Lightlife Vegetarian Foods - How They're Making a Healthier World

Have you heard of or tried Lightlife's veggie protein products?  I have only tried their vegetarian hot dogs and was pretty impressed with the taste and texture.  I'm not a dedicated vegan or vegetarian, but my consumption of meat is very limited and I make sure it's from a clean source.

Lightlife makes it possible to get plenty of high quality protein with their non-GMO soy products with no preservatives.  If you have read my blog before, you'd know I like to make most of my meals from whole food sources not in packages, but Lightlife products will help me when short on time.

I choose acceptable packaged food by studying the ingredients and nutrition, and I have found Lightlife has plenty of clean products to offer.  I'm really interested in their line of tempeh products and can't wait to try all versions, especially the wild rice!

With fall here and the slight chill (only slight because I'm in Texas) in the air, I've been craving comfort food that's healthy and delicious.  When I don't have time (a lot lately) to make my own from scratch, I am ready to pick up their Smart Chili to try out on a cooler day.  If you have tried it, please let me know your thoughts.

So why am I posting about Lightlife without really trying a lot of their products?  Someone on behalf of Lightlife asked me to share a new video they have posted and I liked its message.  The video depicts a farm where all of the animals are made out of veggies.  I think the message comes across loud and clear and it's just a neat video to watch.

Please watch this short video and let me know what you think.  Can you name the veggies that make up the animals?  Some are hard to figure out, but the bell pepper body on the cows is pretty cool; same for the corn cob pigs. With so much news about the world's meat supply dwindling, it's a "smart" choice to reduce our meat intake and eat more veggies.  I agree veggies give us most of what we need and meat is not needed with every meal.



Please, let me know how you add more veggies to your diet and if you have any great ideas to get enough vegetable protein from healthy sources and products like Lightlife.

Check out their website for info on how they can make you and the world a healthier place and see what they're up to on Facebook and Twitter.

Protein Powder Choices - Is It Worth It?

I was perusing Amazon for my next purchase of clean protein powder the other day and before I knew it, I had spent 2 hours searching! Upon this realization, I began to question how much I should really stress over the different types, flavors, functions, and brands.

It seems there are protein powders made out of things you'd never expect.  We all know the common whey protein, which is broken into concentrates, isolates, and even goat whey protein. Other popular varieties are soy, egg white, and casein. Some less common, but still good types are rice, hemp, and pea proteins, but did you ever see beef protein powder? Doesn't even sound good.

PASS!!!
Aside from the stomach churning thought of drinking a chocolate, cherry vanilla, or blue raspberry flavored beef shake (yes, those are real choices), even ridiculous brands promoted by stars like Mark Wahlberg makes me sick.  Seriously, Marked Nutrition; check it out, and then clear it from your memory like I'm trying to do.

Mark, I like you in some movies, but not in my smoothie

Anyway, my lengthy searches for another protein powder made me question what I'm really trying to achieve.  Do I really need protein in the form of powder instead of just eating some delicious fresh or canned tuna or salmon?  I'm pretty sure whole food sources of protein are obviously the better choice since powder (no matter how clean, organic, and super-duper ultra filtered it is), is still a processed food.

I think protein powder is wonderful, and I am by no means saying I'm quitting the stuff, but maybe not stressing over so many types.  I would really like those 2+ hours back.

There are many people who rave about certain whole food and plant based powders; I have tried and like them in smoothies and for their excellent nutrition profile.  We could all use added digestive enzymes and 500mg of spirulina, right?  I was about to purchase the Garden of Life Raw Protein, but then thought about how I like to cook a lot with my powders.  Wouldn't cooking pretty much make the whole "Raw" aspect obsolete?  I think so; then I just paid a premium for higher quality protein and destroyed the premium part. WTF....is there ever a middle-ground?

There is a middle-ground, it's called buying more than one type of protein.  But wait, then I'm spending hundreds of dollars every few weeks for bottled and flavored protein.  Hmmm, that can of no salt added tuna in water is only $1.39 at the store I go to; not looking too bad.

Nevertheless, I think I speak for most of us when I say it's just good and fun stuff to have.  I enjoy protein powder in smoothies (here's several of my past posts on Google Search) and using it in place of flour for baked goods.  Maybe I will break down and buy a raw powder just for mixing into drinks or no-bake recipes like these Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies and another kind for baking.

Setting several guidelines before you look to purchase protein can be helpful; here are things I look for in protein powder:

• No artificial sweeteners...EVER!
• Very little to no sugar (less than 3g per serving); prefer no sugar and only stevia
• No added soybean or other oil; don't know why that's in some of these
• No nonsense "super pump" marketing/gimmicky (spelling?) ingredients
• Short, simple list of ingredients; unless it is the raw green food kind

These guidelines can limit your options and usually result in higher prices, but I'm willing to pay more to put good stuff in my body. I have used a lot of whey proteins and really like About Time for it's simplicity and flavor choices, but am currently using MRM Vanilla Egg White Protein and really like it.

Check out Protein Pow for a plethora of protein packed recipes (both sweet and savory) and useful information on the types of protein and each one's unique use in the kitchen.

So, what type or types of protein powder do you use?  I have tried Spiru-tein powders and like them, but might try a different plant-based powder that's raw next...any suggestions?

Do you get caught up searching for the "right" protein powder or anything else?  Too much information makes too much confusion sometimes!

Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend!

WIAW #25 Homemade Protein Granola Sans Gluten

I have a new addiction. It's the sugar and oil free protein granola I've been making almost daily. I just posted about the peanut butter version, but have made a chocolate, cinnamon ginger, and vanilla version since.

Wonder why so much awesome granola? Besides the fact I prefer to make as much of my own food as possible, I wanted something crunchy and gluten-free for my nightly treats-in-a-cup.  I normally have Greek yogurt, pureed veggies with stevia and frozen fruit plus protein powder, nut butters and nuts, and Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Cereal.

Still wondering?  Probably because I haven't really answered yet....sorry.  I've been going to the doctor a lot lately and my blood test results plus the fact that I'm constantly worn out and have stomach bloating lead me to think I am gluten intolerant.  Maybe Celiac's, but I'd rather have it confirmed before I go off spouting I have that.

Therefore, I am laying off the gluten to see how I feel.  This means no Ezekiel in almond milk; there's just something comforting about it.  So, to fill the crunchy void, I'm making this granola with gluten-free ingredients. I definitely enjoy my new homemade granola and see this becoming an instant staple. Or I guess it already is a staple now....you get the point.

Since cutting out most of the gluten, I have felt a little better in the stomach area, but need more time before I decide on anything.  Gluten-free isn't really a major change for me since most of my diet revolves around veggies, fruit, fish, and non-gluten grains like quinoa, millet, oats, corn and rice. I guess I'll just have to wait for my next doctor's visit before getting any closer to an actual diagnosis.Until then, I guess I'll just force this deliciously crunchy and healthy granola. No Problem!

For fun fitness, Kelley and I just bought new hybrid bikes that are mostly road, but can handle an easy trail too. We have only ridden together a few times, but enjoy each other's company when we do.  I see this becoming a great routine to get our fitness and spend quality time together. Very important in a marriage!!

Along with biking, we're still following the Supreme 90 Day Workouts and can feel how well it works everything in your body. I swear, after this one video, my bicep should have its own mini bicep from doing so many different types of curls. Most of the videos leave me with a soaked shirt and shorts dripping of sweat. And to think I used to make fun of workout dvds; guess I put my foot in my mouth there!

So, lets all give Jenn at Peas and Crayons a great big thanks for putting What I Ate Wednesday together and have a look at my eats. Thank you, Jenn!

{B} Microwave eggwhite omelette with mixed veggies, a tad bit of Artisana coconut butter, and Melinda's Chipotle Sauce + baby carrots on the side. {L} Green bean and black-eyed pea quinoa salad + homemade pb protein granola clusters for snacking. {D} Same big salad with steamed Brussels, mushrooms, and homemade green salsa dressing + PB Protein Banana Bread with more PB. {D2/Healthy Treats} No-bake Almond Oat and Millet Protein bars (made using my Quinoa Almond Cookie recipe) + Green protein smoothie with more pb banana bread, Plain Greek yogurt, and PB on top.

Pretty good day of eats if you ask me! See, omitting gluten isn't so hard, and it will open your eyes (stomach?) to a wonderful world of different and delicious food.

Have you ever had to make a sudden dietary change due to unforseen circumstances/events?

Have a Happy WIAW and wonderful week right into the weekend!

Mindful Monday: Protein Powder is not Food

I’ve been making and reading a lot of protein powder based recipes as of late, and wanted to make a statement to anyone who wants to hear/read it. Protein powder is called a supplement because it is meant to “supplement” your daily intake of this essential macronutrient.

Grillled chicken on salad is hard to beat for quality protein and taste!

I am guilty of thinking as protein powder as a replacement for real food protein sources in the past. Not so anymore! Great tasting protein powder is a joy to cook with in place of flour, add to smoothies, or just hold you over when you need a healthy quick fix. But we really need to get the majority of our protein from whole food sources since these have an abundance of additional vitamins and nutrients not found in a powder.


Ok, so maybe some whole meal powders have all of the extras, but it’s still processed no matter how you look at it. Plus, it’s good to have something to actually chew with various textures instead of just drinking.


Perfect Protein meal of whole grain rye toast with mixed beans, veggies and quinoa. Simple and delicious!



Of course you should still enjoy protein powder creations like these sugar free brownies!!

Beans, lentils, eggs, nuts and nut butters (yum!), chicken, fish, lean meat, whole grains, and more are perfect examples of healthy protein sources.


My favorite portable and versatile protein.


Maybe this is nothing new to you, but hopefully it helps others make real food a priority and not depend on powders and such for their nutrition. Here are several posts I made in the past with regards to protein; they are all very informative and useful to people of varying knowledge on the subject.


5 Healthy Ways to Add Protein to Your Salad
Complementary Proteins
Protein Primer
Healthy Stevia Sweetened About Time Whey Protein Review


Q: How do you get real food protein sources in your life? Are you guilty of depending too much on just mixing a powder to get enough of this vital macronutrient?

Have a wonderful week!

WIAW #21 Pumped Up Protein Summer Staples

The first day of another month means just one thing....a new theme for What I Ate Wednesday! Thanks to Jenn at Peas and Crayons for hosting this event and creating fun-filled themes like Summer Staples for August! Check out her blog for more info and to see her delicious recipes!

Chocolate Protein Healthy Dessert Dip with plain Greek yogurt and cocao nibs

Last week I mentioned I was taking a little break from blogging, but I have to contribute to What I Ate Wednesday. Otherwise, I'd have an empty void from not being part of this fun event for a week.  I'll keep it short, though, and I hardly have any new pics to share, so older ones will have to suffice.

Spicy Protein Carrot Dip

My summer staples include salad (have a big one for dinner every night) with lots of veggies, lean protein, and homemade veggie puree or salsa "dressing" on top. But really, these things aren't limited to summer, I've been having salad almost every day in the fall and winter too. One thing that has turned into a staple for me this summer is protein.

Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bread

Tuna, salmon, chicken, beans, lentils, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, dry-roasted nuts, tofu, and whey protein powder all appear in my weekly eats quite often. Now that I have changed fitness courses from endurance running to strength training, I look for more ways to included protein in my diet. Check out these healthy and delicious protein packed recipes I've posted recently for proof.

A version of my Chobani Pumpkin Protein Yogurt (I added banana) with Baked Overnight Oattmeal Crisps

One of my new found favorite protein creations is to combine, beans (black, white kidney, or garbanzo), veggies (winter and summer squash, spinach, carrots, and cauliflower), peanut flour, protein powder, stevia, and spices all in a processor or blender and puree. The result is nothing less than amazing!

Chocolate and Vanilla Healthy Dessert Dips with garbanzo beans, PB & Co Old Fashion Crunchy, unsweetened cocoa (for the chocolate version), peanut flour, whey protein, stevia, and steamed summer squash

Thick and creamy like Greek yogurt, but bursting with a variety of flavors; and it's all homemade!  These purees make several generous servings that I keep in a big container to just scoop my preferred amount out into a cup. Topped with frozen berries, yogurt, and overnight oats, the creation is healthy, tasty eating at its finest!

Strawberry Protein Jam - Strawberry puree with whey protein powder, Strawberry Zevia, and chia seeds

Oh, and Cayenne is my staple for all seasons!

Check out all of my protein recipes posted on Recipage here.

I have so many staple foods like quinoa, overnight oats, dehydrated okra, carrots, and drinks like tea and coffee.  In essence of keeping it short and not "breaking" my break, I'll wait for the second week of August's WIAW to share more summer staples!

Speaking of staples, lets move on to my day of eats and treats.

Happy WIAW!

Breakfast

Cut fennel and peppers for a healthy way to satisfy my need to CRUNCH! I used the crunchy veggies to dip into a tasty puree of white beans and veggies with crumbled goat cheese. Unpictured was the iced French Press Coffee I gulped down like water.

 Lunch

Cold Red Quinoa salad based off of my Quinoa Curry Salad Recipe; Kay's Naturals Jalapeno Mustard Protein Pretzels (new find!); green tea; more cut fennel; organic Pink Lady Apple (I saved the core for my pet turtle...his summer staples are fresh worms and apple cores)

These are pretty good, but leave messy hands. I'll try another flavor next time.

Hector munching on the apple core. Perfect dessert after a live worm dinner!

Dinner 1 - The Spicy and Savory

Summer Staple salad with mushrooms, brussels, tuna, homemade bean and veggie salsa dressing, and more brussels with beets

Dinner 2 - The Sweet and Comforting (but still healthy!)

"PB & J" Veggie protein smoothie (so sad when this was finished); a couple microwave protein oatmeal muffins; apple butter, pumpkin, and cottage cheese mix; unpictured is my cup refilled with the chocolate Healthy Dessert Dip from the picture above.

Microwave Protein Oatmeal Muffins - You can't have just one!!

Apple Butter from my July Foodie Penpal mixed with pumpkin, lowfat cottage cheese and lots of cinnamon. I added frozen blueberries later.

I've been struggling trying to find a good fitness routine that satisfies my craving to do it all! I want to strength train and get my heart pumping with cardio.  Since it drives me crazy not having som sort of plan, I decided to start the Supreme 90 Day DVD workouts. These use dumbells and stability balls with pretty fast circuits.

Hopefully the weights and circuits will give me what I'm looking for, but I also want to do a few days of barbell work and outside running.  I absolutely love running in the 100+ degree heat here in Texas.  People say I'm crazy, but after running 7 or more miles, the exhaustion is satisfying and cold protein smoothies are 10X better!

Kelley started the workouts with me too, so this will be a fun change of pace for the both of us.  At the end, lets see how "confused" our muscles are; that always makes me laugh.

If you're a runner, do you enjoy the eat or stay indoors when it's hot?  What about biking or another outdoor sport?  Let me know your ideas of a great routine, I'm always keeping my eye out for something new!

Five Healthy Ways to Add Protein to Your Salad

Summer salads are all over the foodie blogs and are a perfect way to cool down when the heat is up!  The versatility of salads allow almost everyone to enjoy them in some for or another.

I have been having a salad with a lot of veggies, herbs, spices, and protein for dinner each night for months now.  They never get old since there's so many ways to make each one different.  Of course, Brussels sprouts and mushrooms are almost always on my salad, and then I'll add different things from there.

In the past, I've noticed the lack of a healthy protein source for my salads, and needed to fill the void. So I came up with five simple ways to add lean protein and flavor at the same time.  Try each one of these ideas for each day of the week and enjoy the healthy variety!

1. Grilled Chicken Breast (sliced, shredded, or diced) - Grill boneless-skinless chicken breasts seasoned as you like and cut up into cubes (or your preferred serving size) to use as a salad topper.  I will cook a few on the weekend, cut up, then store in an airtight container to add extra lean protein to complete my salad.

2. Nuts and Seeds - Buy them raw and dry roast yourself, or just eat them raw. If you like a little crunch, these will pack a delicious protein punch; with so many types of nuts and seeds available, you're sure to find a favorite. An added bonus is the healthy fats you'll get from these sources too! Dry roasts sunflower seeds are always welcome on my greens, but I also enjoy pistachios, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and walnuts.

They aren't on salad, but you get the point....use them on salad!

3. Homemade Slow-cooker Veggie Protein Dressing/Dip - My ultimate favorite way to add a melting pot of flavor, spice, and everything nice protein! It's so easy! Add a few bags of your favorite frozen veggies in a slow-cooker, toss in a cup of lentils or a couple cans of beans, season to taste, and let everything cook for several hours. Once cooked, just puree in a stand or immersion blender and store in fridge to use as a thick protein dressing on your salad.  This is functional flavor at its finest!

Homemade dressing that doubles as dip? #Win!!

4. Canned Tuna or Salmon - Look for the low or no salt added fish in water for the healthiest choice. Mix with dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, and spices to add a protein zip to your bed of greens and veggies. This is wonderful mixed in or just placed on top, and oh so easy. When they're on sale, I'll use sardines by themselves for a healthy dose of omega-3's too.

Bonus points for having tuna stuffed in mushrooms on your salad!

5. Plain, Non-fat Greek Yogurt or Cottage Cheese - Add a cool and creamy tang to your salad with yogurt! Whether mixed with a little dijon, herbs, and spices, or straight from the container, yogurt is an often overlooked choice for salads.  My favorite yogurt mix is like a Tzatziki sauce without cucumbers; I add mustard, dill, garlic and onion powder, cayenne, and pepper to plain yogurt to create a quick and healthy salad sauce.

There are many more than 5 ways to up your protein on salads, but these are my tried and true options that are easy to prepare and healthy to eat.  If you've been having the same ol' salad every day/night, zest it up and try one or all of these next time.

Geez, it feels like it's been a long week! Anyone else feel this way?  Why can't it ever feel (or even better, actually be) like a long weekend? Such is life, I guess....bleh.

Q: Are you doing anything fun this weekend? For me, fun can just be keeping myself inside and just relaxing, but there is that new Batman movie....hmm. I will definitely cook some delicious food for lunch and snacking....any ideas on what it should be?

Have a great weekend!

Do You Know What's In Your Whey Protein? It's "About Time" You Find Out!

There are a plethora of protein powder choices today.  I used to just pick one that looked the "coolest" or one everyone else talked about.  But as I became more aware of ingredients in food, I started to question what's in my whey.

Just like processed food on the grocery shelf, you must be wary of labels.  "Sugar Free" or "No Sugar Added" usually means there's some sort of artificial sweetener instead.  Sugar and artificial sweeteners are a no go for me, which really limits my protein powder choices.

I had the opportunity to try About Time whey protein that is, as described on their website....

"....About Time is cold-pressed micro-filtered whey isolate which means the protein is absorbed more efficiently into your system. Most other protein supplements offer misleading labels and health claims, but About Time keeps it simple and 100% natural. Just look at the label – only 4 ingredients! For those managing diabetes, be assured that About Time is sweetened with Stevia, a naturally occurring no-calorie sweetener that does not affect blood glucose levels. A 2-pound container of About Time 100% Whey Protein Isolate contains 32 servings. No artificial flavoring. No artificial sweeteners. Each serving contains 101 calories, 24 grams of protein and 0 fat."

They had me at "stevia."  With awesome, stevia sweetened flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana, Peanut Butter, Strawberry, Cinnamon Swirl, Peaches 'n Cream, Birthday Cake or Mocha Mint, you're sure to find several flavors you'll love.

No Fat, Lots of Protein....Check!

I tried the chocolate, vanilla, and banana. Each serving is right around 100 calories which is basically all from high quality protein.  At 25g of protein and 4 calories per gram, that's 100 cals right there.  No cals from fat or sugar.  I'd suggest adding your own fat in the form of peanut butter....WIN!

Is it loaded full of flavor goodness? Not exactly, but it's also not loaded with sub-par ingredients like sugar, artificial sweeteners, soy, oils, or lesser versions of whey from concentrate.  These still tasted good with just water and I would pick About Time over most other protein powders. Check out their current promotion where you can choose two flavors you try for only $3.99 and free shipping.

If these were used in a smoothie, it would obviously open your options to plenty of ways to enjoy.  I love how the stevia doesn't make it too sweet like some products.  It has a subtle sweetness that allows room to add your own, "custom" options as you please.

Short list of ingredients, good flavor, and super nutrious!

I want to get more to blend at home, specifically the banana and I'm sure peanut butter would be great.  Maybe even mix the two for a peanut butter banana smoothie? Ohhhh, or mix three; chocolate, peanut butter, and banana.  I'm drooling just thinking of this combo.

Anyway, I was always jealous to see the ever popular Optimum Nutrition protein flavors that all have sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame-k, or all three! Bleh.  Now, with About Time, us health-minded, active folk have a clean protein powder to make delicious smoothies.  Or maybe even use to bake protein brownies, bread, or muffins!

Thank you, About Time, for letting me sample your products and filling the gap by offering multiple flavors to enjoy! Readers, if you haven't tried this free of bad and full of good stuff protein, well, it's About Time!! Sorry, I had to do that.

Q: Have you tried About Time Whey Protein?  Do you scrutinize the ingredients on your powders like me?