Welcome to a new week of Robin Recommends! After a busy and eventful Election weekend, I’m here to help you all get back on track with some new recommendations for my favorite snacks, products, and self-care tips. Read on for more of my favorites! Note that most of these items are also shoppable on my Amazon storefront.

1. The Pantry

The Pantry in Fairfield is a small gourmet grrocery store that also sells fresh, prepared foods. They have an incredible deli and salad bar, along with general grocery items, meats, seafood, and more.  They have many #robinbarrieapproved super healthy options like this amazing dip. It contains all natural superfoods, including high-protein soybeans and kale.  The spread is as perfect on bread as it is on veggies. The addition of scallions, garlic, EVOO, tahini, cilantro, poblano pepper, lemon, and parsley make this a quite the taste sensation. There are many more items to taste test here, and I can’t wait to go back-the woman behind me in line was raving about the steamed veggie dumplings she was purchasing.  Make sure to share your Pantry finds with me too!

2. Ezekiel Sprouted Whole Grain English Muffins

I recommend these muffins to many of my clients and my friends as well! Ezekiel brand (made by Food for Life) has many all natural healthy bread and tortilla products. They are made with sprouted grains, instead of regular breads that are made with mature grains. Why are sprouted grains better? They have more available nutrients, including folate, iron, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and protein. They also have less starch, so may be easier to digest for those who have trouble eating regular grains.  

I love making a healthier PB&J with Ezekial English muffins by topping them with PB and a homemade 4-ingredient chia jam. They also work for savory breakfasts made into egg sandwiches, or for lunch as avocado toast or even pizza muffins. You can find these at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and ShopRite.  They are usually in the freezer section to preserve the grains without requiring added preservatives.

3. Eaton Hemp
Eaton Hemp creates organic, transparent, farmer-owned hemp products grown in the US. These include my favorite superfood hemp seeds and hemp hearts. I love the hemp seeds because they contain 8 grams of complete protein and 10 grams of fiber, along with over 1000mg omega-3s in each individual serving size package. (Note that hemp hearts are just the inside of the seed-they have all the protein and omegas, but very little of the fiber. they work great in smoothies and shakes, as they have less of the grit/crunch.) They’re so easy to grab and go for a crunchy snack. You can also add the seeds to oatmeal, toasts, salads, grain bowls, and more! They’re a powerful ingredient that also tastes amazing. Each of the flavors can enhance a different dish: the flavors include Maple Cinnamon, Ancho Chili BBQ, and Himalayan Pink Salt.

4. Skinceuticals Serum 20
I love this stuff, and have been using it for years! It’s topical Vitamin C for the skin, and an investment for sure – but a couple of drops go a long way, so it will last you a long time. It absorbs right into the skin, so it’s invisible under makeup. It’s recommended by many dermatologists and aestheticians for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and neutralizing free radical damage, so it will leave your skin glowy, bright, and rejuvenated. It combines ferulic acid with vitamin C for antioxidants, which are so great for the skin. Blue Mercury often does a sale during holiday time (coming up SO soon!) so I stock up then. There is one in downtown Westport, so you can support local, OR shop online if there is not a location near you.

That’s all for this edition! Check back next week for more of what I recommend, and make sure to read last week’s blog, if you missed it!