Friday Food Finds: Eat This!

It's Friday -- and that means I've got some supermarket treasures for you to stock your healthy pantry.   Below are a few picks from the warehouse stores, Costco and BJs.

Having a husband who was brought up eating Middle Eastern food, I had to make friends with Pita. Not my usual go-to bread of choice, I had to try a lot of brands before I settled in on Demascus Bakeries Pita from Costco.  Now, I eat it every day and always have bags on hand in my freezer.  I use it in place of bread and tortillas to make pizza pitas, bean and cheese "quesadillas", open-faced tuna sandwiches, scrambled egg gyros, and anything else I can think of.  I introduced it to my mother-in-law and she buys it now, so you know it's gotta be good!  At only 110 calories and 5 grams of fiber per serving (the whole pita!) it's also low calorie and a source of whole grains.

As I mentioned in my January Newsletter, I'm really into smoothies this month.  A smoothie for me is not complete without a serving or two of this Organic Triple Berry Blend from BJs.  Berries are superfoods  and excellent sources of antioxidants and fiber.  I love the BIG bag!

I first saw these fun Go Go Squeez snacks at Whole Foods. They're a perfect to-go treat for a preschooler or a healthy side for an older child's lunchbox. I've even used them myself on a long run in place of a gel pack!  I was psyched to find this big box at Costco.  

This may seem like a no-brainer to those of you who already love Chobani Greek Yogurt, but I think there are many of you still in the dark. Greek yogurt is strained to remove some of it's liquid, making it thicker, creamier and much higher in protein than regular yogurt. I've blogged about selecting the best yogurt in previous posts, and Greek yogurt is definitely a healthy pick. So, two things. First, go try Chobani Greek yogurt. Then, after confirming you are in love, save some money and go to Costco or BJs and buy it in bulk -- it will cost you about $1 each for 12.   

That's it for this week.  Until next time, happy shopping!

Danielle Omar, MS, RD

www.foodconfidence.com

Tea vs. Water? The Winner Is....

Last year around this time, I resolved to drink more water.  It's by far the worst aspect of my diet.  I just don't love it.  It doesn't help that my husband consumes water like it's his job, which makes my meager intake pale in comparison.

As a Dietitian, I'm always asked if diet soda or flavored water is just as good as the real thing, but water loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners isn't the best way to rehydrate or quench your thirst.  Although yes, it does "count."  The question is, can we do better?  I think so.

Enter tea.  The new water.

A recent survey of existing research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that tea is just as good, if not better, than water for replacing fluid.  The tea "replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so it's got two things going for it" explains the lead author of the study.

The antioxidants in tea can help keep your cells healthy and ward off disease.  They found "clear evidence" that drinking 3-4 cups of tea/day can reduce your chances of having a heart attack.  Other health benefits include protection against tooth decay and increasing bone strength.

Think tea is "dehydrating?"  Not so, say the researchers.  Even a strong cup of tea introduces more water to your body than it removes.  If you're a fellow water-phobe like myself, this is fabulous news.

So, the next time you're at Starbucks, skip the latte and opt for a refreshing (and hydrating) hot or iced tea.

Did I mention that tea is naturally calorie-free?   Now, go get your steep on!

Danielle Omar, MS, RD
www.foodconfidence.com

Eat This: Friday Food Finds

Welcome to my first Friday Food Finds!  Look forward to a post each Friday highlighting new and interesting (and healthy) foods for you to incorporate into your diet.

I'm ALWAYS in the grocery store, whether for myself or with my clients, and I'm always finding new foods (or getting inspired by old favorites) and I love to share!  All part of ME helping YOU get food confident in 2011.

So, up for this week are a few old favorites from my trip today to Trader Joe's.  Oh, and please forgive the photography, I'm working with a cell phone camera over here!

Not actually an old favorite, but a new obsession is Tuna in Red and Green Curry Sauce.  If you like Thai food, this is as good as it gets out of a cardboard box.  Very good flavor, big chunks of tuna (for those who think the tuna is weird here, it's not...it's very mild).  Under 10 grams of fat, and a good amount of protein, this tuna is wonderful on a bed of rice (I personally use about 1/2 cup of Jasmine rice).  Welcome to a delicious Thai lunch or dinner in just under two minutes.  Gotta love it.

Next is an old favorite and one that I am constantly promoting to my clients.  The "big bag of little bags" of trail mix are a lifesaver for me and one I rarely leave home without.  At about 170 calories/bag they're a great in-between meal snack and perfect for those on the go.  They come in 3-4 different varieties (including just plain nuts) but my favorite is the Omega Trek Mix -- loaded with cranberries, walnuts, almonds, pepitas, pecans and pistachios.  And they're good for you, too.

This treat is something I have every morning.  I enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast and these Organic Reduced Sugar Preserves are what make it happen (along with my home-made peanut butter).  Organic, half the sugar of regular preserves, and raspberry (my fav).  Enough said.

And finally, a staple in my house, Trader Joe's New England Wild Jumbo Scallops. These are a once per week dinner meal for me...so easy to cook and so delicious. I've made these every way possible and they always come out perfect.  Scallops are good for your heart and your brain!  They're low in fat and calories and rich in protein, as well as omega 3, magnesium, and potassium.

That's it for today. I hope my selections have inspired you to try something new.  I have many more foods to share so stay tuned each Friday for my Food Finds!

Danielle Omar
www.foodconfidence.com