As the weather is cooling down (finally!), I find myself craving those warm, spicy-sweet morning foods. I mean oatmeal of course.

I was on a regular rolled oats stint for a while. Then I started making steel cut oats. I also made a batch of the aforementioned ginger-pumpkin oatmeal. But I started craving something different. That's when I found Kashi Go Lean hot cereal at Trader Joe's.

I bought a box, and checked it out. When I poured a packet into the bowl, I noticed it certainly had a different texture than oatmeal. Oats were indeed present, along with all sorts of other unidentifiable grains.

It was simple to make: dump into bowl, add water, microwave, stir, microwave, eat — and delicious to eat! At first, the chewy texture was a little surprising, but then it was enjoyable, and definitely different.

I've nearly finished the box, and am not yet tired of it, due to the fact that I customize every bowl. One day, I'll add dried cranberries, the next - freeze-dried strawberries, or raisins. I even still have some pureed pumpkin left that I might try later this week.

I give Kashi Go Lean Hot Cereal a resounding 10 out of 10!

Here are the stats:

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1 packet (40g)
Servings Per Container: About 8
Amount/Serving %Daily Value**
Calories 150
Calories from Fat 20
Total Fat 2g* 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 100mg 4%
Potassium 210mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Fiber 5g 20%
Soluble Fiber 3g
Insoluble Fiber 2g
Sugars 7g
Protein 8g 10%
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%
Iron 8%

Posted by Korina at 9:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As you know, pumpkin is chocked full of fiber, beta-carotene, and all sorts of other good stuff. But pie isn't exactly the best delivery system for all this healthy goodness. If you aren't already pumpkined-out, I have two really good recipes for you, that don't cancel out the benefits of this big fat gourd.

Ginger Pumpkin Oatmeal
(serves 2)

• 1 3/4 cups 1% low-fat or nonfat milk
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon crystalline ginger bits

Directions
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups of the milk (reserve 1/4 cup for topping) and pumpkin spice to a gentle boil. Add oats, return to simmer, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add pumpkin, vanilla, and brown sugar. Cook 1 minute to heat through, but not boil.

Portion into two bowls, pour milk over top, and sprinkle with walnuts and crystalline ginger. You can also use dried cranberries and pecans, or whatever else floats your boat.

Nutritional Information
317 calories; 5.3 g fat; < 1 g saturated fat; 3.9 mg cholesterol; 15.1 g protein; 52 g carbohydrate; 310 mg calcium; (also high in beta carotene, iron, B vitamins, zinc and vitamin D).

Pumpkin Chai

I don't really have an exact recipe for this one. But it's super easy to make, and impossible to mess up. I made a double batch, like this:

Ingredients
4 Chai tea bags - Tazo and Stash (especially their double spice chai!) are my favorite brands.
3 cups of water
2 cups nonfat or lowfat milk
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup pumpkin puree

Boil about 3-4 mugs worth of water, and pour over 4 chai tea bags. Let them steep for about 5 minutes, and then take them out.

Add brown sugar, milk, and pumpkin. Give it a quick whisk, and you're good to go! Feel free to fool with the milk to tea to pumpkin ratio, to get it just how you like it.

I made mine in a Nalgene bottle, and put it in the fridge. When I want a cup, I shake it up (since the pumpkin settles), pour a mug-full, and microwave it.

Tips:

For extra calorie savings, replace the brown sugar with Splenda. I like the molasses flavor of brown sugar though.

If you're entertaining, top your chai with dollop of light whipped topping and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Add a cinnamon stick as a swizzle and you're a regular Martha Stewart!

Pumpkin chai can also be served cold. Whip it with ice and/or non-fat yogurt in the blender, for a sweet alternative to what's offered at fast food places.

Posted by Korina at 9:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow, I just realized that it's been a while since I last posted! To make up for my slackerish ways, in addition to this entry, I'm posting up a product review and TWO recipes.

Soccer is going well, I'm dying a little less everytime. I also got a rescue inhaler from my doctor (did I mention that I have asthma?), which helps immensely.

On the food-front, there are folks who believe the best strategy for the holidays is to "hold the line." That is, put dieting and food-stress on hold for a while, ease up a little bit. That doesn't mean to just go nuts and down frappuccinos for breakfast every day! It means, rather than trying to lose, try not to gain. That was my strategy for Thanksgiving, and it sort of worked. By sort of, I mean that before T-day, I had gained a little (2-3lbs). Not much, but enough to make my jeans a touch too tight. By the Monday after T-day, I had not gained any more. Now I just have to work on getting rid of that pre-T-day weight before the next holiday. So far, so good. I actually ran yesterday — OK it was just for 5 minutes, but still — in addition to 25 minutes on the bike. This morning was weights day. I was considering skipping a bunch of the movements, due to a shoulder injury (making a save during our soccer match, thankyouverymuch). Instead, I just lightened up the weights for those moves.

Curse you, Paula Deen, for your mayo and cream cheese filling!

Looking back, I don't feel at all guilty, or any regret, for the devilled eggs, stuffing patties, wine, sweet potato pie, or anything else. I was moderate in all of the above, but not at all with the fun I had with my family and friends. And really, that's what it's about, isn't it?

Posted by Korina at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)