Let’s Get Poppin’

When you think whole grains- what comes to mind? Breakfast cereals, bread, crackers, pasta…….and popcorn? Yes that’s right- popcorn is indeed a whole grain, packed with a great dose of fiber to keep you satisfied and help lower your risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. The USDA recommends 3 servings of whole grains per day but a new study published in this month’s issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, reports that young people are consuming less than 1 serving of whole grains daily.

Popcorn is an easy, fun, and delicious way to get whole grains into your diet. A perfect snack for on the go or to enjoy at home.

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Want even more reason to eat popcorn? Scientists reported at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society that popcorn not only contains fiber, but it also has surprisingly large amounts of polyphenols, strong antioxidants that are also found in fruits and vegetables.

So for snack, dessert, or whenever you’re hungry- grab a nice, healthy bag of popcorn.
Stick to the 100-calorie bags for a great tasting portion without all the butter!

Keep it healthy,

Ms. College Foodie

Quick, Yummy, Fiber and Protein Packed Pasta

Photo Courtesy of Chelsey Kaplan

Try this Fast, Convenient, and Budget Friendly Pasta Dish that I made for dinner tonight. It will keep you satisfied not only with its filling Fiber and Protein but also through its use of staple food items.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups of Whole Wheat Pasta (I used a mix of Fusilloni and Penne)
• 1/4 Cup Jarred Roasted Red Pepper, chopped
  
• 1/2 of a 15 oz. Can of Kidney Beans
  
• 1 15 oz. Can of Crushed Tomatoes (preferably low sodium)
• 6 oz. of Extra-Firm Tofu (3 oz is about the size of a deck of cards), cut into cubes
  
• 1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried Basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried Oregano
• dash of salt
• dash of pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions:

1. Drain and rinse beans in a colander in the sink.
2. Cook pasta until “al dente” (a slight resistance when chewed)
3. Drain the pasta in the colander containing the beans, so the hot pasta warms the beans. Return beans and pasta to pasta pot.
4. On medium heat, add the rest of the ingredients to the pasta pot. Cook a few minutes, stirring occasionally until dish is warm

Makes 2-3 Servings

Keep it Healthy,

Ms. College Foodie