Quorn

A huge thanks to Suzy and Quorn for sending me some of their premium line of all-natural, meat-free frozen foods! These meat free products are also soy-free and deliver awesome taste for one-the-go lifestyles!  They have a long shelf life due to their frozen state, too.  The protein source used in all Quorn products is called, mycoprotein, Greek for “fungi”.  Don’t let the description fool you, this mycoprotein is highly nutritious!  Check out the protein & vitamin/mineral comparison to other foods!

I think the stats speak for themselves on this protein source!  I’m an even BIGGER fan of Quorn products now!  I got to try a handful of the products including: Chick’n Cutlets, Turk’y Burgers, Turk’y Roast, and Chick’n Tenders!  There wasn’t one of these products that I didn’t like, however, just like anyone else, I definitely had my favorites. 

I think I probably could’ve eaten one of these Turk’y Burgers everyday for the rest of my life and been totally content.  Slathered with a Sonoma Jack’s pepperjack cheese wedge and plopped on a light whole wheat english muffin with a little bit of pineapple salsa….MMmM!  Deeeelish. 

Just 90 calories for 10g of protein, 4g of fat (.5g saturated), and 2g of fiber?!  How can you lose?! 

I also thoroughly enjoyed the Chick’n Tenders.  They are the perfect protein addition to stirfries, salads, casseroles, etc!  I love that all of the Quorn products could also be prepared using a microwave! How convenient is that?!  After microwaving for a few minutes, I tossed my Chick’n Tenders with raw coleslaw and a sauce made from melted sugar free honey + balsamic vinegar.  It was AWESOME.  It reminded me of the Asian Chicken Salad from Applebee’s!  I should’ve added some mandarin oranges to top it all off!  There’s always next time

Nom, nom, nom.

Each serving was just 80 calories, 10g protein, 4g fiber, and 2g fat (.5g saturated).  It made for a quick, packable lunch for me to take along to work!

These Naked Chick’n Cutlets were exactly the same taste and texture wise as the tenders.  Just like chicken!  I tried these topped with red pepper jam and the combo was out of this world!  They are also great grilled in BBQ sauce!  Paired with a sweet potato & some steamed veggies, you’ve got yourself a balanced dinner!  I also enjoyed these for making fajitas or burritos!  All you have to do is slice them length-wise into strips, microwave, add to a Flat Out Light or La Tortilla Factory wrap with lettuce, tomato, salsa, & some greek yogurt and you’ll out-do the BEST mexican you’ve ever had! The stats were exactly the same as the tenders!

Last but not least, we’ve got the Turk’y Roast!  This product is the PERFECT option for family gatherings and holidays as a substitution for the classic “butterball turkey”.  It’s got a whopping 14g of protein packed into just 90 calories with 5g fiber and 1.5g fat (.5g saturated).  Personally, I loved it for topping salads, slicing and eating in sandwiches & pitas, or just simply shaved by itself as a protein snack!  I think my favorite was roasting it in POM juice.  You have to try it!  It reminded me of Thanksgiving with cranberry relish!  So juicy and moist!  Move over Tofurky!  This stuff is 10X better.

Now they’ve created two new products!  Southwestern Chik’n Wing (can you say HEALTHY BUFFALO CHICKEN?!) & Cranberry & Goat Cheese Chik’n Cutlet!  They also make Garlic & Herb Chik’n Cutlets, Gruyere Chik’n Cutlets, and Chick’n Nuggets!   You can find them in the freezer section at your grocery store!  Check out the store locator on their website and visit the recipe page for more creative ways to use Quorn!

Rain, Rain, Go Away…

And don’t come back another day…

REMINDER!  Don’t forget to enter my AURORAE YOGA MAT GIVEAWAY!  Contest ends Friday!  A winner will be announced at 3PM!

I was a little depressed when I got home from work yesterday and realized that I wouldn’t be able to go on my 5 mile walk/run outside due to the crazy wind/rainstorm taking place.  I was officially strapped to the stationary bike instead, which makes life a little boring.  Plus, I didn’t get my Vitamin D from the rays.

Before I headed to the basement for my workout, I dug into a new arrival at my house!  I knew it was going to be a winner when I read “this package contains 6 apples” on the outside! How awesome is that?! Oh, and 70% less fat than other granola!

Vanilla Almond Galaxy Granola - Fruit Not Fat!

I had way too many handfuls of this. BUT it gave me lots of fuel for my 530 calorie burning bike ride!  It’s SOOOOO delish.  Better than any granola I’ve had to date.  Can’t wait to do the official review!  The only one I haven’t tried yet is the Not Sweet Vanilla.

Anyway, after watching Friends and biking, I was craving some veggies.  I wanted something simple, so I steamed some an entire bag of broccoli & cauliflower which I ate topped with mustard.  It wasn’t very photogenic, so I think this bag will suffice for a photo.

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I also ate a banana & a weight watchers string cheese mashed with some fat free refried beans.  It was a mish mosh dinner, but I just went with my cravings!  Plus, I wanted to use up the last of the refried beans from the can I opened the other day.   I also took advantage of this break time to pack my lunch:

 

 

Broccoli slaw salad, egg whites, & a Light Flat Out with Sonoma Jack's cheese.

For the broccoli slaw salad, I mixed a sauce of SF syrup + low sodium soy sauce + chili powder to pour over it for flavor.  I also added some diced cucumber.  I’m officially addicted to the Light Flat Out wrap with Sonoma Jacks & Splenda.  It is sooo doughy & cream cheesy for minimal calories.  YUM.  The egg whites will probably be added to the salad.  I just have an abundance of eggs at my house right now (from the cracked stash the night of painting) and I needed to add some protein to my lunch.  I try to aim for about 300 calories for lunch (1/3 whole grains, 1/3 lean protein, 1/3 veggies).

Then back to the basement I went for some Ab ripper moves. I did 3 sets of 50 “in and outs”, 3 sets of 25 side crunches, and 3 sets of 1 minute planks.

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Afterward, I showered up, did a little bit of closet organization (I was going to take a photo of before & after, but I was far too embarassed of the “before”) haha.  My Dad and I got to spend a little time together doing dishes and watching America’s Funniest Home Videos (I KNOW, totally old school).  It was nice.

Make sure you check out Heather’s Dish for your chance to win some free Greek Yogurt, this CheeCha giveaway at Apple a Day, or  Danica’s Fridge Makeover for your chance to win a $100 grocery giftcard!  Please don’t win this one, because I’d really like to! Haha.

NaSoya Tofu Plus!

Loads of thanks to Sue from NaSoya for sending me some of their new Firm and Extra Firm Organic Tofu Plus to try out and review for the blog!  Tofu is “designed to meet the nutritional needs for those on a no/low meat diet and is fortified with B2, B6, B12, D and Calcium“, as stated on the website, however, it is much more than that!  You don’t have to be on a no meat diet to enjoy the benefits of soy protein. 

 

Firm Tofu Plus.

USDA Certified Organic, no preservatives, a great source of protein, and no cholesterol!  How can you beat a protein source like that?  Not to mention, just one serving provides you with 20% of your DV Calcium, Vitamin D, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12! With just 70 calories, 3g fat (0g saturated), and 7g protein, you can easily incorporate this protein powerhouse into your diet. 

Wondering how exactly to prepare tofu?  Your answers can be found on the NaSoya website!  They even give you a guide/how-to tutorial if you’re really lost! See? 

It's as easy as these few simple steps:

From there, the tofu can be baked, broiled, fried, grilled, or whatever else you can think of!  I’ve actually snacked on it raw, too Gliding Calm style   It’s really good dipped in ketchup, honey, or bbq sauce!  You can even throw them into salads!

For other recipes, the NaSoya website has you covered again!

One of my favorite tofu recipes is marinated baked tofu.  I actually didn’t even measure out the three simple ingredients and it came out fantastic!

I’ll guestimate so you can imitate the recipe if you’d like!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. sugar free honey
• 2 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2/3 block Nasoya firm/extra firm tofu

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
2. Drain & press tofu until dried.
3. Cube the tofu.
4. Mix sauce ingredients (honey, soy sauce, and chili powder) together in a bowl.
5. Toss the tofu cubes in the marinate until completely coated.
6. Place tofu on a non-stick baking sheet sprayed with Pam.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes!

You can find NaSoya products in just about any grocery store, but if you need help finding them, you can always check out the store locator on the website! Thanks again, Sue!

 

Better Bowls!

Thanks so much to Malathy from Better Bowls for sending me some to review for you all! These handy little treats are conveniently packaged in microwave safe styrafoam bowls to be prepared easily in just minutes.  Preparing a quick healthy treat has never been so simple.  They even use natural ingredients!  They come in Vanilla and Chocolate pudding varieties (regular & sugar free!) and Strawberry & Orange gelatin (regular & sugar free!)

Sugar Free Strawberry!

I didn’t try any of the regular varieties, but my sisters raved over them!  They were perfect for my sister who is in college because they’re so convenient and easy to make.  All you do is add water to fill to the line on the inside of the bowl, stir, microwave, & refrigerate!  Anyone can do it.  No stove top required!

Sugar Free Strawberry & Orange Nutritionals.

I was a fan, however of the Sugar Free versions!  The nutritionals were pretty great too! I could eat the whole bowl for just 25 calories and 0g of fat!  The taste was a little off, but I think it’s because I didn’t stir it well enough when I took it out of the microwave. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also really enjoyed the Sugar Free puddings!  They were totally creamy and set up nicely in the refrigerator!  The stats for these bowls were great too!

4g of fiber and 3g of protein for just 110 calories!

I decided to get a little creative with my pudding bowls and make them as directed, but then I stuck them in the freezer for a few hours!  It made Sugar Free, creamy, decadent ice cream!  SO yummy.  You’ve got to try it!

You can find these products at these stores or buy them on Amazon.com!

Thanks again, Malathy! 

Original Brat Hans

A big thanks to Shaina and Shelley for hooking me up with some Original Brat Hans Chicken Sausages from Coleman Natural Foods for review on the blog!

 These chicken sausages have really appealed to me ever since I came across their website, where I read that their meats are completely 100% natural and vegetarian fed.  They NEVER use antibiotics or growth hormones in their animals, and allow them to grow in their natural state.  No chemicals or nitrates included! 

The flavorings are so unique, too! The sausages come in varieties like: Sweet Apple Chicken, Sundried Tomato & Basil Chicken, Spinach & Feta Cheese Chicken, Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic Chicken, Sundried Tomato Provolone Chicken, Spicy Chorizo Chicken, and Spicy Andoille Chicken.

My personal favorite was the Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage. 

 I loved that the SECOND ingredient, to the chicken, was dehydrated apples!  How awesome is that?!  The sweet factor is really played up when the sausage is warm.  It even has a touch of cinnamon in it, as stated by the ingredients list!

One of these links will provide you with just 120 calories!

With these sausages, I excuted an awesome recipe that was a total hit in my household.  You need to try it! Courtesy of Kristin at Iowa Girl Eats!

Ingredients:

• 4 Original Brat Hans Sweet Apple Chicken Sausages
• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 Large cooking apples (I reccommend Gala or Jonagold), diced
• 1/2 Sweet onion, sliced
• 1 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Non-stick cooking spray

Directions:

1. Sauté onions and apples in a medium frying pan with non-stick cooking spray & EVOO.
2. Bake or microwave sweet potatoes until cooked through.
3. Slice sausages in coin shapes and add meat to onion/apple mixture on the stovetop until cooked.
4. Top each sweet potato with apple/onion mixture!

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Easy, peasy and SOOOO deelish!  The sweetness of the apples and the chicken sausage really enhances the sweet potato!  This recipe was adapted from Kristin at Iowa Girl Eats! Thanks Kristin!

Original Brat Hans products are available exclusively at most Whole Foods Markets. There are lots of yummy sausage recipes on the Coleman Natural Foods website.  There’s even a link to a free coupon for $1 off Original Brat Hans!

 

To walk or to run…that is the question.

So, I got home from work yesterday and did a bit of snacking for some walkin’ fuel (1/2 Glo Bar, 1 Weight Watchers string cheese, & 1/2 peach).

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I was determined to just go for a leasurely 5 mile walk as opposed to running.  I started out doing well, but eventually I got bored and started running anyway. 

When I got home, I did a little time on the stationary bike burning 250 calories.  Then I did some ab rippper moves before dinner. 

Salad!

This is exactly what I was craving!  1/2 C. warmed fat free refried beans + plain greek yogurt + salsa + red pepper over a bed of baby spinach. YUM!

whites w/ salt & pepper.

I also added some egg whites to the salad to amp up the protein

Greek yogurt + sf syrup.

I finished off the little container of greek yogurt with a sweet touch and also had some red beets on the side!

Then, I packed my lunch for today consisting of some more refried beans topped with SF syrup, a light flat out wrap, some sonoma jack’s for the wrap, and a big tub of veggies!

the spread.

Then, it was time for girls’ night!  Since The Bachelor is over, we decided to turn on Dancing with the Stars and play Apples to Apples.  It was a fun night!  There was a huge spread of goodies for dessert and I shared my GloBars with some of the ladies which were a hit!

I had a chocolate mint protein shake & a plate of fruit as my dessert:

Strawberries, orange slices, & pineapple.

Tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream!

I also made a 100 calorie bag of kettle corn to share with the gals.

Pop Secret 100 Calorie Kettle Corn.

Unfortunately, most of it burned, so it wasn’t consumed, but that’s okay.  I was stuffed by then anyway!

Happy Tuesday Bloggies! We’re almost half way

Weekender Recap II

Saturday

Chocolate Brownie Granola Gourmet Bar for breakfast!

It was finally the day of my massage with the best friend!   The day started off on a good foot, with my 8:30AM yoga class, followed by a brief 2 mile run, a lil’ bit of  ab work, and some cycling for good measure!  Then, I showered up & made some lunch:

Egg whites & hot sauce.

Taking advantage of the plethora of eggs in the house, I used some as protein power! Then, I also made another Strawberry Cheesecake smoothie with spinach, fat free cottage cheese, & SF strawberry syrup!

A new twist on the Green Monster!

I also steamed a bag of veggies in the microwave and ate them in my Progresso cup with salt & pepper.

Broccoli, carrots, water chesnuts, & sugar snap peas medley!

Check out the beautiful sunshine on my veggies!  It was a gorgeous morning, but VERRRRY cold.  I did not pack enough layers to go on a long run!

It was time to leave for my 2:30PM massage appt at Warm Springs Day Spa in Chambersburg!

The inside was nicely, and minimally decorated with soft, relaxing music playing in the background.

I love the color on these walls!

We were each given complimentary water bottles and the rooms were set up really neat.  Seperate rooms, but an opening in the middle so we could see each other and talk during the experience!  Not that we talked at ALL as soon as the massage started.  We were too relaxed (if there is such a thing!)  Haha.

All kinds of oils, lotions & potions.

Best friends.

Bran!

Me!

It was a heavenly experience.  If I had the money I would be going for one of these babies once a week.  Afterward, we hit a few shopping stops because I needed gifts for my Mom & sisters’ birthdays,  BOTH in April!  Can’t tell what I got because they are both readers of the blog, even though they probably both know what they’re getting anyway since they only gave me a few ideas.

I did pick up a dress to wear for Easter at Target:

Easter dress.

Then, we met up with her Hubs for dinner at this family restaurant, the Greenvillage Drive-In Family Restaurant.

I was pretty impressed with the lengthy menu at this joint!  I finally settled a veggie burger (Gardenburger brand) on wheat toast with lettuce, tomato, & onion with a side salad of greens, carrots, & tomatoes with Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette.

Dinner is served!

The sandwich came with a dill pickle that I also ate!

Wasn't much to look at, but it was fresh and it did the trick

Bran ordered the grilled chicken & shrimp with french fries.

And Jare ordered the roasted turkey platter with mashed potatoes.

Looked like home cookin’!

We went back to their apt. for a little while and hung out together before I left around 7:30 for Nic’s place.

I did NOT take any pictures, but I will fill you in on all the juicy details

When I got there, to my surprise, my cousin Renee and her guy, Adam, who actually introduced Nic and I, were at Nic’s place.  They had gone to a mutual friend’s birthday party and were hanging out for awhile.  We started a movie all together, Couple’s Retreat, to be exact, but Adam & Renee left soon after it started.  Nic asked me if I wanted to change into something more comfortable because i was in semi-dressy clothes, while he was in shorts & a t-shirt.  I said sure, and he grabbed me a hoodie & athletic pants to change into.  When I came out of the bathroom, I was surprised to find the lights off, wine glasses filled and on the coffee table in front of his couch, a big blanket, and strawberry cheesecake waiting for us   He was so sweet! I was still stuffed from dinner, so I didn’t have any cheesecake, but I did take him up on the wine!  It was a good choice, too.  Slightly sweet.  White Zinfandel, I think?

It was a relaxing night and I left in plenty of time to be home & in bed so that I wasn’t groggy for church in the morning!    The perfect Saturday, if you ask me!

Weekender Recap I

Friday

Friday night was a mish mosh of excitement in my family.  Traditionally, we paint 12 dozen Easter eggs for hiding on easter about a week ahead of time.  I was ready to get my paint on!  The festivities didn’t start until about 5:30PM, so I went for a quick 5 mile walk/run as soon as I arrived home.

sticky buns.

When I got back, my house was full of people and they were ready to eat!  There was barbeque sloppy joes, taco dip, sticky buns, and all kinds of other bad stuff   People come from near & far for my Momma’s sticky buns!

taco dip.

 I had NONE of these things.  Instead, I took advantage of this bowl of cracked eggs that could not be painted!

Broken eggs!

I ate a bunch of whites filled with pineapple salsa!  I also helped myself to the baby carrots that were placed on the food table in the kitchen.  I steamed a bag of veggies to eat too!  Cauliflower to be exact. 

Then it was time for painting!

Momma Freckled Foodie.

The kids were having a blast! 

Cousin, Colton.

I have a total of 17 cousins, just on my Mom’s side of the family!

Cousin, Jadyn.

All of which were covered in dye at the end!

Sister, Morgan.

Tori & Peyton (birthday boy!), Cousins.

They were all tons of fun to watch…so creative, too!

Cousin, Paige & Uncle Dave.

Father, daughter love

How cute is this little guy? It's my cousin, Trey.

Don’t even THINK that I would miss out on all the fun!

The Official Freckled Foodie Egg!

I definitely painted my share!

Sami Egg

Which one is YOUR favorite?

Purple swirls

Sami Egg #2

After all the eggs were painted, we sang Happy Birthday to my cousin, Peyton!

Happy Birthday, Peyton!

The rest of the night was enjoyed together as family For my dessert, instead of cake, I made a greek yogurt mess with plain yogurt, apple cinnamon instant oatmeal (raw), and a drizzle of SF syrup! YUMMMMM.

 

 

Drumroll Please…The Grand Opening of my OpenSky Shop !!

As I’ve received several messages asking me about products that I use or gadgets that I’ve tried and where to find them, I’ve decided to begin a new venture in making this list easily accessible for any of the Freckled Foodie readers out there through a really neat website called OpenSky!

Through my OpenSky shop, you can find all my favorite products for healthy eating, food prep, and fitness!

I’ve just opened up my store, so there are only a few items in it thus far, however, be sure to check back frequently because there will be new things added left and right!  If you see something on my site that you’d like to suggest for my OpenSky Shop, please feel free to email me your ideas!

EUREKA.

Hallelujah, it’s Friday.

And here’s your Verse of the Day:

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,”- Philippians 1:29

So, last night when I got home, I was a little bummed about the chill factor, but decided to go for a run anyhow.  It wasn’t exactly COLD, but it wasn’t nearly as gorgeous as it had been Wednesday!  I grabbed this little guy from Granola Gourmet (reviews to come!) for some fuel and headed outside:

Brownie Energy Bar!

 I actually only ate 1/2 the bar (75 calories) because Wednesday, I felt like I ate too much before I ran, which slowed me down a bit.  The five miles felt MUCH better.  I only stopped for a few minutes to talk to our family friend, Kimmie as she was driving by in her mini van! LOVE that girl. 

When I got home, I decided to experiment a little bit.  I wanted to pack my lunch, but I also needed to whip up some dinner.  I steamed a whole bag of these steamfresh veggies, california blend to be exact, and topped it with salt & pepper with mustard on the side for dippage. 

Prior to mustard dippage.

If anyone has had the privelage of winning or working with Progresso, they know what I mean when I say I LOVEEE the huge, blue mug that I have from them.  It’s so PERFECT.  Big enough for mixing, steaming, whatever! 

Anyway, as I was prepping my lunch for today I had a few handfuls of this addicting cereal:

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Lunch today is some Quorn Chick’n Tenders with some coleslaw for crunch and all mixed in with some balsamic vinegar + sugar free honey homemade dressing. 

Asian Chicken Salad.

Along with this beastly salad, I packed a navel orange to enhance the asian flavors:

fruit!

To top off my dinner, I knew I needed some protein!  I decided to experiment a little bit and tried to make one of Janetha’s protein cakes with my BSN banana nut bread protein powder.  I failed miserably.  I don’t know what went wrong?  I used the correct amounts of everything???  The only thing I can think of is that maybe I didn’t mix it well enough before popping it into the microwave. 

Anyway, I had the whole house to myself last night, so I felt like a mad scientist in a lab.  I went to work with my Bella, in an effort to create a Strawberry Cheesecake GREEN MONSTER. 

EUREKA.  Seriously, you MUST try this recipe.

Strawberry Cheesecake Green Monster:

• 1/2 C. Fat free cottage cheese
• Handful spinach
• 1 oz. Sugar Free Strawberry Torani syrup

IT’s SOOO easy, but so yummy. 

Grinch-like stache

Trust me on this one.  To die for.  After consumption, a bike ride on the stationary was taken worth 200 calories, and some ab work was done on my living room floor

On that note, HAPPY FRIDAY!  I’ve got lots of fun stuff planned for this weekend including family egg painting tonight at mi casa, a massage with my bestest tomorrow, a wine & movie night with Nic on Saturday, and softball fundraiser bingo with the troops on Sunday after church!

Make sure you check out Tina’s giveaway of some Brother’s All Natural Fruit Crisps & Gliding Calm’s cookbook giveaway!

REMINDER!:  ONE WEEK TO ENTER MY AURORAE YOGA MAT GIVEAWAY!