Funky Monkey Dried Fruit Snacks

As many of you may know, i'm not a fan of dried fruit despite it's convenience as it is a very concentrated source of calories (due to removal of all the calorie free water) but I LOVE freeze dried fruit because it's packed with calorie free air instead of water. I was very excited to sample Funky Monkey Freeze-Dried fruit and I was not disappointed. With fun flavors like banana with acai (Purple Funk) and Jivealime (pineapple with lime) and kid friendly packaging this is a terrific snack for both kids and grown-ups. All flavors are made with 100% real fruit with no sugar added and calories for a fairly good size serving range from 90-120. I'll be snacking on these whenever I run out of fresh fruit in the house!

Dr. Melina Pick

Debbie Durkin's Eco-Oscars "Green Carpet" Lounge

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending Debbie Durkin's annual Oscar hospitality lounge at a private estate in Beverly Hills. The event benefitted the American Red Cross-Haiti Relief and as always, had some terrific sponsors. Here are some of my favorites.

Riceworks whole grain brown rice crisps (www.riceworkssnacks.com) - These gourmet brown rice crisps are wheat & gluten free (vegan and celiac friendly) and contain no preservatives or cholesterol. With delicious flavors like Sweet Chili and Salsa Fresca (among other's), it was hard to stop at just one serving of these tasty, whole grain chips.

Bod-Health Nutrition Meal Programs - These tasty meals, created by celebrity nutrition chef Alex Fioroni, a nutrition specialist and exercise scientist, were delicious and healthy. This San Diego bawsed company offers flash frozen healthy, custom meals designed to help you meet your fitness or nutrition goals delivered right to your doorstep (anywhere - not just San Diego). I'm definitely going to give them a try after having my baby to take off the baby weight. www.bodhealthnutrition.com

Dirtee hollywood - I scored an adorable bright blue track jacket from this fun LA based company. You can work out Hollywood style in these brightly colored clothes (perfect for exercising at night). www.dirteehollywood.com

Traverse Bay Farms - This company featured lots of products centered around one of the most anti-oxidant rich fruits, cherries. They had tasty dried cherries and an amazing peach salsa (which went really well with the riceworks chips!!) and some impressive cherry based supplements designed to support joint health among other things (there is very good research on cherries and joint inflammation/health - visit their website for more information). www.traversebayfarms.com

There were also some amazing little desserts (yes I indulge on occasion) with Luscious Organic Desserts (www.lusciousorganicdesserts.com)and beautiful flower arrangements by Let Petit Gardenia (www.lepetitgardenia.com).