Wean Green – Thinking outside the box!

With the growing consciousness for less packaging and waste it is worth investing in storage items that are long lasting, eco friendly and that look good.

I have recently gotten my hands on some fabulous glass storage containers from Wean Green.

A company whose philosophy is well rooted around creating small enough containers that mom’s could use to store baby food and kids snacks. Whether it’s a home made puree of vegetables or for other dried snacks.  It is nice to be able to have it all portioned out and ready to-use on demand.

These containers are not only eco, fun and come in different shapes and sizes but they can be used by anyone! Let’s think outside the glass box, as I am confidant that teenagers, adults and full time CEO’s can easily load their containers with foods and snacks will compliment their lifestyle and mealtime add-ons.

Some of these containers appear to be on the small side, but that just forces you to be more creative with the space you’ve got. It also is perfect because when you make a full batch of a recipe – let’s say for something like pesto, it’s nice to be able to portion it off for each time of use. The largest size is big enough for a hearty sandwich so before you start getting squeamish that there’s not enough room, let me give you some insight as to how some of these weeny containers can benefit your life.

Here are some of favourite uses for these containers:

Making sauces, dips and spreads. This is a perfect way to store them in indvidual sections so that they can be used without defrosting or using a whole batch of a recipe all at once.

In particular for something like pesto, or sundried tomato dip…both are great store, seal and freeze for future use.

Salad Dressings. Whether you are packing it up and taking it for lunch or keeping it in the fridge – either way it is sealed, airtight abd the best part is that it’s homemade! Try this one!

Trail Mix and dry snacks. Packed in your bag, purse of kit or in the cupboard you can use a slightly bigger container to store your fav nuts seeds and dried fruits. Give it enough room to shake and mix all in. Also portion our your favourite crackers, cookies, chips from my favourite companies. That way you don’t have to use a plastic baggie or eat right out of the box (which may sound good in theory, but there is something to be said about portion control when it comes to snacking).

Puddings, Yogurt or Frozen Desserts. Whether you are making a homemade sundae or parfait and having that all portioned out is great for not only portion control but makes it easy for your when you know you want dessert – it is all ready to go for those nights that you want to curl up in front of the TV with a yummy dessert in hand. it is also great for taking breakfast or a snack with you for the day. You don’t have to worry about peeling back the lid of a yogurt container – simply fill it up at home and you are good to go.

Banana Cream

2 frozen banana’s

1 tbsp coconut butter from Artisana

1 tsp lacuma powder from Navitas Naturals

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until thick and creamy.

Remove, scoop into a wean green container and top with hemp seeds, goji berries and cacao.

I am doing a GIVEAWAY. I am offering you the chance to get your hands on one of these beautiful containers.

But first you must tell me…

Why you want to try a Wean Green container?

What you would put into your Wean Green containers?

Tweet about @weangreen and @marniwasserman and mention this post! (Sample Tweet below)

“I want to win an @weangreen from @marniwasserman to store my delicious food! #giveaway #ecohappy“

Become of a fan of Wean Green and Delicious Knowledge on Facebook and mention this post!

If you can accomplish all of this ++….you may just be the lucky winner!

TERMS & CONDITIONS: MUST live in Toronto!!! (no exceptions, the winner has to be able to come and claim prize)

All in one Super Bowl!

Super Bowl Sunday is coming up fast. Although I don’t participate in any part of this event – I can offer some assistance as to how this night can be made that much healthier. We know this is the biggest day for business for fast foods, delivered foods and processed over sugared and over salted snacks. But wouldn’t it just be easier to make your own, to serve and have something healthy to munch on? If your man will be in another room watching the game, take it upon yourself to supply your home or his party with some healthy all in one bowl snacks!

Here are some suggestions:

Make a Trail Mix – (recipe below)

Kale Chips – make at least 4 batches or more. They will win over any “sour cream n’ onion” chip lover, anyday!

Guacamole – with some homemade corn tortilla’s

White Bean Dip – with some crispy crackers

Salsa – with corn chips

Coco Bliss Balls – because they look and taste better than Timbits! I promise

Super Bowl of Trail Mix

1 cup almonds – heart healthy

1 cup cashews – makes you happy, who doesn’t love a cashew

1 cup pumpkin seeds (loaded with zinc – great for prostate health) may as well take advantage while a whole bunch of men will be eating them!!

1 cup raisins or Goji Berries (or both) – some natural sweetness, fiber and antioxidants

1/2 cup hemp seeds – omega rich healthy fats

1 cup cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips – it’s not complete without some chocolate

1 cup coconut flakes – added texture, flavour and crunch

1/4 tsp sea salt – (optional) to balance out the flavours

Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl and serve. Refill when done!

Got other ideas?

What are you planning on having at your party?

Honey…your so sexy!

The newest addition to my pantry is my trio of NUDE BEE HONEY’s. This line came out in Toronto by two local boys. I love it. What is sexier then two men starting a honey line?

This brand in particular has some fine packaging, with a slick black label. It is a long tall jar, which is thin and elegant. I would take this honey out for a taste any day of the week. I would even love to just spread it, pour it and blend it into anything I create. It would make for a sweet addition that is smooth balanced and rich. That’s my kind of honey!

I should also mention that is honey, is untouched, raw in it’s own virgin state. What can be better than that. It hasn’t lost anything; it’s got everything it needs to give me what I need. Nutrients, enzymes, minerals and an unparalleled flavour.

It is also organic, coming from the purest of sources, no chemicals or strong or smelly aftertastes. It was created to be enjoyed… from bottom to top.

Now don’t get too picky, there are three fine honey’s to choose from:

Star Thistle – Works well with all natural of teas and can dress or top any dessert. This superstar possesses after notes of vanilla and lemon.

Honey Dew – This is a darker richer honey, which means it contains more vitamins and minerals. It is rich and fragrant so get your hands on some and add it to some fruit for a warming compote or natural jam.

Wild– The most versatile of the bunch, blending different local nectar’s. This honey goes both ways, and lends itself well to both raw and cooked recipes.

You can’t go wrong really – they all share similar qualities with subtle differences. I think you will be satisfied, no matter which way you go!

Take your honey a little further and use it to your benefit and create something magical together…. a recipe!

Feel free to pour your honey all over anything and everything that you are eating!

Wild Honey-Lemon Poppy Loaf

4 cups light spelt flour

1 cup Wild Nude Bee Honey

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp sea salt

½ cup poppyseeds

zest of 2 lemons

3 lemons, juiced

½ cup vanilla rice milk

½ cup grapeseed oil

1 tsp pure vanilla

½ cup filtered water

1.     oil and flour a 9x 5 inch loaf pan. Set aside.

2.     Stir together spelt flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt poppy seeds and lemon zest. Set aside.

3.     In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, honey with rice milk. Add to the dry ingredients in mixing bowl.

4.     Add grapeseed oil, vanilla and water to dry ingredients. Mix wet and dry ingredients together thoroughly.

5.     Pour the batter into loaf pan.

6.     Bake for 1 hour at 350F or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Photography by Assaf Friedman

Review: Chocolate Kale Chips…say what?

Well they have done it – matched two unlikely combination’s to make the perfect tastiest snack. Chocolate Kale Chips, can you think of a better combination? These are two foods that I tell people to eat just about everyday but why not eat them together? Not only that, their nutritional profile proves to be loaded with magnesium, calcium, iron, chlorophyll and fiber – delicious!

Blue Mountain Organics has truly proven to be a mastermind at creating to most unique blends of raw, organic snacks, treats, flours and desserts. I have had the extreme pleasure of enjoying their RAW Cashew Ice Cream (sorry no nutters, you are truly missing out). It is absolutely to die for! Words can’t even describe how good this frozen non-dairy dessert is. They also have a wide variety of unique supplements like carob powder, sunflower lecithin (soy free) along with sprouted beans and whole grains.

And of course some raw nut butter spreads from cashew, tahini, almond, pecan… you name it! They are called Better than Roasted because  for a RAW nut butter they taste pretty fantastic! Their online store, packaging and marketing is very cute, friendly and inviting. If you aren’t teased into at least buying 5 items on their website, I would be shocked! (and please make sure that Chocolate Kale Chips are on that order!!)

What is also truly amazing about all of their products, (and obviously why I am such a supporter) is that they are all superfoods, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, raw, kosher and organic. I wish there was a Blue Mountain Store right here in Toronto! But for now I will have to just order online – and pick up what I can at various health food stores in Toronto.

Delicious Snacks For Everyday Enjoyment!

Okay it has arrived, the blog you have been waiting for! How to make delicious snacks, you will get some ideas here on how to be a Smart Snacker, but if you want the full experience then join me on  November 1st, where you will learn how to make Delicious Snacks and get your very own copy of my new book.

The inspiration for the focus on healthy snacks is because everyone always asked me what they should snack on. I feel that people don’t really know what to eat when it comes to snacking. They either don’t think about it at all and pick up whatever they can find or think about it too much and get overwhelmed and give up. Then there are those people that follow the three meal a day rule and don’t believe in snacks at all. Well that just isn’t right, your body need to be constantly fueled by wholesome, nutritious and organic snacks – ideally made by you. If you can’t always make the time to do this then be sure to look at my approved packaged snack guide. But if you are ready and willing to take on making your own snacks, don’t fret, it is much simpler than you may think.

All you have to do is set aside some time, even an hour during the week to put together a simple delicious snack. This could be as basic as a trail mix or as intricate as apple-cinnamon muffins (which are still pretty simple) especially with my recipe! Whatever it is, if you have things on hand at home, then you are more likely to make healthy choices. When you have things that are ready to go  at home, then you can also pack them up and bring them with you to work, to school or even to the movies!

At the Vegetarian Food Fair this year the focus of my cooking demo was on healthy snacking. I got up in front of a room full of people who loved snacking as much as I do! It is also that time of year were everyone is getting there lives back on track after the summer, sending kids of to school and getting back on a regular work schedule. Which means it is also time to make time for your health and this includes snacking! The last thing I want is for you to pick up fatty, sugary and salty snacks that a full of empty calories and nutrients. I want you to have the opposite. Fresh, delicious snacks that you can enjoy every single day that are packed with protein, fiber, healthy fat and nutrients!

Here is a little taste of my demo at the Food Fair!

Setting up for my Delicious Snacks Demo!

The line up of ingredients used in my Snack Recipes

Making some Delicious Snacks!

Lining up to sample some of my Delicious Snacks

(Smoothie, Guacamole and Power Bites)

Liquid Nutrition Smoothie

What’s in it?

2 cups rice, coconut, almond or hemp milk 

2 tbsp to 1 scoop plant based protein powder (sun warrior or vega)

½ cup blueberries or mixed berries, fresh or frozen 

1 banana, fresh or frozen

½ cup chopped mango, peaches or pear 

1 tsp raw honey 

½-1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves 

Optional Superfood Additions (1 tbsp of ) goji berries, cacao nibs, coconut oil, flax oil, chia seeds, carob powder, maca, matcha green tea powder, almond butter, acai berry powder, lacuma, mesquite etc..

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth and no lumps remain. Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy + sip with a glass dharma straw!

Wholly Guacomole

What’s in it?

1 cup cooked green split peas (1 cup frozen green peas, blanched)

4 green onions, 2 inch slice

3-5 tablespoons lemon or lime juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground coriander

1 clove fresh garlic, crushed

½ bunch parsley

¼ teaspoon sea salt

2 large ripe avocados

¾ cup chopped tomatoes

How to make it!

1. Put peas, green onions, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley, (jalapeno) and salt into the food processor and process until well blended and smooth.
2. Cut avocados in halves, remove pits and scoop out flesh into a medium sized mixing bowl.
3. Mash avocados and mix in ingredients from the food processor.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, taste and adjust seasoning. Chill.
5. Serve with organic corn tortilla chips, slices of jicama or whole grain crackers.

Sweet Heart Cookies or Power Bites

What’s in it?

1 1/2 cups whole raw almonds (or sunflower seeds for a nut free option)

2 tbsp hemp seeds

1 cup chopped dates

1/4 cup goji berries

2 tbsp cacao nibs or cacao powder

1 tbsp raw honey

1 tsp mesquite powder

1/2 tsp vanilla powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp sea salt

** for an extra boost – add 2 tbsp Sun Warrior Protein Powder

How to make it!

Place all the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until you get a thick “doughy” consistency. Spread out and cut into “heart” shapes with a cookie cutter or roll and flatten into 2 inch cookies. Or feel free to roll them into little balls for quick power bites – perfect for your purse or a midday snack after a workout!

Do you love Delicious Snacks?

Do you want to come to my Delicious Snacks Class on November 1st?

Good Things Come in Some Packages!

On the topic of healthy snacks this week (and just in time for school), it is within my knowledge to show you what is out there. Snacks that you can get your hands on that I approve of. We all need snacks, they are available, but we have a choice to make. If you have a guideline to follow of what to choose, how to choose, then you are taking one step closer to wellness and a healthy body! In a another post you will learn how to make your own snacks at home. You can also come to my Delicious Snacks class in September and get a chance to learn some recipes and walk out of the class with your very own Delicious Snacks cookbook!

As a general rule, you want to look for whole foods that are packaged. Pure ingredients made from whole grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and natural sweeteners. You should be able to read all of the ingredients on the label (and there shouldn’t be more than 5 unless it is jam-packed super bar) and feel confident that you are putting a good product into your body even though it is packaged!

So here is a my approved guideline for healthy packaged snacks (most of which are in my home):

Bars: Lara Bars, Vega Bars, Pro Bar, Honey Bar, Prana Bar, Organic Food Bar (there are more that aren’t listed here, but hopefully you get the idea)

Rice Cakes with Almond Butter

Sun Warrior or Vega Protein Powder with Almond Milk, Hemp Milk or Rice Milk

Salba Smart Chips and Salba Salsa

Sha Sha Ginger Snap Cookies

Halvah

Pita Break Spelt Crackers with Hummus

Mary’s Crackers with Goat Cheddar

Sheep Yogurt with Granola

Whole Grain Bread with Almond Butter

New Moon Kitchen Cookies

Coconut Bliss Ice Cream

Go Raw Cookies/Chip/Crackers/Granola

Trail Mixes made from Navitas Naturals Products

Raw Crackers and Kale Chips

Dark Organic Chocolate

Raw Dark Organic Chocolate

Herbal Tea

Did I miss anything? I am sure I did. What are some of your amazing, wonderful and healthy snacks that you like to buy ?

Please do share, we all want to hear them!

Get  your very own copy of my  Delicious Snacks for Everyday Enjoyment to make your own healthy snacks at home!

Smart Snacking – Guest Blogger Danielle Felip

Let me just take a moment to introduce my first guest blogger. Danielle Felip, who has become a foodie friend of mine and I am happy to feature her. Since we share so much in common, she coincidentally submitted a post about smart and healthy snacking. This post is timely as it fits in with my Special Feature Series over the next few weeks on Healthy Snacks along with my upcoming Cooking Demo at the Toronto Vegetarian Food Fair on Super Delicious Snacking for Everyday Enjoyment! I hope you are coming! You will get the chance to meet myself and Danielle at my booth during the weekend, taste some delicious samples at my demo and get some great discounts on classes!

Without further ado…I now welcome Dani:

Hello everyone!  My name is Dani and I write a blog entitled Body By Nature.  Marni has graciously let me contribute a post to her fabulous blog.

In summer, it can be easy to let healthy food choices slide; we spend time on patios, at BBQ’s and cottages and it can be easy to slip up with how we nourish ourselves.  With Fall just around the corner it is the perfect time to re-evaluate your eating habits and get back on the Fully Nourished wagon!

A great place to start is with your snacking.  A snack should be well balanced and low on the glycemic scale so your blood sugar level stays even without any spikes in blood glucose.

If you have access to a fridge at work it’s a good idea to store a selection of healthy foods so you won’t be tempted by a mid-morning trip to the coffee shop or answer when the vending machine is screaming your name in the afternoon. By making small adjustments to your daily eating routine, you will see tremendous results in the way you feel.

Here is a list of healthy and balanced snack ideas:

-hummus and veggie sticks
-Greek yogurt with fruit
-sandwich made of whole grain bread with nut and apple butter
-homemade trail mix (keep dried fruit to a minimum)
-protein smoothie

For my birthday I received a Magic Bullet blender. I brought it to work and keep it at my desk, this way I can throw all the ingredients in a cup at home to make a smoothie and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready for it mid-morning. It’s simple and easy and can keep me going until lunch. Here’s my favourite smoothie recipe:

The Keep Me Going Smoothie

½ cup strawberries (frozen)
½ cup mango
1 cup coconut water
1 banana
1 handful of spinach
1 scoop protein powder of choice
water (amount depends on how you like the consistency)

Blend and enjoy!

Thank you for reading and happy snacking!

Dani @ Body By Nature

PS: Be sure to tune with Fully Nourished after the Vegetarian Food Fair to read my post with more recipes and ideas about Super Delicious and Healthy Snacking!

What do you like to Snack on?