What is...?

A brief guide to some “Less-than-well-known” foods

Seitan

·         Derived from the protein portion of the wheat grain and typically contains gluten.

·         Makes a great stand-in for meat/poultry in recipes (like stir-fry or chili) due to its “meaty” texture; however the texture can be a turnoff to those vegetarians/vegans who do not like the mouth-feel of meat.

Kamut ^(Registered)

·         An ancient grain product, similar to durum wheat but hailed for its “superior” nutritional profile. 

·         Kamut is higher in protein and may have more vitamins and minerals than typical whole-wheat products.  

·         Considered a healthy alternative to whole-wheat, a good source of protein for vegans and vegetarians

·         NOT GLUTEN-FREE so it should be avoided by those with gluten-sensitivities or Celiac disease.

Natto

·         Traditional Japanese food that is made from fermented soy beans

·         Can be eaten alone, mixed with brown/white rice or used in recipes 

·         Is a good source of vegetable-based protein (1/2 cup has about 15 grams of protein)

·         Has a unique flavor (remember it’s fermented!!) & texture- kind of sticky like a spider-web

Pea Protein Powder

·         Unconventional protein powder that is a good alternative to whey protein or soy protein powder

·          Gentle on the stomach, this protein can be easily digested

             ***Look for a combination of rice and pea protein (RPP) for maximum health benefits (Rice + Peas = complete protein source)

New year- new goals!

"New Year's Resolution" a phrase commonly used during the month of January that often dwindles as the weeks of the new year pass by.

   

Every January 1st, millions of people (including myself) decide on a "New Year's Resolution" – usually some form of a promise to ourselves or others that we will be healthier

-in one way or another- this year.

If your resolution for 2013 is "to lose weight"- you are not alone!  This has been the #1 resolution for decades and as tempting as it may seem, don't fall victim to the latest fad diet or “miracle” weight-loss pill scam that shows up.

If you really want to lose weight and keep it off forever- it doesn’t take magic-just a commitment to make small, sustainable lifestyle changes.

These easy tips can help you accomplish your goals for the New Year!

Start Simple:  The first step toward a healthier lifestyle can be something as easy as skipping the elevator in favor of taking the stairs.

Be Specific: Instead of a vague goal like, “I want to exercise more,” try being very specific by saying, “I will walk for 30 minutes, 5 days each week.”  The more specific you are the more likely you’ll be to stick to your goals.

Make it Measurable: Being able to look back at the healthy choices you’ve already made, can help you continue to make good choices in the future.  So start tracking your progress by writing down the amount of minutes you exercise, the number of days you take the stairs at work, or how many steps you walk during the day.

            Bigger is not always better:  Don’t set yourself up for failure by getting stuck on unrealistic goals.  The key to permanent lifestyle changes is thinking smaller and more short-term.  It is a lot easier to imagine yourself 5lb lighter a month from now then trying to picture yourself six months down the road.

            Most importantly, don’t be a Quitter! Just because you made a make a less-than-healthy choice once or twice (or more) doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel.  Be persistent and remember it often takes at least six months of doing something new for it to become a habit

If nothing else, remember the old adage,

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again.” _{-W. E. Hickson}