John and I hosted my parents for the second year in a row, and it was so much fun to cook all day while my parents played with Lily. John cooked the turkey on the Big Green Egg, which not only freed up much-needed room in the oven, but also yielded a juicy and slightly smoked turkey.
After making and enjoying a bunch of gobbler sandwiches, we still had a bunch of leftover fresh whole berry cranberry sauce (amongst other dishes) to use up. I’ve been stirring it into oatmeal and yogurt, eating it straight off the spoon with peanut butter, and – of course – in these muffins.
Tart-sweet cranberry sauce teams up with rich dark chocolate chips in a 100% whole wheat muffin batter. The muffins are tender, moist, and dessert-worthy without a ton of added sugar.
If you have leftover cranberry sauce, these muffins are the perfect treat to bake!
1/4 cup unrefined sugar, such as evaporated cane juice
2 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs, preferably organic
2 (5.3 oz) containers Chobani Oats Cranberry (Greek yogurt with steel-cut oats and cranberries)
6 Tbsp low fat milk, preferably organic
1/4 cup neutral-flavored oil, such as safflower oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
12 tsp leftover fresh whole berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease or line a 12 cup muffin tin.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, both sugars, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and stir just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Evenly divide the batter amongst the prepared muffin cups. Spoon 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce into the center of each filled muffin cup.
Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a wooden tester inserted into the center of a muffin (not through the cranberry sauce) comes out clean.
Peanut butter is a beloved spread enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s not only delicious but also a versatile ingredient that can be used in sandwiches, smoothies, desserts, and more.
While store-bought peanut butter is convenient, making your own at home is not only easy but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients.
We’ll guide you through a simple homemade peanut butter recipe that’s both healthy and scrumptious.
Name: Homemade Peanut Butter
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16 (2 tablespoons per serving)
Yield: About 2 cups
Ingredients
2 cups of roasted unsalted peanuts
1-2 tablespoons of honey (optional, for sweetness)
1-2 tablespoons of peanut oil (optional, for creaminess)
1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Roasted unsalted peanuts are the primary ingredient, and you can find them at most grocery stores. The honey and peanut oil are optional but can enhance the flavor and texture of your peanut butter.
2. Roast the Peanuts (Optional)
If your peanuts are not already roasted, you can roast them at home for extra flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they become fragrant and golden brown. Be sure to stir them halfway through to ensure even roasting. Let them cool slightly.
3. Blend the Peanuts
Transfer the roasted peanuts to a food processor or a high-powered blender. If you prefer chunky peanut butter, you can reserve a handful of peanuts to mix in later.
4. Add Sweetener (Optional)
If you like your peanut butter slightly sweet, you can add honey at this stage. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
5. Add Peanut Oil (Optional)
For creamier peanut butter, you can add a tablespoon or two of peanut oil. This step is also optional, and you can adjust the amount based on your preference.
6. Blend Until Smooth:
Process the mixture in your food processor or blender. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the container periodically. Continue blending until the peanut butter reaches your desired consistency—smooth and creamy or slightly chunky, it’s up to you!
7. Season with Salt
Taste your homemade peanut butter and add salt according to your preference. Half a teaspoon is a good starting point, but you can add more if needed. Blend again to evenly distribute the salt.
8. Store Your Peanut Butter
Transfer your freshly made peanut butter into an airtight container, like a glass jar. It can be stored at room temperature for a week or two, but for longer shelf life, refrigeration is recommended.
1. I realize that you’re most likely sick and tired of seeing pictures of other people’s Thanksgiving dinners, but I’d be a bad food blogger if I didn’t share mine.
I apologize for the redundancy.
Roast turkey + apple cider gravy, sauteed green beans w/ toasted slivered almonds, fresh orange cranberry relish, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sausage & apple stuffing, and a green salad with blue cheese, dried cranberries, walnuts, & pears…
… and a Gobbler comprised of nearly all of the above piled high between two slices of whole wheat cranberry pecan bread the following day.
John & I spent a wonderfully intimate, quiet, relaxing, and delicious Thanksgiving with my parents. Although we’re used to a larger crowd, the four of us agreed that it was a perfect night =).
2. Still have some leftover turkey lurking in the fridge and looking for a unique way to use it up? Check out my Maple Peanut Butter Gobbler on the PB & Co. blog.
Sounds weird and maybe even a little bit scary… but it tastes divine!
3. The turnout at my 10 year high school reunion was pretty abysmal – in terms of numbers, not the actual people there. I was glad to have the chance to catch up with some old friends, but only about 60 people (out of a class of ~200) showed up, so the restaurant venue was pretty sparsely populated.
I – along with my old classmates who did attend – had a good time, but I think it would have been even better if more people had been there.
Have you been to any school reunions? What was the experience like for you?
4. For today’s Back Burner post, I rounded up four of my homemade peanut butter recipes.
From bottom right:White Chocolate, Vanilla Bean Coconut, Dark Chocolate, and Cinnamon Raisin.
If you missed any of these scrumptious recipes the first time around, head on over the The Back Burner blog to check them out!
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (2 tablespoons)
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 7g
Please note that these nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.
This homemade peanut butter recipe provides a good source of healthy fats and protein, making it a nutritious addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. Enjoy!
Healthy foods have become a luxury that not all of us can enjoy. Even in this fast-paced world, there is one snack that helps us satiate our endless hunger. It’s none other than chips! But considering how we should control our eating habits, are chips healthy?
In a word, fried potato chips or other chips are entirely unhealthy. They are a variant of fatty foods. Chips are rich in sodium, fat, and cholesterol. Consuming these starchy foods will surely cause issues for overall health and even heart disease.
The calories in potato chips are empty calories. So, if you pair a pack of deep-fried potato chips with some healthy air-fried crisps, you will be safe. An occasional treat is okay, but a regular diet of chips is not recommended.
What’s Bad? Potato Or Tortilla?
Considering the fact that chips are one of the deep-fried foods, it has to be on the bad side, right? Well, that depends on the kind of chips you are talking about.
For instance, if the chips in question are regular potato chips, the harmful effects are blatant. Eating potato chips every day is sure to cause health issues no matter how healthy they are.
Then again, if the chips you want to consume are air fried instead of deep oil fried, it will be beneficial. That’s because the air-fried potato or other chips hold on to their nutrient factor. Moreover, they don’t carry the harmful effects of eating fried food.
One of the top healthy chips is tortilla chips. These chips are far better than the potato variant. Even these healthy store-bought chips are better than the potato chips made at home.
So, in reality, the type of chips and how frequently you consume them is the deciding factor of whether chips are healthy or not.
But are potato chips really unhealthy? Well, they are unhealthy.
No need to take our word for it; just look at what these chips contain according to USDA.
Serving Size 28gm
Calories
149
Total Fat
9.5m
Sugar
100mg
Cholesterol
0gm
Fiber
900mg
Total Carbohydrate
15.1g
Protein
1.8g
Calcium
5.9mg
Potassium
334.9mg
Sodium
147.6mg
By no means can one claim that potato chips are healthy. They are extravagantly rich in sodium, fat, and calories.
So, if you think eating chips on a diet is okay, stop that train of thought. They will not only help you gain weight but also gain additional diseases like increased blood pressure, diabetes and hypertension.
Are Tortilla Chips Healthy?
Most tortilla chips are made from corn. So instead of asking whether tortilla chips are healthy or not, you need to ask whether corn chips are healthy.
Most people believe tortilla to be a healthy option among chips because it is made of corn. They are not wrong because corn chips are far superior to potato chips. But by no means are they healthy.
Just take a look at what an average pack of chips contains, according to USDA.
Serving Size 28gm
Calories
150
Total Fat
8gm
Sugar
0g
Cholesterol
0gm
Fiber
1g
Total Carbohydrate
18g
Protein
2g
Calcium
30mg
Potassium
52.1mg
Sodium
85.1mg
Looking at the chart, it is clear that tortillas are better than potato chips, but the beneficial factors are still missing. Instead, they are responsible for many adverse health situations.
So, is it okay to eat chips once a week? Yes, it is okay, but if you are thinking about consuming them daily, then your medical bills will surely skyrocket.
Adverse Effects Of Chips
A healthy diet is always recommended. That is why many want to find the benefits of eating potato chips.
But sadly, there are no benefits to them. They are filled with components that will indeed cause higher risk.
Here are some of the most common issues a bag of chips will cause.
Weight Gain
If you consume too many chips, you will surely gain a bit of weight. Compared to other foods, tortilla chips are high in fat and calories.
Just eating a regular serving of salsa and chips is okay but doing so regularly is sure to be detrimental to your diet.
Lack Of Nutrition
Despite the fact that chips are made of potatoes or corn, they can never be considered a replacement for another nutritional source. This is because most store-bought chips are processed and thus lack the required nutrients.
It is better to shop for healthy snacks than to solely depend on chips for nutrition.
Blood Pressure
Most chips contain high amounts of salt, which means more sodium and potassium. Chips are no different.
So, consuming excess chips is sure to increase the sodium content in the blood. High salt, in turn, causes high blood pressure creating additional adverse health situations.
Increase In Cholesterol
Total cholesterol in an entire pack of chips is negligible. But the cholesterol adds up if you finish a few bags instead of just one. And this is sure to cause adverse effects on your cholesterol levels.
A balanced diet is far better than regular tortilla consumption.
Are Quest Protein Chips Healthy?
One of the best tortilla chips healthy for you is Quest chips. These are far better than the normal variants because they are filled with protein and have a low quantity of carbs. Instead of artificial flavors, these chips are made with all-natural ingredients.
If you look at a bag of chips from the Quest, you will see that its ingredients stand out.
The chips are made of healthy corn variants like psyllium husk and chia seeds. This gives the chips its whole grains nature. And to compliment these whole grains’ nature, the chips are flavored with actual spices.
Yes, similar to eating potato chips, eating the Quest chips will result in the consumption of more sodium. But it is a tad bit different than usual.
That is because the fat content of this salty snack is not as high. Thus, the extra ion will actually help with the blood flow instead of increasing the pressure.
So, if you are asking if quest chips are healthy, rest assured. They are not fried chips but one of the baked varieties. Due to no use of vegetable oil, the chips are safer for health than other options.
FAQs
How often should you eat chips?
Eating chips as occasional treats are acceptable. But consuming it regularly is harmful. One should not eat more than a one-ounce bag of chips daily.
What chips are okay to eat on a diet?
Chips are a type of comfort food. Thus, a bag of chips contains an insignificant amount of helpful nutrients. Instead, it is filled with elements that cause weight gain. So, it is not recommended to eat chips when on a diet.
Are homemade potato chips healthy?
Store-bought chips are usually high in fat and packed with salt. On the other hand, baked or air-fried chips made at home are far more nutritious. The salt content is low, and the saturated fat content remains within the limit.
What is the healthiest chip to eat?
The healthiest chips to eat are homemade baked tortilla chips. They are beneficial since the additional vegetable oil is absent in them. Moreover, homemade tortillas are filled with fiber since they are made from whole grains.
Can chips cause heart disease?
Most chips are fried in oil. This increases their fat content. The chips are also high in sodium as salt is used in excess. Thus, chips can cause heart issues since it increases blood pressure.
Final Words
If the sodium in the chips is bad, are unsalted potato chips healthy? Well, the unhealthy part of chips is not the salt but the lack of fiber and the availability of trans fat. So, no matter what you do, you will get a negative answer when you ask whether chips are healthy.
Even if you make the chips at home, they will not be as healthy as other healthy snacks. It is better to get addicted to healthy alternatives than depend solely on chips. Stay fit and maintain a balanced diet!
A lot of people have biscuits daily. They come in many flavors and many looks. They are great at teatime and with coffee too. Chocolate and cream biscuits are the most popular. But are biscuits healthy?
Biscuits are mainly wheat flour-based. They can be made from whole grains too. Whole grain biscuits are healthy for you. They are also nutritious. But you can also find biscuits with sugar, cream, chocolate, etc. Those are not healthy and can contain lots of calories.
So, it can vary if biscuits are healthy or not. If you are a health enthusiast, this question can strike your mind. We are here to answer your queries.
What Are Biscuits?
Biscuits are made from refined flour and can be found in many shapes. Around the world, you will find biscuits firm, leavened, and flat.
Different ingredients and flavors are used to make biscuits, like chocolate, sugar, jam, icing, cinnamon, or ginger. Those can vary too. There are biscuits with cream inside them and biscuits that are chocolate coated.
Sugar-coated biscuits are common too. They are consumed all over the world and have a good shelf life.
Most North Americans call hard sweet biscuits “cookies”. They use “biscuit” for a loaf of leavened soft bread.
Nutrition Facts of Biscuits
According to the USDA, 45 grams of a standard biscuit should have –
Calories: 166
Carbohydrates: 19.3g
Saturated Fats: 8.5g
Sodium bicarbonate: 441 mg
Sugars: 1.8g
Protein: 3.2g
Fiber: 1.1g
Iron: 1.2mg
Folate: 54.4 mg
Calcium: 31.5mg
One biscuit should have these nutrients. Here, you can see biscuits provide a lot of calories. They are high in fibers and sugars. They contain a small number of minerals too.
Are Biscuits Carbs or Protein?
Now, we come to the big question. Are biscuits carbs or proteins? Or are they unhealthy fats?
Well, you can see the nutrients. Biscuits contain 19.3 grams of carbohydrates. They may have 3.2 g of sugar too.
You know, sugars are also highly processed carbohydrates. That means biscuits have 20 grams+ carbohydrates whereas only 3.2-gram protein. So, biscuits are carbs. They are not protein or unhealthy fats.
Biscuit Health Benefits
You can consider biscuits as comfort food. Some biscuits are good for your health, like a whole grain biscuit.
Here are some health benefits you can have from biscuits.
Quick Energy
It’s crucial to eat appropriately when you exercise regularly so that you can get the most out of your workout.
You may find it harder to prepare a pre-workout meal when doing your morning workout daily. You don’t want to get hunger pangs. Not eating and working out is not a great combination.
So, eating one or two biscuits will not be too much if you do not want to prepare something.
Easy Digest Option
Fiber has several good health benefits, as we all know. You might be suggested to have a low-fiber food intake.
You may even get professional medical advice for different reasons (stomach surgery, bowel syndrome, heart disease) because low-fiber food is easy for digestion.
Biscuits are a good option here because they have low fiber content and are tasty too!
Provide More Fiber
Some biscuits have more fiber than others, like digestive biscuits. So, looking for options that have more fiber? Biscuit is an absolute savior here.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
A biscuit provides a minuscule number of essential vitamins and minerals. That makes biscuits good for health. They are high in sodium bicarbonate.
Are Oat Biscuits Healthy?
Oat biscuits are comparatively healthier. Oats are refined grains and beneficial for health. It has other ingredients too. As you will see, oat biscuits will do the same.
Here are some health benefits of oat biscuits:
Oat biscuits have a higher (though not much) amount of protein than others.
A higher fiber content.
Higher in minerals including iron, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium, which are all essential for good physical health.
They have comparatively less sugar.
Fewer calories can be found in oats. And also provide extra essential nutrients.
Men and women need iron, which can be found in oat biscuits.
They aid in the development of lean muscular mass.
A great shelf life.
Now you understand why oat biscuits are superior to others.
They don’t have high-fat content. The high fiber content in oat biscuits will make you feel full for a long time. Also, they are a great option if you are on a diet or building muscles.
Are Digestive Biscuits Healthy?
Digestive biscuits are semi-sweet. They have a crumpled texture. You can find many types of digestive biscuits in the market. They’re quickly gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to unhealthy snacks.
Most biscuit brands emphasize their high fiber content as it has a good role in promoting digestive health. Adding more fibers to everyday diets has a positive impact. But are digestive biscuits healthy too?
USDA says a 30-gram of digestive biscuit should have 150 calories, fiber (2 g), and carbohydrates (20 g).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is biscuits junk food?
Sweet beverages and snacks, lollipops, chocolates, chips, crunchy snacks, potato chips, biscuits, fast foods, cakes, pies, jam, and honey are all examples of junk food. You can see that it includes biscuits too.
Though one might think that only unhealthy foods are junk foods, they are not. Foods that are “discretionary choices” can be referred to as junk foods.
Is it ok to eat biscuits every day?
Eating three Marie biscuits or two cream crackers every day should not be a problem. But it would be best if you did not have more than that. Eating a lot of biscuits every day is terrible for your overall health.
Are biscuits good for weight loss?
If you are on a keto diet, a biscuit is not an option to consider. But in other cases, having one biscuit or two will not be a problem.
Eating a whole grain biscuit will make your stomach full for a long time. That makes biscuits good for health. This will help in your weight loss. Remember not to overeat!
Will biscuits make me fat?
Biscuits that have a lot of sugar in them will make you fat. But you won’t see weight gain if you go for a healthier one. That will be even better. Cream and chocolate are not good for your health.
Final Words
So, are biscuits healthy? You know the answer now! Some biscuits are entirely healthy, and some are not. Many brands may preach their biscuits as healthy for a better sale. But in reality, they are not healthier than other junk foods.
Over consumption of biscuits may make you fat and unhealthy. Eating biscuits with high sugar and fat will affect it more. Avoiding those sugary biscuits will help to keep you in shape.
There are healthy biscuits too. Those can be good for your stomach and diet routine. Make sure to mark your consumption and do not overeat. If you are fond of biscuits, switch to healthier options. This will not ruin your diet chart.
Considering the average person’s workload, having a healthy breakfast is vital. And many will agree that a healthy serving of banana pancakes is the best option. But are banana pancakes healthy? Healthy banana pancakes are undoubtedly a tasty breakfast. They are beneficial as they are filled with the required nutrients. Adding other ingredients to the pancake base can add to those factors. To enhance the protein content, you can add Greek yogurt. Only then will banana pancakes become a balanced diet. No matter which recipe you follow, if you use no whole wheat flour, you will end up with a gluten-free breakfast. And if you make the batter at home instead of store-bought powder, you will indeed have some healthy banana pancakes for breakfast.
Health Concerns About Pancakes
Most people consume pancakes because, to them, it is comfort food. When you wake up in the morning, take a whisk, and make yourself a serving of pancakes, you look to fill your belly. And like most comfort food, pancakes lack the nutritional facts one hopes to get from a breakfast. But there are certain benefits to plain pancakes. One can pair up the store- bought regular pancake powder with almost anything. Adding eggs to the pancake batter is one of the most common trends. This supplies you with the most needed protein that a serving of pancake lacks.
Moreover, if you feel like having something sweet, add a bit of honey or maple syrup on top of your golden-brown pan-cooked cakes. It will not only enhance the taste but also add to the total calorie consumption. So, pancakes are great and healthy comfort food as long as the add-ons you take are beneficial. One of the most popular variants of traditional pancakes is healthy banana pancakes. These cakes are free of any whole wheat flour. So, they are also the best if you are on a gluten-free diet.
Banana Pancakes Nutritional Facts
Most people know what pancakes are. But many are confused when bananas enter the scene. These healthy pancakes are the easiest to make and only need two ingredients. There is no need for fancy ingredients like pancake batter.
If you wish to make the two-ingredient banana pancakes, then the only things you will need are bananas and eggs. You can add butter, honey, or maple syrup if you want, but that will act as a garnish. This recipe will result in utterly gluten-free banana pancakes.
Take a look at the nutritional facts for a single serving of banana pancakes, and you will find its actual benefits.
Nutrition Facts Serving Size 42 g
Calories
78 Kcal
Sugar
3.0 g
Total Fat
3.5 g
Saturated Fat
1.2 g
Sodium
111 mg
Potassium
84 mg
Sugar
2.4 g
Protein
1.8 g
Total Carbohydrates
10 g
Cholesterol
15 mg
Why Eat Banana Pancakes?
Now knowing the nutritional values of gluten-free banana pancakes is not enough. That’s because all the values mean nothing to an average reader. They don’t know what values are okay and what are bad. For this reason, we are here to help you understand the significance of these values.
Calories
A serving of 42 grams of banana pancakes has 78 kcal calories. This number might seem low, but that is not the case in reality. You can drastically increase calorie intake by consuming more pancakes or adding honey to the final product.
Fats
The daily fat needed for an average human is 70 grams. Among these, a single pancake serving provides you with 5%. Adding some butter to the cakes will increase this percentage significantly.
Minerals
Banana pancakes have more minerals in them compared to regular ones. The addition of bananas supplies this additional mineral to the mix. A simple banana pancake breakfast can satisfy about 10% of your daily mineral requirements.
Carbs
Many think that as banana pancakes have no whole wheat flour, it has no carbs in them. They are not wrong, as a pancake breakfast will only fill 3% of your carb needs. But this mistake can easily be rectified using eggs and oats in the pancake batter. And this process is much better than the alternatives.
Banana Pancake Oat Variant
If you find the traditional recipe to not be up to par, you can tweak it in many different ways. One of the most famous recipes is the healthy banana pancakes with oats. It takes the classic and simply adds oats to the mix. The mixture or batter for this type is easy to make. Adding a cup of oats to the mix is enough to supply you with the needed carps. It also increases the fiber content as oats are inherently fibery. But is that a healthy option? Of course, it is! Oats by themselves are great. And when that same oat is mixed with the banana in the batter, it becomes a superfood. You can add some almond milk to the mix and enhance the protein factor that much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are pancakes healthy for weight loss?
Not all pancakes are suitable for weight loss. The ones made from store- bought powder or whole wheat flour are bad for weight loss. On the other hand, healthy banana pancakes with a dash of salt are great as diet food.
How many carbs are in banana pancakes?
The carbs in the pancake depend on the toppings and core ingredients. Traditional healthy banana pancakes for one that is 42 grams contains 10 grams of carb. It may seem low, but it is 3% of the daily requirement, which adds up as one consumes more pancakes.
Why are banana pancakes better than regular pancakes?
Regular pancakes are the store-bought ones. It is enriched in added sugar to make it sweet. Moreover, additives are used to make the batter seem smooth. In the case of healthy banana pancakes, three ingredients are all you need, and all of them are good for you.
Is it possible to make healthy banana pancakes without oats?
Yes, it is possible to make banana pancake recipes without oats. You can altogether avoid it or add other ingredients. Chocolate chips for added sugar or cinnamon for a kick are highly recommended. What is the best add-on for banana pancakes? After using a flat spatula to take the cake off the nonstick skillet, one can add any toppings to the banana pancakes they want. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dash of honey increases the taste factor. Our favorite toppings are a scoop of butter with a pinch of salt.
Final Words
No one can say that a pancake for breakfast is not tasty. And if the pancake in question is made using the banana recipe, it is bound to be delicious. But many still doubt – are banana pancakes healthy or not? Compared to the powder pancake obtained from any store, the homemade ones are far healthier. Adding syrup to the final product or just some boiled eggs will give you a boost of positive energy. And this energy from the bananas will keep you running for the day!
Here’s a super simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to throw together, tastes delicious, and is healthy… in other words, perfect for back-to-school!
I actually don’t typically eat very much canned tuna, but I was hit by a pregnancy craving the other day and I spent some time researching which variety was safe to eat while preggers. Tuna in general should be eaten only in moderation by pregnant women, but chunk light is the lowest in mercury, rendering it the safest choice for occasional consumption.
When I do eat tuna salad, there is one rule I wholeheartedly stick to: NO CELERY! You are probably already well aware of my aversion to the ribbed, stringy vegetable as I’ve mentioned it in numerous posts. Although I hate (yes, hate) celery, I do like a crunchy component to tuna salad.
Here’s where the toasted walnuts come into play.
Commonly found in chicken salad, walnuts also make a great addition to tuna salad… as I found out with this little experiment. Toasting the walnuts gives them extra crunch and deepens their flavor, adding a nice element of surprise to boring old tuna salad.
As for the crackers photographed with the tuna salad, they’re Ritz impostors. I’ve been loving the Whole Foods brand Golden Rounds; another similar option is the Back to Nature Classic Round Crackers. Sure, processed crackers aren’t the absolute best choice for serving with the tuna salad (whole wheat bread or organic greens would be optimal) but they are certainly a welcomed every-now-and-then treat!
Toasted Walnut Tuna Salad
by Lauren Zembron
Name:
Toasted Walnut Tuna Salad
Cuisine
American
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
5 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
Yield
4 servings
Keywords: entree main salad snack fish walnuts
Ingredients (2 servings)
1 can chunk light tuna, preferably wild & pole-caught
2 Tbsp plain 2% Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp olive oil mayonnaise
3/4 tsp white wine vinegar
Kosher or sea salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 walnut halves, toasted and finely chopped
Instructions
Scoop tuna out into a small bowl and flake.
Stir in the yogurt, mayo, and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Fold in chopped toasted walnuts.
Serve with crackers, in a sandwich, or on a green salad.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 265 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 260mg
Vitamin D: 12mcg (60% DV)
Calcium: 65mg (5% DV)
Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
Potassium: 322mg (7% DV)
Note: The provided nutrition information is an estimate based on standard portion sizes and ingredients used. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and variations in ingredients.
I’ve received several email inquiries asking if I could share a day of my meals with you… and I’m finally getting around to doing just that! Of course, I decided to partake in the What I Ate Wednesday trend after I packed up my camera, photography set-up, and most of our dishes; so we’ll have to just go with good ol’ iPhone pics. Cool?
I kicked the day off with a bowl (the last one not packed) of Barbara’s Original Puffins, my mom’s homemade granola (the best!) and a sliced banana (which I just got back into eating after about a month-long hiatus).
I’m typically not a huge cold cereal fan when it comes to breakfast, (I prefer eating it as a snack or dessert), but have been loving it lately! It doesn’t keep me full for as long as oatmeal, but as long as I have a mid-morning snack (usually some kind of fruit), I’m good to go until lunch.
Today’s snack was a couple handfuls of organic cherries (no surprise there). Perfection.
Lunch was packed today, and consisted of a melange of foods (we’re trying to empty the fridge and pantry before the big move).
Red grapes & grape tomatoes (both organic – packed together, but eaten separately) + monterey jack cheese & Back to Nature Classic Round Crackers (think all-natural Ritz crackers… not the healthiest choice perhaps, but they taste so good with cheese and grapes), and Stonyfield Organic Lemon 0% Yogurt + organic strawberries. My go-to yogurt is plain Greek yogurt, but I had a few coupons for free Stonyfield yogurt cups, and lemon just sounded so light and refreshing… and it tasted fabulous with the sweet chopped strawberries.
I also refilled this guy a bunch of times while I was out and about:
In any given week, John and I only go out for dinner once; but because all of our pots, pans, and cooking utensils are packed, we have been grabbing takeout throughout this week.
Yesterday afternoon I stopped by Whole Foods on my way home, fully intending to get a to-go container of my favorite Corn & Poblano Chowder, but only the dregs of the soup were left in the pot (I’m assuming this is because I went smack in between lunch & dinner time). I settled for the Indian food hot bar, which I’ve had from Whole Foods before and liked.
Clockwise, from top left: Saag Paneer, Vegetable Biryani, Chana Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Lemon Rice.
A few notes.
The cubes in the saag ended up being tofu, not cheese – major disappointment! I do not dislike tofu, but when you’re expecting paneer, it’s a big letdown.
My high hopes for the vegetable biryani were, unfortunately, dashed. There was an unfamiliar spice in there that I just did not like.
It’s not all bad news. The chana masala was excellent! Better than I’ve had in Indian restaurants. The chickpeas were the perfect texture of doneness, and the spice level was spot-on.
The only thing missing from this meal – well, besides the paneer cheese – was a warm piece of fluffy of naan bread. C’mon Whole Foods, a girl’s gotta have her carbs!
Moral of the story? The chana masala at Whole Foods is delicious… the other Indian dishes may not be worth it.
A couple of hours after dinner, I polished off the last few spoonfuls left in a container of Haagen-Dazs Strawberry Ice Cream (no, I did NOT eat the entire pint!).
So there ya have it… a day of eats in the life of me. I’d love to do another post of WIAW on a more typical day – when we have a fully stocked kitchen so I can eat more veggies and a home-cooked dinner =).
*The next time I post, we’ll be in our new house! Yaaaay!!*
People always want to eat tasty food. There’s nothing wrong with looking for healthy options in delicious foods. We know that you are looking for more nutritious crackers too. That’s why you must be here. Crackers with salt are not as healthy as you think. They have a high- calorie content and do not provide all the essential nutrients. You can get some good alternatives if you are looking for healthy crackers. Some whole-grain crackers provide lower calories and are suitable for your hunger pangs. Here, we will make you explore everything you need to know about healthy crackers. Are crackers healthy? Well, you will know soon.
What Are Crackers?
Crackers are mainly wheat flour-based, dry, and flat-baked snacks. Spices like salt, sesame seeds, herbs, pumpkin seeds, or cheese are added while making the dough. The snack is frequently marketed as a healthy and simple way to eat cereal grain or staple food. But it’s not necessarily true. Whole grain crispbread is marketed as crackers too. There are also numerous other types of crackers.
Crackers Types
You can consume the saltine crackers alone. But they go well with cheddar cheese, fresh fruit, meat slices, and dips. Again soft spreads like butter, jam, peanut butter, mousse, or pâté are added to make it more delicious. Some people prefer to eat cracked pepper with soup too. Senbei and papadum are Asian equivalents of crackers. Roam in the market, and you will find cracker varieties with sunflower seeds, canola oil, sunflower oil, whole grain brown rice, etc. Cracker with sunflower seeds is a healthy cracker. Keebler Club Crackers, Mary’s gone crackers, and table water crackers are great examples of healthy crackers. Crackers with whole-grain flours are healthy as whole grains are good for health.
Nutrition Facts of Crackers
USDA says the five saltine crackers (roughly 14.9 g) should contain nutrients of – ● Calories: 62.3 ● Fat: 1.3g ● Carbohydrates: 11g ● Fiber: 0.4g ● Sodium: 150mg ● Sugars: 0.2g ● Protein: 1.4g
Are Crackers Carbs or Protein?
Traditionally, all crackers are carbohydrates. They have low protein and fat content. The biscuits contain a minuscule amount of essential minerals and nutrients. Though, cheesy crackers are a little high in fat.
Are you willing to consume crackers while being on a diet? Crackers are not a good choice if you are on a keto diet because they are carbohydrates.
What Makes Your Crackers Healthy?
Simple food with great taste – that is what a cracker is. There’s no need to add artificial ingredients to them. Artificial ingredients make crackers unhealthy. Having a simple cracker is healthy and excellent for fighting your hunger pangs. You can call a cracker healthy by observing the following things:
Whole grains as the primary ingredient
For ingredients, look for nutritious options. They will have whole grains as the main ingredient. This includes organic whole wheat flour and brown rice flour. Whole grain oat flour, lentil flour, whole grain quinoa, etc., are also included. Fruits, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, and sesame seeds might be used too. However, crackers with whole-grain wheat are standard.
Avoid added starch
During digestion, starch is converted to sugar in our bodies. Crackers with high fructose corn syrup are bad for health too. Crackers should be malt syrup and gluten-free. The Glycemic Index sets the standard for us regarding starch consumption. Foods that score high on the GI index cause heart disease and other chronic diseases. Modified starch, tapioca, potato starch, etc., are found in the crackers. These are rapidly digestible. It’s for the best to avoid these added starches.
No added sugar
Just stay away from cookies or crackers with excessive added sugar.
Added sugar is terrible for your health. They add extra calories per serving, which will make you gain weight. Don’t go for high fructose corn syrup- containing crackers. Don’t mix up added sugar with whole wheat. Whole wheat is better for a healthy diet.
Minimally refined grains
Overly processed grains do not have fibers. Phenolic lipids are healthy fats. Phenolic acids are beneficial for health but are ripped off from refined grains. This makes them less nutritious per serving. Again, crackers should be gluten-free.
Vegetable oils
Unhealthy vegetable oils should be avoided whenever you will get a chance. Vegetable oils, like sunflower oil and soybean oil, are not healthy fat. Calories go high and work as an ingredient to make you gain weight. Again, you should avoid partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil too.
Artificial color and preservatives
Preservatives and artificial colors are always bad for health. Excessive use of them is hazardous to public health. Healthy crackers do not need a lot of artificial color and preservatives.
Avoid too much sodium
Snacks with high sodium increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. High sodium content also encourages heart disease. Again, they are associated with strokes too. Make sure to check out how much mg of sodium your cracker contains.
Are Graham Crackers Healthy?
Graham crackers are popular. They have created hype in the market. A single serving (28g) of Graham Crackers should contain – ● Calories: 119 ● Fat: 2.8 grams ● Carbohydrate: 21 grams ● Sugar: 6 g ● Protein: 2 grams What do you think about looking at the nutrients? Yes, you are right! Graham crackers are not healthy. They might not contain high calories but have high carbs and sugar content. 100 mg of Graham crackers contain 477 mg of sodium. This makes them unhealthy too. Also, the protein and dietary fiber levels are deficient. Thus, Graham Crackers are not an option for health enthusiasts like you.
Are Jacobs Crackers Healthy?
Typically, you will find 37 crackers in a packet. Below you will find nutrient contents for a single serving (8g) of Jacobs Crackers: ● Calories: 35 kcal ● Fat: 1.1 g ● Saturated Fat: 0.5 g (included in fat) ● Carbohydrates: 5.4 g ● Sugars: 0.1 g (included in carbohydrates) ● Protein: 0.8 g ● Salt: 0.1 g
● Fiber: 0.3 g Jacobs crackers advertise their food as Kosher. They are suitable for vegetarians and made from wheat flour. There are no added colors or flavors in the Jacobs crackers. They might not be the healthiest crackers. But Jacob cracker varieties are healthy options. You can be guilt-free and have some more nutritious crackers instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What crackers are the healthiest?
Store-bought crackers can be healthy too. Here is a list of healthy crackers you can easily find around you:
Simple Mills Original Organic Seed Flour Crackers
Mary’s Gone Crackers
Hippie Snacks Almond Crisps
Orga Foods Super Crisps
Hu Kitchen Grain-Free Crackers
Bob’s Red Mill Oat Crackers
Original Ritz crackers
Multi-grain crackers
Keebler Club crackers
Carr’s table water crackers These crackers fill up all the credentials of a healthy cracker. If you want to consume healthy ones, you can go for them.
Are crackers good for weight loss?
ealthy crackers containing whole grains may be helpful for weight loss. But it would be best if you tried to avoid them because they do not have much nutrition. Most crackers are suitable for your hunger pangs but bad for your diet chart. Multi-grain crackers are a healthy snack too. Are crackers healthier than bread? Crackers are a good option if you’re attempting to lose weight because two crackers have roughly 64 calories, compared to about 250 calories in bread. You might save 186 calories by making one easy switch.
Are crackers junk food?
Some people only count fast foods as junk foods. But this is not valid. Packaged or pre-prepared foods which have little nutritional value are called junk foods. Crackers fill up both of the criteria to become junk food.
Final Words
Are crackers healthy? You know it now! Crackers are a great option if you are looking for a filling snack. You can see the best healthy crackers list above. They have a better nutritional value per serving. Always look for the whole grain option and avoid other fancy crackers. Whole grain wheat crackers can be found in the market quickly. Stay fit and choose your snacks wisely!
Despite it being the second day of Spring, New England is on the brink of yet another snowstorm. I’m savoring a slice of this cake/bread hybrid as I go between typing and glaring out at the menacing gray sky. Yep, I am 100% done with winter, but at least I have a delicious snack to help me bear an additional foot of snow on the ground.
This dessert-worthy, (but breakfast-appropriate), loaf is the perfect marriage of banana bread and carrot cake. It’s just sweet enough, warmly spiced with cinnamon, flecked with carrots, and crowned with a creamy maple syrup-sweetened frosting. I’ve said it here before and I’ll say it again: I prefer my carrot cake simple and unadulterated; but if you like walnuts, coconut flakes, and/or pineapple in yours, feel free to toss whatever you want into the batter.
This bread would be perfect as part of an Easter breakfast spread, as an afternoon snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea, as a healthy dessert… or enjoyed throughout the day as I’ve been doing!
Name
Carrot Cake Banana Bread
Cuisine
American
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
60-70 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
10-12
Yield
1
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium-sized carrots)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Add Carrots and Nuts (Optional)
Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using). This will add a delightful crunch and extra flavor to your banana bread.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If you like, sprinkle raisins on top for extra sweetness and texture.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the Carrot Cake Banana Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, slice and serve. It’s delicious on its own or with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an extra treat.
This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a wonderful twist on traditional banana bread, adding the flavors and nutrition of carrots to the mix. It’s moist, sweet, and perfect for any time of the day. So, the next time you have ripe bananas and some carrots on hand, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds and your family will thank you!
Health enthusiasts are always looking for tasty and healthy foods. But the combination is not so easy to find. But it’s not impossible as dumplings embody both.
Dumplings are typically quite nutritious because they contain a lot of whole foods that may provide a wide range of micronutrients. However, fats and oils account for the majority of calories. This indicates that while dumplings aren’t perfect for a healthy diet, you may always eat dumplings in a few numbers.
Are dumplings healthy? What can be healthier – to have boiled or steamed dumplings? But what are those anyway? Read the article thoroughly to learn about all the types of dumplings, the healthy dumplings you can buy or make at home, and much more!
What Are Dumplings?
The name “dumpling” is deeply grounded in Asian cuisine. Traditional dumplings carry deep symbolism in these cultures. They constitute a genre of dishes made up of thin wrappers of dough pieces with filling inside.
One can use different starch sources like flour, bread, potatoes, or buckwheat to make the dough. You can stuff it with tofu, meat, cheese, fish, vegetables, desserts, or fruits.
Dumplings have a reputation in many international cuisines as well. You can cook it in various ways, like boiling, steaming, baking, frying, or simmering. People serve stew, fruit, or soup with dumplings.
Types Of Dumplings
Methods for cooking dumplings can vary. Depending on the cooking method, you can have
Steam Dumplings: a reasonably healthy option
Boiled Dumplings: healthy carbohydrates but not like a steamed dumpling
Keto Dumplings: taste virtually like the usual one
Pan-fried Dumplings: deep-fried or pan-fried versions aren’t healthy carbohydrates
Types Of Dumpling Fillings
There are mainly four types of fillings for dumplings you can choose from, according to the traditional recipe. But fusion chefs often go overboard and make up their variants.
The different types of fillings for dumplings are
Soup dumplings: it has a dry broth that becomes liquid once steamed.
Meat dumplings: contain mincemeat, and vegetables may be included.
Sweet fillings: nuts, fruits, and even sweetened cheese are examples.
Solid dumplings: have no fillings inside, such as knödel or gnocchi.
Different Dumpling Doughs
You can produce the dough using water and wheat flour. Yet, there are many different ways to make the dough:
Flour variety
Vegetable-based
Bread-based
Dairy and fat content
Are Dumplings High in Carbs Or Protein?
Are dumplings high in carbs and fats? How many carbs do they contain?
Dumplings contain about 68% carbohydrates. Again, the protein and fat contents are around 11% and 21%. The percentage can vary depending on the dumpling type. You can easily distinguish it now.
Are dumplings carbs or proteins? Well, they are a combination of carbs and fats. They contain a lot of calories too. You may want to know about the other nutrients as well before putting dumplings as a staple in your regular diet.
Health Benefits Of Dumplings
Dumplings have rich nutrients, though they lack micronutrients. But overall, they are a good energy source. To get more benefits from dumplings, you need to have steamed dumplings.
Steamed dumplings are more nutrient-rich than the other types. On the plus side, it has a low-calorie count. On the other hand, deep-fried dumplings contain from 2 to 3 grams more fat for one dumpling. And this fat makes them have more calories. If you want a slimmer figure, eat less to maintain a healthy weight.
It’s already bad enough that dumplings are low in protein. You don’t want to add more fat to make the dish worse.
Steamed Is the Way to Go
Surely, deep-fried potstickers and gyoza can be tempting at times. But while dieting, boiled or steamed dumplings are fantastic.
Compared to their less healthy counterparts, you don’t have to get a headache with calories. And their tastes are nothing to scoff at.
Seven Healthiest Dumplings On Market
Here, you will find the list of the healthiest frozen dumplings you can buy in the market.
1. Whole Foods Market Vegetable Potstickers
It’s one of the best frozen dumplings. They can be steamed or boiled too. One serving contains four pieces or 113 g
Nutrients
Quantity
Calories
200
Fat
3 g
Saturated Fat
1 g
Sodium
330 mg
Carbs
38 g
Fiber
3 g
Sugar
4 g
Protein
6 g
2. Nasoya Organic Vegan Tofu Vegetable Dumplings
These Dumplings represent another great frozen dumpling. One serving contains five pieces or 85 g.
Nutrients
Quantity
Calories
170
Fat
3 g
Saturated Fat
0 g
Sodium
660 mg
Carbs
29 g
Fiber
1 g
Sugar
1 g
Protein
7 g
3. PF Chang’s Pork Dumplings
One serving has three pieces or 88 g. It also contains two teaspoons of soy sauce.
Nutrients
Quantity
Calories
170
Fat
7 g
Saturated Fat
2 g
Sodium
590 mg
Carbs
20 g
Fiber
1 g
Sugar
3 g
Protein
7 g
4. Kasia’s Sauerkraut Pierogi
One serving contains three pieces or 99 g.
Nutrients
Quantity
Calories
180
Fat
2 g
Saturated Fat
0 g
Sodium
600 mg
Carbs
34 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugar
1 g
Protein
5 g
5. Feel Good Foods Pork Potstickers
One serving contains six pieces or 138 g (also includes soy sauce)
Nutrients
Quantity
Calories
259
Fat
10 g
Saturated Fat
2 g
Sodium
800 mg
Carbs
38 g
Fiber
1 g
Sugar
7 g
Protein
7 g
6. Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
One serving consists of seven pieces or 140 g
Nutrients
Quantity
Calories
200
Fat
4 g
Saturated Fat
1 g
Sodium
550 mg
Carbs
30 g
Fiber
4 g
Sugar
0 g
Protein
10 g
7. Ling Ling Asian Kitchen Potstickers, Chicken and Vegetable
One serving consists of five pieces or 145 g
Nutrients
Quantity
Calories
260
Fat
7 g
Saturated Fat
1.5 g
Sodium
600 mg
Carbs
39 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugar
4 g
Protein
12 g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are steamed dumplings healthy?
Dumplings are pretty nutritious since they contain plenty of nutrients. It also may provide a wide range of micronutrients.
However, it is not an ideal food because of the poor balance of macronutrients. So, steamed dumplings are a reasonably healthy option.
Are dumplings bad for weight loss?
Boiled or steamed dumplings are a relatively healthy option. You should consider the filling, servings, and sauces you’re using. Less energy is found in veggie and seafood ones.
How many dumplings should you eat?
With guests coming, you may make up to 30 dumplings. Though, 15 – 20 dumplings should do the work. Falling short in a dumpling party is not an option.
A man needs around 2500 calories per day. In contrast, the number is 2000 calories per day for a woman. A dumpling contains 80 calories approx. A person may have 500 – 800 calories per meal.
So, how many dumplings should you eat for a meal? Doing the math, we know that one should not eat more than ten dumplings in one sitting. These numbers are a rough estimate and can vary for different individuals.
Final Words
Dumplings are not unhealthy. This answers your question – are dumplings healthy? They have good nutritional properties. However, it has a poor balance of macronutrients.
Not all foods need to be all-rounders. So, regularly having dumplings is not bad for your health. But it would be best if you did not eat dumplings a lot when you want a balanced portion. If you are on a diet, consider eating steamed dumplings. You can try veggie and seafood ones too.
Avoid the pan-fried version in this case. Don’t be tempted while ordering dumplings and get yourself on track!
