B-Up Bars – Product Review (#lowcarb #highprotein #cleantreat)

This is a sponsored post from Yup Brands and Blog Meets Brand. All opinions are my own (or that of my hubby).

This is a product that I was excited to review since my husband is diabetic and follows a low carb diet to help control his blood sugars. It is so hard to find tasty snack options that are not full of junk because let’s be honest, snacking on vegetables gets old. It’s nice to have some other low carb snack options that he can enjoy on the go and satisfy that sweet tooth. Not to mention, I like to have high protein/low sugar bars to keep in my gym bag for post-workout snacks. (Protein helps build lean muscle and the more muscle you have, the more your metabolism increases. Since my metabolism slowed down to a slugs pace after age 35, it’s important for me to incorporate weight lifting in with my cardio.) I also need to lay off the chips, but that’s a different post all together!

A huge issue I have with most low carb bars is the amount of sugar alcohols in them. Sugar alcohols are those sweeteners that come with a warning about causing GI distress if you consume to much. Uhmmm, no thank you. I also only like to use sweeteners from natural sources, like stevia and xylitol. I am really trying to limit our intake of aspartame and sucralose.

So, my “dream bar” would be high in protein, low in carbohydrates, low in sugar/sugar alcohols/artificial sweeteners…in other words – no junk! Well, guess what? are a dream come true! They are all those things plus high in fiber, low in sodium and they taste good! (Not that weird “protein-y” funky taste, but actually taste good.) My husband, who is super picky (sorry honey, but it’s true!) really enjoyed the bars and tried to take them all for himself. The bars have a nougat type texture/consistency, and come in several flavors. (Peanut Butter, PB and J, Chocolate Mint, Sugar Cookie, Cinnamon Roll, and Vanilla Peanut)

 *As a matter of fact, you can sign up to receive a 6-pack trial of the bars  to give each flavor a try. ALSO, readers can save 12% on box orders by entering code yup29 at checkout.*

So, bottom line… have 20 grams protein and 18-20 grams fiber, with only 2-3 grams of sugar and only 4-5 grams of net carbs. AND, they have no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives, are low in sodium and gluten free. If I had not tried them for myself, I would not even believe it! If you would like to learn more about the products above and this awesome company, check them out on , and . I, for one, am very glad to have some healthier pre-packaged options for my diabetic hubs and for me too! I also love the company’s tag line…Be Healthy. Be Better. B-Up. (UP stands for Unlimited Potential!)

 
Anyone else lead a low carb lifestyle? What about that mid-life metabolism? Can anyone else relate or is it just me?!

Low Sugar Frozen Hot Chocolate & Cookbook Review

Up until a couple of days ago, we were enjoying mild temps in the upper 70’s, even some 80 degree days. Then it suddenly became winter. Not a happy camper. Thankfully, we are getting back to some warmer temps, because I just don’t do cold well. Unless we are talking about cold drinks that is! With the chilly mornings and warm afternoons, my kids have been back and forth between wanting Hot Chocolate and Frozen Hot Chocolate. Since I worry about the amount of sugar my family has (especially since my husband is diabetic) I was happy to review the new 119-page cookbook ‘Cooking with SweetLeaf Stevia’ put out by  and even happier to see it has a low sugar frozen hot chocolate recipe!

SweetLeaf® Frozen Hot Chocolate

1 cup instant dry milk
2 teaspoons SugarLeaf™ (a stevia/cane sugar combination)
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 cup milk
6 drops Chocolate Sweet Drops™ (we used Double Chocolate Sweet Drops)
3 cups ice
Stir dry milk, SugarLeaf and unsweetened cocoa in a small bowl until completely mixed.
Add ingredients to blender in the following order: milk, Chocolate Sweet Drops, dry mix. Blend for 5 seconds. Add ice and blend for 30 seconds until smooth and daiquiri-like in texture. Pour into a short glass. *I’m not sure “daiquiri-like” texture was the best descriptor that could have been used since my 11 year old was making this and she had no idea what that meant! 
Alternatives:
Add light whipped topping and chocolate shavings of your choice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings per recipe: 4 (we divided ours into 3 nice size servings!)
Amount per serving: Calories 83, Total Fat 3g, Cholesterol 10mg, Sodium 59mg, Total Carbohydrate 11g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 5g (Does not include optional topping.)
*Recipe reprinted with permission from Wisdom Natural Brands cookbook Cooking With SweetLeaf Stevia®

There are many other food and drink recipes in the book that I am looking forward to trying. Stevia has been my preferred sugar substitute for quite some time and I love all the different flavored drops that are out now, like Double Chocolate and Peppermint Mocha! I will definitely be working on a Peppermint Mocha Latte recipe asap! I think I can adapt the Chocolate Almond Coffee recipe in the cookbook…I will let you know!

The book also has recipes for breads, muffins, pancakes, spirited drinks, holiday recipes, salads and dressings…the list goes on and they are all low in sugar! I really need that for the upcoming Holidays!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of the above mentioned cookbook along with samples of Holiday SweetDrops. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.