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Gluten Free Mealtime Monday Product Review Product Reviews Recipes

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Meal Time Monday [Autosaved] plant-basedproteinroundup

When I first started my weight loss journey I was introduced to protein shakes. I wasn’t aware of all the options and drank what was recommended. After about a month I knew I had to try something different but didn’t know what to choose out of all of the many. A year later I have not only a great understanding of the value of protein powders in your diet. I have some recommendations. Protein powders are a great addition to your diet because:

• They are a convenient, high-protein, take anywhere food similar to meats, fish, eggs and dairy but can nonperishable in the powder form.
• They are a great healthy fat containing very little fat and are usually cholesterol free which is hard to find in a high-protein food
• They can be used for the entire family
• A bonus to all of these other benefits it can taste great too and be a treat after a hard sweat session.

You can find hundreds of protein powders on the market in the United States. They range from poor quality and ingredients to an excellent source of nutrients every day. There are two types of protein and then subcategories:
protein-powderI feel like you need to try a variety of protein powders to see which one you prefer especially after testing out a few this summer. My biggest concern when choosing a protein powder was quality and food allergies. My food allergies lead me to plant based protein. I am allergic to wheat and lactose intolerant. There are other types of proteins such as whey and casein, egg and soy, but I am going to talk specifically about plant-based protein.

What do I look for in a Protein? For the best protein for me I took a few qualities into consideration:

1. Ingredients are important-all that Sucralose, Dextrose nonsense is no good; Artificial or artificial/natural flavors I stay away from; the only option I have is natural flavors and sweeteners.sucralose 2. Cost of protein- I can’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars a month on supplements it needs to be below $80 per month. Nor do I find that a wise way to spend your money. Protein can range in prices. The protein that I regularly use is $35 with shipping for 30 days of protein.  I usually buy one for baking and one for drinking.

3. Additives- does it have additional ingredients that enhance the protein powder kinda of like a 2 for one which can be a bonus! I personally like that No Udder Protein has  L-Glutamine for Athletic Performance and Recovery.

Why plant-based protein? Animal protein is more popular than plant based protein for a various reason mainly taste and nutrition.  Most people use whey protein it is probably the most famous protein powder. Most people think that plant-based protein users are vegetarians and vegans, but that’s not always the case. I decided to go to a plant based protein due to the discovery of food allergies and intolerance. Plant based protein has provided me the protein I need with no food allergy reactions, but I love meat too. It’s been a long journey through grit, but I have found a few plant-based proteins that provide quality ingredients-meaning junk free protein, affordable price, great tasting and some have additives that provide even more convenience. healthyskoopprotein How does it taste?Taste is a big factor for me when choosing a protein if I can’t enjoy I can’t eat it or drink it. Although, I won’t sacrifice honoring my temple for artificial sweeteners to sweeten my protein. There are artificial sweeteners that are approved by the FDA, it doesn’t mean it’s the best thing to put in your body. It makes no sense to me to workout hard, eat right and then sip on a Protein powder that has artificial chemicals. It seems counter-intuitive to all of your efforts. I love the way Healthy Skoop taste and smells my middle daughter does too.

Is protein expensive? My family is reviving our financial health and stick to an adhere to a strict budget. I am not able to have a large supplement budget, so cost is a factor. This all is dependent on you but the lower the quality, the lower the price. Don’t use your stomach like a waste basket and drink junk.
vegaessentialshake Enhancements and meal replacements It’s common to find proteins enhanced with BCAAs, arginine, amino acids, glutamine, some are meal replacements with added carbs; not to get confused with protein shakes as they often are with direct sales shakes. Protein shakes are not meal replacement they are additional high-quality protein, amino acids to give you additional nutritional support.

My Top Choices Healthy Skoop as my most favorite to bake with it didn’t change the taste of any of my baked goods it only enhanced and it smells amazing.  It’s also my top choice because it gives back to American Schools fresh produce through their program Project Produce 3% of their sales.healthyskoopreview

No Udder Protein

Next on my RoundUp is NoUdder than No Udder Protein. This is my second pick only because it doesn’t make pancakes well. I am completely honest; protein pancakes that important to me. I look forward to them when I plan them on the menu.  This protein gave me the best pre and post workout feeling. Even on leg days, my recovery was minimal, and I am going to attribute that to this protein shake. It’s also has a mild flavor, so it is excellent in shakes it doesn’t overpower the flavor.noudderproteinreview Vega Essential Shake Vega  came in at number three it is a great shake too. It is a great addition to the essential ingredients that you need on a daily intake.  It tastes good too and is not gritty.  It makes great shakes and baked goods and delicious pancakes.  It was hard to decide, but I will be using all three regularly. I also want to try other Vega products as they have a lot of different specialized protein, and I would be interested to see how they work out. vegaessentialshakereviewI felt weird not leaving a recipe for mealtime Monday. You have to try this Basil Lemonade it is delicious and refreshing just what you need after a hard workout out. I’m obsessed with Basil Lemonade and since I have way too much Basil (Sweet and Purple) in my garden I am drinking it up! Basil has some nutritional benefits:
🍋🍃. Reduces Inflammation

🍋🍃.Anti-Aging Properties

🍋🍃.Rich in Antioxidants

Let me know what kind of protein you use? Whey?Egg? Plant Based? None?

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:34]

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Breakfast Dessert Gluten Free Mealtime Monday Recipes

Lemon Coconut Protein Chia Pudding

Meal Time Monday [Autosaved]

LemonCoconut.ChiaPudding

It sounds good, right? Well it is absolutely amazing! I have been dabbling in Chia Seed flavors lately. One because it is so good; second it is really easy and third it will kill a sugar craving and leave you full and satisfied.  It’s the perfect snack, breakfast!  I’ve made some questionable flavor combinations but this one by far is the yummiest! I had to share.

Chia Seed is also very beneficial it is rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals.  Some benefits of Chia seeds are:

  • Great for your Skin and Aging- it contains antioxidants that help accelerate skin repair and also inhibit skin from future damage.
  •  Great for digestion- Chia seed is very-high in fiber it is said to contain about 11 grams per ounce. Meaning one serving of Chia Seed can be your recommended fiber intake for the day! Fiber is critical for your body to help it balance your insulin levels and known as a blood sugar balancer.
  • Great for your Heart Health– Chia Seed has been know to:

    – reverse inflammation,

    – regulate cholesterol and lower blood pressure make it extremely beneficial to consume for heart health.

    – reversing oxidative stress

    *according to an article published in the journal Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials:

  • Great for treatment of Diabetes– A study done came to the conclusion that eating chia seeds entirely inhibited the start of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. There has been claims that it can halt or reverse diabetes. (I’m not making them but some researchers have been bold enough to come to that conclusion after laboratory testing.
  • Great for an extra Boost Your Energy & Metabolism- The addition of chia seeds will help boost your metabolism and burn belly fat.  It reduces visceral adipose tissue also known as belly fat tissue which has an effect on your ability to burn calories.
  • Great for Stronger Bones- One ounce of Chia Seeds is 18% of the daily recommended calcium intake.
  • Great to help you Build Muscle & Lose Weight- Chia seed is an excellent plant based protein. It has been recommened for people wanting to burn fat, get lean muscle and balance blood sugar levels.

    Lemon Coconut Protein Chia Pudding

I lift really heavy and have a high protein allocation in my diet so I am always trying new protein based treats.  I also love it for my daughter because it’s a wholesome meal in the morning and they can just grab their jar and go!  I don’t let them take it to school because of the glass but they each have one and just unscrew the lid and eat.  It’s nice for those busy school day mornings.  I don’t know about you but I am prepping for Back To School so testing out new flavors to keep them interested has been fun!  They can even make this on their own which my oldest one loves to do.

I have been going Lemon crazy lately. I am not sure if it’s because its summer time and its refreshing. Citrus is also great for helping absorb iron and it just makes everything taste yummy. From your bowl of fruit to your piece of chicken fresh squeezed lemon juice is always a great addition to a meal.  It’s versatility also allows for a lot of different flavor combinations.  The great thing about this pudding too is the Coconut is not overpowering.  If you don’t like coconut omit it and you have a Lemon “Meringue”ish Chia Pudding.

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:33]

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Dessert Gluten Free Mealtime Monday Recipes

Chocolate Chick Cookies

Meal Time Monday [Autosaved]

Chocolate Chip (shhh Chickpea) Cookies

(This was adapted from Texanerin Baking) Although I am one smart cookie (ba duh dump) 😉 I would have never thought of this myself, BUT I just changed a few things, and I totally fooled the Lil Divas. I haven’t baked for awhile it’s been hot, busy with school, kids, and life and ever since my Plant Based Reboot, I haven’t had a sweet tooth. That is saying something because I had a serious sweet tooth before we needed to have a sweet, indulgent dessert every night but ever since my “cleanse” which I hate even to call it that I have been pretty good on the cravings. So, when I pulled out these delicious cookies the “oo’s” and “ah’s” from the oil divas!! They smell delicious, they look delicious but do they taste delicious?

Yes! I made two batches! Peanut Butter because I love peanut butter and plain because my girls hate peanut butter. Both were a hit! Now the only thing I would say if you’re a crunchy cookie kind of person like I am the texture may be a little off but other than that I think these would do well. They’re even baked sale worthy. It’s been a journey the last two years clean eating, eliminating everything that we knew to be “real food” and replacing it with “better food” but it has been so worth it.

Our health, energy, skin, weight, mental ability has all improved dramatically. People ask me how did you switch your family to clean eating. Slowly but surely, the process of elimination; introduction to new things; trial and error. Here we are two years later, and I have not gone to the grocery store in over a month. We have gotten all of our food from a farm so far this summer. I still buy bulk whole grains like oatmeal, rice, and quinoa but for the most part, my shopping is done on the peripheral or the grocery store or the local farm, and it feels so good. We can still indulge on cookies, treats and all the things that they thought they would miss and we are living a healthier lifestyle!

ChocolateChickCookieDough

 

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:31]

 

 

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Gluten Free Recipes

Black Bean Brownies (Kid and Husband Approved)

Meal Time Monday [Autosaved]

BlackBeanBrownies

Trying something new!

YES! They are gluten-free YES! They are moist and YES! They are yummy, kid tested and approved. Have you ever wanted to try something different just to see what the hype is all about? Not all the time but sometimes I just want to see what all the fuss is about.  That’s what happened with these brownies I made them to see, “Can Black Beans really turn into brownies?” Not only can they but they really do taste very good.  Of course like most things I had to put my own spin on the ingredients and how to make them but they wouldn’t be my recipe if I didn’t.

blackbeanbrownies.

Kid and Hubby Approved

The girls were very skeptical we usually eat our beans on tacos and in salads not for a sweet treat.  I even have them convinced so then it was time to try the ultimate picky eater in my house and most skeptical because let’s face it my family has been guinea pigs to good and bad recipes.  I have to be honest I wasn’t exactly forthright with these brownies.  I passed them off as regular brownies for dessert and I passed.  He didn’t know the difference until I told him.  He did say the texture was a little different than my usual brownies but he did say, “They’re actually pretty good,” which is a thumbs up and a high five for him.  These brownies are great for fiber, gluten free and yummy.  Give them a try!

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:27]

 

 

12 Servings
Amount Per Serving
  Calories 197.4
  Total Fat 3.0 g
  Saturated Fat 0.8 g
  Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g
  Monounsaturated Fat 0.9 g
  Cholesterol 59.3 mg
  Sodium 32.0 mg
  Potassium 190.1 mg
  Total Carbohydrate 30.6 g
  Dietary Fiber 1.8 g
  Sugars 2.3 g
  Protein 3.4 g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

 

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Dessert Gluten Free Recipes

No Carb Cheesecake

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No Carb Cheesecake

I have been carb cycling for 3 weeks this month and if you have been following have found some yummy recipes. I am actually in love with this type of meal plan now. I have found that it has given me amazing results, physically and internally. The first week I had to tweak my macros, meaning the amount of protein, fats and vegetables/fruits that I consumed and types.  Once I figured it out not only have I felt better than ever, I find myself eating more than ever. Yet, I am eating less calories and low carbs.  I have played with my meal plan schedule varying week to week.

For example, my first week I ate:

Low Carb, Low Carb, No Carb, Low Carb, No Carb, Low Carb, High Carb. I did this to ease me into this new lifestyle change.

The Second week, I started off with:

No Carb, No Carb, Low Carb, Low Carb, No Carb, No Carb, High Carb.

The third week of the month I ate how I wanted but still tend to eat lower carbs out of want but I didn’t plan my meals based on carbs.

Now I am here in my last week and my schedule is:

No Carb, No Carb, Low Carb, No Carb, No Carb, Low Carb. The No Carb days were intentionally scheduled on heaving lifting days.

I will do another post on my results but they are absolutely amazing and the week that I was off of Carb Cycling I only gained 1 pound, while on vacation at Disney. Seriously? Yes, Seriously!

I have been doing so well, haven’t been hungry, none of the side effects from lack of carbs. Last night was different. I wanted something sweet so I did a Google/Pinterest search and most of the results came up No Carb Cheesecake. I love cheesecake but don’t eat it very often. I had to give it a try. So, I wrote down the easy recipe and got one ingredient that was missing and then started working on the recipe. Instantly, I knew something was wrong. I was a little apprehensive because of the ingredients.  As I started to mix the ingredients together it became a big gooey ball of something that did not look anything like cheesecakes.  So, I added some Almond Milk which made it even worse then I added some Greek yogurt it started to workout then I added another 8 ounces of Neufetchel cheese.  I placed it in the greased pan and Ta-da bogus recipe was improved and created a yummy dessert.  You can serve it with Walden Farm Syrup or Fruit Spread and have Strawberry, Caramel, Chocolate or Blueberry No Carb Cheesecake. I enjoyed every bite without guilt and yumminess!

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:18]

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