Costco {clean} finds

There are many {clean} foods I buy in bulk at Costco.  I wanted to share some of the things we use often. I am a little OCD when it comes to price shopping so there are many items I find elsewhere to be cheaper and go elsewhere. 

  

I haven't been to a Sam's Club in years so I can't easily compare Costco to Sam's when it comes to {clean} options. With that said, I am impressed with some of the food offerings at Costco. Don't get me wrong, there are still a large amount of {dirty} foods. However, they really offer many {all natural} and {organic} options.  Sadly, not much of it is in the fresh fruits and veggies section though.  I wish that weren't true!

I buy a lot of fresh {organic} fruits and veggies but I like to always have {all natural} go to items in the freeze.  Here are 3 bags of {organic} veggies you can have on hand in a pinch and not stress that they will go bad.

Green Beans, Broccoli Florets, and Mixed Vegetables

The broccoli is great! We love it. It comes in 4 individual pouches so it stays super "fresh" until you use it. It's all florets too!  The green beans have lots of "fresh" flavor which is sometimes hard to come buy with frozen foods. If that even makes any sense.  I have yet to try the mixed veggies but I plan to make a few recipes with them soon. Not pictures is the {organic} super sweet corn. I didn't buy it this time because the last two batches weren't great. I'll blame that on winter! It is usually some of the best corn and is awesome to add to soups, salads, or eat simple steamed.

Stay tuned for more Costco {clean} finds....

Vegetarian Chipotle Chili

 I think I have been watching too many Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives lately on Food Network.  It seems they are always making some sort of soup or chili and it makes me want to jump in the car for a taste.  This chili has a nice smoky chipotle flavor with a hint of sweetness from the cinnamon (which I saw being used on the show). 

I made it on the stove top, but if could easily be made in a slow cooker.

Vegetarian Chipotle Chili

Ingredients:

• 3 cans {organic} Tri-beans blend (I use Kroger Simple Truth brand), rinsed
• 26 oz {all natural-low sodium} diced tomatoes (I used this Pomi brand, which was a gift from a neighbor)
• 32 oz {all natural} vegetable broth
• 6 oz {all natural-low sodium} tomato paste
• 1 bag (approx. 2 cups) roasted frozen corn (Trader Joe's)
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 yellow pepper, diced
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 Tbps cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder (Kroger)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1)Put all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for about one hour. Or as long as your heart desires.

NOTE: I put my vegetables in the blender/processor to save time and eliminate chopping. Pulse the vegetable to the desired consistency.  You can add more chipotle chili powder if you like it HOT! If you don't have a Kroger near you, you can use any three cans of beans you like. Make sure to read labels because many of the canned beans on the market are loaded in sodium.  I bet it would be even better if you used dried beans in the slow cooker.

Here's an informative blog entry regarding BPA in canned foods and health related issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. She actually suggests the Pomi brand: BPA and Canned Tomatoes. I'm thankful for awesome neighbors that drop {clean} goodies off at my door for me to try. I will be ordering some of these or checking out Trader Joe's for boxed tomatoes. 

Banana Nut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip {no guilt} Cookies

Cookies do not have to be the enemy. Seriously, they don't. My family LOVES these cookies.  They are packed full of nutrient dense ingredients that make them easy to enjoy without the guilt.  They are also vegan and have a VERY long name.

Banana Nut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip {no guilt} Cookies


Here's a list of most of the ingredients and some of their benefits:

Oat flour and Oats: Great source of soluble fiber and is great for heart health

Flaxseed: Rich in Omega-3s and fiber, helps reduce inflammation, great for heart health (the list could really go on and on) For more info visit this link: Flaxseed

Coconut Oil:  Is great for your immune system, great for heart health,and a great source of energy

Banana: Rich in potassium and a great source of energy

Honey:  is a heart-healthy all natural sweetener, can promote better blood level control and contains "friendly" bacteria

Cinnamon:  1/2 tsp a day can lower LDL cholesterol, can help with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing insulin, and when combined with honey has been found to relieve arthritis pain.

Almond Milk:  Provides calcium, is lactose-free and heart-healthy

Walnuts:  Rich in Omega-3s and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

Dark Chocolate: Yes, there are even benefits to dark chocolate...It can lower high blood pressure and contains antioxidants. This applies only to dark chocolate, not milk or white.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oat flour (I use Bob's Red Mill) 
• 1 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp {pure} vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup honey (or agave nectar for a sweeter taste)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbps ground flaxseed
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (I use vanilla flavored)
• 1 Tbps {organic} extra virgin coconut oil (I use Barlean's brand )
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/8 tsp sea salt

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2) Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
3) Spoon a tablespoon size ball on to a greased baking sheet, about 1-2 inches apart.
4) Bake for 10-12 minutes on middle rack. Let cool for 5 minutes.


Makes about 10 large cookies.


NOTE: It's very important to get extra virgin organic (cold-pressed) coconut oil to reap the benefits. I price shop and order my Barlean's online. Also, make sure you store your flaxseed in an airtight container in the refrigerator.


These cookies are not low fat. I do not eat a low fat diet, but do eat healthy fats.  I don't count calories, but I do practice common sense. I wouldn't eat more than 2 of these in one day. These cookies contain good healthy fats your body needs to perform at its best.


Omit the dark chocolate and/or walnuts if desired.


Approximate nutritional values(per cookie-if 10):
Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g

Thyme Roasted Carrots

This recipe is super simple. It has only 5 ingredients and goes well with many different types of main dishes.

Thyme Roasted Carrots

Ingredients:

• 12 large carrots, peeled
• extra virgin olive oil (approx 1-2 Tbps)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
• 1 tsp thyme

Directions:

1) Trim ends and cut the carrots length wise to insure even cooking.

2) Cover a 9 x 13 baking dish with foil, then coat with olive oil.

3) Add carrots to baking dish and toss and coat with olive oil in pan.

4) Sprinkle sea salt, pepper, and thyme on carrots evenly.

5) Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes(or until tender) on middle or bottom rack. 

Tropical Green Smoothie

I'm not sure what has gotten into me lately but I have a passion for green smoothies. Maybe it's the fact I just bought a new high speed blender, the way I feel after I drink a green smoothie or the need to drop the last few pounds. I know one thing is for sure it's NOT the way these smoothies look that made me fall in love. HA! If you can get past the look and texture of this smoothie, give it a try. My body feels energized within minutes of drinking it. Also, if you have a juicer at home you could make this as a juice.

If you are need to drop some weight, have more energy, and improve you overall healthy green smoothies are a must try.  This smoothie has a taste profile of something similar to a strawberry pina coloda. Seriously, it does.

Tropical Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup {organic} romaine lettuce
• 2 cups {organic} spinach
• 1 Tbps {organic} Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (I HIGHLY recommend Barlean's Brand)
• 1/3 cup {organic} grapes
• 1 frozen banana 
• 1/2 cup frozen {organic} strawberries
• 1/2 cup 100% pineapple juice
• 2 Tbps Hemp powder

1)Take coconut oil and add it to a small amount of hot water and stir until it turns oily. Add it to a high speed blender.

2)Add all other ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until the mixture is creamy. 

3) Pour in glass and drink immediately.

NOTES: You can omit the hemp powder if you do not have it on hand. Hemp Powder adds the most healthiest boost of protein to a smoothie. I choose to try hemp powder because I don't have a super high speed blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec. YET! I have the Ninja 1000 watts. 

Read more about the benefits of hemp seeds/powders here: www.cleancuisineandmore.com

Great Northern White Bean Burger

I'm really trying to eat less meat these days for overall heart health, but with that comes some challenges at first.  However, the upside is that it saves me a lot of money not buying as much organic meats. 

This is a recipe adapted from Tosca Reno's book: The Eat Clean Diet {Stripped}.  It's packed full of nutrients. If you haven't tried a bean burger I truly believe they are an acquired taste because the texture is so much different from beef or turkey.

Great Northern White Bean Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 sweet onion, roughly chopped
• 1 garlic clove, smashed
• 1 cup fresh basil, loosely packed
• 3 Tbps nutritional yeast*
• 1 Tbps Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbps Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 Tbps sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 15oz. can great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 2 Tbps flaxseed meal
• 1 cup oat flour*

Directions:

1)  Add onion, garlic, and basil to food processor and pulse to combine. Add nutritional yeast, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, egg white, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt and pepper, and pulse until finely chopped. Add white beans and pulse until combined, but still chunky.

2)  Transfer mixture to bowl and add brown rice, oat flour, and flaxseed meal. If mixture is too moist, add more oat flour until it's a workable consistency to form patties. Shape mixture into 6 patties, about 4 inches in diameter. 

3)  Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and spray with cooking oil. Cook patties three to five minutes on each side until browned. For a crispier burger, cook an additional five minutes in a preheated 400 degree oven or toast in a toaster oven.

4)  Serve hot on whole grain buns with your favorite burger fixings, such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, and mustard.

NOTE: I don't always have nutritional yeast on hand but used it because I did. I will probably leave it out of the recipe next time because I don't LOVE it. 

The original recipe calls for whole grain bread crumbs. I used oat flour instead of the bread crumbs. If you wish to use bread crumbs, I suggest making them yourself or buying them at a Whole Foods. The bread crumbs on the standard grocery shelf contain High Fructose Corn Syrup and Hydrogenated Oils. I might try the burgers next time with my own bread crumbs.

I also added Trader Joe's Smoked African Smoke Seasoning to the mix for a smokey flavor. I will be trying these on the outdoor grill soon which I bet will be awesome.

Ezekiel 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin Bread

If you love bread in the morning, or anytime during the day for that matter, this is a great choice for you. It's awesome! Smear on some Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (I use Barlean's), {all natural} nut spread, or {all natural} honey for a sweet treat that's packed full of nutrients.

Inspired by the Holy Scripture verse Ezekiel 4:9, "Take also until thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and spelt, and put them in  one vessel, and make bread of it."

This bread is 100% flourless. It has a glycemic index of 43. It is made from organic sprouted grains. It's packed full of nutrients. This bread can be found in the freezer section in the All Natural section of Kroger and Whole Foods. This bread will mold quicker than other breads. If you do not plan on eating it all within 5 days I suggest putting it into the refrigerator and it should last 1-2 weeks.

You can read more about their food products at: www.foodforlife.com