Vegetarian
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10 vegetarian mistakes
If you decide to adopt a vegetarian diet for health reasons, it is important to make smart choices and avoid the following 10 vegetarian mistakes. 1. Relying on cheese for protein Yes, cheese has protein and calcium but the content varies greatly depending on the specific cheese. Cheeses that are higher in fat are very energy dense, which can be a problem for some people. In addition, eating cheese in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal distress in many people, sometimes due to the lactose content, sometimes due to the fat content. 2. Being content with ordering “the vegetarian option” Many restaurants offer very poorly constructed vegetarian options, e.g. garden salad,…
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Recipe: Grilled vegetable and pesto frittata
This grilled vegetable and pesto frittata highlights the versatility of the mighty frittata when it comes to ingredients, eating occasion and cooking technique. I made the entire recipe in a Weber gas BBQ and a BBQ pan, but you can use an oven and oven-safe pan or baking dish instead. While this frittata takes more time to make than the ones that use uncooked or pre-cooked vegetables, the result is definitely worth it, in particular if you enjoy Mediterranean flavours. Having said that, you can cook the vegetables in advance or use leftover vegetables from another meal. You can also use store-bought pesto but I have not found any that…
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Product review: Slendier bean pasta
Slendier bean pasta is a new gluten-free, high protein, high fibre, lower carb pasta alternative available in the health food aisle of supermarkets. Slendier bean pasta You have probably heard about Slendier thanks to their konjac pasta and rice and ready to eat meals which have been on supermarket shelfs for a while. While those products are low-calorie and low-carb, the bean pasta range is more akin to San Remo pulse pasta and Barilla legume pasta. Slendier bean pasta products are made with just 2 ingredients: organic bean flour and water. As such, they are vegan, gluten-free and higher in fibre and protein than regular pasta. The pasta comes in…
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Product review: Carman’s Goodness range
Carman’s Goodness range includes new products from the Australian manufacturer of foods targeted to the health-conscious consumer. They currently include crackers and breakfast flakes. Carman’s Goodness range Carman’s goodness range includes crackers and breakfast cereal flakes. Goodness Crackers These oven-baked square-shaped crackers are vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free. They contain seeds but are nut free. The crackers currently come in 3 flavours: Original Sea Salt, Roasted Garlic & Herb, and Caramelised Onion. Each box contains 2 bags with 3 serves each. Goodness & Grains Flakes These breakfast flakes are made with whole grains, quinoa and psyllium. They are vegan and GMO-free, but not gluten-free. Thanks to their high dietary fibre, they…
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Product review: Obela Plant Based Hommus Bowls
Obela Plant Based Hommus Bowls are a portable, convenient meal to have on the go. They are vegan, gluten-free, high in fibre and protein. Obela Plant Based Hommus Bowls These bowls are new in the line of hommus and dips of the famous manufacturer Obela, makers of the convenient snack Obela Hommus To Go. In my opinion, this is a great way to get switch people’s perception about hommus from just a dip to what it is in the Middle East: a meal. Obela Plant Based Hommus Bowls come in the following flavours: Quinoa Tabouli Salad With Falafels & Lemon Garlic Dressing Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables With Falafels & Basil Pesto…
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Product review: Bounce keto low carb bars
Bounce keto low carb bars are a snack alternative for health-conscious active individuals following a keto or low carb diet. Bounce This Australian company started out selling single serve packaged protein balls and now has a wider range of products targeted to active populations. Other product ranges include the aforementioned protein balls (whey and plant-based), brekkie bars and milkshake powders for kids. Bounce keto low carb bars These bars are gluten free, vegan, low in sugar, high in fibre and have some protein (but not a lot). They are also free of artificial flavours, sweeteners and other additives. The fat content comes from nuts and MCT oil (from coconut). Bounce…
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Recipe: Vegan mash
If you love mashed potatoes but can’t or won’t eat dairy, this vegan mash recipe is for you. Even if you’re partial to traditional mash, you should give this version a go. People wanting to veganise the classic potato mash, which often contains butter, cream and/or milk, will use margarine and non-dairy milk instead. However, there is a better (read: healthier and tastier) way of doing it! A good vegetable stock (homemade or otherwise) and extra virgin olive oil add a ton of flavour and a silky texture to the mash. I used Dutch cream potatoes but you can use your favourite potatoes for this recipe. If you’re looking for…
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Product review: Slendier konjac pasta and rice
As its name implies, Slendier is a brand of food products designed to help with weight loss. Slendier konjac pasta and rice come in different styles to suit your culinary needs. What is konjac? The dictionary tells us konjac is “the swollen underground stem of a herb that grows in parts of Asia and is often used for adding fibre to food, or the herb itself.” (1) Konjac is very low in carbohydrates and very high in a type of fibre called glucomannan, which is linked to several health benefits, including appetite control and digestive health. Slendier konjac range All Slendier konjac pasta and rice style products come in 2-serve…
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Recipe: Peanut butter protein banana bread
This peanut butter protein banana bread is great for breakfast, morning tea or afternoon tea. Because it’s high in protein, it also qualifies as a great post-workout snack. This treat is gluten-free and can be dairy-free. In addition, it does not contain added sugar. Notes on ingredients: I think this is common knowledge by now, but in case you didn’t know: super ripe bananas make the best banana bread You can use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter, as it will be ground further in the food processor anyway I used natural whey protein isolate from True Protein but you can use any type of whey or plant-based protein powder…
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Product review: Bega Simply Nuts Peanut Butter
Bega Simply Nuts Peanut Butter is yet another great choice in the spreads aisle. It is great to see that big companies are responsive to consumers expectations of products without added oil and sugar. Bega Simply Nuts As the name implies, Bega Simply Nuts Peanut Butter is made with just peanuts (and salt in 2 of the 3 products). Okay, if you want to be pedantic about it, peanuts are not nuts (they’re legumes). The range includes crunchy, smooth and rustic grind. You can find them in the spread aisle in major supermarkets. Ingredients Crunchy: Roasted peanuts (99.5%), salt Smooth: Roasted peanuts (99.5%), salt Rustic grind: Roasted peanuts (100%) Nutrition…
