Protein Pudding

Protein pudding is quite possibly the easiest healthy treat you can make.  All it takes is mixing together all natural non-fat Greek yogurt and some protein powder and BOOM!

You got yourself a basic protein pudding :)

So why Greek yogurt?  Well, according to a recent article I read on Bodybuilding.com a study published by the International Journal of Obesity showed that low-fat, high-protein dairy products can accelerate abdominal fat burning.  Researchers noted both higher fat loss from the trunk region and higher lean muscle mass retention in the group that ate yogurt!

In addition, Greek yogurt has double the protein of most regular yogurts.  A typical 6-ounce serving contains 15-20 grams of protein which is comparative to 2-3 ounces of lean meat!  Also, it is a great source of calcium, which we all know helps build strong teeth and bones.  Furthermore, the probiotics found in Greek yogurt help regulate digestion and keep the bacteria in your gut healthy.

Personally, I think it is the perfect pudding base due to it's smooth and creamy consistency.  I always purchase plain Greek yogurt because the flavored varieties contain high amounts of sodium and sugar which is just not necessary when you can add your own all natural ingredients and toppings!

Here's what I made for my mid-morning snack!

Fruit & Nut Protein Pudding

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup All Natural Non-Fat Greek Yogurt (I used Fage)

- 1/2 scoop Protein Powder (I used VPX Sports SRO Zero Carb - Chocolate)

- 1 tbsp (10g) Fruit & Nut Trail Mix (I used Kirkland Signature)

- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon

- Splash of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (I used Blue Diamond)

Instructions:

- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and place in the refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy!

The great thing about Protein Pudding is that there is literally an endless list of ingredient options you can choose from.  Here are some of my suggestions:
- All natural nut butters
- All natural, unsalted nuts
- All natural, unsalted seeds (Chia, Flax, Hemp, Poppy, Pumpkin, Sunflower)
- Dark chocolate
- Fresh organic fruit
- PB2
- Unsweetened coconut flakes

Nutritional Information:
Serves 1
155 calories, 3g fat, 73mg sodium, 65mg potassium,
9g carbohydrates (1g fiber, 8g sugar) 23g PROTEIN


Someone pass me a bowl of protein pudding... please :)

Zero-Calorie, Zero-Carb, Gluten-Free - NoOodles

I've been hearing a lot of buzz about these zero calorie, zero carb, gluten-free "miracle" noodles lately and have really wanted to try them!  Lucky me, I stumbled upon an amazing deal on Groupon for NoOodle Shirataki Zero-Calorie Noodles.  

It was only $36.00 for 24 8oz. packs of these all natural noodles!  

Regularly, they would be $72.00.  Plus, I got free shipping. Cha-Ching!

The arrival!

One pack of NoOodles.

NoOodle's angel-hair pasta provides a healthy alternative to traditional noodles thanks to its complete lack of calories, net carbohydrates, gluten, fat, sodium, and preservatives.  Derived from yam flour, these high-fiber noodles require a simple rinse or dry fry to prepare before starring in your favorite soup, salad, or entree.

NO Calories... NO Fat... NO Net Carbs... NO Soy... NO Gluten... NO GUILT!!!

NoOodles Nutrition Label

So, now time to tell you my thoughts about these suckers :)

Upon opening the bag, there is a very foul fish like odor that is released *BLEH* they reek!  So naturally I did what I always do and Googled this stench right away.  I quickly found on the NoOodle website that this is a FAQ and the aroma does not mean the noodles are spoiled.  The smell is from a mineral called lime (calcium hydroxide, as seen the the ingredients above) which is apparently used in many foods and drinks as a firming and neutralizing agent.  It is harmless, but they recommend rinsing and draining the noodles to remove the smell prior to adding them to your recipes.

Speaking of recipes, this is the first meal I made using the "no guilt" noodles!

 

Ingredients:

- 4oz chopped grilled chicken breast

- 1 cup of steamed broccoli

- 4 oz NoOodles (drained and pat dry with a paper towel)

- 1 tbsp Walden Farm's Sesame Ginger Dressing

Instructions: 

Mix all of the ingredients together and microwave for 1 minute!

Easiest thing ever made?! Quite possibly!

As far as taste and texture goes, NoOodles are translucent, similar to Asian style noodles or angel hair pasta, and have no flavor.  So, you can add any of your favorite sauces or soups to your dish and the pasta will absorb those flavors. You can cook them with your favorite spaghetti or Alfredo sauce, or you can experiment with different vegetables and herb dressings until you find a dish that suits your taste and is delicious and healthy!

Enjoy!

Spicy Spaghetti & Meatballs

This just in... I made this dish last night for dinner!

Ingredients:

- 1 package of NoOodles (drained, rinsed, and dried)

- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion

- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes & green chilies

- 2 tsp Mrs. Dash Italian Medley seasoning

Instructions:

Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray, place all ingredients in pan and cook on medium-high heat for 2 minutes, turn heat down to medium and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Makes 2-3 servings.

Serve with 2 Turkey Muffins (recipe on my blog).

Bon Appetit!