My Foodie Call

Dial in to your health.
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    • Make friends with…Seitan.

      Posted at 8:00 pm by myfoodiecall
      Apr 12th

       

      Have you ever seen this stuff?

      Have you ever seen this stuff?

      Make friends with…Seitan.

      Say what?

      Yes. Seitan.

      First off, let’s talk about this crazy word’s pronunciation. Seitan is said like “Say” and “Tan” (yes, like you are laying out getting a tan.)

      So what is Seitan?
      In short: a vegan protein

      What is it made of?
      Cooked wheat gluten. Yes, I said it: gluten. I know everyone freaks about gluten these days, but I am on the team that says unless you are a celiac, quit worrying about it.

      Is it healthy?
      It’s a plant-based protein and has no fat or cholesterol, so yes, it’s healthy.

      Why eat it?
      As mentioned, it is a super high-protein source for those of you out there that want to cut out some meat, but just can’t do the tofu thang. It’s chewier, more dense and has a jerky type quality (but not in a weird way.) As a matter of fact, many vegetarians like seitan better than tofu because of this meaty texture.

      Other random stuff about Seitan:
      It’s BROWN. (like beef)
      Like tofu, it absorbs flavors easily so you can add it to anything.
      For those of you low-carbers out there, don’t be afraid. Although Seitan is made from wheat, all the starch from the wheat has been removed and all that is left is gluten (the protein.)

       

      Remember the next time you grocery shop:

      Ask for “Say-tan”…
      IMG_4488

       

       

      Posted in Make friends with... | Tagged seitan
    • Small changes…quit drinking your calories

      Posted at 8:00 pm by myfoodiecall
      Mar 23rd

      Stop drinking your calories.

      Seriously, wouldn’t you rather eat?

      Again, I do not count calories but really, your Starbucks Frappuccino, or Sweetened Iced Tea or even your Strawberry Coolatta from Dunkin Donuts ?? Not doing you any favors.

      Here’s the deal.

      Drinking your calories does not bring satiety that food does.

      Period. End of story.

      It just welcomes unnecessary calories or sugars into your body.

      Average soda has 140 calories. Is it worth it?

      Average can of soda has 150 calories. Is it worth it?

      Average soft serve from a fast food restaurant is about 170 calories. Pick your poison. I'd rather the ice cream myself.

      Average soft serve cone from a fast food restaurant is about 170 calories. Pick your poison. I’d rather the ice cream myself.

      Are you a Starbucks frozen-mocha-latte-frappa-double-whip-extra-syrup kinda girl?

      See below.

      You see this Iced Mocha? 320 calories. Fill you up for maybe 30 minutes.

      You see this Iced Mocha? A Starbucks favorite. 320 calories. Fill you up for maybe 15 minutes.

      See this awesome panini? 300 calories.

      See this awesome Roasted Vegetable Panini from Starbucks? 350 calories. And this stuff will stay with you and actually has some health components, unlike the above.

      You say, “but I want a sweet treat, not a dang veggie panini…”

      Okay, I get it. Still for the same amount of calories as the mocha, you can get this cheesecake brownie. This will keep you more satisfied then the drink that will be in and out of you faster than that $5 you just laid down for it.

      Fine. But still: For the same amount of calories as the Mocha, you can get this Starbucks Cheesecake Brownie. 300 calories for this dessert and this will fill you up more than that drink.

      Drink water. Save your sugar for the stuff that counts.

      Drink water. 

      Save your sugar for the stuff that is worth it.

      Save your sugar for the stuff that is worth it.

       

      Posted in Small changes
    • Small changes…Add chopped fresh spinach to your store-bought soups

      Posted at 8:00 pm by myfoodiecall
      Mar 17th

      Try this…

      Start with this.

      Start with this.

      This is about half of a 10oz package of spinach.

      This is about half of a 10 oz package of spinach.

      Process the heck out of it.

      Process the heck out of it.

      Heat.

      Add it to your soup and heat.

      Barely notice that you just revved up your nutrition.

      Serve. You will barely notice the spinach and be so psyched you just revved up your health.

      Posted in Salads, Soups, and Sides, Small changes | Tagged spinach
    • 10 Healthy Packaged Snacks from Walmart

      Posted at 9:03 pm by myfoodiecall
      Mar 12th

      Are you too cool for Wal-Mart?

      If yes, then don’t bother reading this post.

      The point of today’s post is to show some realistic, healthier packaged snack options that you can buy at most grocery stores.

      …Those days when you just don’t feel like eating a stupid apple.

      1) 100 Calorie Almond Packs

      Emerald 100 Calorie Almond Packs

      Emerald 100 Calorie Almond Packs

      Although I am not one to do the whole “100 calorie pack” thing, I do think that these pre-portioned snacks can be a good “tool”.  These little bags will work especially well for people who tend to eat mindlessly and could polish off half a canister of almonds. Yes, almonds are excellent for you. Heart healthy, the whole nine yards, but they should still be consumed moderation.

      2) Low-Sodium V-8’s

      Sometimes its easier to drink your veggies.

      Sometimes its easier to drink your veggies.

      I will be the first to admit that these low-sodium versions of the real thing are an ACQUIRED taste. If you are used to the salty original version, you might struggle. I know I did at first. That said, keep drinking it, and eventually your taste buds will adjust, minus the salt overload. And it’s an easy way to get a veggie in your body in about 60 seconds.

      3) Shelled Peanuts

      Yes, these kind of make a mess, but c'est la vie.

      Yes, these kind of make a mess, but c’est la vie.

      Peanuts. In the shell. As mentioned above with the almonds, nuts are certainly good for you. In moderation. Try buying the shelled ones to slow you down a bit. Also, check out that price. Shelled peanuts are dirt cheap.

      4) Yellow Popping Corn Kernels

      This bag will last you a while.

      This bag will last you a while.

      Are you still doing microwave popcorn?? Bad, bad news. See this post if you need a refresher as to why (and a good recipe to try)…Now ideally these Wal-Mart popcorn kernels would be organic, but hey, small changes, right?

      5) Food Should Taste Good- Sweet Potato Chips

      Addicted to these babies.

      Addicted to these babies.

      I have mentioned this brand before several times. I make nachos with them, dip them in hummus, peanut butter, you name it. A few years ago you could only find these in health food stores and pay like $20 per bag. Okay, slight exaggeration, but luckily Wal-Mart has smartened up.

      6) Apple & Eve Fruitables Juice Boxes

      These aren't as evil as some of those other brands out there.

      These aren’t as evil as some of those other brands out there.

      Now I am not a huge juice box person, but these are actually a pretty good choice. A lot of times packages will claim that there are veggies in their product. Well, guess what? These actually have some. Sweet.

      7) Kashi Granola Bars- Trail Mix or Honey Almond Flax

      Pretty good options

      Pretty good options

      You have to be careful with granola bars. Many can be high sugar, but these are pretty good.

      sugars

      Sugars aren’t too bad and they offer up some decent amounts of fiber and protein.

       

      However, this Kashi bar? Not a top choice

      this

      Check out

      Check out the differences in sugars, fibers, and protein. Can you see why the top two are better choices?

      8) 100 Calorie Guacamole Packs

      Who can resist this stuff?

      Who can resist this stuff?

      Quit being afraid of fat! Guac is good for you. Assuming it doesnt have tons of mayo in it. Know what’s in it. These packs fit the bill and would be a great spread on whole grain crackers or for dipping your baby carrots (when you’ve had it with hummus.)

      9) Kashi Southwest Barbecue- Black Bean Crisp

      Black Bean Crisp? yes.

      Black Bean Crisp? yes.

      Check these out.

       

      Black beans as the first ingredient? Winner.

      Black beans as the first ingredient? Winner.

      Great source of fiber too.

      10) Seapoint Farms Individual Edamame Packs

      Thse things are strangely addictive.

      These things are strangely addictive.

      Do you buy edamame? If not, try these babies. It might not seem like the most exciting snack, but they are easy and effortless.

       

      The moral of the story?

      While we try to shop fresh, local, organic, non-GMO, etc, etc… (I am exhausted typing this)..

      At the end of the day, you just have to do the best that you can.

      Ready to shop???

      Posted in Random stuff, Small changes
    • Huevos Rancheros Enchiladas for 8th Grade Spanish

      Posted at 8:00 pm by myfoodiecall
      Mar 8th

      So my 13-year-old daughter is taking 8th grade Spanish. At the end of each chapter her teacher holds a fiesta and parents are asked to contribute a food item native to the country or chapter they have just completed. Worth noting, these celebrations are for REAL Spanish foods.

      Do you know of any authentic Spanish foods? Apparently I do not either. I am learning though.

      For the first two fiestas, my Spanish concoctions were duds, I am ashamed to say. The first recipe was a Spanish Tortilla, which is like a big potato omelette thing. Turned out horribly wrong and pretty much ruined my cast iron pan. :(. I havent touched that pan since the tortilla fiasco because it took me hours days of scrubbing. While I was not at the actual fiesta to see if kids actually tried it, the My Foodie Call daughter told me that kids had no idea what it was and pretty much steered clear. Fail.

      The second fiesta I made a drink…this egg nog-like thing called a Coquito. I whipped a huge batch of this up in the blender and actually attended the fiesta this time, drink in tow. This drink was loaded with sugar. A winner right?

      Wrong.

      The kids went right past the Coquito and dove into the soda. hmmm.

      According to dear daughter, “Everyone thought it was gross”.

      What?????? Seriously?? I am convinced that no one even really tried it. 13-year-old closed minds. I might as well have just poured a 5 lb bag of sugar into the blender.

      Fast forward to fiesta #3. The Texas Fiesta.

      Finally! Tex-Mex. That, I can do. Found this recipe, have made it twice, and I will be making it again.

      These are not tortillas. These are egg crepes wrapped around a brown rice/bean concoction.

      Don’t be fooled. These are not tortillas. These are egg crepes wrapped around a brown rice/bean concoction.

      Recipe from: http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/huevos-rancheros-enchiladas/

      Huevos Rancheros Enchiladas

      Serves 6

      • 10 medium eggs
      • ½ cup chopped onion
      • 1 tsp. ground cumin
      • 1 ½ cups cooked pinto beans
      • 1 tsp. minced garlic
      • 1 cup water or vegetable broth
      • 1 cup cooked brown rice
      • 1 ½ cups prepared salsa
      • ½ cup reduced-fat Monterey jack cheese

      1. Whisk eggs with 6 Tbs. water in bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Heat 8-inch nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup egg mixture into skillet, and swirl to coat bottom completely (like a crêpe). Cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until egg is firm in center. Slide onto paper-towel-lined plate. Top with paper towel. Repeat with remaining eggs to make 12 thin egg crêpes, then cool.

      2. Wipe out skillet, coat with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Add onion and cumin to skillet, cover, and cook 3 minutes, or until onion is soft. Add pinto beans, garlic, and water or vegetable broth. Cover, and simmer 5 minutes. Mash some of the beans to thicken sauce, add cooked brown rice and 1/2 cup prepared salsa. Cook 5 minutes more, or until only a little liquid remains.

      3. Roll 1/4 cup filling in each egg crêpe, and place in large baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour 1 cup prepared salsa down center of enchiladas, and sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. Bake 15 minutes at 350°F, or until enchiladas are heated through and cheese has melted.

      Wish the picture was a tad fancier, but this was taken seconds before heading to 8th grade!

      Wish the picture was a tad fancier, but this was taken seconds before heading to 8th grade!

      Posted in Breakfast, Meatless mealtime, Random stuff | Tagged beans, brown rice, egg
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    • You missed a call?

      • Make friends with…Bean Pasta.
      • Whole Wheat Flax ‘N Apple Muffins
      • Small changes…Eat what’s in season.
      • Whole Wheat Broccoli Mac N Cheese
      • What I pack my kid.
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  • dial in to your health

  • The Stuff

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    • Desserts
    • Make friends with…
    • Meatless mealtime
    • Pancake Day
    • Random stuff
    • Salads, Soups, and Sides
    • Small changes
    • Snacks
    • What I pack my kid.
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