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THE PRESIDENT’S PLATE MAKEOVER

February 20, 2017

Overloaded with all things politics? We are too, but we couldn’t let Presidents’ Day go unnoticed. So Mr. President, we’d like to treat you to a food makeover in honor of this historic day. We’ve been keeping tabs on some of your menu favorites, and you might want to consider swapping out a few items…

Goodbye, Diet Coke. Hello, green tea and sparkling water. President Trump proudly states that he doesn’t drink coffee or tea, but he should reconsider. Antioxidant-rich green tea would be a better choice than artificial sweetener and artificial color-laden Diet Coke for his caffeine fix. Or is it the bubbles you love, Mr. Trump? If so, give Fruit-Infused Sparkling Water a try. It’s cold and refreshing, and fresh fruit gives you a bit of sweetness too (and better bragging rights).

Adios, KFC and McDonald’s. A good-quality cheeseburger every once in a while isn’t going to kill you, but constant consumption of Big Macs, fried chicken, and fast food might. A diet with less meat and more vegetables helps lower your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and helps counteract climate change. And fast food is typically highly processed—packed with bad fats, chemicals, salt and added sugar. If it’s chicken you’re after, try these Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs. Or if you’re jonesing for a burger, go for Eggplant BLT Sliders or Blackened Barramundi Sliders.

Ditch the chips. Sorry Donald, Lay’s potato chips and Doritos corn chips don’t count toward your daily vegetable intake. Instead, grab some Roasted Chickpeas for when the salty crunchy craving hits. They’re high in fiber and nutrients without any bad fat from the fryer.

Switch out ice cream bars for Banana “Ice Cream”. Store-bought ice cream is packed with added sugar and saturated fat. Making Banana “Ice Cream” at home in your food processor is equally as sweet and creamy, no added sugar required. Plus, it’ll help with your fruit intake.

WHAT YOU CAN DO THIS WEEK

Our health should be the ultimate nonpartisan issue. Congress is out of session so our members of Congress are in their home states for the week, and they would love to hear from you. Pay a visit to your Senators and Representatives, attend a town hall meeting, and tell them why protecting your health, the health of our communities and our planet is important to you.

Have an opinion on Sonny Perdue for example, President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Agriculture? Or the President’s pick for the Food and Drug Administration Secretary? Dislike that the proposed 20% tax on imported goods from Mexico to fund the wall would dramatically increase the price of your fruits and veggies? Or are you concerned about the effect a mass deportation would have on farming, our food economy, and the undocumented workers who grow America’s crops? Speak up for your health and your food!

And if your diet needs a makeover too, check out Foodstand’s Avoid Soda, Eat Less Meat, Avoid Fast Food, Eat Real Food, and Avoid Sweets Challenges to take your health into your own hands. And tell you friends so we can enact change together.

Features Recipes

SWAP THIS FOR THAT

February 1, 2017

Thursday, February 2, 2017. You might know it as Groundhog Day, but it’s also the day that most people kiss their unsustainable New Year’s resolutions goodbye. According to Foursquare and Swarm data, the first Thursday in February is the day that the rise in fast food check-ins and downturn in gym check-ins meet. Why? Every January the internet is abuzz with crash detoxes and diet fads, none of which are healthy or sustainable. And evidently, most don’t make it beyond a month.

But developing good eating habits isn’t about extremes like swearing off gluten forever, never eating fries again, or pretending dessert doesn’t exist. It’s about making a habit of choosing the better option (and even indulging once in a while). Here are some simple swaps you can make in 2017 to get and stay healthy this new year.

  1. Breakfast pastries for toast—Breakfast pastries (aka dessert in the morning) flood your body with a ton of sugar, and set you up for a mid-morning crash. Try whole grain toast with nut butter and banana slices; avocado, olive oil and sea salt; an egg, sautéd spinach and Sriracha; goat cheese and berries… Bottom line, ditch the added sugar for some whole grains, protein, healthy fats and fruit.
  2. Sugary cereal/granola for homemade muesli—Muesli is a combination of raw oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and other whole grains. It is high in protein, low in added sugar, and delicious with milk or yogurt.
  3. Soda for seltzer—Seltzer aka soda water aka sparkling water is cold and fizzy without the chemicals or added sugar. If you need some sweetness, try adding frozen or fresh pieces of fruit to the bottom of your glass.
  4. Pepperoni pizza for veggie pizza—Thin crust pizza piled high with veggies from your local, family-run pizza joint is lower in fat and higher in vitamins, minerals and fiber than your typical meat-laden, chain-store pizza. Better yet, make it yourself!
  5. Hamburgers for veggie burgers—A thick slice of grilled mushroom or eggplant is a sustainable, meaty burger alternative, with less fat, and more vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Try these Eggplant Sliders the next time you get a hankering for a burger.
  6. Spaghetti for spiralized veggie noodles—Spiralized zucchini or squash is a great vehicle for your favorite pasta sauce without the refined carbs. Spiralized noodles give your body the vitamins, minerals and fiber it needs, plus extra flavor too. Try this recipe for Zoodles with Basil Pesto.
  7. French fries for sweet-potato “fries”—Baked Sweet Potato Fries are lower in fat and higher in antioxidants. Plus, they’re naturally sweet, and help curb sugar cravings.
  8. Chips for crispy chickpeas—Protein-rich, Roasted Chickpeas are craveably crispy and salty, but without the bad fat from the fryer. Plus, they’re higher in fiber and nutrients too.
  9. White flour cookies for almond flour cookies—Almond flour is packed with protein, and making the cookies yourself lets you control the sugar. Try these Sesame and Anise Cookies that are sweetened with maple syrup.
  10. Ice cream for banana “ice cream”—Store-bought ice cream is packed with added sugar and saturated fat. Making Banana “Ice Cream” at home in your food processor is equally as sweet and creamy, no added sugar required.
  11. Candy bars for dark chocolate + nuts—Candy bars are often packed with sugar and chemicals. If you want a chocolatey treat, try dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) with a handful of toasted almonds. Dark chocolate has less sugar, and nuts are full of protein to help your body manage the sugar load.
Features

5 FOODS TO START AND STOP EATING IN 2017

January 3, 2017

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Good health in the new year isn’t a get-skinny diet, or a miracle superfood. Instead, the best piece of advice we can give is to eat a variety of real, unprocessed foods. It’s that simple. Here are some of our top picks for 2017—both what to eliminate, and what to enjoy—to become your healthiest you. Happy New Year! And happy eating too.

STOP EATING…

  1. Sweetened fruit yogurt. Don’t be fooled by the fruit on the label—one small strawberry yogurt can make up over half of your daily added sugar allotment even before you walk out the front door. Try unsweetened plain greek yogurt instead, and add your own fresh fruit.

  2. Liquid sugar. Whether it be soda or freshly-squeezed orange juice, consuming sugar in liquid form delivers your body with a huge quantity of sugar without any fiber to help your body process it. Ditch soda entirely, and stick to whole pieces of fruit.

  3. Artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, Sucralose, Sorbitol and others have been linked with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Plus, they reprogram your taste buds into thinking fruit and other naturally sweet foods aren’t sweet enough.

  4. Packaged snack foods. While they may appear harmless, even savory packaged snacks often contain high levels of added sugar, sodium, and even chemicals and dyes. Stick with whole-food snacks like a piece of fruit with almonds, or carrots with hummus.

  5. Processed meats. Classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization, processed meats are said to cause colon cancer. On top of that, they often contain high amounts of sodium which can lead to heart disease, and nitrates which likely cause an increased risk of diabetes.

START EATING…

  1. Radicchio. With four times more antioxidants than romaine and a ton of disease-preventing polyphenols, dark red radicchio should make a regular appearance on your dinner plate. Counteract radicchio’s bitter flavor with fresh fruit and balsamic vinegar in a salad, or mellow its flavor by wilting it down with olive oil and sea salt.

  2. Butter beans (aka lima beans). They are high in protein which is great for blood sugar levels, and high in soluble fiber which helps lower cholesterol. Plus they’re a hearty vegetarian protein and taste delicious with almost anything (in stews, in tacos, sautéed with greens).

  3. Green moong dal flour. Another excellent source of protein and dietary fiber, green mung bean flour is a flavorful and nutrient-rich substitute for white flour that can be made into a wrap. Use it as you would a savory crêpe or breakfast burrito—our fave is scrambled egg, onion, chili peppers and fresh coriander.

  4. Fruit for dessert. Swapping added sugar for fresh fruit gives your body a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber, and may even help sharpen your taste buds. Try pairing with roasted pecans or almonds for a richer treat.

  5. 100% chocolate. Ditching sugar doesn’t have to mean giving up your chocolate habit. Many chocolatiers make a 100% cacao bar with no added sugar that is just as flavorful and high in antioxidants as their 70-90% dark chocolate counterparts. Try this François Pralus bar, and avoid lower quality unsweetened varieties you find in the baking section at your grocery store.

  6. BONUS! Kelp. You’ve probably seen the hype, and it is so real. This protein-packed, sustainable, plant-based, gluten-free, zero-junk ingredient should be added to your repertoire. Use kelp noodles to replace lo mein or spaghetti for a healthier version of your favorites. You’ll also be able to get your hands on some Kelp Jerky soon so you’ll be able to snack to your heart’s content.

From the Team

WE DID IT TOGETHER

December 28, 2016

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Foodstanders knocked it out of the park this year! Each and every one of you worked incredibly hard at developing good eating habits, one day and one choice at a time. On top of that, we all did it together—congratulating each other’s successes, giving words of encouragement, and sharing helpful hints and tips with the community. You’re creating a healthier you, and a healthier planet. Give yourself a big pat on the back for all of your accomplishments! You deserve it.

Don’t forget to keep up the great work this upcoming new year! Continue rocking your Challenge and start 2017 on the right foot—you’ve got this!

From the Team

TOP TIPS & FAQS OF THE WEEK

November 14, 2016

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Each and every one of you Foodstanders is an inspiration! Be sure and take a moment to pat yourself on the back, and thank yourself for making awesome changes in your life, one day at a time. In the last week we’ve avoided over 450,000 grams of sugar, and consumed 20,000 glasses of water! #HighFives to everyone for working so hard to build lasting healthy eating habits.

A huge welcome to all new Foodstanders! We’re so glad you’ve decided to build good eating habits and make the better choice when it comes to what you put into your bodies. You’re worth it! Since there are so many new folks in the community, we want to answer some of the most frequently asked questions and share some tips that came up this week. If you have a thought or question for the community, please ask or share!

Q: Can you do more than one Challenge at once?
A: No. It has been shown that tackling one aspect of your diet at a time is the best way to form new habits. Work your way through the levels of your current Challenge, and when you feel as though you’ve developed a lasting habit, start a new Challenge!

Q: I slipped. What do I do?
A: Use a free pass when you check in on the Foodstand app, and get back on track for the rest of the day. Don’t be hard on yourself, and remember—progress over perfection! Slipping means you’re trying, so be sure to congratulate yourself on the next healthy choice you make 🙂

Q: How can I make myself drink more water throughout the day?
A: Always keep a water bottle on hand. If water is in reach, you’re more likely to drink it. Try drinking sparkling water (seltzer) with pieces of chopped fruit and/or mint in it—it’s much more fun than plain water. Or make a cup of tea (it counts as water!) for a flavorful, warm drink on a cold day.

Q: What’s a good soda alternative?
A: We love sparkling water with fresh fruit! The fruit flavors the water, plus it’s nice and fizzy. Or if you need something slightly sweeter, pour a splash of 100% fruit juice in a glass, and top if off with sparkling water (just remember that fruit juice is liquid sugar, so be sure to dilute it with the water).

Q: How can I prevent myself from snacking before bed?
A: Make a cup of herbal tea in the evening so you have something to sip. Reading a good book, watching a movie, or playing a game can also be a good distraction. Also, be sure to fill up on veggies, protein and whole grains—if you eat well throughout the day and have a nutritious dinner, you won’t think as much about snacking before bed.

Q: Help! How do I curb my sugar cravings?
A: Quitting sugar is hard, so be sure to give yourself a pat on the back for joining the Challenge! First, make sure you eat a well-balanced diet throughout the day—fill up on vegetables, lean meat or fish, whole grains and healthy fats (such as nuts or avocado). These foods will help you kick your cravings by keeping you full longer, balancing your blood sugar levels, and giving you the fuel that your body needs. The first week is the most difficult, but it WILL get easier, so hang tight! And if you need something sweet, grab a piece of fresh or dried fruit (such as a date or dried mango) to satisfy your craving.

Click here to read more FAQs.