Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Guide to Some Clean Eating "Convenience" Foods

Looking for some "convenience" foods that will fit in with your CE lifestyle? Need guidance for best bets when choosing your your CE pantry items? Here's a great list of items to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to clean grocery items.



1. Eggland's Best Eggs
 Already lower in cholesterol and fat than other brands, Eggland's Best eggs now have 4 times more vitamin D (which helps your body absorb calcium) and 3 times more omega-3 fatty acids (which lower the risk of sudden heart attacks and may improve your memory). That's because the company removed animal products and added vitamins and minerals to the chicken feed.

2. Nasoya Organic Tofu Plus 




All tofu contains heart-healthy isoflavones, but this brand is fortified with B vitamins and vitamin D, plus 20% of your daily calcium need—and doesn't cost more than regular tofu. Women's calcium requirements go up by 200 mg when they hit 51, so switching to this tofu can help make up the difference, Extra vitamin B12 is also helpful because you don't absorb as much after age 50.


3. Country Choice Organic Quick Cook Steel Cut Oats 


If you prefer the texture (and health benefits) of steel-cut oats to instant oats but don't have time to make them every morning, you'll love this product. This company cracks the whole oat before it's chopped, so it cooks in just 5 to 7 minutes. Everything is the same nutritionally—the filling fiber, whole grain, and heart-healthy antioxidants.


4. Dole Sliced Strawberries 


When berries aren't in season, it's great to have a frozen option handy. Plus, Dole's berries are frozen shortly after they're picked so they don't lose vitamin C (1 cup has 90% of what you need for the day). And they're loaded with anthocyanins, antioxidants that may help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of cancer.

5. Mann's Sweet Potato Spears


Hate peeling potatoes? Go for this bag of fry-shaped, ready-to-cook sweet tubers. Season with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a little sea salt and bake 25 minutes. These fries feel like a total splurge, but they're nutrient packed, One serving provides the cancer-fighting vitamin A you need for the day.

6. SeaPak Salmon Burgers


These patties are rich in omega-3s, fats that protect the heart and may help battle depression and—early research suggests—may help you lose weight. These are great for people who don't like the strong flavor or texture of a salmon fillet. You will enjoy the smoky taste and meat loaf consistency. And the salmon is wild and sustainably caught.Just be aware, there is smoke "natural smoke flavoring" here.

7. Sunsweet Antioxidant Blend




Dried blueberries, cherries, cranberries, and plums are packaged together in a resealable bag. You probably wouldn't have four kinds of dried fruit in your house at the same time, so this product makes it easy for you to get different kinds of antioxidants. Sprinkle some on oatmeal, stir into plain yogurt, or add a few nuts to make trail mix.

 Thanks, Prevention!