Better than sliced bread

In our low-carb obsessed society, bread often gets a bad rap.  Although in many cases it's justified (due to it's enriched ingredients and surprising amounts of salt and sugar), it doesn't have to be that way.  Bread can be a healthy addition to your diet if you shop smart by reading the nutrition label.  Here are a few tips:  

• Choose whole wheat breads (the first ingredient should read: whole wheat, not enriched!) 
• Find breads that have 5% or less of the recommended daily value (DV) of sodium; avoid going over 170 mg per slice.  
• Check the sugar content.  A good rule of thumb is to find a 1:2 ratio of sugar to fiber.  For example, if there are 2 grams of sugar, there should be at least 4 grams of fiber.  
• As always, the fewer the ingredients, the better!

Too confusing?  Why not make your own!  It's inexpensive and simple to do, especially if you have a bread machine.  (If you don't have a bread machine, I found several on Amazon for well under $100.)

This homemade bread has only 6 ingredients and takes about 10 minutes to put together before the bread machine takes over.  It's perfect for sandwiches or delicious just by itself.  Click here to get the recipe.

Real Summer Treats

For the most part, we eat pretty well in our household.  But like most people, there are a few areas we could improve on (cereal, granola bars, etc).  Recently I was revisiting Lisa Leake's blog, 100 Days of Real Food (if you haven't already checked this out, do it!) and as careful as I am about reading ingredient labels, I let some things slip occasionally for the sake of convenience, but after reading a few of her posts I was re-inspired to be more careful.  More careful about looking where my food is coming from; about how many ingredients are listed and how many are unfamiliar; about whether or not my food comes from a bag, box, or can.

In my opinion, eating whole foods is the easiest "diet" out there because you don't have to count or keep track of anything.  You just eat real food.  A lot of people think that means giving up sweets, but they're sorely mistaken.  It might take a bit more effort, but your food (including treats) will taste that much better.  Not to mention, you'll crave more wholesome, nutritious food, and less of the junk.

Take popsicles for example.  A typical box will have a list of ingredients including things like artificial dyes, processed sugars and other unrecognizable ingredients.  Now take a look at this:

It only has three ingredients.  And you'd recognize all of them.  These Berry Yogurt Pops are easy to make and taste so fresh.  The hardest part is waiting for them to freeze.  All you need is a popsicle mold (I found this one at Bed Bath and Beyond) and a few simple ingredients.  Find the recipe here.

What's your favorite frozen treat to make at home?

Homemade > Store-bought

Just as the name says, I like things "Made from Scratch" better than things from a box or bag.  Even if it takes a little extra work.  I like to know where my food comes from and what's all in it.  I have been itching to make hummus from scratch for a while now (I've had a jar of tahini sitting in the pantry for months) and today, I finally did.  I only have regret: I didn't make it sooner!

The flavor isn't anything special, just your classic hummus, but sometimes simple is better.  Although, now that I know how well it turns out, I'm excited to try some different flavors - roasted red pepper, spicy, etc.

You can find the recipe here.  If you try this recipe or another flavor variation, please, share your ideas below!

Back in the game

I realize that when it comes to my blogging, it goes in spurts.  But for some reason, I decided to scroll through some old posts last night and it sparked something.  I miss writing here, I just wish I had more time... But don't we all?!

This past year I wrote a column in my university's student run newspaper which focused on all things food and nutrition.  I really liked the experience so I'd like to carry that idea over here,  but cover a broader range of topics for people of all ages, not just students.

Finals wrap up next week so soon I will have more time.  (Hooray!!)  I have lots of ideas, so stay tuned!!  And please, if you have any food- or nutrition-related comments or questions, feel free to leave them below, or send them in a message on Facebook.  Who knows, maybe your question will be the focus of a future post!?

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Happy Spring Break to Me!

Yes, spring break has finally arrived, although here in Wisconsin, it certainly does not feel like it.  I think Mother Nature forgot to change her calendar because it's nice and sunny, the birds are chirping, but it's only a chilly 29 degrees outside.  I need some warm weather soon or I might just go crazy!!

{Thinking warm thoughts.}

I found a recipe for sweet potato chips on Pinterest earlier this week and I've been dying to try them.  They are from Undressed Skeleton.  If you haven't checked out her blog yet, do so!  It's very inspiring; her transformation is incredible!  She also has several recipes to browse as well as healthy eating tips that she has learned along the way.  

Anyway, I was finally able to make them for lunch today since my last class of the day was cancelled (surprise!).  I followed one of her recipe suggestions but then made another flavor of  my own.  Click here to check it out.

Is anyone doing anything fun over the weekend?  David and I are joining a group of friends for a day full of brewery (and even a distillery!) tour-hopping.  We are starting out with New Glarus followed by Minhas Brewery and finally their distillery.  I'm not a big drinker so I'm a little nervous, but regardless, it's bound to be fun!

Have a great weekend everyone!!