To Tofu or Not to Tofu?

That is the question.

Still debating?  Check out the points below!

• Tofu is actually soybean curd (think of cheese made from soy milk).

• Tofu takes on the flavor of the foods with which it is cooked or baked. For example, add tofu to chili to result in chili-tasting tofu. Add some dry onion soup mix to blended tofu to make a fantastic onion dip. Bake some tofu with cocoa powder and sugar to create a delicious chocolate pie.

• There are three main types of tofu: firm, soft, and silken. Firm tofu is great if the tofu should retain its shape when cooked. If a blended tofu is desired, try soft tofu. Looking for a pureed tofu? Try the silken variety.

• Tofu is a great source of protein, B-vitamins, and iron.

• Check the produce, dairy, or deli section of your grocery store for tofu selections.

• Tofu can be packaged in tubs filled with water, vacuum sealed, or in brick packages.

• Place the tofu in new water every day once the package is opened. This will help keep the tofu fresh.

Click here for more tips on tofu and delectable recipes!

So, to tofu or not to tofu?

To tofu.  Definitely.

Going Nuts? Me too.

Going to EAT nuts, that is.  A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who eat nuts twice per week have a reduced chance of becoming overweight or obese compared to women who do not eat nuts.  Watch out, almonds.  Here I come.

But it’s not just almonds that have benefits.  Walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, hazelnuts (filberts), and pistachios come packed with vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, calcium, selenium, copper, and magnesium.  And let’s not forget our faithful peanut.  As my personal favorite legume, peanuts are a good source of B vitamins and help make peanut butter mighty tasty.

So why exactly do nuts help to prevent excess weight gain?  Though some tend to steer away from these crunchy, delicious foods, the unsaturated fat in nuts is actually quite beneficial.  Fat is necessary for to absorb certain vitamins and minerals – notably vitamins A, D, E, and K – and these are needed for proper metabolism.   Some scientists also believe that the human body is not necessarily able to process the entire nut (think fiber and indigestible plant material), which results in the absorption of fewer calories.

So add some chopped walnuts to your morning oatmeal.  Grab a handful of almonds for a quick, filling snack.  Or treat yourself to a few apple slices topped with a creamy swirl of peanut butter.  You’ll be getting some great vitamins and minerals as well as enjoying a tasty treat.

Who doesn’t go nuts every now and then?

Yummy Yogurt and Yellow Polka Dots!

Summer means sunbathing, picnics, fresh cut grass, and lemonade. It also means some scorching temperatures and (yikes!) bringing out the bikini that’s been stashed away all winter!  Have no fear – we have a tasty treat that can help combat the sun’s heat and wittle that waistline.

Frozen yogurt is the way to go, and Red Mango is one of our favorites.  With only 90-100 Calories per ½ cup and NO FAT (that’s right – no fat), a scoop of this delicious snack even has some protein to leave you feeing fuller. With flavors like Original, Green Tea, Pomegranate, and Tangomonium, what’s not to love?   Keep some frozen yogurt stored in your dorm or apartment freezer or stop by Red Mango, and get ready to break out that itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini…

Check out

http://www.redmangousa.com/default.html

for more yummy yogurt!

Meet an Intern – Lora!

Hi, everyone!  My name is Lora, and I am very excited to be a part of College Lifestyles ^TM!  I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition with a minor in public health.  With this background (and as a certified Spinning instructor), I feel that College Lifestyles ^TM is the perfect fit for me.  As a college senior, I have learned some fun tricks and great hints to surviving along the way (at least for the first three years!).  I am passionate about fitness, wellness, and healthy eating (and eating in general ).  Bargain hunting is a smart way to save money, and I plan to pass along some of my own ideas about how college students can save time and money – and have more fun!  Please check back soon, and thanks for reading!

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