Okay, so you really won’t find anything green in this recipe, but I have a minty protein “dessert” cake for you! My friend gave me some Andes baking chips, but I am not a fan of minty desserts.
Since I know one of my other friend is, I decided to tweak my chocolate protein “dessert” cake recipe (I also have a peanut butter one) and make it minty using these chips. If you don’t want to use them, just use regular semi-sweet and up the peppermint extract a tad.
I tried the cake and it was pretty darn delicious and I’m not a mint fan like I said. There are two options which you can play with in terms of fat content. You can either do unsweetened applesauce or Earth Balance (or your choice buttery spread).
I personally like using the Earth Balance, but if you are like me and need to watch that fat intake, then do the applesauce and add a smidge (or none) or Earth Balance. This recipe has 10-12g of protein depending on the ingredients you use. Enjoy!
GF Minty Protein “Dessert” Cake Ingredients (Serves One or Two Mini Desserts)
- 3 Tbsps of White Rice Flour (or your choice)
- 1/4 Cup + 1 Tbsp of Eggs Whites
- 2 tsps Earth Balance (melted) OR 2 Tbsps Unsweetened Applesauce – or do half/half maybe?
- 1-2 Tbsps of Andes Baking Chips (or regular chocolate chips, your choice)
- 1/4 tsp of Peppermint Extract (do a tiny bit more if using regular chips)
- 1-2 Packets of Stevia (depending on sweetness choice, I used one)
- 1 Tbsp of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tsp of Baking Powder
- Dash of Salt
Mix everything well into a bowl except for baking chips. Once it’s weel mixed, stir in the chocolate chips. Using one large or two mini bowls, plates, ramekins etc. sprayed down with a bit of cooking spray, pour the “cake” mixture into the bowl. Microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. Check at the one minute mark since some microwaves may work better.
Once cake is firm to touch, let stand for about two minutes then flip the bowl over to slide out the cake. Top with extra chips, whip cream or enjoy plain and gobble it up!
Question: Mint…yay or nay? Nay for me, but I may be converted after this cake!
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Tags: Corn Allergy, Dark Chocolate, Food Allergy, Gluten-Free, Protein, Protein Cake, Sweets, Wheat Allergy
I never got around to telling you guys my New Year’s resolution and goals. I have a few and some seem to always pop up. Now that I have to change my diet and lifestyle because of my hiatal hernia, it’s going to be a very productive 2013 I think. Here there are!
New Year’s Goals for 2013:
1. Get Personal Trainer Certified.
2. Launch my coaching program.
3. Do yoga twice a week.
3. Stand up for myself and not let anyone take advantage of me.
4. Cure myself from the inside and be 100% Vegetarian.
5. My optimal goal? Be 100% Vegan by my 25th birthday 
I know the last one is a stretch but it would be something nice to accomplish (or attempt at least). Looking through all the foods that I have eaten over the past year, a high fiber, lower fat, vegetarian diet makes me feel my healthiest. Why not sustain that for life?
Here you can see some foods I’m currently adding to my diet (or back). Mostly low-fat and GERD friendly. Question: How about you? What are your New Year’s Goals?
Some fun finds? This Stonyfield Blends yogurt is delicious and I am glad that it’s fat-free. It may be a bit high in sugar, but it’s going to be a nice treat for me, especially since I can’t be doing chocolate 24/7 anymore. Chocolate is the worse for any GERD issues, sigh!
Chobani’s Pear Greek yogurt: I have been dying to find it and I finally did! It tastes really good and I will definitely be getting it again. Plus it’s fat-free and has the good bacteria for my gut.
Chobani’s Bite in Pineapple & Caramel: Oh my, this was really good and even my dad liked it. I probably will try the fig one next because I can’t do the chocolate or coffee ones and pineapples affect my GERD symptoms. But if you find it, seriously try it. It’s only 100 calories and 1.5g of fat!
Question: Are you a Chobani fan/ addict? I think that’s the only reason why doing vegan 100% would be an issue. I’m addicted and it’s just so darn delicious.
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Tags: bile reflux, Chobani, Corn Allergy, Food Allergy, GERD, Healthy Living, hiatal hernia, Snacks, Stonyfield, yogurt
Clever title, huh? Well I thought it would be funny for this edition of fun finds Friday. As you guessed it, it’s all about buckwheat. I have three products to share with you; a cracker, cereal and pasta.
What is buckwheat? It’s actually gluten-free despite the word “wheat” in it’s name. Check out what vegetarian.about.com has to say:
“Buckwheat, which is commonly found in raw food diet recipes, has a slightly deceptive name that can easily cause confusion. Buckwheat is not wheat, nor is it related to wheat. It is not a grain nor a cereal and is gluten-free. So where does it come from? Buckwheat is derived from the seeds of a flowering plant.”
Orgran’s buckwheat pasta was purchased because my doctor told me to increase my fiber; as much as I can. The pasta had 5g of fiber and 8g of protein. How did it taste? It was actually pretty good and reminded me of whole wheat pasta. The texture was of “normal” pasta but with added health benefits! I will definitely try from more of this brand.
And why yes I just did. I also got their buckwheat crackers. I’ve been eating a lot of the Wasa crackers but I’d like to find a good crackers similar that I know is gluten (and corn) free. I found these and they were not bad but I don’t think I’d buy them again. I may try their rice or quinoa ones though.
Arrowhead Mills cereal? Well I am saving the best for last. I love Nature’s Path millet rice cereal but it isn’t labeled wheat free. So I found these buckwheat maple flakes that looked similar. The results? So delicious and tasted pretty close to the Nature’s Path cereal. I had some with granola and a banana. Perfection.
Question: Any new finds during your grocery shopping? Have you tried any of Orgran’s or Arrowhead Mills products? I must say they are pretty tasty and I will be trying more things for sure.
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Tags: buckwheat, Corn Allergy, Food Allergy, Gluten-Free, Pasta Dishes, Wheat Allergy
Wow this is another one of my favorite fun finds Friday. I found a delicious cracker, cheese and a cupcake. Yes, I said it and I will repeat it. A cupcake. Why don’t we just start with that, shall we? When I was in Vermont, I went to a Healthy Living store in Burlington near the University Mall.
It was actually much cheaper in a lot of ways then Whole Foods and they even have a HUGE gluten-free section filled with breads, cakes, cupcakes, tortillas. The list goes on. I spotted this dark chocolate cupcake by Chef Papi, a local business in Burlington, VT.
When I opened the package it smelled like chocolate heaven. One bite and I actually was in heaven. I am so amazed how delicious this cupcake was. I’m glad I only found it in Vermont, it may be deadly.
Nothing goes better with chocolate then a piece of cheese. I decided to try out this rice cheese by since the stats are pretty awesome with 60 calories, 6g of protein and 2g of fiber. The taste? Even though it’s mozzarella style, it kind of tastes like a cross between cheddar and mozzarella. Either way, very yummy and I would totally get it again.
What seems to be missing now? Some crackers! I found these new Artisan Nut-Thins by Blue Diamond Almonds. I haven’t eaten the regular nut thins in a while but when I spotted these, I wanted to try them out. The results? So, so good. It may just be the best cracker I ever tasted! Go find them now.
Question: Is there a local product that you truly love? In Vermont it’s definitely the chocolate from Lake Champlain and Dan’s. In Massachusetts? The local froyo shops are the bomb.
By the way, check out this awesome “healthy” vending machine at the UMall in Vermont!
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Tags: Corn Allergy, Dark Chocolate, Food Allergy, Gluten-Free, Snacks, Sweets, Vermont, Wheat Allergy
Before I go into this post, I would like to have a moment of silence for the tragedy that happened in Connecticut. It saddens me to think that someone would do something so terrible and so close to the holidays. I pray for all the family members that lost loved ones and hope that they can find the strength to cope with such pain.
***
Today was a delicious day of eats. I started out with a microwavable pancake (minus the cinnamon) topped with blueberries, cut up breakfast sausage and maple syrup.
I went to Whole Foods yesterday…uh yeah. I think I have become obsessed with it again. Especially since I found a short cut. But I just wanted to grab (yet again) a few things. I got some organic gala apples, grapes, yogurt, Justin’s vanilla almond butter, trail mix, yogurt and what is that you see?
A gluten, nut and corn free veggie burger. The ingredients look yummy (most are organic) and the stats look good (10% iron!). But how did it taste? Hilary’s Eat Well veggie burger was actually pretty tasty.
I paired the burger with the roasted red potatoes from Whole Foods and green beans. Not to mention a dollop of organic ketchup. I think I may have finally found the store bought veggie burger that can replace my former love for the Morning Star ones!
I also got some snacks for this girl that I am coaching. Yes, I am doing my first real coaching with an actual client. She is 16 years old, so I wanted to give her some healthy alternatives to her favorites. I want to start coaching more people, but more information will come on that later.
Right now I am just chillin’ with Herc. He has been misbehaving for the past few days and he knows it! As you can see, he is hiding and trying to avoid me. 
Question: Have you ever seen or tried Hilary’s Eat Well burgers?
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Tags: Breakfast, Corn Allergy, Food Allergy, Gluten-Free, Mr. Hercules, Pancakes, Peanut Allergy, Product Review, Protein, Vegan, Whole Foods
Happy Friday Everyone! I must say. This review is weird collection of finds, but none-the-less a fun one. I have a bar, soup and cookie mix to review for you. And all products are corn and gluten-free.
The bar I found on my Fairway Market trip with my mom. I was on a serious maple kick and this Taste of Nature bar caught my eye because of it. I haven’t been much into Luna Bars. Perhaps it’s just a phase or I overate them. Anywho, this bar was a very good trail mix bar. The only problem I had was that I didn’t really taste much maple in it, but other than that it was good.
The Garden Vegetable soup by Dr. McGougall’s was purchased due to the fact that I wanted something warm for those cold nights; ready to heat and eat, asap. The results? It was not bad at all but it definitely needed something “extra.” Maybe I’ll add some rice or have cheese with it.
Lastly, I have been craving chocolate chip cookies like mad. Some things I just don’t like to make from scratch like blueberry muffins. Chocolate chip cookies fall under the same category. The best part about Gluten-Free Pantry’s chocolate chip cookie mix is that it is corn free and fairly inexpensive for a gluten-free product (was on sale for $2.99 from four something).
I made the cookie into one large cookie and cut it up like a pizza. I just don’t have that kind of patience for a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. The box makes 18 cookies, but I ended up making 16 slices. Not bad, right? This cookie was amazing and it tasted no different from your average chocolate chip cookie mix. I will definitely be purchasing more products from this brand.
Question: Have you ever tried a brand that was so good that made you loving every product they had? Pre-allergy discovery, I first tried Kashi’s granola bar then moved on to every product of theirs; oatmeal, cereal, pizza, cookies…. mmm!
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Tags: Better For You, Corn Allergy, Food Allergy, Gluten-Free, Grocery Shopping, Snacks, Sweets, Wheat Allergy
Hello everyone! I am back in MA. Time to study like a mad dog as I have an exam tomorrow and a final in two weeks. Then soon will be Christmas break! I can’t wait, but until then, I shall recap my weekend at home.
My parents and I on Saturday night went to the Broadway Comedy Club in the city. My parents had never been to one and they had tickets that I gave them earlier this year. When we got there, I had to get my age verified. Pish for looking like a teenager, it’s quite annoying.
Any who, we went to eat before the comedy show, which started at 8:30pm. We ate at the Peking Roast Duck.
I ate beef and broccoli with rice. It was so good, I gobbled it up!
Then it was show time. They had a nice drink selection (they had a two drink minimum). I ended up getting a white zinfandel and my mom took my second drink. It was a really nice time with my parents; some drinks and a few good laughs is always good.
Being home for the past few days was amazing. It was nice to just unwind with my family. I haven’t been home for almost two months. The nice image of a full fridge and pantry always makes me happy. Thanks to my mom, I am able to have that.
Tons of good stuff here. I got the usual’s; fruit, beans, bars, chocolate. I also got a new So Delicious milk to try, an English muffin, Amy’s GF Pizza, a chocolate chip cookie mix and a couple of new bars. This Friday I should have a review on a few of those.
Things that I have on hand already are chicken breast, oats, tomato soup, tomatoes, rice and flour. I think this should last me for quite sometime, which the exception of maybe getting eggs and more fruits/ veggies. I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend like I did.
Question: How do you do your grocery shopping? Once per week? Twice? I usually go twice or three times, but I am thinking of nipping it to one time. It may save money on impulse spending. Thoughts?
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Tags: Better For You, Corn Allergy, Dark Chocolate, Food Allergy, Gluten-Free, Grocery Shopping, Healthy Living, Luna Bar, Maintain Weight Loss, Nature's Path, So Delicious, Van's Products, vegetarian, Wheat Allergy
Being that today is the day before Thanksgiving, I already had my eats prepared the day before because I am going to be heading to the NY after work today. It’s going to be a long one…
I can’t wait to go home, I need another mini break like when I went to Vermont. Any who, if you don’t know what WIAW is, please check it out via the awesome Jen at Peas and Crayons!
Breakfast: I had a cinnamon pear “muffin top” using Sidehill Fam’s cinnamon pear jam as a sub for the nut butter. This is seriously super delicious and fall-y. I was pretty happy that I ate it three times this week. Today is the last batch, but I will definitely be making more.
Snack: I had a cinnamon pumpkin muffin. Here is a little teaser. Oh my, it tastes so good and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you guys. Be on the look out for it tomorrow on Gobble Gobble day. It’s simple, microwaveable, gluten-free and vegan!
Lunch & Snack: Grapes, Babybel White Cheddar, Mozzarella String Cheese & Almonds was for lunch. I’m not much in a food mood. I just want to snack, hence why I put this together. For a road snack later I have a chocolate chip granola bar that my mommy bought me. Thanks mom!
Dinner: Grilled pork chops with green beans and mashed potatoes. Oh, mashed potatoes. I love when I make them because they taste so clean and home-y. Most ones that you buy prepared or eat at a restaurant are so gross and over flavored with butter. Not my cup of tea.
Dessert? Oh, chocolate mousse! Just regular mousse this time, but I mixed in some chocolate chips once it was cooled. So good. I will be making more of the Greek yogurt one. Very soon.
Question: What are you Thanksgiving plans? Are you going away, staying in and cooking, or something else? What ever your plans are, enjoy your holiday and remember all things in moderation
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Tags: "Muffin Top", Better For You, Breakfast, Corn Allergy, Dark Chocolate, Food Allergy, Gluten-Free, Healthy Living, Pumpkin, Snacks, Sweets, Vegan, Wheat Allergy, WIAW
My mom left this afternoon after spending the weekend with me. It was bittersweet to have her leave. I missed her tons. But at least I get to see her next week for Turkey Day. However, I totally forgot to tell you about this past Friday. It entails a savory recipe…
I finally had a half day to myself! I’ve been busy with friends, school and work that I quite enjoyed the me time I had Friday morning and part of the afternoon. I spent my time cooking some breakfasts for the weekend; I made banana maple oat pancakes and an apple pie like “muffin top.” That recipe will be coming soon. Stay tuned.
Once roomie came home from work, we headed to the gym. Before we went I had a pre-workout snack of Greek yogurt and homemade granola. Delicious and just enough to fuel me at the gym.
For dinner on Friday, I made something a little difference from my basil parmesan gnocchi. I got a packet of gluten-free gnocchi and wanted to make something yummy. I had a jar of Parmesan & Romano blend cheese and I decided to combine that with a similar approach to my homemade mac n’ cheese recipe.
The results? A delicious sauce that can be use for any pasta, but I of course love gnocchi. Does it even count as a pasta since it’s mostly potato? Ahh, who knows. Enjoy!
Ingredients (Serves Four):
- 1 Package of Gluten-Free Gnocchi (shelf stable or frozen)
- 1/3 Cup of Parmesan & Romano Cheese Blended, Shredded
- 1/3 Cup of Non-Dairy Milk (or your choice)
- 1 tsp of Olive Oil
- Dash of Sea Salt and Pepper
- 1 tsp of Italian Seasoning Blend (I used Mrs. Dash)
- Your Choice of Steamed Veggies (I used 1 Cup 1/2 of Brussels Sprouts)
Cook gnocchi according to package directions. While the gnocchi is cooking, place all other ingredients except veggies into a small pot on a stove top with a low flame.
Whisk ingredients together until it is hot and liquid-y. If you want the sauce thicker, add more cheese. If you want it thinner, add more milk. I personally like this balance.
Take your cooked gnocchi (drained of water, of course) and your choice of veggies and place them into a bowl. Add the cheese sauce to the bowl and stir until everything is well combined.
Divide amongst four plates and garnish with extra Italian seasoning, ground black pepper and parmesan cheese. Then eat!
(Average Calories w/ Brussels Sprouts: 295)
*Nutrition information will vary depending on ingredients used
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Tags: "Muffin Top", Corn Allergy, Dessert, Food Allergy, Greek Yogurt, Pasta Dishes, Protein Cake, Wheat Allergy
GF Minty Protein “Dessert” Cake Ingredients (Serves One or Two Mini Desserts)
Don’t know why I have been in the mood for coffee but I had the gingerbread latte from Starbucks and never looked back. I just like the warm cinnamon-y goodness.
Remember the Greek yogurt chocolate mousse 
