Tofu-rific!

Just got home from dinner with my dietitian pal, Jess, and in true dietitian fashion, we had plenty of veggies and tofu! Now, I hear what you're thinking.... tofu? eww! And for the most part, I would've agreed with you, however, it really is dependent on how you cook/prepare it as to how palatable it ends up being. I've tried this soybean-derived food in all shapes and consistencies, but for the most part, it seems that extra firm tofu seems to be best at absorbing other flavors and has an agreeable texture. Try tofu in egg scrambles, stir fry's, soups, casseroles, etc! the list goes on and on! I've had a hard time with tofu just on its own and in the block-like shape, however, if you like it, great! Kudos to you! If you haven't tried it, google a recipe and give it a go! You've got nothing to lose! In comparison to meat, it is cheaper, incredibly versatile, low in the bad saturated fats, and lower in calories, while adding a great bulk to your meal, plus you're helping out the environment because the production costs are much lower.

Super creepy facts: It takes about 16lbs of grain to make one pound of beef and livestock are responsible for 18% of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. That's more than cars, planes, and other transport combined! Now, I realize I just posted a grass-fed beef recipe two posts ago, so let me explain. By buying locally and grass-fed, there was much less production that went into my cut of meat. Lean beef and other meats are also excellent sources of protein, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin B12 (lacking in vegetarian foods).

Tofu is an excellent source of vegetarian protein with 1/2 cup firm (or 4 oz) tofu providing 10g protein, 94 calories, 5g fat (can find low-fat versions), and is naturally, cholesterol free since it is not animal derived. Other mentionables are the calcium- 227mg or 22% of the RDA, and iron- 1.8mg (although iron found in red meat will be more bioavailable).

Coconut oil is probably one of the best things on Earth

In case you're not familiar with coconut oil, it's an amazing product to not only use while cooking but well, for just about everything. Check out this article for 80 uses for this versatile wonder as well as the nutrition info behind it. One of my best pals and fellow dietitian, Jess, actually made her own toothpaste from this stuff! (Yes, that's what dietitians do in their spare time.)

Back to H-town!

After a wonderful weekend with the family and a helluva long day, I'm back home in Houston. I had a 2 hour layover in San Diego where I encountered a new product! Gnu Foods Flavor and Fiber Chocolate Brown Bar in the health foods section (very excited that they even had that section in the airport). Based out of NYC, I was very pleased with the nutrition information (140 calories, 4g fat, 1g saturated fat, 30mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates, 12g fiber- 8g soluble, 4g insoluble, 9g sugar, 4g protein). Low in sodium, reasonable calories, all natural ingredients, and most of all, a great blend of both insoluble and soluble fibers! The taste was terrific as well! A+ Gnu Foods!