Tag: healthyfood

Breakfast Parfait

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A great way to start your day is with a parfait. It’s sweet, fulfilling, has protein and fibre! This recipe makes extra granola so you can use it in other recipes. Make it into a trail mix by adding dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, raisins, figs etc). Or sprinkle it on cereal, oatmeal, smoothie, or salad. 

Tip:  Make the granola ahead of time, so all that’s left is assembling. Or assemble it all in advance, cover it, and store in the fridge for up to a day.

Ingredients

  • 1-2 cups oats (old fashioned/large flake/steel-cut/rolled)
  • ⅔ cup nuts of your choice, chopped
  • ¼ cup ground flaxseed
  • 4 tbsp (¼ cup) 100% maple syrup
  • 2-3 tbsp canola oil
  • Optional: ½ cup pumpkin/sunflower seeds
  • Optional: 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 4 cups (1L) plain low fat yogurt (2% or less)
  • 3 cups fresh berries or peach (fruit of your choice)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  2. In a bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Then mix in maple syrup and canola oil, making sure to coat everything evenly. 
  3. Spread mixture flat on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes (or until golden brown), stirring half-way through the baking time. Let it cool. 
  4. Layer ¼ cup granola with ¾ cup yogurt. Sprinkle a bit more granola overtop, and top with fresh berries. 
  5. Serve cold, or cover and keep in the fridge until morning. 

Nutritional information (per 1 cup parfait):
348cal / 17g protein / 40g carbohydrate including 7g fibre / 12g healthy fat

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Whole Wheat Pita Chips & Hummus

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The classic combo, hummus and pita. Hummus can be quite expensive to buy in stores, but quite inexpensive when prepared at home. Try this easy-to-make, flavourful, and creamy hummus alongside some crunchy whole wheat pita chips. Save the extra hummus to use as a spread on sandwiches (instead of mayonnaise), or as a dip with carrots, cucumber, broccoli, or your favourite veggie. This dip is plant-based, and contains healthy fats, fibre, and iron; nutrients that are important for heart health, gut health, and for carrying oxygen in our blood.

Ingredients

Hummus:

  • 1 (19oz/540ml) can of chickpeas (drained & rinsed), or 1 cups dried chickpeas, boiled
  • ~3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (1 lemon)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ cup of tahini
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅔ tsp black pepper
  • ⅓ tsp cumin powder
  • 2-3 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: Garnish with 1 tsp sesame seeds, ¼ tsp sumac, & fresh parsley

Pita Chips:

  • 1 whole wheat pita bread (large & thin), cut into 8 slices
  • Cooking spray or 1 tsp canola oil

Equipment: Food processor

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, spices and water. Process for 1 minute, or until smooth. 
  2. Add oil and process again for 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl and garnish.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray.
  4. Transfer pita slices onto the sheet and coat each side with cooking spray or canola oil. Bake for 10 minutes (flipping sides halfway) or until crispy and golden brown. Serve with hummus once cool.

Nutrition Information: 
Hummus (per ¼ cup): 176 cal / 6g protein / 19g carbohydrate / 4g fibre / 10g healthy fats
Pita Chip (per 4 chips): 131 cal / 5g protein / 24g carbohydrate / 4g fibre / 3g healthy fats

Fun Chicken Fajitas

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Serves 8

Want a fun dish to try this week? Chicken fajitas can be a wonderful part of a balanced diet! This meal provides a large portion of spiced chicken full of protein and great vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers to keep anyone satisfied 😉. Don’t feel shy to switch it up, too – if you’re not the biggest fan of the veggies we’ve chosen, consider others instead. Almost all vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, so you can’t go wrong with mixing it up a bit 🕺🏽. Brown rice and its wonderful whole grain goodness is another great addition too. Let us know what you’ve decided to add to your dish in the comments!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs (750g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 8 tortillas or pitas

Instructions:
1. Combine 4 tbsp of the oil, juice, garlic paste, and spices in a bowl and stir. Add chicken breast slices and coat meat with the marinade. Cover and place in fridge for an hour.
2. Once chicken has marinated, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium heat in a large pan. Cook chicken for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to make sure it is cooked well on both sides.
3. Add onion, tomato, and bell pepper to chicken. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables have softened.
4. Take off heat and happily serve over tortillas or pitas ☺ Consider adding some condiments as well to enhance the flavour, as well as brown rice to provide more healthy carbs to this fantastic meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
309 kcal / 27g protein / 15g carbs (with 2g of fibre) / 13g healthy fat


Photo credit: Ready Set Eat

Roasted Chickpeas

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Here’s a healthy and crunchy snack you can take to work or school. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s high in protein, fibre, and contains complex carbs – elements of a fulfilling snack that can sustain and keep you energized. It also can help you reach your daily nutrient needs of iron (to help carry oxygen in your blood), potassium (to keep your nerves and muscles healthy) and folate (to make red blood cells, keep heart healthy, and lower certain birth defect risks). Try it out!

Ingredients

  • 2 (19oz/540ml) cans of cooked chickpeas (drained & rinsed) or 2 cups dried chickpeas, boiled
  • 3 tbsp canola/corn/vegetable oil
  • 2-3 tbsp spice of your choice (ex. chili powder, cajun, pepper, etc).

Tip: If chickpeas are not completely dry, spread them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes, to remove excess water. (This makes them crispy).

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Line a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Season chickpeas with spice and oil. Combine well.
  3. Bake for 20-30 minutes, giving the sheet a shake every 10 minutes to evenly cook chickpeas. Serve once cool.

⚠ Always remember to increase fibre intake slowly and to have more water when you have more fibre to avoid discomfort! Talk to a dietitian to find out if you are having enough.

Nutrition Information (per ¼ cup serving):
150kcal / 6g protein / 17g carbohydrate / 4g fibre / 7g healthy fat

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Chana Masala (Curried Chickpeas)

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Serves 5

Bring the Indian restaurant home, with this traditional Chana Masala. It’s filled with both flavour and nutrients. Chickpeas are a great source of protein, fibre and folate. It has soluble fibre which may help lower cholesterol, and insoluble fibre that helps to keep you regular. They’re also gluten free and can be part of a healthy vegetarian, vegan or non-vegetarian diet. Try it and let us know how you liked it!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 2 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp mango (amchur) powder (optional)
  • 1tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • ½ cup pureed tomatoes or 3 tbsp (45ml) of tomato paste
  • 2 (19oz/540ml) cans (4 cups) of cooked chickpeas (drained & rinsed) or 2 cups dried chickpeas, boiled
  • Cilantro to garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat canola oil on medium heat and sauté onions till soft. Then add ginger garlic paste and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add spices, mix and add 1 tbsp water. Sauté for 5 minutes, while repeatedly adding 1 tbsp of water and mixing every minute (this creates a great flavour).
  3. Add tomato puree/paste and sauté for a minute covered. Stir in chickpeas, and cover for another 2 minutes. Add ½ cup of water and cover for another 4 minutes.
  4. With your spoon, mash some chickpeas to thicken the sauce to your liking. Garnish with cilantro and serve!

💡Tip* If using canned chickpeas, rinse with cold water- this makes them digest easily and can help lower gas produced.

💡Tip* If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and they’ll be ready within 30 minutes of boiling.

Nutritional information (per 3/4cup serving):
263 cal / 12.5g protein / 40.9g carbohydrate / 11g fibre / 6.6 g healthy fats

Photo credit: Food Heaven

Oatmeal Pancakes

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Makes 12 (3-inch) pancakes. Serves 4

Oatmeal pancakes can be a great way to get fibre and keep yourself feeling full all day long (especially with added protein powder). Topping it with fruit not only adds extra fibre, but also vitamins, antioxidants and a natural sweet taste that compliments the pancakes well.

Tip* In a rush in the morning? Make pancakes ahead of time- stack them with parchment paper and freeze for 2 weeks. Warm in microwave.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup oats (quick or old fashioned)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt (optional)
• 1 ¼ cup low-fat milk (2% or less)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional)
• Protein powder (with around 20g of protein, optional)
• 1 cup sliced fruit (berries/banana), fresh/frozen

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl combine dry ingredients, and in a separate medium bowl combine milk, egg and oil (optional).
  2. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until incorporated.
  3. Heat skillet (medium-high) and grease lightly with cooking spray.
  4. Pour ¼ cup (50ml) batter in the middle of the skillet. Flip the pancake when bubbles appear, and edges are cooked (1-2mins). Cook other side till golden brown (~1min).
  5. Top with sliced fruit and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per 3 pancakes):
314 cal / 14g protein / 50g carbohydrate / 3g fibre / 7g healthy fats

Perfect Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

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When I have guests come over or I’m feeling hungry and I need a quick salad to prep, I always choose this one. It’s filled with veggies giving it fibre, vibrancy, and vitamins, and the chickpeas add some protein. Try it yourself and let us know how you liked it.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups whole wheat pasta shells
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 ½ tsp plain low-fat yogurt
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 ½ (375ml) cup canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • ½ zucchini, diced (optional)
  • 1-2 bell peppers (red/yellow/orange), diced
  • ½ cup corn kernels (frozen or drained, rinsed canned corn)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, boil water and cook pasta for ~8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl combine yogurt, mustard, salt and pepper. Add pasta, diced vegetables and corn.
  3. Mix and toss to coat dressing over salad. Enjoy and share!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
165 cal / 7g protein / 33g carbohydrate / 5g fibre / 2g healthy fats

Photo credit: veganhuggs

Is Whole Wheat the same as Whole Grain?

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You may have heard that whole wheat (or brown bread) is healthier than white. But is whole wheat the same as whole grain? Let’s find out. 

Grains have 3 parts to them: germ, endosperm and bran [1]. Whole grains are the least processed and have all 3 nutritious parts. Whereas whole wheat and white flour have some or all of the germ and bran removed – leaving them with less nutrition. 

Whole grains

  • Lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers [2]
  • Help in keeping a healthy weight
  • Are the least processed: have all 3 nutritious parts of a grain i.e. have more vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats [1]

Whole wheat

  • Is a refined grain – i.e. partially processed to remove some of the germ and bran
  • Has less fibre, minerals, vitamins and healthy fats
  • Can still be a healthy choice [3]

Tips when choosing Whole Grain bread

  • Look for “100% whole grain” –  make sure it’s 100%
  • Look for at least 2g of fibre per slice (low in sodium, sugar and fat)
  • Make sure the first ingredients have the word “whole” before them ex. Whole grain wheat flour, whole rye etc
  • Multigrain / Stone Ground / Enriched ≠ Whole grain 

Tips when choosing Whole Wheat bread

  • Whole wheat ≠ whole grain
  • Look for 4g of fibre per serving
  • Where possible, choose whole grain bread more often

Conclusion

To summarize, whole grains have all 3 parts of the kernel, therefore they contain more nutrition and have more health benefits than refined grains!

Until next time,

Almas-Sadaf Shaikh, PMDip, RD

*Please be aware that these are general guidelines. Nutrition and intake varies by age, sex, height, activity, being pregnant or breastfeeding, and medical conditions. For more information or to sit with one of our dietitians for an individualised nutrition counselling session, please contact us at amananutrition@gmail.com or visit our Contact Us page to book your first appointment.

References:

[1] All About Whole Grains. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2019, from https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Cooking-Food-Preparation/Cooking-with-Whole-Grains.aspx.

[2] Choosing Whole Grains FAQs. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2019, from https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Canada-s-Food-Guide/Choosing-Whole-Grains-FAQs.aspx.

[3] How to Choose the Best Sliced Bread. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2019, from https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Grocery-Shopping/How-to-Choose-the-Best-Sliced-Bread.aspx.

Cashew Chicken Curry

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To all the curry lovers out there (like me :P), you have to try this cashew chicken curry! It’s simple to make, only requiring 3 spices (chili powder, garam masala and black pepper), uses healthy fats, and lean poultry. Enjoy it with whole wheat chapati or brown rice along with your choice of cooked vegetables like gobi (cooked cauliflower), okra or eggplant.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 2 skinless chicken breast (1lbs), cubed
  • 1 cup low fat yogurt
  • ⅓ cup cashews (or almonds), soaked in warm water (or use 2 tbsp of cashew powder)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garam masala

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onions on medium-high heat till soft.
  2. Add ginger garlic paste, and saute for 1 minute. Add chicken and sauté until its color starts changing to white (~2-3 minutes).
  3. Meanwhile, blend yogurt, soaked nuts (or cashew powder) and black pepper. Set aside.
  4. Add chili powder and salt to the chicken. Mix well and cook for 1 minute. Add the yogurt-nut blend and mix well. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 15 minutes on medium heat.
  5. Once chicken is tender, add garam masala and cook for another 2-5 minutes. Serve hot!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
218kcal / 26g protein / 9.5g carbohydrate / 9g healthy fat

Photo credit: Twosleevers

Is Raw Sugar Healthier than White or Brown Sugar?

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You may have seen raw sugar (or turbinado sugar) being served at coffee shops or sold in grocery stores. Some brands claim that raw sugar is more natural and beneficial than white or brown sugar. So what’s the difference?

Raw sugar:

  • Is processed by boiling the cane juice only once to remove some molasses
  • Contains trace amounts of micronutrients (calcium, iron, potassium and antioxidants)
  • Has a caramel flavour, and are golden brown crystals
  • Is more expensive (2-3 times the price of white sugar)

Similarities between the 3 sugars:

  • Similar nutrient profile per tsp: 16 calories, 4g carbs [1]
  • Per 1 tsp, all 3 sugars do not provide even 1% of recommended daily intakes of calcium, iron or potassium, nor has a significant amount of antioxidants
  • All 3 are sucrose and are processed from sugarcane / sugar beet [2]
  • All 3 are added sugars that can raise blood sugars 😦

So although raw sugar has trace amounts of minerals and antioxidants, you would have to have cups and cups of raw sugar to get the same amount of minerals and antioxidants from nutritious foods like bananas (potassium), spinach (iron), milk (calcium) or blackberries (antioxidants) [1]! So if you choose to have raw sugar, consider it for its flavour more than it’s nutrition!

Bottom Line

To summarize limiting added sugars is part of a healthy diet, whether that’s white, brown or raw sugar!


Until next time,

Almas-Sadaf Shaikh, PMDip, RD


*Please be aware that these are general guidelines. Nutrition and intake varies by age, sex, height, activity, being pregnant or breastfeeding, and medical conditions. For more information or to sit with one of our dietitians for an individualised nutrition counselling session, please contact us at amananutrition@gmail.com or visit our Contact Us page to book your first appointment.

References:

[1] FoodData Central. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2019, from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/.

[2] Thalheimer, J. C. (2015, September). Added Sugars and Heart Health. Today’s Dietitian, 17(9), 38.

Photocredit: Mother Jones