Today I went out for my first run since I came down with this nasty cold and strep throat last week. The first 4 minutes were terrible but I kept running anyway.  Then all of a sudden I got back into a good stride, my posture felt really good and I was able to push my speed a bit – it was great. Sure got me motivated to run more this coming week and I’m starting to feel better so that’s a big bonus.

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About a month ago, I was nominated for a Fitterati Award (Best Healthy Living Blog) at Fitness Magazine. The contest is ending soon and I could sure use a few more votes! To vote – go to this link here and help a girl out 😉 Thanks.

AND….drum roll ……………. last week I received notification that I have been awarded a Leibster Award from Mountainmissy: Living on Mountain Time. I will be blogging about that in a little more detail later this week – stay tuned.

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Now to the Review and Giveaway!

A few weeks ago, I received a box of goodies from Taste of Nature – these amazing bars (Certified Vegan, Gluten Free, Certified Kosher, Organic, etc.). And Canadian – I’m a little proud of that one. 🙂

Taste of Nature  Website

“Taste of Nature’s 100% certified organic bars are vegan, Kosher, non-GMO and are made with the very best ingredients the world has to offer. And yes, they taste as good as they look!”

Since my husband is a vegan, we decided to try a few (those that were vegan) and write down our first thought after eating the bar.

Exotics Caribbean Ginger Island:  

Sai – Powerful ginger taste. I liked it and would most likely eat it again.

Anna – The ginger gave it a nice kick – not too powerful but flavourful. I would totally eat this again.

Persian Pomegranate Garden:    

Sai – Nice mix of flavours.

Anna – Very berry tasting.

Nutrition Facts Serving size: 1 bar (40g)
Calories	160
Calories from Fat	70
Total Fat	8g	12%
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	5mg	0%
Potassium	150mg	4%
Carbohydrate	20g	7%
Fibre	2g	9%
Sugars	12g
Protein	3g
Vitamin A		0%
Vitamin C		0%
Calcium		4%
Iron		8%
% = % Daily Value

Argentina Peanut Plains: 

Sai – A little dry, basic bar. I would eat it again but not my first choice.

Anna – Very peanut-y but not peanut butter tasting. I was thinking it would taste more peanut buttery but glad it didn’t.

Nova Scotia Blueberry Fields:  

Sai – Nice mix of taste, perfect for a summer day.

Anna – Powerful punch of blueberries – delish!

Over all thoughts:

Sai – Taste of Nature bars are great for a quick snack; nice variety of flavours and I like the Persian Pomegranate Garden the best.

Anna – I’ve discovered I like the combination of nuts and berries. The Nova Scotia Blueberry Fields was my favourite (yes, I live in Nova Scotia but that has nothing to do with me liking the bar the best). It’s just simply that good!

I would love to try the Canadian Maple Forest and Niagara Apple Country bars – but those are two I am giving away. (yeah for you!).

I’ve also tried (prior to this review) the Mediterranean Pistachio Passion and the Quebec Cranberry Carnival and managed to find a box at Costco this past weekend! It also includes the Brazilian Nut Fiesta. These are my new go to bar when I need a little something to get me to the next meal or even after a quick workout.

Giveaway Details:

Here is how YOU enter to win a few Taste of Nature Bars :

1. Leave a comment about which Taste of Nature bar you would like to try and if you are from Canada or the US?

Other entries: (please comment in one response if you’ve done all four (4) or just a few of the below entires).

2. Like Piper’s Run on Facebook or Twitter

3. Like Taste of Nature on Facebook or Twitter 

4. Follow Piper’s Run Blog

The giveaway is open to those in Canada and US only.

One winner from Canada and one winner from the US will be chosen – please make sure when you leave your comment below, that you say where you are from (Canada or US)

Contest runs Sunday April 1st – Thursday April 5th 2012.

I will post two winners on Friday (Easter Friday and World Physical Activity Day) , please check back to this blog to see if your name is listed as the winner(s). I will then need your email and mailing address to send you the bars.

Thanks!

Anna

Note: I was not paid by Taste of Nature for this product review. They provided me with a few bars and in return I provided this review. Some pictures are taken from Taste of Nature website.