by Joi on January 27, 2010
On another blog recently, I was pointing out my husband’s outrageous loyalty to favorite brands (NordicTrack among others). I got to thinking about it and I might even be more loyal to certain brands when it comes to cooking and cleaning. You certainly know about my dedication to Sargento Cheeses and Beemer (online) Cheeses. I figure, if something’s outstanding, why wander away from it.
When I’m in the grocery store, in the dairy and cheese aisle, I don’t even bother looking at the other brands of cheese – I just look at the varieties of Sargento. (By the way, I realize this is reading kind of like a commercial, so I’ll just add that I am not being paid in any way to say these words! I just think this brand of cheese is ridiculously good.)
Sargento has been offering delicious, better than average cheese for some time now – but recently they began adding Reduced Fat cheeses to their line-up. I ignored them for a while, pretending like I didn’t see them any more than they saw me. Then I tried them and was blown straight away. If the packages didn’t tell me that they were reduced fat, I swear I’d never know.
I recently bought a few bags of Sargento Reduced Fat 4 Cheese Mexican Cheese (Shredded Reduced Fat Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, & Asadero Cheese). I used one bag with Chicken Tacos and the other with a recipe for Classic Quesadillas that was on the back of the bag. Delicious! The recipe is below and you must, must, must try it.
Classic Quesadillas Recipe with Sargento’s Reduced Fat 4 Cheese Mexican Cheese
2 cups (8 oz.) Sargento® Shredded Reduced Fat 4 Cheese Mexican Cheese, divided
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
2 tsp. chopped bottled jalapeño peppers
4 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas
1/2 cup chunky-style salsa
1/4 cup fat-free or light sour cream (optional)
Directions:
- Combine 1-1/2 cups cheese, beans, cilantro and jalapeño peppers in a medium bowl; mix well. Spoon onto tortillas; fold each tortilla over.
- Coat large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat until hot. Place 2 quesadillas in skillet. Cook 1 minute or until golden brown on bottom. Turn; sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Cover; reduce heat. Cook 2 minutes more or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Cover to keep warm.
- Repeat with remaining quesadillas and cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream, if desired.
I didn’t have any sour cream on hand, although it is wonderful with quesadillas, tacos, burritos, etc. In addition to the salsa, I served these with one of my favorite things on earth – guacamole. I almost always have at least 2 avocados rolling around the kitchen. Actually, make that at least 4 – two on the counter ready to go and a few more on a shelf, softening up. It’s my avocado system and it’s a delicious one.
So are these quesadillas!
by Joi on January 8, 2010
I LOVE flavored water madly. I rely on it to get my recommended daily amount of water – gotta admit, unflavored water and I aren’t the closest of friends. I haven’t tried Hint Flavored water yet, but as soon as I find them locally, I’ll let you know how fabulous they are. If you find them before I do, come back here and let us know in the comments how much you love them – the rest of us will turn a nice shade of green.
Below are a couple of fantastic-sounding recipes to try. I’d try the Blackberry recipe in an instant – as for the mango, I’ll leave that one for you. I’d deathly allergic to mangoes!
HINT Mango Breeze
Ingredients
· 5 oz Mango-Grapefruit Hint
· 1/4 mango
· 2 Grapefruit slices
· Ice
· 1 piece of mango for garnish
Cooking Directions
Mix ingredients together in blender. Serve with piece of mango as garnish.
Blackberry Mint Breeze
Ingredients
· 5 oz Blackberry HINT
· 5 fresh mint leaves
· Blackberries
· Ice
· Blackberries for garnish
Cooking Directions
Muddle a few blackberries and mint leaves well. Mix with Blackberry HINT in shaker. Shake well over ice. Pour into martini glass and garnish with blackberries.
— Photos and Recipes from Hint Naturally Flavored Water. You can check their website for ordering information. Cheers!
by Joi on December 10, 2009
This beautiful, delicious, and surprisingly guilt-free dessert is JUST the thing health-conscious cooks are looking for this Christmas. We want to serve beautiful and yummy desserts, but we don’t want to fall off of the healthy bandwagon we’ve been fighting so hard to stay on! Think of this Key Lime Pie recipe as a rope to hang on to.
Creamy Key Lime Pie Recipe
Prep Time: 30 mins. | Start to Finish: 3 hrs. 30 mins. | Yields: 8 servings
CRUST
2 cups Fiber One® original bran cereal
1 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
FILLING AND TOPPING
2 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1-1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
4 oz (half 8 oz. package) 1/3-less-fat (Neufchâtel) cream cheese, softened
4 containers (4 oz each) Yoplait® Fiber One™ Key lime pie yogurt
1/2 cup frozen (thawed) reduced-fat whipped topping
2 teaspoons grated lime peel
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Place cereal in resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag and finely crush with rolling pin or meat mallet until cereal looks like graham cracker crumbs (or finely crush in food processor).
2. In medium bowl, mix crust ingredients until blended. Press crust mixture evenly and firmly in bottom and up side of 9-inch glass pie plate. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until firm. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
3. In 1-quart saucepan, mix water and lime juice. Sprinkle gelatin on lime juice mixture; let stand 1 minute. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved. Cool slightly, about 2 minutes.
4. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add yogurt and lime juice mixture; beat on medium speed until well blended. Fold in whipped topping and lime peel. Spoon into crust. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
Nutrition Info:
1 Serving: Calories 180 (Calories from Fat 100); Total Fat 11g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 25mg; Sodium 180mg; Total Carbohydrate 16g (Dietary Fiber 9g, Sugars 4g); Protein 4g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 10%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 10%; Iron 15% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
by Joi on December 10, 2009
I knew this would happen eventually, but I didn’t realize it would happen so soon. I’d planned to periodically add to my Healthy Eating Top 10 List – making it the Top whatever-number list with each addition.
I didn’t know I’d be jumping all over it this soon, though. Thanks, Yoplait, for keeping me on my leaping toes!
I guess special thanks goes to my dentist as well since my dental surgery is what led me to locate and buy all of the soft food in my favorite Kroger. I grabbed about 10 Yoplait yogurts a few days ago and was blown away. They tasted like little baby-sized desserts rather than yogurt. Don’t get me wrong, I love yogurt – but if you twist my arm, I’m going for the baby-sized dessert effect.
The Yoplaits I grabbed on this trip were the Thick & Creamy varieties. I couldn’t make up my pain-medicine-induced mind, so I grabbed one of each (and two of the Blackberry Harvest, Key Lime Pie, and Peaches ‘N Cream): Blackberry Harvest, Key Lime Pie, Strawberry, Peaches ‘N Cream, Raspberry, Strawberry Banana, and Vanilla.
Each flavor was so amazingly delicious they caused “stupid faces” – you know the ones. The kind of “Oh, man, this is so yummy, I can’t even stand myself right now” face that you hope and pray no one sees you making… not even your cat. Unfortunately for me, my cat Alexa was watching and I’m pretty sure she raised an eyebrow. I just said, “Don’t judge me” and kept spooning my way to Heaven.
So there you have it, My Top 10 List has now grown to a Top 11 list with Yoplait Thick & Creamy Lowfat Yogurt securing the spot. If you want your family to eat healthier snacks, look no further than Yoplait Lowfat Yogurt. The only problem is, you’ll find yourself hiding your personal favorites in the fridge – behind this or behind that. It will happen.
by Joi on September 25, 2009
I’ve been trying to feed my family healthier foods for a couple of years now. When they’re on Fast Food Alley without me, I know full-well that they give in to temptation in the form of burgers, fries, and shakes – so there’s only so much I can do. BUT, at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that when they’re at home, they’re surrounded by good food alternatives. Sure, I frequently make desserts and there’ll be occasional snacks that aren’t 100 percent perfect… but this is still a home, not a Health Food Retreat!
Fortunately, food manufacturers have really stepped up their game. There are SO many healthy foods and snacks that are good for you. I love the snacks that are so tasty, my family forgets all about the labels and doesn’t realize what they’re eating is actually nutritious.
The organic yogurts in this post fit that description perfectly. Pictured above are Stonyfield Farm Yogurts. They’re 
available in Fat Free, Low Fat, and Whole Milk. When I tried the different varieties, I fully expected to only like the Whole Milk – I was surprised when I found that I liked Fat Free and Low Fat just as well. In fact, if I HAD to pick a favorite, it’d be the Low Fat. It’s creamy and delicious, with or without fruit added.
Another favorite is Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt. Heavenly! I love the flavor of Oikos and Stonyfield Organic Yogurts so much that I’d eat them even if they weren’t nutritious. The fact that they’re good for my health as well as my planet? Creamy icing on the cake. They come in the following flavors and EACH is delicious: Blueberry, Strawberry, Honey, Plain, and Vanilla. Personally? The plain is better with granola and fruit, but the others are amazing right out of the convenient containers.
From the website:
Called “yiaourti” in Greece, Greek yogurt is creamier than regular yogurt. Authentic Greek yogurt like ours owes its extra creaminess to a centuries-old straining process that removes the whey (liquid) from the yogurt.
For hundreds of years, Greeks have prized strained yogurt for its richness and creaminess, and because it makes a wonderful cooking ingredient that’s less likely to curdle when heated. Before the time of mechanical refrigeration, Greeks also knew that yogurt stayed fresh longer with the liquid strained off. Today we know that straining makes Greek yogurt richer in protein than regular yogurt, and lower in lactose.
Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt has 0% fat, just 90 calories per 5.3 oz.-serving*, twice the protein of regular yogurt, and fewer carbohydrates. Because it’s organic, our yogurt is also better for the earth. And we think it’s better for you, too.
To read more about these healthy and delicious organic yogurts yourself, visit the links below. Try these organic yogurts on your next trip to the store – you won’t be sorry!
Oikos Organic Yogurt (You can EVEN get coupons! – Oh, I love them so…)
Stonyfield Organic Yogurts
Have a Cow! (enjoyable and educational for children of all ages)
by Joi on January 12, 2009
In yesterday’s USA Weekend magazine section, one of my favorite columnists (Jean Carper) ended her 14+ year weekly column. The column was EatSmart and was always one of the first things I read (and cut out) in the entire paper. So, yesterday, I couldn’t wait to read what her final thoughts and advice would be. She, of course, reiterated how important fish oil was. Fish oil not only can save us from heart problems, it may cut the risk of Alzheimer’s, asthma, inflammation, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, lung problems, skin problems, and serves as an aid in weight loss.
She pointed out the importance of counting calories. We all have to watch what we eat and exercise – being overweight is horribly unhealthy. If we want to live longer, it’s something that we have to pay a lot more attention to. Period.
Naturally, she included a paragraph on antioxidants: “Piles of evidence shows that antioxidant-packed spinach, broccoli, pomegranate juice, dark chocolate, garlic, onions, tea, coffee, purple grapes, red wine, and the spice turmeric cut disease risk. Eat at least five, but preferably nine, servings of fruits and vegetables every day.”
The final sermon she preached was on a subject that’s fairly new to most of us: Low Glycemic foods. These foods are great for avoiding diabetes, heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Their polar opposite, High Glycemic foods, include foods such as sugary cereal, processed white flour products, and potatoes. Low glycemic foods include legumes, peanuts, oats (not instant), lemon juice, vinegar, and cinnamon.
Another benefit of low glycemic foods is that they keep your energy levels balanced and they allow you to feel full between meals. Cutting back on snacks is always a good idea when you’re counting calories. I have to admit, I’m fairly new to the entire Glycemic Foods thing. My husband has been a fan from the start, but other than listening to him smart off to baked potatoes or sing the praises of oatmeal – I haven’t read up on the subject. Bad me, I know. However, I’m making up for lost time!
Low Glycemic Foods:
- artichokes
- avocado
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- celery
- green beans
- lettuce
- peanuts
- peppers
- spinach
- tomatoes
- plums
- apples
- grapefruits
- pears
- whole wheat spaghetti
- all bran
- soy milk
- apple juice
- grapes
- macaroni
- low fat ice cream
- cheese tortellini
- oranges
Click HERE for a great chart that’ll let you know which foods are low glycemic foods and which foods have high glycemic numbers.
by Joi on December 10, 2008
In my attempt to feed my family healthier, home-prepared meals, I nearly burned all of us out on turkey sandwiches. Granted, they’re a healthy alternative to fast food and red meat, but come on – turkey sandwiches can get old fast.
When I wheeled my cart past the luncheon meats a few days ago, I noticed that Hillshire Farms was making an effort to help me out. They’ve come out with thinly sliced Black Pepper Turkey Breast meat. I’m all about pepper, so I had to give it a try. I also LOVE any chance to use my Hamilton Beach Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker
, so I was psyched.
Here’s what I did: I warmed up my panini press and sprayed it with Pam Olive Oil Spray. I put a little mayo on the inside of two pieces of sourdough bread. I spread it out and placed a slice of Swiss Cheese on top of each. Then I put some of the peppered turkey breast meat on one of the sides and some sliced green onions on the other side. I put it all together and placed it into the panini press.
When it was through toasting (You cook it until it looks how you want it to look! Some people like them very toasted and some like barely toasted.) – I cut the sandwich in half, diagonally. The mayo and Swiss Cheese combined to make what tasted like a mysterious and delicious cheese-based sauce. The peppered turkey repaired my relationship with turkey. It is SO freaking good. Sub sandwiches would be amazing made with this luncheon meat, too.
I didn’t have any soup with my panini, but a tomato soup would have been spectacular.
You have to try the Hillshire Black Pepper Turkey Breast – it’s low in calories, healthy, and so good you’ll be more than happy to eat it instead of fast food.
by Joi on October 15, 2008
The billboard above is raising eyebrows in the San Fransico area. According to Calorie Lab, the ad’s making people angry – can you believe that?!
I can’t imagine getting worked up over a suggestion that people should eat healthier. Naturally, the people behind the ad aren’t saying that celery sticks (the stick in question) will cure obesity all by themselves. They’re pointing out that the sort of healthy lifestyle that’s represented by waist-friendly foods such as celery sticks WILL help in the fight against fat.
Geez, why are people so quick to criticize and condemn anymore? It’s an ad aimed at helping people get healthier and it’s coming under criticism.
Personally? I think it’s a great ad with a great message. Clever, even. Maybe it’s a good thing that people ARE criticizing it – it’ll get more publicity that way. What do you think about the ad?
I’m hooked on the Lean Cuisine microwavable meals. My daughters are at the age where they’re running in and out just about all day long, so I like to keep things on hand for them to grab a meal whenever they need it. (Okay, I’ll be honest, I actually heat the meals up for them – my girls are nothing if not spoiled.)
I also keep them on hand for myself. I work from home, so I have the luxury of taking my lunch break whenever I want to (generally, whenever I Love Lucy comes on TV Land). One of my favorites, in fact the one I enjoyed today, is the Santa Fe-Style Rice & Beans. I like to eat it with either a heated soft tortilla or some tortilla chips on the side. My middle daughter, Brittany, who happens to be a vegetarian, loves this one too. My youngest daughter, Stephany’s favorite is the Spaghetti & Meatball’s meal and my oldest, Emily, is just like her mom… we love them all so much, it’s just too close to call.
Emily, Stephany, and I love seafood as much as we love any food, so we’re TOTALLY excited about the new Lean Cuisine line of Seafood Delights. Each has 350 or less calories and will be available in July.
The newbies are: Parmesan Crusted Fish, Shrimp Alfredo, Tortilla Crusted Fish and Szechuan Style Stir Fry with Shrimp.
Shrimp? Sign me all kinds of up!
The Lean Cuisine meals are perfectly healthy alternatives to fast food lunches. They’re surprisingly filling, too. While we only eat them for lunch, they could just as easily be used at supper. Served with a little bread and a bowl of salad or cole slaw, they’d be delicous and satisfying. And best of all, they’re healthy!
Health.com recently sought out nutritional information from restaurants across the country. A lot of them cooperated and ten restaurants made the top ten list of Healthiest Casual Dining Spots.
I was honestly surprised to not find Applebee’s on the list. I’d love to know what kept them off, because they have some pretty amazing food that seems as healthy as it is delicious.
Below are the top ten:
- Uno Chicago Grill
- Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes
- Mimi’s Cafe
- P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
- Bob Evans Restaurants
- Ruby Tuesday
- Romano’s Macaroni Grill
- Chevy’s Fresh Mex
- Olive Garden
- Denny’s
Denny’s? Bob Evan’s? Wow, I’m impressed – I thought those guys were all about the calories and beefy goodness. Appaently there’s more to them than meets the eye….or should I say less than meets the eye?
Health.com has also compiled a list of the restaurants that aren’t lightening up. You can find these tasty, but not trim restaurants Here.
I guess a lot of it has to do with what you order at a restaurant. It’s good to know which restaurants have the healthiest cooking practices, though.
While we’re on the subject of healthy eating, I have a few more links I want you to check out:
Build a Better Salad
All Star Foods that Fight for Health
Everything we put into our mouths either makes us more healthy, less healthy, or keeps us where we’re at. If we’re smart (and I believe we are!), we’ll start doing our homework and start loading up on the foods and drinks that’ll give us better health. At the same time, we’ll start cutting out those that harm us in any way.
As for those foods and drinks that are sort of in a fog – you know, the ones we KNOW aren’t necessarily healthy but we don’t know if they’re exactly harmful – if any studies have even suggested that they’re unhealthy, we should “Throw the bum out!“ Then, we can replace it with something from our “healthy” list.
