A few weeks ago, I was looking for a food that was healthy, yet convenient to have on hand. I wasn’t really concerned about eating meat vs. vegetarianism, I just wanted something shelf stable that was also versatile. I found Loma Linda Redi-Burger at Amazon, a case of 12 cans costs 38.95 and shipping is free. Each can holds 19 ounces, so I figured each can cost 3.25, or about 2.75 a pound. I haven’t bought ground beef in eons, but I just checked my local grocer, and their site sells 93% lean ground for 1.97 this week, normal price $2.77/lb and a chub of Jennie-O ground turkey is 1.69/lb. I decided that the Redi-Burger would be a comparable value to the ground beef because it’s precooked and very little fat/waste in the can . Each 85g serving only has 25 fat calories and it’s precooked as well, so there’s no greasy fat to drain off.

I was a bit apprehensive about the taste, but I LOVED the flavor! I am so glad that I ordered a case of the Redi-Burger because I plan on eating it quite frequently. It tasted a bit like salisbury steak, or even meatloaf with brown gravy. However, I think it would also taste good chopped up, covered in salsa and then put in tacos. You could cube it, add your favorite asian spices and make a tasty alternative to beef and broccoli with rice. Or if you’re really in a rush and don’t have time to cook, use it as cooked beef substitute in a box of Hamburger Helper.

I would definitely give Redi-Burger the highest rating, and my only disappointment is that I can’t seem to find a store locally that carries it. I don’t mind ordering from Amazon, but I did hesitate a bit about ordering a case of something I’d never tasted before. Luckily, my hesitation was unfounded, and I’m eager to try another version of faux meat from Loma Linda. I just have to decide between the Loma Linda Linketts (faux frankfurters) or the Loma Linda Tender Bits (faux chicken). I’ll probably choose the Tender Bits next because it also seems very versatile, and I’ll write a review when that order arrives. If the other Loma Linda products are as good as Redi-Burger, then I think the UPS guy will be a regular visitor to my home.

I found this story about eating healthy foods at the site of one of my local news stations, KPHO. On the first slide, it said something about beans and how they are a good source of iron, fiber and protein. It also discusses the health benefits of foods such as fish, garlic, cinnamon and pectin. A word of caution: The slideshow goes by extremely fast, so its better to just pause it and then click on each picture at the bottom individually.

You’re going to have burritos for dinner, lol. Well, they’re not going to be big burritos, and its a late dinner because my son’s coming home later than usual. Still and all, I’m trying to think of a way to make them healthier than they usually are. I guess I could empty them out, discard the flour tortilla and just eat the filling. That would definitely be a step in the right direction. There’s nothing nutritious about a tortilla, its just fat and white flour and definitely expendable.

I could drench the fillings in salsa and skip the cheese. Salsa adds a lot of flavor without adding too many calories, and cheese is just more fat I can live without. Hmm… maybe I’ll keep the tortilla, but ditch the cheese, and use unflavored plain yogurt in place of sour cream. That might end up tasting pretty good, but I won’t know for sure until Son gets home.

First of all, I have to apologize if this recipe isn’t very good. For some reason, my speakers aren’t playing sound very well today, probably a setting I clicked or didn’t click, or should’ve clicked.

Anyway, the comments on the video seem favorable, at least no one is complaining, lol. If you want to eat healthy food, I think its essential to have a repetoire of foods like this that you can whip up in a moments notice, and sauce looks like it would taste great on a batch of freshly cooked spaghetti squash.

I just watched a video on Youtube that has some great suggestions about making meals. They suggest that after you’ve planned your meals, you then prepare all the meals at once so you’re ready for the week ahead. That way, you have quick healthy meals on hand, making it less likely that you’ll grab foods that are less nutritious.

There are some things I do not agree with. For example, I don’t know if its important for the average person to supplement their diet with muscle milk. I believe that protein is important, but many of us get too much protein already. Also, there are some excellent sources of protein available, including beans, legumes, and lean meats.

Another thing is that he suggests using egg whites, instead of whole eggs. There have been many studies done to prove that our bodies are NOT affected by the cholestrol in egg yolks. Do a google search on the subject, and you’ll see what I mean. I don’t worry a bit about egg yolks.

He did not recommend a big breakfast, which bothered me. Study after study has proven the importance of starting your day with a big meal. We should all remember the saying, “breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper”.

I hate to sound nitpicky, but I was also dismayed when he showed snacks made with processed luncheon meats. Yeah, they can be low fat, but they’re also usually high in sodium, or nitrates, or both. Nitrates have been linked to so many health problems that I think its best to avoid them entirely.

I do agree with what he said about Weight Watchers. In my opinion, diet modification is not enough to create and sustain weight loss successfully.

Gosh, does it sound like I’ve ripped this video to shreds, lol? That wasn’t/isn’t my intention. I just don’t like posting anything unless I clarify my position on these matters. Overall, its a good video with some humor in it as well:

I believe that the more organized your menu is, the less chance there is to be tempted to eat something unhealthy. If you’ve got your meals planned for the next month, then you won’t panic at four o’clock, trying to decide what to have for dinner. I think that a food label printer would be a great way to keep your food organized. For example, let’s say you’re going to have chicken breasts five times for dinner in September. You could cook them all at once, then put them in the refrigerator, making sure to clearly mark the intended meal and date on the package. Then, when dinner time rolls around, you just reach in and take out the food that’s on your plan.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or an entire army, mediasuperstore.com has every type of label you need to make your work in the kitchen as easy as possible. Their site is super easy to use, and when you use their labels, you can have your food sorted and organized, making that part of your life a little less stressful. Life is complicated enough. Don’t hesitate to try various ways to make your chores easier, so that you can have more time for activities you enjoy.

I think it’s preferable to avoid sugar altogether. However, Florida Crystals says they are an organic product, and say their product is derived from evaporated sugarcane juice. I wonder if some of the harmful effects of conventional sugar is caused by its processing, and if those effects can be avoided by using a product like Florida Crystals?

I suppose if a person feels like they must, absolutely must have sugar, then a product like this would be preferable to what’s currently in most homes.

I received this recipe from the Dr. Mercola newsletter. The page lists all the ingredients, and there’s also a helpful video posted at youtube as well. I was surprised that they used xylitol, because I thought Dr. Mercola frowned on all sorts of sweeteners, but I guess I was wrong. Luci Lock is the young British lady that prepares the recipe and I think she does a great job at the demonstration.

Does your family enjoy eating shrimp? Many people have found that it’s versatile and can be served in a variety of dishes that suit any taste. If you are looking for appetizing shrimp recipes, this site has some tasty dinner ideas. While you’re trying to decide what to serve, I hope you enjoy this poem I wrote:

Swiftly swimming.
Here’s the net.
Rinse them good.
If you’ve got it…
Maybe cocktail sauce?
Plate them up.

I found this last night quite by accident. I was trying to find more information on lauric acid and coconut milk. The article clearly explains the theory behind coconut oil facilitating weight loss, although I don’t know how many studies have been done. I just wanted to post this link before I forgot it. I usually do my research online at night, so I hope to find more information tonight and then post it tomorrow. I do find it interesting that coconut oil was considered harmful at one time, but now they’re saying it could be highly beneficial. As a matter of fact, I remember that many people stopped using powdered coffee creamer because it contained coconut oil.