Curated No.1
A curated list of things I’ve seen, read, used, and loved lately:
David Bars, The Color of Everything, Marginal Gains, and Fleetwood Mac
Product I'm trying:
David (Protein Bars)
- Taste: 8/10
- I’ve tried my fair share of protein bars and am familiar with the protein powder or chalky taste many of them have. While I don’t mind that taste (maybe I’ve built up a tolerance), David bars don’t have it. To me, they taste like a treat, especially after dinner. Pop one in the microwave, and it transforms into a warm dessert-like snack.
- Flavors: 6/10
- The flavor options are limited—Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Fudge Brownie, Cake Batter, and Blueberry Pie—so if none of these appeal to you, this bar might not be for you.
- Macro profile: 10/10
- David packs an impressive 28g of protein into a single 58g bar, while keeping the other macros remarkably low—just 2g of fat, 14g of carbohydrates, zero sugar, and a low total of 150 calories. The fiber content is low, which can actually be a good thing, as high-fiber protein bars (10+ grams) often lead to digestive discomfort. The carb count is also low, with 12g net carbs, making it a great option for those watching their carb intake.
- Ingredients: 5/10
- The David Protein Bar is made with ingredients like allulose, polydextrose, glycerin, tapioca, a modified plant-based fat EPG (EPG is supposed to be like fat but without the high calories), coconut oil, and a mix of flavor-enhancing elements such as chocolate, monk fruit, and stevia. The honest truth about protein bars is that most of them are considered highly processed foods so David isn't immune to using ingredients that are considered highly processed (read the article on Processed Foods to learn what is considered processed vs not)
- Texture: 7/10
- There's a lot of variety in texture in these bars. They are soft and doughy—borderline too soft—but the inclusion of “cookie crisps” adds a satisfying complexity. The texture is comparable to Quest bars – when they started making Quest bars softer.
- Price: 2/10
- These bars are pricey—$3.25 per bar ($4.25 for a sample pack). While the price is steep compared to other protein bars ($0.80–$4), the impressive macro profile and clean ingredients justify it to some extent. Currently, David is available in limited retail stores or online, where a 12-pack costs $39, and a sample pack (four flavors) costs $19.
- Overall thoughts: 7/10
- The quality of ingredients and price per bar are the two downfalls of David. While the price might be a dealbreaker for some, I personally find the quality and taste worth it. They are the leanest bars I've seen on the market so far with 28 grams of protein 150 calories. For many people seeking these kinds of macros, functionality takes priority over format—they just need it to be palatable.
Interested in trying yourself? Buy David here and let me know your thoughts.
What I'm Reading
The Color of Everything: A Journey to Quiet the Chaos Within by Cory Richards
Cory Richards, known for his stunning National Geographic photography and daring adventures, shifts focus in this memoir to explore his inner world. He reflects deeply on the meaning of achievement, the price of fame, addiction, and the question of whether it’s possible to escape one’s inner demons. This lyrical and stirring book gives readers a window into the mind of a restless adventurer grappling with life’s complexities. I’m still working my way through it, so my final review is to be determined.
What I'm thinking about
Marginal Gains: I was out on a run the other day and decided to push myself to a mildly uncomfortable, faster pace. At first, I felt nervous, but I eventually settled into the rhythm and held the pace longer than I expected. Encouraged by this, I started challenging myself more regularly into my runs. As a result, my fitness improved, but more importantly, I gained confidence in my effort.
This experience got me thinking about the power of small, consistent efforts across all areas of life. Whether in personal development, work, fitness, or relationships, incremental improvements, applied consistently over time, can lead to remarkable results. Adding a few minutes to a workout, spending extra time fine-tuning a project, or giving more thought to daily tasks may seem minor but often marks the difference between average outcomes and exceptional ones.
For example, adding a few more minutes to a workout, spending a bit more time fine-tuning a work project, or putting extra thought into daily tasks can yield noticeable benefits. These small pushes often mark the difference between average results and exceptional outcomes. Over time, these efforts compound, creating a multiplying effect where the return on investment far outweighs the initial input.
These small pushes compound over time, creating a multiplying effect where the returns far exceed the initial input. The takeaway? While intense effort can feel overwhelming, real progress often lies in consistently pushing just a little further. Patience and intentionality are key, and these small, deliberate efforts can make a big difference in the long run.
What I'm listening to
Fleetwood Mac: Fleetwood Mac might just be the perfect soundtrack for fall, capturing the season's raw and rustic charm. Their music is timeless, evoking a sense of nostalgia and introspection that pairs beautifully with autumn's changing leaves and cooler air. A few of my favorites—"Rhiannon," "Dreams," and "The Chain"—are ideal for long autumn drives.
