GF Product Review - PureFit

You wouldn't believe the struggle it took to find a gluten free protein bar. I ran into many imitators but never the real thing. Bars laden in sugar but low in protein wouldn't do. When all of a sudden I learned of PureFit Bars. Dairy, wheat and gluten free PureFit Bars come in five different flavors

• Granola Crunch
• Almond Crunch 
• Berry Almond
• Chocolate Brownie
• Peanut Butter Crunch 

Each bar contains around 220 calories, packs 18 grams of protein and follow a 40/30/30 (carbs/protein/fat) ratio. They have a bit of a chewy texture close of that to a dense brownie (but nothing that's unruly). They're excellent for when you're on the go. I simply place in my backpack and walk out the door with confidence that I have a gluten free option with me. The fact that the don't melt is an added plus. My favorite flavor has to be Peanut Butter Crunch, Chocolate Brownie didn't live to my expectations. Having an alternative like PureFit Bars really helps me in the course of my day. I just wish I could have found them sooner. 

Book Review

         I use to think that salad was a road block on the way to the entree. After all anything that healthy can't possibly taste that good...can it? Since picking up Raising The Salad Bar by Catherine Walters I now think of salad as a welcomed addition to the meal. RSB takes you on a journey through the world of salads opening your eyes and mind to what a salad could be. Your journey begins with an intro into salad basics before moving on to chicken, steak and seafood salads. As you continue your mind is further immersed as potato, pasta and bean salads are highlighted. Grain, cole-slaws and garden salads round out your education. Through out the book you'll find useful tips, techniques and recipes for delicious home made salad dressings. Once you make your own dressings you'll never go back to store brought. While the book is not entirely gluten free and few simple swap outs can convert most recipes into safe fare. I've had RSB for close to two years I can honestly say it was money well spent.  The best part of the book isn't the great recipes, the exposure to new ingredients or the new found love I have for making my own dressings but the way it changed my view on salad. When a book can open your mind that makes it pretty special.

Quotes and Sayings

"An onion can make people cry, but there has never been a vegetable invented to make them laugh." 

Will Rogers

Bread Recommendations

      Bread is a stable found around the world, whether your in India enjoying roti or in France biting into a baguette, bread brings us to the table. Now that gluten free bread is available more people can join the table. Here are two of my favorite breads found at my table.



Udi's Whole Grain Bread: This is a fantastic bread with a light and delicate texture. I love it for it's amazing "multi-tasking" ability. Dip slices into a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon and powdered sugar for amazing french toast. To make croutons for soups and salads take toasted bread and finish both sides with butter,salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder before cutting into squares. Need some breadcrumbs for your chicken tenders? Simply take some toasted bread pulse in your food processor and season to taste.








Food for Life Millet Bread is a hearty bread that's more substantial than Udi's Whole Grain Bread. I use it more in the course of my everyday life. I find it's dense texture to be filling. It's great for open face sandwiches as it doesn't brake or crumble so easily.

New Year's Resolution 2012

When it comes to New Year's Resolutions I'm in the minority of the population....I love them! There's something so exciting about setting goals for myself and setting out towards achieving them. After years of making resolutions I've learned a few things from past successes and failures, here's some of what I learned.

• Create a clear and concise resolution that details what your resolution is and what you hope to achieve from it. 
• Starting with the end goal in mind write the necessary steps to achieve your resolution. Track your progress by creating milestones marking the beginning, middle and end of you goal.
• Make sure it's meaningful to you.
• Have some fun along the way. 

Since I am taking about resolutions it's only fitting to reveal one of mine. 

My resolution for 2012 is to have one media free night a week. After 8:00 pm no television, laptop or smartphone viewing will be allowed. For every night I go "screen free" I will pay myself $3.00. Each quarter I'll perform a financial audit where I should have around $36. My ultimate goal is to reduce my weekly media consumption. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Hello Readers,

I just wanted to take a moment and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Things may not be the way we wish but we have much to be thankful for and even more to look forward to. May the holiday season and upcoming year provide you with a chance to love and laugh, to dream and create, to beam and shine your brightest.

Sincerely,


                                       Alex G.

GF meet Real World

           
        Ah...the taste and aroma of coffee is second best to none. If your in the mood for a bit of java but still need it to be gluten free and lite on the waist open your eyes and read ahead for two of my top Starbucks recommendations.

• Tall Cafe Misto (12 oz, 80 calories) a delectable blend of coffee and 2% milk topped off with foam. Sweeten with a little bit of Splenda and you've got yourself a warm treat on those cold early mornings.

• Tall Ice Brewed Coffee (12 oz, 60 calories) from Starbucks. It's the perfect treat when your in the mood for something cold with a kick. Top with some sugar and milk, if you please.  

Remember you're there for the caffeine not the caramel, the chocolate or the excess calories. Treat yourself but choose mindfully.