I'm back to announce the winner of my birthday give away that was announced on December 6th. One of my faithful followers will be receiving a sample packet of their choice of Core Foods "Warrior Meals" or "Defender Meals".
These were extraordinarily fresh and clean and a surprise to the pallet. Typical 'good for you foods' are bland and chalky and boring. None of those nasty attributes here! True to their word, Core Foods has come up with something nutritious, delicious and simple for our on the go lifestyles.
Now to announce the lucky winner! Drum roll please........!!
Congratulations to GINGER DELAWARE BROWN, the lucky winner of her choice of sample packs. Ginger, please respond with your choice and I will let Core Foods know your preference so that they can get this out to you. You will be pleasantly surprised at their taste and simplicity. This should be a great way to energize your morning run routine!
For everyone else who did not win in this month's give away, you can still be a winner with Core Foods. Check out their offerings at http://www.corefoods.com/. Read the reviews on Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/core-foods-san-francisco-2. You will not be disappointed. Great way to start the new year right. 2013 is going to be a great year for all foodies. Don't miss out on these exciting taste treats that are packed with simple, clean ingredients that energize your active lifestyles!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Eat Like Your Life Depends On It
OK everybody! Here is the promised Give Away Post! To celebrate my birthday, I am sharing my review of one of CORE Foods wonderful "Warrior Meal", their nutritious yummy high protein "Full Meal To Go".
All of my followers (be sure to sign up today) will have a chance to receive this give away. Remember when you brought cupcakes to your kindergarten class to help celebrate your birthday with your friends? Well, this is the grown up version that better suits our hectic lifestyles!
I received three packets, each containing a different flavor of an oatmeal bar type "meal to go". There was the Raw Almond Raisin, the Raw Walnut Banana, and the Raw Cashew Cacao.
I chose the Raw Almond Raisin to review for today's post and was more than pleasantly surprised.
These are so fresh and clean that they are stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to eat them. That was apparent in my first bite. It tasted fresh and clean with absolutely no aftertaste. What a pleasant surprise! The ingredients are listed on the packet and are simple and few, just the way I like it! All Organic: Whole Oats, Almonds, Raisins, Whey Protein (Milk), Ground Spices. That's all - plain and simple without chemicals or preservatives!
Simply take one from the fridge or freezer (defrost for ten minutes before eating if frozen) and eat as you would any breakfast bar, snack bar or cookie and drink plenty of water. This results in the nutritive value of a "full bowl of hearty oatmeal" and satisfies you for hours! Tasty, easy, delicious and good clean food! Only 320 calories and low in sodium. Simply amazing! What more could you ask for?
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I did find it helpful to keep the bar in the packet while eating as it was a bit sticky. I expect that the organic raisins contributed to this and enjoyed the whole experience immensely.
As CORE Foods says "Eat Like Your Life Depends On It". These Warrior Meals sure help out with that endeavor... You can "Love Your Core" by accessing these additional resources to find out more about this simple nutritious meal option:
Now for the birthday sharing and Give Away portion of my post....
For a chance to win in this Give Away here are two different options.
All of my followers (be sure to sign up today) will have a chance to receive this give away. Remember when you brought cupcakes to your kindergarten class to help celebrate your birthday with your friends? Well, this is the grown up version that better suits our hectic lifestyles!
I received three packets, each containing a different flavor of an oatmeal bar type "meal to go". There was the Raw Almond Raisin, the Raw Walnut Banana, and the Raw Cashew Cacao.
I chose the Raw Almond Raisin to review for today's post and was more than pleasantly surprised.
These are so fresh and clean that they are stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to eat them. That was apparent in my first bite. It tasted fresh and clean with absolutely no aftertaste. What a pleasant surprise! The ingredients are listed on the packet and are simple and few, just the way I like it! All Organic: Whole Oats, Almonds, Raisins, Whey Protein (Milk), Ground Spices. That's all - plain and simple without chemicals or preservatives!
Simply take one from the fridge or freezer (defrost for ten minutes before eating if frozen) and eat as you would any breakfast bar, snack bar or cookie and drink plenty of water. This results in the nutritive value of a "full bowl of hearty oatmeal" and satisfies you for hours! Tasty, easy, delicious and good clean food! Only 320 calories and low in sodium. Simply amazing! What more could you ask for?
.JPG)
I did find it helpful to keep the bar in the packet while eating as it was a bit sticky. I expect that the organic raisins contributed to this and enjoyed the whole experience immensely.As CORE Foods says "Eat Like Your Life Depends On It". These Warrior Meals sure help out with that endeavor... You can "Love Your Core" by accessing these additional resources to find out more about this simple nutritious meal option:
- Sign up for their Newsletter. Receive health tips and recipes, Plus $5 off every order at www.corefoods.com.
- Get daily fitness tips @ COREfoods on Facebook and Twitter
- Ask them your food and fitness questions. They have lots to share and they care*. Email them at info@corefoods.com
Now for the birthday sharing and Give Away portion of my post....
For a chance to win in this Give Away here are two different options.
- Comment on my blog post letting me know whether you'd like to try a Warrior Mixed Pack or a Defender Mixed Pack. Check here to help with your choice www.corefoods.com
- Liking my status update on my Facebook page - Alice Hanes Brown.
I will provide the winner's email, name and address to CORE Foods and they will send you your prize. I really enjoyed my sample and hope the winner enjoys theirs as well.
GOOD LUCK Everyone!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Healthy Eating Continues to Produce Results
It's been a while since I've posted new news so I thought I'd start by announcing an upcoming surprise! In the very near future I will be sharing my very first give away with my loyal readers. I am excited about trying out a new product and sharing my experience with you and providing you with the opportunity to try the new exciting product for free! Be on the look out for my next post for my product review and all of the exciting details.
Meanwhile, I have continued to maintain my previously posted regimen of mostly fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and meats. I have never felt better for as long as I can remember. In the last few weeks, I met with people that I have not seen in a while and they could not help remarking that my skin looked wonderful and that I looked very healthy. For those of you who know me, the women in my family enjoy looking much younger than our actual age, but even with that said, my new youthful appearance astounded them. Of course losing 27 pounds in the last 60 days has not hurt much either.
Although I have had many setbacks in other areas of my life, I have not succumbed to the desire to use food for comfort to the point of sabotaging my health like I habitually did in the past. This healthy eating habit is more satisfying than I could have imagined. I was even able to bring five dishes to my family Thanksgiving celebration that were not only healthy, but well received by all who are used to great tasting and wonderful looking delights. Healthy does not have to be hard or boring.
It also does not hurt that since I committed to this healthful way of life and have lost the weight, I have made the irretrievable step of removing all of the clothes that no longer fit and re-organizing the remaining items to boost my spirits and maintain the natural high that this new found health provides.
Looking forward to sharing more as I continue on this healthful journey. Remember, be on the lookout for my next post where I announce the details of my first product give away!
Meanwhile, I have continued to maintain my previously posted regimen of mostly fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and meats. I have never felt better for as long as I can remember. In the last few weeks, I met with people that I have not seen in a while and they could not help remarking that my skin looked wonderful and that I looked very healthy. For those of you who know me, the women in my family enjoy looking much younger than our actual age, but even with that said, my new youthful appearance astounded them. Of course losing 27 pounds in the last 60 days has not hurt much either.
Although I have had many setbacks in other areas of my life, I have not succumbed to the desire to use food for comfort to the point of sabotaging my health like I habitually did in the past. This healthy eating habit is more satisfying than I could have imagined. I was even able to bring five dishes to my family Thanksgiving celebration that were not only healthy, but well received by all who are used to great tasting and wonderful looking delights. Healthy does not have to be hard or boring.
It also does not hurt that since I committed to this healthful way of life and have lost the weight, I have made the irretrievable step of removing all of the clothes that no longer fit and re-organizing the remaining items to boost my spirits and maintain the natural high that this new found health provides.
Looking forward to sharing more as I continue on this healthful journey. Remember, be on the lookout for my next post where I announce the details of my first product give away!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Foodies Unplugged: Restore Your Faith in the Restorative Power of Foo...
Foodies Unplugged: Restore Your Faith in the Restorative Power of Foo...: I've been neglecting my writing lately as it has been a tough few weeks at work. Losing my job, filling open posts, standing guard for 13 ho...
Restore Your Faith in the Restorative Power of Food
I've been neglecting my writing lately as it has been a tough few weeks at work. Losing my job, filling open posts, standing guard for 13 hours, for four whole days. Just a bit out of my comfort zone, to say the least.
You might wonder what this has to do with food, but as with most other things in life, food turns out to be an integral part of all that is going on. For the four days of standing guard duty, my teams of 4 per day were 'treated' to catered lunches at a downtown convention center. Normally that would actually considered to be a treat, except I was surprised at how salty and fatty the offerings were. Don't get me wrong, the catering crew did a great job with what they had to work with. I suppose that they have to use certain cuts of meat and quality of vegetables, etc. in order to maintain profits. After eating only one meal in the middle of the day, it was certainly enough to keep me from needing anything additional for the rest of the day. Certainly not a positive notable experience for this foodie anyway.
One bright spot in the middle of the 4 days was Sunday when I visited my parents and was reminiscing with my mom about cardamom ice cream that I had the privilege to taste. That lead our conversation to a family favorite recipe that is also flavored with cardamom. The family favorite, from my paternal grandmother is "Fuchens" These are German style deep fried goodies that are so delightful and bring back memories from childhood. Here is the recipe for all you adventurous types who enjoy special treats around Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Cook milk & cornstarch in a large pot on medium heat until thickened.
You might wonder what this has to do with food, but as with most other things in life, food turns out to be an integral part of all that is going on. For the four days of standing guard duty, my teams of 4 per day were 'treated' to catered lunches at a downtown convention center. Normally that would actually considered to be a treat, except I was surprised at how salty and fatty the offerings were. Don't get me wrong, the catering crew did a great job with what they had to work with. I suppose that they have to use certain cuts of meat and quality of vegetables, etc. in order to maintain profits. After eating only one meal in the middle of the day, it was certainly enough to keep me from needing anything additional for the rest of the day. Certainly not a positive notable experience for this foodie anyway.
One bright spot in the middle of the 4 days was Sunday when I visited my parents and was reminiscing with my mom about cardamom ice cream that I had the privilege to taste. That lead our conversation to a family favorite recipe that is also flavored with cardamom. The family favorite, from my paternal grandmother is "Fuchens" These are German style deep fried goodies that are so delightful and bring back memories from childhood. Here is the recipe for all you adventurous types who enjoy special treats around Thanksgiving or Christmas.
6 eggs - separated
1/2 gallon milk
6 Tbls cornstarch
1 cube butter
1 cake or envelope of yeast
1 pound sultana raisins
1 tsp. cardamom seed-crushed
Flour enough to make sticky (about 8 cups,+)
Powdered sugar for serving
Cook milk & cornstarch in a large pot on medium heat until thickened.
Add 1 cube butter and let stand until cold.
Add flour & other ingredients, including the 6 egg yolks.
Beat egg whites & fold into mixture.
Drop from a spoon into hot grease or oil, frying until golden brown.
Remove from oil and drain and immediately roll in powdered sugar.
They can be stored in an airtight container to re-heat later, before doing the "sugar roll" if you do not plan to serve them right away.
These will restore your faith in the restorative powers of food.
Let me know if any of you take the time to make these and provide your feedback. My daughter and I have begun discussions around making these for this Christmas season. Since she has a four month old baby boy, I will not be holding my breath on this, but sure look forward to it, if it actually does take place.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Some Healthy Recipes That Work for Me
Ok, some of you have asked that I include recipes for some of the food that I write about so this post will include two of my new favorite standbys for breakfast, lunch and snacks. I don't really use recipes, so this will require some effort on my part. Please bear with me as I share.
The breakfast recipe has evolved over time and as I research the effects of certain foods on our bodies, I have replaced a few ingredients. I hope you enjoy and are inspired to eat well!
I start with steel cut oats - cook according to the recipe on the container
Add canned or home made cooked pumpkin
Add slivered candied ginger (can be fresh or ground ginger). I just happened to have some candied ginger on hand.
Add ground flax seed
Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla
Add raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Cook all ingredients until the oats are cooked through.
Serve with fresh berries and chia seeds on top.
You can also add any dried fruit of your choice and this can be served cold or hot. I do not add milk or other dairy products, but yogurt or creme fraiche would certainly hit the spot.
The balance between carbohydrates and protein is excellent for your first meal and is satifying enough to sustain you until lunch time.
For lunch or snacks, I've been working with a homemade, all natural smoothie recipe that has also evolved quite a bit. The favorite of the moment is as follows:
2 large apples, peeled and cored. Fujis are nice. (The apple peel is good for you, so I munch on it while I am preparing the rest of the ingredients)
2 red pears (cored with skin on - pear skin is thin and is not too tough for smoothies)
9 kiwis (peeled and cored if the cores are too tough)
1 and a half English cucumbers (peeled)
1 large bunch of cilantro - leaves and most of the stem included
At least 4 cups of fresh raw kale
At least 4 cup of fresh raw spinach
For brightness, add one lemon, peeled and seeded. The pulp provides additional fiber.
All of these ingredients are thrown into the blender and blended for at least 3 minutes on the 'liquify' setting so that all ingredients are smooth, fine and drinkable. Great for on the go, especially after strenuous workouts.
Extra benefit - both of these are gluten free!
Please feel free to comment on anything I post. Your input is always welcome. If you have anything you would like me to write about, let me know and I will try to accommodate.
Be healthy and eat what makes you happy!
The breakfast recipe has evolved over time and as I research the effects of certain foods on our bodies, I have replaced a few ingredients. I hope you enjoy and are inspired to eat well!
I start with steel cut oats - cook according to the recipe on the container
Add canned or home made cooked pumpkin
Add slivered candied ginger (can be fresh or ground ginger). I just happened to have some candied ginger on hand.
Add ground flax seed
Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla
Add raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Cook all ingredients until the oats are cooked through.
Serve with fresh berries and chia seeds on top.
You can also add any dried fruit of your choice and this can be served cold or hot. I do not add milk or other dairy products, but yogurt or creme fraiche would certainly hit the spot.
The balance between carbohydrates and protein is excellent for your first meal and is satifying enough to sustain you until lunch time.
For lunch or snacks, I've been working with a homemade, all natural smoothie recipe that has also evolved quite a bit. The favorite of the moment is as follows:
2 large apples, peeled and cored. Fujis are nice. (The apple peel is good for you, so I munch on it while I am preparing the rest of the ingredients)
2 red pears (cored with skin on - pear skin is thin and is not too tough for smoothies)
9 kiwis (peeled and cored if the cores are too tough)
1 and a half English cucumbers (peeled)
1 large bunch of cilantro - leaves and most of the stem included
At least 4 cups of fresh raw kale
At least 4 cup of fresh raw spinach
For brightness, add one lemon, peeled and seeded. The pulp provides additional fiber.
All of these ingredients are thrown into the blender and blended for at least 3 minutes on the 'liquify' setting so that all ingredients are smooth, fine and drinkable. Great for on the go, especially after strenuous workouts.
Extra benefit - both of these are gluten free!
Please feel free to comment on anything I post. Your input is always welcome. If you have anything you would like me to write about, let me know and I will try to accommodate.
Be healthy and eat what makes you happy!
Monday, October 22, 2012
San Francisco Food Buzz Festival
First time attending the San Francisco Food Buzz Festival this weekend. Loved the whole event, getting to meet fellow food bloggers, vendors with wonderful food and drink, and samples for everything! Who has it better than us? NO ONE!!
My absolute favorite was the Three Twins Cardamom Ice Cream. I had never thought of that and am so glad that they did. I am now a very devoted fan! They've been making "inconceivably" delicious ice cream in Northern California since 2005. An environmentally concious company, they source their natural ingredients from strictly local sources. In 2011 they launched a land conservation program called Ice Cream for Acres. I for one would love to have 'acres' of their ice cream available.
There 'dried fruits' and then there was 'dry fruit'. The sun-dried Blenheim Apricots from B & R Farms in Hollister, CA stood stood head and shoulders above the rest. Not only were their offerings awesome, they took it several steps further and offered recipes and samples of those recipes that sparked my imagination. The favorite recipe was for Gary's Apricot Salsa:
3/4 cups dried or fresh crushed cranberries
1 cup B &R Farms diced Dried Apricots
1- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup sugar (more or less to taste)
1-2 limes (juiced)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 very small bunch of cilantro, finally chopped
Dash or two of your favorite hot pepper sauce
Boil cranberries and apricots in saucepan, covered with 1 1/2 inches of water for 3 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain excess water and cool.
Add jalapenos, onion, garlic, sugar and juice of limes. Add salt, pepper, cilantro & hot pepper sauce. Chill and serve with your favorite tortila chips or add to turkey, chicken or pork sandwiches.
This was divine!
Another treat that really surprised me was the Yellow Watermelon Mint popcicle from LickPops in San Francisco (out of the Ferry Building). You can 'like' them on Facebook to find out more about their offerings. I also tried their Salted Carmel Apple popcicle, but was not as impressed. There was a texture issue that did not quite sit right with me. Great idea though!!
Stay tuned for more reviews from the SF FoodBuzz Festival. I plan to return to my more healthy offerings.... or not!
My absolute favorite was the Three Twins Cardamom Ice Cream. I had never thought of that and am so glad that they did. I am now a very devoted fan! They've been making "inconceivably" delicious ice cream in Northern California since 2005. An environmentally concious company, they source their natural ingredients from strictly local sources. In 2011 they launched a land conservation program called Ice Cream for Acres. I for one would love to have 'acres' of their ice cream available.
There 'dried fruits' and then there was 'dry fruit'. The sun-dried Blenheim Apricots from B & R Farms in Hollister, CA stood stood head and shoulders above the rest. Not only were their offerings awesome, they took it several steps further and offered recipes and samples of those recipes that sparked my imagination. The favorite recipe was for Gary's Apricot Salsa:
3/4 cups dried or fresh crushed cranberries
1 cup B &R Farms diced Dried Apricots
1- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup sugar (more or less to taste)
1-2 limes (juiced)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 very small bunch of cilantro, finally chopped
Dash or two of your favorite hot pepper sauce
Boil cranberries and apricots in saucepan, covered with 1 1/2 inches of water for 3 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain excess water and cool.
Add jalapenos, onion, garlic, sugar and juice of limes. Add salt, pepper, cilantro & hot pepper sauce. Chill and serve with your favorite tortila chips or add to turkey, chicken or pork sandwiches.
This was divine!
Another treat that really surprised me was the Yellow Watermelon Mint popcicle from LickPops in San Francisco (out of the Ferry Building). You can 'like' them on Facebook to find out more about their offerings. I also tried their Salted Carmel Apple popcicle, but was not as impressed. There was a texture issue that did not quite sit right with me. Great idea though!!
Stay tuned for more reviews from the SF FoodBuzz Festival. I plan to return to my more healthy offerings.... or not!
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