Review: Zeal Wellness Formula Drink

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A friend of mine reached out to me recently about a product that she has incorporated into her life- the Zeal Wellness Formula. She asked if I’d be interested in trying some samples and reviewing them here.

Concentrated and powdered, Zeal Wellness Formula is a nutritional formula that can be mixed with water or juice. You can also blend it into a smoothie, if that’s more your style. The formula contains antioxidants, amino acids, herbs, and nutrients from whole food concentrates, as well as complex carbohydrates and polysaccharides to support your immune system.

There are 48 calories in a serving, and each serving includes 100 percent or more daily value of certain vitamins like A, C, and B12. It also contains different percentages of numerous other vitamins and minerals. The formula is sweetened with Stevia, and you can buy it both with or without guarana for extra energy.

Take a look at the Zeal Wellness Nutrition Facts for more info.

So what did I think?

I received a sample pack of 6 servings of Zeal in both Wild Berry and the Bold Grape flavors. The powder came inside little single-serving, recyclable bottles, and I just added the water. It’s also available in a big canister; just scoop out the serving you need for the day.

The grape flavor was tolerable, but I had to swig it down pretty quickly. Not my favorite. I actually liked the wild berry flavor, so I took my time drinking those bottles. The berry ones were more of a treat for me.

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I did feel energized after drinking these, thanks to the guarana, so I forewent my morning coffee on the days I tried Zeal. It was nice to not have a coffee crash around lunch time!

As far as feeling a difference in my body, I didn’t notice anything, but perhaps I would over a longer period of time. However, I already have a very nutritious, clean diet and feed my body well, so I’m not sure Zeal would ever make a noticeable difference. BUT I do like to take a multi-vitamin, just to make sure I’m always getting the right nutrients. I hate swallowing pills…can’t stand it. So the Zeal Wellness Formula really appeals to me, because of that. I also like that I can buy a formula with guarana and basically kill two birds with one stone: my morning coffee and my daily vitamin. It’s definitely cheaper than my favorite Starbucks latte. =D

Zeal is sold through a multi-level marketing style company, like Mary Kay, Thirty-One, and Stella & Dot. You can buy through a consultant, or even become one yourself.

The most affordable way to purchase Zeal is by signing up to be a preferred customer. A canister (30-day supply) will cost you $59.95, about $2 a serving. There’s a 30-day guarantee on the wellness canister, if you’re a first-time customer. If for any reason, you’re unsatisfied, you will have to ship back the unused portion of your canister, but your purchase price will be refunded.

To look into purchasing Zeal Wellness, or one of their other health products, visit 8great.zealforlife.com.

Email Debbie at sunnyfly10 at gmail.com for more info on Zeal. Right now you can purchase a sample pack like mine for $15! Ask Debbie for the details.

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Review: Sandgrens “Milan” Clog Sandal

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Although these aren’t my first clogs, until now I haven’t had a quality pair. I was sent the Sandgrens Clog Sandal in their “Milan” style to review. The clog is available in more than 10 colors (including a gorgeous rose pattern), but I received them in red.

Sandgrens “Milan” Clog Sandal Review on My Life: A Work in Progress

These clog sandals are made of Swedish Alder wood and vegetable leather. The shoes are fastened together with staples. I thought it might be uncomfortable walking on a wood base, but I’ve found these shoes surprisingly comfortable, even after several hours on my feet. Although I think higher heels are sexier, this low heel is more practical for running around after my toddler.

My right foot will start to feel a little stiff and sore after about an hour. (That’s my problem foot, and, unfortunately, it reacts that way in all of my shoes, except my runners.)

Although you could wear these clog sandals with summer dresses or jeans, I like to pair mine with capris or a short jean skirt.

Sandgrens "Milan" Clog Sandal Review on My Life: A Work in Progress

 Sandgrens "Milan" Clog Sandal Review on My Life: A Work in Progress

Confession time. One of the reasons I love these clogs, is that the sandals hide my toes. I rarely have time for pedicures anymore! If, unlike me, you’d rather show off your well-groomed toes, Sandgrens does have several toe-baring styles, like the Caspian and Bali Mid.

The Sandgrens company has an interesting back story that you can read on their website. The Sandgrens brand was founded in the mid-1800s, and their clogs are still made in Sweden, using time-honored techniques.

Check out the different clog styles at Sandgrens. The Bali High and Maui are my favorite picks for this summer. What are yours?

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Eat more veggies! Try Garden Lites Veggie Muffins

I’m always searching for healthy snacks for my son and me, usually for food that’s quick to prepare and easy to take with us on the go. Whenever I find something interesting on store shelves, I check the back label, looking for minimal ingredients and plenty of nutrition. Recently, I received several boxes of Garden Lites Veggie Muffins to review. I was pleasantly surprised by the ingredient label and the taste!

 Garden Lites Veggie Muffins- My Life: A Work in Progress

Baby J and I tried out the following flavors:

  • Veggie blueberry oat
  • Zucchini banana chocolate chip
  • Zucchini chocolate
  • Carrot berry
  • Golden corn

The muffins arrived at our door tucked away with ice packs inside a styrofoam cooler box. Baby J and the cats, of course, immediately thought there had to be something incredibly awesome in a box like that. If my memory serves me correctly, Baby J’s words were, “Oh woooow!”

Keep the muffins frozen, until you’re ready to eat them. I would assume this is how the company avoids filling them with preservatives.

To eat, leave the frozen muffins inside their individual packaging and heat them in your microwave for about 35 seconds. They’ll be a little hot at that point, but soon afterwards cooled enough to eat. It’s also fine to toss them in the fridge and let them defrost. Then you only have to put them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

One morning I also tossed a frozen muffin in the diaper bag when I knew we’d be gone all day running errands. By late afternoon, it was defrosted enough to eat, but I didn’t enjoy the texture. It’s edible, but these definitely taste better heated up.

The zucchini chocolate veggie muffins were my least favorite, but Baby J loved them. He’s more of a chocolate fan than I am. I liked the veggie blueberry oat muffins the best. Here’s the ingredient list:

Zucchini, Pasteurized Egg Whites, Evaporated Cane Juice, Pasteurized Whole Eggs, Blueberries, Soluble Corn Fiber, Certified Gluten Free Oats, Sorghum Flour, Brown Rice Flour, Corn Starch, Dried Blueberries (blueberries, sugar, sunflower oil), Certified Gluten Free Oat Flour, Carrot, Canola Oil, Baking Powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate), Blueberry Flakes (blueberries, cane sugar, natural blueberry flavor), Salt, Vanilla Extract.

Not bad at all! I love that the first ingredient is zucchini. The other muffin flavors have similar ingredient lists too. These muffins really are packed with veggies, and each muffin is only 120 calories with 0 trans fat.

Garden Lites Veggie Muffins- My Life: A Work in Progress

In the fall and early winter, I bake muffins that I like to call “Harvest Muffins.” The ingredients change, but I always keep them filled with veggies and fruits like squash, carrots, beets, and apples. Although making something fresh at home is usually the cheapest way to go, I can’t deny the convenience of keeping a pack of these individually-wrapped healthy veggie muffins in the freezer. We have a couple of muffins left in the freezer, but when we’re out of them, I will buy more.

Garden Lites Veggie Muffins are sold at numerous retailers, like Whole Foods, Publix, and The Fresh Market. Flavor variety and availability will vary.

Have you tried veggies in muffins before? What’s your favorite healthy snack?

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