I wanted to drop by and share some vegan Costco finds with you:

Mareblu Naturals Variety Trail Mix Crunch Bars (BlueCran Pomegranate, Mango Pomegranate & Strawberry Pomegranate — 18 bars, $11.89 ($0.66/each)

Great bars — 180 calories/each

Falafel Republic $9.89

Delicious falafel balls. Have three for 240 calories, 7g fat

Don Lee Farms Veggie Patties $9.69

I love these vegan veggie burgers. 170 calories each.

Crunchmaster Multigrain Crackers

These crackers are AMAZING! I can’t describe how nutty and crunchy they are! You can have 15 cracker for 140 calories and 5g fat — damn good!

Bob’s Red Mill Quinoa — 64 oz., $9.89

Village Harvest Brown Rice — Frozen. 3.5lb. — $6.99

Bybee Foods Organic Harvest Foursome — $5.89

Sabra Hummus — Original, 16 2-oz singles (140 calories, 12g fat/each) — $6.99

Kashi Heart to Heart Whole Grain Original Crackers — Three 8-oz boxes, $6.79

Additional items to check out:

• Fresh and frozen produce (notice — organic options are only available if frozen)
• Olive Oil
• Beans (Vegetarian refried, black, garbanzo, kidney)
• Whole-wheat pastas
• Coffee (Now carrying Starbuck’s Via Ready Pack, Medium Colombian 24-instant pack, $15.99)
• Chips and crackers (including Sun Chips, Kettle Chips, Stacy’s Pita Chips & Food Should Taste Good)
• Snack Bars & Snacks (including Clif Bars, Bare Fruit & Everybody’s Nuts Pistachios)

If you don’t have a Costco card, you can always find a friend who does! I end up freezing a lot of these goodies since I’m the only one who eats them, but that’s no biggie to me! The thing about Costco, though, is that sometimes you fall in love with an item and next thing you know *poof* they’ve stopped carrying it and never do again! Gah! That happened to me and my beloved Western Bagel Co. Alternative Pitas. I also know that products vary from Costco to Costco as I’ve seen other bloggers get Maranatha Almond Butter (!) at their Costco and all they carry at mine in terms of nut butters are Skippy and Kirkland brands. Lame.

Do you guys buy in bulk or shop at Costco? Ever fall in love with a product and then find your store’s stopped carrying it?! What are you favorite finds?

Hey guys!

As yet another follow-up to my pal who’s going vegan for lent, I wanted to do a post on some of the vegan protein bar options out there.
[photo cred]

The following vegan bars were available at my local Whole Foods recently (yes, I totally went in there with a notepad and pen and made them start sweatin’ thinking I was with the Ethics Police over their recent scandal):

If I didn’t note the price, it’s because this doofus forgot to note it. Note to my newbie vegans: A “vegan” protein bar is one that does not contain animal substances. Most protein bars contain some form of dairy (or “whey”), which makes them not vegan. Check out this list of dairy ingredients for more information.

In terms of vegan protein/meal/snack bars, you’ll see that there is quite a variety of options out there — some providing as little as 3g of protein and some as much as 20g. Your choice will depend on a number of factors, obviously. I, for instance, would rarely ever go for a bar with more than 200 calories, but that’s because I don’t eat food bars as a meal replacement or protein supplement – I just eat them as a snack. My favorite brands are Amazing Grass, Honest Foods, Clif, Larabar and Gnu — but that’s only because those are the ones I’ve tried! I was unable to link to the sites in the image above, so I will do so below. You should take time to read the entire nutrition label before you choose a bar to see what best fits your lifestyle. For instance, if you’re all about taste, and you’re particularly picky, you might not like the Amazing Grass bar (I loved it, but I’ve read a few reviewers who didn’t). If you’re looking for extra fiber, Gnu bars are for you.

You don’t have to fork over all your cash for these bars. You can find a lot of them for less at Target, Costco (if you divide the bulk price per item), amazon.com, etc.

It’s good to remember that it’s a total myth that vegans and vegetarians don’t get enough protein. So, don’t think that if you’re going vegan it means you need to wash down every meal with a protein shake and a brick of protein bars. Think of it this way, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter usually has more protein than one of the bars listed above (p.b. has about 8g protein per 2 tbsp.). As Lindsay from Happy Herbivore so kindly reminded me, vegans & vegetarians don’t need to take supplements or eat with a protein scarcity mentality if they are eating a variety of nutritious meals (hey, ya heard of quinoa? It’s a pretty awesome grain that so happens to be a complete protein in and of itself). Though, check with a Dr. yadda yadda –  all that legal crap still spews from my finger tips after my 3-year stint at a law firm. In fact, you’re probably better off if you view these snack bars as candy bars. I know some of them, like Larabar, are really good at limiting the ingredients list and some have nothing artificial in them, but, still, think before you consume. That’s kinda the new motto I’m using and *cough*trying to implement.

If you’re looking for a good vegan protein powder, I can’t recommend one from experience, but I’ve heard of Vega and Sun Warrior as being specifically vegan. Lindsay happens to like the Living Harvest hemp protein powder. If you go to any health food store (e.g. Trader Joes & Whole Foods), you’ll see that they have a variety of non-dairy protein powders.

Links to Vegan Snack & Protein Bar Sites

• Amazing Grass
• Bumble Bar
• Clif Builder Bars
• Clif Z
• Gnu Bars
• Honest Foods — Now available at Starbucks, remember? (Posted here)
• Larabar
• Odwalla
• Organic Food Bar
• ProBar
• Pure Bar
• Raw Organic Bar
• Raw Revolution

Do you guys eat protein bars? Snack bars? What are your faves, vegan or not? Protein powder?

Well, my friends, I’m off!  Despite the rumor to the contrary, I do sleep and I need some major Zzzs right about now.

<3,

The Cranky One

Happy Saturday! Are you going to be having as much fun as I am today? (studying and generally being a lame-ass?) Hope not!

If you guys have been to Starbucks lately, you may have noticed their stock of new snacks!  I was stoked when I saw little Annie’s snacks sitting in a wicker bin at the ‘bucks at my school.

So, I checked it out and it turns out that on Jan. 12, they released a whole slew of healthier snack and drink alternatives. You can check out the press release here or read the new items below stolen borrowed straight from the release.

Sensible and Tasty Beverages

Ten new teas have been released, “all featuring whole tea leaves and many featuring whole botanicals and spices. All Tazo® Full Leaf Teas have zero calories and are full-flavored. Starbucks will also feature customer favorites, Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte and the Skinny Vanilla Latte, as part of the new menu. Both lattes are 90 calories for a tall (12fl. oz.).”

Sandwiches Served Fresh

“With the introduction of four warmed-to-order Panini sandwiches under 400 calories, Starbucks is providing more options for a satisfying and rewarding lunch. The new Panini sandwiches will be available in more than 4,200 stores with warming ovens and include:

• Chicken Santa Fe Panini: Indulge without the guilt – natural chicken breast topped with a sour cream green chili spread, bell peppers and Pepper Jack cheese on flatbread
• Roasted Tomatoes and Mozzarella Panini: Richly flavored with the tastes of Italy, this Panini boasts basil pesto, roasted tomatoes, fresh spinach and mozzarella
• Ham and Swiss Panini: The classic ham and Swiss sandwich is upgraded to a Panini on focaccia bread, with natural Black Forest ham, fresh tomato, Swiss cheese and tangy Grey Poupon® Dijon mustard
• Tuna Melt Panini: Savory and delicious, this Panini features dolphin-friendly tuna salad and Cheddar cheese on flatbread”

No vegan sandwich options yet, but I’m sure we’ll see them soon enough. S’Bucks, if you’re listening, a TLT (tempeh lettuce tomato) would be an amazing addition!

Snacks On-the-Go

“Customers will see a line of new snack options with 220 calories or less per serving, including:

• Annie’s® Snacks: These delicious alternatives to traditional snacks are available in portion controlled sizes exclusive to Starbucks
• FoodShouldTasteGood®: Available in Multigrain and Sweet Potato, the all-natural chips are packed with quality ingredients Get a $1 off coupon for their chips by joining their “Fan Club” here – Don’t think the coupon would apply at S’Bucks, though…
• KIND Bars: These all-natural bars with wholesome ingredients you can see and pronounce are the perfect grab-and-go snack To be released to S’Bucks Feb. 5th per their website. I’ve tried these before (via free samples sent to me) and whoa, they were amazing!
• Lucy’s® Cookies: Available in Chocolate Chip, Sugar and Cinnamon, every crispy, crunchy, delicious Dr. Lucy’s cookie is made with the highest quality ingredients Looks like these cookies are gluten-free
• Peeled Snacks®: Fruit just as nature intended – with no sugar added, available in gluten-free mango, cherry, and apple
• Peter Rabbit™ Organics: Perfect on-the-go snack for busy parents, showing kids that food can be fun and delicious
• Sahale Snacks®: Available in Pomegranate Cashew, Soledad Nut Blend and Chipotle/Ranch Almond, each snack is made with whole ingredients in their natural form
• Stretch Island Fruit Company™: Tasty fruit that can travel with you wherever you go, every original Fruit Leather is equal to half a serving of fruit
• Two Moms in the Raw: These granola mixes are made with no added oils or added sugar to be 100% delicious” Raw and 100% organic

I’m stoked about the snacks because a lot of them are vegan! I just hope the prices for them aren’t insane — I’ll look into it and keep ya posted.

<3,

The Cranky One

So…

If you saw my video here, you either a) felt bad for me for realizing there was gelatin in my candy after I had consumed five pieces, b) Thought that my overuse of the word “treat” was annoying (or cute? please?) or c) thought I was an idiot for not knowing that jelly candies would invariably have gelatin in them.  From the e-mails I’ve gotten and responses from friends, I’m going with option c as the popular choice.  It’s alright, I can suck it up and face the fact that some times I am just plain clueless

Hmm actually, let’s go with this version of clueless instead

(aww still one of my fave movies of all time!)

So, if there’s one thing I’ve learned along my journey to health, it’s not to assume I know everything!  If I can accept that I don’t know everything and always be open to learning more, I’m better off.  So, if anyone else out there has been as clueless as me and maybe wants to know a little more about gelatin and where it’s lurking, here’s to you!

What is Gelatin?

Gelatin is “a translucent, colorless, odorless, brittle, nearly tasteless solid substance, derived from the collagen inside animals’ skin and bones. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in food, pharmaceuticals, photography, and cosmetic manufacturing” [source].  There are vegetarian substitutes such as carrageen and agar agar, but, apparently, the word “gelatin” alone will always mean it’s derived from animals.  If a gelatin is prefaced with “kosher” that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s vegetarian –  it means it’s not derived from pigs, but could very well be derived from other animals.

Where Might it be Lurking?

Jelly candies, gum, marshmallows, vitamins, margarine, cream cheese, ice cream, pop tarts, cereal, powdered dessert mixes (e.g. jell-o), among others.

Haribo gummy candies, for instance, contain pork gelatin (or beef if manufactured in Turkey) [source]

What Should You Do If You Want to Avoid it?

Read the labels on food packaging before you consume it!  Don’t assume that just because you’re buying a product from a “health food” store that it’s not going to contain gelatin.

Why I’m Now Wringing My Hands

I’m now seeing that animal remnants are lurking everywhere…I didn’t know that fish bladders were used to “fine” wine and beer.  Did you?!  I’m also realizing what a slippery slope it is to be vegetarian for “ethical reasons” — for 1, vegetarians still eat cheese and eggs, which are — hello — animal products! and 2, I’ll be honest, I think people typically use their version of “ethics” for self-righteous reasons and usually as a justification for doing something completely unethical (*cough*PETA*cough*).  So, I don’t care to go into my reasons for being vegetarian. But I will say, if you prefer to avoid animal products as much as possible, do your research.

Give-Away Round Up

• Win a hand-grip exerciser here
• Win some Annie’s goods here
• Win a sports pedometer here
• Win some Nasoya here
• Win a Pulse Yoga DVD, a set of two Banglz, and a pack of TightCurves protein powder here
• Win a copy of the book, 101 Things to Do Before You Diet here

Congrats to All those Race Runners this Weekend!

• Holly, Anghard, Robin, Matt (If I missed you, holla’ in the comments — you deserve props, too!)

How were your weekends?  Ever find an ingredient in your food you were not happy with (after it was too late!)? Ever been an inconsiderate coffee-shop patron?

<3, The Cranky One

Coffee
JavaTurtle on Flickr here

I heart coffee.  It’s right up there on the list with chocolate, cheesecake and pizza. And as America’s number one source of antioxidants, I don’t think I’m alone in lovin’ it.

Some possible pros and cons of coffee, per Harvard Medical School here, as relates to:

Blood pressure. Results from long-term studies are showing that coffee may not increase the risk for high blood pressure over time, as previously thought. Study findings for other cardiovascular effects are a mixed bag.

Cancer. Coffee might have anti-cancer properties. Last year, researchers found that coffee drinkers were 50% less likely to get liver cancer than nondrinkers. A few studies have found ties to lower rates of colon, breast, and rectal cancers.

Cholesterol. Two substances in coffee — kahweol and cafestol — raise cholesterol levels. Paper filters capture these substances, but that doesn’t help the many people who now drink non-filtered coffee drinks, such as lattes. Researchers have also found a link between cholesterol increases and decaffeinated coffee, possibly because of the type of bean used to make certain decaffeinated coffees.

Diabetes. Heavy coffee drinkers may be half as likely to get diabetes as light drinkers or nondrinkers. Coffee may contain chemicals that lower blood sugar. A coffee habit may also increase your resting metabolism rate, which could help keep diabetes at bay.

Parkinson’s disease. Coffee seems to protect men, but not women, against Parkinson’s disease. One possible explanation for the sex difference may be that estrogen and caffeine need the same enzymes to be metabolized, and estrogen captures those enzymes.

Do you guys drink coffee?  How and how often?  Do you purchase it from a coffee shop or make it yourself?

If you are a Starbucks lover, you can find all the nutrition information for their coffees here.  They also have a list of all “under 200 calories” options, some of which include (based on a tall serving):

• BREWED COFFEE — 5 calories, 0 g fat
• BREWED TAZO® TEA — 0 calories, 0 g fat
• NONFAT TAZO® GREEN TEA LATTE — 130 calories, 0 g fat
• NONFAT CAPPUCCINO — 80 calories, 0 g fat
• NONFAT CAFFÈ LATTE — 120 calories, 0 g fat
• NONFAT CARAMEL MACCHIATO — 170 calories, 1 g fat
• SOY TAZO® CHAI TEA LATTE — 190 calories, 2.5 g fat
• NONFAT CAFFÈ MOCHA – HOLD THE WHIP — 170 calories, 1.5 g fat

Thrift Store Deals

Since I discussed some of my grocery shopping money-saving tips in yesterday’s post, I thought I would share how I save money on clothes purchases, too — thrift shopping!  How does saving money fit into the whole health scheme of things?  Hey, a healthy bank account gives me peace of mind!  All aspects of our lives are so intricately and inextricably wound, don’t you think?

Thrift shopping is something near and dear to my heart as I consider it a treasure hunt I have been embarking on with my mom for as long as I can remember.

My recent purchase, pictured, above:

1. Pair of Bongo shorts
2. Pair of Roxy shorts
3. Pair of Old Navy Shorts
4. BCBG shirt
5. Banana Republic shirt

Total spent: $20.75

Do any of you go thrift store shopping?

In the News/Blogs

• That’s Fit’s, “Worst Habits of Runners” (8/18/09) here
• Science Daily’s, “Neuron’s That Control Obesity in Fruit Flies Identified” (8/19/09) here
• Science Daily’s, “Whole Grain Cereals, Popcorn Rich In Antioxidants, Not Just Fiber, New Research Concludes” (8/19/09) here
• Diet Blog’s, “Licorice May Help Cut Body Fat” (8/19/09) here

Give-Away Round Up

• Did you enter my give-away here for some Feed Granola and other loot? ;D
• And yet another Dick’s $100 gift card give away here
• Win some loot for your dog and some Amazing Grass products for yourself here
• Win some Stuffits Shoe Savers here
• Win a $50 Free People clothing gift card here
• Win a box of Lazy Baker Cookie Mix here
• Win a copy of the book Clean Food here

I hope you have a wonderful day!!

<3, The Cranky One

Western Bagel’s “The Alternative Pita – Whole Wheat” - Costco. $5.19 for 12

Nutritional information for 1 pita: 110 calories, 0.5 g fat, 8 g fiber, 7 g protein

So much may be done with a pita, which really excites me!

Now, I’m not too keen on posting everything I eat 1) because it’s not that interesting; 2) I don’t think it’s useful for you readers to see every apple, banana, whole wheat toast that goes into my body; c) I really don’t want to take a picture of everything I eat; and 4) I don’t want to give the false impression that I presume everything I eat is an example of what you should be eating.  With that said, sometimes I eat something soooo delicious that I honestly feel it would be a shame to keep it a secret.  Last night was one of those nights!
A Lil o’ This, A Lil o’ That Salad Bowl

• Herb salad mix
• Cranberries
• Apple
• Red onion
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Non-fat balsamic vinaigrette

All ingredients listed above from Trader Joe’s

The Pita That Could Change the World

• One Hebrew National 97% fat-free hot dog grilled and chopped — 45 calories, 1.5 g fat, 0 g fiber, 6 g protein
• One Western Bagel’s “The Alternative Pita – Whole Wheat“ — 110 calories, 0.5 g fat, 8 g fiber, 7 g protein
• Spinach
• Red onion
• 2 tbsp Smoked Peach salsa — 15 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
• 2/3 cup Lentil Bolognese – 57.8 calories, 1.3 g fat, 2.7 g fiber and 2.1 g protein
• Approximate caloric total = 300

I ate this while simultaneously patting myself on the back it was that good.  It was a little messy, but so filling and delicious I felt like I was eating something “bad” for me.

The boyf saw the wrap pictured above and said, “you eat food that looks like its been ran over.”  In the past he has said I eat food that looks like it’s already been eaten.  Why do I get the feeling that a lot of our significant others find the foods we eat to be a little anomalous?  What kind of comments have your significant others, or friends, made about your food concoctions?

And then…I did something so out of character, so absolutely shocking that you might want to grip the side of your chair so as not to fall… I TREATED MYSELF to…

KenobiwanX from Flickr

Starbucks’ Venti (yes, a VENTI) “skinny” vanilla iced latte, no whip — 110 calories, 0 g fat, o g fiber, 10 g protein. I drank it in like 5 seconds…kinda sad :/  I don’t frequent the ‘Bucks much anymore because it’s flippin’ expensive and the coffees are pretty much empty calories (oh and I LOATHE the music they play in there — it makes my ears bleed from sappiness); but, some days, you just want a little sweet somethin’ and it was totally worth it!   What’s your drink of choice from Starbucks or your fave coffee place?

The boyf and I did not end up seeing a movie last night as planned :/  But we did have fun watching Extras on DVD.  Any of you catch that show?

So I’m anxious yet again as tomorrow is weigh-in day for Jen and me as we give you guys a challenge update.  I will give you the low-down on my day-by-day caloric intake as well as my daily exercise log (gotta love that giant calendar keeping me accountable!). I can’t wait to hear how you guys are doing.

See you tomorrow!