Tag: review

  • High Protein Ramen Review- Quick and Easy Lunch

    High Protein Ramen Review- Quick and Easy Lunch

    As someone who loves ramen but knows it’s not the most healthy lunch option, I was so excited to see high protein ramen on the shelves of my local grocery store. Chef Woo High Protein Ramen has a whopping 20 grams of plant-based protein and it’s VEGAN! It looked like a filling and cozy option for lunches at the office or home, so I threw a few different flavors in my cart and decided to give it a try.

    I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I loved it! A little different than your typical ramen, these noodles are made with pea protein. They are slightly tougher than traditional noodles but just as satisfying. Chef Woo High Protein Ramen comes in 4 flavors: Braised Beef, Roasted Chicken, Sweet Chili Togarashi, and Thai Lemongrass and cooks in only 3 minutes in the microwave! With such a short cooking time this ramen instantly became one of my quick, high-protein go-to lunches!

    Some of the flavors have a slight touch of spice, like my favorite the Braised Beef, but it’s just the right amount of heat for me. The only thing to watch out for is the sodium in this soup. Like regular ramen, Chef Woo High Protein Ramen is high in sodium which most likely comes from the broth. Because of this I generally don’t drink all of the broth which is exactly how I eat standard ramen as well.

    How to make your ramen even more nutritious

    If you are not vegan you can up the protein by adding some leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken. This makes for a super-filling lunch. To increase the nutrient and fiber content, I also routinely add leftover vegetables to my ramen.

    Note: Affiliate links below. If you click on and purchase any item from this list, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. We thank you for supporting us and keeping our website running!

    Try out Chef Woo Ramen Noodles yourself and let us know what you think!

    You can get them from Amazon here: Chef Woo Ramen Noodle Cups

    If you liked this High Protein Ramen Review try some of our other reviews:

  • Hungryroot Honest Review

    Hungryroot Honest Review

    I had been interested in trying a meal plan delivery service for a very long time now. I did a lot of research and finally decided to try out Hungryroot after reading about their philosophy which focuses on curating foods that are nutritious, easy to prepare, and of course delicious. Honestly, the main reason I hadn’t tried it before now is that I found their online interface and pricing system to be a bit confusing. I wasn’t sure really how much food I would be getting for my money and how much flexibility they offer for a semi-picky eater like me. Once we all started quarantining and my children were doing remote-learning at home, I just decided to dive in and write about my experience here so all of you out there in internetland can hopefully make a more informed decision. Read on to find my Hungryroot honest review.

    If you are interested in trying Hungryroot – sign up here.
    (Free Black Bean Brownie Batter for Life + 30% off First Delivery of $99+ with code: FREEBROWNIES)

    This post contains affiliate links– thank you for supporting us.

    Hungryroot Honest Review

    How it works:

    This was the part that was the most confusing to me, I will try to keep it simple. You pay a weekly fee for a certain amount of “credits” that can be used on meals and other items from the Hungryroot online store. You need to sign up for one of their plans before you get to see all of the food and meals available to you. Meals end up being around $10 a serving. $99 gets you roughly 3 meals with 2 servings each and about 5-8 extra grocery items.

    Once you are signed up, you can edit almost EVERYTHING you just signed up for. You can add meals, take meals out, add more snacks to your plan, and so on. You are given a curated meal list that is completely editable. For example, I signed up for 3 recipes with 2 servings each, 5-7 snack servings, and 4-6 sweet servings a week. Remember, we are talking about servings, so a larger snack bag with multiple servings counts for more servings. If you are interested in trying Hungryroot for your family, you would add more servings of the same meal to your shipment.

    When I finished deciding how many meals I wanted I looked at my scheduled delivery and changed a lot. I was given a salmon meal and I do not like fish, so I was able to easily remove it from my shipment and add a different meal. In addition, I was given Medjool Dates which I am not a fan of so I was able to remove those and choose a different snack. The only issue with changing meals/snacks is that you need to stay within your “credit” limit I was referring to. Different items cost different amounts of credits, so you may end up having to pay a little extra if you can’t make it even with your credit limit.

    What you get:

    Below is what I got in my first box. This is everything I received for the $99 meal plan. Some items are pre-cooked and only need reheating while others are precut and portioned so you simply put them on a baking sheet and bake.

    Grain Bowl with Chicken and Green Chile Sauce

    This meal was great. I really enjoyed the Green Chile sauce and it was quick and easy to prepare. The zucchini was pre-cut and ready to cook as were the chicken breasts. They just needed reheating. This meal was SUPER fast and easy to prepare, it took about 10 minutes total which was a huge win in my book. I would rate this meal a 9/10. I could have used a little variety in the vegetables.

    Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers with Avocado Crema

    This was another great meal. The Turkey Patties with Feta and Spinach were flavorful and again pre-cooked so all I needed to do was heat them up. I liked the multi-grain sandwich buns and since they came in a pack of 8, I was able to use them for lunches later in the week. The Avocado Crema sauce was smooth and creamy. I would rate this meal an 8/10, a point was deducted because this meal did not come with any side dish or veggie. I also added a slice of my own cheese and some fried jalapeños to this burger.

    Ravioli with Root Vegetables and Kale Pesto

    This was my least favorite meal of the week. The ravioli was dairy free and bland as was the Kale Pesto Sauce. I am not a huge fan of kale, so the flavor just wasn’t there for me on this sauce. The Root Vegetables were great and included veggies I wouldn’t normally buy, like rutabaga and turnips, so that was a plus! I would rate this meal a 4/10. I am a real pasta fan and this just didn’t live up.

    Hungryroot Honest Review

    Almond Chickpea Cookie Dough

    When I signed up for the plan, I used a coupon code to get their Almond Chickpea Cookie Dough for free with each shipment. This was one of the main reasons I chose to sign up when I did. You can eat this cookie dough raw if that is something you are into, I chose to bake them. I made these for my kids and didn’t tell them what they were made of. They gobbled them right up. I also enjoyed them but could tell they are different than regular chocolate chip cookies, for a healthy version they are very good. They have a softer texture than standard cookies and were a winner for everyone in my family. I would rate these cookies a 9/10!

    Other items in my box:

    • Abe’s Blueberry Muffins – 10/10 – My kids LOVED theses muffins, they were all eaten the day they were delivered.
    • Pumfu Pumpkin Tofu – 8/10 – I love tofu and was excited to try this. I thought it was very good, but much smaller than a standard tofu package. It had a slightly nutty flavor and was a little firmer than standard firm tofu.
    • Cedar’s Garlic Hummus Snack Pack – 10/10 – If you like hummus, you’ll like this convenient snack pack!
    • Basil Zucchini White Bean Salad – 9/10 – Very good, very flavorful makes a nice side dish for lunch.
    • Garlicky Herb Chickpea Duo – 9/10 – Again, very good, very flavorful!
    • Epic Wagyu Beef Steak Strip – 10/10 – Grass-fed beef with great flavor, and it makes a great quick snack.
    • Bobo’s Maple Pecan Oat Bar – 3/10 – Not great, overpowering scent. No one in my house could finish this bar.

    Overall Review:

    I really enjoyed Hungryroot. Most of the meals were great and super healthy. I would absolutely eat everything again except for the ravioli. The meals were all fast to prepare and needed minimal prep. Hungryroot also introduced me to some new pre-packed food brands that I enjoyed and will purchase in the future.

    I would recommend Hungryroot for couples or small families who are low on time and are looking for healthier meals. However, I don’t think it is very practical for larger families with kids that eat large portions. The portion sizes were just right for my husband and I, but my growing teenage nephews would need multiple side dishes/multiple portions. Additionally, my younger, slightly picky eater kids, didn’t eat any of the meals. I would say, if this sounds somewhat interesting or helpful to you, give it a try! You can always cancel, even after just one shipment!

    To try Hungryroot today sign up here.
    (Use code FREEBROWNIES for Free Black Bean Brownie Batter for Life + 30% off First Delivery of $99+)

    Pros:

    -Meals are super easy to prepare
    -Meals are pre-planned and produce is fresh
    -Food is very healthy and well portioned

    Cons:

    -Cost – on the more expensive side
    -Not super family friendly, my kids weren’t fans of some meals
    -Limited meal options

    More Reviews on Today I Need A…


  • Humblemaker Cold Brew Coffee Shots Review

    Humblemaker Cold Brew Coffee Shots Review

    Attention busy moms and dads, we have a new coffee solution for you! Humblemaker, an independent coffee company out of California, sent us some of their new cold brew coffee shots to test and we are big fans.

    Note: Affiliate links below. If you click on and purchase any item from this list, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. We thank you for supporting us and keeping our website running!

    Humblemaker generously sent us a gorgeous highball glass and 3 packs of their new cold brew shots; one of each variety. Each package ($30) contains 8 shots which is just about the right number to get you through the week – one a day and one emergency shot for long work days.

    Humblemaker Cold Brew Coffee Shots 8 packs

    About Humblemaker

    “Humblemaker cold brews are made using only the highest quality, responsibly sourced, fresh roasted organic coffees. Their proprietary process is cold from start to finish – closely regulating brew temperature and brew time to ensure ideal extraction and flavor. Their premium ingredients and cut-no-corners-attitude delivers the finest quality finished product possible.” This is directly from their website because, hey, you can’t beat this description!

    Our Review

    Each shot offers a little something extra like Vitamin C or Ginseng. We love the 115mg of coffee in each shot but also the extra wellness boost! They are perfect for coffee on the go or to keep at your desk for a mid-day boost. This summer we brought them camping, some folks drank their shots straight and other added theirs to some cool milk.

    note: these shots do need to be kept refrigerated so they stayed in the cooler at camp

    Humblemaker Cold Brew Coffee Shots with Highball Glass

    Cold Brew Coffee Shots – 3 Options

    1) La Fonda – “An antioxidant rich, Mexican Coffee cold brew shot with pure cinnamon and cacao that harness all the immune boosting power of green tea: active polyphenols, Vitamin C and selenium”

    Taste test: The cinnamon and cacao really make this shot fantastic, the flavor isn’t overpowering and the coffee is smooth. Who doesn’t need an extra immune boost these days? I’ve actually mixed this with the Boomtowne shot for the ultimate wellness shot.

    Humblemaker Cold Brew Coffee Shot La Fonda

    2) Black Sea – “This cognitive health Turkish Coffee cold brew shot is brewed with real cardamom and clove packed with L-Theanine and Ginseng, both known to promote memory and reaction time.”

    Taste test: This was my least favorite of the three, the coffee is still fine but I’m extremely opposed to cloves. The clove notes seemed very strong to me. If cardamom and clove peak your interest then you will enjoy this one, it is particularly good for the fall.

    Humblemaker Cold Brew Coffee Shot Black Sea

    3) Boomtowne – “An ultra smooth Simply Black triple strength cold brew shot with liquid multivitamin.”

    Taste test: Yes, this is the winner for me! A wicked smooth no-frills black coffee shot with a multivitamin to boot.

    Humblemaker Cold Brew Coffee Shot Boomtowne

    Conclusion

    There are so many pros – flavor, taste and convenience. The wellness aspect of these shots is an absolute stand out. The La Fonda with extra immunity boost offers the ultimate combo. While these shots won’t replace my regular coffee everyday they will become a regular purchase. Having some on hand for those extra busy days has been a lifesaver.

    The only con for me is the price. $30 for an 8-pack of shots seems a little steep, that is $3.75 each. This is similar to a Starbucks Coffee, but much more than brewed coffee at home. The good news is you are getting a multivitamin or an immunity boost in addition to your caffeine fix. You also won’t be tempted to get that pastry as you order your mid-day coffee. 😉

    If you are unsure of what shot would work best for you, Humblemaker offers a sample pack with all 3 varieties. Once you find your favorite you can sign-up for their subscription service. Right now you can save 15% with subscription & save by using our affiliate link HERE. (only $3.19 per shot)

    Humblemaker also offers whole bean coffee (or ground) starting at $18 for 12oz along with great swag like their highball glass and coffee tumblers.

    Frappé Recipe

    Looking for a quick way to make your coffee frappé? Check out our Fast Coffee Frappé Recipe featuring Humblemaker Coffee Shots by clicking HERE.

    Fast Coffee Frappe Recipe with Humblemaker Cold Brew Coffee Shots

    Other Today I Need A… Posts you might like

  • DuckTales: A Welcome Return!

    DuckTales: A Welcome Return!

    I always think it’s great when something I loved as a kid turns out to be something my own kids love, too. It’s even better when that thing has changed juuuuuust enough to stay current, but retains everything you loved about it back in the day. This is what has made the new DuckTales series – now in its fourth season – such a blast. Prepare to have a certain theme song stuck in your head…..and to admit you’re a sentimental member of Generation X.

    Back in action are all the classics: Scrooge, Donald, Huey, Dewey, and Louie! Webby Vanderquack and Mrs. Beakley! Launchpad, Gyro Gearloose, and Duckworth! Even arch nemeses Flintheart Glomgold and Magica De Spell! Sit down to watch with an after-school snack, and it’s like you’ve stepped back into the late 80’s.

    Naturally, there have been some changes. The animation style is new, subtly altering the appearances of most characters, and there are new voice actors, whose work quickly grew on me. The series’ family-friendly humor was expected, but I appreciate the fact that some jokes seem intended for parents. However, some of the biggest (and among the most positive, in my opinion) changes were those made to Mrs. Beakley and Webby. No longer is Beakley a worrisome, grandmotherly type; she’s now a shrewd ex-secret agent who expertly navigates the chaos of McDuck Mansion. Webby no longer stands on the sidelines, clutching a stuffed toy; instead, she is intellectual, adventurous, independent, and exceptionally worldly for a kid. These character changes certainly make things more interesting, while making for some nice and unexpected storylines, and as someone with two young daughters, I really appreciated the stronger and more prominent female characters.

    If you’re a fan of the original, or just love All Things Disney, I would highly suggest checking this reboot out! With episodes running at just 22 minutes each, they’re bite-size and well worth watching with the kids. You can find them on Amazon Video (like us), Disney Channel or Disney Now. https://amzn.to/2WY0ooq

    Image result for ducktales disney xd

    *affiliate links