Archive for the ‘food products’ Category

Superfoods Recap

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

We already know that these foods are good for us and here is a summary why:

Studies have shown that blueberries aid in everything from fighting cancer to lowering cholesterol. But the blueberry is not the only superstar among berries – all berries, including raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries contain antioxidants and phytonutrients. And when fresh berries are not available, frozen berries will do the trick. Just make sure you opt for organic / local whenever you can to keep those nasty pesticides out of your system.

Salmon is a superfood because it provides a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids. which studies show significantly lower the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and slowing the rate of plaque build-up in blood vessels.

Although eggs often get a bad reputation for high fat content and increasing cholesterol, eggs are a great choice for breakfast. They are high in protein and full of choline, which actually helps block fat from being absorbed in the liver.

Like eggs, nuts are often looked at unfavorably for their high fat content. Interestingly, many research studies have shown that eating a few tablespoons of nuts several times a week can actually help weight loss – they will keep you full and do that with good fats (vegetable v. animal fat).

Herbal teas and green tea – so many teas are “superfoods” including green tea, known for its high antioxidant level that even helps prevent cancer. Other super teas to consider: alfalfa tea and chamomile tea.

And then there is broccoli – my personal favorite! It packs a nutrient punch with only 30 calories per cup. By eating just that one cup of broccoli (make sure you steam it just until tender or else you risk loosing those nutrients) you get fiber that curbs your hunger and aids digestion, and polyphenols that detoxify cell-damaging chemicals in your body. On top of it, broccoli fights and prevents cancer.

Low-fat dairy is another superfood. Various research studies have shown that women who consume about 1,400 milligrams of calcium per day burn more fat than women who forgo dairy completely. The star among dairy is yogurt – it helps slow the production of cortisol (a hormone that slows metabolism). If you reach for Greek yogurt or kefir, you’ll also get a healthy dose of protein.

All legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas etc.) make it onto the superfood list because of their high fiber and protein content. They fill you up, help you build muscle, and get your metabolism working without any unnecessary bad fat.

Last but certainly not least – chocolate! We have all heard now that chocolate (in moderation) may help us loose weight and stay thin, some researchers are still not convinced about this benefit. But they all agree that dark chocolate has healthy heart benefits and the caffeine may also help increase your metabolism.

Steeltainer Containers – Eco-friendly, Cute, and Just the Right Size

Saturday, March 31st, 2012

I couldn’t wait to try Steeltainer’s reusable containers and after one week of use I am very impressed (and will continue to use them every day)!

Steeltainers are eco-friendly leak-proof containers that are perfect for bringing lunch to work, snacks to school, or sandwiches to the park!

The interior is stainless steel, minimizing contact with plastics or aluminum. The stainless steel tray sits inside a cute and non-toxic plastic sleeve made of #5 plastic (which is BPA, phthalate, and lead free), with a slim silicone strip to prevent leaks and a see-through lid that takes the guesswork out of mealtime.

The containers come in various sizes, including a round deli container (which I use for yogurt & fruit), a rectangular sandwich container (which I think is also perfect for salads), and rectangular snack containers (which come with removable and adjustable separators – one side for your carrots, the other for your grapes).

So, they are eco-friendly, leak-proof, non-toxic, and cute – and they fit perfectly even in a medium sized shoulderbag / purse! No need for a separate lunch bag. How great is that?

Annie’s Organic Rising Crust Pizza – Last Chance to Win!

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

In my opinion, Annie’s Organic Rising Crust Pizza is by far the tastiest frozen pizza – and, to top it off, it is certified organic! The crust rose and lightly crisped to perfection, the toppings tasted fresh and wholesome, and the family-size 11.5 inch pie ensured that everyone was happy and fully satisfied (without any preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, hydrogenated oils, or other nasties).

I tried the hearty Organic Supreme Pizza topped with layers of Italian sausage, uncured pepperoni, roasted onions, as well as roasted red and green bell peppers. Now my family and I cannot wait to try the other varieties – Organic Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, Organic Four Cheese Pizza, and Organic Organic Spinach and Mushroom Pizza.

The details:
- certified organic
- 8-grams of whole grains in the naturally rising crust
- 100% real cheese (made with milk from cows not treated with the growth hormone rBST)
- organic meats (no added nitrates or nitrites)
- real family size at 11.5 inches, and
- extremely yummy!

You can pick up Annie’s Certified Organic Rising Crust Pizza at the freezer section of your local Whole Foods – and, if you enter below, you can win a FREE Annie’s Certified Organic Rising Crust Pizza here!

Just tell SmartMommy which of the four varieties you will pick up at Whole Foods! I will choose (using random.org) three entrants and will provide each winner with ONE coupon (courtesy of Annie’s and Kiwi Magazine) for a FREE Annie’s Certified Organic Rising Crust Pizza! Giveaway open to US residents only. You must enter by 12:00 AM (EDT) March 30 – that is tomorrow! Winner will be announced on this blog on April 2 and coupons will be mailed on April 3.

Good luck and good & healthy eating!

Two Common Food Preservatives to Avoid

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate are to processed foods what parabens are to personal care products.  But the former still need to gain similar “notoriety.”

Sodium benzoate is a food preservative most often used to preserve acidic foods such as jams, fruit preserves, salad dressings and other condiments, as well as carbonated drinks. Potassium benzoate is also widely used for preserving mostly acidic foods similar to those that can be preserved with sodium benzoate.

In combination with vitamin c (asorbic acid), both sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate form benzene, a carbon-based chemical compound that is a known carcinogen.  Despite this risk, both are approved in the US and the EU as preservatives, the government agencies maintaining that the levels of benzene generated in this process are too low to cause any ill effects on health.  However, the EU authorities do recommend that children NOT consume any prepared foods with these preservatives.

The best approach may be to read the nutritional and other product information labels when you go shopping to know what is hiding in your food.  Or, to make life simpler (and keep it healthier as sometimes not all ingredients make it on the labels), avoid processed foods as much as possible and opt for unprocessed, whole foods.  That way, you are certain to avoid sodium & potassium benzoate and any other preservative.

Pizza Night is Getting an Overhaul with Annie’s Organic Rising Crust Pizza – A Giveway to Get You Started!

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

I have just tried what, in my opinion, is by far the tastiest frozen pizza – and, to top it off, it is certified organic!  The crust rose and lightly crisped to perfection, the toppings tasted fresh and wholesome, and the family-size 11.5 inch pie ensured that everyone was happy and fully satisfied (without any preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, hydrogenated oils, or other nasties).

I tried the hearty Organic Supreme Pizza topped with layers of Italian sausage, uncured pepperoni, roasted onions, as well as roasted red and green bell peppers. Now my family and I cannot wait to try the other varieties – Organic Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, Organic Four Cheese Pizza, and Organic Organic Spinach and Mushroom Pizza.

The details:
- certified organic
- 8-grams of whole grains in the naturally rising crust
- 100% real cheese (made with milk from cows not treated with  the growth hormone rBST)
- organic meats (no added nitrates or nitrites)
- real family size at 11.5 inches, and
- extremely yummy!

You can pick up Annie’s Certified Organic Rising Crust Pizza at the freezer section of your local Whole Foods – and, if you enter below, you can win a FREE Annie’s Certified Organic Rising Crust Pizza here!

Just tell SmartMommy which of the four varieties you will pick up at Whole Foods!  I will choose (using random.org) three entrants and will provide each winner with ONE coupon (courtesy of Annie’s and Kiwi Magazine) for a FREE Annie’s Certified Organic Rising Crust Pizza!  Giveaway open to US residents only.  You must enter by 12:00 AM (EDT) March 30.  Winner will be announced on this blog on April 2 and coupons will be mailed on April 3.

Good luck and good & healthy eating!




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