Earth Balance Vegan Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs

I can't even begin to explain how excited I was when I found these. The last time I had cheesy puffs, was probably when I was 13. It's been YEARS! 

I have used Earth Balance products before and was never disappointed. So my excitement when I saw these sitting on the shelf was probably like a little kids when they see their favorite candy. No shame here. I follow Earth Balance so I saw they were coming out with these cheese puffs, but they didn't come to my store as soon as they were released. So I have been patiently waiting. I really can't say enough good things about this brand because they live up to their name. Plant based products, but they are Non-GMO which is hard to find.

These cheesy puffs are defiantly cheesy. Where I live we have a local company that makes what everyone calls the best white cheddar cheese puffs. To compare, Caleb tried these along with the local brand. He said they were EXACTLY the same! Crazy! These puffs would defiantly be a hit for the younger kids and kids at heart who suffer from food allergies.  I do notice they kind of leave an after taste, but what cheese doesn't leave a weird after taste? 

I would recommend these puffs to anyone because they are gluten free and vegan. So no animal products are used!  

Ian's French Bread Pizza

At my local grocery store, there is a small gluten free section but it's nothing to go crazy over. A lot of times there's always the same stuff, but sometimes I'll stumble across something new. I've tried a few gluten and dairy free frozen pizzas before...but wasn't impressed at all. Also it's kind of rare to find a pizza that is free of both, let alone allergy friendly. 

I haven't had many products from Ian's, so I didn't know how their products were. But in a rush because Caleb and I had plans for a pizza and movie night I needed something quick. Spotted this and was so excited to try it. I've been careful about products containing soy since I don't want soy in my diet either. This was amazing to find! 

I don't have the best pictures because 1. I forgot to take pictures the first time I had it 2. Bought again, almost forgot and 3. Now I can't find it at the grocery store. So this is the best one I have. It doesn't look like the product on the box, but that's because all the cheese has melted. I actually think the cheese amount is perfect because I don't prefer a lot of cheese anymore. The french bread, is exactly what you would think french bread to be. A crunchy outside while the inside is soft. A box contains two pizzas, which is fantastic because I get two meals out of it! 

I would defiantly recommend this to anyone. Especially if you're in a hurry for a quick meal or just can't get rid of that pizza craving. Caleb confirmed that it was pretty close to a "normal" french bread pizza. Ian's has more products on their site which I defiantly want to try since this pizza was really good. 

Grilled Cheese

I have a confession.

I haven't had grilled cheese, in probably like 10 years. I'm not even kidding. I can't remember the last time I had it. The only time that sticks out in my mind is when I was little. 

The last time I remember what a "normal" grilled cheese tasted like, was amazing. Grilled cheese with tomato soup was one of my favorites when I was little. I'm not sure why it has taking me so long to have such a simple sandwich, but I guess the wait was worth it ;) 

I made this sandwich a couple weeks ago, but I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. Especially considering I probably made one every day for a week straight. Go ahead and judge away. Or make one for yourself. I feel almost silly posting a recipe for grilled cheese. But honestly, if you're new to eating gluten and/or dairy free. Finding simple alternatives can be really tricky. I have had to learn a lot on my own and figure out what is good and what isn't.  I'll link every ingredient to the brands site so you can check them out :) 

Can you see the cheese? And that perfect golden brown crust of the bread?

Honestly, it's grilled cheese perfection. 

I'm about to make one of these, because I've gone a week without. That's to long. I'll never go a long time again without having one.

Also, since grilled cheese is a simple staple, you can add anything in it. Like ham, chicken, burger (it makes an amazing cheeseburger) and whatever else your little stomach desires. 

Grilled Cheese Perfection

Ingredients:

2 Slices of Udi's Gluten Free Bread (Any type will work) 

3 Slices of Go Veggie Provolone Cheese

1 Tbsp Earth Balance Buttery Spread, Soy free (You could use coconut oil as well) 

Directions:

Of course you know how to make a grilled cheese! But I'll list my directions here. 

Heat stove top pan on medium. 

Spread half Tbsp of buttery spread on one slice of bread, then the rest on the other side. 

Place one slice of bread, butter side down. Place cheese slices on top. Top with other half of bread, butter side up. 

Place in pan, cover with lid to help the cheese melt. Let brown for 2 minutes, then flip over and brown the other side. Once it's golden brown and cheese is all gooey. You know it's done!

Enjoy!! 

Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Summer seems to be in full bloom here...I can tell because the pollen has been so high here. Not a day goes by where I don't feel stuffy and miserable. 

Summer has always been my favorite season. Get to spend time outdoors, all the grilled food, and the beach! I do love summer. Can't really complain about anything...except bugs...Gross.

The flavors of summer are all light and make you feel cool. Like watermelon, popsicles, mint, lemon, and etc. Just last week I got a killer craving for something lemony. It came out of no where. I haven't baked or made cupcakes for about a month or so. I had a really bad week where nothing turned out right, so I boycotted my kitchen. After a much needed break I decided it was time to bake something. Easy though. Because if these cupcakes didn't turn out, I would probably never bake again...that's probably a little dramatic. 

If you follow me on Instagram, I posted these cute little cupcakes just a couple weeks ago.

Just thinking of lemons brings summer feelings. So what better way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend then with some lemon cupcakes! This past Memorial Day weekend I decided to make these easy but amazing cupcakes. 

I know with the whole recipe I took shortcuts, but with how my weeks have been, there's nothing wrong with a shortcut here and there. 

Besides, with the shortcuts I now have the confidence to bake more and I know things will turn out. 

Just look at how light and fluffy they are!

Yes, they are gluten and dairy free. The texture is amazing for being gluten free. It's not dense or crumbly. 

Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

1 Pkg. Betty Crocker Gluten Free Vanilla Cake Mix

1 Cup Water

3 Eggs

1/2 Cup or 1 Stick of Earth Balance Butter 

1 Tbsp of Lemon Juice or extract

Betty Crocker Cream Cheese Frosting

Combine mix, water, eggs, and butter and mix together until combined. Add in lemon flavoring use more or less depending on preference. Beat on medium for two minutes. Batter will probably be very runny, which is okay. I was concerned but they turned out wonderful. 

Pour into muffin tins, filling about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 18-23 minutes at 350 degrees fahrenheit. 

Yield: 12-15 Cupcakes

Remove from oven and let cool before frosting. 

I used pre made frosting, mostly because I wasn't going to experiment with making my own cream cheese frosting. But I will soon. Be careful when buying frosting if you are sensitive to dairy, the Whipped kind contains dairy!

Enjoy!

10 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Restricted Diet

It is possible to eat unhealthy, even if you're on a diet that restricts foods. Just a few years ago, people who had to eat gluten, dairy, sugar, peanut, and etc free were pretty limited to what they could eat. But now, there is so many options! Don't get me wrong, I love being able to feel like I can enjoy foods again. But does that make them healthy? Some yes are healthy. But others, not so much. It's all about reading the labels and what the ingredients are. A lot of products that are gluten and dairy free can contain extra sugars and other ingredients to make them, taste "normal" and those are things you want to avoid.  Even though I have been eating very healthy, I was adding more starches because I didn't have any actual wheat and my body and I was feeling deprived. So I loaded up on rice and potatoes to fill that gap. Since I couldn't have dairy, I was eating more of the products that were dairy free, just would go overboard a little. Once I realized what I was doing, I knew there had to more changes made. After making these changes, I can tell I do have more energy and I also don't feel as bloated. A lot of those special diets foods still contain salt, and you are consuming more of it when you feel deprived. 

Recently, I've decided to not eat as much meat, like chicken, turkey, and beef. I completely eliminated any pork and pork products just because I hate pork and it contains a higher number of viruses that could get me sick. I've added more fish into my diet instead.

So here are my 10 tips for eating healthy on a restricted diet. 

1. Swap white & brown rice for quinoa.

2. Limit your intake on gluten free breads and pastas.

3. Avoid prepackaged meals, even if they say they are organic.

4. Limit any processed foods. 

5. Fill up on vegetables

6. Make dinner your smallest meal of the day

7. Drink a cup of water before a meal

8. Buy local and fresh

9. Allow a treat meal or snack once in awhile. 

10. Avoid processed sugars. 

Eating healthy is easy. But don't get caught up in all the speciality foods or you'll be eating processed foods all over again. Just stick to the basics for most days, and allow a treat or two here and there. 

Cheers! 

Cleanse Day 3-7

Well I can't say that we successfully finished the cleanse. Our schedules got crazy busy and I ended up getting sick so things just didn't work out to well. We did try and stick to the food guidelines as much as possible. I already eat that way, so it was more for Caleb sticking to it. And he did. So we didn't completely abandoned ship on it. 

Also, I've been behind on updating just because life got a little busy and I was just to tired to even open my computer or just think of what to type by the end of the day. 

We will defiantly do a full cleanse sometime, just because we both did feel better. Until then we are eating a lot healthier than what we were before. Since I don't have much to say about the cleanse (whoops) I have another post on some easy tips to eat healthier here. 

During the cleanse, I found new ways to incorporate healthier foods, and get rid of the not so good foods. 

Cheers! 

Cleanse Day 2

So after a pretty crappy first day. I have to say that the second day went a little better. 

Yesterday was just an off day for me. I think that even if I ate how I normally do, I would have still felt crappy since those days happen. I decided to give it another day, and I'm glad I did. Today the shake didn't make me feel bad at all. Which is good because it's delicious! 

Here is what our meals consisted of  

Breakfast

Chocolate Blueberry Shake with Green Super Food recipe here

Lunch

My lunch: Half Avocado sliced with lettuce and a few chicken chunks

Caleb's lunch: Turkey sandwich with lettuce and avocado 

Dinner

Lentil soup with kidney beans

Also, throughout the whole day we drank water when we remembered to, but have to improve on that. 

We have given in a little here and there to some things, but we are improving. Our biggest goals are to cut out sugar and carbs. I'm really proud of Caleb because he used to hate avocado and wouldn't touch it but he put it on his sandwich. And yes he had a sandwich, baby steps. 

I'm learning that with cleansing, it's best to listen to your body. If you're hungry. Eat. But of course if you're craving junk food, don't give in and eat something healthier.  Since I'm not following any certain type of cleanse, I'm creating our own so I feel like I can alter things to fit each of our needs better. 

After day 2, I think we are both feeling better because we aren't depriving ourselves. We still have things to improve on but we are getting there. 

About the Green Super Food

Since we are replacing one meal with this. This is what is cleansing and detoxing. Since it's packed with a lot of vitamins and nutrients. 

I hope the next days coming up get even easier and we start to notice changes!

Cheers! :)