Salubrious Subscription: KLUTCHclub

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With so many subscription boxes out there to choose from, how do you decipher the best? From beauty, fashion and food to boxes specifically made for moms, men even dogs, it is hard not to form a “subscription box addiction”.

KLUTCHclub is a new monthly subscription service (launched April 2012) that sends a curated box of health, fitness and wellness products right to your doorstep. You will learn about new, niche brands and products that suit your lifestyle and also get access to exclusive deals and offers from companies that share your values. Perfect for woman-on-the-go who need help with healthy eating options and staying in shape in this busy, demanding world.

Confused by all the options out there (hemp? chia? omegas?), not knowing which brands to trust – and unwilling to invest hundreds of dollars on products that she could not distinguish from the latest gimmicks vs. something that is truly hollistically healthy – founder of KLUTCHclub, Julie Bashkin, wanted an expert to just curate a collection of healthy products and then magically deliver them to her door. Because the idealized option did not exist, she created KLUTCHclub.

“I founded KLUTCHclub to find a solution to my own struggles with maintaining a healthy lifestyle while working demanding 75 hour-weeks and managing a heavy travel schedule” says KLUTCHclub founder and former McKinsey and Company Engagement Manager, Julie Bashkin. “I was on a perpetual quest to find products that would make eating nutritious food and exercising on-the-go more convenient.”

KLUTCHclub subscription service is a great way to sample new product, try new foods, wellness items and activities that you might never purchase yourself. One of the first subscription companies to give you pricing options – KLUTCHclub is extremely affordable at – $16 per month, if you sign up for a year subscription, $17 per month for a 3 month subscription and $18 per month for 1 month subscription.

KLUTCHclub currently has a monthly subscription box for KLUTCHwomen and KLUTCHmen. In the future the company plans on adding KLUTCHmom, celebrity curated boxes and boxes that donate to charities. KLUTCHclub is a wonderful option for those of us that want to improve our health without doing the research. Let KLUTCHclub do the work for you.

Super Seed: The Chia Seed

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Ch…Ch…Ch…CHIA! The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the super seed. The many Chia Pet commercials watched on how to grow chia seeds from your very own terra-cotta Chia Frog. Gaining popularity in the United States, Chia seeds are making a big comeback. They offer a wonderful source of nutrients that can easily be incorporated into your diet and can easily be purchased from any health food store.

Chia seeds are a small seed that comes from the salvia plant, which is a part of the mint family. Originally grown in South America, Chia seeds were first used as food as early as 3500 BC and were one of the main dietary components of the Aztecs and the Mayans.

Chia seeds are perhaps best known for their high omega-3 fatty acids content. In fact, chia seeds have the highest omega-3s of any vegetarian food. Just one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 2406 mg of omega-3s, and also contains approx. 792 mg omega-6s and 294 mg of omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are important for brain function and work as an anti-inflammatory in the body.

Another advantage of chia seeds is their ability to help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Chia seeds form a gel in the stomach that slows the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar. Carbohydrates that quickly break down into sugar stimulate a surge of insulin to be released into the blood, causing blood sugar problems. Eating foods such as chia seeds that break down slowly helps blood sugar to rise and fall steadily throughout the day.

Chia seeds also contain a substantial amount of fiber, protein, essential amino acids, calcium and minerals. Available in white and black seeds, some manufacturers state that the white chia seed is superior. However, there is no research to back up this claim and as of now no significant difference.

Incorporating chia seeds into your diet is easy. Simply add to smoothies, yogurt, salads, dressings, cereal, water… anything. They can be eaten both raw or cooked, though cooking them may damage their fragile omega fatty acids. I like to add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to coconut water and drink first thing in the morning. When adding to liquid, drink fast, as chia will develop into a gel-like consistency. Enjoy!