31 Delicious Low-Carb Breakfasts For A Healthy New Year (Re-posted from BuzzFeed)

31 Delicious Low-Carb Breakfasts For A Healthy New Year (Re-posted from BuzzFeed)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/delicious-low-carb-breakfasts-for-a-healthy-new-year

Pretty good Buzzfeed article!!

The 'protein bars and shakes' fad has always urked me. You should only be taking high protein supplements IF you are weight lifting/training...too much protein will be stored as fat and can pack on those calories you swore you just burned off! Getting your protein from you meals will suffice, chicken, fish, etc...

Check out the other facts too! It's a quick and simple read:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/healthy-foods-youve-been-lied-to-about

Finally, Kraft!

Kraft removing artificial dyes from some mac and cheese

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/01/health/kraft-macaroni-cheese-dyes/

via CNN

Amy's also makes prepared food for Vegans, check it out.

http://www.amys.com/products/product-categories/vegan

Amy's Burritos and Wraps

I just had one of these and they were slammin'. Good thing I bought one for every day of the week.

Calories and Fat vary.

Amy's Burritos and Wraps

These are so effing good!

Thanks Whole Foods!

Gluten Free snack boxes.

Thanks Target. 

New frozen meal options!

A great find for those of you who have to avoid gluten:

I may or may not have celiac, I am waiting on the results. (Even if the diagnosis is Gastritis, I must avoid dairy and gluten until I recover). Why wait? I have been doing a good job of avoiding both, thanks to almond milk by Almond Dream/Almond Breeze and Annie's gluten free pastas. 

Click here for Almond Breeze Products

Click here for Annie's Products

Gluten-free crackers.

Not too bad by itself, but better with jelly or a cheese. 

Avoiding Dairy? There's still ice cream for you!

Have it! It's so good!

I am obsessed with Swai White Fish Fillets

Mult. Brands have been individually wrapping and freezing these yummy fillets. This brand, Market Pantry, is another Target produce find. 100 calories a fillet. So good and doesn't taste "fishy".

Marinating them is Lemon pepper is my fav. Recipe.

Put your oven at 400 degrees for 13 min. That is all you need. Dinner. Served. 

Here's a lemon pepper recipe:

http://www.mysanfranciscokitchen.com/lemon-pepper-swai/

Trying a ANOTHER butter to compare.

Target find, (they also carry almond butter as well).

Annie's Cheesy Ravioli (canned) and a slight rant.

When I was a kid, I was OBSESSED with Chef Boyardee's Ravioli. As I got older I realized how fattening and a waste of calories it was...

Being on Weight Watchers quite strictly at the time, I vowed never to eat it again.

Is it wrong that I miss it though? lol

Then, the other day at Stop n' Shop, I found Annie's Cheesy Ravioli. Annie's has yet to let me down so I am going to give it a try. Although the nutrition facts are not too different from what you would see on the back of a Chef Boyardee label, I am trying this for nostalgic reasons and purely out of curiosity (because let's be honest, that sodium content is ridiculous).

So let me just be clear on something.

I feel like I am becoming one of those shoppers that buys something purely because it says "Organic" on the label. That just makes me look ignorant, I know, when
'organic' doesn't even necessarily mean it's better for you, or different, or healthier.
This canned ravioli by Annie's is a pure example of that.

They key to really eating healthy is to buy and eat your food fresh; nothing frozen, nothing canned.

In addition to that, cutting out dairy from your diet will make a huge impact. Switch to almond milk or other dairy substitutes and you will soon be on your way to cleaner living.

Source: http://www.chefboyardee.com/pastas/cheese-and-beef-ravioli
Source: http://vegan.com/dairy-free/
***"... Almost half of the calories in whole milk come from fat, and nearly all of its carbohydrates come from sugar."***

The perfect home-made smoothie

At your local grocery store, grab a small frozen bag of your favorite fruit. (These Market Pantry Mango Chunks were purchased at my local Target store).

Let it fully defrost, then dump the whole bag in a blender or smoothie maker. Add 1 Cup of Soy or Almond milk (or more if  you prefer), 2 ice cubes and a pack of Truvia sweetener, (Optional).

Blend. 

It makes about 2 servings. 

I make these a lot and I love them! As guiltless as it can be. :) 

Smart Water

What puts the "smart" in Smart Water? Electrolytes! Something our bodies will need to beat this hot summer and stay hydrated. 

Also, it'll be your best friend at the gym! Pick up a bottle and let me know how you feel afterwards. 

How to live by a dairy free diet

Check out this article:

http://vegan.com/dairy-free/

Frozen grapes are the best snacks!

Freeze them for a snack or for a nice glass of white wine as ice cubes ;)

Annie's Rice Shells & Creamy White Cheddar Macaroni

Tried this last night. It was awesome, and I didn't feel guilty having it. No synthetic dyes or hormones. :)

And carried by Target, even Amazon.com !!!

https://annies.alice.com/products/1275754

"Introduced back in 1989, Annie's Shells & White Cheddar is our original and best selling product. Annie created Shells & Cheddar (as we call it here) in her kitchen when she realized there was no all-natural, white cheddar macaroni & cheese on the market. She came up with a totally delicious product that is made with real white cheddar cheese and organic shell shaped pasta.

Good Source of Protein Good Source of Calcium Good Source of Vitamin B1 Good Source of Folic Acid Yeast Free 0g Trans Fat Vegetarian"

Yogurt dressings from Bolthouse Farms!

Found Bolthouses's Ranch. It's sooo good, I highly recommend. I will collect them all, haha.

Once again, make the comparisons.

Bolthouse Farms Dressings  Vs. Hidden Valley's Dressings

Organic Tomato Sauce by Green Way

Some consider canned tomato sauce blasphemy, especially if you're Italian, (lol).

But, if you don't have the time and need some sauce quick, I am recommending Green Way's Pasta Sauce(s).

A&P Fresh and Path-mark carry Green Way Organics. 

I thought this sauce tasted pretty good coming from a jar. Also, Green Way products are rather inexpensive. I suggest you give them a try.

Another great find! Thanks Target!

Sea Salt and Vinegar baked potato chips!

AND! AND! AND!

They open like this!

Simply Balanced Products at Target!

FAGE Total 0% Yogurt!

This is a godsend,  (lol). FAGE has become one of my favorite new yogurts. Really thick, great taste but it wasn't till I came across an article that suggested to replace all sour cream in recipes with FAGE Total 0% that my mind was blown.

Dips, Tacos, Potatoes...anything you would naturally put Sour Cream in/on, replace it with Fat Free FAGE yogurt. I don't think you will be able to tell the difference. I didn't. Haha

FAGE Yogurt info. and Nutritional Facts.

PERDUE® SIMPLY SMART® Lightly Breaded Chicken Nuggets

It works having something this simple in your freezer at all times, especially if you have children in the house.

I picked these up to try when I first spotted the NEW and IMPROVED nuggets by PERDUE®.

I think they taste great! I prefer them over Tyson's, and with fewer fat and calories, what's not to love?

I think they'd be a huge hit with the kids. My 5 year old nephew approves! Give them a try and let me know what you think!

PERDUE® SIMPLY SMART® Lightly Breaded Chicken Nuggets

Products by Simply Balanced

I have to applaud Target once again for carrying healthier options.

Check out this quick read entitled,

"Target Launches Simply Balanced Food Line, Responds to Demand for Organic and Non-GMO"

Read article here

Can't wait to try SB's Organic Maple Syrup with my next breakfast!

Organic Peanut Butter

I know, I am posting a lot today, I am trying to catch up and share my finds from my last 3 shopping trips.

Here's another Whole Foods find. I have to been honest, I am trying this mainly out of curiosity. I will post my feedback. If you have any comments on this particular brand, let me know what you think!

http://www.maranathafoods.com/content/products

Update 7-17-13 OK, finally opened this bad boy. It's not too thick and not too sweet but ya know what? I still love it, lol. I actually prefer a less-sweet peanut butter, it felt a little toned down, but in a good way. This jar must be refrigerated after opening, FYI....

:P

Mac n Cheese

Another Annie's Product! I have heard great things about Annie's Mac n Cheese:

No Artificial Flavors, Synthetic Colors, or Preservatives

Cheese from cows not treated with growth hormone rBST*

Our farms produced this without antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or persistent pesticides.

Good Source of Calcium

Good Source of Protein

Low Cholesterol

Good Source of Vitamin B1

Good Source of Folate

Vegetarian

Yeast Free

http://www.annies.com/products/Organic-Mac-Cheese

Another great find at Target!

Yummy broths from 365

Ok, so I haven't gotten the chance to cook with these yet, but I'm always looking for low sodium broths for my soups. (source: Whole Foods)

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/365-everyday-value-organic-chicken-broth-low-sodium

Ok, we are getting to one of my favorite products, ever!

Soy and Almond Milks!

A lot of you are familiar with Silk's Soy and Almond Milks. Great brand, but taste wise, I am going to have to side with Soy Dream's Vanilla Soy Milk. (Also check out Blue Diamond's Almond Breeze.)

http://www.tastethedream.com/

http://www.tastethedream.com/health/health_ben.php

So whether you are lactose intolerant or simply trying to cut dairy from your diet, I highly suggest you check out Soy Dream!

I would also like to attach this article to this blog for those of you with questions, Soy Vs. Dairy (milk).

Differences between soy and cows milk

Picked this up:

Pretty good! Another product from Whole Foods line. Great taste, however there are lots of other breads out there that contain even less calories and sugar per serving.

Smart White by Wonder was one of my favorites when it was around, but I'll get over it.

Whole Foods Wheat Bread Nutrition Facts

Healthier Summer BBQ condiments.

Well, Target has come through for me again! Now carrying various products from Annie's.

http://www.annies.com/products/

I plan to BBQ this summer and why not introduce my guests to products from Annie's? Gluten free and Vegan approved! 

http://www.annies.com/products/Organic-Condiments

Check out Annie's Ketchup and let me know what you think!

But if you are a Heinz fan, don't worry, because there are plenty of options for you too! (These can be easily found in your local grocery store in the condiment aisle.)

Heinz® Organic Ketchup (Twin 44-oz.)

Heinz® Organic Ketchup features the same great taste as our classic ketchup, but every tomato we use is organically grown. The USDA certifies all Heinz organic products. And with the top-down bottle, Fridge Fit™ bottle and Stay Clean Cap®, you get ease and convenience along with rich, delicious ketchup.

View Nutrition Information

OR

Heinz® Reduced Sugar Ketchup (13-oz.)

This ketchup recipe has 75 percent less sugar than our classic ketchup, but 100 percent of that rich tomato flavor. Just like all Heinz® Ketchup varieties, it contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. And the top-down bottle and Stay-Clean Cap® make serving our Ketchup as easy as enjoying it.

View Nutrition Information

Any Mustard fans?

I came across 365's Organic Honey Mustard in Whole Foods and HAD to try it. 

365 is from Whole Foods own line of products.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/about-our-products/product-lines/365-everyday-value

"Our 365 Everyday Value® products can fill your pantry without emptying your pocketbook. With value prices every day of the year, our products are formulated to meet all our quality standards, come in both natural and organic selections, and will change the way you shop at Whole Foods Market®. That's because we have it all — from whole grain flours and shade-grown coffee to organic milk and frozen veggies. We make it easy to stock up on the best products for the best price."

365's Honey Mustard Nutrition Facts

Pick it up and let me know what you think!

Happy BBQ'ing!

Yogurt Dressing from Bolthouse

I have been LOVING the fact that a lot of your every day groceries stores are carrying new brands and healthier options. Whole Foods Stores are popping up quite frequently, but let's be honest, not everyone, including myself, can afford to shop there every week. Sometimes I can't afford to visit Whole Foods even once a month. So you can imagine my excitement when stores like A&P Fresh and Target started carrying a slew of healthier brands, soy and organic products! Food shopping got a hell of a lot easier, AND less inexpensive.

I had told you that when replacing items in your fridge, start small. Start somewhere. Condiments for example:

I am in LOVE with this line of dressings Bolthouse has put out. And believe it or not, I found it in my local Target!

Their Yogurt dressings are low in calories, fat and sugar yet packed with flavor. I suggest swapping all your Hidden Valley, Kraft and Ken's dressings with Bolthouse. Compare the nutrition facts, buy a bottle from Bolthouse and let me know what you think!

Bolthouse Blue Cheese Nutrition Facts VS. Hidden Valley Blue Cheese Nutrition Facts

About the blogger.

Well, it looks like I have become one of "those people" who hit a certain age and decide 'I want to make a change.'

Everyone knows at least two people who are dieting. Before I knew it,everyone around me was trying some fad, dying to get skinny or simply just trying to lower their cholesterol and get healthy. My friends and family were sharing recipes, products and great organic finds. I have come across some great, inexpensive product finds myself and decided I wanted to share.

Welcome to my blog.

I have struggled with weight for a good portion of my life. I have tried everything: soup diets, pills, cleanses, atkins... Truth is, if you jump in fast, go too extreme, go cold turkey, you will unravel.

It has to be a life style change, but patience is what's most important.

So here I am, I want full control and I want to do it right this time.

With all the diets I have ever tried, Weight Watchers has had the biggest impact, helping me lose 50 lbs in 5 1/2 months. Youth played a big role in that, but now I am 30 years old and my metabolism does not want to work for me anymore the way I want it too. It became sluggish, just like me. I let things go here and there and now I am paying for it. I lost muscle and regained 20 lbs over the last 2 years. I thought that light cardio and cutting out sweets is all I would need to do in order to maintain my size and shape, but I was wrong.

Everyone's body is different, some people to need to work harder than others to keep their health, their figure. I've always known I was one of those people who really needed to work at it to keep the weight off and yet I still got cocky. I took a few chances, had one too many 'cheat days' and now here I am, 20lbs over weight, but 25lbs from where I really want to be.

Ok, I am ready, let's do this for real. I was going to go hard core this time...

... I was going to fast via juices from http://blueprintcleanse.com

I came across these Lemon, Cayenne and Agave juices in Whole Foods while I was on my quest for healthier foods. They tasted a little weird, mostly from the cayenne but then I read the back of the bottle, that in order to use these juices to their full potential, they suggest you drink 6 bottles a day for about 3-4 days. The price for these juices were about $8 a bottle. I don't know, that price was too expensive for me and I knew I would cave by the third day. This is what I mean by trying too hard. Let's start somewhere else.

While I was in Whole Foods I thought to myself 'it's really hard to make a bad decision in here', I figured if I bought at least 3 healthy items a week, replacing what I would naturally buy at a the local grocery store, I could slowly but surely make a healthy start, empty my fridge and refill it again. In addition to reading labels and making smaller portions, I was also going to get my butt back in the gym and weight train. Cardio can only get you so far; it's muscle that burns fat after all. Let's see what happens. I just started my journey to a healthier and hopefully "trimmer" me.

The following blogs are of items I have recently purchased to replace items that my refrigerator and my body have grown accustomed to over the years. Less fat, less carbs and low sodium.

And as you will see, it starts with sometimes the smallest of items.