Special Delivery of Udi’s Gluten-Free Goodies – including brand new products!
Product: Udi’s Gluten-Free Ancient Grain Granola Bars – $5.49+
Udi’s continues to expand on its gluten-free product line-up and I couldn’t be happier about it. After all, you have to grow and expand to get anywhere in this gluten-free product explosion that is facing the market these days. Luckily, I do have my favorite brands and, while I do sample others at times, there is no forgetting who is trusted in this market.
Everyone knows Udi’s. Their gluten-free bread was the first I ever tried that I actually liked. I mean, it tasted like bread. Sure, it’s smaller in size…but the texture, the taste…it was all good. It was all just as I wanted it to be. And from there, more and more of their products have made it into my home. And, with only one exception so far (the Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls), I have loved everything I have purchased and sampled from Udi’s. I even have my favorites. Some of them…are even on the new products list!
You see, a while back, I was the proud recipient of a box of goodies from Udi’s Gluten-Free, containing some of their old products and a few of their new products. Pure joy in the mail, let me tell you. I enjoyed revisiting some of their classic products, but even better…I loved being able to give their newest products a try as well. This was super exciting to me and I was looking forward to diving into each and every single product they provided for me.
This week, with my gluten-free pantry drying up, I reached in and removed the box of Udi’s Gluten-Free Ancient Grain Granola Bars. Perfect. This would be the ideal snack to have in the late afternoon to get me through to when I could get home and cook dinner. I was really excited about trying these. They are one of the newly introduced products in Udi’s gluten-free snack line. In fact, there are actually three flavors that are out on the market now: Cranberry Almond, Chocolate Chip, and Ancient Grains. All of them sound really good…and if I find the other two varieties in my local stores, I’ll definitely give them a try as well.
Udi’s Gluten-Free Ancient Grain Granola Bars
As it was, one of these little granola bars came to work with me on Wednesday and at 3:00 p.m. I was ready to give it a try. The blank white wrapper gives no indication as to what awaits inside. Thankfully, the box that this came in was brightly decorated with a larger-than-life depiction of the granola bar waiting behind the mysterious white wrapper.
The Ancient Grains Granola Bar contains gluten-free oats, rice crisp, milled flaxseed, amaranth, and quinoa. These grains provide the structure and base from which the sweeteners, oils, raisins, and nuts are added. To sweeten and bind this granola bar, I note that Udi’s uses honey, brown rice syrup, evaporated cane srup, non-GMO canola oil, inulin, tapioca maltodextrin, palm oil, water, vegetable glycerine, natural flavor and something called Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086. And before you start to panic, that Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6068 is the Probiotics that are added to this granola bar to elevate the health factor. Yep. Probiotics. Good for digestion and all that.
But…what about the texture? The taste? I’m getting there.
Udi’s Gluten-Free Ancient Grains Granola Bar (wrapped)
After unwrapping this granola bar, I took a moment to examine it. You could see the variety of ingredients all mashed together into this granola bar. Nothing was indiscernible, which is always a nice touch. And, upon first bite, I discovered how soft and chewy these were. I guess the box indicates this, but I wasn’t paying attention. I was thinking…”WOOHOO! Gluten-free granola bars!” But, that was a nice surprise. I am not a fan of crunchy granola bars. I like to chew them, not crunch them. I like a soft, filling texture and that’s exactly what Udi’s provides. They aren’t overly sweet, thank goodness. They also aren’t a sticky mess and they don’t leave your fingers covered in residue. They are clean, and perfect. Bite-for-bite goodness. I was very impressed with these. They make a great, easy on-the-go snack or something light to chew on to get you through to dinner time or even lunch. It’s the right amount and fills you up just enough. And, wow…the flavor. Without being hidden under a layer of sugar or unnecessary chocolate, the ingredients of these bars speak for themselves. You taste the texture of the grains, get the sweetness from the honey and raisins, get that bit of crunch from the almonds that are added. It is a perfect snack, a good size to tuck away for later without fearing it will be too much.
Nutritionally speaking, an Udi’s Gluten-Free Ancient Grains Granola Bar will provide you with 140 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. One bar will also provide you with 40 mg of sodium and 10 grams of sugar. The sugar content seems a bit high, considering these aren’t very sweet…but with all the sweeteners added, I’m actually surprises it isn’t higher than that. I have definitely seen far worse for granola bars. The Ancient Grains Granola Bar also will provide your body with 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. Not too shabby!
Add this one to the long list of Udi’s Gluten-Free products that I have loved from the start. It’s a very long list. Because with Udi’s…they strive for perfection. They want their food to taste good. And, when consumers spoke out about their cinnamon rolls, they changed the recipe and reformulated them. I haven’t tried the new version…but I’d like to think I’d like them better the next time I do purchase them. I’ll keep an open mind for sure. Because when it comes to gluten-free companies, Udi’s has made a name for itself for the quality and attention they give their products and their customers. And that’s why people keep coming back to them.
Udi’s Gluten-Free Ancient Grains Granola Bar (unwrapped)
Something happy happened to me the other day when I was in Whole Foods. Something that I had been hoping for for a very long time.
I discovered…gluten-free vegan “chicken.” Normally…any vegan/vegetarian protein has some sort of ingredient that contains gluten, normally used for texture purposes. Sure, it can be left out, however, that is what the leading brands will tell you…it is for texture. So, for these past two years, save for the Health Is Wealth Gluten-Free Vegan Not Chicken Nuggets, my not chicken food habits have been non-existent. And…to top it off, my grocery store no longer carries the Health Is Wealth Gluten-Free Vegan Not Chicken Nuggets because they were told they were discontinued. I think I cried…no…I did cry when I was told that.
But then Whole Foods saved the day.
The brand…Beyond Meat. Their objective is simple – to become the market leader in the development and introduction of new plant protein products, specifically focusing on perfectly replacing animal protein with plant protein. And to be able to pull this off cost effectively…not just for the company, but the consumer.
Beyond Meat was founded by Ethan Brown, who learned all about animal-based agriculture at his father’s dairy operation in Western Maryland. As he grew up, he developed a career in the clean energy sector and contemplated whether the world would continue to raise and eat animals in such staggering numbers if a plant-based replication of the meat existed. So, he began searching for a way to do just that. Along the way he met Fu-hung Hsieh and Harold Huff at the University of Missouri, and after several years of collaboration, Beyond Meat was born with the sole purpose of driving innovation and progress on meat-free plates around the world.
Enter my little happy dance of joy…because not only is Beyond Meat’s products vegan…but they are also gluten-free. And they come in three varieties: Lightly Seasoned, Grilled, and Southwest Style.
I grabbed the two kinds they had. And I already had a dish in mind. I was going to make my mom’s famous Mexican Chicken Casserole…but do it with the vegan chicken product and vegan cheese. These strips were actually perfect. And with the fact that it was a Mexican sort of dish, the Southwest Style Chicken-Free Strips would be ideal. The Grilled was the other version…and those got tucked into the freezer for the time being.
So…how does this stack up?
Beyond Meat Southwest Style Chicken-Free Strips
For a gluten-free and vegan meat alternative…this is actually quite palatable. The texture reminded me of the Quorn variety I ate before having to go gluten-free. And the flavor was just as good…maybe more on the Morningstar level for taste…but that’s not bad. In fact, I could actually, despite it being in a casserole, taste the not-chicken strips. And what I loved about the Southwest Style variety was that little kiss of lime flavor you got with each bite. It was a really nice surprise and a great addition of flavor to the entire dish. These chicken strips didn’t turn to mush when they were cooked in the casserole. In fact, they remained in full strips as real chicken would. I was very impressed. Both with the taste and the texture. This is definitely a substitute I would do again.
Nutritionally speaking, the Beyond Meat Southwest Style Chicken-Free Strips have 4 servings per container. Each serving dishes up only 130 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. That is awesome!! A serving also contains only 370 mg of sodium and no sugar. That’s always nice to see. And, you will also receive 2 grams of fiber and a whopping 20 grams of protein. Yes…20 grams of protein in each serving. How amazing is that?!
So…what are these not-chicken strips made out of? Well…the basics are water, soy protein isolate, pea protein isolate, amaranth, vegan chicken flavor, expeller-pressed canola oil, soy fiber, carrot fiber, and they contain 0.5% or less of: white vinegar, salt, lime juice concentrate, garlic, black pepper, chili powder, onion, sugar, cumin, coriander seed, sodium alginate, dipotassium phosphate, titanium dioxide (color), calcium sulfate, oregano, paprika, red and green pepper powder, cayenne pepper. If anything looks confusing to you, the website for Beyond Meat lays out what each unfamiliar ingredient may be. It takes any guess work out of it. And you’ll be happy to know…those couple of chemical sounding ingredients aren’t chemicals but things that appear naturally in nature. Yep. I learned something too.
If you are looking to cut back on meat, or perhaps are vegetarian or vegan, Beyond Meat is a fantastic choice. While there is a literal sea of vegan/vegetarian meat alternatives out there, very few of them on the market are gluten-free. Beyond Meat finally brings the protein back to the gluten-free vegan/vegetarian plate. And for that, I am forever grateful.
With how much I enjoyed the Southwest Style Chicken-Free Strips, I am totally anticipating giving the Grilled ones a try too. These were just what I needed!
Mexican “Chicken” Casserole using Beyond Meat Southwest Style Chicken-Free Strips
I might have mentioned previously how lucky I am to be in an area that actually has a food truck that is dedicated gluten-free and serving the gluten-free (and non-gluten-free) community amazing food. Sweet ‘N’ Savory is the food truck I speak of, based out of Louisville, Kentucky and run by the most amazing people, Richard and Ashley Giannini, who chose to open a food truck specializing first and foremost in gluten-free crepes, with the additional inclusion of smoothies, gelato, and coffee. They are the first and only place to offer gluten-free crepes to the Louisville area. And, let me tell you, this truck is worth hunting down for those crepes. Both sweet and savory versions are to die for and made to perfection. I was hooked on one bite the first time I was ever able to check them out.
You see, Louisville is growing in the foodie world and food trucks are starting to emerge in this city. Nothing could make me happier! Honestly. Especially since I can actually eat at one! Food trucks are amazing things, and thankfully Louisville has places and events where these food trucks gather and people come and choose between the offered menus…making an easy and fun way to dine out every now and again. This past weekend, Apocalypse Brew Works hosted yet another food truck gathering…this time called Cluster Trucked.
What is Cluster Trucked? Well, for one night only, the usual menus offered by Louisville’s finest food trucks got turned upside down. What these trucks would normally offered weren’t anywhere on the menu. In fact, they were serving up something unique and different…and it just made for a fun and interesting event.
The usual suspects…the usual menus…then…the Cluster Trucked effect…
Holy Mole – Usually serves gourmet tacos – went to serving chicken wings (Pok Pok – Vietnamese fish sauce wings w/ fried garlic; Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom tongdak) – Korean BBQ fried chicken w/ sesame; Salsa Verde – green jalapeno/cilantro w/ queso fresco-green onion sauce; Spicy BBQ – spicy sweet tangy BBQ sauce wings; Traditional Buffalo w/ blue cheese and celery)
French Indo Canada – Usually serves a banh mi sandwich from Vietnam and the decadent poutine from Canada – went to serving Indian cuisine (Saag Paneer – curried spinach & mustard greens with fresh cheese; Aloo Gobi – curried potatoes and cauliflower; Tikka Masala – grilled chicken served in a spiced tomato cream sauce; Vegetable Pakoras – onion and cauliflower fritters…all gluten-free, mostly vegetarian and half vegan)
Lil Cheezers – Usually serves gourmet grilled cheese – went to serving hot noodle bowls (choice of Hoisin Beef, Teriyaki Chicken or Sweet Chili Pork, or no protein for vegetarian option, served with Udon noodles with bean sprouts, carrots, pickled cabbage and cilantro, or in a traditional Miso Soup broth….with a gluten-free/vegan option of Banh Pho (rice noodles))
Johnny’s Diner Car – Usually serves steak sandwiches and fries – went to serving loaded baked potatoes (“Comfort Food 101” – one pound Idaho Russet Potato with clarified butter, covered in pot roast slow cooked in reduction of Old 502 Winery Bourbon Barrel Red with special seasonings, portabella mushrooms, onions, carrots, garnished with house-made roasted garlic sour cream; “The Elegant” – one pound Idaho Russet Potato with clarified butter, goat cheese crumbles, truffle oil, fresh chives, served with side of house-made roasted garlic sour cream; “The Old Fashion” – one pound Idaho Russet Potato with house-made rosemary/garlic infused butter, fresh grated aged Parmigiano Reggiano, whipped sour cream, fresh chives, and hardwood smoked bacon; “Sweet Potato Sundae” – one pound North Carolina Sweet Potato, clarified butter, special blend of brown sugar, korintje cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground orange peel, cloves, & ginger, toasted pecans, whipped cream and a cherry)
Grind – Usually serves gourmet burgers – went to serving low country food (shrimp & grits, crab cakes, etc) (fresh, never frozen sustainably caught Atlantic shrimp served with cheese grits and a spicy tomato gravy; custom-made Stone Cross Farms andouille sausage with cheese grits and spicy tomato gravy; jumbo lump crab cake served with cheese grits and a spicy tomato gravy with a tangy remoulade)
Sweet ‘N’ Savory – usually serves gluten-free crepes, gelato, smoothies, coffee – went to serving gluten-free ravioli and gluten-free cannoli (Shrimp & Crab Ravioli with a Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce; Chicken, Pacetta & Goat Cheese Ravioli with a Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce; Three Cheese Ravioli with Homemade Marinara)
As stated before…my focus was on Sweet ‘N’ Savory…although I could have easily eaten at French Indo Canada as well. Nice to have the option…but I am loyal to my favorite food truck and it had been forever since I was able to actually eat a hand-made ravioli. Yes…the prepared all their ravioli options from scratch. Impressive, yes? When I placed my order, I got the Three Cheese Ravioli with the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce (it was the vegetarian option) instead of the Homemade Marinara ($10.00). I spoke with Richard and Ashley for awhile…anticipating my first real (as in not bought out of the freezer section) ravioli since…I had to go gluten-free, honestly. I was practically salivating.
The line was getting longer, so I let them get back to work. I loved seeing their truck flooded with orders. And everything was made to order, which means nothing was done ahead of time, save the actual making of the ravioli. These raviolis were dropped into boiling water to cook until they were soft and ready. They were then finished off in a pan with the sauce. It took a little while, but I was happy to wait. Quality food is always worth the wait. I was watching other orders come up ahead of mine and getting really giddy about the moment they would call my name.
Sweet ‘N’ Savory’s Gluten-Free Three Cheese Ravioli with a Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce
It happened and I hurried over to claim my gluten-free ravioli and duck out of the warm sun into a shady spot to enjoy. My roomie was already devouring her meal. She opted to go with the chicken wings that Holy Mole offered…and went Korean as an added twist…and was already devouring them. She had sauce all over herself. Which meant she was eating them right. So, with my tummy rumbling and this amazing looking pasta feast in front of me, I was ready to dive in to the eight…yes EIGHT gluten-free ravioli that Sweet ‘N’ Savory prepared.
One bite…and I was almost in tears. The ravioli was, perhaps, one of the most perfect foods I have ever had the option of eating since going gluten-free. The pasta was cooked to perfection. So light, soft, and that perfect al dente that you want. The cheesy filling was melt-in-your-mouth savory goodness. Literally, the ravioli just melted against my tongue. It was the most perfect thing I have eaten in a long time. And holy ravioli, that red pepper cream sauce…I want that recipe because it was the perfect topping for this ravioli. Honest to goodness great food. I gave a ravioli to my roommate to try and she said, “I like your food better!” HAHA!! Victory. We both finished off our meals of choice, me taking my time to just let the various flavors sing across my tongue and taste buds. It was still gone way too fast.
But…there was also mention of gluten-free cannoli ($4.00). Now, I like cannoli and haven’t been able to have it in years. My roommate, however, calls cannoli one of her most favorite desserts to eat…ever. In fact, if we go to an Italian restaurant or any place that offers cannoli…you better believe she’s getting it for dessert. We skittered back over to Sweet ‘N’ Savory and placed an order for two of the cannoli. Ashley got to work on that one as Richard continued to push our the growing number of ravioli orders. Like I said…I love seeing my favorite food truck so busy. This is only a good thing. A short wait later and Ashley was handing over a plate of two fried rolls filled with cream and pistachio, dusted with powdered sugar. They looked…awesome!!
We got out of the way and each took our dessert in hand. This was no ordinary cannoli. The cream on the inside had a fruity flavor…I think it was strawberry. And they had chocolate bits scattered within it as well. Nice touch. It was definitely unexpected. The pistachios on the outside gave a bit more texture and flavor. And then…that sweet confectioners sugar…it was the icing on the cake, as it were. Every bite was just…fantastic. Crunchy, sweet, and bursting with fresh flavors. It was my ideal dessert that night. Nothing could have been better. Not even ice cream.
I loved that this event happened. It was so much fun to come out to a Louisville Street Food Alliance event and see the regular food trucks serving up something out of their comfort zone and norm. It was an absolute blast. And I loved going around and seeing what each truck did to their menu. It was definitely a great time.
Thank you, Sweet ‘N’ Savory…for once again providing this vegetarian and gluten-free foodie a food truck option of amazing, homemade, hand-prepared goodness. Nothing compares to the care, dedication, and love that you put into your business. Your products reflect it. I can’t wait to see you next time!
I lead a very busy life. No, really…I do. There are some weeks that I just never really find a moment to relax. Between my training sessions, my gym time, my yoga, my JOB, life can sometimes spin wildly out of control and just keep me too busy for my own liking. Honestly. I sometimes have to eat breakfast standing up in the kitchen, I can be that busy.
Monday is one of my busiest and most hectic days. Not only does it mean the start of the work week, but it also brings in my fun run. Every Monday night and I hate missing it. This, however, does require bolting home from work, changing into my running gear, and shoveling some sort of dinner down my throat. I have to be particular though…because in less than 30 minutes after that, I’ll be out running. Not hard…but still. Nothing worse than something not sitting right in your stomach before a run (eggs, anyone?).
Normally, a gluten-free (and vegan) grilled cheese sandwich is my go-to option on Monday night. But…I have a lot of “easy meals” in my pantry and I’m attempting to sort through all that craziness. After all…can’t change up the eating habits until the old stuff is out.
One of the best choices in my pantry, however, is a heap of Indian-inspired meals that are ready in 90 seconds. No…really! These little pouches of deliciousness are made by Tasty Bite and I have found them in regular grocery stores and natural food stores. This past Monday morning, I cooked up two servings of jasmine rice, because that’s easy to reheat in minutes when I get in from work. I figured I could grab one of the Tasty Bite pouches from the pantry and serve up a filling, but not going to kill my stomach when I run, sort of meal.
My flavor of choice – Spinach Dal.
For those of you unfamiliar with Indian food, Dal is simply lentils. And I am a huge fan of lentils!! The Tasty Bite Spinach Dal is a blend of spinach, yellow lentils, and spices. Nothing hot. A lot of people just assume Indian food is going to be hot. I wouldn’t want to eat something spicy before a run either. The Spinach Dal is the perfect balance of mild Indian spices with delicious lentils and spinach, cooked down, and served over the rice I made that morning.
And it only takes 90 seconds. Told you…it’s an easy, go-to, and VERY tasty meal.
I actually prefer spice, but the milder choices make for great Monday Run Day meals, I’ve found. The combination of the carbs from the rice and the protein from the lentils is that perfect balance I need to fuel my body for what is always my second run of the day. The spinach was soft and spiced to perfection. The lentils added a nice hit of texture and flavor…and a bit of meatiness to this vegetarian meal. I found the spices to mesh perfectly with the ingredients.
Speaking of ingredients…what all went into this? You’d be surprised at the short list of natural ingredients. This is why I love having these on hand. The Tasty Bite Spinach Dal meal contains simply water, spinach, lentils, tomatoes, onions, sunflower oil, salt, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, sugar, chilies, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, pepper, and spices. I recognize every ingredient on that list. Every single one. And while there are more than the 6-7 ingredients I prefer to see, most of them are spices and I’m okay with that. The less salt and sugar used, the better.
Nutritionally speaking, this is a healthy choice for a meal as well. One pouch contains two 100 calorie servings. Each of these servings also deliver 5 grams of fat to your daily intake. For being a packaged meal, the fact that it only contains 480 mg sodium per serving is awesome. In addition, you get a healthy dose of 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. While sugar is listed on the ingredient list…only 2 grams are found in each serving. The Tasty Bite Spinach Dal is also vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher! Awesome!
Healthy. Tasty. Delicious. You really can’t go wrong with these. If you love Indian food as much as I do…and need something easy to prepare for dinner one night…look no further than Tasty Bite. And, if you aren’t afraid of cooked spinach and lentils…than the Spinach Dal makes for one of the best choices they have. Very delicious! Very…well…tasty!
I love to bake. No, really…I do. Just as much as I love to cook. But baking…baking sort of gives you that extra level of difficulty. All measurements have to be precise. Nothing can be off. Not even one bit.
Want to add another level of difficulty to the mix? Try converting a recipe to gluten-free! It’s not always as easy as it sounds. Sometimes measurements have to change. Sometimes other ingredients have to be added.
I had a lot of zucchini due to my CSA bin being laden with it this time of year. I love squash and zucchini. I love playing around with cooking it different ways. And growing up, I was always a huge fan of zucchini bread. No need for that chocolate stuff that gets added to it. Nope. The zucchini and the other ingredients can definitely speak for themselves.
So…every Saturday when I am in town, I have been meeting up with a great group of people to go running. This gets my long run in and I am able to enjoy it with some company…and really focus on the long slow distance (LSD) pace that I am supposed to be practicing. I’m no good at this running slower thing, but I’m learning. It’s important to build up stamina and strength.
That being said, a great group was taking me on a 13 mile run last weekend and I wanted to supply some eats for afterwards. I stumbled across a recipe for Zucchini Muffins in a blog called Eat, Live, Run…so it was maintained by a runner…and it sounded easy and delicious. Plus…I had every ingredient necessary. BONUS. The result? Everyone who took a muffin LOVED it. And so…here is my adapted recipe to make it gluten-free and delicious…and, loved by runners and non-runners alike!
1.5 cups all purpose flour (I used Better Batter Gluten-Free All Purpose)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1.5 cups grated zucchini (about two small-medium sized zucchini)
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract (or, vanilla paste)
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tsp baking powder
Cinnamon and sugar for topping
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a medium sized bowl, combine the grated zucchini, eggs, vanilla and oil. Stir well to combine and then gently stir into the flour mixture. Be careful not to overwork this—it will lead to dense muffins!
Fill lined muffin tins about 3/4th of the way up with the batter and then sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on each.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden.
~*~*~
These were so moist and delicious. I did feel, however, that the nutmeg almost overpowered the rest of the muffin, so I think next time I’ll do maybe 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Aside from that, these were fantastic. And they keep well too. My roommate and I polished these off this morning after hitting up the gym and they were still as moist and delicious as they were the night I baked them. I received a lot of praise and compliments from my running group on these muffins, so I would say they were a definite hit.
The recipe is super easy…and super delicious. Each muffin has only 136 calories in it
This is a difficult blog to write, but after receiving a very hurtful message from a friend via a social network site…I really felt there were a few things I needed to address. I’m sure others have been thinking it. I’m certain some may have even said things behind my back. But…before I even get to it, I want to emphasize to everyone reading this…
Words hurt. Words hurt more than anything else can because they can last forever. Choose them wisely.
With that in mind, please proceed with the rest of this blog keeping an open mind.
WEIGHT
Let’s face it…society has put a face on what it perceives as beautiful and perfect. There is one word that haunts women every single day of their lives. DIET. I hate the word. Yet, there is no escaping it. You see, society has put this standard of what women and men should look like. And if you don’t fit into these standards, well, then you should do something about it. After all…you aren’t beautiful unless you’re 100 pounds soaking wet, right?
WRONG!!
Before I start to dissect the word diet…and incorporate it with my life on the run (literally), I think I need to get one thing across about being gluten-free.
I did not choose to go gluten-free because it’s one of the latest fad diets out there. For an entire year I suffered, silently, from a diet that was literally killing me. I had turned 30 and life was good. I had become a vegetarian a year before, feeling good about my food choices…and then something happened. The food I loved no longer loved me back. I would eat a meal, and get struck with intense pain in my stomach and side. I’d feel sick. My body felt weak and tired all the time. There were nights I would sit down to watch something and literally fall asleep on the couch. I had no energy. I had no idea what was going on. And, with all of that going on, I was dropping weight drastically…for no reason that I could fathom. I was still eating like I normally was. I just never felt good after doing so. Confused…and, yes…scared…I headed in to see my doctor. Numerous tests were run with results being inconclusive. Then…my best friend growing up, Heather, told me to talk to my doctor about the possibility of gluten being an issue. After the unfathomable money that I poured into hospital tests and blood tests and scans that came back with no answers, this seemed simple enough.
Heather hit the nail on the head. My body was not absorbing nutrients properly. I was a Celiac and didn’t even know it. My body was trying to tell me something…and I couldn’t figure out what it was. I was just desperately trying to put weight back in, and inadvertently, doing further damage to my system. The gluten-free diet is not a way for me to quickly shed some pounds. I have to be gluten-free. Trust me…I wouldn’t choose to eat like this if I didn’t absolutely have to. Even a slight spec of gluten in my food can cause a horrible reaction. And that’s not something I am okay with. So, when I say I am gluten-free…it is a medical diagnosis…not me leaping onto the bandwagon of the latest diet craze.
But…let’s talk diet crazes…
Women literally spend hundreds of dollars on the latest diet craze to hit the bookshelves, internet, and talk show circuit. From Atkins to South Beach to Weight Watchers to Jenny Craig to Paleo and everything in between. Every diet is created to sell you something or on the idea of something. But, let me also emphasize this…especially to the ladies who are reading this blog…
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!
I know that sometimes it’s hard to look past that reflection in the mirror, but, we are better than what society deems as perfect. We are perfection. Every one of us. We are perfect because we are so different. We are perfect with our flaws and our scars. And we don’t need to and shouldn’t punish ourselves for not living up to an unrealistic standard that is pushed on us by the world around us. Love your flaws. Love your body, even if it isn’t perfect. Nothing is perfect…get used to imperfection.
I had a lot of hurtful things said to me when I was dropping weight and couldn’t figure out why. I did not like being called a skeleton. I didn’t like the whispers behind my back or the all-out hurtful things that were being said about me. The smallest derogative comment about being just “skin and bones” would send me into a breakdown of crippling tears. I couldn’t explain the situation…because I didn’t even know what to make of it. All I knew was people would say very hurtful things about my body…and it would get back to me. I’d put on the brave face in public, but if I could find a bathroom, or the safe haven of my car, I’d let the tears flow. Weight problems work both ways…and the overweight aren’t the only ones who get chided for looking a certain way.
With that in mind, let me turn to one of my least favorite words in the English language…and beyond: DIET.
Why do I have such disdain for this word? Because it honestly makes people crazy!!
The difference…
I’ve witnessed it. I see it almost every day with the women in my office. They fuss over points, and what they eat and if they eat this then they can’t have this…and OH MY GOD…I put on ONE POUND!! Diet’s bring out the worst in people, rather than the best. I’ve seen some of the nicest people fall into the diet trap…and they change…and not for the better. Sure, at first the weight drops off…but then what? The foods they were restricting begin to be consumed again…and the weight comes back. And then the diet happens again. Yo-yo dieting is not healthy. Not for your body, your mind, or your soul. Trust me. We’ve all been there. Even me.
As I am training for my first marathon, I enlisted the help of a sports nutritionist. After getting the okay from my doctor to proceed with training, I wanted to be sure that I was doing everything…and I mean…EVERYTHING right to get myself from that start line to 26.2 miles down the road where the finish line waited. I wanted to make sure I was not only working out right, but I wanted to make certain that I was feeding my body right, treating it right, giving it proper nutrition and proper fuel to function. I wanted my body to come out of my marathon in the best shape possible. And I wanted to do it the healthy, correct way. Which is why I sought the help of a professional.
And already I have learned so much about food. I already thought I knew a lot…but she has been a huge help to me and has definitely changed the way I view food. Food is not the enemy. Say it with me…
FOOD IS NOT THE ENEMY!
Now…stop treating it as such. Food, to any athlete, is fuel. It’s what gives our body calories…and those calories give us energy…which we burn…and then we need to refuel. The problem with such restrictive diets is that, so often, we (I’m included) stay so focused on the number on the scale. My nutritionist offered me this advice…
DO NOT WEIGH YOURSELF EVERY DAY…AND THROW AWAY THE SCALE!
We are more than numbers. We are so much more. And as you train for a long distance event, such as a half marathon or a marathon, your focus needs to switch from your weight…to how you are treating your body. And this attitude should carry over into every day…whether you are in training or not.
Ever wonder why fad diets don’t work? It’s all in the math. If you usually eat proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (as you should) and you remove one of those food groups from your eating plan, you’ll lose weight…but only while you’re on the plan. The moment you reintroduce those foods you haven’t been eating…BAM…you gain weight and sometimes it’s more than you lost in the first place. Yo-yo dieting and fad diets only serve to tax the body because it sends it into “starvation” mode. The metabolism goes into hibernation, preparing for scant food supplies. Food is necessary for energy…so this is definitely not what the aspiring athletes should be aiming for. The body is like a computer and it prefers to burn energy from carbohydrates rather than fat, since carbs are more readily utilized. Nourishment is key…and to do that you need to keep your body maintained with high-quality food, especially lean protein and complex carbohydrates, otherwise you end up depleting your muscle tissue and your energy in the process.
This was the first thing I learned from my nutritionist. I used to go out running for miles without putting anything…anything in my stomach. Mistake number one. Because I was running, literally, on empty. My body had no fuel…so instead of burning the calories from having something in my stomach, instead it was leaching off my muscles, which is draining. She recommended I eat something before heading out…and drink 16 ounces of water. I run in the eearly morning hours, so this seemed daunting at first. But, I grabbed a handful of gluten-free trail mix or cereal when I get up…grab my water bottle I fill the night before, and as I dress, I make sure I get food and water into my system. I pack a fuel belt with GU or Sports Beans, per her recommendation, as well as put Gatorade in one water bottle and water in the other. Every 3-4 miles, I am to fuel. I am to make sure I hydrate while I run. Despite wearing a fuel belt, I rarely ever touched the water I was hauling with me. That’s changed.
And in the month I have been doing this…guess what? I’ve become a stronger, better, faster runner. I’m finally getting the hang of treating my body with the respect of an athlete. Food…is fuel. So, after going over that, I learned more about glycogen…which is the carbohydrates that are stored in the muscles and liver…and when they are not fueled or topped off during long workouts and runs, they become depleted. The result…hitting the wall. I needed to balance some nutrition out…making sure my carbohydrate to protein ratio was around 2:1 or 3:1. And she (as a gluten-free, vegan, distance runner) even gave me fantastic sources of vegetarian protein and recommended a few recipes and snack ideas.
I have grown into a lean…mean…running machine. And since figuring out what was wrong with my body 2 years ago…and moving forward to properly hydrating, fueling, and recovering after running and workout sessions, my body has only become better, stronger, and more efficient.
Yes…I am petite…but I come from a family of petite women. Judging me based on what you perceive to be “the norm” is hurtful and harmful. Calling me a “skeleton with skin” or other such hurtful words is not helping me any. And when you have no idea what I’ve been through or am dealing with, it is unfair to even make the assumption that I am not taking care of myself. Thank you for your concern…but I am taking care of me. It’s been a long road. It still is a long road. And I’m not 100% happy with my body. My self-image is not good. And every time someone says something about me that is that hurtful…it only sets me back.
WORDS HURT! And you can’t take them back. You can apologize…but it doesn’t erase what was said. That’s the horrible truth.
Athletes…both men and women…treat your body with respect, treat it well, and fuel it right…and the results will be far more than you could even imagine on any sort of diet. Trust me.
HEART
Quote from Dean Karnazes
A common misconception that runners hear all the time is that we are destroying our bodies. The constant pounding on the pavement is wearing down our joints, we’re destroying our bodies, and that so-and-so died from running a marathon.
Do people die after long distance races. Yes. Was it the race that killed them? Nope. It’s normally a pre-existing condition that perhaps they didn’t even know about.
Runners are not only the nicest people I have come into contact with, they are also some of the healthiest. But, it is inevitable, we all get hurt at some point. But this is no different than any other sport? So, why do runners take such a hit when it comes to injuries?
I wish I knew.
I’ve been injured twice. The first injury came when I boosted my race mileage from a 5K to a 5 Miler. My foot suffered a stress fracture and I developed runners knee from trying to land differently and alter my gait. This was back in 2011 when I first started running. I recovered, but it took a couple of months to heal. With the permission of my orthopedic doctor, I was still allowed to run in the Chicago Half Marathon (my first half marathon) on September 11, 2011, because he knew I’d do it anyway…but also because he was giving me exercises to do to get my leg back into working order. It worked. I had to tape my knee up…but I ran my first half marathon without ever having run over 5 miles on the road. I was determined…and even though I was unprepared, nothing felt as good as crossing that finish line and meeting up with my friends Heather and Cathy at the end of it. AMAZING. I couldn’t wait to do it again.
My second injury happened because I was running injured. I was at a 4 mile race almost a year ago. And after hobbling through to the finish line, I ended up stepping off a curb and tearing my plantar fascia. This was extremely painful. I couldn’t even walk. I had my first DNS (Did Not Start) on two races. I was on crutches for 2 weeks. And then…I got in to see my doctor who got me in to see a podiatrist…and the situation improved. I was in the midst of training for the Indianapolis Women’s Half Marathon…and I told my podiatrist this exact thing. And he told me as long as I took it easy…I could still run it. He taught me the Low Dye tape job, and that took me off my crutches. And soon, I was out running very slow 2 mile runs…easing into more mileage as he allowed…until I made it to half marathon weekend. That race was a hot mess. With 90% humidity, it was red flagged from the start…but I made it through better than expected…and that was that.
You see…the heart of a runner is nothing to mess with. Runners are very passionate about their sport. And you can tell when someone truly loves running simply by the way they talk about it…or the way they interact with others who share that same passion. I have been welcomed into so many running groups. I feel so blessed to have these people in my life. It means I don’t ever have to run alone. I can talk about anything and everything to these people because…they get it. They know. They understand. Because they have the heart of a runner too.
Look at what happened at the Boston Marathon. I wasn’t even there. I knew people who were. They were all safe. But the impact of that event affected me so deeply. I found myself depressed. I’d run through my thoughts and fears and the “what-if” scenarios every time I hit the pavement. I’d just run it out…for those who couldn’t. I donated money to the One Fund…more than I can even count anymore. That attack just tore my legs out from under me…it affected me on such a deep and emotional level. And that’s what it means to have the heart of a runner.
And when someone indicates that this passion you have is destroying you…it’s not only insulting…it’s inaccurate. And, dammit, it hurts like hell to be told all the time that running is bad. Running is not bad. Running is my freedom. Running is my “me-time.” Running has brought so many amazing people into my life. Running has taken me places I never dreamed. Running has helped me improve myself continuously, push a little harder, and to just remember to have fun. Running is fun. And, hopefully, I’ll keep chasing down my dreams.
My body has never been stronger…my heart has never been prouder. I am a runner. And I’m not going to stop.
SPIRIT
Runners train tirelessly and sometimes endlessly for one thing…and that’s to meet a goal. They may not reach it the first time, but they keep trying. If they fall down, they pick themselves up. If they fail, they try again. When others crumble before the finish line, they turn around, help that person up, and carry them across. This is the spirit of running.
And, let me tell you, I have spirit. Yes…I let the careless and thoughtless words of someone hurt me and tear me down today. But I’ve had countless people pick me up, lift me up, and guide me back onto the path I am taking.
Knock me down…I’ll get back up. I’m not perfect. But I don’t have to be.
What I am is a human being…with feelings and emotions and expectations. And, unfortunately…I do have self-image issues. And I do lack confidence at time. And yes…sometimes I even doubt my abilities. Sometimes I hear that voice in my head telling me I can’t…and I silence it, push a little harder, and prove to myself that I CAN. Life isn’t easy. And it does have it’s bumps and roadblocks. But…if you have a strong spirit…you can accomplish great things.
Quote from Osho
I know that I am doing everything right when it comes to my training and my body. I have gotten a physical check-up and an okay to start marathon training from my doctor. I am consulting with a sports nutritionist. I am following all the guidelines she laid out. I’m discovering how important it is to fuel, hydrate, and…REST. Rest is essential to the body and although I hate rest days…I respect them…I take them…and I come back stronger thanks to them. If that’s not spirit…I don’t know what is.
You want to see what the human spirit is capable of…then go watch a marathon. Be inspired.
Me…I think the events of this morning have only gone to make me more determined to do great things and to prove to myself and all naysayers just what I am capable of. I am going to focus on the positive and prove that I am a bigger and better person. I will take the high road. That’s not to say I still don’t get upset and cry when I think of what was said to me…I will allow myself that. But I won’t let them take away what means so much to me. Never.
As someone in a running group said to me this morning…sometimes it is best to take a moment and reflect on all the amazing things your body has done- the finish lines crossed and the ones yet to cross- then take a moment to look in the mirror and yell yourself you are a beautiful work in progress.
It was a rather trying week this past week. I went in for my procedure for my skin cancer and came out of that feeling good, but drained. I was given the okay by the doctor to start running again the day after I went in for it, so that was at least uplifting. I don’t like being down for the count and I wasn’t going to let anything slow me down. Not even a little pain in my head.
That being said, the procedure went well, and despite the weather’s best efforts, I was able to modify my training program to fit in between storms, life, and just an overall hectic schedule. And, my favorite moment of the week was my Saturday run, which I did with my group in Louisville. A good friend of mine, Matthew, ran with me for the entire way. We are both pretty directionally challenged, and we took what we call the “scenic route” on our run to the pedestrian bridge in Louisville. My long run turned into an even longer run…taking me above and beyond the furthest distance I have ever run in my entire 2 year running career. SO proud of myself. It was accidental, but I was still feeling good at the end of it. Just really hungry…but that was easily remedied.
Week three in the books…still going strong.
Sunday is my easy run or rest day. As I knew I was having my skin cancer procedure on Wednesday, the day of my 7 mile run with negative splits, I opted to do this on Sunday, where I didn’t have to add any stress to an already stressful day on Wednesday. It was a very humid morning, despite setting out just as the sun was coming out. I made sure I hydrated and fueled and what happened was I totally nailed my negative splits. Just the confidence boost I needed at the beginning of a draining and tiring week.
Monday, as always, takes me back to running in the wee hours of the morning when it is still dark. Despite the sun not being up at that point, it is always muggy and humid these days. So, I always have my water with me, even on shorter runs. This Monday was six miles easy, which I did. Oddest thing though…when I finished up the two miles I did on the street, a runner wearing no reflective gear came tearing out of the 4-H Fairgrounds and heading up ahead of where I run to turn around and head back. Not sure what to make of it, and being a little bit paranoid about that sort of stuff happening, I unhooked my pepper spray from my fuel belt and held onto it as I made my way up to my turn around point. He had stopped at the sidewalk and I turned around faster than usual. I thought he was behind me…but when I turned into my apartment complex and ducked around the parking lot to pause my Garmin and wait it out…nothing came of it. Thank goodness. Call me paranoid, but I just wanted to make sure I was taking every precaution to keep safe out there in the dark. I finished up my remaining 2 miles and headed inside to get clean, make breakfast, and get ready for the day. Monday also means that it’s fun run day, so I went that evening out to my running store and hit the hills of Cherokee Park with no time goal in mind. Just having a fun run, as is the entire point. As it was my second run of the day, I made sure I slowed it down and took it easy on the hills, as much as I wanted to push up them. No time for injuries while training for something as important as a marathon. My Monday daily double ended with me, my roommate, and two of my good friends from the running group going out for frozen yogurt to cool down after a warm afternoon run.
Tuesday is the usual cross training day. This week I was scheduled for 40-50 minutes of cross training. No problem. I hit up the gym and did 45 minutes on the Arc Trainer on the Pike’s Peak setting. Training for the hills I’m encountering in my upcoming 15K in Upstate New York. I had it set for Level 5 and totally rocked it out. I was so pleased when that cardio session came to an end. I was still feeling good. Then it was on to 10 minutes on the stationary bike. I absolutely HATE the stationary bike. HATE. I hate it more than I hate the treadmill. Seriously. But I rocked it out, then went down to the weight room for a little bit and got in a bit of strength training as well.
Wednesday normally would be my speed work and pacing day…but not this time. As I stated, I did my speed work on Sunday and it was a good thing too. I woke up to thunderstorms. Lightning, wind, rain, the works. I got up and got dressed to go out to run and as I was opening the door, lightning flashed and reality came back to me. Running in rain is fine. Running in lightning…not so fine. Not safe. So, I took off my gear, kept on my workout clothes, and headed to the gym. I had my skin cancer procedure this morning at 7 a.m., so I didn’t have long to get my run done. I managed 5 minutes on the treadmill at the gym, hating every single moment of it. Finished it up, made it home in enough time to eat breakfast and then get to my dermatologist’s office for my appointment. It was not a good morning. But the procedure went fine and that’s the important part.
Thursday called for another easy run. This one was supposed to be for 5 miles. Easy pace. I ended up going for 7 miles. I think, for me, it was my way of taking back my body from the skin cancer. It was me showing that I run my body, nothing else does. It was liberating. And it was just what I needed that morning. I even ran it with negative splits, without even trying or needing to focus on pace or anything. I was out there because I could be and it really just made all the difference. Afterwards, I hit up the gym for another cardio and strength training session. I had a great workout there, hitting up the elliptical and then the Cardio Wave machine. Later that night, it was the second BlueMile Brew Mile, so I went out for that and rocked out a mile for charity. No free beer for me. This girl wanted water. I got to hang out two of my favorite running peeps who turned out for the mile run as well. Just an overall good day…feeling strong. During the mile run, I also tried on some Saucony Kinvara 4 shoes. They were very light. Not sure if I liked them or not, but I could totally tell the 3 ounce difference between those and my Nike’s. Hmmm…
Friday…the rest day. Also known as the day that drives me crazy. I hate not being able to even clock a few miles. As I said before, I get antsy and fidgety. But, I do continue to remind myself that these days are built into training plans for a reason. The body needs to heal itself from the hard, strenuous activity that I inflict on it during the week. In doing so, my body also gets stronger. Stronger means…I get faster. I’m fitter. I’m doing it. So, I went on a walk at lunch, kept it easy, just getting out and being active. And that was that. I was ready for my long run on Saturday now.
Saturday was my Long Slow Distance (LSD) pace long run for a scheduled 13 miles, per my marathon training. I met up with my group of runners, and there were some faces I hadn’t seen yet. So that was good. I promised them as we were planning out when to meet that I would bring goodies. I did. Gluten-free zucchini muffins, which I baked the night before using fresh zucchini from my CSA bin. Loving it. Anyway, the route was planned and we headed out at 6:30 a.m. to get the run in before the heat of the day. I ran all of this run with Matthew, who is a super-speedy, super great runner, and one that I met (and ran with) during the Mile 2 Mile run I did back in December. We talked the entire time, detoured through U of L’s campus when he and I failed to notice the Sidewalk Closed signs, got lost on our way to the pedestrian bridge, found the pedestrian bridge. Ran to the end. Hung out there, ran back across, spotted more of our group, so we turned around and ran back across the bridge. Then, headed back with two other runners, Harry and John, who were showing us a new route. Another sidewalk closure was ahead, but we hopped into the grass. I tripped on a piece of concrete, but caught myself. Matthew kept asking me if I was okay and if I had twisted an ankle…but I was fine. Didn’t slow me down any. We continued on down the waterfront to an area I had never been through, then we hit up a trail I ran part of one Monday with my fun run group. I powered through that trail and waited for everyone at the end of it. Harry sent Matthew and I on after we stood around for a moment. He was going to make it back with John. Matthew and I struck out to get back to the store. I was leading and missed the turn, so we turned off somewhere else, went up a hill, and hoped we’d end up where we needed to be. We just kept going straight until he noticed that we were near where he used to live while he was in college. YAY! We now knew where we were. We ran through the neighborhood and finally ended up on Bardstown Road. The humidity was really starting to suck, so we decided to hit the afterburners at the end and make an all-out sprint toward the “finish,” at the coffee shop. We made it. 15.5 miles in the books. It was the furthest distance I have run to date. And I was on cloud nine because I felt good. I felt great. That’s how I want to feel at that point, honestly. I think running with people can really just make all the difference. Anyway…strong finish in the humidity. I went to meet up with Cathy and went out for breakfast because, despite fueling along the way, I was starving and actually ready for food.
Not a bad week for my training. This week tapers back the miles a bit, which is fine. It’s also a holiday weekend, so that actually works out really well. I’ll be out of town and intend to meet up with a group of people so I can get my scheduled Saturday long run in. I just need to get the details on where to meet everyone. I’ll be sure to do that very soon.
So, despite having gone extra miles 2 days in a row…this week really made me feel strong and good as a runner. I feel my running is improving. And next week I am definitely getting back into my cardio circuits and my yoga. I slacked this past week on them due to my procedure, but no excuses this coming week. None.
Getting stronger…getting better…
And I’m healing up perfectly too. Loving it still!
I think I need to get the roomie to indulge in beer flights more often…especially just before we hit up Whole Foods. Because when the roomie gets tipsy…the grocery budget gets a little bigger. Mostly because I find stuff I’ve been wanting to try…but know the budget won’t handle it. When the Tipsy Wonder is feeling the after affects of a beer flight with dinner, well…suddenly I start getting gluten-free gifts. Yes…this needs to become a tradition.
Why am I relaying this little anecdote? Well…because this happened on Friday night. And as a result, I ended up with quite a few bits of goodness in my freezer, pantry, and refrigerator. One of my new Thinking Outside The Gluten-Free Budget Because Someone Had A Beer Flight™ purchases happened to be a pint of Pure Gourmet Apple Pie Gelato.
Pure Gourmet was created by Philadelphia natives, Andrea Perrier, Kelly MacLeod, and Michael MacLeod. The three of them all shared a love for everything natural and gourmet. That’s why they launched their first line of sorbets, using natural, healthy ingredients. Soon after, they launched a line of gelato. Pure Gourmet’s entire concept is built upon the founder’s passion for enjoying pure foods with naturally bold and intense flavor. And all of their products are gluten-free and kosher. Loving it.
So…out of all the flavors to choose from…I grabbed the Apple Pie Gelato. Why? Because it was on closeout. Whole Foods was getting rid of that flavor. Which meant, the other gelato flavors and the sorbets would still be there. But not this one. Not for much longer. And that is how it beat out the Chocolate Caramel Sorbet. Honestly.
Tonight, the power went out (which means I took pictures of the product by the light of my oil lamp…so they are a bit dark…so sorry!). We had some huge storms sweep through the area and I had, thankfully, just finished toasting up my gluten-free veggie quesadilla when the lights went out. I was hoping they wouldn’t be out too long…but alas…my roommate and I managed to eat our dinner in the dark and there was no sign of the power returning yet. In fact, the storm was still raging outside. So…dishes and then dessert would have to be prepared in the dark.
Dessert was something I had been thinking about all day. I tend to think about food a lot. We had been working on a container of Udi’s Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles, but only one serving (2 cookies) remained. So I came up with the idea of Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles A La Mode. For real. Each of us got one of the remaining cookies in the bottom of the bowl. Then, one small scoop of the Pure Gourmet Apple Pie Gelato and a sprinkling of the cookie crumbs from the bottom of the container and…BAM…easy dessert.
I passed off a bowl to my roommate and went to tuck the gelato back in the freezer, which would remain closed until the return of the power. She dove in immediately and all I heard was, “The gelato is sooooooo goooooood!”
Happy squee time. But I had to find out for myself. I settled in on the couch. The first thing my spoon touched was that gelato. I wanted to see for myself.
She was so right. It tasted like a frozen apple pie. But…creamy and rich and smooth. I loved the apple flavor. And pairing it with a gluten-free snickerdoodle was an amazing combination. It was like having a cinnamon crust on a delicious apple pie. Honestly. And the sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar over the top just gave it that extra little bit. However, this gelato is crazy-good on its own. Trust me. I tried it without any embellishments as well. You can really taste every flavor in this gelato. And it has the perfect consistency too. Creamy and dreamy. Apple pie…taken to the next level. It definitely satisfied the ice cream lover in me. I wish my Whole Foods wasn’t going to stop carrying this variety. It is fresh apple pie meats gourmet ice cream good. Apple pie a la mode…in just the a la mode part. SO good!
Nutritionally speaking, this is gelato…so understand that it’s a dessert. A treat. Treat it as one. Don’t overindulge. Do NOT…I repeat…DO NOT sit down and eat the entire pint in one sitting. I always measure out or weigh my servings so I know exactly how much I am eating. I am very, very good about sticking to the portion-size. And I do everything to make sure this is always the case.
That being said, a serving of Pure Gourmet Foods Apple Pie Gelato is 1/2 cup (or if you prefer to weigh food, like I do…102 grams). This serving will contain a cold helping of 210 calories and 10 grams of fat. This gelato has 21 grams of sugar, 70 mg of sodium, 40 mg cholesterol, 1 gram of fiber, and 4 grams of protein. Remember…this is a treat. You should never feel bad about having dessert. Just plan accordingly.
And as far as ingredients go, this gelato is not only gluten-free but also kosher. It is made from milk, cream, sugar, evaporated apples, glucose, nonfat dry milk, whey, natural green apple flavor, cinnamon, guar gum, lotus bean gum, and carrageenan. So…I recognize most of those. I had to look up what carrageenan was…and for those of you who want to know, it is a member of the linear sulfated polysaccarides that are extracted from red seaweeds and used throughout the food industry for their gelling, thickening and stabilizing properties. These are most often used in dairy and meat products due to their strong binding to food proteins.
Good to know.
I guess.
Anyway…if you haven’t found this yet in your grocer’s freezer…and you love gelato…I highly recommend Pure Gourmet. It is delicious and the perfect compliment to any meal. And I highly recommend the Apple Pie Gelato…should you be able to find it. If not, talk to customer service and see if they can order it for you. Trust me…you’ll want to devour this.
A scoop of Pure Gourmet Apple Pie Gelato atop an Udi’s Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle
I will get the basal cell carcinoma removed. Hopefully for good. Once they are sure they have it all, they will schedule me for a follow up appointment in a few months. I’m nervous…I’m stressed…but a part of me just wants this to be done with.
They are also going to look to make sure they don’t see any other spots. Here’s hoping I walk out of there free and clear of skin cancer.
Tomorrow.
Good thoughts are appreciated. Ice cream too. Ice cream is always appreciated.
And once again, I offer this friendly reminder to all my friends who spend a lot of time outdoors. Wear sunscreen. Wear a hat. Cover up. A little bit of prevention takes a whole lot of worry out of life. And a life with less worries and less stress is a much happier one. Be careful out there in the sun, my friends.
La Pasta Gluten-Free Spinach and Cheese Ravioli – $5.99+
Thank you, grocery shopping gods. Thank you for that one day that my roommate and I were at Whole Foods for something specific, but we decided to walk the aisles. Thank you for letting her turn her head at the right time and spot the most epic thing ever in the pasta aisle. Thank you…for La Pasta. And thank you, La Pasta, for your gorgeous Gluten-Free Spinach and Cheese Ravioli.
In the past, my best gluten-free pastas have been of the fresh variety. I blogged about the amazing RP Pasta Company’s fresh gluten-free noodles awhile back. I have some fresh gluten-free gnocchi to try as well from Nuovo. That will be next. But…hands down, the best pastas are the ones that aren’t made to be frozen. Gluten-free pasta can be so finicky and can go from perfect to gummy to mushy within seconds.
Yes…seconds.
But, I wasn’t passing up the opportunity to try these out. So, after going out for gluten-free pizza with a co-worker one Friday night and getting the roomie completely toasted on a beer flight, it was time to go grocery shopping. (Note: Grocery shopping with a sorta drunk roommate is the best grocery shopping ever…because I can buy, literally, anything I want). We hit up Trader Joe’s first and behaved, sticking to the list. So…her sandwich bread and some of their potato chips for her lunch. Then…it was Whole Foods time. And I was prepared for my moment of gluten-free grocery shopping glory.
Walk the aisles? You better believe it. Grab whatever I have been wanting to try? You betcha! I had almost forgotten about the pasta but it struck me just as we were about to head for the checkout line. Whew. Close call. We scurried back to the pasta section and had to make the choice between La Pasta’s Gluten-Free Cheese Ravioli or La Pasta’s Gluten-Free Spinach and Cheese Ravioli. The tipsy wonder chose for me, snagging a package of the Gluten-Free Spinach and Cheese Ravioli.
With no plans in the works for dinner tonight, I figured I could use up the rest of the pasta sauce in the fridge if I simply cooked up the package of ravioli for dinner. Perfect. And not very time consuming either. The part that took the longest was waiting on the 4 quarts of water to come to a boil. But, like any good chef, I just slapped a lid on the pot and it happened a lot faster than it would have otherwise.
With the pasta sauce working on the stove, and the water now heated to a boil, I cut open the plastic packaging holding the little pockets of spinach and cheese wonder and poured them into the boiling water, immediately turning down the heat. It came up to a boil and the pasta cooked for about 2 – 3 minutes. BOOM. Done. That simple.
La Pasta Gluten-Free Spinach and Cheese Ravioli (cooked)
I drained the pasta and shook out all the excess water. Then, it was already time to serve up dinner. I split the package between us, which worked out to about 12 ravioli each. These were very light and I could see the stuffing through the pasta after I cooked it up. And it smelled absolutely fantastic. The best part was, nothing was sticking together. Each ravioli easily slid from the spoon I was dishing it up with onto the plate. No casualties of war. Not one. I was already impressed and just praying now that I had cooked them long enough. Hey, I cooked as instructed on the packaging…which sometimes works out…and sometimes does not.
I sauced each plate with a serving of the marinara sauce (Classico’s Florentine Spinach and Cheese, for the record) and topped off my roomie’s with fresh Parmigiano Reggiano and hit up mine with some crushed red pepper. Yummy!! Dinner was served.
Moment of truth. One swipe of the fork and I knew I was in for a treat. The pasta was perfection. It cooked up soft, without turning to mush or becoming gummy and sticky. The little pockets of ravioli held the stuffing, the fresh spinach and ricotta cheese, perfectly. And when I took my first full bite, everything just melted together and made the most perfect bite of ravioli I have ever experience since going gluten-free. It was full of flavor, cooked to perfection, and just made for a perfect bite. I was hooked…and sort of wishing I had more of it on my plate.
So, let’s talk nutrition. A serving of La Pasta Gluten-Free Spinach and Cheese Ravioli is 95 grams. There are 2.5 servings per container. My roommate and I split the entire package. An actual serving of this ravioli will serve up 170 calories and 5 grams of fat. A serving also contains 40 mg of cholesterol and 480 mg sodium. As far as fiber goes, the Gluten-Free Spinach and Cheese Ravioli only offers 1 gram of fiber, but you do get a healthy dose of 7 grams of protein. Loving it.
And as for the ingredient list, it doesn’t get much simpler than a filling made from ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, sea salt, canola oil, olive oil, black pepper, garlic, potato flakes, and nutmeg. As for the pasta itself…that’s a blend of corn starch, whole dried eggs, potato starch, sea salt, tapioca starch, filtered water and xanthan gum. Yep. It’s really that simple. And it tastes like homemade. That’s the very best part. Tender with a cheesy center that just melts…it melts. It’s awesome.
La Pasta…you’ve won my heart…and my gluten-free pasta loving soul.
For life.
La Pasta Gluten-Free Spinach and Cheese Ravioli (cooked and sauced)
The Celiathlete 