Tag Archives: Supermarket RD’s Pick

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Banza [Chickpea Pasta]

Grocery Store Finds

November 10, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

A pasta made from chickpeas? Transform pasta night into a high protein, high fiber meal with the help of Banza pasta making it this week’s Supermarket RD’s Pick.

Monday night was always pasta night in my house growing up. Over the years what was considered the typical pasta dinner has evolved. It used to be just a plate of pasta with gravy.
Side note: Anyone else call pasta sauce, gravy? I was teaching a cooking class and we were making a gravy (aka pasta sauce) from scratch. Before we started cooking, I was introducing the recipe and explaining the cooking techniques we would be using and everyone had a confused look on their face. At first I thought they weren’t happy with the recipes we were making, but then one of the participants raised their hand and with a puzzled look asked why we would be making a brown gravy on top of pasta? No wonder they looked confused, brown gravy on pasta sounds pretty gross ha.

Anyway, back to the evolving pasta dinner plate. In my counseling sessions with clients, I discuss a lot about balance – specifically balance of various food groups on your plate. Instead of just having pasta, make pasta part of your meal. Add a form of lean protein, like meatballs, chicken, beans, etc. and half your plate vegetables which could be veggies within the pasta dish or a salad on the side. Now, pasta is part of a complete meal. Practicing what I preach, I too try and make my plate balanced at every meal.
Banza pasta is unique, because since it is made from chickpeas, it has that boost of protein and fiber already in itself. One serving of Banza has double the protein as regular pasta. Protein helps speed recovery after exercise, and will help keep you fuller for longer. Banza has more than four times as much fiber as regular pasta per serving. Eight grams is more fiber than a bowl of bran cereal. With the protein and fiber being so high, it’s like built in portion control and one serving is very filling.

What I really like about Banza, is that it cooks up just like pasta. Many other bean based or gluten free pastas tend to be too al dente or too mushy. Bonus, it reheats well. I brought it as leftovers for lunch the next day and it tasted great and kept its structure.

A pasta made from chickpeas? Check out this week’s #SupermarketRD Pick: Banza pasta @EatBanza #rdchat

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Plus, Banza is a great option for anyone following a special diet since it is protein packed, high in fiber, gluten free, grain free, non-gmo, and vegan.

Stop by the Banza website if you are looking for ways to cook with Banza. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Roasted Eggplant, Ricotta, and Basil Penne

Walnut Pesto Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes

Disclosure: Banza did not sponsor this post. Recipe photos property of Banza. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers.

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Suzie’s Quinoa

Grocery Store Finds

September 18, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

4 Comments

Need a simple solution to add whole grains to your day? With only 60 seconds, Suzie’s Quinoa pouches make it easier to make healthy choices, making it this week’s Supermarket RD’s Pick.

In the latest issue of Food & Nutrition Magazine, was a great article about 17 Glorious Grains You Need to Know. The opening paragraph states:

The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that half of all grains consumed be whole grains, and while most Americans still fail to meet this goal, we are moving in the right direction. In fact, 70 percent of respondents to a 2015 survey said they were trying to consume more whole grains.”

It’s fantastic to hear that 70% of those surveyed were trying to consume more whole grains. I loved this article from Food & Nutrition Magazine, because it showcases a variety of whole grains. What I see too often, is that consumers rely on whole-wheat bread as their main source of whole grains. I love that consumers are opting for whole wheat bread, but there are so many other whole grains to try to incorporate into a healthy diet.
With these various whole grains, brings additional nutrition benefit, including a higher fiber and protein content.
Some whole grains to take a little longer to cook. Why? Because in whole grains the bran, germ, and endosperm are in tact and it may take a little longer for the liquid to absorb during the cooking process for a tender kernel.
When time is not on your side, whole grains are getting a lot easier, which leads into my Supermarket RD’s Pick: Suzie’s Quinoa.
Heat it in the microwave for 60 seconds if eating hot, or simply tear open the bag and eat it cold – Suzie’s Quinoa is fully cooked and ready to eat.
If you are starting to venture out and try new whole grains, start with quinoa. I’m sure you’ve heard of it by now! Pronounced “keen-wah”, this whole grain with a slight nutty flavor, contains all nine essential amino acids and provides 8 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving. Suzie’s Quinoa with olive oil contains three simple ingredients: precooked quinoa, olive oil, & salt.

Need a simple solution to add whole grains to your day? Try #SupermarketRD Pick: Suzie’s Quinoa #wholegrains

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The pre-cooked packages make it so easy! Add as a side dish for dinner, top salad with quinoa for lunch, or even use for a filling for stuffed peppers!

Disclosure: Good Groceries Company did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers.

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Bread

Grocery Store Finds

August 14, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

4 Comments

There are so many options of sliced bread in the aisles at the grocery store, so which one do you choose? Vermont Bread Company is one of my top choices, making this a Supermarket RD’s Pick.

The whole grain bread conundrum can get very confusing for shoppers as they walk down the aisles looking at all the different kinds of sliced bread. Sitting next to each other on the shelves are whole wheat bread, whole grain bread, multi grain bread, 15 grain bread, light whole wheat bread, etc. They are all brown in color, so they must all be a healthy choice, right? Wrong!

Following is the official definition of whole grains, approved and endorsed by the Whole Grains Council in May 2004:*
Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed in their original proportions. If the grain has been processed (e.g., cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and/or cooked), the food product should deliver the same rich balance of nutrients that are found in the original grain seed.
This definition means that 100% of the original kernel – all of the bran, germ, and endosperm – must be present to qualify as a whole grain.

Have you checked the ingredient list on your whole wheat bread? #VermontBreadCompany is a good choice, making it a #SupermarketRD Pick

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So, is whole wheat the same as whole grain? Whole wheat is one kind of whole grain, so all whole wheat is whole grain, but not all whole grain is whole wheat.
Another key item to look at when you are choosing whole wheat bread is the ingredient list. The first word that should be listed is the word “whole”. That is ensuring that the bran, germ, and endosperm (pictured above) are all present.
Look out for the word “enriched” that often creeps in before the word “whole” on the ingredient list. This means that niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, and iron are added in because the key nutrients coming from the bran and germ were stripped out in the first place during the refining process. Enriched bread offers benefits over your standard white bread, but going for a less processed option with it’s natural nutritious ingredients is your best bet.
I like Vermont Bread Company’s whole wheat bread, because like all other ingredient lists, the shorter the list the better! Plus, it is made from ingredients that I know what they are and I can pronounce, while it’s competitor whole wheat bread has a laundry list of ingredients, with ingredients that I don’t even know what they are, plus 5 ingredients that are added sugars.
Sadly, some “wheat breads” have added molasses, brown sugar, or even dye to create a rich brown color, to get the consumer to assume that it is a whole wheat choice.
The bread it soft and fluffy making it perfect for sandwich making, sturdy for french toast, or great for a sunbutter & jelly sandwich.

Disclosure: Vermont Bread Company did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers.
references: whole grain council

Supermarket RD’s Pick: SunButter

Grocery Store Finds

August 8, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

6 Comments

Back to school time is just around the corner. Is your child’s school a peanut free zone? Learn about SunButter, the perfect nut free alternative why it’s #RDapproved making this a Supermarket RD’s Pick.

Peanut butter and jelly is the classic lunchbox favorite, especially for picky eaters, but what if you now are unable to bring peanut butter into school because it’s a peanut free zone?

Peanuts and tree nuts are part of the top 8 food allergens. It’s a major concern for schools to be cautionary for their students, that they often make the school a peanut-free school zone.

What do you do with your picky eater now? When I was younger, I would pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a piece of fruit every single day to school. It was quick and easy for my mom to prepare and I was a happy camper.

Enter: SunButter – a sunflower seed spread. SunButter is a peanut and tree nut free alternative to peanut butter. Plus, it’s free of other food allergens making it a very child friendly choice.

SunButter is made similar to a nut butter. They roast the sunflower seeds to make a more bold flavor and blend them into a spread. You can simply use SunButter for a “SunButter & Jelly” sandwich or check out this recipe section to try other creations.

#SupermarketRD Pick: SunButter – perfect school friendly alternative for a classic PB&J @SunButter4Life

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SunButter also provides a little bit of a different nutrition profile compared to it’s nut butter counterparts. They contain 1/3 less saturated fat than peanut butter. SunButter also has double the fiber, the same amount of protein, more vitamin E and no trans fats. SunButter is also high in iron, phosphorus, and zinc.

Disclosure: SunButter did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers.

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Steamfresh Protein Blends

Grocery Store Finds

July 10, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

3 Comments

Frozen vegetables just got a boost of nutrition. Let’s learn about Steamfresh Protein Blends and why they are #RDapproved making this a Supermarket RD’s Pick.

Frozen vegetables are a staple that you will always find in my freezer. Throw them in the microwave for perfectly steamed veggies, toss them in a stir fry, or add them to a salad. When those (like myself) have limited time some days, it’s the only way I can meet my veggie needs for the day.
The question often comes up “Are frozen vegetables as nutritious as fresh?”
YES! When all vegetables are harvested, one batch is transported to supermarkets or farmer’s markets whereas the other batch is transported to a factory where they are peeled, chopped, and steam blanched (to minimize any nutrient loss and to deactivate any enzymes that could cause deterioration.)
Then the vegetables are immediately quick-frozen (also known as ‘flash frozen’) locking in all their good-for-you nutrients. During the freezing process, there are no additives or preservatives added. Freezing is a natural way in preventing bacterial growth in food and maintaining nutritional quality.
Once frozen, vegetables retain their nutritional value from the day they are picked.
What makes these blends a little extra special? They are packed with not just vegetables, but with plant based proteins and whole grains! Plant based proteins provide an array of health benefits and we should try to include them more into our daily diets. Some of their health benefits include that they are high in fiber, provides adequate protein for growth and repair, high in vitamins and minerals, low in saturated fat, and have a much lower caloric concentration than animal protein overall, which allows for more volume of plant based proteins. Plus, plant based proteins are more cost effective!

#SupermarketRD Pick: @BirdsEye Steamfresh Protein Blends – Frozen vegetables just got a nutritious boost #RDapproved

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Recently, I’ve incorporated the southwest style blend into taco night and loved the italian style blend on top of a bed of baby spinach.

A blend of whole grains, black beans, corn, lentils, and red bell peppers.

A blend of whole grains, lentils, peas, broccoli, and shelled edamame.

A blend of whole grains, lentils, spinach, broccoli, and white beans.

A blend of whole grains, shelled edamame, carrots, and red peppers.

How will you use Steamfresh Protein Blends?

Disclosure: Birds Eye did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers.

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Sauce

Grocery Store Finds

June 24, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

Fire up the grill! It’s barbecue season. Trim back on added sugars but keep the delicious barbecue flavor with Dinosaur Bar-B-Que sauce. Learn why Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Sauce is #RDapproved making this a Supermarket RD’s Pick.

Everyone is firing up the grill this season, especially with 4th of July right around the corner. One of the most popular condiments during barbecue season is BBQ sauce.
I recently watched the documentary on Netflix Fed Up, which is about how much added sugar is in all of our every day foods. Being a Registered Dietitian, I am already conscientious of how much added sugar is in products and I try to be mindful myself of how much added sugar I consume daily.
Along with beverages, some of the biggest culprits are condiments. With a small serving size, typically around 2 tbsp, they add up when tend to dress all your meals with condiments.
I was comparing a few BBQ sauces and one on the shelf (I won’t say any names) has 18 grams of sugar in just two tablespoons!

#SupermarketRD Pick: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Sauce – low sugar, big flavor – perfect for BBQ season! #RDapproved @Dinosaur_BBQ

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Go for the Sensuous Slathering Bar-B-Que Sauce for a classic barbecue flavor.

Try the Roasted Garlic Honey Bar-B-Que sauce flavor for a hint of sweetness.

Or opt for the Wango Tango Bar-B-Que sauce if you like a kick of heat.

With just 5 grams of sugar per serving, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que sauce is a better for you choice this grilling season! Looking for recipe for the grill? Try some of these!
Confetti Turkey Burger via RDelicious Kitchen

Pork Tenderloin Medallions via Prevention RD

10 minute Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza via Jessica Gavin

Disclosure: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Sauce did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers.

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Black Bean Pasta

Grocery Store Finds

May 26, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

5 Comments

Add black bean pasta on to your shopping list this week. It’s pasta made from black beans, which means more protein and fiber than regular pasta. Let’s learn why black bean pasta is #RDapproved making this a Supermarket RD’s Pick.

Ever heard of black bean pasta? Simply made from black beans (and water), it is a great alternative to regular pasta for a low carb, high protein, and high fiber option. Since it is made from black beans, the color of the pasta is black, which may take a little time to get used to.
Remember when Heinz made green and purple ketchup? As a kid, I remember the purple ketchup was in one of my friends refrigerator. For fun we did a blind taste test and blind folded each other and taste tested the purple ketchup with regular ketchup on french fries to see if we could tell the difference. We couldn’t tell the difference! I guess I was a little bit of a foodie back in the day too!

#SupermarketRD Pick: Black Bean Pasta – Try this #lowcarb #highprotein pasta for dinner this week.

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Don’t let the color deny you of this delicious pasta option. It tastes like pasta, but a little more al dente. Kids love the different color and I used it for a Halloween themed dish topped with pesto calling it a “witches cauldron pesto pasta”
Rather than calling it black bean pasta (I don’t know why people are scared of beans), you can call it protein pasta. With 25 grams of protein for a 2 oz serving, I think it can deserve that title.
This would be a perfect addition to a “Meatless Monday” dinner. This pasta alone, breaks the myth of not getting enough protein, vegetarian style. With a filling 25 grams of protein and 12 grams of dietary fiber, this pasta has built in portion control.

Looking for delicious recipes to try with black bean pasta?

Black Bean Pasta with Olives and Cauliflower via Danielle Omar @ Food Confidence

Southwestern Black Bean Spaghetti with Skinny Avocado Crema via Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen

Smoky Harissa Rapini with Black Bean Pasta via Danielle Omar @ Food Confidence

Disclosure: Explore Asian did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy food items to RDelicious Kitchen readers.

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Cashew Milk

Grocery Store Finds

May 15, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

3 Comments

Looking for a nondairy milk, that is creamy, less in calories, but full in flavor? Cashew milk is this week’s Supermarket RD’s Pick! Check out why it is #RDapproved.

This week’s Supermarket RD’s Pick is a staple found in my refrigerator – Cashew Milk! I do enjoy other nondairy milks too, but cashew milk has a little bit of an edge over the others (in my opinion).

I use cashew milk in my coffee, cereal, smoothies, baked goods, etc. I like my coffee light, so with less calories and a really creamy consistency it works well.
What does cashew milk taste like? It’s creamy, hint of sweet, and a subtle cashew flavor.
Don’t get me wrong, I love almond milk, but cashew milk is a lot creamier. I would maybe compare cashew milk to a 2% consistency and other nondairy milks to a skim milk consistency.

Check out this week’s #SupermarketRD Pick: Cashew Milk. See why it is #RDapproved @lovemysilk

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How is cashew milk made?
The cashews are roasted and grinded into a butter that is used to make a creamy cashew milk.
Silk’s cashews milk is 25 calories per serving, 0g of saturated fat and cholesterol, 50% more calcium than dairy milk, free of dairy, soy, lactose, gluten, casein, egg, and MSG, with no artificial colors, flavors, and verified by the Non-GMO Project’s product verification program.
Looking for recipes to use cashew milk? I really like these from Silk’s website.

Strawberry and Cream Smoothie

Butternut Squash and Parsnip Bisque

Cinnamon Cashew Bread

Disclosure: Silk did not sponsor this post. All opinions are my own.

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Luvo Frozen Meals

Grocery Store Finds

February 19, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

4 Comments

Need a quick meal in a pinch? While many healthy conscious individuals typically run from frozen meals, Luvo frozen meals are #RDapproved. Pick them up at your local grocery store and learn more why they are this week’s Supermarket RD’s Pick.

I know what you may be thinking.. A registered dietitian promoting frozen meals.. uhh okay? Hear me out.
While many of those frozen meals on the shelf at your grocery store can be a little scary based on their nutrition facts and their laundry list of ingredients, Luvo frozen entrees breakaway from the stereotype of frozen meals.
All of their products are made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients.

Need a quick meal in a pinch? Try this week’s #SupermarketRD Pick: Luvo Frozen Entrees #RDapproved @luvoinc

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The two major nutrition points that stood out to me right away were:
1. All of their entrees are < 500 mg of sodium.
2. Each meal is balanced with lean proteins, whole grains, and veggies!

In a perfect world, every night would be a home cooked meal. Let’s be realistic. With crazy schedules and hectic lives, there are days where there is just not enough time, but instead of driving to the drive thru or grabbing take out, having a few of these in your freezer waiting for you at home is a better option.

I always recommend making half your plate fruits or veggies. I like to give the entree even a little more boost in the veggie department. For the spinach ricotta ravioli, I simply added a bed of spinach. When the ravioli was done cooking, the heat wilted the spinach, which was a perfect addition to this meal.
Supermarket RD's Pick: Luvo Frozen Meals | real food ingredients, portion controlled, low sodium
I’ve tried a variety of the items and they are all so flavorful and filling!
Interested in trying Luvo frozen entrees? They also carry additional breakfast, flatbread, and burrito frozen entrees as well.

Disclosure: Luvo did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Some images and videos from Luvo website.

Supermarket RD's Pick: Powdered Peanut Butter

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February 13, 2015 by Chef Julie RD

9 Comments

Intrigued by powdered peanut butter? Let’s learn why powdered peanut butter is #RDapproved making this a Supermarket RD’s Pick.

Do you love peanut butter as much as I do? Even though regular peanut butter is a good-for-you choice and a healthy fat, those calories can really add up if you are a peanut butter lover like myself. You can find me adding peanut butter to smoothies, making pb&js, in mixed in oatmeal or yogurt, with apple slices, on bananas, or simply straight of of the jar.

#SupermarketRD Pick: Powdered Peanut Butter – perfect for peanut butter lovers!

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Powdered peanut butter has been one of those supermarket finds that continues to happily feed my peanut butter obsession. It still packs in 6 grams of protein per serving with less fat!

Powdered peanut butter is made by simply roasting peanuts then are pressed to remove the oil. You get the full delicious peanut taste, with 90% less far and more than 70% fewer calories than regular peanut butter. I really like Crazy Richard’s Pure PB, because it is made with no salt and no sugar added.

You could rehydrate it and make it to a paste, but to be honest it is not creamy and thick like regular peanut butter. I more use powdered peanut butter when it is used IN a recipe like in smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, and even for baked good recipes. Also, my newest “snack hack” is to slice an apple and sprinkle powdered peanut butter on top. The powdered pb sticks to the moisture of the sliced apple.

So, pretty much I stick to traditional natural peanut butter for my pb&js but stick to powdered peanut butter for mostly everything else!

Have you tried powdered peanut butter before?

Disclosure: Crazy Richard’s did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Tag Archives: Supermarket RD’s Pick

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Banza [Chickpea Pasta]

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Suzie’s Quinoa

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Bread

Supermarket RD’s Pick: SunButter

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Steamfresh Protein Blends

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Sauce

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Black Bean Pasta

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Cashew Milk

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Luvo Frozen Meals

Supermarket RD's Pick: Powdered Peanut Butter

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