New Favorite Foods

Hey friends!!
Ok, so who tried the paleo ginger chicken? (don’t all jump up at once!) If you did, I hope you liked it! just to mention my all time favorite onefitfoodie poultry recipes include the turkey meatloaf ( I have TWO different recipes and I go back and forth between them both!) I also love balsamic basil baked chicken and the rosemary balsamic chicken breast

Speaking of food I like, I want to dedicate today’s post to some of my favorite recent foods that I just can’t get enough of. This doesn’t mean they are super new products or that I haven’t used them in the past…they are just currently ALWAYS on my radar, in my kitchen, commute to work etc.

Of course I always try to vary my foods; from protein, carbs, fats, spices, ways to prepare foods etc. I always get asked how I avoid keeping my foods boring and how do I not get sick of the foods I eat. Well its simple! I don’t eat the same foods everyday. Yes, I will admit it I eat some sort of hot cereal every single morning with some sort of egg whites, fruit and form of fat but this again, varies. For example below are 3 different ways I eat oatmeal…different fats, fruits, protein and carbs.

Onefitfoodie Breakfast option 1: Cinnamon Protein Breakfast Bowl

  • 1/3 C rolled oats cooked in water
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 5 egg whites
  • 1/3 C sliced banana
  • 1/2 T coconut oil
Prep:
  • Cook oats in water and let all of the oats absorb 
  • Whip in eggwhites into the oats with a whisk or fork
  • Cook in the microwave until the egg whites are cooked through
  • top with sliced banana and coconut oil
Onefitfoodie Breakfast option 2: Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes
  • 1/3 C Quinoa flakes (found in Whole Foods)
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 scoop pea protein powder
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1/4 C pumpkin
  • 1/2 T nut butter
Prep
  • Combine oats, eggwhites, protein powder, pumpkin, spices in the magic bullet 
  • Blend for about 30 seconds until well combined
  • Pour on hot skillet and cook each side for 1 min or until golden brown
  • Top with nut butter and ENJOY!
Onefitfoodie Breakfast option 2: Coconut Blueberry Egg White Oats
  • 1/3 C oats
  • 5 egg whites
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 C blueberries
  • 1/2 T coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp coconut extract 
Prep
  • Cook oats in water, add cinnamon and coconut extract and set aside
  • Cook egg whites in a microwave safe bowl
  • Pour the oats mixture over the pre-cooked egg whites
  • Top with blueberries and coconut oil and enjoy!
AND if you aren’t an ‘oatmeal’ person or just looking for another great breakfast option…you must try the protein french toast…go do it!

Ok, now onto the foods!

1) Almond Butter with Flaxseed
I LOVE this almond butter from Trader Joes. Seriously, does this store sell anything bad? For some reason I am addicted to this kind! Sure, I have tried plenty of almond butters (Blue Diamond is a close second place) but this is my favorite. I enjoy it on oatmeal, on ezekial toast, rice cakes, spoonful, in protein treats….you name it! The flax seed sprinkled throughout the nut butter gives it a nice crunch and I love that it is salted. I work out plenty, losing salt through sweat, and really do not worry a whole lot about salt intake. It is good for muscle recovery. I never add excess salt to any dishes, but if some salt is in my nut butter and adds to the flavor of it….I’m all for it. 

#2 Tahini Spread

I used tahini spread as one of my fats when I was very close to show and fell in love! Some of you may know that tahini is one of the star ingredients when making hummus. Tahini is ground sesame seeds, so you could also technically call it “sesame seed butter” Tahini is a source of calcium, protein and B vitamins. Tahini is a good source of essential fatty acids (EFA), these EFA’s are used in helping to maintain healthy skin. For those following a vegan diet, or allergic to peanuts, this could be considered a peanut butter alternative. Tahini has a nutty, slightly sweet and rich taste. I love it paired with strawberry jam. I also love it mixed with lemon juice, rice wine vinegar and dijon mustard as a dressing.

 #3 Eggs
I know, this isn’t a ‘new food’ but lately I have been obsessed with eggs!! I  have always known they were versatile, but holy moly…you can pair eggs with literally anything! The other night I was craving lox, which I do now and again (I’m Jewish, what do you expect!?) Anyways, luckily I had some on hand and whipped up my eggs and smoked salmon This original recipe calls for only egg whites, but I also have been loving eggs because I have been eating the WHOLE egg. So when I made this for dinner, I used 3 egg whites and 1 whole egg. The egg yolk is loaded with vital vitamins including choline.The yolk is packed with healthy omega-3 fats, riboflavin, protein, zinc, retinol, folate, vitamins A, B-6, B-12, E, K and calcium.l Egg yolks have gotten such a bad rep, but really, we need to stop thinking about calories and fat and realize that the yolk is a great part of a healthy diet (yes, high in cholesterol, so those with high cholesterol should avoid or eat in moderation!)

#4 Bananas
There is nothing like a ripe banana. I like them a little brown on the outside; it really makes for the perfectly sweet and perfectly textured fruit! Bananas are so great especially if you are physically active. They provide long lasting energy as well as perfect for muscle recovery and repair. They supply fuel needed for muscle and central nervous system. I also love bananas because they are packed with potassium which is an electrolyte that is stored in the muscles. It helps to maintain fluid levels in the body and thus prevent muscle cramping and fatigueue. Try a banana soy muffin!! or banana blueberry protein bars

#5 Coconut Oil
I love the light flavor and again, so versatile. I cook veggies with it, use it in oatmeal and also pair it with eggs. As a cooking oil, its chemical structure is kept in tact and therefore is resistant to mutations of fatty acid chains even when used in higher cooking temperatures, unlike most vegetable oils. Research shows that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil boosts the body’s metabolism, raises body temperatures, and helps provide greater energy which can lead to weight loss. Pretty cool huh?

#7 Fig Balsamic Vinegar
I use vinegar at least 1x everyday! I mix it with all sorts of mustard’s and oils for homemade dressing. I picked up this fig balsamic at TJMAXX and LOVE it! It has a slightly sweeter flavor and a bit fruity. Its just delicious!

#8 Coco Pop Cakes. 
These things are weird; that’s really the only way to describe them. I first got them and didn’t even really know what to do with them. They made the list because for some reason, I love their weirdness, however I wouldn’t even really call these a ‘food’ They almost have no nutritional value! I will never sub my carb source for one of these coco pops but they are sorta fun and I’ve grown to be a big fan of them! (Whole foods find, by the way) They are HUGE in size and incredibly light and airy…like a rice cake but even less dense and thinner. The other day, I had already eaten breakfast and was getting ready to head out the door for a workout, but I could feel that my stomach wasn’t 100% satisfied. I grabbed a coco pop, smeared some almond butter and topped it with banana slices and off I went! I munch on them here and there, but like I said, I never replace any part of my meal with these because of their low nutritional value
(size comparison)

#9 Candy Cane Lane Green Tea
Obsessed with this tea. I love this time of year because the flavors that surround the holidays are my FAVORITE; minty, peppermint, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, cloves…I just love them all. This is my go-to tea right now and absolutely love it!

#10 Want More Energy Electrolyte powder
I have been mixing some electrolyte powder into my water to sip before, during and after my workout and notice a huge energy difference. I really try to stay away from supplements pre workut like Xtend or anything like that (just a personal choice, I have taken it before and really either felt no difference on some days and then felt very shaky on others) I love this powder because it just has all natural sodium, potassium and helps with muscle recovery and helps me to have a great workout with energy through the end!

Ok, what would be on your list?