Showing posts with label whole. Show all posts
Showing posts with label whole. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Eating Out

I would love to talk about one of my favorite restaurants here in Calgary. If you have never been to The Coup you are missing out on something great. Many people think that vegetarian meals have to be bland and simple, and the word vegetarian brings up visions of plates of beans and salads. The Coup is dispelling those myths by creating wonderfully delicious vegetarian meals, while promoting whole, organic, and local foods. You can taste the fresh and seasonal vegetables in the dishes! I enjoy supporting local businesses who want to make it easy to eat healthy.

One of my favorite things to eat is the 'el taco', and my meat-eating significant other loves the 'falafel quesadillas'. The soup of the day is always full of tasty spices and seasonal vegetables. And if you want to try something outside of the box order the smoothie of the day and be prepared to be surprised: who would have known that a banana and basil smoothie would have tasted so good?! On the weekends I have often stopped in for a breakfast frittata with organic free range eggs, yams, and seasonal vegetables. It is a great way to start off a busy weekend. They also have a variety of salads to choose from, and if you want to start with an appetizer, try the hummus.

So the next time you feel like going out to eat but want to try something different, check out The Coup at 924 17th Ave S.W., and be prepared to want to go back to try something else!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Substitute not Sacrifice

Making small shifts in our daily routine can lead to big health benefits.  The choices we make everyday impact our metabolism, thinking processes, sleeping patterns, energy levels and attitude.  Below is a list of common household food items that can be substituted for a healthier option.


Adrianne Suggests........

Instead of White Flour: White flour is stripped of its two most nutritious parts; the bran and the germ. Most white flours are bleached to ensure its perfect “white” color. Found in a variety of products from white bread, pasta, cookies, pancakes, muffins, bagels and wraps. Labels that read “enriched wheat flour” contain refined white flour. Whole Grains: 100% whole grain products and flours including spelt, brown rice, sorghum, whole wheat, kamut, buckwheat, oats, quinoa and many more.
Try Whole Grains: 100% whole grain products and flours including spelt, brown rice, sorghum, whole wheat, kamut, buckwheat, oats, quinoa and many more.

Instead of White Sugar: When sugar undergoes a refining process, it is stripped of its vital nutrients including chromium. Watch out for cookies, pop, candy, cereal, and fruit juices that contain added sugar. Sucanat: This alternative to white refined sugar is a form of cane sugar that contains the molasses content and its original nutrients including chromium. Sucanat can be used cup for cup to replace sugar in recipes.
Try Sucanat: This alternative to white refined sugar is a form of cane sugar that contains the molasses content and its original nutrients including chromium. Sucanat can be used cup for cup to replace sugar in recipes.

Instead of White Salt: White salt is stripped of its vital nutrients and contributes to poor cardiovascular health. Prepared and prepackaged foods have the highest salt content. Sandwich meat, margarine, and canned soup are some of the worst offenders. Sea Salt: Sea salt contains its original mineral content. High mineral content results in a colored salt. Look for pink, grey, brown and black. Any color besides white is a good choice.
Try Sea Salt: Sea salt contains its original mineral content. High mineral content results in a colored salt. Look for pink, grey, brown and black. Any color besides white is a good choice.

Instead of Margarine: Margarine is a highly processed food product. It is typically high in sodium and funny fats that do not contribute to a healthy body.
Try Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a wonderful alternative to margarine. This fat is a clean burning, plant based product. It can replace margarine in recipes, used on toast and for sautéing. Anywhere you can use margarine, coconut oil can be used in its place. It tastes great too!
 
Choosing to make these small changes will improve your health in the short term and well into the future.   Which one will you try first? 

Adrianne Smith
RHN
Bundles of Energy