Nutritious Feast

How to find Organic and Natural Food Coupons Online - Updated!

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of MamboSprouts.com

The best way to find coupons is to go directly to the manufacturer's website or to their Facebook/Twitter pages. Some sites will offer printable coupons while other sites may have mailing lists. Don't be afraid to join a mailing list or subscribe to a newsletter. Many times the newsletter will offer great coupons, discounts and coupon links. Create a separate email address just for newsletters if you're worried about getting too much mail in your main inbox.

Links to Organic and Natural Food Coupons

Online Organic Food Coupons - A comprehensive list of companies who offer online coupons!

All Organic Links -.You can locate organic food companies through All Organic Links and see if they offer coupons.

EatingWell.com offers valuable printable coupons from natural brands for food, groceries, and other natural products. I signed up for their newsletter and get the same coupons in an email.

Mambo Sprouts Online Coupons - You can print organic and natural coupons for free from their site

Mambo Sprouts Messenger & Sprout e-news - Sign up to get FREE articles, product information, e-coupons and more! The sprout E-news monthly newsletter shares their latest giveaways, recipes, e-coupons and more!

Publix GreenWise Market Magazine - A monthly magazine that can be found inside Publix stores. The magazine has both Publix coupons and other manufacturer's coupons. You can also sign up online to get a free subscription delivered to your house.

Whole Foods "The Whole Deal" - A value guide that you can pick up inside your local Whole Foods. You'll find more than $30 in coupons, budget recipes, money saving tips and more.

Whole Foods "The Whole Deal" Printable Coupons - Print out coupons from the latest issue of "The Whole Deal"

Manufacturer's Sites

Alexia Foods - Register and print out a coupon for $.75 off their new Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Julienne Fries!

Arrowhead Mills - Sometimes have coupons on their site.

Barbara's Bakery - Their site sometimes offers online coupons.

Read more »

Coconut Water Chatter

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Coconut water is one of the hottest food trends. Is it all hype, or is coconut water worth trying?

Coconut water is the thin liquid found inside young green coconuts. A freshly opened young coconut is a refreshing drink when you’re under the hot tropical sun. If you’re far away from the tropics, pasteurized coconut water can be found at your local grocery or health food store.

Pure coconut water has no cholesterol, is very low in fat and calories, and naturally contains the essential electrolytes potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.

An 11 ounce serving of coconut water has about 60 calories and 700 milligrams of potassium, more than a banana. Potassium helps regulate fluid and mineral balance, controls normal blood pressure and helps your muscles contract. Coconut water is considered isotonic, which means that the electrolyte balance is similar to our blood. Fresh coconut water was used for emergency plasma transfusions during World War II.

A Substitute for Sports Drinks?

Many consider coconut water a natural sports drink. Traditional sports drinks are formulated with the right balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates for athletes and others who exercise vigorously. Sports drinks are recommended if you exercise 60 minutes or longer or when you’re exercising in extreme heat. Water is effective for light to moderate exercise. Some experts say that coconut water doesn’t contain enough sodium or carbohydrates to effectively replace sweat or fuel energy during strenuous exercise. Since sodium is the primary electrolyte that’s lost in sweat, an adequate amount is needed for rehydration. However, there are a few studies that have tested coconut water and found it to rehydrate just as well as traditional sports drinks. Coconut water definitely shows potential, but there needs to be further scientific research before any conclusions are made.

The Jury is Still Out

Coconut water can be pricey, but it’s a healthy replacement for sugary, high calorie drinks and may help rehydrate during illness and after exercise. More scientific research is needed to fully recommend using it during and after exercise, though. I have encountered several athletes who believe coconut water works just as well or better than sports drinks. They say coconut water doesn’t cause nausea or bloating and replenishes their bodies efficiently after exercise. People with kidney disease should discuss using coconut with their doctor or dietitian first, since the potassium content is high. Just a note: flavored coconut water may contain added sugar and be higher in calories.

Quick and Easy Ways to Add Coconut Water to Your Diet

- Make your oatmeal with coconut water for an added boost of potassium.

- Add cold coconut water to your fruit smoothies after a workout.

- Freeze a tetra pack of coconut water for 30 minutes for a refreshing slush.

- Use coconut water instead of regular water to make rice. It will boost nutrients and add a little flavor.

Images: gameanna / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Am J Emerg Med. 2000 Jan;18(1):108-11.
J Physiol Anthropol Appl Human Sci. 2002 Mar;21(2):93-104.

A Handy Chobani Kitchen Conversion Chart!

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:17:00 +0000

Source: chobani.com via Chobani on Pinterest

Understanding Antioxidants and Free Radicals

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:38:00 +0000

Everyone talks about antioxidants and free radicals, but what are they and how do they really work? Oxidation occurs when oxygen is exposed to cells and causes them to change. A real life example would be when oxygen hits an apple slice and it turns brown. Our bodies typically use oxygen in an efficient way, but sometimes cells get harmed in the process and free radicals are created.

Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that often collide with other cells and cause interference with normal cell functioning. They are considered free because they are missing an important molecule (electron) which sends them on a desperate journey to gain stability with nearby stable molecules. This sometimes causes a chain reaction and can result in the disruption of a living cell and ultimately cause DNA damage. Free radicals are also created from environmental pollution, smoke from cigarettes, radiation and other chemicals. The resulting oxidation is linked to a variety of health problems such as cancer, diabetes, macular degeneration and heart disease.

How Antioxidants Work

Burgers Going Bollywood & Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:56:00 +0000

With Americans collectively eating more than 39 million hamburgers every day, it’s no wonder
that May is National Hamburger Month. The $75 billion beef burger industry has come a long
way in recent years, evolving into an edible platform for introducing new spices such as ginger
and coriander, reinventing what is arguable the country’s favorite sandwich.

Although a relative newcomer to the scene, veggie burgers continue to grow in U.S. popularity,
as indicated by its significant presence in popular culture. Television shows such as Man V.
Food, restaurants such as Red Robin and freezer aisle brands such as Tandoor Chef are
bringing the alternative burger further into the mainstream.

Some brands are even taking it one step further by embracing the burger evolution with
consumer-friendly events. “Everyone deserves to enjoy the deliciousness of a good burger hot
off the grill,” explains Mike Ryan, VP Sales & Marketing, Tandoor Chef. “That’s why we’re
putting an exciting twist on National Hamburger Month by celebrating 30 Days of Masala
Burgers with consumers, both meat lovers and vegetarians alike, across the country.”

Read more »

True Lemon - Crystallized Lemon

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:50:00 +0000

Water is one of your body's most essential nutrients. Every cell, tissue and organ needs water to function. Sadly, I never liked the taste of plain water unless there was bit of fresh lemon or lime juice squeezed into it. I was excited when I discovered True Lemon about 6 years ago. Fresh lemons spoil easily and it's hard to carry them around in your purse! Well, True Lemon packets are the perfect solution! The packets are small, portable and taste like fresh lemons!

Visit True Lemon's website and learn about the importance of water and how True Lemon can help you enjoy drinking more water!

True Lemon – What is it?

True Lemon is crystallized lemon made with 100% all natural ingredients. The True Citrus company starts off with freshly picked lemons and then uses a cold-pressing process. This process doesn't use heat, so the lemons maintain their optimal flavor. During cold-pressing, lemon oils and juices are extracted and then crystallized. This entire process actually locks in the flavor of freshly picked lemons! True Lemon believes that their product tastes better than any lemon you'll find in the store. That is probably true for people who don't have lemon trees in their yard!

My New Blog Design

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:11:00 +0000

I'm so excited about my new design. It's not done yet, but it looks great already. I have the best designer ever! :)

What is the ORAC Scale?

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:09:00 +0000

The oxygen radical absorbance capacity or ORAC scale measures a food’s ability to protect against free radicals. A high ORAC score means that a food or other compound is high in antioxidants. The ORAC scale was first developed by Dr. Guohua Cao at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.

Health professionals recommend that we eat at least 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC points each day. Research reveals that eating a diet rich in antioxidants may protect cells from oxidative damage and therefore prevent cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.

You can check out the current database: USDA Database for the Oxygen RadicalAbsorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods, Release 2

Example: 100 grams (3.5 oz) of blueberries ranks at around 2,400 points on the ORAC scale and a ½ cup of cooked broccoli is about 1,900 points. I have a feeling we’ll hear more about the ORAC scale in the near future!

The Elusive Tart Cherry of Northern Michigan

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:33:00 +0000

Picture taken with my Blackberry Storm (I'm not talented like Matt Armendariz)

When he was by, the birds such pleasure took
That some would sing, some other in their bills
Would bring him mulberries and ripe-red cherries
--Shakespeare, "Venus and Adonis," ll. 1101-3

The Cherry Marketing Institute invited me to attend an educational cherry immersion event in Traverse City, Michigan. The Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) is a nonprofit national promotion organization that is funded by U.S. tart cherry growers. I was joined by some pretty amazing bloggers, photographers, professional chefs and dietitians. I loved that we were there during the National Cherry Festival.

We all learned a great deal about cherries from our guide Phil Korson, President of the Cherry Marketing Institute. The wonderful team from Weber Shandwick enriched our time in Traverse City by being generous hosts who took us to the most beautiful places in Northern Michigan. I am very grateful to them all.

The Boathouse Restaurant

Our table at the Boathouse Restaurant overlooking Bower's Harbor

Our welcome dinner was at the Boathouse Restaurant. Owner Doug Kosch makes sure his restaurant uses the "farm to table" concept. He grows most of the restaurant's vegetables, fruits and herbs with his wife on their farm .

We were treated like royalty by Chef Eric Nittolo. Every dish he created had a cherry theme. It was exquisite and something I will never forget! It was after 8 pm and the sun was still shining above Bower's Harbor.

My cherry martini

We began with cherry cocktails and I had the perfect cherry martini. We then started our four course dinner! The servers brought out plates with duck, cheese and a fresh salad with goat cheese, walnuts, apples, spinach, beets and cherry vinaigrette dressing. Then, we had a main course choice of ahi tuna or filet mignon. I selected the filet mignon even though I rarely eat red meat! It was so tender and had a tart, but slightly sweet cherry sauce.

Filet Mignon

Chef Eric made cherries jubilee for dessert. It was like a work of art, plus it tasted so good! (Remember - Everything in moderation! Yes, you can eat it.)

Cherries Jubilee

Cherries Have a Wide Array of Health Benefits

Dr Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD talks about the health benefits of cherries

Dr. Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD, helped us understand the science behind the succulent red fruit. Her presentation taught us that cherries are a homegrown super fruit with a wide array of health benefits.

I will post about the health benefits of cherries soon, but here are a few quick facts:

- Tart cherries contain at least 17 antioxidants.

- Anthocyanins 1 and 2 are important antioxidants found in cherries. They can block enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that are involved with the pain and inflammation of arthritis and gout.

- Anthocyanins are the plant pigments that give cherries their rich red color.

- Anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties and may inhibit the growth of colon cancer tumors.

- There are 30 to 40 mg of anthocyanins 1 and 2 in 100 grams of fruit. Anthocyanins 1 and 2 are not found in blueberries or cranberries.

- Tart cherries also are rich in the antioxidants kaempferol and quercetin.

- Research shows that tart cherries contain high levels of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that can eliminate free radicals. (free radicals are toxins involved in diseases such as cancer, heart disease, etc.) Melatonin also helps regulate natural sleep patterns!

- Montmorency cherries contain almost 6 times more melatonin than Balaton cherries.

- Tart cherries contain 19 times the beta carotene of blueberries and strawberries.

- Cherries are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, iron, folate. potassium and magnesium.

*I'll also talk about ways to add tart cherries and tart cherry juice to your diet in a future post.

Read more »

Pure Bar Review –Delicious and Nutritious Organic Fruit and Nut Bars

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:42:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to try Pure Bars a few months ago and I’ll admit that I’m now a Pure Bar addict!

The Facts About Pure Bars:

- USDA certified organic – All ingredients are free of pesticides and herbicides

- Vegan

- Raw – Made with cold-processed fruits and nuts, which retains most of their antioxidant content, vitamins and minerals.

- Dairy free

- Certified gluten free

- No refined sugar or preservatives

- 4-5 grams of organic fiber

- 6-7 grams of organic protein

- 1 ½ servings of fruit

- 400 mg Omega-3 - Omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent blood clots that can cause heart attack and stroke

- GMO free

- Kosher

The Pure Bar was created by Veronica Bosgraaf for vegetarians. (For everyone else too!) It took her a few hundred hours in the kitchen to concoct the Pure bar. She wanted to use only organic and whole ingredients. Vernoica achieved her goal because Pure bars are pure and delicious!

The 6 Flavors:

Apple Cinnamon – Tastes like apple pie! Yum!

Chocolate Brownie – Rich and decadent. You won’t believe it’s healthy!

Trail Mix - Nutty and full of fruit with a little chocolate

Cherry Cashew – Tart, sweet and decadent. One of my favorites!

Cranberry Orange – Tart cranberries with a nutty and citrus flair

Wild Blueberry – Wild Oregon Blueberries make it taste fresh and satisfying!

The bars taste purely decadent! All 6 flavors are naturally sweet, moist and have a satisfying crunchiness due to the natural nuts. I really enjoy the overall texture of the bars. The bars are sweetened with Agave nectar. Agave nectar is the sweet sap from succulent plants. Agave is low on the glycemic index, which means it won’t raise blood sugar as fast as regular sugar. I haven’t come across any clinical studies as to agave’s safety in Diabetes.

Pure Bars are a great snack that will keep you full and energized. I recommend them!

Nutritional Values

Pure Bar Store Locator

Organic. It's Worth It in Schools!

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 03:09:00 +0000

“Organic. It’s Worth It In Schools.”

Want to join Nutritious Feast in helping schools access and offer students more organic food? The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is calling on teachers, parents, students, educators and others to join the “Organic. It’s Worth It In Schools.” initiative and vote for their favorite school to win an organic garden complete with seeds, soil and expert gardening support; or a fully stocked vending machine, featuring items like milk, fruit, cheese, yogurt and organic snacks.

Through May 1, 2010, when you visit www.OrganicItsWorthIt.org you can “vote” for a school by signing up for an electronic newsletter featuring organic tips, recipes, news and more. Your school must receive a minimum 1,000 votes (or newsletter sign-ups) to win. Full details on rules and regulations are available at http://www.organicitsworthit.org/join/current-campaigns.

I will be guest tweeting for PureVia tomorrow at 12 PM CST/ 1 PM EST!

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Please join @PureVia and @NutritiousFeast on Twitter on March 30th 2010! We are celebrating National Nutrition Month and will answer all your nutrition questions.

Get the new Mambo Sprouts coupon book!

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:53:00 +0000

Here's what you will receive when you sign-up with Mambo Sprouts:

Photo courtesy of mambosprouts.com

FREE! Coupon books for natural & organic products mailed directly to your home (only mailed 3 times a year). This mailer also includes the Mambo Messenger (an educational and informative printed newsletter) and free product samples sent occasionally. NOTE: The next issue is scheduled to arrive in homes by Februrary 2010.

FREE! E-Coupon alerts, special offers and chances to win great products and prizes.

FREE! Monthly E-Newsletter with healthy living tips and recipes

A Long Hiatus!

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:34:00 +0000

I have to apologize again for being away from my blog for so long. I've been a little sick for the past few months and just lost my Father in Law last week.

I plan to start posting very soon. Thank you all for being patient. :-)

~Dina

Happy 4th!

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:42:00 +0000

I hope everyone is having a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

I Love Mambo Sprouts! Sign Up For Free Coupons!

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of mambosprouts.com

Sign-up with Mambo Sprouts!

You'll get:

FREE! Coupon books for natural & organic products mailed directly to your home (3 times a year). This mailer also includes the Mambo Messenger (an educational and informative printed newsletter) and free product samples sent occasionally.

FREE! E-Coupon alerts, special offers and chances to win great products and prizes.

FREE! Monthly E-Newsletter with healthy living tips and recipes

My Apologies

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:00:00 +0000

I had to take a little time off because I've been pretty sick this past month. I'm feeling a little better and hope to recover quickly. I plan to start blogging again next week.

I truly have to thank all of my readers for sticking with me and understanding!

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day!

~Dina

A Fun Way For Kids To Learn About Fruits & Vegetables

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:33:00 +0000

Kids and parents will find fun and educational games on foodchamps.org. The site was put together by the non-profit Produce for Better Health Foundation. Their mission is to create a healthier America through increased consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables.

The games are for kids between 2 to 8 years old. Kids will love the online interactive games and will also find coloring sheets, activity pages and easy recipes that they can make with adults. There is also an art gallery where kids can submit their original creations!

Fun and Educational games for kids ages 2-5:

Fruit & Veggie Matching Game
Fruit & Veggie Naming Game
Fruit or Vegetable?
Find the Fruits & Veggies
What Color are the Fruits & Veggies?

Games for kids ages 6-8 - Learn how food gets from farms and orchards to your dinner table!

Fruit & Vegetable Math
Fruit & Veggie Pyramid Game
Healthy Choices Maze

I really like the activity sheets on foodchamps.org. The Supermarket Scavenger Hunt will make grocery shopping an adventure for your kids. The Fruit & Veggie Eater Meter is also a great tool for kids to track their fruit and veggie consumption.

Nutrient and fiber rich fruits and veggies will keep your kids healthy and strong. They may eventually crave fruit and veggie snacks and eat less sugary treats!

Easy Fruit & Veggie Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Check out the site Fruits & Veggies More Matters to learn all about the benefits of fruits and veggies!

I love the quick and easy recipes on the site. The recipes are full of fruits and veggies and will help add extra vitamins, minerals, fiber and other important nutrients to your diet.

Kid Friendly Recipes

Quick Recipes: 30 Minutes or Less

Tips on How to Cook with Fruits and Vegetables

Pineapples

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:13:00 +0000

Pineapples are my favorite fruit! They are so juicy, sweet and tart. They make you feel like you're on a tropical island.

Pineapples (Ananas comosus) take eighteen months or longer to grow! They must be grown from the crowns or tops of other pineapples and are only harvested when they are ripe.

Pineapples are grown in Hawaii, Costa Rica, Brazil, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Ecuador, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Thailand, China and the Philippines. Christopher Columbus was the first person to bring pineapples to Europe after finding them on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe in 1493.

Pineapples are Healthy

Pineapples are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, copper, manganese and dietary fiber. One cup of pineapple provides 94% of your RDA of vitamin C and only 74 calories. Pineapples also contain a group of digestive enzymes called bromelain. Bromelain is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. There have been many research studies that focus on bromelain.

Benefits of Bromelain

Anti-inflammatory action
May inhibit platelet aggregation
May interfere with the growth of malignant cells and tumors
Enhanced absorption of drugs (amoxicillin)
Skin debridement properties (The healing of burns, pressure ulcers, etc.)
May dissolve the fibrin in blood clots facilitating wound healing (Fibrinolytic activity)
May help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
May act as a blood thinner and help relieve symptoms of angina and thrombophlebitis

Cancer Prevention

Scientists at Cornell University found that pineapples reduced the formation of nitrosamines (potential carcinogens) in humans.

Using Pineapples

Find a pineapple that is heavy for it's size, free of soft spots and bruises and free of darkened "eyes." Pineapples stop ripening as soon as they are picked, so choose one that has a fragrant sweet smell at the stem end. They can be kept at room temperature for about 1 to 2 days or stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Pineapple juice is a perfect base for marinades. Since pineapple contains bromelain, it acts as a meat tenderizer.

Pineapple Recipes

Grilled Pineapple

Maui Gold pineapple recipes

Baked Plantain and Pineapple Dessert

Vegan Light Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Rum-Spiked Grilled Pineapple with Toasted Coconu t

Surf Sweets - Natural and Organic Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Sometimes I really crave candy. Fruit and veggies don’t always fix that craving. (Not for me!) Well, one day I was at Whole Foods and went directly to their candy aisle. I love jelly beans, so I immediately noticed Surf Sweets Jelly Beans. I checked out the label and was happy to see that the ingredients were all natural and 97% organic. Traditional jelly beans are usually full of corn syrup and artificial ingredients. I found that organic evaporated cane juice is one of the main sweeteners used in Surf Sweets Jelly Beans. Cane juice is a better alternative to refined sugar because it’s less processed and retains more of the nutrients that are found in sugar cane. I’m not saying Cane juice is healthy! It’s just a better alternative when you’re looking for a sweet, occasional treat. I bought a bag or Surf Sweets Jelly Beans and was surprised at how tasty they were!

I’m a Dietitian, so I’m always checking out labels. I personally don’t like artificial sweeteners and try to avoid corn syrup. Surf Sweets are made with organic fruit juice and sweeteners, natural colors and flavors, and are fortified with vitamin C. You won’t find corn syrup or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their products. You also won’t find Yellow 5, Red 40 and other artificial colorings that are said to be linked to hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children.

Surf Sweets products are made in a nut free facility and are also gluten and casein free. They are a great treat for people who have specific food allergies and intolerances since they are free of the eight most common allergens. The eight most common allergens are: Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts), Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder), Shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp), Soy and Wheat. Many of Surf Sweets products are also vegetarian and vegan.

I was on Twitter about a week ago and decided to let Surf Sweets know that I was impressed with their candy. I didn’t even expect a reply, but I ended up getting a box from Surf Sweets a day later with their entire product line. Thank you Surf Sweets!

Surf Sweets Jelly Beans (click on the link to get Nutrition Facts and Ingredients)

The Jelly Beans are vegetarian and made with 97% organic ingredients (Products with at least 95% organic ingredients can use the word "organic".) I believe they aren’t vegan because of the confectioner’s glaze. It’s hard to tell, but I think the flavors are grapefruit, cherry, lemon, orange and grape. Since natural colors are used (black carrot juice, turmeric, annatto), the jelly beans are muted in color. Pectin is used as a gelling agent. The jelly beans have a hard shell and have a chewy consistency like traditional jelly beans.

Surf Sweets Sour Worms

The Sour Worms are vegan and are made with 92% organic ingredients. They are tart, but not very sour. The worms have a pleasant citrus flavor and are soft and chewy.

Surf Sweets Fruity Bears

The Fruity Bears are vegan and made with 96% organic ingredients. They are soft and chewy. I believe the flavors are the same as the jelly beans.

Surf Sweets Gummy Swirls

Gummy Swirls are vegan and made with 87% organic ingredients. The Gummy Swirls were my favorite because they were unique and had a little bit of a “creamy” flavor. They are very soft and chewy, which I like.

Surf Sweets Gummy Bears

The Gummy Bears contain gelatin, so they aren’t vegetarian. They contain 91% organic ingredients. They look similar to traditional gummy bears, but have a stronger fruit flavor. They are very chewy. I recognized one of the flavors to be grapefruit.

Surf Sweets Gummy Worms

The Gummy Worms also contain gelatin, so they aren’t friendly to vegetarians or vegans. They contain 91% organic ingredients. They were a little too hard and chewy for me. My teeth hurt a bit after having a couple worms.

Wrap Up

Surf Sweets natural and organic candy is a good choice for an occasional treat. I’m not saying the candy is healthy and should replace nutrient dense snacks like fruit and vegetables. However, some children and adults want a sweet treat once in a while. Surf Sweets products are great for holidays, to take along to the movies, or just as a small treat!

Made with Organic Fruit Juice & Sweeteners
Natural Colors and Flavors
100% of Your Daily Vitamin C
Free of Corn Syrup and GMOs
Made in a Nut Free Facility
Gluten Free
Casein Free
Gummy Swirls, Fruity Bears and Sour Worms are Vegan
Jelly Beans are Vegetarian

Additional Links

Surf Sweets FAQ

Feingold Association of the United States

American Academy of Pediatrics ADHD and Food Additives Revisited

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt Review

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:37:00 +0000

I'm a big fan of Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker, creamier and richer than regular yogurt. That's not even the best part! It has more than twice the protein of regular yogurt and is lower in sugar and lactose.

The higher protein content will help you feel full for a longer time! Like regular yogurt, Greek yogurt also contains live cultures (probiotics) for healthy digestion.

Why is Greek Yogurt Different Than Regular Yogurt?

Greek yogurt is strained to remove the whey (the liquid), giving it a thick and dense texture. You won't see liquid on top of Greek yogurt when you pull off the lid. Also, Greek yogurt can stay fresher longer since the whey is removed! Greek yogurt contains less carbohydrates than regular yogurt and therefore contains less lactose.

*Make sure to select low fat and non fat varieties of Greek yogurt. There are full fat versions out there that contain a significant amount of fat!

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt

I use Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt often, but I haven't had the opportunity to try Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt. Recently, I was approached by the nice people at Stonyfield Farm. They sent me some coupons so I could try their Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt. Thank you Stonyfield Farm!

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt is made by the world's leading organic yogurt-maker, Stonyfield Farm, in partnership with Euphrates, makers of authentic old-world foods.

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt has 0% fat and twice the protein of regular yogurt.

Here is what Stonyfield Farm's website says about Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt:

Called “yiaourti” in Greece, Greek yogurt is creamier than regular yogurt. Authentic Greek yogurt like ours owes its extra creaminess to a centuries-old straining process that removes the whey (liquid) from the yogurt.

For hundreds of years, Greeks have prized strained yogurt for its richness and creaminess, and because it makes a wonderful cooking ingredient that’s less likely to curdle when heated. Before the time of mechanical refrigeration, Greeks also knew that yogurt stayed fresh longer with the liquid strained off. Today we know that straining makes Greek yogurt richer in protein than regular yogurt, and lower in lactose.

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt is also different from other Greek yogurt products because it's organic! Stonyfield Farm makes it clear that Oikos is made from organic milk produced without the use of toxic persistent pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, or artificial growth hormones (rBST). You can find more information about organic farming from the Stonyfield website: http://www.oikosorganic.com/WhatIsOrganic/

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt is Versatile

You can use Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt in many recipes!

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt can be used as a healthy cooking ingredient in a variety of recipes. Since Oikos is strained, it is thicker than regular yogurt and more versatile in recipes. You can use Plain Oikos to make fat free dressing, spreads, creamy dips, fat free desserts, delicious smoothies and more.

Oikos is a great substitute for mayonnaise, cream, sour cream, cream cheese or ricotta cheese. Oikos is less likely to curdle when heated since the whey is removed. Try some plain Oikos on your baked potato or use it on a sandwich instead of mayonnaise.

My Review of Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt comes in Plain, Honey, Vanilla and Blueberry. I only found Vanilla Oikos at Whole Foods. I was lucky to find Plain and Honey a couple days ago at another store close to my house. I'm still looking around for Blueberry Oikos. The suggested retail price is $1.99, but each 5.3 oz container at Whole Foods was over $2.00. Oikos is a little expensive, but it costs more to produce organic food.

If you're concerned about the sugar content, then Oikos Organic Plain Greek Yogurt is your best choice. You can add fresh fruit or nuts for extra nutrients and flavor. I added some honey and walnuts to my Plain Oikos and it was delicious! It is a bit tangy (which I like) and especially thick and creamy for nonfat yogurt! I definitely recommend it.

Oikos 5.3 oz Plain: 90 calories, 0 grams fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, 6 grams sugar and 15 grams of protein.

Oikos Organic Honey Greek yogurt is also thick and creamy with a subtle honey flavor. I was surprised to find honey at the bottom of the container! I didn't realize it until I was almost done. Yummy!

Oikos 5.3 oz Honey: 120 calories, 0 grams fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 50 mg sodium, 17 grams sugar and 13 grams of protein.

Oikos Organic Vanilla Greek yogurt has a gentle vanilla flavor and is thick and creamy. However, it is a little too sweet for me. I expected the honey yogurt to be sweet, but I'd like to see the vanilla yogurt have less sugar. It's still pretty tasty though.

Oikos 5.3 oz Vanilla: 110 calories, 0 grams fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, 11 grams sugar and 15 grams of protein.

I still would love to try Oikos Organic Blueberry Greek yogurt! For now, I'll just add fresh blueberries to my plain Oikos!

Oikos 5.3 oz Blueberry: 120 calories, 0 grams fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 70 mg sodium, 15 grams sugar and 13 grams of protein.

Conclusion

Oikos Organic Plain Greek Yogurt was my favorite followed by Oikos Organic Honey Greek Yogurt. I liked plain the best because I prefer adding my own ingredients like fresh fruit, honey or agave syrup, nuts or low fat granola. All the flavors are very thick and creamy. I was satisfied and remained full for a few hours after having Oikos.

Benefits of Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt

Low in calories (120 calories or less per serving)
0 grams fat
High in protein (13-15 grams of protein per 5.3 ounce serving)
Certified Organic
No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
Higher in calcium than other brands of Greek yogurt
Contains probiotics for a healthy digestive system
Thick and creamy
Can be used in various recipes and won't curdle easily
Delicious!

Links:

Oikos Coupons!

Oikos Store Locator

Oikos Recipes - (Try the Tzatziki Sauce)

The Health Benefits of Mushrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Did you know that mushrooms are the "fruits" of fungus called mycelium? They grow in soil, wood or decaying matter. There are thousands of varieties of mushrooms and to untrained eye, it's very difficult to identify the differences between edible and poisonous mushrooms. Don't pick a mushroom from the ground unless you're sure it's safe to eat!

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain large amounts of the antioxidant selenium. They actually contain more selenium than any other fruit or vegetable. Mushrooms also contain the antioxidant ergothioneine, known for its anticancer properties. They are a great source of B vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. White, portobella and crimini mushrooms are excellent sources of potassium and white button mushrooms are rich in vitamin D.

If white mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet light for 5 minutes after harvesting, they may contain 869% of the daily value of vitamin D!(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12370708/)

A recent Australian study found that women who consume mushrooms daily may reduce their risk of breast cancer by two-thirds! (http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/9327)

One serving of mushrooms contains 20 calories and no fat!

Click the links below to learn more about mushrooms!

Discover Mushrooms: Nature's Hidden Treasure (American Dietetic Association PDF)

Mushroom Council

Mushrooms and Cancer Risk

Teff - Another Gluten-Free Wheat Alternative

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:20:00 +0000

image courtesy of shilohfarms.com

Teff is definitely not a new food! It is said to have originated in Ethiopia between 4000 B.C. and 1000 B.C. Teff seeds were discovered in the ruins of the Dassur Egyptian Pyramid which was built in 3359 B.C.

Smallest Grain in the World!

Teff is one of the smallest grains in the world. The grain is 1/32 of an inch! Actually, "Teff" means "Lost" in Ethiopian because if you drop it on the ground, you'll never find it!

Teff is an annual grass with very tiny seeds that have a nutty flavor. There are three types of teff: white, brown and red. White teff tastes a little like chestnuts and can only be grown in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. The flour is used to make injera, a flat bread that is used by most Ethiopians. Brown teff tastes a little like hazelnuts and can be used like oatmeal. It's also used to make alcohol in Ethiopia. Red teff is the least expensive and isn't used as much, but it is very high in iron.

Why is Teff Healthy?

Teff grains consist primarily of the bran and germ. Since the bran and germ are the most nutritious part of any grain, this makes teff extremely nutrient dense. Teff is an excellent source of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Teff also has a high calcium content and ounce for ounce, it supplies more fiber than any other grain. There are 15.3 grams of fiber per 4 ounces of flour). Other important nutrients found in teff are iron, phosphorous and thiamin. Since teff is gluten free, it can be used safely by people with celiac disease.

How to Use Teff

Teff can be found as a grain and in flour form. You can find it in most health food stores, in ethnic food stores and online. It can be stored in an airtight container or can be refrigerated for longer storage.

Teff can be used in baked goods, pancakes, as a thickener in soups and stews, in casseroles and even in stir fry dishes.

For leavened bread, use whole wheat flour with up to 20% teff flour.

To cook teff, put 1/2 cup teff and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes.

Once teff is cooked, it can even be used to make vegetarian burgers.

Teff Links

Teff Fact Sheets and Recipes

Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Teff

Teff Burgers (Bob's Red Mill)

Shiloh Farms Teff Flour

How To Save On Organic Produce

noreply@blogger.com (Dina) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Join a Co-Op - Join a Farm Co-op or a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group. You can purchase a share in a local farm and in exchange, you'll get a portion of the food that the farm produces. You can find an organic co-op or CSA in your area by going to Local Harvest.org.

Buy in Bulk - Warehouse stores like Sam's Club and Costco have great deals on organic produce. Go shopping with family members or friends so you can share the cost and split the merchandise.

Find Coupons Online or at Natural Grocery Stores - Earthbound Farm has coupons on their site. (You have to take a quiz in order to get a $1.00 coupon.) My local Whole Foods sometimes has coupons available inside the store. Also, check out Mambo Sprouts for online coupons.

Look For Low Cost Produce - Search for reduced prices on produce that needs to be used right away. I often find bags of organic spinach and veggies at Kroger that need to be used within 1-2 days. They are sometimes 50-75% off the original price!

Check Circular Ads - I've noticed that some local grocery stores advertise sales on organic produce. Walmart and Meijer have sales on organic produce often!

Grow Your Own Produce - Plant an organic garden in your yard. You can even grow some veggies on your windowsill if you don't have space for a garden. You may spend a little more for organic seeds, but you'll save money in the long run!

Shop Locally - You can find lower priced organic fruits and vegetables at local Farmer's markets. If you don't have any markets in your area, then look for locally grown organic produce at your grocery store. The price of local produce will be lower since they don't have far to travel.

Buy Produce That's in Season - All produce is less expensive when they are in season.

Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables Month-by-Month (Frugal Living section of About.com)