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(ARA) - Winter is traditionally a time of year when people pack on the pounds; and they make a lot of excuses. Some say, “It’s hard to resist all the tasty dishes at holiday parties.” Others say “I’m snacking on cookies and nuts because the fruits and vegetables I like are out of season” or “I can’t stay active because it’s too cold outside,” and the list goes on. Although seasonal weight gain varies from person to person, there have been surveys that show most people gain an average of five to seven pounds in winter. So what can you do about it?
A good place to start is by making the pledge to eat healthier. “A lot of people think that means they have to make sacrifices, but they’re wrong,” says Rich Rothman of Crum Creek Mills. The Pennsylvania-based health food company offers healthier, more nutritionally balanced versions of everyday foods such as pasta, breadstick snacks, pancakes and muffins by adding soy protein.
Soy is very similar in quality to the proteins found in meats, eggs and dairy, but comes without the fat and cholesterol also found in those foods. Researchers have discovered it also has some dramatic health benefits. People who make soy a part of their daily diet have reduced risks of cancer and heart disease; and the effects of menopause and osteoporosis are reduced in women.
“Adding soy to pasta makes it a more nutritionally balanced food,” says Gina Conti, a registered dietician from New Providence, N.J. “Instead of just offering carbohydrates, you’re getting protein, which is the building block of muscle, as well. Mix in some vegetables, which offer vitamins and nutrients, and you’ve really hit a home run when it comes to healthy eating.”
Here are some recipe recommendations that will help you add soy to your daily diet in the most familiar of ways:
Kick start your day with Crum Creek’s Soy Protein Pancakes. Highly recommended for so-called “morning people” and everyone else who likes to begin the day on a deliciously healthy note. Preparation is easy and you can also make delicious soy protein crepes and waffles.
Or mix up some of Crum Creek’s soy protein muffins. All you have to add to the mix is oil, milk and an egg or two; then pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake. They are available in three flavors: Bold Banana Walnut, Bountiful Blueberry and Brilliant Bran.
For the perfect munch food that’s nutritionally balanced and delicious, Crum Creek offers Soy Bites; a protein-packed breadstick snack. Healthful and convenient, they come in Superb Sesame, Remarkable Rosemary and Garlic and Outrageous Onion
There are literally hundreds of pasta dishes you can create. Here’s one that’s sure to be a hit with the entire family, with a soy protein pasta that tastes exactly like “regular” pasta:
Garden Fresh Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce (From MasterCook.com)
Ingredients:
1 15-ounce can Italian-flavor tomato sauce
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound Crum Creek’s Soy Protein Spaghetti, uncooked
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 pound fresh asparagus (about 2 cups), cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 medium tomatoes (about 4 cups), seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium yellow squash, halved and thinly sliced
1 medium zucchini
Preparation:
You can order Crum Creek pastas, snacks, and pancake and muffin mix direct from the company. Just call toll free (888) 607-3500 or log on to www.crumcreek.com to place an order.
Courtesy of ARA Content
