of it. If you need a vegetarian or gluten-free protein option, Hemp Protein is for you. Viva Labs harvests the very best hemp from Canada where they carefully shell and press the seeds to extract that nutty flavor. It is then sifted to a very fine powder that removes the grittiness found in other hemp products. Since the hemp is cold-milled and never heated, it maintains the highest protein value for the greatest absorption. Viva Labs Organic Hemp Protein provides a solvent and preservative free product full of fatty acids, magnesium, iron, and other nutrients. 

I used the Hemp Protein in place of my regular protein powder in my usual fruit smoothie recipe. I didn't change any other ingredients except for the protein powder.  The biggest complaint about Hemp Protein is that it is grainy and gritty and doesn't dissolve well. I can report that this is NOT the case for the Viva Labs Organic Hemp Protein. I didn't notice any grainy texture or grittiness while drinking the smoothie. I did notice the flavor was slightly different compared to when I use a whey protein powder. I also shared the Hemp Protein with my cousin who has been trying to find the best Hemp Protein and had been really disappointed with the gritty and grainy ones she had been trying. After she tried the Viva Labs one, she was thrilled. She said she hardly tasted the powder and said it was not gritty at all. Two happy customers for Viva Lab's Organic Hemp Protein!

If you are looking for a gluten-free or vegetarian way to add protein to smoothies and other dishes, then I highly recommend the Viva Labs Organic Hemp Protein. You can see in the photos above, that the protein in the package is a very fine powder which will make it dissolve easily when mixed with other products. This is THE Hemp Protein to use and be sure you have a smoothie without that gritty texture!

If you would like to purchase a 1lb bag of Viva Labs Organic Hemp Protein, you can do so from their website, HERE. You can also purchase it in a 3lb quantity from Amazon by clicking the photo below:

Thanks to Viva Labs for sending me the product for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the product through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Product Review: Viva Labs Goji Berries with Goji Power Snack Recipe

I was sent a package of Viva Labs Goji Berriesto review. This 2lb package of Goji Berries is full of all kinds of nutrients and health benefits.  Goji Berries have been used for ages as part of Chinese medicine. It has also been called the "Longevity Berry".Goji Berries are known for their healing properties including strengthening the immune system and restoring major organs. They are one of the most nutrient-rich fruits in the world. This little berry includes all kinds of essential amino acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Imagine getting all of these nutrients in one tiny little berry!

Viva Labs Goji Berries are sourced directly from farmers in accordance with fair trade practices and are certified Organic.

I have used these Goji Berries in various ways including adding them to my regular trail mix, adding them to smoothies, and making Goji Power Snacks. They have a bit of a bitter flavor, but if added to other things it balances out. I don't think I could just eat Goji Berries alone like I would eat raisins. 

When adding Goji Berries to your smoothies, I recommend soaking them in water first. Just add enough water to cover the berries and let them sit for 10 minutes or so. Then add the berries along with the water to your smoothie.

I also like making these Goji Power Snacks to eat on the go or when I need a pick me up!

GOJI POWER SNACKS

10 Pitted Dates - I used Sunsweet Pitted Dates and chopped them up first

2 TBSP Coconut Oil

1/4 Cup Sesame Seeds - I used the entire .75 oz Tones container

1/4 Cup Chia Seeds

1/4 Cup Dried Goji Berries 

1/4 Cup Raw Shelled Pumpkin Seeds

1/2 Cup Shredded Coconut

Using your food processor, add the sesame seeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds.  Process until chopped fine.  Then add coconut oil, dates, and goji berries.  Process until blended into a paste. 

Roll into 12 balls and then roll into the coconut.  Keep them in the fridge.

If needed, add more coconut oil to keep balls held together.  You can also add almond or peanut butter if you like.

Also, the goji berries can be soaked in warm water to soften before processing, just drain the berries before adding them to the food processor.  

Each of the power snacks will give you a great start to your day....filling you with fiber, protein, and other amazing nutrients.  Pair these with a smoothie and you can't go wrong!  

If you would like to try Viva Labs Organic Goji Berries, click the photo below:

Thanks to Viva Labs for sending the Goji Berries to me for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the product through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews. 

Product Review: Viva Labs Raw Organic Cacao Nibs with Recipe

Viva Labs

Organic Raw Cacao Nibs

I was approached to review Viva Labs Organic Unsweetened Cacao Nibs I have never tried Cacao Nibs before and wasn't really sure what to do with them.  After some online research and looking around Pinterest, I found many ways to get all the benefits from Cacao Nibs.

Cacao Nibs look like shaved chocolate, but they don't melt in your hand if you hold them. They are crunchy and pack a strong chocolate flavor as well as have a chocolate scent. 

What is so special about Cacao Nibs?

Cacao Nibs are considered to be nature's chocolate and were known to be used in Mayan rituals and ceremonies.  Cacao Nibs offer cardiovascular health with having polyphenols, catechins, and procyanidins naturally present. These compounds help keep your cholesterol levels within the normal range.

Cacao Nibs contain essential daily minerals like magnesium, chromium, calcium, and iron. They also have theobromine which is a stimulant-free energy source.  Rather than the crash you get after eating chocolate or drinking coffee, Cacao Nibs will sustain your energy.

Viva Labs take great pride in having the finest variety of Cacao Nibs taken from Perunvian Criollo beans. They also use Fair Trade practices when growing and harvesting the beans with Peruvian Farmers.

How do I use Cacao Nibs?

I made a smoothie using Viva Labs Cacao Nibs. 

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SMOOTHIE

In your NutriBullet (or other blender system)

Add:

1 cup of Almond Milk

1/4 Cup of Peanut Butter

1 Tbs Chia Seeds

1 Tbs Cacao Nibs

Handful of ice cubes

(optional: 1/2 frozen banana)

Mix until all items are blended together.

If you are looking to add chocolate flavor without the calories and sugar, using Raw Cacao Nibs in smoothies, cookies, and granola is an excellent idea.  I have a much longer span of energy and feel like I am actually adding benefits rather than empty sugar calories to my diet. 

To purchase a 1 lb bag of Viva Labs Cacao Nibs, click the photo below:





Thanks to Viva Labs for sending this product for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the product through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting Sincerelystacie.com reviews.

Product Review: Viva Labs Quinoa

Viva Labs Organic Whole Grain Quinoa

Quinoa is the perfect accompaniment to a meal. Quinoa is Gluten-Free, offers a high nutrition value and is full of protein and high in fiber.  That means it will fill you up sooner than other pastas and that fullness will fuel you for the rest of your day.

Viva Labs guarantees their products and certifies that this Quinoa is USDA Organic. It is also pre-washed which saves you a step in the preparation process.

What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is an ancient South American staple cultivated from the pristine Andean mountains. It is revered as "the mother grain" and known to be "the gold of the Incas". Aesthetically it is similar to rice, but carries its own unique nutritional profile and texture. Quinoa does not belong to the same family as wheat, barley, oats or rye, making it suitable for anyone following a gluten-free diet. 

What's in Viva Labs Organic Quinoa 

Amino Acids: 
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Our quinoa is a complete protein source that contains all of the essential amino acids, making it highly suitable for vegetarians who typically follow a plant-based diet. Essential amino acids are those that are not made in the body, and must therefore be obtained through the diet. The U.S. recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body mass, or about 0.4 grams per pound. Each serving of Viva Labs Organic Quinoa contains 6g of protein. 

Essential Vitamins and Minerals: 
In addition to iron, quinoa contains other essential minerals such as, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and is a high source of manganese. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition indicated maintaining adequate amounts of manganese led to healthy inflammatory pathways and improved joint mobility. 

What Makes Viva Labs Quinoa Special?  
Viva Labs' quinoa seeds are harvested in the high altitude mountainous regions of Bolivia. Quinoa is threshed from fully matured plants, releasing nutritionally-rich seeds of exquisite taste. Naturally covered by bitter saponins, Viva Labs' quinoa is de-saponized removing unwanted bitter qualities and offering exceptional flavor. Viva Labs' organic whole grain quinoa is sustainably grown and sourced directly from farmers in accordance with fair trade practices.

This 4-lb bag of Quinoa will last a long time as you don't need much to make enough for a meal. I made a Quinoa Salad that lasted me all week long.

Boil 1 cup of Quinoa according to package directions.
Placed in refrigerator to cool down.
Add spinach and chopped roma tomatoes.
Right before eating, add chopped avocado.
Add 1 TBS of Italian Dressing to each serving at the time of eating so it doesn't get soggy.
Mix it all together and eat.
Keep refrigerated.

This is not an exact recipe. You can add whatever you like to this salad...olives, corn, carrots, mushrooms, etc.

There are many ways to serve and eat Quinoa.  By experimenting, you can find several ways to serve this alongside your next meal.

If you would like to purchase Viva Labs Organic Quinoa, click the photo below:

Thanks to Viva Labs for sending this product to me for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase this product through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.