Product Review - PB2

A couple months ago I pick up some PB2 in the HyVee health market section. I was intrigued by this powdery substance that claimed to taste like peanut butter. Now, I am kind of a peanut butter snob...in fact, J and I love pb and cottage cheese so much that we have a saying..."what peanut butter doesn't go on, cottage cheese does." SO TRUE!
So here's what the website has to say:
It's what's not in PB2 that makes it so good for you. For starters, our special process removes 85% of the fat calories without the chemicals typically used in producing reduced fat foods. Something else you won't find in PB2 is preservatives. What you will find is natural roasted peanut flavor that's also available in a rich chocolate variety.

PB2: Powdered Peanut Butter
Ingredients: Roasted peanuts, sugar and salt.
Serving size: 2 Tablespoons (12 grams)
Servings per container: 15
Amount per 2 Tablespoon serving (when mixed with water):
Calories: 45
Calories from fat: 13
Value and % Daily Value*
Total fat 1.5 g 3%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Trans fat < style="font-size:180%;color:#663300;">PB2 fudge and Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups: Sugar
1/2 cup: Milk
1/2 cup: Butter (can use Land O Lake natural or other healthier spread)
4 Tbsp: Cocoa
1/2 cup: PB2
3 cups: Quick cooking oatmeal
2 tsp: Vanilla
Instructions:
Mix sugar, milk, butter and cocoa in saucepan. Allow mixture to boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add all other ingredients. Drop on wax paper and freeze.

I made these the day after that big snow storm last month and let them cool in the drifts.

Besides the cookies I have added PB2 to smoothies and oatmeal and find it to be pretty tasty however, it will not be replacing my good ol' natural peanut butter on toast.

Until next time...
look good, feel good, do good
http://www.sarabconsulting.com/

'Tis the Season part 2

It's Christmas week!

To celebrate, J and I have treated ourselves to little indulgences such as dinner at Cafe Dodici in Washington, IA.

and cross country skiing out at Ashton Cross Country Course in Iowa City

don't worry, I was uber cautious not to fall

and of course, another batch of Christmas cheer

Uncle Bob's Cookies

recipe from my Grandma's kitchen in 1955

Ingredients & Instructions:

1 C white sugar

1 C brown sugar

1 C butter

Beat well.

Add in

2 eggs

1 t Watkins vanilla

2 1/2 C flour - I with 1/2 white whole wheat flour

2 t baking powder
2 t baking soda

1 t salt
Mix well.

Add in

2 C oatmeal

2 C coconut

chocolate chips, M&M's, butterscotch chips -whatever gets your jingle on.

Bake at 350F for 12-15 minutes.
So so good!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Until next time...

look good, feel good, do good

http://www.sarabconsulting.com/

'Tis the Season...

For cookies!
So this isn't exactly a "healthy" recipe post, but it is a yummy one!
Sunday I got into the baking mode and set out to share some holiday spirit by whipping up J and I's favorite Christmas cookies.
A key to keeping your health in check....sharing with others!

Aunt Pam's Gingersnap Cookies
Ingredients:
2 C flour - I used about 1/2 white whole wheat flour
1 T ground ginger
fresh grated ginger is the secret ingredient, I added about 1 tsp - may add more next time for a stronger flavor
2 tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c molasses
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 c butter
1 c sugar
1 egg
sugar for bowl
Instructions:
Measure flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, and salt into sifter. Cream butter until soft and gradually add sugar. Beat in egg and molasses. Sift dry ingredients over creamed mixture, blend well. Form mixture unto balls and roll in granulated sugar. Place on uncreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake at 350F 12-15 minutes or until they are slightly browned, rounded, and cracked on top. Cool thoroughly before storing.

Benefits of ginger:
Ginger aids in relieving nausea...these would have been great about 5 months ago when I was going through first trimester queasiness.
Ginger also has an anti-inflammatory effect and aids in muscle recovery......your excuse for having a cookie post workout.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 3/4 c. flour - I used about 1/2 white whole wheat flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. peanut butter - I tend to use slightly more (maybe 1/4c) to make moister cookies
1 egg
2 tbsp. skim milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Instructions:
Combine ingredients. Roll into balls, roll balls in sugar. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes. Top with chocolate kiss immediately upon removal from oven. Place in hot oven for 2 more minutes (don't forget about them!!!) This helps glue the kiss to the cookie.

What's your favorite holiday cookie?

Until next time....
spread some JOY
and look good, feel good, do good...
http://www.sarabconsulting.com/

How to Eat Healthy at the Iowa State Fair - As seen on KCCI News

Wahoo! It's fair time! Many people look forward to the sites, sounds, smells (not sure about the animal barns), and FOOD of the Iowa State Fair.
Growing up my mom did programs at the Homemaker's Theater. In fact, she claims she just about gave birth to me at the fair on August 16th, 1984. I found that story pretty cool when I was a kid......
ok I still do.

As my sister and I got older, Mom, would bring us along to be her little helpers. Our favorite day was when the Homemaker's Theater had their cookie decorating contest. Oh man, did we pile our sugar cookies high with frosting and sprinkles...we usually didn't even care what they looked like, we just wanted lots of sugar on them.

Apparently, when we took it serious we rocked the contest....blue ribbon baby!

Although my mind set hasn't shifted too much about sweet stuff, it has about finding healthy options at the fair.

Healthy options at the fair!?!?! Yes, you heard me correct.
but first, lets go over some of the worst offenders:

• Giant Grilled turkey leg 1100 cal, 55g fat
• Funnel cake 760 calories, 44g fat
• Deep-fried Twinkies 361 calories, 28g fat
• Corn dog 250 calories, 15g fat
• Cotton candy 225calories, 0 g fat
• Caramel apple (no nuts) 325 calories, 5g fat

It's a good thing so many foods are portable and come on sticks because you will have to do a lot of walking to burn off some of these:

• Giant Grilled turkey leg 11 miles
• Funnel cake 8.5 miles
• Deep Fried Twinkies 4.25 miles
• Corn dog 4 miles
• Cotton candy 1 mile
• Caramel apple 3 miles

so now the healthier options:

• Turkey tenderloins or turkey breast sandwiches at the Turkey Federation (west of Anne and Bill Riley Stage)
• Pork chops on-a-stick at the Iowa Pork Producers Association (main location: east end of Grand Avenue; satellite locations: east of the main stand and on Rock Island Avenue west of the Livestock Pavilion)
• I can't believe I am going to say this, but if you really want that fried candy bar, Oreo (1) 80 cals
• Baked potatoes and corn-on-the-cob at Westmoreland (south of the Anne and Bill Riley Stage)
• Salad on a Stick at The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building; Cultural Center) – an iceberg lettuce wedge with carrots and tomato served kabob-style, served with dressing.
• Salads at various locations: Campbell’s (Elwell Family Food Center), Diamond Jack’s (west of the Livestock Pavilion), The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building; Cultural Center), The Greek Garden (north of the Varied Industries Building and southeast of the Administration Building), Master Jack’s (west of the Grandstand) and Steer and Stein (east of the Grandstand)
• Sandwich wraps at The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building and Cultural Center Courtyard)
• Mixed fruit cups, melon cups and shish-kabobs at Beattie’s Melon Patch (west of the Giant Slide) and mixed berry cups at Stockman’s Inn (southwest corner of the Cattle Barn)
• Veggie corn dogs at Veggie Table (north of the Varied Industries Building).

Tips to help you receive the blue ribbon for healthy eating at the fair:

Now, I am not saying you can't enjoy your favorite annual fair food, say a corn dog. Go for it, enjoy it, and don't feel guilty about it. However, if you plan to spend multiple days, at the fair and make multiple food purchases you will want to use the following tips on how to stick to a healthy plan:

• Consider eating a light meal before going to the fair, so your stomach wont be empty.
• Think about your choices before impulse buying.
• Pick your favorite(s) and stick to these one or two items of indulging.
• Split high-calories foods with friends and family.
• If sizes are an option always ask for a small....you will still satisfy your craving.
• Stay clear of caloric beverages such as soda. A large soda contains about 400 calories. Bring along a water bottle to help you stay hydrated and full.
• Choose one of the healthier food options above!

Tune in to KCCI Channel 8 news tomorrow at 5 for the "staying healthy at the fair" segment.

Until next time...
look good, feel good, do good
http://www.sarabconsulting.com/

Nutrition Bites #5 - Managing snack time

Happy Easter!
I thought this Nutrition Bite seemed appropriate for the holiday.

Sara B Consulting principle #5 - Schedule snack time
Who doesn't love that warm baked cookie or chocolate-caramel filled egg?

In my consulting I try to teach people to have no “guilty” feelings about food. This feeling should have no relationhip what so ever to food. Guilty is what you feel for breaking a law, telling a lie, or being a bully........not for eating.

If we feel guilt then we are not managing our well being. I have no cheat foods….I enjoy my cheesecake, cookies, ICE CREAM, and cake…the kicker…I know how to manage it. I don’t keep them around, I enjoy sharing dessert with my husband at a fancy restaurant, I don’t do “diet junk food”…what’s the point, and I train my butt off which gives me a little more flexibility. As my #9 principle goes... it’s what you do 90% of the time that matters. So DON’T feel guilty about the 10% or you’ll go crazy!

Food is our fuel. “Eat to Live, not live to eat.” Benjamin Franklin

with that I will leave you with a link to one of my favorite desserts on my blog

Baked Apples
http://sarabconsulting.blogspot.com/2009/10/fall-perfect-mealchili-and-stuffed.html


Until next time...
look good, feel good, do good
http://www.sarabconsulting.com/

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Two of my favorite things...almonds and cookies so needless to say these cookie really hit the spot!

After seeing this delicious looking picture in my latest Clean Eating Magazine I knew I had to make them.

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 C unsalted almond butter (I grind my own at New Pioneer Coop)

3/4 C sugar source (stevia, honey, agave nectar, brown sugar) I used honey and they turned out a little flat

1 large egg

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp sea salt

3 oz dark chocolate chips (or break apart a dark chocolate bar...70% or greater)

I found dark chips at the Coop bulk bins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F. In medium bowl, stir together first 5 ingredients until blended. Stir in chocolate.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto parchment lined or greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool on baking sheets. Remove to wire rack and cool. Enjoy!

Nutrients: 110 cals, fat 8g, carb 10g, suagrs 3g, protien 2g

Until next time...

look good, feel good, do good

www.sarabconsulting.com

Chocolate Chip Muesli Cookies

Have I mentioned that I have a major sweet tooth? I can thank my mom for that one. It was wasn't unusual to see her eating left over birthday cake or cookies with her morning coffee.
She would say "hey....I've got all day to burn in it off!"

Well, as Sara B Consulting principle #4 goes....Schedule snack times. Do not restrict, rather manage!

Muesli Chocolate Chip Cookies
on the back of Bob's Red Mill Muesli package

Abby suggested we make this recipe as it is a fav in her family
I believe it is a fav in mine now too!

Ingredients:
1 cup Muesli-Old Country Style
3/4 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 cup applesauce (original calls for butter)
1/3ish cups Brown Sugar (half of what original recipe calls for...you can also use honey, Splenda brown sugar, or regular....your choice)
1- 6oz. pkg. dark chocolate chips (I bought some at New Pioneer Coop in the bulk section)
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Watkins vanilla
1 Egg

Instructions:
Heat oven to 375°F. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together and set aside. Blend applesauce, sugar, and vanilla.

Beat in egg. Add flour mixture and mix. Stir in Muesli and chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoons on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Makes 24 delicious cookies.

Nutritional Information:
2 Cookies contain 260 Calories, 120 Calories from Fat, 13g Total Fat, 7g Saturated Fat, 40mg Cholesterol, 160mg Sodium, 35g Total Carbohydrates, 3g Dietary Fiber, 23g Sugars, 4g Protein.

Until next time...

look good, feel good, do good...

www.sarabconsulting.com

Apple, Walnut, Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

phew....that's a lot of goodness in one scrumptious cookie!


This are a very tasty treat...whether you are looking for something to fix your sweet tooth or for a pre workout snack that provides lasting energy.

I mean look at these things....little bites of heaven!
Apple Walnut Raisin Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
2 C whole wheat flour
1/2 C ground flax seed
1 t baking soda
1 t sea salt
1 t cinnamon
1/2 C smart balance margarine (slightly melted..about 15secs)
1/2 C Splenda or Stevia
2 eggs
1/2 C honey or agave nectar
1/2 T Watkins vanilla
1 small apple, cored, peeled and chopped
1/2 C raisins
1 C walnuts, chopped
1/2 C old fashioned oats
1/4 C unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
Preheat over to 350F. Stir dry ingredient together. In mixing bowl, beat butter and Splenda. Add in honey, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet and beat together. Stir in oats, applesauce, apple, raisins, and walnuts. Spoon onto greased baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Enjoy!

Until next time...

look good, feel good, do good

http://www.sarabconsulting.com/