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Nutrition Happens

Nutrition Happens

Nutrition Happens

Nutrition Happens

May

Nutrition + Food

That one time I ran out of oats

Yeah…the most tragic of all breakfast tragedies.

Or so I thought.

Don’t worry, I’m restocked on my beloved oats now, but I tell ya, that morning I ran out of oats, I thought about crawling back into bed again.

[Always, the solution, right? I’m such a good influence.]

But rather than actually crawling back into bed, I decided to do a variation of my protein mugcake and call it the ‘protein oatcake’ – and it was basically like having cake for breakfast, which is the second best thing to oats. [Right?] I recently bought Vega’s Vanilla Chai protein powder and thought it was a fun way to pack in some protein for breakfast. Instead of oats I actually had oat flour on hand – so that is what I used in this recipe. You can also ground up whole oats in a food processor if you don’t have oat flour. I ended up loving it so much that I have to admit to you that I cheated on my oats these past few mornings in favor of it. I’m so bad and rebellious, I know.

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Vanilla Chai Protein Oatcake
Serves 1

2 tbsp vanilla chai protein powder (I used Vega Vanilla Chai)
2 tbsp oat flour (or 2 tbsp oats, grounded up in a food processor)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 pack stevia
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
2 egg whites (6 tbsp)
1 tbsp almond milk

Mix all ingredients together into a mug or bowl, and microwave for 90 seconds. Top with desired toppings. Pairs well with mixed berries and any fruits! I also topped mine with a dollop of plain non-fat greek yogurt.

I'm a fan of the fruits...as you can tell.

I’m a fan of the fruits…as you can tell.

Vanilla Chai Protein Oatcake - parfait style!

Vanilla Chai Protein Oatcake – parfait style!

So you have my word here, folks – you can definitely have your breakfast cake and eat it too. Just in a less sugary, protein-filled way. Happy eating! 

 

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February 20, 2014 BY: May
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Uncategorized

Spring is in the Air

It’s February 19th, and currently a sunny 70 degrees here today.

I’m only pointing out this obvious fact because this is what I was doing last week:

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We built a snowman!

After a few inches of snow and 3 days off from class, I’m ready for spring and warmer weather! [My apologies to my Northern readers – but I guess this is South Carolina weather for ya!] I don’t know about you, but I get cabin fever if I’m stuck inside for too long. I would rather be prancing outside somewhere.

[You’re welcome for the wonderful image of me prancing outside somewhere. I’m adorable and you know it.]

Also, this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDzRIg6cV3g#action=share

She gets me. Also, kudos if you make it through all 3 minutes and 19 seconds. 

In celebration of my favorite weather, I decided to whip up a smoothie after my workout today. Refreshing is the name of the game lately – I’ve been craving every fresh produce in the book lately! But hey, you gotta give the body want it wants.


I love smoothies, and I typically do a mixture of some type of green (spinach or kale) + banana + berries + almond milk + protein powder.

But for days when I want something lighter, I take out the banana and protein powder and leave in just the greens. To make the texture a bit fluffier and creamier without the banana, I add in xanthan and guar gums, which are both thickeners that really adds texture to my shakes and smoothies. [I order both from IHerb] I also use less berries and add applesauce for a little sweetness – but not the too overtly tooth numbing sweetness.

This smoothie makes a great addition to a meal or snack – one of my many ways to get those greens in! Maca powder is added for superfood kick!

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NutritionHappens Low Sugar Green Smoothie
Serves 1

1 cup (or handful, or however much you want) spinach
1/4-1/3 cup frozen blueberries
1 tbsp maca powder
2 tbsp oats
2 tbsp apple sauce
1/4th of an avocado
1 cup almond milk
4 drops vanilla stevia
handful of ice
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 tsp guar gum

Add everything but the xanthan and guar gums to a high speed blender and blend. After a few minutes, add in the gums and keep blending until the desired texture is reached. I like to add crunchy toppings to my smoothies for texture – goji berries and chia seeds are my favorite!

What are your favorite smoothie recipes?

 

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February 19, 2014 BY: May
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Nutrition + Food Recipes

Strawberry Vanilla Protein Freezer Fudge

Honestly, I have no idea how I came up with this. Probably because I like strawberries. And fudge. Oh yeah, lots of strawberries and fudge.

Now, I’m all for eating in moderation, and if you eat an overall a balanced, wholesome diet, then I see no problem giving yourself a treat here or there. But sometimes when you’ve got a goal in mind (aka SPRING BREAK in 1.5 months, not that I’m counting down or anything), you want to stay on track, because you know good things come to those who wait (it’s true!).

And since we’re only a few weeks into the New Year, chances are you’ve been going to the gym, eating right, and yada yada yada…

So don’t worry – you and I both know how hard you’ve been working in the gym, so don’t let all that hard work go to waste – so how about reaching for some high protein freezer fudge instead?

Vanilla Strawberry Protein Freezer Fudge, that is.

You, know, for those days you want to indulge a bit without indullllllging (I get you.)

This recipe is high protein, sugar free, dairy free, gluten free, and grain free. Perfect for all you Paleo’ers, Vegans,  and Vegetarians, or overall health nuts out there.

The recipe is also going to vary depending on the type of protein powder you use, but it is very simple and can be modified in a variety of different ways – so feel free to go crazy with your imagination with different combinations!

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Strawberry Vanilla Protein Freezer Fudge

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used Sunwarrior Vanilla Vegan Protein)
1 tbsp coconut flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
2-3 packs stevia (or your choice of sweetener)
5-6 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup freeze fried strawberries (more or less depending on much you love strawberries – I used Trader Joe’s brand*
1 tbsp nut butter (optional, give a creamier consistency/taste)

Mix all dry ingredients together and slowly stir in almond milk until a thick consistency forms. You may need more or less liquid, depending on the type of protein powder you use. Form into ramekins (like I used in the image above) or into desired shape. Pop into freezer for about 1 hour or until firm. Thaw a little bit before eating (or pop into microwave for about 10 seconds). Store the leftovers in freezer until ready to eat!

*You can substitute any freeze dried fruit here – blueberries, raspberries, cherries, bananas – the list goes on!

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January 21, 2014 BY: May
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Nutrition + Food

On the Icelandic Trend

Ah,  greek yogurt. My go to, lazy girl’s version of a quick, high protein snack that also packs in the calcium. Love it in the morning. Love it after a workout. Love it in my oatmeal. Love it in my smoothies. So, basically a whole other food group in my opinion (next to almond butter).

But wait. First it was Greek.

Now Icelandic? What’s the deal?

I have to admit, the amount of yogurt products found in the market these days are pretty impressive – take one look down the aisle and you’ll see anything from almond milk yogurt to soy yogurt to coconut milk yogurt. By now everyone knows what greek yogurt is – it’s pretty hard to miss on a walk down the yogurt aisle. And it’s also my personal yogurt of choice (Fage and Chobani, and Trader Joe’s are my favorite). I love it for a quick boost of protein anytime during my day. The thick and creamy texture is perfect as a yogurt base ( I love adding toppings to mine, like fruit, granola, or nut butter) or as a low fat and high protein substitute for an other wise higher calorie creams in recipes.

But let’s focus on the Icelandic trend today. Recently, I ventured out to try something new – cue to the Icelandic Skyr yogurt. It’s a cultured dairy product originating from Iceland, that is similar to traditionally strained yogurt.

The texture is very similar to greek yogurt because it goes through fairly similar straining processes to produce that thick and cream consistency, And because it’s so thick, the protein content of these yogurts are very high compared to regular or even Greek yogurt, per serving.

I’ve also found that the texture of the Icelandic yogurts are a bit smoother, and less tart. I’m really partial to the protein and creamy texture!

Here’s two brands that I’ve found and am loving, both purchased at my local Whole Foods –

Siggi's Blueberry Icelandic Yogurt

Siggi’s Blueberry Icelandic Yogurt

This is the blueberry flavor from Siggi’s – but they have a huge variety of flavors! This container has 110 calories and 14 grams of protein each. I typically go for the plain, unflavored yogurts and add my own fruits, but I didn’t see their plain flavor that day at my Whole Foods. I’m not a big fan of yogurts with added sugar, but honestly though, I thoroughly enjoyed this blueberry flavor from Siggi’s. The flavor of this yogurt is a bit less tart than the greek yogurts in my opinion, without being too overtly sweet. Also, the ingredient list is very short – which I typically like to look for when I shop for groceries.

Off the Siggi’s Website:
Ingredients
Pasteurized Skim Milk, Cane Sugar, Blueberries, Fruit Pectin, Live Active Cultures


Live Cultures
B. lactis, L. acidophilus, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis, S. thermophilus 

Similar to Greek yogurt, Icelandic yogurt also contains live cultures for an extra probiotic benefits.

I decided to top mine with Trader Joe’s Puffed Wheat, Antioxidant Trail Mix from the Whole Foods bulk bins, and Trader Joe’s Creamy almond butter. So deliciously creamy – and like I said before, not too sweet!

Smari's Pure Organic Icelandic Yogurt

Smari’s Pure Organic Icelandic Yogurt

 

The Smari yogurt is superb in that fact that it has 20 grams of protein per 100 calories! I was definitely impressed by the nutrition label on this one. It’s certified organic, contains 0 grams of fat, and it’s lower in sugar than plain Greek yogurts (6 grams per serving). The texture is incredibly thick and creamy, and I was absolutely smitten. I tried the Pure flavor – which is the plain unflavored version, but they also have strawberry, vanilla, and blueberry.Here, I topped it again with the Antioxidant trail mix from Whole Foods (bulk bin lovin’), some fresh blueberries, and extra goji berries. I also mixed in some vanilla stevia for little more sweetness.

Off the Smari website:
Ingredients:
Organic grade A pasteurized skim milk, live cultures (Sc. thermophilus, Lb. bulgaricus, Lb. acidophilus, Lb. yogurti)

Again, the Smari ingredient is simple and short.

I loved both yogurts but Smari wins just a smidge over Siggi’s –  I found that I liked the texture of Smari’s a bit better! Like I said, the creaminess factor definitely gets my votes!

 

I’m definitely going to be re-purchasing these yogurts and keeping them in rotation along with my greek yogurts. The texture is great and the protein count is high – perfect snack for me! Nutrition Happens approved!

 

What’s your favorite type of yogurt? Have you hopped on the Icelandic trend?

 

*Disclaimer: I am not being paid or sponsored by any of the companies mentioned above. All opinions provided are my own. I love yogurt and I’m just trying to spread the love to others!


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November 25, 2013 BY: May
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Recipes

Fall Favorites: Pumpkin Edition

I know, I know.

You’ve probably seen pumpkin everything, literally everywhere now so another pumpkin related post?

Well, my friend, the answer to that is always,  YES.

Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you’re still head over heels smitten with pumpkin and probably won’t part with it until February (There may or may not be 10 cans currently in my cupboard right now).  It’s not the fact the pumpkin is an essential fall food for me and or that there is an abundance found in all the supermarkets this time of the year, but the fact that the uses for pumpkin are INFINITE. Pumpkin pies, muffins, cookies, chili, baked, mashed – you name it, chances are, there’s a pumpkin flavor for that. And it’s just a plus that it provides over 100% of the daily reccomended value of Vitamin A in just one serving! I’m totally guilty of consuming way too much – hence my orange hands – but I’m okay with it (worth it, orange hands are totally in). And with that, pumpkin is completely deserving of a place on my fall favorites list.

Anyways, I thought I’d share with you a few of my pumpkin creations lately –

 

Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin Overnight Oats Parfait

Pumpkin Overnight Oats Parfait

Pumpkin Egg White Oats

Pumpkin Egg White Oats

Oat (less) Oats - with pumpkin

Oat (less) Oats – with pumpkin

Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

What’s your favorite way to use pumpkin? 

 

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November 15, 2013 BY: May
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Personal

Nutrition Happens Launch

Welcome! My name is May and I’m currently a Senior at Clemson University, majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics. This is my wellness blog showing all the aspects of nutrition and wellness in my life throughout my journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian. In addition to my personal wellness, fitness, and nutrition related posts, you’ll also find a few of my favorite recipes throughout the blog and my some favorite health finds and product reviews. Thanks for stopping by and here’s to good nutrition and healthy, balanced life!

All things in moderation, a girl's gotta have her beer on her 21st!

All things in moderation, a girl’s gotta have her beer on her 21st!

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November 9, 2013 BY: May
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