KIND Healthy Grains

This week we are reviewing food. Yes, food! This is a first for 'Mommy Hates Chemicals' and we have chosen KIND brand Healthy Grains for our first food review! Their motto is: "Ingredients you can see & pronounce"

KIND Healthy Grains come in six flavors: Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters, Vanilla Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds, Cinnamon Oat Clusters with Flax Seeds, Maple Walnut Clusters with Chia & Quinoa, Dark Chocolate & Cranberry Clusters and Oats & Honey Clusters with Toasted Coconut.

Jamie will be reviewing Maple Walnut Clusters with Chia and Quinoa and Ginger will be reviewing Vanilla Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds. (for full ingredient list, click the links) Since we're reviewing different flavors, we will each rate our product on a scale from 1 to 10 leaves.

Both flavors are Gluten-Free, All Natural, Low Glycemic, No Refined Sugars, Non GMO, No Saturated Fat, No Trans Fats, Cholesterol Free and Very Low Sodium.


Not only does the company encourage you to be "KIND" to your self by taking care of your body, they also encourage you to be "KIND" to the world. The first Tuesday of the month (KIND Tuesday) they challenge the community to carry out a specific "KIND" act. They have several missions on their website you can get involved with.

Maple Walnut Clusters With Chia & Quinoa

"Maple Walnut Clusters with Chia & Quinoa are a heart healthy blend of walnuts, chia and whole grains amaranth, quinoa, oats, millet and buckwheat with a sweet touch of maple. These palate-pleasing clusters contain 300mg of omega-3 fatty acids and provide 17g of whole grains per serving."




Hello Quinoa!

Did I ever mention I'm obsessed with quinoa? Probably not...but I am!

Reasons to like Quinoa:

• Quinoa is a unique grain in that it has all nine essential amino acids (making it a complete protein)

• Quinoa is higher in protein than similar grains (7 grams protein per ¼ cup dry)

• Quinoa is notably rich in polyphenols (phytochemicals known for their potentially protective antioxidant activity) compared to other grains

• Each serving also adds 3 grams of fiber and 10% of the daily value for iron

• Quinoa is gluten-free

-Source


Now that I've gotten you all jumping up and down for the pseudograin we will talk granola.

I love granola, but most are actually on the unhealthy end of the spectrum as far as breakfast foods are concerned.

However, KIND isn't technically making granola. It's a pseudogranola (using a pseudograin! Deceitful, and delicious.)
My husband has real granola with his yogurt every morning. However, when I brought home three bags of KIND's Maple Walnut Cluster he opted for that over his rolled oats granola. We went through those three bags in lightening speed.

This is now our go-to cereal in the morning.

And for that I'm giving KIND Maple Walnut Clusters 10 out of 10 leaves.

Vanilla Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds

"Vanilla Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds are a nutritionally rich blend of blueberries, flax seeds and whole grains amaranth, quinoa, oats, millet and buckwheat with a hint of vanilla. These naturally sweet clusters are high in fiber and contain 750mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 16g of whole grains per serving."



I grew up in a family where my mother was a health food nut. She always ate her twigs and acorns for breakfast. The most sugary breakfast cereal I was ever allowed to eat was regular Cheerios with a little honey poured over it, since the Honey Nut Cheerios had too much sugar. One day I begged my mom to let me have a treat (thinking a ding dong or something similar) with my school lunch like all the other kids. She gave me a ziplock bag with a small measured amount of Pringles Lite Potato Chips. If I wanted junk food, I'd have to go to the neighbors.

Just the idea of even eating regular granola for breakfast gives me the willies. Which is why I usually eat a protein bar or just drink coffee for breakfast. We met the guys from KIND at the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim and they were awesome. They had samples of their healthy grains out to try. Nothing like peer pressure to try something you don't really want to try. So I put on a fake smile and tried the Vanilla Blueberry Clusters. OMG... it was good. I mean REALLY good. This is something I could snack on, all day long! And I don't even really like healthy food.

My 8 year old son Seamus tasted it and said, "Wow, this is delicious!". My 6 year old daughter thought it was "yummy". My 12 year old didn't care for it, but he's weird because he doesn't even like pizza or hot dogs.

I don't even know what Flax seeds or quinoa are, or millet or buckwheat. They sound so "healthy" I'd normally run in fear from them. But what I DO know is it tastes really good! And from now on I'm going to snack on it!! In fact, I'm snacking on it right now while I type this review.

And for that, I give the Vanilla Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds a 10 out of 10 leaves.

Naturally Fresh Crystal Deodorant

This week we are reviewing Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal in roll-on and spray form in Lavender Scent.



The company has this to say about their roll-on deodorant:

Our elegant deodorant crystal Roll On combines all natural ingredients to eliminate odor causing bacteria while providing 24 hour non-staining hypoallergenic protection. Chamomile is added to sooth and moisturize shaved underarms. Non-sticky, non-greasy--feels like a luxurious skin lotion.

For those who prefer a scented deodorant, we now offer Lavender as an Allergen Free fragrance to our formula. Our fragrances are 100% Phtalate and Allergen Free, and 100% pure and natural. The fragrances are a blend of natural oils, resins and extracts. They follow INCI regulations for fragrances and labeling, and are IFRA Certified.

Available at: GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Duane Reade, Whole Foods Market, Marc Glassman, Xpect, Amazon.com, CVS.com, Alice.com, Drugstore.com, or call for store locations in your area.

The company's description of the spray deodorant is as follows:

The liquid version of our deodorant crystal. Simply, purified water and pharmaceutical grade mineral salts, and Lavender scent. Highly recommended by doctors--oncologists, dermatologists, and allergists. 100% pure and natural, hypoallergenic, 24 hour protection, and fragrance free. Extremely gently yet amazingly effective.

For those who prefer a scented deodorant, we now offer Lavender as an Allergen Free fragrance to our formula. Our fragrances are 100% Phtalate and Allergen Free, and 100% pure and natural. The fragrances are a blend of natural oils, resins and extracts. They follow INCI regulations for fragrances and labeling, and are IFRA Certified.

Available at: GNC, Amazon.com, CVS.com, Drugstore.com, or call for store locations in your area.

I wanted this deodorant to work. I really did. So first I tried the roll-on version. It lasted... (are you ready for it?) ONE HOUR. So then I tried the spray version of the deodorant. It too lasted... ONE HOUR.




Next I decided to double-up by using the combination of the roll-on and the spray together. Together, they would last 1/2 the day before the body odor started rolling in. HALF. A. DAY. Now I will say the roll-on + the spray combined, worked better than Tom's of Maine Deodorant worked for me. I realize there are different pH's out there. Maybe I just have the pH of a man. *shrugs* But on me, the Naturally Fresh Crystal Deodorant didn't last.

And for that, I give it 2 out of 5 leaves.

I used the roll-on deodorant for a week. I'm not normally a fan of roll-ons, but this one wasn't bad. I felt it dried pretty quickly and wasn't sticky like I had expected it to be. One day I spent all day at a museum with my family on a hot and humid day. A perfect test for the effectiveness of the deodorant. After I applied the roll-on deodorant, I applied the spray deodorant on top for good measure.

FYI: The spray deodorant has got a good spray radius, so don't accidentally spray it in your eye like I did. Thankfully it was all natural and didn't burn my eyes out.

I did a good deal of sweating over the day. When I got back to the house I took off my shirt and asked my family to do their favorite activity... smell my pits. So they didn't affect each other's answers, I asked them all separately.

With the exception of Seamus, everyone else said I was "slightly stinky" as in they smelled a little body odor wafting up.

I had the family smell my pits every day. Every time (with the exception of Seamus) they said it smelled a "just a little bad". They are used to my Dove Green Tea and Cucumber deodorant which covers body odor and leaves a pleasant smell all day long. Apparently with Naturally Fresh Crystal Deodorant it covers most of the body odor but doesn't leave any lasting smell.

My 12 year old son complained yet again about having to smell my pits when I asked him to. That's when my 8 year old son reprimanded him and said, "You have to be brave, to smell your Mama's arm pits." Yay Seamus!!! Seamus thought my pits smelled good every day.

The only time I smelled some body odor was when I woke up the next day, which doesn't happen with my Dove deodorant.

Then again, when I tested the Lavanilla deodorant there was a definite body odor smell that even I could smell the body odor myself. It was even offending me, and Seamus still proclaimed it smelling good. I've come to the conclusion that Seamus prefers the smell of body odor. We might need seek therapy for him about this, or perhaps just mail him to Europe in the future.

Bottom Line: For a roll-on deodorant, it dried quickly and didn't get sticky. I couldn't smell my body odor but others said there was a slight body odor smell. And there was no lasting fragrant smell like my Dove deodorant has. When people were close to my arm pits, they described a mild body odor. I give the Naturally Fresh Crystal Deodorant 3 out of 5 leaves.

The total score for Naturally Fresh Crystal Deodorant is: 5 out of 10 leaves

Maxim Sanitary Pads and Tampons

This week we are reviewing Maxim brand Sanitary Pads and Tampons. Since Ginger is a tampon-only user, she will review Maxim Tampons. Jamie is a sanitary pad-only user, so she will review the Maxim Classic Contour Pads. Each of us will review our assigned product on a scale from 1 to 10 leaves.

It's that time of the month again! What I normally use: Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Pads- Regular.

The Maxim brand Classic Contour Sanitary Pads are made with 100% Natural Cotton and are Chlorine Free, Synthetic Free, Wood Pulp Free, Fragrance Free, Hypoallergenic, and biodegradable.

Day 1: I used the Maxim Classic Contour Pads for the first time. I had to change my pad once every two hours. With the Seventh Generation I could probably go all day without changing it (but I don't, of course).

Day 2: My heaviest flow day (which is pretty average). It felt like I was cleaning up a murder scene by the end of the day. I had to change my pad every hour and I still needed to change my pants twice. My poor husband watched silently in horror as the day unfolded.

Day 3: Much lighter day. I could use a pad all day without changing it.

Day 4: I used Maxim's lightest pad they offer and it worked splendidly.Random note: My pads caught fire in my trash can! (It was my fault...) It did bring a new meaning to the word "fire crotch."

Bottom Line: I have to use Seventh Generation for my heaviest days, but for all other days I will be using the more natural (and comfy) Maxim Contours. And for that I'm giving it 8 out of 10 leaves!

Hey, Jamie... are you calling me a "Fire Crotch" again? *shakes my head at you*

As mentioned in our Diva Cup review, I was unaware of the real dangers of Toxic Shock Syndrome until recently. Thanks to the You Are Loved community, I have learned that women and girls are still dying from TSS.

If you are a tampon user, it's vitally important that you follow the directions and do not misuse them.

Normally I use Playtex or Tampax tampons. And I'm an applicator kind of gal. Not a fan of sticking my finger up my hee-haw, especially when Aunt Flo is visiting.

Little known fact: I started using tampons in Middle School. My mom bought them for me, and verbally described how to use them, but didn't go into much detail. They were a little uncomfortable, but more convenient (I thought) than pads. About 2 months later I happened to mention to my older sister that they were a bit uncomfortable. That's when she said, "You are taking the applicators out, right?" I replied, "Applicator?" Yep, that's right. For 2 months I had been using tampons and leaving the applicators in. I blame my mom for not really showing me the correct way to use them.

I tested out the Maxim tampons with cardboard applicators, in Regular and Super absorbancy during my entire cycle.The tampons are made with 100% Certified Organic Cotton and are Chlorine Free, Synthetic Free, Fragrance Free, Hypoallergenic and Biodegradable.

Here is a little video I made regarding the tampon usage. Don't be scared to watch. It's even man-friendly. #trustme

Okay, so I didn't really use the non-applicator tampons. I used the ones with the cardboard applicator that come in Super and Regular absorbancy. I used the Super during my heavy days and the Regular during the rest of my cycle.

Bottom Line: There was no discernible difference between the Maxim tampons and the Playtex or Tampax tampons I had been using. None of them leaked and they worked just as well. You guys know my rating guide... if it works just as well as the conventional item I've been using, it gets a perfect score. So I give Maxim brand tampons a 10 out of 10 leaves.