New Dairy Products that are Lactose Free

If you have been avoiding dairy due to lactose intolerance, this is your re-entry point! 

YQ by Yoplait is a new product that will hit the shelves this summer! The product not only tastes great but it is also good for you! YQ has a smooth and silky texture and has less sugar than conventional Greek Yogurts as it starts with ultrafiltered milk. The result is 1 gram of sugar, 17 grams of protein, and a 99% lactose free product. Three facts many love to hear: More Protein, Less Sugar, Lactose Intolerant. If you have been avoiding yogurt, now might be the time to come back!

HINT: I enjoyed mine plain and with fresh organic strawberries. I could not tell that the sugar was reduced. I always enjoy my yogurt with cinnamon to add in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, reduce blood sugar.

CorePower by Fairlife is a lactose free high protein milk shake that is perfect for recovery after exercise. The products contain essential amino acids, calcium, and protein to refuel, recharge, and rehydrate the body.

HINT: I like to add some diced fruit and blend Core Power into a smoothie when I want "just a bit more".  

No Bake Date Bars Featuring Chocolate Superfood Protein

Cooking is a creative process for me; it is my art! I love to try new recipes or modify tried-and-true recipes with a new product that I have encountered. Today I modified my NoBakeDateDelight ENERGY BARS and added SUPERFOOD PROTEIN! The result was a batch of bars that I could not keep in the refrigerator for more than a day! They flew off the shelf! I WILL MAKE THIS VERSION AGAIN!!!

Base Recipe:

• 2 cups pitted dates (I get mine from Futterman Farms)
• 1 cup nuts of choice (I used cashew this time)
• 1 cup oats (I use gluten free)
• 1 scoop Ground Based Nutrition Superfood Protein - Chocolate Flavor
• 1/3 cup pepitas to garnish top - optional
• 1 tsp flavoring - I used vanilla in this recipe. Almond pairs well with dates too.

Instructions:

• Blend the dates, nuts, oats, and protein in a Vitamix until combined. You can leave it a bit chunky for more texture in your bars or blend until smooth. 
• NOTE: I suggest you add the dates 1/4 at a time. The moister the dates are, the greater he chance the mixture will turn into a paste and stop the Vitamix. If this does happen, take a spatula and break up the dense mixture and start again. 
• When combined to your liking, press into a glass dish and garnish. 
• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 
• Cut into bars and enjoy!
•  

Gluten Free Dining at the Marche in Toronto

Traveling with food allergies can be DIFFICULT. You pack a few tings for emergencies, but do not have a contingent plan if nothing is possible on a menu. You live in a world of CAN at home, but need to explain to restaurant personnel what you CANNOT eat.

One way to find success as a traveler with food allergies is to look for restaurants that have variety. Many limited menu restaurants do not have enough on hand to customize a recipe. When traveling to Toronto take time to go to Marche for a meal.

Marche is a great place for a group with diverse eating interests to eat. Marche is a great place to go if each guest wants to pay his/her own way. When you walk in Marche you are given a credit card and you pick up a tray. When you order food from one of the stations, they swipe your card. The stations are varied and include pasta, pizza, smoothies, salads, fish, burgers, steaks, rice noodle dishes, desserts, and a coffee bar. When you leave the restaurant, you give the attendant your card and pay.

Marche has options for a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy a meal there when you visit Toronto!

Dig Cafe ... A Restaurant to Visit in Frankenmuth, Michigan

A new FARM to TABLE restaurant opened in Frankenmuth, Michigan recently and it is worth a visit. Dig Cafe (Delicious International Goodness) has a menu based on organic, local, seasonal produce. Every effort is made to modify the menu items to fit those with food allergies. Gluten Free and Vegan options are plentiful on the menu.

Enjoy food made with love at a family owned restaurant. You will fall in love with the food and come back for more!

Reducing SUGAR in your diet

We get plenty of natural sugars in our diet each day. With the increase in rates of diabetes, we need t think about leading a healthy lifestyle that includes clean eating and fitness. There are simple ways to avoid added sugar in your diet. If you are used to A LOT of added sugar, reduce your consumption over the course of a few months so you get used to the NEW NORMAL.

One way I reduce sugar is to check labels. I do not buy a lot of processed foods, but when I do I look for products with as little added sugar as possible. One place you can start is with PEANUT BUTTER and JELLY/JAM. If you can make both on your own, you can limit the sugar content. Read my recipe for homemade nut butter using ONLY 3 CUPS of NUTS. Read my recipe for homemade chia jam (this recipe uses berries but any berry or stone fruit can be used).

A second place I look to eliminate or reduce added sugars is to look closely at labels on gluten free granola and gluten free granola bars/powerbars. When possible, I made homemade granola bars so I can control the sugar I use in type and quantity. A tried-and-true granola bar recipe I use is my Build-A-Granola-Bar Recipe. 

Another way I look to reduce and/or eliminate sugar is by adding spices. I purchase plain yogurt and add cinnamon and fresh fruit to the yogurt for breakfast. The additions in the home are natural flavorings and not filled with processed sugar like fruit on the bottom yogurt.

A few simple changes to your daily routine can also help you reduce sugar cravings. Excess caffeine boosts sugar cravings, so one way to reduce your sugar cravings could be to cut back by one cup of coffee or tea each day. Getting exercise is known to decrease your sugar cravings, so getting a bit more exercise or increasing the intensity of the exercise you already to can help!

Making a change is difficult if done overnight. Take it one step at a time. You will love the results of cutting back on sugar as you will feel more energized and reduce your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and dental problems, and increase the vitality of your skin!

For more information, go to, http://deliciousliving.com/sugar-check-challenge. You will find an infographic listing 30 suggestions for reducing added sugar.

Strawberry Nut Bread

My blank canvas today was Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix. To the mix I added Handfuls Cabo Crunch and fresh fruit. I made the recipe vegan by subbing "flax eggs" for the eggs and coconut butter for the traditional butter. Eating healthy does not take a lot of time and can be simplified by combining some "packaged" foods with some fresh ingredients. This bread can be eaten within 45 minutes of starting the recipe!

Ingredients for the Gluten Free and Vegan Bread:
2 cups Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix
2 FLAX EGGS
1 TBSP coconut flavoring
1 cup diced strawberries
2 packages Cabo Crunch (or 2 cups dried fruits/nuts mixture)
1/4 cup coconut butter
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut

Instructions:

• Prepare the flax eggs 
• After the flax eggs are done, add the coconut butter, strawberries, and coconut flavoring and mix well
• Add the Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix and mix well
• Add the Cabo Crunch and mix for a few seconds to weave into the mixture

Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes then insert a knife in center to check to see if it is done. If the knife does not come out clean, check again every 5 -10 minutes until done. This bread tastes best warm, but is enjoyed at room temperature too. If you do not finish the loaf within the day it is made, cover and put it in the refrigerator.

NOTE: Cabo Crunch contains butter so the mix-in is not vegan

Chia Pudding with Superfood Protein

A great breakfast for a hot day is a Chia Pudding. You can make the breakfast the night before or 30 minutes before you wish to eat. To add extra to the dish you may with to add protein powder. 

Ingredients to serve one:
1 ripe banana
1 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
2 scoops (1 serving)  Ground Based Nutrition Superfood Protein 
2 TBSP organic chia seeds
1/2 cup non sweetened coconut
 
Instructions:
Mash the banana and add the protein, chia, and coconut
Combine then add the liquid
Combine wet and dry ingredients
Let rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes

Serve:
Serve as it is or add fresh fruit, seeds, and/or nuts to the top!

Gluten Free Food Products That PACK Well

In the summer many of us have busy schedules as we take advantage of the extra hours of daylight. Many of us take advantage of the summer to travel and spend more time outside.

When we are on-the-go we look for easy to pack items. The items need to be light, small in size, and unbreakable. If we are packing for an outdoor adventure, we look for items that will not spoil or melt in the summer heat. If we are packing for a road trip or flight, we are looking for items that will not spill and cause a mess as well as items that do not have a strong odor in an enclosed space.

I like my grab-and-go items to be not only gluten free but also nutritious, satisfying, and tasty. I try to pack multiple textures and flavors to satisfy me

A few products from the recent New Hope Blogger Box are great for an active lifestyle:

Bellucci Organic 100% Italian EVOO Squeeze Packs. They are great for dressing a salad at the point when you are going to eat it. Now the salad can be made at home and it will not be soggy when you go to eat it. I also worry about dressing a salad in advance of travel. I am not a fan of the dressing leaking out and getting all over everything. This solves that problem!

Enjoy Life Crispy Grain & Seed Bars. The size is great for packing. They are the right combination of crunchy and chewy. You feel satisfied eating them and they keep you fueled for a while!

Crunchsters. Crunchsters come in a variety of flavors. They are packaged in an easy to pack, single serving sleeve or a bit larger package that can be shared. They are made from a sprouted mung beans, something that sets them apart from other allergy friendly snacks.

Pacakes with Seeds and Fruit

I keep going back to my TRIED-AND-TRUE recipe and making two/three ingredient pancakes and modifying the recipe.

Today I used:
Three Eggs from Papas Garden
Three RIPE bananas
1 TBSP cinnamon
2 TBSP Coconut oil (to coat the pan when cooking)
NOTE ... Eggs to Bananas Ratio is 1 to 1

I topped the dish with:
1/4 cup Hemp Seeds from InterstateB8
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (shelled/raw)
1 cup organic raspberries

Optional:
Add a drizzle of honey or SunButter
Add nuts

Instructions:
Mash the bananas, add the egg, and stir to combine
Add cinnamon (or vanilla or maple or almond - you pick the flavor) and combine
Let rest 5 minutes
Warm the pan and add part of the oil (cook on low to medium heat)
Add the pancakes
Flip when the edges are sturdy enough to support the flip ... 2-4 minutes per side

Mighty Leaf Tea ... SALE

As the temperatures rise intro the 90's day-in and day-out, we tend to seek out chilled or iced beverages. Why not make your beverage of choice Iced Tea or Iced Tea Infusions! Mighty Leaf Tea has a special now through July 1st. You Get a Free Box of Ginger Peach Iced Tea on orders $25+ at Mighty Leaf. Code: ICEDGINGER.

Additionally,Free Shipping on Orders $50+. Plus, free samples with every order!

Rice Cakes Make Eating Healthy Fun

Sometimes all you want or need are the simple things. Life does not need to be complicated. All recipes do not need elaborate steps and lists of ingredients.

A rice cake topped with SunButter is a blank canvas waiting to be topped with anything you desire. Add dried fruits, nuts, seeds and enjoy. Thin slices of fresh fruit are delicious too!

Today's version is an example of how the rice cake can be made playful for a child as well!

Encourage healthy eating in your home...make eating healthy fun!

Pasta Variations featuring Explore Cuisine

I love using Edamame Pasta from Explore Cuisine as it is naturally high in protein and fiber, two things I seek out in my meals. Due to the protein in the pasta, it can be prepared for a gluten free, vegan, or vegetarian meal; you decide each time you use it!

I believe life is a blank canvas; a masterpiece waiting to be created through food, fitness, family, and friends. My blank canvas for this meal was Explore Cuisine Gluten Free Edamame and Mung Bean Fettuccine. I coupled the pasta with some great produce from the farmer's market and created a meal.

One thing I go for when using a variety of vegetables in a dish is COLOR. I like to include as many colors in the rainbow in my meal to ensure I am getting a variety of nutrients.


Ingredients: (Serves Two)
1.5 cups Explore Cuisine Gluten Free Edamame and Mung Bean Fettuccine
HINT: I purchase my Explore Cuisine products from the Gluten-Free Mall for Gluten-Free Foods
2 cups of diced fresh vegetables (diced into uniform sizes if possible for even cooking purposes)
1 TBSP butter (no salt)
6 cloves of garlic
Oilve oil to sautee vegetables
4 TBSP squeezed lemon (careful not to add seeds) or lemon juice
1 cup of diced cooked shrimp, chicken, garbanzo beans, or tofu (if desired)
1-2 tsp crushed red pepper if you wish extra spice

Instructions:

• Dice and sautee vegetables in olive oil and garlic
• OPTIONAL: add reduced sodium vegetable broth for added flavor (1/4 cup)
• When the vegetables are almost done, prepare the water to cook the pasta
• Cook the pasta to el dente, just short of package instructions
• Drain 90% of the water
• Add the pasta and remaining water to the vegetables  
• When the water is almost absorbed, add the butter and lemon
• Add the additional protein if desired

Serve in a bowl and garnish with fresh basil, rosemary, or shredded Parmesan cheese if you desire

Summer Time is TEA Time

I have been indoors in air conditioning and appreciating HOT TEA to keep me warm.

When I go out into the 90 degree weather, I switch to iced tea for a refreshing drink.

You can get 20% off Mighty Leaf Tea right now. Stock up for the summer heat! 20% Off Iced Tea at Mighty Leaf.