Our lives can change at any given moment, and that has never been more apparent to me than it is today. Working from home everyday with a full family in the house, slowly getting used to social distancing and making sure we have the right amount of food and basic necessities to last a few weeks were never things I thought I'd have to deal with. I always try to to feed my family a well balanced diet but most healthy foods are perishable. Trying to choose healthy, storable snacks can be very tricky since most packaged goods contain less than favorable ingredients.

Last week, when I went out do that big grocery haul, I was so relieved to see my order from Paleovalley sitting at my doorstep. I few months ago, I decided to sign up for a subscription of their Grass Fed Beef Sticksafter seeing them online. I thought these snacks would be perfect for my busy family who's always on the go, it didn't even cross my mind that these would be perfect for staying in as well. Here are the 3 main reasons why I originally signed up:

100% Grass Fed Beef, Free of Chemicals and Pesticides

These are not your average gas station jerky - Paleovalley sources its beef from cattle farmers that take pride in the rearing of their animals. Their beef comes from 100% grass fed cows raised only on natural grass pastures in the United States. This ensures a humane and happy environment for the animals. They are continuously moved to various grazing pastures and are never exposed to harmful herbicides, pesticides, or hormones. They also practice rotational grazing which has added environmental benefits, as the soil is naturally rejuvenated by the animals' activity, eliminating the need for chemicals.

Great Source Of Essential Vitamins, Naturally Fermented

Paleovalley Beef Sticks are far more nutritionally dense than their store-bought counterparts since they come from grass fed beef. They contain vitamins like B12, B6, zinc, and phosphorus. Plus, they're a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids. They're flavored using only organic spices, and the unique fermentation process ensures that they stay shelf-stable, without the use of any harmful chemicals. This precaution also means that the sticks contain probiotics, which aid digestion.

High Source Of Protein & Perfect On-The-Go Snack

Healthy and convenient are not traits that usually describe the same product, but Paleovalley Beef Sticks are a delicious way to keep you going between meals. Packed with 6g of protein per serving and come in 5 delicious flavors: Original, Summer Sausage, Jalapeno, Teriyaki and Garlic Summer Sausage. All are free from GMO's, gluten, soy, and dairy. They're the perfect snack to keep in your bag if you're on the keto or paleo diets, or if you just want to be more mindful of what you're putting in your body.

My family is signed up for a monthly subscription to a 4 pack of these (10 sticks per pack) which we have found to be the perfect amount for us. Knowing that we can always have a quick, reliable snack on hand has made committing to a healthy lifestyle much easier. Whether you're trying to stock up, are on a particular diet, or just mindful about your food comes from, Paleovalley Grass Fed Beef Sticks make it easy to stay healthy on the go or staying in. All of the flavor, all of the benefits- none of the guilt!

Update: The folks at Paleovalley are extending a special offer to our readers!Follow this link to receive 10% off your order of 100% Grass Fed Beef Sticks!

No two people are the same, so their protein powder shouldn't be either. That's why Gainful creates a customized protein powder designed for every customer with expert nutritional insight to work best for your body and needs. After taking their short and easy quiz, Gainful's experts create a totally unique protein powder mix to help you achieve your goals---that is delivered right to your door every month.

But, why do I really need personalized protein? You may be asking. Can it really make a difference? Well, it turns out there's more to consider when it comes to protein than meets the eye. Here are the 5 things you probably aren't considering if you buy generic protein at the store.

1. There's A Protein Gender Divide

You don't have to be a scientist to see many of the differences between men and women's bodies. Recently, more studies have been done to highlight how our bodies actually function differently on the inside, too -- including how we breakdown and absorb protein. The Institute of Medicine recommends women consume about 20% less protein than men, which is especially important to consider since your body will store unused protein as fat. There are also studies showing that different kinds of protein may be more effective for women than men (and vice versa).

2. Different Proteins Absorb...Differently!

Whey protein digests quickly and is rich in branched-chain amino acids, helping the body absorb it more quickly for workout recoveries. Studies also show that whey protein decreases appetite, and helps people reach their fat loss goals. On the other hand, casein protein absorbs more steadily throughout the day, and studies show it's a good choice for men looking to gain muscle mass. Pea protein is somewhere in between the two but has been proven effective at lowering elevated blood pressure.

3. You Want To Meet Your #Goals, Not Someone Else's

Think about it: if you're building glamour muscles for competition, trying to lose weight before bikini season, or an athlete training before your season starts, you'll need a different protein mix to obtain each goal. Did you know that protein isolates are filtered to remove fat and carbs, while protein hydrolysates are heated to absorb faster? Don't worry, Gainful's experts do, which is why they ask about what kinds of exercises you do and what goals you're trying to achieve before they create your protein mix.

4. Weight And Age Play A Huge Factor

At different points in your life, you may need more or less protein, due to your body's changing hormones and muscle mass. As we age, our bodies start to naturally lose muscle mass, so higher protein intake is needed for older adults that want to stay strong. BMI also has an effect on how well protein will absorb in your body, so it's important to take into account your age and weight when considering protein.

5. Dietary Restrictions Can Be Hard To Pinpoint

All protein powders seem pretty safe, but you'd be surprised to learn how many different kinds of protein powders contain common allergens, or won't align with vegan diets. The most popular form of protein, whey, actually comes from milk. Gainful's quiz lets you put in your exact dietary restrictions, so whether you are lactose or gluten-free, you'll have a protein blend made specifically for you.

There's a lot to think about when it comes to making sure your protein powder really works for you. Luckily, Gainful's experts will do the work for you, and create a personalized mix that comes in delicious flavors. That way you can rest assured that every rep counts towards making your #gainsgoals a reality.

Update: Gainful is extending a special limited time offer to our readers! Follow this link for 25% off with the coupon code DOWN25.