Fun Fit Recipes – Health Bear Granola Bars

Health Bear Granola Bars

We are excited to share some Fun Fit Recipes with you all!

4oz Health Bear Oats
1 ¼ c Rolled Oats
½ c Wheat Germ
½ t Salt
½ c Honey
1 Chia Egg (1T Chia seeds + 2T Water)
½ c Coconut
½ c Chopped Dates
½ c Vegetable Oil
1 ½ t Vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Granola bars can be made on a parchment lined quarter sheet tray OR in a greased
mini loaf pan (4” x 2.5”). Mini loaf pans will cook faster.

To create your chia egg, mix chia seeds and water in a small bowl. Set aside for approximately 3 minutes. The chia
seeds will soak up the water and become gelatinous.

In a large bowl, mix together oats, wheat germ, and salt. In the same bowl add in the coconut and dates and stir to
combine. Add the honey, chia egg, vegetable oil and vanilla to the dry granola mixture and mix thoroughly.

Pour the mixture onto prepared baking sheet or in mini loaf pans. Using a spatula or your hands, spread mixture
out evenly and press down firmly. Bake until edges are lightly browned, about 12-15 minutes on a baking sheet OR
8-10 minutes in mini loaf pans. Let cool and cut into 2” x 4” bars.

Enjoy!

Fight Climate Change with Your Lunch Box

The new school year is upon us and its the ideal time to take your lunch box game up to the next level. Not only can we use their mid-day meal as a tool to expand what they eat, we can use to teach our children about the health of the planet. That’s fitting 2 valuable lessons in one nifty little lunchbox.

How to make this happen?

Tip #1: Keep it easy for you!

No one has extra time in the morning as we drag the kids through the morning route. With that said, the trick begins with smart prepping. First, make pots of rice, beans and pasta- store in the frig. From there, you are ready for an easy re-heat and pack-up each morning. For example, you can make create variety from one pot of beans and rice. Think: a burrito bowl with tomatoes and avocado on Monday then beans and rice with plant based butter on Tuesday. Keep a eye on my blog for more plant based lunch box ideas. I will regularly be adding ideas for you to learn my strategies for making creative plant based lunches in a snap.

Tip #2: Educate:

Our children love to take action on saving the planet from harm. On that note, so much good comes out of eating plant based: they will be motivated to nourish their bodies with healthy food and do their part to reduce pollution at the same time. This brief clip produced by Climate Friendly School Food Program is created for kids explains it all.

Statistics

LAND

Did you know It takes 75% less land to feed someone on a plant-based (vegan) diet than it does to feed a meat-eater since the crops are consumed directly instead of being used to feed animals.
it takes up to 10 pounds of grain to produce just 1 pound of meat, and in the United States alone, 56 million acres of land are used to grow feed for animals, while only 4 million acres are producing plants for humans to eat.
More than 90 percent of all Amazon rainforest land cleared since 1970 is used for grazing livestock
animals on U.S. factory farms produce about 500 million tons of manure each year. With no animal sewage processing plants.

SEA

Commercial fishing methods such as bottom trawling and long-lining often clear the ocean floor of all life and destroy coral reefs.
They also kill thousands of dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and other “bycatch” animals.
Coastal fish farms release feces, antibiotics, parasites, and non-native fish into sensitive marine ecosystems.

LEARN MORE WITH THIS QUICK LINK FROM PETA

Tip #3: Supplies:

Keep your kids eating more plant-based by packaging their hot lunch in an re-useable, insulated bowl. Your kids will feel the love when they open their lunch box to find a yummy, hot meal loaded with vegan goodness. My favorite shopping spot is The Container Store– they carry awesome lunchbox gear. Grab a couple of exciting hot serve containers, reusable straws, flatware, napkins etc. Your kids will be the envy of all their friends at the lunch table. They get extra bragging rights when they can claim their lunch was carbon neutral.

6 Healthy Oatmeal Flavor Boosters

Hello Healthy Bears…

We have found 6 Oatmeal add-ins to boost flavor while supporting your mission to be healthy. What better way to start this practice than with the first meal of the day? Over the years, we have discovered there are many amazing ingredients that can be added to oatmeal to up the nutrition, flavor and texture of your go-to oatmeal recipe. Here are some of our favorite add-in’s.

Peanut Butter: Many diet conscious folks are afraid to indulge in a spoon of peanut butter for the fear of adding too many calories. In reality, peanut butter is a great tool to curb hunger. Adding two absolutely delicious tablespoons of peanut butter adds just 180 calories and will guarantee to curb hunger throughout the day. If calories are a legitimate concern, try Powdered Peanut Butter. You get the protein benefits without the calories.

Banana: Too many dark polka dots? Do not fear and especially… do not throw them out! Throw them into your pot of oats instead. This wonder fruit will melt into your oats giving it a velvety texture and add natural sweetness. Bananas are famous for being a potassium powerhouse which is critical for heart health. Another amazing benefit to adding bananas is the satiation… your tummy will not start growling until well after the lunch hour.

Cream Cheese: Health Bear’s newest flavor is ‘Everything Bagel’. Just as you would expect, this flavor features a savory blend of sesame and poppy seeds, garlic and onion. A hot bowl of oatmeal flavored with these spice cabinet staples topped with a spoon full of cream cheese and a dusting of sea salt will have your brain wondering, “Is this oatmeal I am tasting or a fabulous toasted bagel with cream cheese’? We have yet to try adding lox, but let us know if you have!!

Frozen Berries: Next time your berries are turning a little soft, stash them in your freezer. When your oats are piping hot, toss them in the pot to defrost and ‘melt’ into your oats. The flavor and color will permeate your oatmeal- adding natural sweetness and an added boost of vitamins!

Seeds and Nuts: You can do just as Health Bear- add chia, ground flax and hemp seeds to the foundation of your recipe. These powerhouse seeds add Plant-Based Omega 3’s and fiber to your mix. Don’t forget to use ‘ground’ flax meal… alternatively, the whole seeds will just pass through your system without allowing the fiber and Omega 3’s to get a chance to get in your bod.

Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla: You do not need to add sugar when you can add spices! You will notice we did not make any suggestions to add any sugar to your oatmeal. If you take us up on some of these suggestions, you can flavor your oats with real ingredients that can up your nutrition and flavor without sacrificing the healthy nature of these amazing oats!

Experience our Superfood Oatmeal cups by logging in and use code HBF20 for 20% off

https://healthbearfood.com

Fuel Your Inner – Athlete with Health Bear Protein Oatmeal

I love to workout and have been working up a sweat regularly since I was in college. For me, a good workout that I feel proud of would be something like an hour of strength training in the gym, a peloton ride for 30 minutes, an outdoor bike ride for an hour, a 30 minute jog around my neighborhood, or a long trail hike in the California countryside. When finished with any of these workouts, I always feel accomplished. My post-workout, victorious glow began to fade when I learned there are regular women among us who are in fact bad-ass athletes who can run long distances. And by that, I am talking FAR.

Health Bear Oat Porridge has become a go-to post workout meal for Susan, a Los Gatos woman who runs marathons and ultra marathons and stays on top of her game by running over 60 miles per week. She takes recovery 1-2 days a week by going for an easy jog or walk or cross training. Her time and distance goals are measured against her runs that are never fewer than 10 miles a day. The ultimate measure of her accomplishments are identified during her marathons and fifty mile ultra marathons. Health Bear is flattered to be a part of her success!

I had a chance to sit down and talk with Susan to learn how she continues living this incredible lifestyle year after year. Afterwards, I felt motivated to pick up my game and I hope this will do the same for you.

HB: “What do you typically eat and drink before/after your workouts”?

SUSAN: “Before I run, I have a large glass of water, a 1/2 of cup of coffee and a few bites of a protein bar. If I am doing a marathon or an ultra marathon then I have Oatmeal. After my workout, I have a small Chocolate protein drink. Then within an hour I have breakfast which is typically a banana and your Blueberry Almond with Lemon Oat Porridge. Sometimes I go for nonfat plain yogurt with lots of blueberries and almonds… walnuts too. Always a banana with almond butter”.

HB: “How does your ‘Long Distance Running Group’ work? Is it for only running or do you socialize too? Do you run together?”

SUSAN: “When the group I run with runs, we socialize always during the runs!!

HB: “What other workouts do you do aside from running”?

SUSAN: “Besides running, I do strength training classes 2-3 times a week Plus daily walks in my day for a break from working a lot. The walks are super short just to stretch out a bit”!

HB: “Do you run marathons? Triathlons”?

SUSAN: “I do not do any triathlons at all. I do marathons at least one a year- I have 8 under my belt and I have done 9 ultra marathons”. (Ultra marathons are 50 miles long people, 50 miles!)

HB: “What is your favorite Health Bear Oat Porridge”?

SUSAN: “My favorite Porridge from you is the Blueberry Almond with Lemon!! Love it.”

HB: “Is Health Bear a better pre or post workout fuel”?

SUSAN: “Your Oatmeal is the best ever to eat after a run. But many like to eat it before. After is the best”!

HB: “Why do you favor our product”?

SUSAN: “Super easy to answer! The healthy ingredients. It is satisfying after a long run. Add some fresh blueberries and you are set! It fills you up and its super healthy, simply put, it’s good for you”!

Again, we are flattered to play a small role in Susan’s success as a long-distance runner. Pick up a 4 pack sampler of Oat Porridge today and let us know how you use our product as fuel to channel your inner athlete!

Thank you Susan for the inspiration. I think I will go for a jog… for 3 miles or maybe 4.

Thank You for Your Generosity!

Today Health Bear delivered a wide assortment of pantry goods including 50 cups of Health Bear Oat Porridge, 100 pounds of fruit, $200 in grocery store gift cards, $50 in Target gift cards and $25 in Starbucks gift cards to House of Hope. Jan Yount, the director of the House of Hope, was very appreciative. They are serving more people in need than ever before.

Many Silicon Valley families live pay check to pay check and can’t survive for long when the rug is pulled out from under them.

I am grateful to Jan for the work her team does. The house is small, but mighty. It is kept as organized and clean as a doctor’s office. Jan’s concern remains with the people she helps, which is indicated by her tight rules for cleanliness and keeping the environment free from COVID-19. “Many people we help are medically fragile”, she explained. All volunteers working there were wearing masks and gloves. Our donation quickly hit the shelves and refrigerator in preparation for it to be given to a family in need.

Many of her clients have never faced food insecurity before the COVID crisis. Many come in feeling hopelessness and fear. They are welcomed with respect and love by the team. Much needed fellowship continues while respecting the social distancing rules. Those who come to House of Hope for food leave with their hearts as full as their grocery bags.

Thank you to the many members of the community that gave the gift of food and love to our very first

‘Fund and Food Raiser’.

Health Bear believes everyone deserves access to nutrient rich food. It was with great pleasure and pride we helped facilitate this for those in need. Together we will get past this horrific crisis if we continue to see and assist those who are in need. Sending love and light!

Fund and Food Raiser a Success!

Thank you neighbors and friends! Our joined effort collected 100 pounds of produce, $75 in Target Gift Cards and a bounty of pantry goods. We received 40 eggs from our friends with back yard chickens. We “sold” a handful of them which reaped $50 in cash donations, leaving many more organic eggs to share with House of Hope.

For me personally, today was one of the best days I have had in since the lock-down. Leading up to today, I kept telling my 8 year old daughter and 10 year old son all about the House of Hope and how I wanted to help. We worked on making and posting signs together, and told neighbors to prepare donations. From 12-3’oclock today, we played out in the front yard and waited for the donations to roll in. It was incredible to watch the continuous stream of friendly faces stop over with fruit and pantry goods. What a treat to see friends, neighbors and complete strangers with donations in hand. It was more joy than I had felt in a while.

Seeing the need and doing something by calling out to friends and neighbors led me feel like I was participating in a solution. What nice change from the feeling of hopelessness that has haunted me for the past month! Let’s continue to band together to #dosomething. There is no other way to conquor this than with love! Let’s keep going. We’ve got this!

What can you do today to be part of a solution?

“Food and Fund Raiser” for House of Hope Los Gatos

We need YOU to help donate food and funds!

On Saturday, April 18th, Health Bear Food Co will be hosting our first “Food and Fund Raiser”. We welcome your donation of any food item we can sell- Fruits from your trees, herbs cut and tied from your garden, cookies baked and wrapped, snipped roses from your rose bushes- whatever Spring bounty you are able to share will be sold and 100% of the proceeds will be given to House of Hope. If you do not have anything along these lines to contribute, consider bring canned foods and we will donate them, along with the cash from the sale, to House of Hope. Health Bear will donate 50 cups of Coconut Cardamon Oat Porridge!!

House of Hope typically serves 70 families per week. With the COVID-19 crisis raging, they now serve 110 families per week. House of Hope needs our help. Families in need are requesting: Peanut Butter, Cereal, Rice, Toilet Paper and Grocery Store gift cards. All non perishable pantry items are welcome. Social distancing and sterilization measures will be taken very seriously. Donations will be received ‘touch free’ for your protection.

More heartbreaking stories are circulating amongst our friend circles about people out there without work and in need of food. We hear stories on the news of people lining up at food banks and the cupboards are becoming bare. Lets join together and DO SOMETHING!

See you on April 18th, 12-3 pm at 18368 Twin Creeks Road. Monte Sereno, CA 95030

For friends out of the area who are unable to participate in person, donations are welcome at Venmo: @Lisa-Matar

For more information on the House of Hope:

4 Ingredients for Weight Loss in 2020

GET LIGHTER THIS YEAR

Looking for a new trick to achieve your weight loss goals this year? I researched the powerhouse health ingredients I put in Oat Porridge when I designed it and found 4 ingredients in particular that will help achieve your weight goals for 2020.

Each flavor of Oat Porridge contains what I have called, “The Omega Mix”… Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Hemp Hearts and Oats- then I flavored each with fruits, spices, seeds or nuts. The Omega Mix is a blend of superfoods that help you achieve healthy weight loss with FIBER. Diets high in fiber have been linked to weight loss.

INGREDIENTS

Chia Seeds contain a lot of fiber. Fiber is known to stabilize blood sugar, helping your achieve a healthy weight.

Flax Seeds are another ingredient rich in fiber. Feeling fuller longer suppresses the appetite- which leads to a reduction of over-all calorie intake.

Hemp Seeds are also rich in fiber and a known natural appetite suppressant- again, helping you feel fuller longer and reduce hunger pangs.

Oats Controlling your weight with the fiber in oats is a winning bet. The fiber content of oats keep your digestive system firing efficiently, aiding in your weight loss efforts.

A word of wisdom, while enjoying the benefits of a high fiber diet, please remember to drink plenty of water. Without proper hydration, you may find your body having difficulty processing the fiber and can result in cramps and constipation.

Health Bear wishes all of you a HAPPY and HEALTHY new year! We are honored to be part of your wellness journey, bringing Oat Porridge to you in 2020. We are excited to show up for you with a breakfast that gets you out the door with a hot meal in hand… keeping you humming along at full speed and a full tummy until lunch. Give us a try www.healthbearfood.com https://healthbearfood.com

A new year begins and renewed proclamations of health and wellness are made. Not only a new year, but a new decade is before us, an opportunity to turn the page and progress towards better versions of ourselves.

Magical Magnesium

I recently hit the spa for a much needed massage. My back was feeling like poured cement after a nasty episode of my back being ‘thrown out’. The massage therapist recommended a Magnesium massage for my condition… and it helped tremendously. As I was laying on the massage table, I began to think about this miraculous mineral. I recalled learning about the health benefits of each of the ingredients of Health Bear Oat Porridge and Magnesium kept popping up.

Magnesium Aids the Body With…

Converting food into energy
Creating new proteins from amino acids
Creating and repair DNA and RNA
Contraction and relaxation of muscles
Regulating Neurotransmitters, which sends messages throughout your brain and nervous system.
Exercise Performance
Brain Function and Mood
Type 2 Diabetes
Lowering Blood Pressure
Chronic Inflammation, which is one of the drivers of aging, obesity and chronic disease.
Managing Migraines
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which is one of the most common disorders among women of childbearing age.

Here is a quick list of our ingredients that have a substantial source of Magnesium and even more health benefits:

Dark Chocolate: Improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure

Almonds: Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Oats: Naturally gluten free, lowers cholesterol

Flax, Pepita, Chia Seeds: Sources of Iron & Omega 3; Antioxidants, lowers cholesterol

You may be experiencing a Magnesium deficiency if you are experiencing…

Fatigue, Aches and pains, Mood problems, Muscle cramps, Migraines, Irregular sleep patterns and insomnia, Heart irregularities, Muscle twitches and spasms, Anxiety, Digestive trouble, Lack of appetite, Constipation, Memory problems, Depression

Pick up some HealthBear Oat Porridge for your next breakfast to ensure you are giving your body a brilliant start to the day!

Clearing The Linguistic Confusion Around The Hot Hot Hot World of Hemp

CBD and Hemp Summit

Clearing the Linguistic Confusion Around the Hot Hot Hot world of Hemp

Hemp. CBD. THC. Cannabinoid…. Oh My! What is this whole new language!?

I continue to search out information for my readers to further enhance their knowledge behind healthful ingredients that can bring greater wellness to their lives. This time, my quest took me to the Natural Foods Expo East in Baltimore, Maryland.

While attending the ‘Hemp and CBD Summit’ at the Natural Foods Expo, I learned a lot about this contemporary subject matter. While professionals took the stage to create awareness around the modern world of cannabis, scientists, farmers, lawyers, educators and doctors shared their knowledge on the incredible health benefits surrounding this ancient plant.

The top take-away I got from the summit was simply learning the basics of cannabis vocabulary. This fundamental knowledge will help you understand what all of the buzz is about.

Agricultural Hemp: Agricultural Hemp is part of the cannabis plant family. And by definition contains less than 0.3% THC. It must be registered, inspected and certified by the Respective state program in which it is grown and harvested. (Cannabis plants with higher amounts of THC are classified as marijuana).

CBD: CBD is the abbreviation for Cannabidiol, one of many cannabinoids found predominantly in hemp. CBD is non-psychoactive (does not make you ‘high’). It is considered to be very safe and beneficial.

Cannabinoids: Cannabinoids are a diverse class of chemical compounds that occur naturally in the body (endocannabinoids) and in several plants, including cannabis. In contrast, phytocannabinoids are the primary chemical compounds found in all cannabis plants.

Cannabis: Properly known as cannabis sativa, cannabis is the ‘parent’ plant of both marijuana and agricultural hemp, which are two very different plants cultivated and utilized in very different ways.

Efficacy: In terms of products, efficacy means that a product has the ability to produce its intended effect. For example, dish soap is efficacious if it cleans dishes well.

Endocannabinoid System, (ECS).: The ECS is a biological system that helps regulate homeostasis (balance) in the body. It is composed of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids natural produced in the body), enzymes and cannabinoid receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2) found on cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems and immune system.

Full Spectrum: True full-spectrum hemp oil is made with the whole hemp plant (Nota CBD isolate or concentrate) and contains high levels of both. Cannabinoids and other beneficial phytonutrients, including terpens (beta-caryopyllene, humulene and limonene) flavonoids, polyphenols and others. In contrast, “broad-spectrum” hemp oil is primarily a CBD isolate or concentrate with very small amounts of the other phytonutrients.

TCH is the abbreviation for Tetrahydocannabinol, a psychoactive cannabinoid (one that gets you ‘high’) found predominantly in marijuana.

OK friends… this is a lot to absorb. I believe many of these words, if not all of them will become main stream in the near future and you will be smug to know you were one the first to have the knowledge. Well done my friend! Share this with another cool and hip change maker like yourself. Understanding the language is the first step in truly understanding this emerging category.

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