Whole Foods Living: A to Z challenge

Showing posts with label A to Z challenge. Show all posts

Making a Date with Dried Dates

I love dried fruits for snacking.

Dried dates. Image Credit: Freeimages

One that I never quite reach for often enough is dates. The oversize raisin-looking fruit hails from palm trees, so it's not exactly fresh and plentiful in land-locked Iowa. I've only eaten dried, wrinkly dates.

I keep hearing about fresh dates stuffed with mixtures of nuts and candied fruits. They sound delicious!

Have you ever eaten dates? How do you enjoy them?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Note: Today's post will be my last submission for the 2014 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. I've had multiple blog subscribers comment that I'm posting too often (daily) and have chosen to unsubscribe from my blog. I'm also learning that when I reciprocate comments on blogs integrated with Google+, the multiple "comment posts" on my G+ page appear spammy. I write for my readers, and am choosing to respect their feedback. I will resume publishing on my regular Monday schedule on April 14th. Thanks for visiting!

Crazy for Cuties!

Call 'em Cuties. Call 'em clementines. Whatever you call them, those little balls of orange citrus goodness are addictive!

Image Credit: SXC

For the past several weeks, I've been stocking the kitchen with clementines for quick, easy snacking. They peel easier than an orange. They're approximately 45 calories a piece. And they're easy to take in a lunchbox.

What more can you ask for from a simple, healthy snack?

Do you enjoy clementines? It seems like people either love them or hate them. Please weigh in below in the comments section!

Note: Today's post is part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Each day during the month of April I'll highlight a letter of the alphabet with a healthy snack idea. Today is "C" day. Stop back tomorrow for another delicious tip!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

It's Almost Ice Cream...

I'm a sucker for a big bowl of ice cream. I love the cool, creamy dessert so much so, it decided to start hanging out around my midsection daily! Well, I've had to put a stop to that.

Image Credit: SXC

I've started snacking on a treat that's close enough to ice cream for me: frozen bananas!

If you've ever made a fruit smoothie, you know frozen bananas blend into a creamy delicious texture. Here's a simple recipe from cooking guru Rachael Ray for banana ice cream using nothing but frozen bananas and milk.

Have you ever made banana ice cream? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Note: Today's post is part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Each day during the month of April I'll highlight a letter of the alphabet with a healthy snack idea. Today is day "B". Stop back tomorrow for another delicious tip!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

My Favorite Crunchy, Sweet and Salty Snack!

In the afternoon, I almost always reach for the same snack: whole almonds.

Image Credit: SXC

Since I have low blood pressure, I opt for nuts sprinkled with a little sea salt. Almonds are slightly sweet which satisfy my sweet tooth and crunchy to keep me away from the potato chips.

Almonds are the perfect healthy snack.

Sometimes I make a trail mix of whole almonds, dried cranberries and a few chocolate chips. Delicious!

How do you like to snack on almonds?

Note: Today's post is part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Each day during the month of April I'll highlight a letter of the alphabet with a healthy snack idea. Today is letter "A". Stop back tomorrow for another delicious tip!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Healthy Snack Ideas: My Blogging From A to Z April Challenge Theme!

The snow melted, the cost of strawberries plummeted and I swapped boots for flats. Spring is almost here! That means it's time for the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

During April I'll update Whole Foods Living each day with delicious, helpful advice.

My theme for 2014 is healthy snack ideas! Personally, I'm great at whipping up a healthy meal. But when I reach for a snack, I sometimes have to think twice. Is snacking difficult for you too? Be sure to stop by each day in April for some healthy, wholesome ideas.

If you want an email reminder, simply sign up with your email address on the top, left corner of this page where it says "Get Blog Updates Delivered to Your Email!".

I hope to see you online in April!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Do you want to learn more about surviving the world of working online with words, please stop by Web Writing Advice during the April challenge!

It's Almost A to Z Time!

Image Credit: Blogging from A to Z Challenge

As I look out the window, sun beams down on quarter-size, sparkling snowflakes. But, I'm still dreaming of warmer weather. Thankfully, one of my favorite spring blogging traditions is just around the corner.

Yep, it's almost time for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.

Motivated bloggers have the opportunity to connect with writers, learn about new websites, build their email lists, make new friends and learn a little something along the way.

I'm thinking of sharing a month's worth of healthy, whole foods living snack ideas. Sounds tasty, right?

This will be my third year participating in the month-long challenge. You can learn more about the challenge and sign up with your blog on the official website HERE.

Do you plan on participating this year? Have you signed up or chosen a theme for your April posts? I have two blogs participating this year: Whole Foods Living and Web Writing Advice.

I hope to 'see' you online in April!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Wrapping Up the A to Z Challenge 2013

Whew, another April is in the books! The Blogging from A to Z Challenge was a wild ride this year. I really enjoyed discovering new blogs and seeing some old friends from last year's challenge stop by for a visit as well.

I know I'm a little late on writing this wrap-up, but I was on vacation the first week of May and didn't exactly have Internet access in our remote little cabin in the woods. (It was wonderful!)

This was my second year of both attempting and completing the blog challenge. The first year I wrote the bulk of my posts ahead of time so I could spend the month reading and commenting on other blogs.

This year I wrote a post each day, and I actually think I enjoyed that better. I didn't feel like I had to get bunch of work ready ahead of time. This challenge had a more go-with-the-flow feel. Plus, I could customize the next day's post to answer any questions related to previous posts.

During the challenge I was also nominated for a Liebster Award from Joy over at "It's a Joy!". Thanks a bunch, Joy!

Although I'm sad to see the challenge come to an end, it's nice to still see bloggers visiting and networking. I've even come across a few ambitious writers who are starting up their own monthly blog challenges to keep the momentum going. Way to go!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Zabaglione with Zucchini and Zest, Anyone?

Well, here we are. Take a breath. We've successfully made it to the last day of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. It's day "Z"!

Zabaglione is best with fruit, not zucchini! Photo: Morguefile

I've been brainstorming ideas for this post for days. The obvious "Z" to address on a healthy foodie blog is zucchini, but I'm not a huge fan. It's an ok vegetable, but not top on my list of cravings. (Yes, I do sometimes crave vegetables. Peas, I'm thinking about you! Mmmmm....)

Then I thought of "zest", but that was my "Z" topic last year. Check out my past post, "How to Make Zest".

Then a friend suggested talking about zabaglione. Well, heck yes! Who doesn't love a riveting discussion of zabaglione! (I'll wait while you Google that one!)

So, now that you're drooling, I agree that decadent Italian custard dessert has nothing to do with whole foods. You're right. But hey, the only way you can stick to a healthy lifestyle is by rewarding yourself once in awhile. So, go ahead and order the zabaglione next time you go to an Italian bistro. After all, life's too short not to indulge on occasion!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: This may be the end of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge, but Whole Foods Living is here to stay! Please stop by again, follow along with Google Friend Connect (there's a button on the left margin of this blog!) or sign up for email alerts each time I publish. I want to hear how you're staying healthy long after April ends. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Be well!

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5 Ways to Enjoy Greek Yogurt

The first time I tried Greek yogurt, I wasn't impressed. Compared to my light, smooth, ultra sweet yogurt cups I was used to, it just wasn't that good. Greek yogurt is thicker, heavier and not as sugary.

What type of yogurt do you like? Photo: SXC

Wait, that's a good thing.

Since Greek yogurt is high in protein and lower in sugar than other types of yogurt, I decided to give it another chance. I've learned to love it and now it's on my weekly shopping list.

Here's five ways you can add Greek yogurt to your day too!

Use fruit-flavored Greek yogurt as a dressing on fruit salad.
Make a parfait dessert by layering granola, berries and Greek yogurt in a pretty, clear glass.
Mix seasoning packets or dried herbs with plain Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream) to use as a salad dressing.
Serve kids miniature fruit kebabs (a strawberry and grape threaded on a pretzel stick) and Greek yogurt as a dipping sauce.
Experiment with using Greek yogurt and a splash of lemon juice in lieu of mayonnaise in cold, creamy pasta salads.

Do you like Greek yogurt? How to you enjoy it?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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XXX Food Porn Photos

Refreshing fruit! Photo Credit: SXC

Happy Saturday! We've made it through four weeks of the A to Z Blogging Challenge, so I thought it was time for a little visual reward.

Yep, you read that headline correctly. For day "X", we're gonna get extreme and look at some XXX food porn photos!

Of course we're going to keep this post clean and healthy. Get ready to drool at some amazing whole foods!

Sweet bell peppers. Photo Credit: SXC

Not all salads need lettuce! YUM! Photo Credit: SXC

Feels like summer in here! Photo Credit: SXC

Juicy! Photo Credit: SXC

So, do you take pictures of food or drinks and post them on your social media accounts to make others jealous? I sure do! :)

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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What is Watercress?

Is this watercress in full bloom? Photo: SXC

My mother likes trying new produce as much as I do. One night we had a 30-minute phone conversation about watercress. She read about it in Martha Stewart's Living magazine and has wanted to try it ever since.

In her small, rural Iowa town you can't find such fancy leafy greens.

I've never had watercress either, but have seen it at the local Hispanic grocery store a few times. I'm curious to learn how to eat it.

With a little research I've found watercress is grown in water, or semi-aquatically. It also boasts several nutritional benefits, according to Nutrition Data:

1 cup of raw, chopped watercress only has 4 calories
Watercress is fat-free and cholesterol-free
A 1-cup serving provides your daily vitamin K needs
Watercress is also rich in vitamins A, C and E

Have you tried watercress? How do you eat it? What does it taste like?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Vinegar: Condiment or Cleanser?

Distilled vinegar. Photo: SXC

Vinegar is a healthy multitasker. A day doesn't go by that I don't use vinegar is some form in my home.

The fermented, acidic liquid is made from everything from apples and rice, to wine and beer. It's inexpensive, effective and readily available. According to The Vinegar Institute, vinegar can be made from any material containing sugar.

In the Bathroom...
I enjoy using plain, distilled white vinegar as a sanitizer since it destroys germs and grease. I make a homemade multipurpose cleanser that works well on counter tops, toilets, windows and even flooring. Although there's a pungent odor, it goes away as soon as the cleanser dries. Here's the recipe.

In the Kitchen...
Vinegar is also a wonderful condiment in the kitchen. I often whisk red wine vinegar with extra virgin olive oil and dried Italian herbs to make a tasty vinaigrette dressing. Recently I splurged on a good bottle of balsamic vinegar made from red grapes. This zesty, sweet vinegar is delicious enough to use as a salad dressing on its own or to season roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or carrots.

So, do you use vinegar in your healthy, whole foods lifestyle?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Uncommon Food Pairings

Photo: SXC

Some things just go together: peanut butter and jelly; chocolate and caramel; peas and carrots.

But, what about those weird little mixtures that we somehow stumble upon and learn to adore?

You know, the uncommon food pairings that make your friends and family look away each time you indulge.

I don't think my palate craves too many uncommon food pairings. But, I have received a few odd glances when I:

Melt cheddar cheese on apple pie
Add grape jelly and ketchup to homemade baked beans
Put chopped, fresh tomatoes on scrambled eggs
Mix peanut butter into vanilla ice cream

Do these sound weird to you? What uncommon food pairings do you enjoy?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Tasty, tempting Tea!

Tea. Photo Credit: SXC

One of my friends refers to tea as dirty water. Well, I think she just hasn't tried enough varieties!

Tea is a healthy, zero calorie beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold and comes in so many flavors and types, it's tough to get bored.

If you're looking for an alternative to sugary sodas and juices, add tea to your shopping list.

Here's my top three favorite teas:

Red rooibos tea with vanilla beans
Herbal tea with a chamomile base
Spiced herbal chai made with black pepper

A writer friend of mine wrote a wonderful primer on other types of tea (including naturally caffeinated varieties that I can't enjoy due to an autoimmune sensitivity) titled "5 types of tea and their health benefits" for Vista Magazine. Check it out to learn more about black, green, white, chai and herbal teas!

Do you enjoy tea? I love brewing a pot of herbal tea made from dried chamomile flowers and rose hips flavored with a spoon of honey.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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5 Quick Healthy Changes to Make Today

Get up and move! Photo Credit: SXC

Let's face it, if a task isn't quick and easy, we might pass it by. Healthy eating is the same way.

If it isn't simple to make a nutritious meal, why not just pick up the phone and order a pizza or swing through the fast food drive up? It only take minutes and the food is hot and ready for you. It's convenient.

Well, until you start gaining weight, get winded easily and have health problems due to your poor diet!

Here's five quick ways you can start moving in the right direction toward a healthier lifestyle TODAY. Seriously, skip some couch time and do these five things...

Open your cupboards and pantry. Remove all unopened chips, candy, processed snacks and unhealthy baking mixes. Put them in a box and donate them to the nearest food bank or shelter. If it's not in the house--you can't eat it.
Drink water. Your body needs the hydration and it's calorie free. Dump that pop can or forgo your stop at Starbucks today. You're probably drinking more calories and chemicals than you realize.
Go meatless for one meal today. Meat isn't bad for you, but when you choose processed, high fat options, you're not doing your body any favors. Instead opt for vegetable soup, a salad, steamed vegetables, rice or fruit.
Do something active today. Go for a walk. Use that gym membership. Go for a swim at the YMCA. Take the dog to the park. Dust off your mountain bike. Go bowling. Do anything but sit on your rear!
Make a batch of healthy snacks. Chop fresh veggies and fruits to keep in the fridge for go-to snacks. I like carrot chunks, bell pepper strips, strawberries and grapes. These all preserve well for several days so you always have something healthy to grab!

So, tell me what do you plan to do today to be a little bit healthier?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Optimism: The Secret Ingredient to a Healthy Life

Photo Credit: SXC

Welcome to Whole Foods Living! You've obviously dropped by because you're interested in eating healthy, making lifestyle changes or learning how to say no to a second helping of dessert.

It can be difficult to change your diet without a dash of optimism.

Being optimistic truly is the secret ingredient to pushing forward in your quest for a healthier you. Being optimistic means you're hoping for a favorable outcome. Obviously staring at an uncommon vegetable or green smoothie with negative thoughts won't make it taste any better. Be positive. Be adventuresome. The only way you will expand your healthy food options is by trying new things.

Go into every new culinary adventure with an open mind. Since starting this blog I've discovered so many foods that have now become kitchen staples. Quinoa. Asparagus. Mushrooms. Squash. Brown rice. Potato flour. Lentils.

What new foods have you tried lately? Or, what would you like to try? Remember, be optimistic, not skeptic! You may just find your palate has changed over the years and you enjoy more produce and whole grains than you did as a child!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Tomorrow I'm highlighting a new food I just tried. It starts with the letter "P" to fit with the A to Z Blogging Challenge!

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Naturally Nutty Nut Butters

Mmmm! Nut butter! Photo Credit: SXC

Since I was a kid, I've loved peanut butter. The creamy spread showed up on apples for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and on a spoon as a snack.

As an adult peanut butter has become a staple in my vegetarian diet. But, I no longer opt for the sugar-filled, sodium-added extra creamy varieties. I go for pure nut butters. The ingredient list is simple: nuts.

Never heard of nut butters? Well, practically any nut can me pureed, blended and ground down into a smooth creamy paste. My personal favorites are cashew butter and almond butter.

I've also experimented with seeds and made sunflower seed butter using my food processor. The butter was delicious, but strong, so a little goes a long way!

Have you ever made your own nut butters? How do you like to eat them?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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7 Guilt-Free Munchies for Snack Time

Nuts! Photo: SXC

I have the hardest time sticking to a healthy diet when I've got the munchies. I tend to grab whatever is close without thinking about how good (or bad!) it really is for me.

Over the weekend I fell off the healthy-eating cart at a birthday party and ate several handfuls of potato chips. They were greasy, salty--and delicious. Darn it.

OK, to keep me on track, and give you a few ideas, here's seven munchies that won't make you feel guilty later. Remember, the key to any snack is also moderation!

Roasted, unsalted nuts. My favorites are almonds and pistachios.
A sliced apple topped with natural peanut or almond butter.
A banana smoothie. Blend frozen banana slices and soy milk in the blender and sip!
Dried fruits processed without sugar. Try raisins, cranberries, papaya or banana chips.
A hard-boiled egg.
Low-sodium string cheese. Check out the new, weird cheddar/mozzarella twists!
Whole-grain pita chips and hummus.

What are your go-to munchies?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Healthy Headlines for April

Photo: SXC

Today may be a day off from the Blogging from A to Z Challenge, but I'm still staying busy! I write about health, food and nutrition daily for several publishers and brands.

Here's what's hot off the press!

Want to read more? Follow me on social media!

I'm on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: I'll be back on Monday with my "M" post for the A-to-Z!

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9 Ways to Use Fresh Lemons

Fresh lemons! Photo: SXC

I have a tendency to pick produce that is on sale during my grocery runs. Sometimes I end up with a drawer full of randomness--which usually includes a few lemons.

Are you looking for ways to use up a lemon or two before it shrivels and lands in the garbage can? Try these ideas!

9 Ways to Use Lemon

Slice a lemon and add it to the top of baked lemon-pepper chicken breasts.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over grilled asparagus. (This comes from a WFL reader tip. Thanks!)
Make homemade lemonade.
Add peeled lemon to your next juicing adventure. I like lemon blended with apple and carrot juice.
Whisk fresh squeezed lemon juice with olive oil for a tangy, healthy salad dressing.
Squeeze lemon juice into a spray bottle. Add equal amounts of white vinegar and water to make a homemade sanitizing spray for the kitchen.
Make a lemon meringue pie from scratch. Everyone has to do this at least once in a lifetime!
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over apple wedges to keep them from browning in a lunch bag.
Add lemon juice to a cup of hot tea.

How do you use lemons around the kitchen or house?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Are you just finding this blog today? Well, you should check out what's been going on this month! I've been busy with the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Poke around my little corner of the web to see what I've been cookin' up!

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