Healthy Homemade Popcorn

It's a 10pm. 

You're lonely. 

You're hungry. 

What do you do? 

Call the nearest Domino's for their new cheesy bread?...they've never let you down.

 No... put down that phone. 

5 out of 7 nights I find myself in this situation.... a bad case of the munchies. How do I satisfy my endless cravings? One word: popcorn. Like Kel loves orange soda, I love popcorn. You get a lot of bang for your buck in the calories department (2 tablespoons = 70 yummy calories) which makes late night noshing more guilt-free.

I've always used bagged popcorn. It's simple and convenient to take anywhere for a quick snack.... but my heart has been slightly bruised upon reading an article from Shape magazine about the new found dangers of microwave bagged popcorn. Here is the heart breaking news: 

"Popcorn is a whole grain that is as delicious as it is fun to eat, but the microwave varieties—even those labelled as "healthy"—are a causing a stir among scientists. Here's why: Microwaving can cause chemicals in the lining of the bag, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), to vaporize and leach into your popcorn According to a recent study from UCLA, PFOA;s are part of a "class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans." What's worse, PFOA’s at a certain level cause cancer in laboratory animals, so there is concern that these chemicals could similarly build up in humans and cause cancer".

Yikes. Rats. Cancer. Not to mention that I don't wanna mess with my infertility (I plan to pop out many babies). Taken this with a grain of salt but, nevertheless, it's good information to be familiar with.

I was bummed for about 5 minutes until I discovered a quick fix. Why not microwave popcorn the old fashioned way. You can measure out the portions depending on how ravenous you are AND you reduce waste by not having to throw away a burnt bag.

I got this popcorn popper for Christmas from SANTA! He always gives the best presents. You can buy these washable and microwavable safe poppers for 10 bucks or less. Target has some nice ones!

I've definitely gotten my moneys worth and saved a ton from not buying boxes of bagged kernels. Plus when it's all popped, it's completely naked so you can season it any darn way you want!

Happy Popping!

Kale is King: All Hail Kale

I love salt, so much that I would make a sodium podium and preach from it daily. I love peanuts, popcorn, jerky and potato chips....Mmmmm chips. A new bag of chips is like opening a can of worms.... actually I never understood that expression but it applies to the point I'm trying to get across. It takes an intangible and god-like power to resist polishing off an entire bag. So, since this is obviously impossible... I have a chip alternative: Kale.

Kale is king. It represents a love child made by broccoli and seaweed and also is one of the most nutritious vegetables! It's high in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. There's 18 kcals in a 1/2 cup and 0 fat. But the most fascinating thing that I discovered about kale is that it takes on a salty- chip consistency when baked... I present to you kale chips. Call me crazy (it won't be the first time), but these chips are a great and healthier alternative to the fatty and oily potato chips, plus they're super simple to make.


         What you'll need:

• A bushel of kale
• Oven
• Pan
• Aluminum foil
• S/P for seasoning

First, pre-heat the oven to 350. Perfect. Now, line the pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray to avoid sticking. Shuck the washed leaves of the stalks and scatter on the pan (there's no need for the stalks for this recipe). Spinkle with some salt if desired but I find naked kale to be kind of salty so salt with caution. Next, bake for 10-15 minutes andddd wait.

Here's a joke while you wait:

What did the lettuce say to the celery? 

......

......

......

A: Quit stalking me!

HAHA!

Kale's done! Voila!

My New Addiction: Cinnamon Apple Straws

I am not a huge fan of Wal-Mart, but am forced to shop there because there isn't a Wegmans or Target within a 100 mile radius of my university; but, I do give them credit for beginning to stock healthier and organic options...which brings me to my new found love: Cinnamon Apple Straws. I found these randomly on a Wal-Mart shopping escapade...so for that (and that reason only) I thank you, Wal-Mart.

No

Yes 

Here are  5  6 reasons why I'm obsessed:

1. 38 straws = a serving (130 kcal).. this makes me happy because I can munch mindlessly without feeling like I'm consuming half of my daily calories
2. The ingredients list impressed me.. usually a snack like this is too good to be true, but the ingredients proved to be very simple and chemical-free; I'm not a chemist and was able to pronounce every ingredient!
3. They're crunchy and sweet.. these little guys satisf my sweet tooth and my craving for something crunchy...it's like a BOGO sale in my mouth
4. They come in a variety of flavors.. if you're not a fan of cinnamon, the same company has veggie and potato straws...perfect to satisfy a sweet starch tooth
5. They're healthy.. yay!, a snack that claims to be good for you that actually is! More, puhhhlese
6. They're college budget friendly.. less than 3 bucks a pop

So that's my plug for the Apple Straws. 

They're nutritious, delicious, and if you polish off a bag by yourself, hey, it's okay. Enjoy licking the cinnamon-y crumbs off your fingers...it's the best part.

The 5 Minute Ice Cream-less Cinnamon Banana Milkshake

I am going to the Adirondacks for a fun-filled vacation of reading, relaxation and everything outdoors. Yay! Many wouldn't define a vacation by hiking, biking, running and camping or really anything that requires exerted engery; but, these activities are the cherries on top of a perfect week. So, being vacation and all, I will have little to no contact with the social world (and that is A-OK with me). So I leave you with an incredibly simple and delcious recipe before I bid farwell to civilization and say hello to the wilderness; I have been obsessed with this healthy and yummy treat for the past week!

This ice cream-free shake is perfect for an after workout snack because it contains essential ingredients to rebuild and refuel the body (bananas and milk are post-workout superfoods). I often can't wait for a work out to have one, so I'll make it for breakfast! It's the easiest milkshake/smoothie you'll ever make.

What you'll need

2 (or more) Bananas

Milk of any kind (or soy/almond)

Cinnamon

A Blender

Optional Add-Ins

Protien Power (check)

Flaxseed (check)

Honey

Wheatgerm

Cocoa Powder

First off, the key to this shake is to freeze the bananas prior (this may require a little planning ahead); the frozen bananas makes the consistency super thick and creamy without the ice cream, delicious! Once frozen, break them into pieces and place in blender (you may need to throw 'em in the microwave for a few seconds depending on how rock solid they are). Add about a cup of milk and a couple dashes of cinnamon to taste. I also add a scoop of soy protien for a boost, some flaxseed, and a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder if I'm craving a chocolate fix.

Blend together, pour, and enjoy!

So good!, let me know if you try this recipe out :)

Adios! See you soon!

 

 

The Anatomy of Trail Mix

     
 You don't need to be a nutritionist to know that trail mix is (a) yummy, (b) addictive, and (c) unfortunately, a caloric stomach bomb when several servings are consumed per sitting (a normal serving in only 3 wimpy tablespoons). And how can you have just one serving? If you have that much self control, I would like to meet you. I personally would need the willpower and concentration of a Buckingham Palace guard to only have one delicious handful. Each scoop somehow satisfies each and every sweet/salty tooth I have (and I own a mouthful). The good news!, gorp is beneficial for your health when you don't polish off a whole 48 oz. bag by yourself (guilty).

Trail mix, you slay me.

There are countless gorp combinations, but the basic trail mix mixture includes: almonds, raisins, M&Ms, peanuts, and cashews. Lets do a nutritional biopsy on this addictive mixture and get a closer look on what we're really eating inhaling. Let's go nuts.

Almonds

Almonds get a bad rap for being fatty, but they are actually high in monounsaturated fats (the good fats like avocados) which keeps your heart strong and healthy! They are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. These knarly nuts are also high in vitamin E, fiber, and calcium which equates to a cancer fighting formunla! A serving of almonds (an ounce) is 170 calories and 130 fat calories, so one serving provides 105% of the DV of vitamin E and 60% DV of magnesium; and since magnesium is used to treat depression it would be safe to say that almonds can make you happy (if the nutritional benefits don't already make you smile).

Raisins

Raisins deserve more of an introduction than just "wrinkly grapes", or the comparison indicator of prune-y fingers and toes after a long, hot shower; they are actually amongst one of the most nutritional dried fruits! Raisins are low in sodium, cholesterol-free, high in fiber and fat-free! They also provide a quick energy boost (no need for 5 hour energy drinks) being 70% pure fructose. No longer do raisins need to compare themselves to their cousins, the Grapes of Wrath. I dub them the Raisins of Rage.

M&Ms

We're all anxiously waiting to hear if M&Ms are as nutritional as they are tasty. I mean, if they're co-existing with the previous nutritional superheros they must be healthy versus purely decorative, right? Well, since M&Ms are usually milk chocolate rather than dark, that negates the antioxidant factor. I will, though, give M&Ms the mental benefit. We need that chocolate kick to satisfy our sweet tooth cravings and to balance out that salty element (I mean who doesn't pick out all the colorful Ms to only leave a bag of nuts for the next person...fess up, we all do it). M&Ms are the bright highlight of every bag and that's benefit enough.

Peanuts

Dumbo had the right idea because these legumes (yes, you read correctly; peanuts are not actually true nuts but related to peas and beans!) pack a powerful nutritional punch. Peanuts (peapeas?) are rich in energy, antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins. They are also very high in monounsaturated fats! It is said that people who eat nuts at least twice a week are less likely to gain weight than those who don't go nuts.

Cashews

Last but certainly not least: the kidney shaped nut; and since nuts play a role in a healthy diet, cashews do indirectly benefit the kidneys! Cashews have a lower fat content than other nuts, and contain a substantial amount of vitamin K which the body uses to clot blood. One ounce of cashews contain 155 calories and provide 5g of protein. Not too shabby.


There you have it. The sweet and salty truth. We have concluded that trail mix is in high in numerous nutrients that keep the body healthy and well: rich in fiber (keeps you regular, if you catch my drift), vitamins, energy, and good fats! As long as you don't over do it, I see trail mix as a friend rather than foe! Still can't resist the constant hand dipping? I use measuring cups. For a mid-morning snack, I'll measure out 3 tablespoons (usually topped off with plenty of M&Ms) of trail mix and bring it to work in a zipped-locked baggy. This way I'm not tempted to pick and indulge guilt-free! I'm sold. Trail mix is powerful and nutritional heterogeneous mixture and a healthy excuse to grab your nuts (but remember, within moderation).