Better Call Saf (Registered Dietitian)

Comparison between different type of milk: Cow's, A2, B.O.B. Hemp, Soya, Almond, Oat and Rice ">Why plant based milk are taking over the regular one ?  -  Since lot of people are intolerant to lactose, they have to opt for a plant based one and this is the first reason to consider when you don't have any other choice - Another main reason is to reduce saturated fats or sugar in the daily intake or increase certain vitamins and minerals in order to improve the diet, as shown in the numbers below, each type of milk has different amount of micro and macro nutrients  - The taste, the ethical and environmental impact are also to be considered, including following a vegan diet just to make an example  So let's compare the Nutritional Value of 100 ml of different type of milk and after that  we are going to discuss benefits and disadvantages for each of them (4 from cows and 5 plant based)  1 00 ml Cow's milk (whole) Calories: around 66 Fat: 3.7 gr  wh

What is it? Similar to Quinoa or couscous it's a cereal made from groat of durum wheat usually (and this wheat is commonly used for some varieties of fresh pasta like tagliatelle) Not to be confused with cracked wheat (we are going to discuss the nutritional value in the next chapter)  Commonly used in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries it offers a great varieties of recipes you can choose from  Is usually parboiled so very quick to prepare Nutritional value:   Per 100 gr: Calories: 83 Fat 0.24 gr Carbs: 18.6 gr which Sugars: 0.1 gr which Fibres: 4.5 gr Protein: 3.1 gr Benefits: Fat and cholesterol free High in Fibre and low in sugar Good source of Manganese and Magnesium Good alternative to Quinoa or Wholemeal rice, so you can use this as a good alternative 

Let's start by saying that is not always to be just black OR white In this case is not about switching completely to these options instead of your favourite protein intake It's more about  having varieties and alternatives  during the month and sometimes trying new things that you don't know yet if you will love it or hate it,  but let's give a chance at least! So here some alternatives with detailed nutritional values per  100 gr : Tofu  What is it ? Similar procedure as cheesemaking it's made from condensed soy milk, also called bean curd. Nutritional Value: Calories  76  Protein  8 gr Carbs 2 gr Fat  5 gr Where to find it and How to use it? This product now it's very famous and easy to find in any groceries There are different types: - Silken: perfect to be blended like in smoothies or in recipes instead of eggs, so even scrambled on your toast - Firm:  more as a meat substitute, has to be seasoned and usually fried,

Before listing the benefits let's say that Green Tea CAN help  but only if included as a part of a healthy lifestyle so it won't be a remedy to balance all the unhealthy choices. Can help to loose weight ? Studies shown that just ADDING green tea  to your daily routine might not help with significant weight loss.   But switching this drink without added sugars instead of fizzy drinks or any other sugary drink is going mathematically to reduce  your caloric intake and that is a fact especially in the long term journey. Again following this reasoning the switch will help to reduce and control better the sugar levels in your blood, consider that if you are already avoiding sugary/fizzy drinks the benefit could be minimal because of healthier choices already in place. For instance: Switching From a daily consumption of soda could save as 50000 calories as average per year! Caffein content: Depending on the brand. But usually the caffeine amount is lower

It's good to have more options when talking about veggies and try new things to have more variety in your diet This Pickled mustard plant, usually can be salted and rubbed with red hot chili paste, and after that fermented with a unique spicy, sour and salty taste. Recommended to wash it before consume it, to reduce the salt intake but also the spiceness. Nutritional facts for 100 gr: only 23 calories 0.1 gr fat, almost none basically 2.5 gr of protein 4.6 gr of carbs, which mostly are actually fibers Via Pixabay

Usually vegetables don't provide the same amount and quality of protein like animal products But there is an exception made for different varieties of legumes which can provide a healthy and complete protein source Let's compare now different varieties per cup Peas 150 gr: Calories  120 Protein  8gr Fibers 8 gr Lentils 200 gr Calories  240  Protein  18gr Fibers 16 gr Chickpeas 150gr Calories  260  Protein  14gr Fibers 12 gr Black Beans 150 gr Calories  200 Protein  15 gr Fibers 14 gr Via Pixabay

What is and why Edamame ?  Is a soybean which means is suitable in vegan diet Naturally Gluten Free and Cholesterol free  Excellent source of protein Iron and Calcium considering is not an animal product  How? They are usually sold in their pods that are not meant to be eaten  The beans can be boiled, steamed or microwaved before eating them, so th ey could a very quick and easy snack alternatives Nutritional info for half cup (80gr): Calories: 90  Protein: 9 gr Carbs: 8 gr which more than half are Fibres (4gr)  Fat: 4 gr  Minerals: Magnesium, Iron and Calcium  Via Pixabay

Why to choose it ? First of all is not counting as a carb but could be used as a replacement to the traditional rice and other carbs like pasta, once in a while to have more variety and reduce the caloric intake at the end of the month. Per 100 gr of product: 30-40 calories, which compared to any other carb alternatives is 3 or 4 time less in calories (for instance the same portion of rice would have been around 150 calories or more)   4 gr of Carbs which is almost nothing and that's why is countable as a 5 a day  0 gr of fat There are different ways to cook it: in the microwave: the easiest and quickest way, also consider that no oil is used for this Roasting is preferred than stir-frying because won't be soggy but instead will be even closer in taste and texture like proper rice  Always add a nice rich sauce to that to enjoy this product like a chilly or a curry for instance  Extra tip: You can find it ready made in the froze

Quinoa know as the mother of all grains from the ancient population in America has different reasons to be chosen in your diet: Slow carbs release and naturally gluten free Essential Vitamins and Mineral such as In good amounts:  Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus  In relevant amounts:  Folate, Copper, Iron, Zinc and Potassium Vitamin B1, B3, B6 and E Now for 100gr of cooked Quinoa contains: 120 Calories 21 gr of Carbs which 2.8 gr are fibres 4.4 gr of Protein 1.9 gr of Fat Some additional facts: As explained before is a low glycemic index product with slow carbs release (GI score 53) which good compared to other traditional carbs like white rice and pasta Higher amount of Fibres than brown rice Has complete proteins which is not to easy to find in non-animal products Contains QUERCETIN and SQUALENE, both of them antioxidants So all of these means that can be helpful to control and improve blood sugar levels and weight loss Extr

The name says  "sweet" but this doesn't mean that is high in sugar. Here is a comparison with the regular Potatoes SWEET POTATOES (100 gr baked with skin) - 90 kcal  - Carbs 20 gr - Fibers 3.3 gr - Fat 0.2 gr - Protein 2 gr Contain high amount of Vitamin A but also Vitamin B1, B2, B3. B5. B6, C And minerals like Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper and Phosphorus YAMS (100 gr boiled or baked) - 115 kcal - Carbs 27 gr - Fibers 3.9 gr - Fat 0.1 gr - Protein 1.5 gr Same kind of vitamins and minerals like in the sweet potatoes but the amount is defintely lower excepts Potassium and manganese  Now let's compare these two with the common Potatoes per 100 gr boiled with skin - 90 kcal - Carbs  20.1 gr - Sugar 0.9 gr - Fibers 1.8 gr - Fat 0.1 gr - Protein 1.9 gr The amount of calories seem the same but they are completely different: The amount of sugars in pot

The varieties of seeds we can find in the standard groceries are amazing but that means that we need to pay extra attention to check and choose the right one . Here is a list of the ones to prefer and why: - Flax seeds :  55 kcal per tablespoon  4gr of fat, and 3 gr of Fibers  High in Fiber and Omega 3 but low in calories  - Pumpkin seeds:   less than 100 kcal per tablespoon 2 gr of fat and 6 gr of Carbs but one-third of that are Fibers High in Zinc and more minerals that can help to maintain a regular bowel against constipation - Chia seeds: 60 kcal per tablespoon 3 gr of fat and 5 gr of Carbs  but almost all of them are fibres (4gr) High in Iron, Magnesium, Calcium and Vitamin E Two more good reasons: Taste is good in many ways from a snack to a sprinkle on your main dish and they are very filling.  How much to eat? To make things easier, One full tablespoon (10 grams) should be enough but you can have this even tw

Getting bored of the same low-calorie snacks or  meal  every  day  could  be   the  major  obstacle for the  long term  success in your lifestyle changes, so  time  to  time  I will  provide you   alternatives  to  have  more  varieties  in your  diet . This  is  the second  alternative  after the  Belvita  Biscuits here  is  the  link  for the  article  in  case  you  missed : https ://bettercallsaf. blogspot . com/2019/06/belvita-breakfast . html Now as a second alternative I would like to recommend low-fat Hummus/Houmus  (a chickpea-based dip)  that can be used as a snack or even as a quick meal for Lunch or Dinner.   Why Low-fat Houmous? Is high in  fibre  and  protein , low in  carbs  and fat, plus is quick and easy to  use  with many  options , the  amount  of  fibre  and  protein  helps you to  fill   full  even with a  small  portion. Let's discuss PORTIONS, CALORIES and WHICH Houmous to choose. PORTIONS : -   As a Snack 50gr should be enough and you c