Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed my journey has continued to evolve, especially when it comes to my eating. I’ve talked about before how my eating before I embarked on my healthiness journey was mainly processed foods, eating out, canned or boxed meals and anything but fresh. When I started to really work on my healthiness, I relied on a lot of low fat, low calorie and sugar free foods. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am confident I needed to rely on them to help with my transition. This past November, I mentioned I was making another transition. I wrote:
“I’m ready to step out of the comfort of…
- Low fat
- Fat free
- Sugar free
- Low calorie
- Calorie free
You heard that right — I’ve decided to break up with scientifically engineered foods and concentrate on eating food not made in a laboratory.”
I shopped at a local co-op for 6 months straight, purchasing non-processed foods. Organic. No added preservatives. No chemicals. All that jazz. I refused to buy certain things because I couldn’t find non-processed versions. I spent twice as long at the grocery store walking around frustrated because things I enjoyed weren’t there and instead, there was some mock version left in its place. And worse yet, I’d get home with a twice than normal grocery bill only to realize “organic” and “non-processed” doesn’t mean “healthy” or “good for you.”
And then, right around the time the tornado hit, Carlos started to ask questions.
- What’s the point of shopping at the co-op?
- Why does it have to be so expensive?
- Can’t we just eat normal?
- Can’t eating just a balance?
His questions got me thinking. What was I trying to achieve? My original goal was…
“My goal is to incorporate foods that do not have a majority of its ingredients developed in a lab.”
So why did I have to start shopping at a co-op? Why did I have to give up products I really liked? Wasn’t there some balance to be found in my journey? While the kitchen was out of commission for the better part of the summer, I realized I could have my cake and eat it too… kind of. Since that November post, I’m proud to say veggies are now a staple in my diet. I have gone back to grocery shopping at “regular” stores and spend most of my time in the produce section picking out fruits and veggies for the week. I hit the meat section and then the dairy section. Lastly, I spend about 7 minutes in all the other isles grabbing a few staple items and them I’m outta there! I leave feeling balanced and proud of my choices.
And true to my original intent back in November, I’ve found my balance.
My favorite thing about my journey? Is knowing companies like Coffee-Mate are beginning to provide options for people like me who want balance. I shared with you a couple months ago, Coffee-Mate has officially released their line of Natural Bliss.
Now you can enhance the coffee flavor you love with Coffee-mate Natural Bliss, a new all-natural dairy creamer made with only milk, cream, a touch of sugar and pure natural flavor. Flavors like sweet cream, vanilla and caramel add just the right touch of sweetness and delicious flavor for your perfect cup every time. Like us on Facebook for offers, news and more!
Four ingredients. That’s it, that’s all. The sound of the coffee pot gurgling as it works hard to brew up a pot of coffee, the steam spewing out of the top of the coffee machine. My coffee cup nestled up next to the coffee maker waiting to be filled with a sweet mixture of coffee and Natural Bliss. Coffee with Natural Bliss is my smile in the morning.
I’m proud that I’ve found my balance and it works for me. I’m proud that I have settled into a pretty good habit of eating 75% fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains and non-processed foods and that companies like Coffee-Mate support my balanced choices.
To my friends at Coffee-Mate, thank you for
being a part of my balanced healthy lifestyle!
Have you tried Coffee-Mate’s Natural Bliss yet?
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by COFFEE-MATE via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of COFFEE-MATE.
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I love the idea behind the “Natural Bliss” Coffee-Mate line but I sure wish they’d make a Hazelnut!
I’m with you on what I call the “extremes” of grocery shopping — sometimes for me it’d feel like a yo-yo diet, because it was either ALL organic, etc. from the healthfood store or, I’d realize I’d spent the majority of my paycheck on groceries, panic, and buy cheap processed meals (e.g. ramen noodles) from the regular store the next week. Now I shop the edges too, and I think it’s working well for me.
Not so sure about this product. How many ingredients do you think are rolled up into “natural flavor”? I’ll stick to my half and half with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
I agree! Too many companies are saying their products have “natural flavor” or “natural ingredients” just to sway consumers into buying their products. I’ll stick with my coffee straight-up!
The FDA has not developed a definition for use of the term “natural” or its derivatives. However, the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances. That being said there are a lot of weird toxic ingredients that aren’t synthetic. Its just a really sketchy word that has no meaning.
Yeah, “natural flavors” can be a deceiving ingredient. That said, this product is probably a LOT less processed than the other flavored creamers, and as Jen said, it’s all about finding that balance so if it’s MOSTLY unprocessed, than that’s as good as you’re gonna get with a flavored coffee creamer.
I have to agree. “Natural” is the new key word for companies because there is no FDA regulations behind the use of the word.
With all that I’ve read about dairy products anyway, it’s one of the areas where I do splurge and buy organic. I get the Organic Valley half and half and they make it in regular, french vanilla, and hazelnut. Usually I buy a flavored and non-flavored and mix for a little less sugar. They are wonderful.
I tried the Coffee Mate natural bliss when it first came out and while it doesn’t compare at all to my Organic Valley, it IS a better option than the regular Coffee Mates loaded with all the gums and trans fats.
Thank you, Ali! I have a little bit of a Hazelnut creamer addiction, but I’ve also been trying to buy more organic/natural foods. I’ll have to look for Organic Valley in my local store.
I looked at the ingredient label and found it still listed “natural flavoring.” This is their sneaky way of sneaking in disgusting stuff like castoreum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castoreum
I have been using organic valley vanilla creamer and it seems to be pretty good and safe: http://www.organicvalley.coop/products/cream/half-and-half/french-vanilla-pint/
got me some Natural Bliss sweet cream in my coffee right now – picked it up after reading your original post – it is great!
There are so many opinions about what is “good” and what is “not good”. I buy lots of produce (some organic, some not, it depends on which is freshest at the time), lean meat, low-fat or fat-free dairy most of the time and whole grains. Does that mean I NEVER eat at a fast food place? No. Does it mean that sometimes I have straight-black coffee, and sometimes I get a starbucks mocha frap? YES! Because this is life and we should enjoy it! I work out regularly, eat mostly healthy, and don’t smoke. Besides, not to sound morbid, but we are all going to die of something and I don’t think it is going to be from Coffee Mate Natural Bliss creamer.
I think people equate coop with healthy and that is not always the case. Eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies, lean proteins, whole grain carbs and the occasional treat. It is all about balance and finding what works for you. I shop at Super Target, Costco and Whole Foods/Coops for some specialty ingredients. I would love to eat all organic but that’s just not in my budget.
I think the key to deciding what food you will eat is to decide what it is you want in your body (and this includes more than just food, ie cleaning products, etc) and go from there. And each of us have to make that decision for ourselves. Honestly, I do wonder what makes natural bliss “natural”, but I also assume it’s probably better than the alternative.
For myself, I eventually want to get to total clean living, cleaning products, hygiene products, food, etc. I think I get enough chemicals in my body just from walking in the city, and it is my choice to not help out the toxins any by why I purchase. I’m not there yet, but that’s where I want to be, as my choice.
As far as produce, here in Denver we have options to purchase shares or produce. It’s a hefty chunk of money all at once, but then you get 16 weeks of pick up. It’s produce that’s locally grown by a big farm and delivered once a week to various locations. I’ve done the math, and even compared to a less expensive chain grocery store, it looks less costly to do it the Shares way, and you have the added benefit of knowing the stuff is locally grown. As time passes, produce loses it’s nutrients, so buying locally is always going to yield you the most beneficial stuff. I think it’s worth looking into and comparing the prices for your area.
I have been poking around the last hour and have learned the following: “all natural” is not a term regulated by the FDA because it is so broad and can be used in so many contexts that it is essentially meaningless. It’s a marketing term, not a health claim. And secondly, the Coffee-Mate lists only “natural flavors” on all its flavors of creamer, rather than “natural carmel flavor”, or, “natural vanilla flavor” which means they can absolutely be using some other “natural” ingredient that happens to mimic the taste of carmel or vanilla. It’s all smoke and mirrors. Doesn’t mean it’s an evil product that will kill you, but it’s about marketing and sales, not health.
Sometimes processed foods are a necessity–unless you are drinking unpastureized raw milk from the farm, milk is a processed beverage, yet it is considered part of a healthy diet in moderation.
Erika -
I want to “like” your post!
Thanks, Carrie!
I’m also a fan! I picked some up after the first post you wrote about the creamer. I got my office ladies on it too!
After seeing a couple documentaries about organic products, there really is no guarantee that from where they leave until they reach your hands, its 100% organic.
I’ve only bought regular fruits and veggies in my market, a, because I think they are the same thing and b, because they are cheaper!
Glad you found your balance though Jen! And I love my flavored coffee creamer – I have one coffee in the morning, I’ll have to look out for that brand.
i also bought this new creamer after reading your original post Jen but i have yet to crack it open. i agree with many other posters, it’s all about balance and moderation and blah blah blah. a bit of creamer every day isn’t going to kill anyone. a dozen donuts every day, well…
Yeah for finding out what is easy and works. I am trying to eat clean..non processed healhty foods and a treat every now and again when needed. So far I am feeing great and have seem to come to terms with my eating which for me is a huge step.
Trying to avoid processed foods? Here, eat this! We have a processed food to sell you that we are making a bundle on because it’s LESS processed! Yippee!
Seriously?
Put cream in your coffee (ingredients=1)
Or, as I do, coconut milk (ingredients=1), medium chain fats that help you lose bodyfat.
Did anyone bother to go check the Coffee Mate site for nutritional information?
“INGREDIENTS: NONFAT MILK, HEAVY CREAM, SUGAR, NATURAL FLAVOR CONTAINS MILK.”
tasty! can’t wait to buy some.
I love that creamer, it is a staple in my house. Tastes great in hot and iced coffee! The Sweet Cream is my fave flavor!
Just thought I would share this site where you can make your own creamer: http://www.deliciouslyorganic.net/homemade-coffee-creamer/
Thank you, Tonya! I understand some people are willing to take Nestle’s word for it that their product is all natural, but if you are trying to follow a clean diet (like Tosca Reno), then making your own would be the best option.
Agreed. First of all, all natural is not necessarily great quality food, and also there are still 5 grams of sugar in one tablespoon ( I know I use at least twice that).
It’s still a processed food. And according to my local grocery store, a 16-oz bottle is $2.99, and a 16-oz carton of organic 1/2 and 1/2 is $2.59.
I know we all have our guilty pleasures, but to “sell” this product as a clean, or whole-food choice is a marketing thing. This is a processed food manufactured by Nestle. Period. Just. Eat. Food.
Since I started getting CSA deliveries, something has shifted for me. For those of you who haven’t done this yet, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms offer the freshest produce (and often organic, or using organic/sustainable practices if not certified) that they drop off at delivery sites every week. You pay up front for the year or season and pick up at the drop-off site on your designated day.
I love this because it encourages me to try new vegetables, for which the CSA farm often provides recipes.
I get excited each week when I get the email in my inbox of what produce is to come. I start planning meals because I want to make sure everything is used up.
While it may seem like an expense up front, over the 21 weeks of mine, it comes down to less than $24 per week. And there is so much there, that a friend and I actually split it, making it less than $12 per week per person.
While we use http://www.featherstonefarm.com, wherever you are, you can find a CSA in your area on this website: http://www.localharvest.org.
Thank you, Jen! This was just the post I needed. I have struggled for so long with finding a balance! I tried to eat organic but right now our budget is just not allowing it. So like you and so many others commenting here I am going to try and find a balance at my local Super Target. As I’m learning it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Thanks for the reminder!
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