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- Healthy Gal
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Monthly Archives: February 2012
Better-for-you chips: Baked Lentil
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Have you tried these? Baked lentil chips by Mediterranean Snack Foods. 22 baked chips per serving, 120 calories and 3 g fiber and 4 g protein… And they’re delicious!
Boston Restaurant Review: Life Alive
Though I am not a vegetarian or a vegan, I truly do enjoy eating a mostly plant based diet. In my search to find a plant-based dinner a few weeks ago, I came across this mostly-vegetarian spot in Cambridge’s Central Square. Life Alive is a quick T ride (subway as we call it here in Boston) from downtown and is a colorful oasis of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, spices, and home to a ginger-miso sauce that I still have dreams about.
Walking in the front door you are bombarded with bright colors, the smell of freshly ground vegetables, and a sense of well being (yes that’s right, even without ordering anything you feel healthier just from being there). Though you are almost sure to have to wait in a line, it gives you time to decide what delectable morsel you will have. Another thing to note, it is self serve– so don’t plan on being seated and waited on. This feature of people moving around and waiting in line supports the energetic atmosphere making this place truly “Life Alive.”
So, what to eat?
Deciding what to order is the most difficult part of going to Life Alive, because everything looks and tastes so good. (View the menu). You can choose from salads, warm dishes, the kids menu, the juice bar– rest assured that whatever you choose will be delicious.
The first few times I traveled to Life Alive I had the Rebel– yes I ordered the same thing a few times because it was so good. The first time I had it without the flax oil and tofu, the second time I added extra vegetables- still no flax or tofu.
Fun for us allergy-friendly people
The greatest part about Life Alive is that you can make any addition or substitution to your order– one of my favorite past times and something I frequently do when I eat out. Life Alive has a full list of sides that you can add for a small price. Additionally, you may choose to have your dish one of three ways- in a bowl, a wrap, or a demi (1/2 size portion). So really, your dinner is what you want!
More Perks!
For us allergy-ridden folks, most of the food is gluten free. Additionally, part of the beauty of being able to customize your order is that you may ask to exclude certain ingredients– which again works nicely if you are avoiding any certain food.
The take home:
This is a short post, but I have been meaning to brag about this restaurant for such a long time. You will truly have to go there for yourself to see just what I mean. Next time I go I plan to try a different entree and to add a juice to my order.
If you’re looking for a soul-warming, delicious, filling, and reasonably priced meal this is your spot. And if you like live music, the Central Square location features live music downstairs on thursday nights. Oh! and I almost forgot– they serve wine, a definite plus.
- Healthy Gal
What does your breakfast look like??
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Nut butter, nut butter, which do I buy?
This past weekend after spending 20 minutes standing in front of a very large selection of nut butters at a local Stop and Shop, I decided I needed some edification.
I decided I wanted to find out if there really is a difference between the various natural kinds; so I decided I’d look to find the nutritional difference among peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower, and soynut butter– here’s what I’ve got:
**All serving sizes are 2 TBSP, and all are “natural style”– that means the nut and maybe a little salt, and I compared the nutrients that are fairly standard across most brands**
Peanut Butter: 210 kcal, 16 g fat- 2.5 g saturated fat, 2 g dietary fiber, 8 g fiber
Sunflower Seed Butter: 185 kcal, 15.3 g fat- 1.6 g saturated, 0 g fiber listed (**this may differ), 6.3 g protein
Cashew Butter: 188 kcal, 15.8 g fat- 3.1g saturated, 0.6 g fiber, 5.6 g protein
Almond Butter: 203 kcal, 18.9 g fat- 1.8 g saturated, 1.2 g fiber, 4.8 g protein
Soynut Butter: 170 kcal, 11 g fat- 1.5 g saturated, 3 g fiber, 7 g protein
(All nutritional analysis from Calorie King)
Summary:
Boy was I shocked… looking at the nutritional information of these different types of butters (and yes they will vary slightly based on brand, and if you choose to buy a salted versus non-salted variety. Personally, the unsalted kind tastes a bit like glue) there really isn’t too much variation. They all have similar calorie contents, about the same amount of fat- except the soynut butter which is slightly lower even though the calories are about the same, and they have a small difference in fiber and protein. Going into this investigation I was surely going to find some great difference that would change my frequent recommendation of nut butters… sadly I was wrong, but keep reading!
Ok so where is the real difference between these natural butters? Price
Price comparison:
Peanut butter: around $4.50
Cashew butter & almond butter: around $8-9.00
Sunflower butter: around $6.00
Soynut butter: around $5.00
…yes they are expensive, but remember these jars do last for a while
…Ok, Healthy Gal give me some more useful information
Ok readers so by now you’re thinking there is no difference in all nut butters and you can go purchase any one because I told you they are all the same… wrong!
There is a difference, remember I was comparing all of the natural kinds. If you remember nothing from this post, I want you to remember this: there is a difference between natural peanut butter and a nut butter like JIF or Skippy.
Why?
I’m sure by now you have heard of trans fats, right? Trans fats are those evil fats that have been altered in a lab and that your body has a hard time getting rid of (aka they end up clogging your veins). Though trans fats must be now listed on the label, which makes companies more inclined to remove them from their products, companies like JIF are still putting similarly altered fats into their peanut butter- labeled as “FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (SOYBEAN AND RAPESEED).” This means that they are using the same process used to make trans fats- which is adding Hydrogen molecules to chains of fat to make them solid at room temperature (aka Hydrogenating them), and to make their butter taste better. Take a look to the left at the JIF Creamy Peanut Butter label, sure nutritionally it appears to be the same as the labels I previously showed you, but notice the “FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN)” on the label under ingredients. This my friends is what I want you to look for on your labels.
If I cannot persuade you to buy the super healthy, all natural kind of nut butter (which is delicious), the one thing I am hopeful for is that you will remember this: always check your labels to make sure that there are no partially or fully hydrogenated oils listed in the ingredients section. If you do find such a thing on a product you are about to purchase, please it back on the shelf– your heart will thank you later.
And lastly…
As I have learned from Sasha, my Healthy Dog, dogs love peanut butter too. So please remember to look out for their little hearts and to choose the natural kind for them as well. As you can see below they love empty jars.
Happy nut butter shopping,
-Healthy Gal
Dog store review: A dog mecca that is Polka Dog Bakery
OK, so by now I’ll say that I am fairly versed in health food stores for humans; however, I am very new to this whole doggy treat business. While sitting in class today I was informed about Polka Dog Bakery aka doggie treat mecca.
After class I decided that I would take a walk into the south end of Boston to find this spot. As I rounded the corner, the lights of the store met my eyes and I knew I had arrived, and what a spot.
Upon walking in I was kindly greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable sales person, who told me that he had tried some of the treats that they sell, and reassured me that they truly were “tasty.” In addition to the fact that Polka uses REAL and WHOLE ingredients making everything on site and from scratch, the most exciting feature of the store is the doggy treat “candy bar” (see below).
After spending 20 minutes perusing and asking about each treat that I could buy, I selected a peanut butter based treat, and even more exciting a slice of dried yam (sweet potato–yes I’m such a nutrition student)treat. I think I am more excited about this finding than even Sasha will be.
I can’t wait to try using my newly purchased healthy treats in my training efforts that are progressing, well, slowly to put it nicely– but we’re working on it! The great part about purchasing these treats is that I am confident that Sasha is getting healthy treats that have no fake or processed ingredients– helping to keep her a Healthy Dog!
(Sasha at 8 weeks)
Happy Friday,
Healthy Gal
Healthy Dog’s first romp at puppy school
All set to go to puppy school, Sasha was suited up in her new coat with her harness and monkey-patterned leash, and was ready to meet her new classmates: a 50 lb Doberman and a 30 lb Golden Doodle.
I was told to bring many treats and a fanny pack (yes! a fanny pack so that I could easily “dispense” treats to my dog). Giving treats is a popular method of training, so I’ve learned. When I first brought Sasha home I was determined that I would never give her treats, I was going to be a “Healthy Mommy,” boy was I wrong. For the first few weeks she listened and eagerly came when I asked; however, she soon learned the power and quickness of her legs to carry her in the opposite direction of my voice. Treats quickly became my best friend.
As a future nutrition professional, I am not only conscious of what I put in my mouth, but what I put in my puppy’s mouth. I have eagerly explored the racks of puppy treats at the puppy stores and asked tireless questions about what I should feed my dog and when.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Most fruits and vegetables are great treats- I use mini chopped up carrots. Be weary of currants, raisins, and other dried small fruits as I was warned that these can make your puppy sick. Also, onions are a no-no. Raw hide should be given under supervision, and for bigger dogs that are more food-driven, treats are a must.
Sasha at Puppy School
So, being the nutrition-conscious puppy owner, I arrived at puppy school sans-fanny pack, with my 3 lb yorkie, laden with chopped carrots and ready to train. Sasha trotted into the classroom tail up and wagging, and raring to go. All was going according to plan until she met her other classmate- the Doberman. A beautiful and well trained 6 month old Doberman eager to play with Sasha; Sasha’s tail quickly retreated to a warm spot in between her legs. She bravely sniffed and explored the Doberman until she was swatted. The big Doberman forgot how little she was and took her big paw and swatted Sasha, well that was it. We trained on the opposite side of the classroom for the remainder of class.
The take home
Besides learning that Sasha may never play with another big dog again, I learned that for a little dog whose weight I am trying to control that choosing a lower calorie vegetable such as carrots can be a great method for training. Though I don’t want her to learn to pay attention to me simply because she thinks she will get a treat, I do want her to start learning certain commands this way, such as sit, stay, and come.
Let’s hope for less swatting next week; I am going to try a different vegetable-treat for my own curiosity- more to come
- Healthy Gal
Boston Restaurant Review: Henrietta’s Table- Restaurant Week 2011
One of my first visits to this gem of a restaurant was during Restaurant week in Boston. Restaurant week is a two week eating extravaganza during which you can get three course pre-fixed meals at a variety of (normally) high priced restaurants for a reasonable $33.00.
Traditionally, I don’t love restaurant week, because I don’t think restaurants are really able to show off their true talents by offering abbreviated menu’s. I must say, however, I found my new favorite restaurant during this once a year, two week fest- Henrietta’s Table in Harvard Square.
Although my first visit to this fabulous restaurant wasn’t during restaurant week, my second visit was; shockingly I was just as pleased on my second visit as I had been on my first. I have truly fallen in love with both this restaurant and with its’ adorable mascot, Henrietta the pig.
The Bar:
From the moment you walk in, the warm atmosphere boasts a casual yet simple and sophisticated style. The double sided country style bar greets you with over-sized barstools and an eclectic and seasonal drink menu offering drinks like: Sparking Crimson- Westport Rivers Champagne, Cointreau, and POM juice; Local Pear-Mint Cocktail- Pears muddled with Fresh Mint, Grey Goose la Poire, Simple Syrup, Lime and a Splash of Soda.
The Restaurant Ambiance:
The restaurant itself features oversized oak tables and chairs that are spaced eloquently ensuring each party is comfortable and has ample privacy. The french-country styled decorations in the restaurant are basic and clean, but are balanced by the exposed kitchen, which helps to maintain the restaurants’ edgy feel.
The Menu:
The menu is a basic mixture of comfort food made from locally grown ingredients. The restaurants policy to buy local helps to support the local economy, in addition to making the food fresh and simply delicious.
Here’s a Glimpse at the Menu…
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STARTERS from $7.00
Maine Rock Crab and Corn Chowder with Smoked Bacon
Spinach Salad, Mandarins, Westfield Farm Chevre, and Spicy Maple Pecan Vinaigrette
House Smoked Pastrami Salmon, Native Field Greens, Chive Oil, Crispy Potato Wafer, Lemon Vermont Creme Fraiche
Iceberg Lettuce with Creamy Massachusetts Blue Cheese Dressing
Field Greens and Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
New England Salt Cod Cake, Tartar Sauce, Native Vegetable Slaw, Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Grilled Balsamic Portobello, Great Hill Blue Cheese, and Warm Nitrate Free Bacon Vinaigrette
ENTRÉE from $14.75
Baked Gloucester Scrod
Crystal Valley Farms Farms Herb-Crusted Rotisserie Roasted Chicken
Yankee Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Seared King Salmon, Chive Butter Sauce
House Maple Smoked and Grilled Free Range Duck Breast, Confit Leg, Cranberry-Apple Compote, Port Wine Reduction
Barbeque Ale Braised Elysian Field Farm’s Pulled Lamb Shank, Wilted Greens, Native Beans, Crispy Nitrate Free Smoked Bacon
Roasted Carrots, Celery Root and Gilfeather Turnip with Onions, Spinach, Quinoa, Local Beans, Farro and Roasted Acorn Squash, Lemon Grapeseed Oil
Ozark Mountain Grilled Smoked Pork Chop, Native Apple Sauce, Apple Brandy Reduction Sauce
SIDES from $4.75
Roasted Sweet Potatoes*, Mashed Potatoes, Wilted Greens, Butternut Squash Puree*, Beets*, Roasted Root Vegetables*
*Locally Grown Henrietta’s Yard SaleOpen Sunday – Thursday
Any 3 Courses $32.00
(includes choice of one side)
Any 2 Courses $25.00
(includes choice of one side)
*Available for Henrietta’s Classics Only
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What I Ordered:
Field Greens and Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Seared King Salmon, Chive Butter Sauce
Wilted Greens (kale, collard greens, arugula, spinach with lemon and garlic)- the second visit
Roasted Root Vegetables- the first visit
The picture above isn’t one that I took (sorry I forgot!). Instead, it’s a seared salmon with apple cider sauce. It’s similar but not identical to what I had, but it gives a picture of the normal salmon portion!
My Food Review:
The Field Greens salad was good, nothing fancy, but a fairly large portion. I split it with my mom, because I don’t think I could have finished both it and the salmon and side of greens I ordered.
The Seared King Salmon was delicious. It was cooked just how I like it- medium-rare (you could have it cooked another way if you like). The chive butter sauce was light and tasty. It gave the salmon a great flavor and I didn’t leave feeling like I’d eaten a stick of butter- always good. The wilted greens I ordered as a side dish were delicious and fresh.
The other side that I ordered (my favorite!) roasted root vegetables that included carrots and turnips, were truly delicious. I would definitely order those again.
I paired my dinner with an adobo-zinfandel blend that they had on the menu. It was lighter than a cabernet sauvignon, and went great with my salmon.
(For those of you that love cheese, Henrietta’s Table boasts a wide selection of cheeses on its own cheese menu).
The take home (no, not the doggy bag)
I always leave Henrietta’s table feeling satisfied. I think it is a great restaurant with great practices and they always seem to be able to squeeze you in- another attribute I really like.
I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who asked me about it! I think it has something for everyone. (It even has a great vegetarian entree for all you vegetarians!).
I always believe in saving the best for last-
The true treat at Henrietta’s Table is the gift shop right in the front entrance of the restaurant. At the gift shop you can buy pig-shaped cheese platters, local Taza Chocolate, pig-inspired children’s books, local maple syrup, and a zillion different kinds of pig stuffed animals, amongst other creative New England treats.
Because on my second visit to Henrietta’s table I couldn’t leave without a pig of my own, I would like to share my new friend with you, Happy the pig.
Happy local eating!- Healthy Gal
