Erewhon Cereals: Feel Good from the Inside Out

It is rare that I ever have cravings for my old gluten-y food favorites. As many of you can attest for, gluten is poison in a celiac's eyes making it hard to intensely crave that Krispy Kreme donut or slice of pie, knowing the consequences that would follow eating one. HOWEVER, about a month ago, I found myself craving Special K with strawberries. This hasn't ever been one of my favorite foods, but as I passed the red and white boxes while browsing the grocery store aisle, I found myself craving a big ol' bowl of the stuff. Enter Erewhon Cereal...

Erewhon gluten free cereals is a branch within Attune Foods; a food company based around the idea of eating foods made from simple, real ingredients in order to feel our best. Their gluten free cereals are made from organic brown rice or organic corn and are certified gluten free by GIG. 

I was sent the flavors Strawberry Crisp and Rice Twice-both great! The Strawberry Crisp reminds me of said Special K cereal- except of course, safe for us gluten free-ers! The flakes seemed to wilt faster in the milk than normal "flake" cereals do, but this could just be due to the fact that gluten free foods in general, tend to be less sturdy than their gluten filled counterparts. This didn't stop me from enjoying it, though! 

The Rice Twice flavor actually had much more flavor than I expected. I was anticipating something along the lines of Rice Krispies, but the flavor somewhat reminded me of Honey Smacks- a pleasant surprise! This is due to the organic brown rice syrup and honey added to the rice puffs. The flavor is not overly strong or sweet, so this is a great cereal for those who enjoy lighter cereals. 

I might also mention that I give major kudos to a gluten free cereal manufacturer for making a gfree cereal with some actual healthy benefits. Many gluten free cereals these days seem to be made with just rice flour and sugar. Gluten free? Yes. Healthy? Not so much. Erewhon Cereals are made with 100% Whole Grains and contain absolutely no mystery ingredients. Yay! 

Cereal is a great addition to any dorm food stock. It's quick, easy, (usually) inexpensive, and (usually) tasty! Check and see if Erewhon cereals are sold in stores around you, and give it a try! 

Healthy Snacks for Movers & Shakers

            As students, we are pretty much busy all the time. We squeeze homework and studying in  

between classes, club meetings, gym sessions (maybe), hang out sessions (definitely), and sleeping. How  

are we supposed to fit eating into this tight schedule, let alone eating healthily?? Well, it's easier than you 

think. Being the super artsy person that I am not, I've made a little collage of snacks that a. take about zero 

minutes to prepare  b. will be fitting for any food budget and  c. will make your tummy happy. 

one. {Green Tea} Ok so I know green tea isn't a food, but it has too many health benefits to be unmentioned-- speeding up metabolism, burning fat, and maximizing exercise output are just a few perks to making this your morning drink of choice.

two. {Almonds} It's all too easy to choose to snack on that big bag of M&Ms stashed in your desk, but by simply replacing this with a big bag of almonds you will be saving yourself an obscene amount of sugar and fat. And don't try to tell me that almonds have fat therefore they aren't good to eat: yes, they have fat but it is the kind of fat that your body honestly needs. 

three. {Apples} An apple a day keeps the doctor away: a true statement. The great things about this fruit is that they are naturally sweet-great for that sweet tooth that has been nagging at you. Pair an apple with some cheese slices or natural peanut butter and you're all set! 

four. {Spinach} You're natural instinct to spinach may likely be "why would I ever choose to eat spinach, voluntarily?". We are only human, and unfortunately we are kind of programmed to cringe at spinach. However, spinach can be made super delicious with two simple additions: cheese and turkey slices. Wrap the cheese are turkey inside the spinach and it turns from being a bland bunch of greens to being a seriously tasty snack. 

five. {Black Beans} I love black beans. So much so that they have made their way onto my top 10 favorite food list. It's so easy: open a can, enjoy the vegetarian goodness. Throw some in with scrambled egg whites and salsa for a satisfying breakfast, load up a brown rice wrap with a bunch of them, snack on them straight outta the can-- whatever floats your boat! These beans are super versatile and help improve digestion, give you some fiber, and supply you with some serious protein. 

six. {Oatmeal} I've been eating Glutenfreeda Banana Maple Flax Oatmeal for breakfast for the past few weeks, and I have to say, I have never felt more energized throughout the day than when I start it with oatmeal. All that is required is some gluten free oats, water, and a microwave. It doesn't get much easier. 

seven. {Avocado} Another one of my favorites. Like black beans, this creamy green fruit has oodles of healthy fats you need. Slice some as a toast topper, dice it up into an omelette, or mash it up with something spicy for guacamole. YUM

eight. {Berries} Step 1: Defrost mixed berries. Step 2: Put berries in a bowl. Step 3: Plop some fresh whipped cream on top. Step 4: Devour without guilt, only joy. 

nine. {Eggs} I storm through a carton of eggs like nobody's business. Eggs are cheap, versatile, easy to make, delectable, and a great source of protein! Fry one up in some olive oil and sea salt, scramble with veggies and cheese, boil a couple for a grab and go snack. In my book, eggs can do no wrong. 

Photo Credits: http://mypartea.net, http://foodphoria.blogspot.com, http://www.bakerella.com, http://www.flickr.com/photos/indiansimmer, http://blogcritics.org, http://eatlocal.wordpress.com, http://www.honeyandjam.com