Monday October 15, 2012

A Few Good Carbs

At Foodtrainers we don’t endorse the need for huge amounts of grains in your diet. Where some say gluten-free is fad, we say it’s a fad that if “worn” correctly leaves you feeling (and looking better). But just because you don’t require grains, that doesn’t mean you don’t want them. It’s getting colder and it feels good to warm up with something hearty (& a little carby). Here’s our best of the best.

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Best Cereal

The vast majority of cold cereals are a waste of time, you can skip that aisle altogether. Here's what we suggest you put in your cart:

Cocomama Quinoa Cereal: it's no surprise we're fans of quinoa - but for breakfast? We say, why not? We have a Foodtrainers-original Breakfast Quinoa recipe that clients (literally) eat up, but for those abnormally packed mornings, convenience is key. Cocomama is low in calories (210), high in fiber, and is our little secret to warming up on fall mornings. No pumpkin spice lattes necessary (ever). Check out today's Foodtrainers blog for a Cocomama giveaway.

Vigilant Eats Superfood Cereal: not all oatmeals are created equal; those loaded with sugar or fake flavors are total junk food. Vigilant Eats keeps it real by keeping it raw, no heating necessary, and takes it to the next level by including a (biodegradable) spoon inside. Winter work/travel staple: Check.

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Best Chips & Crackers

Doctor In The Kitchen's Flackers Crackers: Gluten-free and yummy crackers don't have to be mutually exclusive as proven by the Doctor In The Kitchen team They bring us Dill, Rosemary and Savory Flackers - you guessed it, crackers from flax. Stay tuned to the Foodtrainers blog for a giveaway in the coming weeks.

Way Better Sprouted Chips: Sneak these into the mix at any football party, we dare you. We are big fans of sprouting, so try Way Better rest assured you're getting optimal nutrients while "guac-ing".

Just Pure Foods Onion Chips: These spicy raw chips flew off our shelves, you cant find more weight-friendly onion rings. These get an extra health kick with the help of hemp. Bored with your salads? Not anymore, toss a few onion rings on top and crunch away.

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Best "Bread"

We're not breadolicious at Foodtrainers. This "wrap" will make make you break any bad bread habit too.

Pure wraps: coconut lovers rejoice, while you could do a lettuce wrap in place of a carb loaded one, meet us halfway - pure wraps are 60 cals of organic coconutty goodness (w/ Himalayan sea salt or curry). The número uno of wraps, you just have to get your hands on them.

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Best Quinoa Burgers

Hilary's Eat Well Veggie Burgers: We are tough critics when it comes to veggie burgers. They’re either made of crap or you need to eat 2 or more to feel full (our condolences to Praeger). And these had a lot to live up to calling itself “The World's Best Veggie Burger”. But Hilary's Eat Well burgers are gluten, dairy, soy and nut free – and we can confirm are totally out of this world – and filling, too. Hilary's is offering a coupon to Foodtrainers readers, so pick up a pack today.

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Best Noodles

We're a little rice phobic given the current news, but we still need some noodles in our lives

Zucchini pasta: we know, we know, where was this idea when you were overloaded with zucchini from your garden? Better late than never, with a spiralizer or julienne peeler, you can use up your sqash and make "spaghetti" too.

Sea Tangle Kelp Noodles: paleo, raw and gluten free noodles, really. Rinse, soak in warm water to soften. Great in Asian dishes or brothy soups. Heat with leftover veggies, some oil (sesame or coconut), fresh ginger, garlic, water or broth.

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Honorable Mention

OK we lied, we have more grainy friends than we thought, we'd also like to introduce you to:

Breadcrumbs: Smart Grain
Fries: Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
Grains: Wild harvest grains
Halloween candy: UNREAL

Be sure to check out Foodtrainers blog for coupons and good carb giveaways.

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