According to my WordPress account, today marks the 5 Year Anniversary of when I set up my WordPress account. And wow…how things have changed, yes?
When I originally began my blog, it was under the name “veggiefoodlover” and I was reviewing restaurants and vegetarian food items. While I still do reviews on restaurants and vegetarian food items…I do so much more now.
About 4 years ago, I started to take up running. Well, technically on April 4, 2016, it will be 5 years since I began running…officially…as that was the date of my first ever race…a little 5K in Louisville, Kentucky. I have only stopped on occasion for pesky little (and some not so little) injuries.
In addition to the running, I also have started formulating my own gluten-free/vegan/vegetarian/allergen-free recipes. I am contemplating my own cookbook, in fact. Which, is really damn exciting. I just need to make some time to actually piece one together.
And…the big one…I was diagnosed as a Celiac. First came the lactose intolerance…followed by the weeks and weeks and months of doctors appointments and exams and tests…trying to figure out why, despite maintaining a good diet, my body was dropping weight. It was a very scary time, and thanks to my friend, Heather, we finally got it all figured out and a proper diagnosis was given.
So, the blog became a little bit of everything going on in my life. Gluten-free products (good and bad…and there have been quite a few bad), gluten-free recipes, lamenting the loss of ice cream and cheese, gluten-free and dairy-free recipes, local and far-away restaurants and how they work with my food allergies…and how good (or bad) their food is, running, races, injuries, vacations…we’ve been through a lot together these past 5 years.
I even re-branded my blog under the name “The Celiathlete”…and that is where I stand now…
I appreciate each and every person who takes a moment just to read the thoughts I put down on a page.
As you may have noticed on the side of my blog…or through my postings on social media (like my Instagram), for the second year in a row, I was given the opportunity to be an Ambassador for Nuun. I have been using Nuun since I began training for my first marathon, and I haven’t looked back to Gatorade or those sports drinks since. I don’t like the way all the sugar in those drinks messes with my stomach and body…so Nuun was a fantastic choice for me.
What’s even better is, just this month, they released their new and improved formula for their Nuun Active and Nuun Energy varieties. These tablets that you drop into your water now use a combination of plant-based sweeteners that help provide a balanced sweetness profile. This is obtained by using a combination of monk fruit extract and stevia leaf extract. Nuun Active and Nuun Energy also now include 1 gram dextrose (d-glucose), a natural, fast-releasing carbohydrate serving roles in the production of the Nuun tablets (in regards to tablet integrity), as well as its ability to bind sodium and water to help increase the rate of fluid and electrolyte delivery. In addition, both Nuun Active and Nuun Energy are now certified gluten free, vegan, and Informed-Choice (trusted by sport certified). The upgrade was, ultimately, done to help take your favorite hydration product, and make it better. With the addition of a non-GMO sourced dextrose, the rate at which fluids and electrolytes make their way to working muscles increases. And the use of plant-based sweeteners provides an ideal sweetness profile, without being too over-powering or sweet.
I know that got a little scientific, but it’s a big deal and those of us who are a part of the Nuun family are excited about these changes. Especially me.
Proud Nuun Ambassador
All that being said, as part of the Nuun Ambassador team and as a runner, once again, attempting a comeback from a nagging (1 year on February 16) hip labrum tear injury…I really wanted to participate in the Nuun Year Dash 5K/10K virtual race that was being held. I normally would have kicked in for that 10K distance, but I’ve worked too hard at getting back on the road to push too much, too hard, too fast. I stuck with the 5K distance, registered, and awaited the package with all the swag to arrive.
And it did…back on February 1. The actual event is taking place from Friday, February 5 – Monday, February 8…but my weekend is pretty packed and after my “long” run on Saturday (longest run since August when I did a 16 miler on leg with a stress fracture (which I wasn’t aware of at the time)) of only 8 miles, my hip might be done for. So, the training plan I am quasi-following had me scheduled for 3 miles on Thursday…so I figured I could run from my job to my home and tack on the additional .1 (yep…I live 3 miles away)…and that way I get it done (a day early, but still done). My roommate drove the car home from work…no worries, LOL!
At about 4:10 pm on Thursday, I went to go get changed, for the first time since August, into “racing gear.” Granted, this is a virtual 5K, and while there are prizes being awarded, the biggest reward to me, at this time, is the fact that I’m getting out there again and participating in group runs and…(virtual) races. I had no expectations for time or placement…I just wanted the distance. So, I stepped out in my bright colors (I’m always bright), my hair color, pigtails, and the provided race big. I knew I was going to freeze out there. It was around 33 degrees Thursday when I left work, and since the previous day had a high of 50, I didn’t think about the change in temperature when I packed my bag the night before. I put my Nuun Year Dash t-shirt on over my long sleeve tech shirt and hoped it would keep me warm for the (at least) 30 minutes I was out running. I got the provided race bib pinned on…left my stuff with my roommate to take home…and left the office just after 4:30 pm.
The biggest challenge, after my Garmin found it’s signal, which took forever, was going to be the stoplights and rush hour traffic. But this wasn’t the first time I’ve run home from the office…so…I knew what I was getting myself into. This is, however, the coldest it has been when I have run home from work, so there is that. HA!
I started by the YMCA and ran through the parking lot, around my building, up an incline, back onto Main Street, back toward the YMCA, managed to hit the light at the right time to cross the street and make the trek home. It was cold and windy…but the leg and hip felt good. I felt good. It had been ages, it seemed, since I ran home from the office. It was a blessing just to be able to do this. I was cautious, of course, trying to remember my training in physical therapy because the last thing I need to do is get another stress fracture because I am compensating for the hip. The run felt good, and when I caught myself favoring the hip and applying more time and pressure to the opposite leg, I fixed it immediately. I had to top at a couple of stop lights on the way, but once they changed and I made sure traffic was aware of me (I was in bright, fluorescent yellow pants…I’m hard to miss!), I continued on the route I had run so many fall, spring and summer days before. I probably got some pretty strange looks, being the only person out and running, wearing a race bib, but that’s part of the fun. I’ve never been normal…why start now?
I made the turn onto the road I live off of, with about 1.5 miles to go. There was a 4-way stop to navigate through, but I swore I saw my car (driven by the roomie) pull out just as I turned…so she would make it home to be my race photographer. YAY! I slowed slightly at the 4 way stop…then when I knew for sure all the drivers were aware of me, I crossed and made my way to the stoplight about a quarter mile further up the road. I had to stop again and wait for the lights…one to cross the road, and then the other to cross to the other side of the homestretch because that way I could just turn into my apartment complex and not have to dodge traffic to get there. Once that was accomplished, I had just over a half mile left. I made a small climb over a hill…knowing it was the last incline of the day…so I pushed a little more…then ran past the old cemetery…up the way…past a house with a barking dog…and toward my apartment complex. I half expected my roommate to be standing out there with the sign she holds at all my races and camera ready…but there was no sign of her. At all. My watch beeped for 3 miles just before I made the turn into the drive of the apartment complex. I took the turn toward my apartment building, and still no sign of the roommate. And then I hit 3.11 miles and…was done.
Me after completing the Nuun Year Dash Virtual 5K in my own city
After I stopped my Garmin and then started to walk to cool off, she rounds the corner, on her phone, still doing work, camera in hand…but the moment was done and so was I. I had her snap a few pictures (no official finisher photo this time) before calling it a day and heading upstairs for a nice hot shower to take the chill out of me. Because I was cold. I never really warmed up on that run, which is weird for me.
SO…while the official results have yet to be tallied, I can tell you this much…my official time for the Nuun Year Dash (Virtual) 5K is 25:38. I keep telling myself, I’m fresh to my comeback. Speed will (hopefully) eventually come back. For now, just be thankful for the time out on the road, and the ability to be out there running again. I’m really proud of myself for pushing it (a little) and for getting this run done…with perfect negative splits to boot! It’s hard, because I used to be so focused on my numbers and so speed driven, that this slow down hasn’t been an easy transition for me. I push as hard as my body allows sometimes, and while it’s not up to par with where I used to be, this is a fresh start…and I have to realize that with these limitations with my hip…I may never be pushing those 7 minute miles again. It’s not easy…believe me…there have been tears shed over this…but the best feeling right now…is my feet on that pavement again. Every run is a blessing. Even the slow(er) ones.
I am so proud to be a part of the Nuun Family and hope to continue to be an ambassador for their amazing (and new and improved) products. If you haven’t tried Nuun yet…I encourage it. It’s a great way to make your water count and to stay hydrated. Even on the cold runs. This race wasn’t against the others competing and participating, but against all the self-doubt, fear, and pain that I’ve dealt with for almost a year. This is definitely the start of, what I hope will be, a beautiful comeback.
1. I love eating healthy
2. I love sweets (especially chocolate)
What we have here, my friends, is a constant battle of sheer willpower. But, the fact of the matter is…sometimes you just have to find a way to treat yourself. Naturally, I stick to my necessary gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian lifestyle…however, this doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy some of the finer things in life.
That being said, 2016 is a year of change for me. I’m trying to improve myself, my body, my soul, my mindset…I’m trying to reach both long-term and short-term goals. And part of that is definitely making certain tweaks to the diet.
I’m not saying I am cutting out sweets and desserts entirely. That’s inhuman. But, I am cutting back on them. And once the current ones in the pantry are moved out…they aren’t coming back in. I buy gluten-free…so I’m too cheap to just toss the stuff away.
That being said, I’m always game for trying new ways to make an indulgence healthier. And awhile back, the amazing Lottie Bildirici, better known in the social media world as “Running on Veggies” posted about the treat she made for Kara Goucher (yes…THE Kara Goucher) when she was coming to NYC to run the NYC Marathon. Kara chose blondies as her treat and Bildirici got to work researching and coming up with a recipe that would not only seem like a treat, but be made with real ingredients, nothing processed, and be healthy. When the recipe posted, I was beyond intrigued. Granted, my foray into baking using beans as a base resulted in brownies that tasted like black beans, so I did have my reservations going into this…but I decided to give it a try.
Blondies made without flour…and by using garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and dates as the sweetener. Well…there was only one way to find out how this would turn out. I hoped for the best, since Kara Goucher was a fan…but…hey…some things you have to try yourself.
So this was what I put into my food processor this past Sunday afternoon:
Everything but the dairy-free dark chocolate chips, that is. Any nut butter (or nut-free butter) will work, but I’m a huge fan, and an ambassador, for NuttZo…and it really is the best stuff on the market. Find it. Trust me…it’s worth the price!
After giving everything a whirl in the food processor, I was left with a light and fluffy fatter. I folded in the chocolate chips, sprayed down some muffin tins and began to evenly distribute the batter into 24 muffin tins.
After baking for around 40 minutes, I removed the pans from the oven and let everything sit, untouched for over an hour. At that point, I moved everything to a sheet pan (carefully) and then into the freezer. But not without trying one.
First of all, they don’t taste bean-y…and they don’t taste like dates either. They actually taste like a decadent little dessert or muffin. Especially when warmed up in the microwave for about 30 seconds or longer. Although, I love them frozen too…but I’m weird like that. These are an amazing treat and one that I don’t feel bad about eating because…it was made from real food.
I know a lot of people look down on those who enjoy a treat every now and again…but the fact of the matter is…we’ve got it all wrong. Not all calories are created equal. Just like now not all carbohydrates and fats are either. That’s the being said, I am a firm believer in counting nutrition, not calories. And that’s what making something like this is all about.
And trust me…they are SO good.
If you want to give them a try…you can get the recipe here! They are easy to make, and delicious. Trust me…you’ll want to keep these on hand! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack or dessert…these are truly a delicious and healthy treat.
Eat real food. These treats are more like a healthy choice than an indulgence. And what’s not to love about that?!
Product: Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables – $8.50
Risotto is one of those dishes that you love to hate. Not so much in the dining and devouring part…but the making of said dish. Don’t get me wrong, I am a risotto fanatic as much as the next person, however…I much prefer the unorthodox way of cooking it…in a dutch oven…in the oven. Baked.
Stovetop…just never seems to want to work out fright for me.
That being said, back in my April (Spring) 2015 Cuisine Cube, I received a package of risotto from Bountiful Pantry’s gluten free selection. I was pretty stoked. Gotta love risotto. I couldn’t wait to find a night to cook it up.
And then…I just never got around to it. With everything that was going on with my hip injury, recovery, broken leg, travel, more travel, more recovery, the holidays…it’s been pretty non-stop since I received this box in the mail. Thankfully, it was good through April of 2016…so it wasn’t a waste.
Before I get into the product itself…here’s a little bit about Cuisine Cube. Cuisine Cube is a subscription service that delivers 5-6 gluten-free, full-size products to your door for as little as $34.99/month. Inside the cube, you will discover full-size products (not sample sizes) that are made by local and smaller, artisan companies, rather than those that you can find at the average grocery store. It has introduced me to so many new and delightful products. Each box contains a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert product…and then, sometimes, an extra bonus item. Who doesn’t love a little something extra, right? Keep in mind, however, that Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try! It’s like…Christmas…or your birthday…every month! Who doesn’t love that?! I did love it and I hope I’m able to resubscribe soon.
The dinner feature in the April (Spring) 2015 Cuisine Cube was the Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables. Bountiful Pantry is best known for their healthy, easy-to-prepare, and delicious mixes ranging from appetizers, to soups, to salads, to dips, to stews, to chilies, to chowders, and various sides, among other things. Inspiration for their mixes stem from their home on the island of Nantucket, where the often cool, damp weather would inspire the desire for an inviting pot of soup. By starting with family favorites and classic New England favorites, Bountiful Pantry has created delicious and satisfying recipes that are easy to share. Since the creators follow a healthy, low-sodium diet, focusing on taste, they are seeking and finding new ways to pack flavor into their mixes using a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices. They use the finest all-natural ingredients, including vegetables picked and dried at their peak of freshness. There are no preservatives, added salt of MSG in their mixes, and they are gluten free as well. Even better, meals can be prepared in as little as 30 minutes. Gotta love that.
Well, this weekend seemed like the ideal time to cook up a risotto because Sundays I’m usually batch cooking anyway. And as I’m working on clearing out my pantry, this was a logical choice. And I was pretty excited about it too. Because…risotto!! The only thing I wasn’t excited about was cooking it. But, no worries, it’s super easy. I first heated up 5 cups of vegetable broth. Then, I melted 4 tablespoons of vegan butter (Earth Balance) in a pan. Once it was melted, I added chopped onion and let it soften to the point of translucency. I took 1 cup of the broth and put it in a bowl with the dried vegetables and let it soak. Then, in went the rice to the skillet with the butter and onion. I gave it a stir to coat it all. And then…the long and tedious task of adding 1/2 cup broth and stirring began. Each time more broth went in, the rice would begin to plump up more and more. And when the broth was gone…and my rice was still a little crunchy…in went water until I got that perfect rice consistency. Then, the vegan parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of white wine went in. More stirring…and then…dinner was served.
With a glass of the white wine I used in the risotto. Just sayin’.
The Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables was amazing. Creamy and rich. The vegan parmesan really enriched the flavor and texture, bringing it to that perfect risotto consistency. The Arborio rice took a little longer to cook, but once it got to the proper texture…it was a fantastic dish to devour indeed. There is, naturally, an option to serve this as a side dish, but my roommate and I chose it for our dinner, so we took 4 servings of it instead of 8…having leftovers for lunch later this week. And I can’t be more excited about having it again. I loved how perfectly this cooked up, and despite having to add a bit of water, it got to that perfect rich and creamy consistency and the flavor…was spot on. The vegetables softened up and the seasonings perfectly added to the taste, no added salt or anything. Perfection. And all in a bag, ready to go.
So, what all is in the Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables? Nine ingredients. Yes…just nine. They are: Arborio rice, peas, carrot, corn, onion, tarragon, chervil, parsley, and chives. This mix is gluten-free, non-GMO, no MSG, and no added salt or preservatives. This product is certified by the Celiac Sprue Association.
As for nutritional information for the Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables…this isn’t bad. Even when you add in the butter, onion, cheese, veggie broth and wine, it is reasonable for risotto. A serving of the dry mix is 1/4 cup (51 grams) and there are 8 servings per package. In each serving, you will be consuming 170 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 10 mg sodium, 40 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 4 grams protein. Not bad at all.
If you love decadent, rich, creamy and and flavorful risotto…why do it all from scratch yourself? Bountiful Pantry helps make it a little easier with their package of Risotto with Garden Vegetables. Big flavor. Big eats. It was amazing from the first bite to the last. My roommate and I probably could have eaten the entire pan if I hadn’t set the rest of it aside for lunches. It’s that good.
So, head over to Bountiful Pantry‘s Web site and place an order for one of their numerous mixes. But, if nothing else, try the risotto.
My life is a roller coaster these days. Good days. Bad days. Highs and lows. There are days I feel unstoppable and days that stop me cold. There are days where I feel on top of the world, and days where the tears just won’t stop.
There are pain-free days…and days where it hurts just getting out of bed.
This is my life…and has been since February 16, 2015.
Almost a year.
Still not better. Still fighting. Still not where I imagined I’d be.
I’m going to be honest, I came out of the weekend, despite the slip and fall on ice, feeling good. My pain levels were down. I was moving without problems. And then…Tuesday hill repeats. UGH! JUST UGH!! I did fine, but when I stop that’s when the problems start. And despite a round of stretches my physical therapist assigned me, I was still feeling it yesterday and this morning when I worked in my training runs.
All that being said, I’ve powered through a lot, and despite my demanding work/training/recovery schedule…I’ve done some pretty amazing things so far this week. I thought I’d share!
1. THEMED SPIN CLASSES
I think I have the perfect (always colorful) tights for a Disco-themed spin class, yes?
Rocking perfect tights for a disco-themed spin class, yes?
My amazing and inspiring friend, Deana, is a very fun spin instructor. It’s always a mixed bag with her. And when you attend one of her classes, you are going to walk out of there a sweaty mess. She’s in training for her first Half Ironman, and we’re in training with her, in a way. At least on the stationary bike in the safety of the walls of the YMCA. HA!
Anyway, this week, Deana has had themed spin classes. And I am loving it. Monday morning, my 5:30 a.m. class was treated to Spinning to the ’90s. All the music was songs straight out of the 1990s…and I knew and even sang along with every single one of them. Not loudly, because, I wouldn’t put anyone through the torture of hearing me sing, but it really takes your mind off of that hill climb and definitely brought a lot of hoots and hollers from the class. And Friday morning, we’re getting a disco ball and having our own Disco Inferno all up in the spin room. And I am already working on what I intend to wear for said Disco day. There might even be a lava lamp. Regardless, I’ll be ready to work hard to the tune of the best disco songs.
Themed spin classes…who knew?!
2. HILL REPEATS
Bright colors, bright lights, and loving that I’m DONE with hill repeats.
Love them or hate them…hill repeats are real. In fact, hill repeats are what my physical therapist currently wants me doing. So, every Tuesday, I’m out at either Cherokee Park or Iroquois Park here in Louisville…running me some major hill repeats. The past two weeks, I’ve knocked out 4 miles of hill repeats each Tuesday night. 4 freakin’ miles. To this point, that is the furthest I have run since…the stress fracture in my leg back in August.
I won’t lie…a little part of me panics every time I go out there for these. Hills do make you a stronger runner…but they hurt. In my case, they really hurt. But, I feel strong while doing them, and after some plyometric exercises and stretches…and a little TLC from my foam roller…I’m usually back in the game the next day. So yeah…hills. YAY!
I don’t worry about my time or how long I’m out there or even my speed. What’s important to me is that I am actually out and running again. Not completely pain-free…but being out there is SO much better than where I have been. I’ll take every chance I can get to attempt to get stronger again.
3. CHILI COOK OFF
Hawaiian Chili (with a bit of Gluten Free Corn Spoon Bread and Gluten Free Breton Original with Flax Crackers)
So, yesterday was the annual chili cook off at my office. Now, I have never actually submitted a chili to this cook off because, prior to this year, the co-owner (who has since retired) used to always tell me not to bother with bringing in a vegetarian chili, since his wife was making one. I just never argued the fact. With this year being wide open, I got a little carried away and ended up making 2 chilies and 1 batch of my gluten free corn spoon bread recipe that I’ve killed every time I’ve made it. Meaning, it’s extremely awesome. When it comes to cooking, especially in a quasi-competitive manner, I can be pretty indecisive on what chili to make. So, I did what any chef would do…
…I made both.
Pizza Chili (which I figured would be my star) and Hawaiian Chili.
I realized I was splitting my odds at winning, but…I love both of these chilies and they were both very different. VERY different. Even from the other chilies (there were 7 entries…2 of which were mine) that were entered into the annual cook off.
And, shocking me (and probably the rest of the office who doesn’t always want to venture into my plant-based, gluten-free goodies)…I won. With…Hawaiian Chili. So not the chili that I expected to win. I was seriously surprised. Of the two I brought in, I thought Pizza Chili would be the more popular one. And it was a very near thing with the runner-up, a Mexican Beer Chili. The winning chili is pictured above with the corn spoon bread.
I am so happy. This is the first time a vegan/vegetarian chili has won. And it’s the first time I have won anything at work. So…YAY!!
I’ve had many requests for this recipe, so I will leave it here. Do try it. It’s amazing.
Recipe: Hawaiian Chili Makes 4 very large servings
Ingredients:
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic clove, minced
2 bell pepper, seeded & diced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
2 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups pineapple, diced
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
Crackers (optional…to serve on the side)
Directions:
Line a large pot with vegetable broth.
Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until onions are translucent and bell peppers are soft.
Add spices, stir to coat vegetables.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Serve with crackers
~*~*~
Seriously…make this stuff.
If you live in the area…come to tomorrow’s 5:30 a.m. spin class at the YMCA of Southern Indiana in New Albany and let Deana bring the funk and disco back…disco ball included.
One of my favorite things to purchase at the grocery store on occasion is…granola. Especially granola that isn’t loaded down with sugar. Granola is so versatile. You can eat it on its own, put it atop yogurt, or ice cream, or oatmeal. It’s the perfect thing just to have on hand in the pantry.
And for a little while…I was without. But then my local Kroger ran a Manager’s Special on some items and one of them was McCabe’s Original Granola. With $3 off the regular price, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try this granola I had been eyeing on the shelves.
I admit to being a bit of a granola snob. Most gluten free granola is laden with excessive sugars and are far from healthy. But McCabe’s caught my eye because all ingredients are recognizable (no chemicals), and it was low in sugars and carbohydrates. It took me a major sale to actually buy it though because I never could fit it into my budget. But…now I think it’s worked its way into one of my favorite brands. And this is simply based off the True Original variety. Because, you gotta start with the basic.
McCabe’s Granola is a family owned business, run by Susan (mom), Chris (dad) and their sons Jameson and Michael. Their goal is to provide you with the healthiest, most flavorful granola and granola bars possible. They take great pride in their products and their family, and the products they produce definitely reflect this.
I purchased the McCabe’s True Original Granola. Basic. Simple.
But basic and simple doesn’t mean boring. Especially in the McCabe’s True Original Granola. I have eaten this over fruit, over yogurt, by the handful…and I never get tired or bored with it. For a granola that isn’t just a bunch of sugar…the flavor is awesome. This granola is proof that original isn’t simply plain. Becasue there is nothing plain or tasteless or boring about this granola. The bag refers to it as “The freshest, most natural, nuttiest granola in town,” and it’s not that far off. It’s low in sugar, it’s made with natural (non-GMO) ingredients, it’s gluten free. It’s awesome. The blend of oats, seeds, raisins, and coconut bring great variety for texture and taste. I love every handful (oh yes…I can (and do) eat this by the handful) of this granola. My pouch is almost empty, but now I’m willing to pay the full price. I know whatever flavor I end up purchasing, it’s going to be good.
McCabe’s True Original Granola is made from 100% natural ingredients that include: rolled oats, 100% pure maple syrup, sunflower seeds, cashews, ground flax seeds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, extra virgin olive oil, almonds, and unsweetened coconuts. Seriously, how can a blend of those ingredients not be amazing. It’s impossible. This blend of granola is amazing. The raisins are my favorite part…
As far as nutritional information goes, McCabe’s True Original Granola is awesome when compared to other gluten-free granola is outstanding. A serving size is 1/4 cup (28 grams) and there are about 12 servings per container. One serving will dish up 130 calories, 8 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fats, 0 grans trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 13 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 4 grams sugars, and 4 grams protein.
Lower in calories, sugars and carbohydrates when compared to other brands of gluten-free granola, McCabe’s really shines as a healthy granola choice. I can eat granola for breakfast or a snack, and I don’t feel at all guilty when I reach for this package. McCabe’s is certainly fulfilling their statement to provide a healthy and flavorful product. I am beyond impressed.
McCabe’s Granola is available in the following flavors: True Original, Delta Blueberry, Cran With A Twist, and PB & Chocolate. If you want a great choice for granola…this is definitely one that you should consider purchasing. For real. So go. Find it. Buy it. And devour it.
It’s no secret. Not anymore. When it comes to gluten-free bagels, my mind has been blown by the amazing ladies (or the crazy bagel ladies, as they dub themselves), at Sweet Note Bakery, based out of Bensalem, Pa.
Seriously, I had loved Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels…and Canyon Bakehouse’s Gluten Free Bagels…and I had been less excited about other brands…but it was the pioneering spirit of the Sweet Note Bakery ladies that really got me to step outside of the commercially known product line and try something…different.
And after a little prodding on Twitter…I took the leap and ordered their standard bagel offerings (Plain, Sesame, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin). I fell in love with the very first bite of the very first kind I tried. And my appreciation has only since grown. During the fall and winter, two seasonal flavors are introduced to the line-up…Pumpkin Spice and Snickerdoodle.
HELLO SNICKERDOODLE!
But…before I digress on how Sweet Note Bakery took my favorite cookie and turned it into my favorite breakfast (I’m a New Yorker…of course I love bagels!)..let me introduce you to Sweet Note Bakery…that is, if you don’t know anything about them.
Sweet Note began in 2012, when founder and president, Michelle MacDonald, stepped up to a challenge. She had been baking ever since she was a child and was very passionate about it. When her grandfather and sister were diagnosed with Celiac Disease, she took the first steps on her entrepreneurial journey. Her family really missed a good New York Style bagel. (Hey…I can’t blame them…I know this feeling all too well). So with a lot of experimentation and trial and error, MacDonald perfected the recipe, getting huge approval from her family (also bagel lovers). Gluten-free bagels that taste good?! It was a reality. Sweet Note Bakery’s vision is to make gluten-free options more readily accessible. Those of us who live with Celiac understand how isolating this disease can be, when you can’t have a meal while out with friends and family, be it at a restaurant or a ballpark, or wherever your adventures take you. MacDonald wanted to change that…one gluten-free bagel at a time.
This is truly a love story between me and these bagels. Every single flavor has been outstanding. No joke. You know, I’m very blunt about things I eat and if I don’t like them, you know it. There is nothing NOT to like about the bagels that Sweet Note Bakery puts out there. Fantastic quality…fantastic flavor. Never once have they let me down. And that’s why all other bagels stay in the freezer section now…and Sweet Note is the only one that actually makes the journey home to my own freezer.
So…Snickerdoodle Bagels.
Yes…they really are as epic as they sound. Yes…they really do taste like a snickerdoodle. YES…this is coming from a cookie monster who just happens to call the snickerdoodle her favorite cookie. Ever. In the history of cookies. Seriously.
This morning, I returned to my apartment after my 5:30 am spin class (yeah…you read that time right), ready to have something substantial for my post-workout breakfast. I pulled out a package of the Sweet Note Bakery Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels and tore them open. I had been waiting a long time to try these. I pulled out two (1 for my roommate and 1 for me) and gave them the standard 1 minute defrost in the microwave before slicing each one in half and placing them on a baking sheet to toast up in the oven while I took a shower and got cleaned up for work. Don’t worry, the roomie was awake and in the vicinity of the kitchen, so I wasn’t leaving anything unattended. That’s a no-no. I love my home too much to burn it down. When I emerged…the apartment was smelling like…warm cinnamon and sugar. I might have said, “Mmmmmmm!” as I strode toward the kitchen to check on the bagels. Toasted to perfection. I removed them from the oven, I knew these would not disappoint me. They smelled like perfection. If perfection had an aroma…it would be warm cinnamon and sugar. For sure.
I went to get my vegan cream cheese out of the fridge, but, alas…I had used it up and failed to put it back on the grocery list. It was also 4 degrees out this morning, so I wasn’t going to just pop on down to the car (wet hair and all) to scoot down the street to my grocery store to pick some up. Instead…I used peanut butter. Delicious, amazing, delightfully yummy peanut butter. Natural. No added sugars, salts or any of that craziness. This required a good amount of stirring, but I got the peanut butter right to the creamy consistency that signifies a perfectly stirred peanut butter…and then…slathered a healthy schmear on each bagel half. I served my roommate hers, went to pour my coffee, then sat down on the couch with the morning news on and a delicious bagel on my plate.
THIS…my friends…is the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Perfect. I loved how the cinnamon sugar coating hits your tongue first, and then it melts into that classic, bready, bagel flavor. The peanut butter really tamped down on the sweetness, and really kicked up that savory level, making a perfect balance between both worlds. I am certain I would have loved this just as much with my usual schmear of vegan cream cheese, but the peanut butter was the perfect match, in my opinion. The bagel is all kinds of amazing. I love how the focus of the bagels by Sweet Note is not so much as the “bigger is better” but the quality and taste. In fact, they take it back to the classic New York-style bagel…smaller, denser, and perfect. PERFECT. Every single flavor has been perfect. When toasted, the outside gets that perfect golden crust and the inside remains chewy. It’s dense, and flavorful, and just…awesome. It’s awesome. There. And the snickerdoodle flavoring kicks this bagel up to iconic status. It’s the Freddie Mercury of bagels. They will rock you. They are the champions. You’ll want them all. Yep. Freddie Mercury of bagels.
What I love about Sweet Note Bagels is there is nothing artificial in their recipes. In fact, the Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels are made from LOVE (yes…that is a true ingredient and one that is in every variety of their bagels), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. All of this…makes one hell of a bagel. Because…hello…SNICKERDOODLE = BEST THING EVER!
Let’s discuss nutrition now, shall we? A serving of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels is 1 bagel (128 grams) and there are 4 servings per package. One bagel will provide you with 310 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 65 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 14 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. These bagels are a bit higher in sugar due to their snickerdoodliness. But that’s okay. They are filling and amazing and one of the best bagels ever created. These bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, peanut-free, tree nut-free, kosher and non-GMO.
Snickerdoodle Bagels are real and they are taking on the classic snickerdoodle cookie for sure. I can’t thank Sweet Note Bakery enough for their innovative thinking and coming up with a merger of the best cookie ever with the best bagel ever. If you can’t find the Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagel in stores…order those puppies on line. They will rock your world. But act now…as they are only available for a limited time.
I also encourage you to order from their regular menu as well…get a taste for their amazing New York-style bagels and fall in love like I did. But first…order the Snickerdoodle.
Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels with a schmear of Organic Peanut Butter
Product: Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger – $5.99+
Veggie burgers are one of my current favorite treats. I just find something so amazingly comforting and…yes…crave-worthy…about burgers. Since I gave up meat and then had to give up gluten…really good and different veggie burgers have been hard to come by.
Thankfully, there seems to have been a lot of growth in the market. Some have been outstanding; others have been truly outshined by their competitors.
With growth comes flavor variations, and one of the first to really move beyond the classic or black bean varieties has been Qrunch.
Qrunch Foods was created by Jim Adams (a former restaurant marketing executive) and Brad Holley (a classically trained chef). Adams’ wife and Holley’s daughter were both gluten intolerant, and both knew from experience that finding delicious, but also convenient gluten-free products could be hard. That and the “good for you” products on the market were tasteless or…just disgusting. Gluten free had become associated with “anything free of good flavors” and vegan was simply thought of as “yuck.”
Knowing there were better things out there in the vegan and gluten-free world, Adams and Holley began tasting and experimenting with organic grains, produce, spices and other ingredients, having a goal to incorporate them into something that they would want to eat themselves – but more importantly, be able to offer to their loved ones. They didn’t want to use soy, so they looked into some lesser-used, unique ingredients that could meet the requirements of their gluten-free family members. It was from this idea and these trials that the Qrunch Burger was born. One of the main ingredients and flavors in all of their products is quinoa, hence the “Q” in Qrunch. With health in mind, millet and organic vegetables were added to each burger base…and they nailed it. With a goal to create great-tasting, gluten free foods…they have certainly exceeded all expectations.
I have eaten quite a few of Qrunch’s products…the Original Qrunch Burger and the Spicy Italian Burger for starters…and also their Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables. So, when I spotted one of their Qrunch Burger varieties with the word Curry in it…the Indian food lover in me jumped at the chance to stuff my face with it. I purchased the box and rushed it home to my freezer. Then started on a meal plan where most processed and packaged foods aren’t used…and they were forgotten.
Except with the passing of the holidays…I’m on a tight budget so now is the “survive off your pantry/freezer/fridge” days. And thank goodness I stocked up on some things…like veggie burgers…because I’ve been coming up with new and fun ways to eat these foods that I have hunted and gathered at various grocery stores…and incorporated them into my meals.
This weekend, instead of taking the easy (and more expensive route) for lunch on Sunday, I decided to get a little creative. I knew I had the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burgers in my freezer…and I had some salad fixings from the previous night’s dinner (I made homemade dolmades with a Greek side salad)…so I thought…a salad would be good, but I wanted it to be more substantial. The answer…Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger. No bun needed…just flavor.
I simply got out my skillet and toasted these up on each side, about five minutes per side, and while they were browning, I got out the greens, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and the tzatziki. When the burgers were done, I chipped them up, scattered them over the salad and topped it off with the cucumber and dill dip. One amazing salad…ready to devour.
Using the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Burger as the main protein source in the salad was genius. First of all, as the base of this burger is quinoa, it is a bit softer in texture and a little more…crumbly. So, not trying to stuff it between a gluten-free bun and not have it spill anywhere was PERFECTION! This is Qrunch’s newest flavor, and was created to sort of recreate the flavor of samosas, which are available at fine Indian restaurants. The lentils were added to give it a mild, earthy flavor, and the curry seasoning was a blend of both sweet and spicy. That is the perfect blend to create the perfect flavor in what might be the perfect burger. And serving it up with the raw veggies and topped with tzatziki was ideal. Seriously…it was a blend made in heaven. The burger had this nice crisp outside, but was flaky and soft on the inside. It was packed…packed…with fine flavors and just…really impressed me. I am already going to prepare the other two burgers the same way this coming Wednesday, per the request of my (carnivore) roommate…who absolutely fell head-over-heels for this combination. We were both very impressed.
So, let’s take a gander at the ingredients that go into the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Burgers, shall we? These burgers are made from organic millet, organic quinoa, organic lentils, organic coconut oil, organic onion, organic carrots, organic broccoli, organic spinach, organic arrowroot starch, organic apple cider vinegar, organic psyllium seed powder, sea salt, organic garlic, organic non-GMO canola oil, and organic spices. This is how you can still eat clean and do it out of your grocer’s freezer section. I know what all of those ingredients are and love that most of them are organic. Yep…happiness can be achieved through an amazing, healthy veggie burger. The Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger is gluten-free, wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free, animal-free, egg-free, nut-free, dairy-free, MSG-free, non-GMO, and low in sodium.
The nutritional information reflects a product that is made from wholesome grains and real food. A serving size of the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger is 1 burger (91 grams). There are 4 burgers in each box. A serving will provide you with 200 calories, 10 grams fat (health fat), 2.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 200 mg sodium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 0 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. It is a nutritional powerhouse to be certain. And filling. The lack of sugars and the higher fiber and protein ratio helps satiate any appetite.
I fell in love with the taste, texture and popping flavor of the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burgers. I am so excited that I am having them again so soon. Because…total yum. They were so good and amazing in this salad. I’m not sure how they would have been sandwiched between a bun, and I’m in no hurry to find out. I think I found my one true pairing with this salad. I’ve got a busy day planned on Wednesday, so this will be the ideal dinner to come home to. I can’t wait.
A delicious salad topped off with Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger
Product: Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar – $2.49+
I am not going to lie. I’m never without a protein bar of some sort. When you have food allergies, it is always best to be prepared. And, sometimes I get a little daring and try new things. New brands can be a scary thing. Sometimes you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.
On a recent trip up to Columbus, Ohio, I was (shockingly) shopping at Raisin Rack and raiding all the gluten free stuff. Seriously. This is what I do. Upon reaching the checkout, I spotted, in their line up of protein bars (there are few candy bars at their checkouts…mostly energy bars/protein bars)…something marked gluten-free…and the words…PUMPKIN SPICE printed on it.
So, I picked it up…flipped it over…looked it over…and put it back. Cathy (the roomie) spotted this and reached over, snagged it, and put it up on the belt for checkout. Guess I was going to get to try it after all. The bar was Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar.
It came home with me, and due to a lack of preparation, I had nothing to nosh on after my swim this morning at the gym, so I tossed the Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar into my bag, went for my swim, and then came into work.
Good! Greens has a goal, which is to help everyone be their best good. What is good? Good is a mindset that drives everything we do and make. For Good! Greens, it’s all about good ingredients, good practices and good community. Good is what we eat, how we care for ourselves, and how we care for others. And Good! Greens uses a formula in all of their bars that uses 100% fruits and vegetables, providing an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, and a clinically proven probiotic for digestive and immune health. It’s a power bar that gives you everything your body needs…without all the filler.
I had a few doubts, to be honest. Upon opening the wrapper, I pulled out this little bar that was coated in this white confectionery coating. I broke it in half, noting the Lärabar-like middle. I took a taste…and was actually impressed. The texture was a bit chewy and hard, but I think some of that was from sitting in the cold car while I was swimming at the gym. But the flavor was great. The pumpkin flavor was just enough…not overpowering. And that coating…amazing. It really made it feel more like a dessert than a protein bar. It even filled me up. I ended up being surprised by this bar. Not my favorite…but not bad. It was a nice surprise and one that makes me even more curious about their other flavors of bars.
Let’s talk about the ingredients that go into the Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar! This bar is made from fruitrim (natural fruit juices and grain dextrin), sunflower seed butter (sunflower kernels, sunflower oil, soybean oil, molasses, salt), dairy free confectionery coating (evaporated cane juice, palm kernel oil, soymilk powder, soy lecithin [emulsifier], vanilla), brown rice protein, good greens superfood powder, agave syrup, gluten free oats, soy protein crisps, chicory root fiber, natural pumpkin flavor, peanut paste (peanuts, salt). This bar is vegan, gluten free, contains probiotics, and is made from real fruits and vegetables.
As for nutritional information, this actually stacks up really nice for a protein bar. A serving of the Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar is the entire bar. This bar will deliver 189 calories, 8 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 19 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 14 grams sugar, and 10 grams of protein. It is a nutritional powerhouse, for sure!
These days, I’m searching for better foods with less processed ingredients that are more real than fake. Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar definitely fit that demand. I was quite happy with this bar. It was a nice change from my usual suspects.
There is just something so decadent about having a bit of chocolate with your breakfast, isn’t there? Growing up (and even now), one of my favorite things to have for breakfast (and it was only done on nights I had sleepovers or special occasions like my birthday) was chocolate chip pancakes. I mean…it’s the perfect amount of chocolate, so you sort of feel like you’re being wicked…but really, you’re just indulging that sweet tooth a little bit.
Well, I often do my own take on something with chocolate in it for breakfast every now and again. The problem is…I’m in charge of making it. And there are definitely mornings when the last thing I want to do is stand around in the kitchen and attempt to make a decent (and decadent) breakfast when I’m already short on time or just…busy.
I’m often busy.
Well, it just so happens that Nature’s Path has released a new product in its gluten free line-up. And I just happened to be shopping in a different Kroger this past weekend and stumbled across it. You better believe the moment I saw it, it was going into my shopping cart. My grocery list wasn’t very long this week so I had a bit of wiggle room. And having something quick and easy on hand for breakfast is never a bad idea.
Especially when it involves dark chocolate.
Nature’s Path Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Chip Waffles…are a gift from heaven. The gluten free heaven. Where chocolate reigns and waffles are all the rage. Seriously. I love chocolate chip anything…but chocolate chip waffles are a rare frozen find…in the gluten-free realm of the grocery store. Homestyle…perhaps blueberry…maybe an oddball pumpkin or berry…but…dark chocolate…that’s not a common find.
Nature’s Path is known for their healthy, great-tasting organic foods. One of their biggest incentives is to promote sustainability…and that’s why growing organic, healthy food is their passion and the cornerstone of this family company. But, in addition to that, they naturally want to put out products that they can stand behind, making sure that everything that hits the market is delicious and exciting. Because healthy food doesn’t need to be boring and tasteless.
And, I can promise you that there is nothing boring about the Nature’s Path Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Chip Waffles. Nothing. I toasted them in my oven this morning while I took a shower after my spin class. I gave 2 waffles to my roommate and I settled in with another two. A drizzle of agave maple syrup was the only flourish I had on these. And they were spectacular. They got to this amazing golden color in the oven, crisping up gorgeously on the outside. Inside, aside from the rich dark chocolate chips was a soft center that just begged you to carve off another bite and indulge once again. It was amazing that my waffles weren’t just hoovered off the plate this morning. But I did take my time, to chew and to enjoy, each and every single bite. What good is food if you don’t savor it a little, right?
So, let’s discuss the ingredients that Nature’s Path puts into their Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Chip Waffles! These waffles are made from water, organic brown rice flour, organic potato starch, organic corn flour, organic chocolate chips (organic granulated sugar cane juice, organic chocolate liquor, organic cocoa butter, soy lecithin, organic vanilla extract), organic soy oil, organic tapioca starch, organic granulated sugar cane juice, baking powder, organic potato flour, organic soy lecithin, organic pear juice concentrate, organic flavor, and sea salt. These waffles are vegan, gluten free, and contain 10 grams of whole grains per serving and are a fantastic source of ALA Omega-3, meaning they are nutritious…indulgent…and tasty. What a great combination from the freezer aisle, yes?
As for nutritional information, for waffles with dark chocolate in them, these aren’t too bad on the caloric scale. A serving size is two (2) waffles. There are 3 servings per box (I hate this…I wish I could at least get an even number of servings). Each serving will provide you with 220 calories, 7 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 3.5 grams polyunsaturated fat, 2 grams monounsaturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 490 mg sodium, 34 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 2 grams of protein. I think my biggest complaint was that after I feasted on two of these waffles, I was hungry about an hour and a half later. The lack of filling fiber and the small hit of protein are much to blame for this. And…even with only 7 sugars…it is still a waffle. So, definitely pair this (or just 1) with something with protein. Instead of maple syrup, perhaps a spoonful of nut butter would be nice. Actually…that does sound frickin’ fantastic. I think I want to do that tomorrow with the last couple of waffles. YUM!
Dark chocolate chip waffles sound decadent, but they just bring one of the best flavors in the world (chocolate) to your breakfast table. And now, even the gluten-free consumer can easily pop these into their toaster and have an indulgent, delicious breakfast…without having to whip them up themselves. Leave the waffle mix, mini chocolate chips, and the waffle iron in the pantry. Thanks to Nature’s Path…you just have to reach into your freezer.
According to my WordPress account, today marks the 5 Year Anniversary of when I set up my WordPress account. And wow…how things have changed, yes?
The Celiathlete 