Journey 106: My First LARABAR

  

I stopped by a local grocery store in Joplin today, to pick up avocados. Checking out I spotted LARABARs for sale, above the plethora of candy bars available. I had read about these health bars on the Whole30 website. Curious, I purchased a Peanut Butter Cookie one to try, since I am in my slightly more relaxed second 30 days. 

On the Whole30 site, the bars are suggested as more of an emergency food to be consumed if no other healthy whole food is available. I assumed LARABARs had to be ordered online. It was a nice surprise to discover local availability. 

The packaging states Gluten Free • Dairy Free • Soy Free • Vegan • Kosher. The back of the packaging has a statement from the founder of the bar, Lara. “We at LARABAR believe that a sound mind, body and spirit are derived from food in its simplest most natural state. Made from 100% real food, LARABAR is a magical harmony of fruits, nuts, and spices that will lift your vitality and provide energy with every bite. Simple. Pure. Delicious. Enjoy the energy!”

I researched Lara and her bar and discovered that she had the idea for her creation while out hiking in the Rocky Mountains. Lara, who used to be a junk food junkie and is now passionate about healthy living, wanted a nutritious, good-for-you indulgence that used wholesome, simple ingredients. And indeed, her bars only contain two to eight ingredients. 

With a rolling pin and a Cuisinart, she tinkered with recipes, using her family as tasters. In May 2000 the LARABAR was launched in five delicious flavors. The first 500 bars were packaged and sold. Today, millions of bars are sold each year. 

It was time for my own taste test! I tried my bar with an unsweetened ice tea. The Peanut Butter Cookie Bar contains only three ingredients: dates, peanuts and sea salt. For the sake of clarity, this bar would not be allowed during the first 30 days, due to the inclusion of peanuts. I have tested my body’s response to peanuts during my second 30 days, as per the Whole30 guidelines, and I do not have allergic or inflammatory reactions to peanuts.   

The bar was moist and very tasty! One bar satisfied me and I didn’t crave another one, or anything else for that matter. Knowing these are available locally, I will occasionally buy ONE bar as an indulgence, as Lara suggests. It’s really about choices and how I feel and enjoying life, with a high level of energy and vitality. I believe savoring a LARABAR now and then fits right in with my lifestyle! 

    

           LARABAR founder, Lara Merriken