11 Dec
Pasta ranks among the top five favorite foods in many countries. The trouble is most people eat white pasta, which is made with refined flour. White pasta has only a fifth the fiber of whole-grain pasta, which means it may take more to fill you up. Pasta sauces can be diet-killers, too. A large bowl of fettuccine Alfredo has 800 to 1,200 calories.
Better Bet: Eat whole-grain pasta with a vegetable-based sauce.
20 Oct
I recently ran across a company called Fiber Gourmet in my search for health and flavor. They offer pasta and pasta products that are lower calorie, lower carb and higher fiber than comparable products on the grocery shelves. In fact they even have the added benefit of:
Now, I have to be honest here, I LOVE pasta dishes! But I have reduced them to a treat of sorts because I only make pasta once every couple of weeks now, or it’s swimming inside a healthy soup instead of being on its own.
Being me, I ran through the FAQ’s and all the info, read the boxes and searched out everything I could find on them. I waiting for a hitch or a catch somewhere along the way like a lot of things are. You know, high in fiber, but also tons of sugar or sodium or something to that effect. I didn’t find it. I have long since learned not to judge a flavor by its box, so I jumped in to try it.
Here’s what I’ve tried so far:
Now, I do have to say that the cheese in it was a little thinner and less sticky than your normal on the shelf brand, but to be fair I didn’t add the optional butter. I think that would have helped it be thicker.
I cook my noodles slightly al dente because I like them best that way. However, if there’s anything that’ll show off a funny flavor or texture, it’s that. But these were some of the yummiest noodles I’ve tasted! No grainy fiber texture, no icky “enriched” flavor, just noodle goodness through and through.
They average about $3 per box (cheaper if you buy more at a time online) so they aren’t as cheap as your average blue box, but definitely as delicious AND far healthier!
35% fewer calories (standard mac is 260 calories, theirs is just 170)
18g fiber per serving (each box contains 3 servings)
Nutrition Facts backed by actual laboratory analysis
Cheddar cheese packet included – with NO artificial colors or flavors!
2-year shelf life (date-stamped)
Kosher certified by the 
.
I also have a soft spot for brownies, but who doesn’t? Especially when they are super quick and easy to make. All you do is add water, mix and microwave to have your very own personal sized brownie snack.
Again, the flavor was excellent. No grassy, gritty fiber flavor here. It’s all chocolate and gooey goodness with a packet to add powdered sugar topping if you like.
They average $1.79 each (also cheaper if you buy more at a time online) so they are cost-friendly for keeping at work or school as a snack. They also have a Cinnamon Crumb Cake version that would likely pair well with your morning coffee. The website even offers a sampler pack where you can get six of each for only $1.25 per box.
40% fewer calories
12g fiber per serving
Nutrition Facts backed by actual laboratory analysis
No artificial colors or flavors, no preservatives
No Gluten ingredients
Kosher certified by the .
But you don’t have to take my word for it alone. I found this video review on youtube of the cake mixes, check it out:
(You can click either of the product titles or pictures to see them on their website.)
12 Aug
On Friday, I usually post a new recipe for your cooking enjoyment.
Anyone who knows me, knows for certain that I love food and cooking. There is something special about a person’s relationship with what they eat. Today I would like to show you some recipes I have gotten from other people that I adore.
This recipe will show you how to take cauliflower and turn it into a rice-like texture. Then you can bake it into patties and top with anything you like. I can imagine they are fantastic with black beans on top, and maybe just a touch of salsa.
What a creative way to use your cauliflower.
You can view the full recipe by Clicking Here!
I do love the flavor of pumpkin. A lot of times it’s hard to find a good way to use it outside of desserts, though.
This recipe is not only delicious, but also vegan friendly and easy to make.
You can view the full recipe by Clicking Here!
Aren’t these completely adorable? They work great as appetizers for a party. Plus they are healthy!
Super easy to make, and impressive to your guests. These are vegetarian friendly, but could be adapted for vegan eats.
You can view the full recipe by Clicking Here!
Well, folks that’s all for today. I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I do. Please stop by and let the original posters know you dig them :)
Happy cooking!
22 Jul
Try this delicious “pasta” made from strips of summer squash and zucchini tossed with tomatoes, olive oil and fresh basil and oregano for a dish packed with bright flavors.
Ingredients2 zucchini squash, shaved thinly lengthwise with a vegetable peeler
2 yellow summer squash, shaved thinly lengthwise with a vegetable peeler
Sea salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
5 oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
1/2 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
1 teaspoon finely chopped oregano
In a large bowl, gently toss together all ingredients. Transfer to a platter and serve immediately.
Nutrition Per serving (about 6oz/169g-wt.): 60 calories (25 from fat), 3g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 7g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 2g protein
4 Mar
makes:2 servings
1. Spray 10-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion; stir-fry 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is light brown.
2. Stir in water; heat to boiling. Stir in pasta. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is almost tender (do not drain).
3. Stir in packet of sauce mix from stir-fry mix until well blended. Stir in vegetables; reduce heat to medium. Cover; cook 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Sprinkle with peanuts from stir-fry mix.
Nutritional Information 1 Serving: Calories 350 (Calories from Fat 40); Total Fat 4 1/2g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 70mg; Sodium 820mg; Total Carbohydrate 44g (Dietary Fiber 5g, Sugars 5g); Protein 33g
Happy Cooking, Everyone!
Please feel free to post any questions or your own suggestions in the comments below. Also, be sure to share this page with anyone that you think would benefit from it. I want to help put cooking, and fresh foods back into our daily routines.
Don't Eat Dirt 