matcha Archives - The Shooks Life Food, Fitness, Fashion and my Furbaby Sat, 16 Mar 2019 16:15:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://theshookslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/shooks_logo_favicon.png matcha Archives - The Shooks Life 32 32 145780105 So Matcha Love https://theshookslife.com/2019/03/16/so-matcha-love/ https://theshookslife.com/2019/03/16/so-matcha-love/#comments Sat, 16 Mar 2019 16:14:50 +0000 https://theshookslife.com/?p=2514 Spotted: pot of gold. Leprechaun: not included. Making my own luck this morning with this COCONUT MATCHA CHIA PUDDING topped with coconut cream and a sprinkle of nature’s gold – aka bee pollen. I’m escaping the Irish invasion in Chicago today for St. Patrick’s Day, but couldn’t help but cheers the day with something green. Also celebrating a lot of luck (ie hard work) that’s recently paid off with some exciting news on the job and life front to come soon! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this Keto, Paleo and Whole30-friendly treat! Coconut Matcha Chia Pudding Serves: 3-4 Ingredients: – 1 can of full fat coconut milk – 2 tsp matcha tea – 1 tsp vanila – 1/4 C chia seeds – 1 T maple syrup (omit if Whole30 or use date syrup*) – optional: top with coconut cream** and bee pollen Directions: Step 1: Pour the coconut milk into a medium mixing bowl. Add the matcha, vanilla and maple syrup (if using). Use an immersion blender to combine or whisk vigorously. Add the chia seeds and stir to combine. Pour into a mason jar, cover and refrigerate overnight. Step 2: Remove from the fridge, scoop into 3-4 glasses or small bowls and enjoy with your favorite toppings like coconut cream (recipe below), bee pollen, grain-free granola or pistachios. *To make the date syrup: combine 1 C of pitted Medjool dates, 1 1/2 C of water and 1 tsp of lemon juice in a food processor. Process until smooth and syrup-like. Store in the fridge for up to a week. **To make the coconut cream, place a can of coconut cream in the fridge with the chia pudding overnight. In the morning, scoop the solid milk from the top of the can into a small metal mixing bowl (option to place the mixing bowl in the fridge for a few minutes so that it’s nice and cool). Use a handle blender to whip until smooth peaks form. Use the remaining coconut water in the can for your favorite smoothie the next morning! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  

The post So Matcha Love appeared first on The Shooks Life.

]]>

Spotted: pot of gold. Leprechaun: not included.

Making my own luck this morning with this COCONUT MATCHA CHIA PUDDING topped with coconut cream and a sprinkle of nature’s gold – aka bee pollen. I’m escaping the Irish invasion in Chicago today for St. Patrick’s Day, but couldn’t help but cheers the day with something green. Also celebrating a lot of luck (ie hard work) that’s recently paid off with some exciting news on the job and life front to come soon! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this Keto, Paleo and Whole30-friendly treat!

Coconut Matcha Chia Pudding
Serves: 3-4

1b0c43c8-98bb-4965-bf6c-02d90a1185b4Ingredients:
– 1 can of full fat coconut milk
– 2 tsp matcha tea
– 1 tsp vanila
– 1/4 C chia seeds
– 1 T maple syrup (omit if Whole30 or use date syrup*)
– optional: top with coconut cream** and bee pollen

Directions:
Step 1: Pour the coconut milk into a medium mixing bowl. Add the matcha, vanilla and maple syrup (if using). Use an immersion blender to combine or whisk vigorously. Add the chia seeds and stir to combine. Pour into a mason jar, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Step 2: Remove from the fridge, scoop into 3-4 glasses or small bowls and enjoy with your favorite toppings like coconut cream (recipe below), bee pollen, grain-free granola or pistachios.

*To make the date syrup: combine 1 C of pitted Medjool dates, 1 1/2 C of water and 1 tsp of lemon juice in a food processor. Process until smooth and syrup-like. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

**To make the coconut cream, place a can of coconut cream in the fridge with the chia pudding overnight. In the morning, scoop the solid milk from the top of the can into a small metal mixing bowl (option to place the mixing bowl in the fridge for a few minutes so that it’s nice and cool). Use a handle blender to whip until smooth peaks form. Use the remaining coconut water in the can for your favorite smoothie the next morning!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

The post So Matcha Love appeared first on The Shooks Life.

]]> https://theshookslife.com/2019/03/16/so-matcha-love/feed/ 8 2514 Superfood or Super Fad? https://theshookslife.com/2019/02/20/superfood-or-super-fad/ https://theshookslife.com/2019/02/20/superfood-or-super-fad/#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:00:23 +0000 https://theshookslife.com/?p=2344 If you’re not sipping an acai and kale superfood smoothie and throwing back a double shot of matcha, followed by an ACV (apple cider vinegar, duh) chaser every morning, like, what are you doing with your life? *insert eyeroll as big as an Instagram mega-influencer following* With new “superfoods” and fad diets popping up on the daily, it can be near impossible to keep up with the hype. Even worse, it seems like two minutes later there’s evidence that the latest crown jewel is actually a cheap knock-off. So how are we supposed to navigate the moguls of the new food landscape? Read on for my take on “superfood” or “super hype”. While I’m not a certified nutritionist, it IS my job as senior brand manager of innovation at Tyson Foods to hunt down the latest trends and decide: Is this a superfood that could have a positive, lasting impact on our diets? Or… Is this some sort of supercalifragi-lifestyle fad that should be left in the dust? Luckily, we have an abundance of resources to help read this crystal ball. First, we have stellar research partners like TECHNOMIC and MINTEL who put these trends on our radars (check the links for their 2019 predictions). Second, there are oodles of industry publications like EATER or MINDBODYGREEN, among others, that also report on forward-looking food wellness trends. But at Tyson, we also have the support of OUR OWN PANEL OF TRENDTELLERS to keep us up-to-date on their 2019 predictions for the world of food, as well as the aid of our nutrition team to help decipher whether these trends are bogus or legit. It’s important to note that the “superfood” claim isn’t actually defined by the FDA or any other major regulatory authorities. However, it was ADDED TO THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY in 2014, defined as: “a food (such as salmon, broccoli, or blueberries) that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health.” While it’s defined, it’s still mired in vagueness. And it’s this vague definition that has everyone marketing every new product as the next superfood. So, let’s look at a few that have hit the mainstream recently and put this question to bed: superfood or super fad.   Acai Bowls These Amazonian berries are all the rage with the smoothie bowls trend. While they have high amounts of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, the issue is that pure acai is quite bitter. And to maintain its nutrient level and make the voyage to the U.S., acai berries need to be ground up or frozen within 24 hours of being harvested. Often, this process includes mixing in loads of sugar. Those frozen packets of acai? Check out the second ingredient: sugar. And that dried acai powder? It’s usually being blended with sweetened almond milk at your favorite smoothie shop and drizzled with honey. Not to mention, acai bowls are never complete without sugary toppings like granola, more berries, coconut flakes, etc. In fact, one of the popular acai bowls has 67g of sugar! That’s 2-3 times the amount you should have in a DAY. Yes, a whole day, according to the American Heart Association. Verdict: SUPER FAD Chia Seeds Remember those clay figurine Chia Pets that sprouted grass-like fur (maybe I’m showing my age here)? Those same chia seeds are being popularized for their ability to energize and keep you full due to ample amounts of fiber, protein and omega-3’s. The tiny seeds expand when added to wet ingredients and are commonly used in smoothies, sprinkled on top of yogurt or oatmeal, or used to create chia pudding by adding the seeds to nut milk (one of my favorites is this PUMPKIN CHIA PUDDING). While these little bundles are quite nutrient-dense, there are still limited studies to prove that continued use leads directly to weight loss, if that’s your end goal. However, they contain all nine essential amino acids that our body needs, but cannot make, to build muscle. That’s a big woo-hoo for plant-based protein! Verdict: SUPERFOOD Coconut Oil/Butter Consuming fat is back in vogue and as a result, we’ve seen the proliferation of avocado toasts and coconut butter “bombs” deemed as “healthy” sweet treats, especially for those following the keto diet. But ACCORDING TO DR. ALICE H. LICHTENSTEIN, Tufts University professor of nutrition science and policy, “there’s virtually no data to support the hype” behind coconut oils and butter. In fact, coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which is linked to high cholesterol and heart disease. Refined, bleached and deodorized (R.B.D.) versions are so processed that many of the good essential fatty acids and antioxidants are destroyed, such as lauric acid (a medium chain fatty acid that raises good H.D.L. cholesterol). However, less processed versions like virgin coconut oil may not have the same harmful effects, despite still being high in saturated fat. Verdict: SUPER FAD A few quick honorable mentions to help you decide if your favorite new trend is fab or fad: Apple Cider Vinegar:  SUPER FAD See for yourself HERE Matcha:  SUPERFOOD Check out THE BENEFITS Kale:  SUPERFOOD Read about ALL THIS GOODNESS Turmeric:  SUPERFOOD Get all the DETAILS Goji Berries:  SUPER FAD Read all about it HERE One thing is for sure: you can never go wrong with more fruits, veggies and lean proteins. But when in doubt while scouring the grocery aisles, I typically follow three simple guidelines: 1. Check the list of ingredients for added sugars or fillers 2. Do your research (a quick check of HEALTHLINE.COM is my go-to) 3. If it seems too good to be true…it probably is.     *Blog originally written for and published on The Feed.

The post Superfood or Super Fad? appeared first on The Shooks Life.

]]> img_6201

If you’re not sipping an acai and kale superfood smoothie and throwing back a double shot of matcha, followed by an ACV (apple cider vinegar, duh) chaser every morning, like, what are you doing with your life?

*insert eyeroll as big as an Instagram mega-influencer following*

With new “superfoods” and fad diets popping up on the daily, it can be near impossible to keep up with the hype. Even worse, it seems like two minutes later there’s evidence that the latest crown jewel is actually a cheap knock-off. So how are we supposed to navigate the moguls of the new food landscape? Read on for my take on “superfood” or “super hype”.

While I’m not a certified nutritionist, it IS my job as senior brand manager of innovation at Tyson Foods to hunt down the latest trends and decide:

  1. Is this a superfood that could have a positive, lasting impact on our diets? Or…
  2. Is this some sort of supercalifragi-lifestyle fad that should be left in the dust?

Luckily, we have an abundance of resources to help read this crystal ball. First, we have stellar research partners like TECHNOMIC and MINTEL who put these trends on our radars (check the links for their 2019 predictions). Second, there are oodles of industry publications like EATER or MINDBODYGREEN, among others, that also report on forward-looking food wellness trends. But at Tyson, we also have the support of OUR OWN PANEL OF TRENDTELLERS to keep us up-to-date on their 2019 predictions for the world of food, as well as the aid of our nutrition team to help decipher whether these trends are bogus or legit.

It’s important to note that the “superfood” claim isn’t actually defined by the FDA or any other major regulatory authorities. However, it was ADDED TO THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY in 2014, defined as:

“a food (such as salmon, broccoli, or blueberries) that is rich in compounds
(such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health.”

While it’s defined, it’s still mired in vagueness. And it’s this vague definition that has everyone marketing every new product as the next superfood. So, let’s look at a few that have hit the mainstream recently and put this question to bed: superfood or super fad.

 

img_5277

Acai Bowls

These Amazonian berries are all the rage with the smoothie bowls trend. While they have high amounts of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, the issue is that pure acai is quite bitter. And to maintain its nutrient level and make the voyage to the U.S., acai berries need to be ground up or frozen within 24 hours of being harvested.

Often, this process includes mixing in loads of sugar. Those frozen packets of acai? Check out the second ingredient: sugar. And that dried acai powder? It’s usually being blended with sweetened almond milk at your favorite smoothie shop and drizzled with honey. Not to mention, acai bowls are never complete without sugary toppings like granola, more berries, coconut flakes, etc.

In fact, one of the popular acai bowls has 67g of sugar! That’s 2-3 times the amount you should have in a DAY. Yes, a whole day, according to the American Heart Association.

Verdict: SUPER FAD

img_6553

Chia Seeds

Remember those clay figurine Chia Pets that sprouted grass-like fur (maybe I’m showing my age here)? Those same chia seeds are being popularized for their ability to energize and keep you full due to ample amounts of fiber, protein and omega-3’s.

The tiny seeds expand when added to wet ingredients and are commonly used in smoothies, sprinkled on top of yogurt or oatmeal, or used to create chia pudding by adding the seeds to nut milk (one of my favorites is this PUMPKIN CHIA PUDDING).

While these little bundles are quite nutrient-dense, there are still limited studies to prove that continued use leads directly to weight loss, if that’s your end goal. However, they contain all nine essential amino acids that our body needs, but cannot make, to build muscle. That’s a big woo-hoo for plant-based protein!

Verdict: SUPERFOOD

img_5171

Coconut Oil/Butter

Consuming fat is back in vogue and as a result, we’ve seen the proliferation of avocado toasts and coconut butter “bombs” deemed as “healthy” sweet treats, especially for those following the keto diet.

But ACCORDING TO DR. ALICE H. LICHTENSTEIN, Tufts University professor of nutrition science and policy, “there’s virtually no data to support the hype” behind coconut oils and butter. In fact, coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which is linked to high cholesterol and heart disease. Refined, bleached and deodorized (R.B.D.) versions are so processed that many of the good essential fatty acids and antioxidants are destroyed, such as lauric acid (a medium chain fatty acid that raises good H.D.L. cholesterol).

However, less processed versions like virgin coconut oil may not have the same harmful effects, despite still being high in saturated fat.

Verdict: SUPER FAD

img_1282

A few quick honorable mentions to help you decide if your favorite new trend is fab or fad:

Apple Cider Vinegar: 
SUPER FAD

See for yourself HERE

Matcha: 
SUPERFOOD

Check out THE BENEFITS

Kale: 
SUPERFOOD

Read about ALL THIS GOODNESS

Turmeric: 
SUPERFOOD

Get all the DETAILS

Goji Berries: 
SUPER FAD

Read all about it HERE

One thing is for sure: you can never go wrong with more fruits, veggies and lean proteins. But when in doubt while scouring the grocery aisles, I typically follow three simple guidelines:

1. Check the list of ingredients for added sugars or fillers

2. Do your research (a quick check of HEALTHLINE.COM is my go-to)
3. If it seems too good to be true…it probably is.

 

 

*Blog originally written for and published on The Feed.

The post Superfood or Super Fad? appeared first on The Shooks Life.

]]> https://theshookslife.com/2019/02/20/superfood-or-super-fad/feed/ 2 2344 April Favorites https://theshookslife.com/2018/05/02/april-favorites/ https://theshookslife.com/2018/05/02/april-favorites/#comments Thu, 03 May 2018 00:30:44 +0000 http://theshookslife.com/?p=1154 Finally time to put away the sweaters! Hurrah! And, it’s the start of a new month, which means a roundup of my April favorites. See below for the top 10 and if you’ve got places, products or workouts that I should check out, let me know in the comments! Drumroll, here’s the top 10 places, products and pastimes from April! 1.) Favorite coffee shop: Ipsento Coffee in Bucktown is my go-to for a Saturday afternoon perk-up post dog park excursion with Moose. They always have unique seasonal beverages like this lychee match tea latte and the best tiny sweet potato-based donuts that don’t even make you feel guilty because they’re so adorably tiny. 2.) Favorite workout: Climbing indoor mountains at First Ascent bouldering gym made me feel like a serious spiderwoman ready to conquer the world. For more info, check out my blog post on this bad ass experience. 3.) Favorite restaurant: True Food Kitchen is seriously the bomb diggity (aging myself) when it comes to fresh, seasonal and chef-inspired deliciousness. It’s rapidly expanding with 1 location in Chicago. I finally visited and had to hold myself back from ordering absolutely everything on the menu. I settled on this inside out quinoa burger with two crunchy quinoa patties buns filled with loads of veggies and oozing with hummus and creamy tzatziki sauce. Served with a sweet potato hash to round out the ultimate vegetarian burger experience. Run, don’t walk there…now. 4.) Favorite afternoon pick-me-up: Four Sigmatic mushroom cacao is the answer to the sugar demons that perk up mid-afternoon. This chocolately delight is “like a warm hug from grandma” and tempers stress with superfood reishi. Plus, there’s only 2g of sugar per serving! 5.) Favorite snack: Trader Joe’s Organic Fruit & Seed Granola will make you forget that gluten ever tasted good. Pop it, snack it, top salads and yogurt. 6.) Favorite snack: (can you tell I like snacks?) Another winner from Trader Joe’s is this Seed and Bean Medley filled with crispety crunchety edamame, roasted pepitas, whole kernel corn, fava beans and green peas. 7.) Favorite snack: (call the police, this snackaholic is on a real binge) I discovered these vegan chocolate bars from Tabal Chocolate when at The One of a Kind Show last weekend and practically had to be dragged away.  TBH, I’ve only tried the Coconut Mylk bar thus far because I’m trying to savor every last delectable bit until I can make my way back to the shop in Wauwatosa, WI. Yes, I could order online, but it’s just. not. the same. Call me old school. 8.) Favorite self-care products: This new shaving cream compliments of eos is super smooth and soothing. It’s filled with natural ingredients like cucumber seed oil, lavender butter and wild oat to calm sensitive skin. I love that it’s easy to take on the go to the gym with these sleek Venus Platinum razor to make shaving feel a bit more luxurious vs the usual chore. I received both products compliments of @influenster  but always provide honest opinions and don’t write about products that aren’t worth your time (or mine). 9.) Favorite indulgence: This crackerjack donut from Mordecai Chicago is everything your nostalgic heart remembered about that salty sweet snack with the rando toys. Topped with freshly popped popcorn and a caramel crunch, but the real delight is the creamy filling reminiscent of a Butterfinger. Still drooling over this. Next game at Wrigley, this is a must-visit. 10.) Favorite recipe: Not to toot my own horn, but these Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos were off the charts firey deliciousness. Got Cinco de Mayo plans? You do now. Recipe here! That’s a wrap on my April favorites, friends! Remember to send any requests my way for new things to check out in May!  

The post April Favorites appeared first on The Shooks Life.

]]> april favorites

Finally time to put away the sweaters! Hurrah! And, it’s the start of a new month, which means a roundup of my April favorites. See below for the top 10 and if you’ve got places, products or workouts that I should check out, let me know in the comments!

Drumroll, here’s the top 10 places, products and pastimes from April!

IMG_6188

1.) Favorite coffee shop:

Ipsento Coffee in Bucktown is my go-to for a Saturday afternoon perk-up post dog park excursion with Moose. They always have unique seasonal beverages like this lychee match tea latte and the best tiny sweet potato-based donuts that don’t even make you feel guilty because they’re so adorably tiny.

2.) Favorite workout:

Climbing indoor mountains at First Ascent bouldering gym made me feel like a serious spiderwoman ready to conquer the world. For more info, check out my blog post on this bad ass experience.

3.) Favorite restaurant:

True Food Kitchen is seriously the bomb diggity (aging myself) when it comes to fresh, seasonal and chef-inspired deliciousness. It’s rapidly expanding with 1 location in Chicago. I finally visited and had to hold myself back from ordering absolutely everything on the menu. I settled on this inside out quinoa burger with two crunchy quinoa patties buns filled with loads of veggies and oozing with hummus and creamy tzatziki sauce. Served with a sweet potato hash to round out the ultimate vegetarian burger experience. Run, don’t walk there…now.

4.) Favorite afternoon pick-me-up:

Four Sigmatic mushroom cacao is the answer to the sugar demons that perk up mid-afternoon. This chocolately delight is “like a warm hug from grandma” and tempers stress with superfood reishi. Plus, there’s only 2g of sugar per serving!

5.) Favorite snack:

Trader Joe’s Organic Fruit & Seed Granola will make you forget that gluten ever tasted good. Pop it, snack it, top salads and yogurt.

6.) Favorite snack:

(can you tell I like snacks?) Another winner from Trader Joe’s is this Seed and Bean Medley filled with crispety crunchety edamame, roasted pepitas, whole kernel corn, fava beans and green peas.

7.) Favorite snack:

(call the police, this snackaholic is on a real binge) I discovered these vegan chocolate bars from Tabal Chocolate when at The One of a Kind Show last weekend and practically had to be dragged away.  TBH, I’ve only tried the Coconut Mylk bar thus far because I’m trying to savor every last delectable bit until I can make my way back to the shop in Wauwatosa, WI. Yes, I could order online, but it’s just. not. the same. Call me old school.

8.) Favorite self-care products:

This new shaving cream compliments of eos is super smooth and soothing. It’s filled with natural ingredients like cucumber seed oil, lavender butter and wild oat to calm sensitive skin. I love that it’s easy to take on the go to the gym with these sleek Venus Platinum razor to make shaving feel a bit more luxurious vs the usual chore. I received both products compliments of @influenster  but always provide honest opinions and don’t write about products that aren’t worth your time (or mine).

9.) Favorite indulgence:

This crackerjack donut from Mordecai Chicago is everything your nostalgic heart remembered about that salty sweet snack with the rando toys. Topped with freshly popped popcorn and a caramel crunch, but the real delight is the creamy filling reminiscent of a Butterfinger. Still drooling over this. Next game at Wrigley, this is a must-visit.

10.) Favorite recipe:

Not to toot my own horn, but these Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos were off the charts firey deliciousness. Got Cinco de Mayo plans? You do now. Recipe here!

That’s a wrap on my April favorites, friends! Remember to send any requests my way for new things to check out in May!

 

The post April Favorites appeared first on The Shooks Life.

]]> https://theshookslife.com/2018/05/02/april-favorites/feed/ 2 1154