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

5 Minute Spring in Winter Salad

Spring-in-Winter Salad. Photo: Angela Tague

I can't wait for the snow to melt so I can start digging around in the garden. So, lately I've been bulking up on fresh, raw produce to soothe my "I wish it were spring" cravings.

One of my favorite salad bases to experiment with is cabbage. Well, actually those bags of pre-cut cabbage slaw. They usually contain shredded red or green cabbage and shaved carrots. As a bonus, these are usually quite inexpensive during the winter in my neck of the woods.

Yesterday I whipped up a zesty salad that instantly made me think of warmer weather. Try this 5-minute cabbage salad as a side dish with dinner tonight!

Spring-in-Winter Salad

• 1/2 bag of cabbage-based cole slaw mix
• 1 big apple
• 2 limes
• 1 cup salted almonds

  

  Photo: Angela Tague

1. Pour approximately 1/2 of the bag of cabbage-based cole slaw mix into a large mixing bowl.
2. Wash the apple and limes. I like to use a bright red apple such as Fuji, Braeburn or Jazz. Chop the apple into bite-size cubes. Place them on top of the cabbage mix. 
3. Slice the two limes in half and squeeze the fresh juice over the apples. This helps prevent browning and adds the zesty spring flavor to this salad.
4. Use a small food chopper or food processor to chop the salted almonds. Then, sprinkle them on top of the apples. Use a pair of tongs to toss and mix the salad. That's it!

If you're making this salad for a holiday celebration, try using two small apples: one red and one green. You can also add dried cranberries or raisins to this salad for an extra touch of sweetness.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Visit me on Twitter to read more articles about health and nutrition!

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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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Oatmeal Makeover! 5 Oatmeal Combinations

I really do enjoy oatmeal. If you're envisioning a bowl of mushy gray overcooked oats covered in sugary additives, you haven't ventured past the world of microwave quick oats packets. With whole grain steel cut oats and stove top cooked oatmeal readily available, give this heart-healthy whole food a second chance.

Enjoy oatmeal with fruits, nuts and seeds.

 

                      Photo courtesy Morguefile.com

 

 

 

 

Plain oatmeal is boring. I agree. That's why I treat this breakfast-regular like a blank slate each morning. I enjoy experimenting with various oatmeal toppings and mix-ins to create new flavors. From fruits and nuts, to seeds and sweeteners, here are five of my favorite oatmeal combinations.

1. Blueberry Pie Oatmeal
Mix fresh washed blueberries, milled flax seed and almond slivers into the oatmeal a minute before it's done. The blueberries will get warm, and the almonds will not get mushy.

2. Sweet and Salty Oatmeal
Sprinkle salted sunflower seed hearts and a drizzle of honey over a fresh hot bowl of oatmeal.

3. Apple Cobbler Oatmeal
Add a fresh apple cut into cubes to the oats while they cook. Then a minute before the oatmeal is done, stir in ground cinnamon, milled flax seed and chopped walnuts.

4. Mixed Berry Oatmeal 

Try folding raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and a sprinkle of powdered stevia into a hot bowl of oatmeal.

5. Strawberry Oatmeal
This simple oatmeal mix-in is 100 times better than the dried strawberries found oatmeal packets. Simply add sliced strawberries and a packet of stevia to the oatmeal while it bubbles and cooks.

So, what's your favorite way to eat oatmeal?
Please share in the comments below!

Until next time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela
Whole Foods Living

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