Ayo A Tasty Almond Yogurt

Yogurts are always good for you. Add almond milk to the mix and it gets even better.AYO Almond milk yogurt is just that, good for you along with being delicious and even refreshing.

AYO is one of the oldest yogurt companies, starting in 1913 by the Billings family. They grew almonds in the San Joaquin Valley and also own Billings Ranch and Pacific Almond. The last produces a variety of different nut milks and even soups including bone broth. Being a big fan of anything almond, I decided to give the yogurts a try.
             

The four flavors are vanilla, peach , blueberry, and strawberry. They're not as thick as traditional yogurts, being made with almond milk. 

The texture's a bit like the Indian yogurt drink lassi, very liquid-y. All

the flavors , are colored the same , thanks to the addition of red cabbage extract

The vanilla is delicate in flavor while the fruit ones have small bits of peaches, strawberries or whole blueberries. They are perfect because they're not overpowering in taste. I think AYO yogurt would be good frozen as an ice cream. It seems to lend itself to it.They are low in calories too, another reason to love them. The blueberry and strawberry are only 150 while the peach and vanilla are 160 calories.

AYO almond milk yogurt is the perfect and refreshing summer snack. It's good for you and good for the planet. Try a  cooling cup today to beat the heat.

Lose That Holiday Fat

The worst thing about January is dealing with all that post-holiday fat and bloat.The best thing is making a resolution to eat better and healthier. It's just  matter of adjusting and making wise choices.

We're probably all cookied and candied out. After all, our nibbling involves every kind of holiday cookie, from sweetly decorated sugar cookies to homemade chocolate chip with maybe a few shortbread and oatmeal types thrown in. It's tempting to continue this, for dessert or snacking. Resist. Thanks to the wonder of importing, we can buy all sorts of fresh fruit, from blueberries to pineapples. Finish a meal with some watermelon or cantaloupe chunks. Snack on some blackberries or grapes.If you don;t want to deepen your carbon footprint by buying any of these imports, then think about canned fruit in water or a light syrup. Also, a cup of hot cocoa,is only one hundred fifty calories. Have it with low fat whipped cream for a decadent dessert Better yet , consider yogurt as a nice alternative. Yoplait has those mousse like Whips which taste and feel like a more decadent dessert.Chobani has the fun flips, a mix of yogurt, nuts and chocolate or fruit. It's a way to indulge that sweet tooth without gaining a  pound.

Chobani also has saviory yogurt mixes, perfect for those of us who still crave holiday party chips and dip.Their new Meze style dip is a smart combo of veggies and Greek yogurt. Best of all they 're only twenty-five calories  and have only ten fat calories. The flavors range from roasted red pepper to chili lime to three peppers to Parmesan onion. Dip the ever low calorie Triscuit in them for some crunchy fun. Pretzels also make a good low-calorie snack too as does popcorn, During the holidays we tend to reach for sodas or mixed cocktails to celebrate. All that sugar will only add on an extra jeans size. Go back to water and seltzer. They 're also much more refreshing, even on a chilly day.Go for refreshing and calming herbal teas after a season of pumpkin spice or peppermint lattes. After three months of ingesting basically liquid cake,a soothing cup of chamomile or green peppermint is a nice way to end a busy day It's also a good time to go back to eating, healthier meals, Instead of continuing with gravy laden holiday roasts. Think a lower calorie ratatouille instead of roast beef or turkey with gravy. if you want still want roast, think of a chicken with rosemary and no gravy.

 The holidays were culinary  fun  but it's time to get back to decent eating again. This means better and wiser choices with nutritious foods and drinks. Not only will you feel better but lighter too,

A Low Cal Thanksgiving

Is it possible to lose weight on Thanksgiving? Surprisingly yes! If you cook lighter variations of the holiday plates, you can actually shed a pound or two. It's creating tasty dishes without the excess.

Turkey in itself , is a low calorie meat.Three ounces of boneless skinless white meat is only ninety calories and ten calories of fat. A drumstick with the skin is 285 calories.,If you're a big lover of the crackly skin you may want to just have the wing. It's 229 calories , a little less than the legs. Many people love the skin part and don't want to give it up. If that's the case, go easy with the sides and desserts.f you opt for just the white meat consider making it tastier along with moistening it with gravy. One quarter of a cup of  homemade gravy is only 64 calories.  What compliments the meat and gravy? Stuffing, of course Is it possible to make one that's lighter? It can be.  Instead of bread use bread crumbs mixed with that healthy whole food  mushrooms. You can also sub in toasted  low calorie bread cubes too. These can be nicely paired with apple slices for a unique sweet take. Think about a stuffing made with breadsticks or pretzels sticks. Kids will get a kick out of the last. The pretzels do have to be soaked in a bowl of hot water for five to seven minutes to soften them. You could also try farro which is a wheat grain too.Cook it with caramelized onions and porcini mushrooms.

Those tasty sides can also be made without all that fat and richness. The classic green bean casserole is 160 calories . That's not too bad. however ,a cup of steamed is only 44 calories. They can be steamed with lemon and ginger for a zesty tangy side. They can also be steamed with red and yellow pepper strips and sliced carrots for a colorful  and healthy dish.Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving must. Bake them with marshmallows along with brown sugar and you're looking at  120 calories. That's fine if you only have one serving but most people have two at least. A better alternative is roasted, which are only 68 calories. Serve with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. What about mashed sweet potatoes? They share almost the same amount of calories as the candied ones.  The biggest fat bomb is mashed potatoes. One serving is a whopping 400 calories! Can they be made with less calories? Yes. It's just a matter of using skim milk for whole and a butter substitute like Smart Balance or I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. If you feel like it's still lacking in flavor then add chives. Thye not only add color but also some flavor. You could also add garlic too if you want' some oomph along with fat free sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Mashed cauliflower, an Obama favorite is another alternative.It's only 100 calories per serving. Make it with buttermilk and garlic for a flavorful side.

Thanksgiving can be a time for low calorie eating and losing weight.It's just a matter of smart choices and equally as smart cooking. The meal will be healthy but still tasty, the perfect holiday feast.

Shed That Winter Diet!

One of the worst aspects of the bad winter we just had is that most stayed indoors and just ate.We ate out of boredom or to save up fuel for all that snow shoveling. Now its' spring and it's a different vibe.It's almost bathing suit season and that means cutting back on those cold weather treats and embracing healthy eating.

All those high caloric foods that got us through those cold mornings and even colder nights won't hold up during the warmer spring days.Those breakfasts of bacon and eggs heaped on buttered toast would be better saved for when falls rolls around. Think about fresh fruit for starting the day, or better yet served in a bowl of healthy all bran cereal.This is filling and will get you through a busy morning. A fruit smoothie is another perfect way to start the day. Try making a berry smoothie using strawberries and blueberries.Both will be in full season in another month or two. add some ground flaxseed for both fiber and Omega 3. A big plus is that a flax seed smoothie will keep you sated and full until lunch. If you do crave a bacon and eggs breakfast then think soy or turkey bacon and a side scramble of egg whites.A big bowl of fruit salad is also a great first meal. Add some almonds for crunch and protein.If you're used to an English muffin dripping with butter and jam, rethink it. The muffin alone is 120 calories about the same amount as two slices of whole wheat bread.Have this last with a smear of margarine and a more naturally processed jelly.

Now with springhere, we have to also rethink how we eat lunch and dinner. Most people prefer a hot soup and sandwich for a cold weather lunch.,That's great if it's minestrone and maybe a slice of focaccia on the side but many loved a good , hearty cream soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. It's time to forget that and light.Think an almost broth like vegetable soup with a salad.Add some protein in the form of  chicken or tuna to the salad so that you'll feel sated until dinner. You can also just got for a bigger salad, chock full of mixed veggies , nuts and any kind of meat. If you want to go vegan, then think about tofu added. Dinner should be the same. All those gravy rich stews and roasts were great back in January and February , even March but it's time to go easy on calorie dense meals .Think grilled chicken breasts or even a plain roast chicken with a side of Spring veggies like asparagus.Pastas can also be tailored to warmer weather too. Cook spaghetti or angel hair pasta and then use some of the pasta water to help flavor fresh cut tomatoes, peppers and onions that have been sautéed briefly in olive oil.If you're still longing for a casserole, then make ratatouille. This Provencale classic is made with tomatoes, onions and eggplant  and a perfect filling dish  for a week night or Sunday supper. It's usually served with French bread but you can sub in toasted pita or warmed flatbread instead.

The spring is finally here. It's time to shed those dense calories soaked meals and go for lighter fare. It's not only great for getting into bathing suit shape but also good for your body!

Cream of Wheat Creamy Goodness

There’s nothing like a hot bowl of cream of wheat cereal on a winter morning. It’s filling, tasty and nutritious. It can arm for you a bad or stressful day ahead along with giving you the strength to boldly face a l winter’s day

Cream of Wheat was firs t invented in 1893 by North Dakota wheat farmers in grand Forks. It made it’s debt at the World‘s Columbian Exposition the same year in Chicago Illinois. The idea behind it is the same as for grits except that milled wheat or farina is used. Commercial farina is a little younger first being mass produced in 1898. The cereal is only 130 calories and five calories in fat. It is high in iron, around 57 per cent which make sit an excellent addition to any diet. You can buy it plain or with flavorings such as maple, cinnamon along with fruit ones such as strawberry, apple and raisin.

Cream of wheat isn‘t for everyone. If not enough water and milk are added, the cereal looks like a hot gummy mess. Too much liquid and it becomes a breakfast soup. The best result is add about equal parts boiling water, stir and then add a good portion of milk until the mixture is creamy. Cream of wheat is sort of like silky grits to the novice farina eater lacking the crunch and chew of regular cereals or instant oatmeal. Its’ taste, when mixed with either maple syrup or cinnamon will make you addicted though because it’s a mild, soothing flavor.
During these cold and stormy days it’s nice to start the day with something hot and soothing.

Try a bowl of Cream of Wheat to keep you warm and toasty. It the like the food equivalent of a security blanket - the perfect thing to have before you face bittern winds and icy temps.