Review of Yacon Syrup: Tastes Great and Has Potential for Aiding WeightLoss

Disclaimer:  I received samples of Quality Encapsulations Pure Yacon Syrup for review purposes.  As always, my opinions are my own.

*Please consult with your physician or health care practitioner prior to adding any supplements to your diet. 

If you are like me, you probably have not heard about yacón syrup yet.  I just recently found out about this interesting supplement that is very popular in South America.  It has been increasing in popularity in the United States and in Europe for a few really good reasons. The syrup is natural and comes from the roots of the yacón plant.  I was surprised to hear the yacon plant is indigenous to the Andes and was actually eaten by the Incas for thousands of years.  Yacón is a popular food in Peru.  It has a high level of nutrition, and many people swear by its healing abilities. 

Yacón syrup is sweet and tastes good.  It contains an indigestible polysaccharide also known as FOS (a form of fructose called fructooligosaccharides) that makes yacón act as a prebiotic.  If you aren't aware, pre-biotics promote the growth of good digestive tract bacteria.  Studies have shown that having the right digestive tract bacteria balance can help promote weight loss.  

The 10 Key Benefits of Yacón

1. Potential for weight loss
2. Can reduce waist size 
3. Ultra-low in calories
4. Functions as a pre-biotic which can improve the health of digestive tract
5. Prebiotic effect can boost immunity
6. Strong digestive tract health can be associated with weight loss
7. Studies indicate that it does not cause blood sugar changes
8. Amazingly sweet and tastes yummy
9. Can easily be used to replace sugar in cooking
10. Clinical study shows efficacy

Yacón can be used as a sweetener.  Think about it:  you can sub it into almost any recipe that calls for sugar.  The great part about this is that you can fulfill that desire for something sweet without going overboard.  I am a super healthy eater and you know I spend a lot of time working out and have for years but I still love my sweets. It is always a challenge. I don't like using those chemical fake sweeteners either.  Yacon syrup lets you have your cake (a small portion, c'mon!) and eat it too....and still lose weight.  It tastes like a light version of molasses.  I love molasses so I think yum!! Even the venerable Dr. Oz was impressed with the 2009 study that showed that yacón consumption leads to weight loss and a decrease in waist size.

I was interested to read the 2009 clinical trial completed with the Yacon Syrup.  It was a small group of patients but the results were compelling. Dr. Oz had real reasons to be excited.  There was significant weight loss among the women in the yacon syrup group versus the placebo group. The study was double blinded as well which means that no one (including the doctors or patients) knew who was receiving placebo versus yacon syrup.

 

Are you thinking about trying to incorporate Yacon syrup into your diet after reading more about it?  Are you looking for a brand that is made in the U.S.A.?  Quality Encapsulations has a 100% U.S.A. made Yacon syrup that you can purchase on Amazon. As you know, Amazon is one of my favorite places to shop.  I have tried the Yacon syrup and I have to say it tastes good. I have used it in my coffee and also tried it as a dip for sliced apples.  

Quality Encapsulations has some additional yacon syrup recipes on their website and they even have a recipe contest currently available with a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate for the winning recipe. So....get cooking and baking and be creative!

I will keep you updated on the weight loss element for the Yacon syrup....I think it is only fair to be using it for 30-60 days to see the results. I just got it this week so I can say I feel good, it tastes great and I will continue to use it.

You can follow them on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest updates too.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Leather Charm Bracelet Spring 2014 Must Have Accessory Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  I received a leather charm bracelet for review purposes.  As always, my opinions are my own.

I recently received the most adorable leather charm bracelet from Penny Auctions Canada.  What a beautiful idea for a Valentine's Day gift or anytime present to someone special.  Leather charm bracelets just like this are the hot gift of the season all year long. 
There are tons of styles to choose from.  They have bracelets with multiple strands adorned by silver alloy charms too. I love how they are fastened together by two steel clamps which looks super modern.  Each bracelet includes a lobster claw clasp and back chain, making it fully adjustable to fit almost any wrist size.  Think about how these modern and stylish bracelets can totally transform your Spring and Summer 2014 wardrobe without breaking the bank. Ton of styles to choose from too!

Penny Auctions Cancada sent me this adorable aqua blue and white love knot and anchor bracelet (below) that I just adore. I have been wearing it all week and it has stayed on very securely.  My tween has been pining for it but I claimed it for my own first.  Maybe I will have to buy her one and my nieces too--this is so perfectly trendy they will think I am the most Fashion Mama and Aunt--as usual!

 

The leather charm bracelets are crafted from a variety of materials including leather, alloy, wax linen cord and suede.  All the elements come together to create a colorful and modern look that is perfect for this year's fashions. Choose the looks you like and buy several to mix and match for your own personal look.  They are priced very reasonably too, $12-16.00 depending on the style and adornments.  There is even a buy-it-now option for the auctions on their site.

You have to take a peek at Penny Auctions Canada Daily Deal auctions where you can find products you love at amazing prices. Everything from beautiful jewelry, fashions and home products. Almost total steals you have to see them to believe them! Use the special promo code Tomoson25 at checkout and you will receive 25 FREE bids with a 25 bid pack purchase. You also receive 5 free bids (no purchase necessary) when you first sign up. A sweet deal for Valentine's Day.

You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 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.

Surf Sweets let you do Valentine's Day naturally!

Disclaimer:  I received samples of Surf Sweets for review purposes.  As always, my opinions are my own.

Valentine’s Day is almost here!  Are you ready yet?   Have you been waiting because it just really bothers you to buy those candies filled with artificial flavors and colors to give to your loved ones?  Valentine's sure wouldn’t be the same without sharing a something sweet and pretty, but that doesn’t mean they have to be treats full of artificial ingredients. This is 2014....you can forget those Red-dyed and artificial flavor filled candies that have been the mainstays of Valentine’s Day treats for eons. Now, Surf Sweets has naturally good gummy candies made with organic and natural ingredients to give you healthier and delicious candy swaps to spread sweet love.

I was impressed when I saw the ingredients and labeling for the Surf Sweets and I have been hooked ever since I found them a few years ago at my local grocery store. I am so excited to include them in my Valentine's Days gifts to my little one. I feel so much better about her eating these candies. Did you know that Surf Sweets FruityHearts are certified organic watermelon and cherry heart-shaped gummies, and one of the only, all natural, vegan, and organic Valentine’s Day candy options available?  That is great news for everyone!

Bert Cohen, President and Founder of Surf Sweets says regarding the Surf Sweets Fruits Hearts,  “They not only taste great, but they’re made with real organic fruit juice, fortified with antioxidant Vitamin C, as well as vegan, allergy friendly and gluten free.”  One of the things I personally love about Surf Sweets is that the candy is a perfect solution for the big issue of school parties and kids’ candy favor bags. No worries and no grumbling from the principal.  One of the ideas I was considering for Valentine's Day was making some cupcakes and using the Surf Sweets Fruity Hearts as a decoration.  I think that would be so adorable.

I love the Surf Sweets Jelly Beans and Watermelon Rings too. Lot of yummy flavors and no artificial flavors or colors to feel guilty about either.    I was excited to see that Surf Sweets are available on Amazon too!  Excellent prices too... I like that Surf Sweets has candy in larger packages but also single serve packages so you don't overdo it when you just want a little bit of a treat.  One of the things I really liked about all the varieties of Surf Sweets is that they are better kind of treat for you versus conventional candies since they have totally natural flavors and colors.

Surf Sweets  products are free of trans fats, GMOs, corn syrup, gluten, artificial colors and flavors. A better kind of candy, right?  Most of their products are vegetarian and some are even vegan. One of my babysitters has a severe nut allergy and is always looking for new things that she can safely eat. That is nice that it is good for someone looking for a nut-free candy for their child.  Surf Sweets are produced in a nut-free facility that is free of other common allergens (wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, shell fish, and fish).  These candies are perfect for lunch bags, after school, and really for anytime enjoyment!  

One of the most lovely things about Surf Sweets is that they give back. They contribute to 1% for the Planet.  What this means is that they donate a minimum of 1% of the sales from each of their products to a bunch of worthy organizations.  A few they mentioned on their website were Climate Cycle, Healthy Child Healthy World and EcoMom Alliance.  That is a nice added benefit of supporting this great company.

Each 8 oz. bag of Surf Sweets Fruity Hearts contains 130 calories per serving. They are being sold for a suggested retail price of $4.49, and are available nationally at Whole Foods and other natural and specialty retailers.  I also see them at Stop + Shop.
 
Surf Sweets currently offers a variety of yummy candies: Fruity Bears, Gummy Swirls, Sour Berry Bears, Sour Worms, Fruity Hearts, Gummy Bears, Watermelon and Peach Rings, and Jelly Beans, that are available across North America. 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The A-Z of C.S. Lewis by Colin Duriez Book Review and Giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Are you a big C.S. Lewis fan? This book is for you then.  Just published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of C. S. Lewis's death, this complete guide covers all of Lewis' works, from his literary criticism to Narnia. 

Until I read Colin Duriez' new book, I was only aware of C. S. Lewis's children's books. I had grown up reading them and adored them but I didn't know about all his other works.  C. S. Lewis's work is known around the world and very well regarded but it is so unbelievable that even enthusiasts like me are often only aware of such a small part of his complete work.    He actually wrote so much more, including some amazing science fiction pieces and literary criticism.  This detailed volume from Colin Duriez brings together all aspects of C S Lewis's life and his most intimate thoughts.  One of the things I really liked about it, being the organized gal that I am is that the book is arranged in alphabetical order.  It makes it easy to find exactly what you want.   The book begins with a piece from 1943 called The Abolition of Man.   It is described as "almost my favorite"-to Wormwood, a character in The Screwtape Letters.  It ends with a description of Zardeenah, a Calormene moon goddess in The Horse and His Boy.  This book is a perfect gift for a bibliophile or who is interested in C. S. Lewis and wants to learn more about him, his thought, his works, and his life

About the Author: 

Colin Duriez was for many years a commissioning editor at Inter-Varsity Press UK. He has subsequently appeared as a commentator on DVDs of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, and BBC television's The Worlds of Fantasy. He is also the author of The Inklings Handbook (with the late David Porter), J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: The Story of Their Friendship, and Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, and has contributed to definitive reference works relating to Tolkien such as The Tolkien Encyclopedia (Routledge).