Good Things Come in Long-Winded Blogs

Ok, so it’s been a day since I’ve posted, but my final paper is now turned in and I have 2 weeks before summer school! yay!  Brace yourselves for a ginormous post!

Sunday

…was a glorious day.  Why, you ask, because I made a delectable breakfast for two of my favorite people in the world.  Being a rookie blogger, I made blogger mistake #1 and did not take pictures! gah!  But I shall tell you the menu and you can salivate while conjuring up the pictures in your mind:

1. Experimental pancakes #1:  Buttermilk pancakes with ricotta cheese
2. Experimental pancakes #2: Buttermilk pancakes with ricotta cheese and cacao nibs
3. Buttermilk pancakes (b-o-r-i-n-g!)
4. Red potatoes with olive oil and fresh rosemary
5. Whole-wheat toast with selection of nut butters
6. Buttery and fluffy scrambled eggs
7. Chicken sausage

I think my guests were pleased   Have you noticed that it can be *so* much more fun cooking for other people?  Especially when you don’t have to be too stringent on ingredients or portions for calorie purposes.  My belly and sanity thanked me.

Love is in the Air

Recently, I discovered the most amazing threesome out there

Get your minds out of the gutter! That’s whole-wheat toast with organic Kirkland Signature (Costco’s brand) peanut butter, Peanut Butter & Co.’s Dark Chocolate Dreams and 365 Brand (Whole Foods’ brand) Almond Butter.

Now let me be honest with you…this

is dangerous.  At first I was skeptical because the texture is much drier than I usually like, but one bite and I thought to myself, “oh sh*t” because I knew I was in trouble! TOO DELIGHTFUL! Cool thing is — I thought that per 2 tbsp it would be more than my beloved almond butter — but it’s not! 2 tbsp of PB & Co. DCD is 170 calories, 13 g fat versus 365 Almond Butter’s 190 calories, 16 g fat.

But don’t get too cocky over there PB & Co., I have two new food loves in my life and I will let them introduce themselves to you.

Love #1

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Hey guys!  I’m Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Yogurt. I’m short, stout and extra rich and creamy!  Best thing is — I’m only 90-120 calories a serving!

Thanks Oikos.  Yes, Oikos is flippin’ amazing.  I wasn’t convinced I would be making regular Whole Foods trips until I tried this yogurt.  Since they don’t sell it at Trader Joe’s, WF here I come!  This stuff is totally legit, I’m serious.  Delicious and filling.  I’ve tried blueberry, vanilla and honey.  Blueberry and honey have 120 calories and vanilla has 110. If you didn’t know, Greek Yogurt typically has double the protein of regular yogurt, which makes it quite a caloric bargain!

Fave toppings for Oikos: blackberries and raspberries. Did you know that one cup of blackberries has 7.6 g of fiber and one cup of raspberries has 8 g of fiber?!  Talk about mother nature being a giver!

You can download a $0.50 off Oikos’ products coupon here.

Love #2

Buongiorno!  I am Trader Joe’s Italian Sausage-Less Sausage. Yes, I am made from soy, but pick your battles, per favore! I taste just like meat and you will love me, just try me! Prego!

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I gave him a try and am happy to say that he goes delightfully well with fake eggs and smoky, peach salsa. Nutritional information per sausage (and it’s big!) — 140 calories, 7 g fat, 1 g fiber, 13 g protein

Coming tomorrow – My review of a turbo kick boxing class & some tips on how to take it seriously (hehe)
Later this week – My twin, Chris…

will share his own tips for weight loss, maintenance and, knowing him, something tangential and hilarious.

Any new food finds you want to share? Have you tried Oikos Greek Yogurt yet? What’s your take on soy products?

Tags: almond butter, calories, dark chocolate dreams, greek yogurt, Oikos, peanut butter, Peanut Butter & Co., soy, trader joes, Whole Foods