Showing posts with label protein. Show all posts
Showing posts with label protein. Show all posts

Nutritionist Brad Kloss Talks Milk, Protein and Exercise

Image Credit: Freeimages
If you haven't thought about drinking milk since the days of tiny cartons in the lunch food line, listen up.

Today on the blog we have expert insight from nutritionist and health club owner, Brad Kloss. He's the nutrition guru behind FitPro, a lactose-free natural protein shake backed by Super-Middleweight Champion of the World and celebrity fitness trainer, Danny Musico.

1. Here at Whole Foods Living, we love single ingredient foods. Tell us why you think milk should be the new super food.


Milk is a single ingredient food that combines protein with essential amino acids, fats high in CLA, carbohydrates in form of lactose, as well as high levels of calcium.

However, today's technology allows us to gently filter out the lactose sugars and fats from the milk, which leaves us with the much wanted concentrated protein and minerals.  When we developed FitPro, our goal was to remove all the lactose naturally, because we already get enough sugar and carbs from our modern day’s food options.  But getting enough protein is hard: You don't really carry a chicken breast in your back pocket. Additionally, finding convenient, healthy, natural and great tasting protein options is even harder – so we provided an option to fill that nutrient gap in our everyday life.

 

2. Several readers on WFL are trying to make healthier lifestyle decisions, which include a huge focus on diet and exercise. How does milk fit into this equation?


Milk protein in its natural state is 20% whey protein and 80% casein protein. Whey protein digests within an hour, while casein protein takes 4-6 hours to digest. Whey powders were developed primarily from the byproduct of the cheese making industry.  However, the slower digestion of casein protein helps one to feel more satisfied for a longer period of time.  It’s like a 5-hour protein that keeps feeding your body with essential nutrients. 

A consistent supply of protein, particularly milk protein which provides essential amino acids, is excellent for people who have concerns with their blood sugar levels.  Obese individuals, from kids to grandparents, need to find ways to effectively balance the scale in their favor. The best kept and simplest secret to do this is to balance the protein-to-carb ratio in one’s diet.

 

3. Some people simply don't like drinking a glass of milk. What are some ways we can get the benefits of this dairy product in other ways?


I have personally overseen and conducted flavor tests of FitPro to thousands of people, and when people taste FitPro, they realize that it isn't milk.  It does have the benefits of the protein from one of nature’s best sources with an excellent amino acid profile, but it tastes like dessert. 

Let me draw an analogy:  Soy milk is also very popular, but when you drink soy milk does it taste like a soybean?  No, it doesn't. It’s the same with FitPro. It doesn't taste like milk, but it uses milks most valuable nutrient – protein.

 

4. I'm a vegetarian, and am always looking for healthy ways to boost my protein intake. Tell me about your natural protein shakes.

 I have many friends that are vegetarians and love FitPro. One FitPro Daily is similar to a small chicken breast in protein content. My vegetarian friends always tell me that a FitPro and a banana make a perfect breakfast, as well as mid-day snack.

 

5. So, we all know milk does a body good. But, exercise is just as important. Give our readers some beginner's exercise tips to make 2015 their healthiest year yet.


I have owned more than 20 health clubs over the years and have helped a lot of people to lose weight, become healthier, and achieve their goals. The key objectives for most of us are to exercise to keep our bodies flexible and to rev up our metabolism so that we burn calories all day long.

So get moving with cardio and stretching, maybe take a beginners cycle class or a body pump class at the gym.  Work out for 45-60 minutes at least 3 times a week, and go for a bike ride or walk on the weekends. 

Always change up your routine and use resources to get ideas. For example, check out Celebrity Trainer Danny Musico’s website, which provides some amazing functional training tips that you can use in your living room. Once you get your metabolism kicked in gear, that's when you will see the inches coming off.

BUT... You must not starve yourself!  You must stay in a fat burning mode, and that means no crash diets. My friends at Diet Free Life are experts in knowing how to snack and eat everything you like, but in the right proportions and at the right time. FitPro has just teamed up with Diet Free Life to help people know how to balance their nutrient intake.  Diet fads and super work out videos come and go, but the basics of revving up your metabolism through exercise while feeding your body properly to stay in the fat burning mode is as simple and glamorous as it gets.

Thanks so much for your nutrition knowledge and exercise tips, Brad. We love learning more about the foods we put into our bodies and how they can help us maintain and boost our healthy lifestyles!


Brad Kloss is devoted to his roots as a dairy animal nutritionist who opened his own health club which now operates in multiple states. After he became frustrated with the lack of natural protein products on the market, he realized it was time to merge his knowledge of dairy nutrition together with dedication to fitness to give consumers a better protein source that they both needed and deserved. Working with the University of Minnesota's dairy science lab, he developed a groundbreaking process that takes REAL grade-A milk fresh from American farms then filters it down to become a very high-quality, lactose free, and all natural protein shake.  He also proudly continues the family legacy with his two daughters, who are both actively involved in the business. 

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

I Drank Chewy Sour Milk On Purpose

Homemade kefir. Photo Credit: David Niergarth/Flickr
As a foodie, I'm always willing to try something new. Usually the goodies are appetizing, colorful and well, palatable.

Last week a friend lovingly shared her decades old recipe for kefir. This fermented dairy drink is completely new to me. When she offered a sample, in a pretty glass jar, I wasn't excited.

It was lumpy, thick and smelled like sweaty socks. Knowing she wouldn't be pulling a fast one on me, she really did want me to drink this stuff. I graciously accepted her "treat" and took it home to try later.

I looked into that glass and wondered what I was getting into. It looked like watery cottage cheese. How was I supposed to drink that?

As I Googled information about kefir, I glanced back and forth between my computer monitor and that pretty little glass of lumpy milk. Finally, I decided to just go for it. I took a drink.

Sour. Chewy. Tangy. Tart.

I kept reminding myself of the wonderful healthy benefits everyone lists online. Kefir contains:
  • beneficial bacteria for digestive health
  • immunity boosting properties
  • calcium for strong bones and teeth
  • protein without a high fat content
  • B vitamins to nourish the blood and nervous system
Then I took another drink/bite. I had to give it a chance. But the sour odor made me start to feel queasy, so I put the glass in the refrigerator. I had enough. Unfortunately, the kefir's next stop was the garbage disposal.

So, fellow foodies, tell me, do you like kefir? Was I supposed to eat the chewy kefir grains or just drink the liquid? Was it supposed to be so sour? Although I'm not a huge fan of sour flavors, I enjoy pickles and sauerkraut, but this type of sour just seemed off to me.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

5 Reasons to Eat Kidney Beans

Kidney beans! Photo: Morguefile
They're a staple in chili, the colorful part of a three-bean salad and loved by vegetarians everywhere. Kidney beans!

But, why should you starting eating more of them? Well, here's five good reasons!
  1. Kidney beans are high in fiber, which  means they can prevent blood sugar levels from spiking too quickly after a meal. This is important for diabetics and those with hypoglycemia.
  2. Mix kidney beans with rice to create a complete protein. This is important if you're a vegetarian or eating a meatless meal.
  3. Kidney beans contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. This means they keep you regular and help clear cholesterol out of your system. Kidney beans can lessen the symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome.
  4. Kidney beans are rich in magnesium and folate, which are important for heart health.
  5. Kidney beans are fat-free and low in calories. So, eat up!
Source: The World's Healthiest Foods

I enjoy using seasoned kidney beans in lieu of ground beef when making tacos or chili! When do you eat kidney beans?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Beyond Tofu: 6 Vegetarian Sources of Protein

Almonds. Photo Credit: SXC.HU
I talk about food and nutrition with my friends and family quite often. The most popular question I'm asked is "How in the heck do you get enough protein in your diet since you're vegetarian?"

Well, since I don't eat meat or seafood, I look to natural plant-based sources of protein. I also consume dairy products since I'm not a vegan.

Why is it important?
Protein is essential for skin, bone, muscle and organ health according to the Mayo Clinic, so I try to make sure I get enough in my diet each day.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends women ages 19-70 consume 46 grams of protein each day. (For other age groups, click HERE and scroll down.)

6 Vegetarian Sources of Protein
  1. Greek yogurt: I enjoy eating Chobani Greek Yogurt for breakfast or as a snack. One 6 ounce single-serve container contains 13-18 grams of protein. (Source: Chobani)
  2. Nuts: One of my favorite go-to snacks is lightly salted almonds. I also use them to make flourless brownies and thicken smoothies. One-fourth cup of almonds contains 7.62 grams of protein--that's more than an egg, according to The World's Healthiest Foods.  (Source: The World's Healthiest Foods)
  3. Beans: 1 cup of dry beans (uncooked) contains approximately 16 grams of protein. Use them to make bean burritos, bean soup or baked beans. (Source: CDC)
  4. Lentils: I use lentils to make everything from faux burgers and meatloaf to soup and cold salads. These little powerhouses pack almost 18 grams of protein in each cup of cooked lentils. (Source: The World's Healthiest Foods)
  5. Rice: Whole grain brown rice isn't only rich in fiber and minerals, it's also a great source of protein. Each cup of uncooked rice contains 5 grams of protein. Mix the rice with beans and seasoning for a protein-packed entree. (Source: The World's Healthiest Foods)
  6. Seeds: I also enjoy snacking on sunflower seeds. Try sprinkling them on a salad or blended into a rich butter to spread on sandwiches. Just 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds adds 7.27 grams of protein to your diet. (Source: The World's Healthiest Foods)
How do you add non-meat protein to your diet?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Oatmeal

I eat oatmeal a lot. This morning when I realized I was out of fresh blueberries, raisins or dried fruit of any kind to "spice" up my breakfast, I got creative.
A few minutes later, my breakfast was ready, and it's so good I wanted to share!
A cellphone snapshot of breakfast! Yum!

Last week I made a batch of strawberry sauce (recipe here!) to use up a few pints of berries purchased for a birthday party I ended up not attending. Since it's fruit, I tried pouring it over oatmeal.

It's delicious!

This is so easy, I'm not even going to call it a recipe. While preparing one serving of plain oatmeal, toss in 2 tablespoons of milled flax seed. This adds 3 grams of protein to your breakfast and a healthy dose of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Those are the buggers responsible for reducing inflammation in the body and improving memory. You can get Omega 3's in higher doses from eating fatty fish such as salmon, tuna or trout, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. More importantly, flax seed gives the oatmeal a slightly nutty taste.

Finally, pour the oatmeal into a bowl and pour a generous amount of strawberry sauce on top. That's it! No butter or sugar needed. Serve with a tall glass of milk (soy, rice, cow or whatever you prefer!) to complete the strawberry shortcake experience.

Sure, this isn't like having dessert, but it's darn good for a healthy breakfast.

So, have you been munching on strawberries lately? They are plentiful and cheap in the midwest right now. Share your favorite strawberry related snack, recipe or creation in the comments below! I've been slicing berries and topping them with locally-raised creamed honey. Mmmmm....

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Want to browse some of my older posts? Check out:
Oatmeal Makeover! 5 Oatmeal Combinations
How to Eat Flax Seed
Is Cinnamon a Health Food?

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To Go Greek (Yogurt) or Not?

File:Passion Fruit Breakfast.jpg
Passion fruit. Photo by Thor, Wikimedia Commons
I'm that gal at the grocery store that reads labels. I go beyond the superficial "all natural" claim on the front of the package and dive right into the ingredient list.

This morning I lingered in the dairy aisle. I love Greek yogurt. I've tried several brands, from the discounted store labels to organic varieties. Today I picked up a carton of Chobani Greek Yogurt with Passion Fruit.

A quick scan of the label made me smile: nonfat milk, cream, live and active cultures, passion fruit puree, evaporated cane juice, pectin, natural flavors and locust bean gum. Perfect. Although yogurt isn't a whole food, this cup of yogurt seems healthier than some other sugar-filled, artificially dyed options.

So, was it good? Heck, yes! After peeling away the foil lid I was greeted with sweet, creamy cheesecake batter-like textured yogurt. It wasn't dry or bland like some Greek yogurts. With a careful scoop of my spoon, I unveiled the creamy yellow passion fruit puree speckled with dark passion fruit seeds at the bottom of the cup. Surprisingly the seeds added a tasty nutty crunch to the yogurt. 

This yogurt is delicious and filling. Although I just gobbled down 160 calories, I also ate 14 grams of protein (I'm always counting. Ah, the life of a vegetarian.), 3 grams of fat and 100 mg of sodium. Unfortunately this yogurt has 19 grams of sugar, which equals just under 5 teaspoons of sugar.

But, this yogurt is so good I could eat it as a dessert and be perfectly happy. Plus, the sugar comes from cane juice, not refined white sugar.

Do you like Greek yogurt? Temp me with your favorite flavors or uses for Greek yogurt!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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3 Ways to Eat Quinoa

When I decided to be a "healthier" vegetarian I researched several foreign-to-me foods, including quinoa. I even wrote about my discovery of the protein-packed grain on this blog back in August of 2010.
Cooked quinoa. Photo courtesy Morguefile.

Check out "What is quinoa?".

Since that was nearly two years ago, I've had a little time to experiment with cooking several types of quinoa. Here are my top three favorite ways to eat the rice-like grain!

How to Eat Quinoa

1. If you're new to the world of quinoa, simply pour a little into a simmering pot of broth-based soup or chili. It thickens the soup while adding fiber and vitamins.

2. Cook quinoa in a rice cooker. Use two parts water to one part quinoa. When done, season with some fresh garlic and use as a base for homemade stir fry in lieu of rice.

3. Use quinoa as a base for a cold salad. Instead of using pasta, toss fresh chopped vegetables, chunks of cheese and your favorite salad dressing with cold quinoa.

So, how do you eat quinoa? Make me hungry!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Gluten-Free Food List

Fruits and vegetables are gluten-free. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

Wheat is a wonderfully nutritious whole grain. But, if you have Celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten, eating certain grains -- including wheat -- can make you extremely sick. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale. Some oats are also tainted with gluten, because oats are often processed in the same facilities at other glutinous grains.

When I learned I had a sensitivity to gluten, I immediately thought of all the things I couldn't eat. Pancakes, bread, salad dressing, ice cream... the list never ended. But, switching to a whole foods diet and eating very little processed foods made it so much easier to be aware of gluten-tainted foods.

If your doctor has recommended a gluten-free diet, here is a list of naturally gluten-free foods to add to your shopping list. And by the way, you can have Celiac disease and eat your cake too. Just make it with rice flour! :)

Gluten-Free Food List:
  • fresh fruits
  • fresh vegetables
  • nuts
  • meat (not covered in breading or sauces)
  • lentils
  • beans (navy, kidney, pinto, black...all of them!)
  • minimally processed milk and cheese
  • eggs
  • corn and hominy
  • peanuts
  • potatoes
  • seeds
  • rice (jasmine, brown, white...all of them!)
  • olive oil
  • apple cider vinegar
  • agave syrup
See, there really are many, many foods you can still enjoy. This list is not exhaustive, and just what I could think of off the top of my head. Speak with your doctor about any specific food concerns you have while eating gluten-free.

Here are some gluten-free ideas for Easter brunch, or a special weekend dessert!
5 Naturally Gluten-Free Desserts
Gluten-Free Easter Brunch Ideas

Do you have a favorite gluten-free snack? I'm always looking for new healthy afternoon snacks to munch on while I write. Please share your snack ideas in the comments below!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Alternative: Liquid Amino Acids

Whether you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, you may be surprised to find out soy sauce is no longer on your menu. Thickeners made from wheat and barley often taint the Chinese condiment. Since I'm a lover of whole grain brown rice and fresh sauteed veggies, I was thrilled to learn about liquid aminos. The savory sauce with a salty kick is gluten-free and a close cousin in flavor to soy sauce.

Add liquid aminos to a fresh, whole foods stir fry.
                  Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.




Made from soybeans, liquid aminos also pack a powerful healthy punch. The brand that I have been using, Bragg Liquid Aminos, contains 16 essential amino acids needed for organ and tissue growth.


The list includes Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine and Lysine.

Plus, the Bragg brand is free of preservatives, artificial dyes, alcohol, chemicals and genetically modified ingredients. Basically, it's soybeans and water.

According to the Bragg website, 1/2 tsp of liquid aminos contains 310mg of protein, zero calories and 160mg of sodium. So, use the liquid sparingly if you're on a low-sodium diet. I enjoy drizzling the liquid over a stir fry, adding it to soups in place of salt and using it as a base in homemade salad dressing.

Have you used liquid aminos? Let me know!

Until next time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela
Whole Foods Living

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High Protein Foods: Pass the Peas, Please!

As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for high-protein foods. This week I stumbled upon a protein-packed food that costs less than $1.00 per pound -- dried peas.

You can imagine my surprise when I checked the nutritional listing on the back of the bag. Just 1/4 cup of peas contains 11 grams of protein. WOW!

Craving Peas
Dried split peas contain 11 grams of protein per 1/4 cup.
Photo by Jeltovski, Morguefile.com
After watching an episode of Chef Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, and eyeing a homemade pea soup, I had to make some myself.

Although I didn't have enough fresh peas on hand to make the soup, it turned out delicious and surprisingly filling with the dried peas. Thank you, protein!

Simple Recipe
I partially followed the soup recipe on the bag by simmering 1 pound of peas with 8 cups of water. Once the peas softened, I blended the mix with my stick blender, then added salt and pepper.

I know most recipes include sauteed onions, carrots and celery, but I wanted a clean, crisp pea flavor. And, it turned out delicious.

To make the soup a meal I added fresh toasted croutons to the top of my bowl. After chopping a dry whole wheat roll and drizzling it with olive oil, I toasted the bread cubes in the oven for 15 minutes at 425 degrees. They turned out crisp, flavorful and worked as a perfect compliment to the soup.

Do you have a favorite pea soup recipe, add in, topper or trick to share? Let me know. I'll be using dried peas a lot more in the future.

Until Next Time!

Choose Healthy,
Angela

Energy-Boosting B Vitamins


Dried beans, peas, soybeans and whole grains
are rich sources of vitamin B1, thiamine.
Photo by Ronnieb, Morguefile.com
B vitamins are known for their energy-boosting properties. But, what exactly are B vitamins and how can I get them from whole foods? Choose fresh whole fruits, raw vegetables, dried legumes and lean proteins daily.

Here's more about three popular B vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.

Vitamin B1 - Thiamine
Thiamine is the leader of the B vitamins. Also known as B1, thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin. Excess thiamine is excreted through urine, so the vitamin needs to be replenished on a daily basis, according to The New York Times Health Guide online.


Thiamine's Purpose in the Body
Like other B vitamins, thiamine is crucial for chemical body processes. B1 converts carbohydrates into energy and helps the heart, muscles and nervous system function properly. When someone is deficient in thiamine, they may ... continue reading.


Asparagus is a good source of
vitamin B2, riboflavin.
Photo by Sideshowmom,
Morguefile.com
Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin
Also known as vitamin B2, riboflavin builds body tissues, helps maintain vision and controls metabolic activities in the body. Riboflavin in the heart, liver and kidneys protects cells from oxygen damage and promotes energy production in the cells.

The vitamin is a team player with other B vitamins. Riboflavin works together with enzymes to convert the amino acid tryptophan into vitamin B3, or niacin. Having enough vitamin B1 in the body helps ... continue reading.


Nuts and leafy green vegetables
provide niacin, vitamin B3.
Photo by Conejoaureo, Morguefile.com


Vitamin B3 - Niacin
Niacin is a member of the powerhouse B vitamins. Also known as vitamin B3, niacin helps regulate digestion, metabolism and the nervous system. Niacin is responsible for converting food to energy. Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, works with enzymes in the body to convert the amino acid tryptophan into niacin.

Water Soluble, Replenish Often
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin. Foods rich in niacin must be consumed regularly since excess vitamins are dispelled in the urine daily. The body does not store niacin for future needs.

Adding niacin to your diet is easy by ... continue reading.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela

Garden Pasta


If your garden has an abundance of end of the season tomatoes, try this quick late-summer lunch for two. This recipe is vegetarian friendly and loaded with healthy whole foods.


(Photo by Hotblack, Morguefile.com)

End of Summer Garden Pasta

2 Tbs. olive oil
6 sliced shallots (or 1 cup chopped onion)
2 Tbs. minced garlic
1 cup chopped green, yellow or red sweet peppers (whatever grows in your garden!)
3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, including the skins
3 cups cooked whole wheat pasta or whole grain rice


Measure olive oil into a non-stick skillet and warm to a medium setting. Saute sliced shallots, minced garlic and chopped peppers until the shallots are opaque. Add the chopped tomatoes and allow the mixture to simmer and reduce for approximately 10 minutes.

For a more hearty sauce, add 1 cup of sausage-flavored soy crumbles (I like the Morningstar Farms brand) to the simmering tomato mixture.
Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti, 13.25 Ounce Boxes (Pack of 10)Spoon the sauce over a bed of whole grain spaghetti or whole grain rice.
Serve the pasta with a fresh tossed salad.



Until next time,
Choose Healthy!


Angela
Whole Foods Living

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What is quinoa?

If you like rice, you will probably enjoy the small, round grains of quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah").

The grain from South America is considered a base for many meals, much like potatoes or rice. And, quinoa packs a huge nutritional punch. This whole food is high in protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins.

Here is a quick comparison from the Quinoa Corporation:

NOW Foods Organic Quinoa Grain , 16 Ounce Bags (Pack of 6)Quinoa: 16.2% protein

Wheat: 14% protein

Millet: 9.9% protein

Rice: 7.5% rice



A few weeks ago I made a cold salad of chilled quinoa blended with avocado, a splash of lemon juice and a little olive oil in the food processor. Then I topped it with sliced garden tomatoes--and it was delicious, and filling.


If you want to learn more about quinoa, check out:
Quinoa Corporation: About Quinoa
The World's Healthiest Foods: Quinoa


Until next time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela

Venturing Into a Whole Foods Diet


I must admit, choosing to eat whole foods hasn't been as simple as grazing a salad bar. To maintain proper nutrition, get enough protein in my (vegetarian) diet and feel full, I've had to learn about some foods that used to be foreign to me.
Good Eats: The Early Years

In the past month I've ventured into the world of cooking lentils, split dried peas and quinoa.

And, it was easy.

The hardest part was finding these items at the grocery store.

During my new food adventure, I must admit, my favorite recipe so far comes from Alton Brown, the host of the Food Network show "Good Eats." On the next cool evening, I highly recommend putting a pot of this soup on to simmer!


Until next time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela