Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Good Bean
Garbanzo bean, chickpea, chi chi bean; no matter what you call it it's a staple of a good vegetarian diet the world over. This versatile bean is packed with protein and fiber and is low in fat.
Unlike falafel, which is a deep fried chickpea conglomeration that sits in my stomach like a spicy brick, the Good Bean chickpeas are slow roasted and easy to digest. It's perfect for traveling or a protein pick-me-up between meals.
The first thing that I noticed when I opened a bag was the size and shape of the chickpeas. They were much smaller than the ones I was used to eating. I did some research on the Good Bean site and discovered that they use a different variety of chickpea called the "Desi" chickpea. This variety has three times the fiber and half the carbohydrates as the ubiquitous (vocab points!) "Kabuli" chickpeas which are the variety used in cans. Another advantage unique only to the Desi variety is that they have a low glycemic index so they are suitable for diabetics.
The second thing I noticed was that the beans looked like they may break my teeth upon impact. They looked very similar to the shape and size of dried chickpeas that you would buy for soaking. I tossed back a few and was relieved to bite into a very tender and delicious treat. I was hooked!
I have tried three of the four flavors: cinnamon, sea salt, and cracked pepper. My favorite was the sea salt. I'm looking forward to trying the smoky chili lime.
Unlike falafel, which is a deep fried chickpea conglomeration that sits in my stomach like a spicy brick, the Good Bean chickpeas are slow roasted and easy to digest. It's perfect for traveling or a protein pick-me-up between meals.
The first thing that I noticed when I opened a bag was the size and shape of the chickpeas. They were much smaller than the ones I was used to eating. I did some research on the Good Bean site and discovered that they use a different variety of chickpea called the "Desi" chickpea. This variety has three times the fiber and half the carbohydrates as the ubiquitous (vocab points!) "Kabuli" chickpeas which are the variety used in cans. Another advantage unique only to the Desi variety is that they have a low glycemic index so they are suitable for diabetics.
The second thing I noticed was that the beans looked like they may break my teeth upon impact. They looked very similar to the shape and size of dried chickpeas that you would buy for soaking. I tossed back a few and was relieved to bite into a very tender and delicious treat. I was hooked!
I have tried three of the four flavors: cinnamon, sea salt, and cracked pepper. My favorite was the sea salt. I'm looking forward to trying the smoky chili lime.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Rhythm Chips (The rhythm is gonna get you)
My previous experience with a different brand of kale chips was one I hoped to forget. Flavorless kale shards is what they should have called them. So I was hesitant when a broker for Rhythm chips asked me to try a sample. He kept insisting they were great, so against my better judgement I tried them. I could not believe how tender and flavorful these kale chips were. We almost devoured the whole bag while we worked.
These chips are addictive. The only thing that stops me from going on an all out Rhythm chip gorge-a-thon is the price. A bag will cost you about 6 bucks. You have to remember that these are high quality, nutrient-packed chips that are good for you. So it's worth it.
Rhythm chips are raw. They are dehydrated at a low temperature which keeps the living enzymes intact. They are also vegan, gluten free, cholesterol free and GMO free. They come in three delicious flavors: Kool Ranch, Bombay Curry, Zesty Nacho, Texas BBQ and Mango Habanero.
For more info please visit their site:
http://rhythmsuperfoods.com/
These chips are addictive. The only thing that stops me from going on an all out Rhythm chip gorge-a-thon is the price. A bag will cost you about 6 bucks. You have to remember that these are high quality, nutrient-packed chips that are good for you. So it's worth it.
Rhythm chips are raw. They are dehydrated at a low temperature which keeps the living enzymes intact. They are also vegan, gluten free, cholesterol free and GMO free. They come in three delicious flavors: Kool Ranch, Bombay Curry, Zesty Nacho, Texas BBQ and Mango Habanero.
For more info please visit their site:
http://rhythmsuperfoods.com/
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Thrive Fitness
I have just finished reading Brendan Brazier's book Thrive Fitness and I have found it to be extremely helpful in fine-tuning my diet and exercise program.
Brendan is a professional triathlete and fellow vegan who has written a very informative and inspiring book.
If you feel apprehensive about your fitness level and question whether the training program in this book might be too advanced for you, don't. Brendan has included an adaptation phase for people who are just starting out. I considered myself to be in good physical shape before reading the book but my cardiovascular health was below average.
I have been trying to incorporate running into my life for the past couple of summers to improve my cardiovascular health but have been unsuccessful due to injuries. I have had problems with my shins, knees and ankles which would ultimately become so bad that I would have to quit running. I discovered through Brendan's book that I was training beyond what my body was physiological capable of. Like most new runners, I ran too often and increased my mileage too soon. A typical result of too much enthusiasm and not enough knowledge. After reading the book, I cut back on my running and felt much better. Brendan also included exercises to ward off shin and knee pain which have also helped me to become a better and more consistent runner. I have noticed a drastic improvement in my cardiovascular health and feel more energized than I have in a long time.
What I really enjoyed about Brendan's approach to exercise was his efficiency. He recommends only exercises that have significant results in minimal time. This is great news for a culture that believes that there is never enough time in the day to do the things we most want to do. This approach is also true of his diet. He recommends high net-gain foods that put minimal strain on your digestion but offer superior nutrition. These nutritionally dense foods fuel your body efficiently. Highly processed foods offer little nutrition for a lot of digestive effort and could be considered low net-gain foods.
Whether you are just starting out on your fitness journey or have been on the path for years, I believe Brendan's book will be of great help to you. His years of knowledge are conveyed concisely and his enthusiasm for health and well-being is contagious.
Brendan is a professional triathlete and fellow vegan who has written a very informative and inspiring book.
If you feel apprehensive about your fitness level and question whether the training program in this book might be too advanced for you, don't. Brendan has included an adaptation phase for people who are just starting out. I considered myself to be in good physical shape before reading the book but my cardiovascular health was below average.
I have been trying to incorporate running into my life for the past couple of summers to improve my cardiovascular health but have been unsuccessful due to injuries. I have had problems with my shins, knees and ankles which would ultimately become so bad that I would have to quit running. I discovered through Brendan's book that I was training beyond what my body was physiological capable of. Like most new runners, I ran too often and increased my mileage too soon. A typical result of too much enthusiasm and not enough knowledge. After reading the book, I cut back on my running and felt much better. Brendan also included exercises to ward off shin and knee pain which have also helped me to become a better and more consistent runner. I have noticed a drastic improvement in my cardiovascular health and feel more energized than I have in a long time.
What I really enjoyed about Brendan's approach to exercise was his efficiency. He recommends only exercises that have significant results in minimal time. This is great news for a culture that believes that there is never enough time in the day to do the things we most want to do. This approach is also true of his diet. He recommends high net-gain foods that put minimal strain on your digestion but offer superior nutrition. These nutritionally dense foods fuel your body efficiently. Highly processed foods offer little nutrition for a lot of digestive effort and could be considered low net-gain foods.
Whether you are just starting out on your fitness journey or have been on the path for years, I believe Brendan's book will be of great help to you. His years of knowledge are conveyed concisely and his enthusiasm for health and well-being is contagious.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Golden Buckwheat Breakfast
Ingredients:
1 cup dry buckwheat groats
2 apples - peeled, cored and cut into chunks
(I like to use one McIntosh and one Gala.)
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
Directions:
Soak one cup of buckwheat groats in water for 30 minutes to an hour. (This will start the germination process which brings the dormant seed to life. This process makes the seed more digestible and more nutritious. Buckwheat has one of the shortest germination times because it absorbs water so rapidly.)
Drain the groats and rinse thoroughly. The soak water should be thick and starchy. Keep rinsing the groats until the water runs clean.
Blend the groats in a food processor until smooth.
Add the peeled and chopped apples, cinnamon and vanilla into the mixture and blend.
Top with chopped walnuts or slivered almonds. Raisins and chopped dates also work well with this dish if you prefer something sweeter.
Makes approximately 3 servings. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Creamy Dill Cucumbers
Ingredients:
2 large cucumbers
3 tbs Vegenaise
2 tsp white vinegar
1/4 tsp sea salt
Pepper to taste
Finely chopped dill
Directions:
Peel the skin off the cucumbers and cut into very thin slices.
Lay the slices on a paper towel to wick moisture away. Leave the slices in the open air for an hour to dry off. (This is a crucial step. The cucumbers will soak up more of the dressing if they are allowed to dry.)
Put the cucumbers in a bowl and add the salt, Vegenaise, and vinegar.
Mix until dressing is equally distributed.
Finely chop the dill and blend into the salad.
(I use one small sprig of dill but the quantity of dill is up to you.)
Add the pepper last. You only need a very small amount.
You may need to alter the amount of dressing depending on how thin the cucumber slices are and how long they were allowed to dry for.
Refrigerate overnight to ensure that the flavors blend.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
New Products From Sambazon
Sambazon has introduced three new exciting products: Vanilla Acai Protein, Chocolate Acai Protein and Acai with Orange Juice.
Manitoba Harvest hemp protein is used in both protein smoothies. It is is an organic whole food protein, not an isolate which is manufactured using chemicals. The blend of soy milk and hemp yield 10 grams of protein per bottle.
Sambazon's creators discovered the acai berry during a 1999 surf trip (pretty cool) to Brazil. The Amazon berry is high in antioxidants and omega fatty acids.
The taste profile on the protein drinks is surprisingly good. Why surprising? Because hemp protein can be gritty. Sambazon has crafted a very drinkable hemp smoothie. The vanilla is, in my opinion, the best of the two. It's like drinking a vanilla milk shake, without the milk of course. If you feel decadent and bold then try the chocolate. It knocked me out it was so strong. I had to ration it through out the day so my blood sugar didn't spike too much. Both have over 20 grams of sugar per bottle.
Another surprise is how well orange juice compliments acai berry! This drink would be perfect for breakfast. This orange juice drink is bursting with vitamin C and all of the amazing benefits of the acai berry which makes it a healthy way to start your day.
All three products are excellent additions to the already expansive acai line by Sambazon. So, like the Sambazon marketing team says: Get with the purple Berry!
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