Food and Beverage

3 Dietitian-Approved Ways to Add Nutrition to Your Diet for Sustained Energy

Nutrition plays a key role in overall health and can positively affect everything from mood to energy levels.

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2023

(Family Features) Nutrition plays a key role in overall health and can positively affect everything from mood to energy levels. When thinking about ways to fuel busy days that will help you feel fuller, longer, look to clean, quality protein, which isn’t just good for muscle growth and repair but also plays an integral part in overall health.

In fact, protein helps keep bones strong, supports your immune system, fuels metabolism to sustain energy, curbs cravings, distributes nutrients throughout your body and more.

If you’re looking for ways to optimize your nutrition intake, it’s important to know the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends the average person consume 10-35% of their daily calories from protein. Some changes like replacing cereal with protein-rich foods like eggs, snacking on healthy fats like nuts or fibrous veggies and fruits, or starting meals by eating the protein first can help set you on the right path.

In honor of National Nutrition Month, consider these bite-sized tips from nutrition expert Steph Grasso, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), social media influencer and member of the Orgain Nutrition Advisory Board, to help incorporate more quality nutrition into your diet in convenient, delicious ways and keep you feeling fuller, longer:

Choose nutritious, filling snacks. As part of your preparation for the week ahead, meal prep refrigerated snack containers featuring nuts, sliced cheese, veggies and a fun dip, like hummus. Grab-and-go fuel is imperative to creating balanced eating habits when life gets crazy. Another convenient solution, a high-quality nutrition shake can serve as a delicious option on jam-packed days.
Maximize nutrition when enjoying sweets. If you have a sweet tooth, adding a scoop of high-quality protein powder to baked goods can be a simple way to sneak more protein into your diet. For example, Grasso recommends adding unsweetened Orgain Plant-based protein powder to these High-Protein Pumpkin Pancakes. With 21 grams of vegan protein and an excellent source of iron with 6 milligrams per serving, organic protein powder is non-GMO and made without added sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Have frozen veggies on hand. Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious and delicious as their fresh counterparts and often more affordable and convenient. They are typically picked and frozen at the peak of ripeness when they are most nutrient-dense. They are prepped and ready to go, making meal preparation fast and easy. An ideal accompaniment to your choice of protein and grain, this Frozen Veggie Side Dish includes Greek yogurt and cheese for an added protein punch.

Find more tips and protein-packed recipes at Orgain.com.

High-Protein Pumpkin Pancakes

Recipe courtesy of Steph Grasso on behalf of Orgain

2 cups oats
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup pumpkin
2 scoops Orgain unsweetened plant-based protein powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 egg whites
nonstick cooking spray
berries, for topping (optional)
bananas, for topping (optional)
nut butter, for topping (optional)
syrup, for topping (optional)

In bowl, use blender to blend oats, cottage cheese, pumpkin, protein powder, vanilla and egg whites.
Spray pan over medium heat with nonstick cooking spray.
Use 1/3 cup measuring cup to scoop batter into hot pan one scoop at a time.
Flip pancake once pan-side is lightly browned. Remove from pan once both sides are cooked. Repeat with remaining batter.
Stack pancakes and top with berries, bananas, nut butter and syrup, if desired.

Frozen Veggie Side Dish

Recipe courtesy of Steph Grasso on behalf of Orgain

1/2 bag (14 ounces) frozen white pearl onions
1 box (8 ounces) frozen quartered artichoke hearts
1 box (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1/2 cup frozen sweet peas
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (optional)
1/4 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare frozen white pearl onions, artichoke hearts and spinach according to package instructions.
In pan over medium heat, saute onions and artichoke hearts until tender. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Add spinach, frozen sweet peas, heavy whipping cream, Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. Mix until cheese is melted, and peas are soft.
Serve with protein and grain of choice, if desired.

SOURCE:
Orgain

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Food and Beverage

Taco Tuesday? Easy taco recipe for busy people

Published

20 hours ago

March 28, 2023

Daily News Staff

Mexican tacos with beef, cheese, tomato and green salsa

Sure, here’s an easy recipe for delicious tacos that you can make at home!

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef or turkey
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of salsa
1 package of taco shells
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce

Instructions:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Once the meat is browned, add the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat.
Add the black beans and salsa to the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.
While the meat mixture is simmering, heat the taco shells in the oven according to the package instructions.
Once the taco shells are heated, fill them with the meat mixture and any desired toppings.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Fresh beef tacos in hard yellow corn taco shell with sour cream and shredded cheese.

This recipe makes about 8-10 tacos, depending on how much filling you use in each shell. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re in the mood for something tasty and satisfying.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/

The Best Homemade Tacos https://www.thewholesomedish.com/the-best-homemade-tacos/

Food and Beverage

5 best Tacos in LA

Los Angeles is a city known for its diverse cuisine and tacos are no exception.

Published

21 hours ago

March 28, 2023

Charles Elliot

close up photo of rice and tacos — Photo by Chitokan C. on Pexels.com

Los Angeles is a city known for its diverse cuisine and tacos are no exception. From traditional Mexican flavors to innovative twists, LA has it all. Whether you’re a taco enthusiast or just looking for a quick bite, these are the best taco places in LA.

Guisados

Guisados is a must-visit for taco lovers. This family-owned restaurant serves up traditional Mexican stews, or guisados, in a taco form. Their handmade tortillas are filled with flavorful meats like chorizo, chicken tinga, and pork chile verde. Don’t miss their signature taco made with tender braised beef and red chili sauce.

Leo’s Tacos Truck

If you’re looking for a late-night taco fix, Leo’s Tacos Truck is the place to go. Located in the heart of downtown LA, this taco truck serves up some of the best al pastor tacos in the city. The meat is shaved straight from a spit and served with cilantro, onions, and a slice of pineapple. Be sure to try their famous quesadillas too.

Tacos 1986

Tacos 1986 is a popular spot for authentic street-style tacos. Their carne asada taco is a must-try, made with marinated beef and served with guacamole, onions, and cilantro. The restaurant also offers other classic Mexican dishes like elote (street corn) and horchata (a sweet rice drink).

Sonoratown

Sonoratown is a small taco shop that specializes in Sonoran-style tacos. Their tacos are made with handmade flour tortillas and fillings like carne asada, chorizo, and chicken. Don’t miss their grilled cebollitas (green onions) served with a side of salsa.

Guerrilla Tacos

If you’re looking for innovative taco flavors, Guerrilla Tacos is the place to go. This restaurant features a rotating menu of tacos made with unique ingredients like duck confit, sweet potato, and octopus. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options.

In conclusion, LA is a taco lover’s paradise with a variety of options to choose from. Whether you prefer traditional or innovative flavors, these taco places are sure to satisfy your cravings.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/

Food and Beverage

The top classic Burger Joints in LA

When it comes to fast food hamburgers, there are few places that can match the classic goodness of the ones served at some of the best burger joints in Los Angeles.

Published

22 hours ago

March 28, 2023

Rod Washington and Hal Machina

Close up shot of the famous In n Out burger at California

When it comes to fast food hamburgers, there are few places that can match the classic goodness of the ones served at some of the best burger joints in Los Angeles. While the likes of McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King have their own loyal fan base, there are many other lesser-known spots that serve up some of the most delicious and mouthwatering burgers in the city. Here are some of the best classic fast food hamburger restaurants in the Los Angeles area that you should definitely check out.

In-N-Out Burger

No list of classic burger joints in LA would be complete without mentioning In-N-Out. This iconic fast food chain has been serving up juicy burgers, crispy fries, and delicious milkshakes since 1948. With a simple menu that focuses on quality ingredients and fresh, never frozen beef, In-N-Out has become a cult favorite among burger lovers in LA and beyond. https://www.in-n-out.com/

The Habit Burger Grill

The Habit Burger Grill is another classic fast food restaurant that has been serving up delicious burgers since the 1960s. With a commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooking everything to order, The Habit has become a go-to spot for burger aficionados in LA. Their signature Charburger is a must-try, and their hand-cut fries and onion rings are the perfect complement. https://www.habitburger.com/

Tommy’s Original World Famous Hamburgers

Tommy’s is a Los Angeles institution that has been serving up its famous chili burgers since 1946. Made with a secret blend of spices and served on a steamed bun, Tommy’s burgers are a unique and delicious take on the classic fast food burger. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Chili Cheese Fries – they’re messy but oh so good. https://originaltommys.com/

Fatburger

Fatburger has been a staple of the LA burger scene since the 1950s, and for good reason. Their burgers are made with 100% USDA lean beef and cooked to order, giving them a flavor and juiciness that is hard to beat. With a wide variety of toppings and sauces to choose from, you can customize your burger to your heart’s content. https://fatburger.com/

The Apple Pan

The Apple Pan is a classic diner that has been serving up burgers, pies, and other comfort food favorites since 1947. Their Hickoryburger is a standout, made with a special hickory sauce that gives it a smoky, tangy flavor. And if you have room for dessert, be sure to try one of their famous pies – the banana cream is a crowd favorite. https://theapplepan.com/

In conclusion, while McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King might be the most well-known fast food chains, there are plenty of other classic burger joints in the Los Angeles area that are definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cheeseburger or something a little more unique, these restaurants have something for everyone. So next time you’re craving a burger, skip the drive-thru and head to one of these local spots for a taste of true LA fast food history.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/