FINALLY! Protein and energy bars we can get behind

Had enough of the high sugar and artificial protein bars that saturate the aisles of grocery stores? Us too. That's why when we came across Shanti Bars, we were so excited that we immediately contacted the founders to find a way to spread the word to our followers. We chatted with Lauren and Ashanty to hear their story.

Shanti bars are vegan, raw, kosher and organic. They are packed with superfoods such as chia and hemp seeds, acai, spirulina, cacao, goji berries and mulberries.  The founders take their passion and purpose seriously, as they created this bar to provide active, busy people with real, natural, sustainable energy.

Lauren and Ashanty are both chefs and fellow health nuts living in sunny Miami. As an outdoor cycling fanatic, Ashanty grew frustrated with the lack of healthy, natural protein bars on the market and therefore decided to put her culinary skills to work. She created the Shanti bars in her kitchen and used friends at her gym as guinea pigs.

Lauren, a fellow chef and one of the first guinea pigs, quickly became hooked and they partnered up to turn their passion into a business. They had to find a way to take these bars from Ashanty’s kitchen to store shelves for the masses to enjoy. Their hard work has paid off as their partnership with Whole Foods launched just this week! 

The protein bars offer 17 grams of natural protein, which are great for a pre or post-workout snack, while the energy bars provide 7-9 grams. All of the bars are between 220-260 calories, have around 5 grams of fiber, and around 11 grams of sugar. With all natural, raw, and vegan ingredients, the nutrition label is most certainly Tovita approved! Rather than the traditional and familiar chocolate or vanilla bars, Shanti bars have unique flavors like goldenberry, coconut, turmeric, acai, cacao and goji. 

Lauren and Ashanty were kind enough to provide our clients and followers with a 15% off discount code! Order online now using our code TovitaForShanti.

We recommend getting the variety pack to try all the flavors, but our personal favorite is the cacao protein bar… just saying!

Try them all and let us know which is your favorite flavor! 

Thanks, Lauren & Ashanty!

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Turns out we all face the same morning dilemma: how to beat the rush to work and squeeze in a moment for breakfast. One of the reasons we're still riding the overnight oats bandwagon is that it solves exactly this conundrum. When you plan your breakfast the night before, you eliminate that early morning breakfast bind. Now, pumpkin season isn't quite over yet so we're milking it for all that it's worth. This pumpkin overnight oats recipe combines fiber and protein to help you feel satisfied until lunch. Not to mention anything in a Mason jar makes for a perfect on-the-go solution. 

Ingredients (serves 1):

1. 1 medium frozen banana
2. 2/3 cup organic pumpkin puree
3. 1/4 cup soy milk
4. 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
5. 1 tablespoon chia seeds
6. 1/4 cup rolled oats 
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8. 1 teaspoon Trader Joe's pumpkin spice blend 

Directions:

1. Combine frozen banana, pumpkin puree, soy milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and spices in a blender. Power on high until ingredients are well blended. 
2. Pour dry rolled oats into Mason jar. 
3. Add blended pumpkin-banana mix into Mason jar. 
4. Add chia seeds into Mason Jar.
5. Mix contents with a spoon until oats, puree, and chia seeds appear evenly distributed. Close jar and place in refrigerator overnight. 

Omelet Muffins

Hosting a healthy summer brunch party can be stressful. Unless you hire an omelet chef, you face the dilemma of keeping the eggs hot, personalizing orders, and feeding all of your guests at the same time. Before you throw in the towel and turn to the convenient bagels and cream cheese, we have your solution: omelet muffins! 

They're exactly what their name suggests. "Omelets" made in muffin tins. They allow you to simultaneously cook for an entire brunch party and personalize orders. Not to mention, they're kind of adorable to showcase. Below we are sharing one of our favorite recipes, but feel free to tailor it to you or your guests! 

Ingredients: (makes 8 muffins)

• 8 eggs
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 handfuls chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 6 or 7 muffin cups with nonstick spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, veggies, and milk. Scoop into the prepared muffin tins (We find it easiest to use a 1/3 cup measuring cup) almost to the top. Sprinkle cheese on top. Then give each one a good dose of pepper or a pinch of salt.

4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until egg is cooked through. Easy way to check the egg: touch the middle of the muffins. If they are still wet and gooey, they'll need a little more time in the oven. They should feel cooked through.

5. Serve egg muffins immediately (with salsa or guacamole, if desired).