Game 13 Healthier Pizza(II) Seahawks @ Packers

Game 13

Seahawks @ Packers

Healthier Pizza Part II

Pregame

The dreaded Seahawks come into Lambeau today.  The Packers are 1-3 against them recently with 2 of those losses among the worst in franchise history:  The Fail Mary and the NFC Championship Game overtime loss in 2014.  This weather will be almost identical to last week except the majority of the snow should fall before game time.  

On paper Seattle is definitely the better team but the Packers are at home, won 2 in a row, played in the snow last week, and have to win to make the playoffs. If they can't win this game, they probably aren't a playoff team.  

Seattle's defense is still one of the best even though they will be without one of their best defensive players, safety Earl Thomas.  Christine Michael, the running back picked up from Seattle, may give the Packers a little inside info to help them and he may be amped up to show off against his former team.  The Pack will be without Nick Perry with a broken hand but TJ Lang wil be back to help protect QB12 against the Seattle defensive front.

Recipe

Healthier Pizza Part II

This week we are making pizza even healthier.  Last week we had a whole wheat crust, organic pizza sauce, fresh veggies, and Daiya vegan cheese.  This time we replace the pizza sauce and Daiya cheese.

Sauce

This sauce is not terrible but it does contain oil and added sugar.  Instead, whip up your own sauce without these ingredients in just a few minutes.

Pizza Sauce

1 15oz can Organic Low Salt Tomato Sauce(no added sugar or oil)

1 tbl Oregano

1 tbl Basil

1 tbl Garlic Powder

1 tbl Chopped Onion

or 

2 tsp Onion Powder

Note:  I like heavy sauce, so I use this amount on 2 pizzas.  If you like less sauce, this will make 4 pizzas.  Adjust the spices to your taste.

Cheese Topping

The Daiya cheese is a much better choice than cow's milk cheese but it is still a heavily processed food.  You can simply replace the Daiya with nutrional yeast and finely ground cashews.

Nutritional yeast tastes kind of cheesy.  It's high in protein and one the few foods that has vitamin B-12 in it.  Sprinkle as little or as much as you like once you have added your veggies.

Ground cashews make up the second part of the topping.  Take raw, organic(if possible) cashews and grind them in food processor or high speed blender into a powder.  Use the pulse function several times otherwise you make cashew butter.  Raw cashews are preferred because most cashews you find are roasted in oil and have salt added.  Sprinkle on top just like with the nutritional yeast.

Here is my pizza today with some of my favorite veggies: lactino(dinosaur) kale from the garden massaged in lemon juice, green peppers, red onion, and baby bella mushrooms. I also like to finish off mine with a bunch of red pepper flakes to give it a little bit of heat.  Enjoy!

Game Recap

Packers win 38-10!!

Great effort by the Packers!  The Packers started off with a touchdown but then allowed a FG to Seattle.  The Pack's next series resulted in a missed 51 yd FG but then held Seattle to a 3 and out and never relinquished control after that.

Big plays by the offense and defense won the day.  The D forced 6 turnovers, 5 INT's and a fumble, along with 3 sacks and many hard hits on former Badger Russell Wilson.  Aaron Rodgers played great with a QB rating of 150.8 even though he was hobbled most of game and was smartly pulled early in the 4th qtr when the game was out of reach for Seattle.  Jared Cook left the game with a chest injury which I wouldn't be surprised to find out it's a broken rib.

The Packers really needed this to solidify their playoff chances but will need the teams in front of them to start losing some games.  The last 3 games are against the division with next week being at Chicago and then home against the Vikings and Lions.  

Be well,

David

Game 8 Cheezy Fries Colts @ Packers

Game 8

Cheezy Fries

Colts @ Packers

Pregame

The Pack is back at home for 1 game before heading out on the road for 3 games.  It's important to win this one since they won't get back to Lambeau till December and the Colts and playing pretty awful right now.  Andrew has a horrific offensive line right now that has given up 31 sacks in the just the 1st half of the season.  They can score points but the defense is not very good.  If the Pack play like they did in Atlanta, they should win by 2 touchdowns.

The Pack will get back Quinten Rollins, Randall Cobb, and Ty Montgomery which should help.  Corey Linsley will also be back starting at center but replacing JC Tretter due to injury who had done a great job up to this point.  Having two great starting centers on the roster is a great problem to have.

Recipe

Cheezy Fries

by Debra Byczek

Ingredients:

Russet potatoes

Tomatoes

Red onion

Green onion 

"Bacon" Bits(see Mrs. Plant's link for recipe)

Quick Cashew Queso (see Mrs. Plant's link for recipe)

Steps:

Slice the Russet potatoes lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet that has been covered with a silicone slip mat or a piece of parchment paper.  Sprinkle with black pepper and garlic powder.  Bake in the oven at 450 degrees for about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes.

Once the potatoes are done arrange them on your plate and generously top with the Quick Cashew Queso.  Sprinkle your favorite toppings on.  We used "Bacon" bits, tomatoes, red onion, and green onion tops.  You can garnish them with your favorite toppings.

"Bacon" Bits

(TVP, Liquid Smoke, Salt, Water)

Russet Potatoes sprinkled with black pepper and garlic powder

Quick Cashew Queso Ingredients

(Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Cashews, Nutritional Yeast, Miso, Lemon Juice, Black Pepper, Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Almond Milk)

Yummo!!

Health Tip

Want more great delicious plant-based recipes?  Check out our friend Amy Johnson's site Mrs. Plant in Texas.  On her site you can find hundreds of oil free, low fat, whole food plant based recipes.  

Amy was sedentary and overweight with Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. After watching the movie Forks Over Knives in 2012, her family went plant based overnight.  After 3 months, she was off the medications she was taking 3 times a day, reversed her diabetes, lowered her cholesterol, and started to lose weight.  Now she has lost over 50 lbs and even ran her first 5K at 51! (more about Mrs. Plant)

Amy also has an Education tab on her website that is full of blogs, videos, and audio with cooking, health, and lifestyle tips.

Game Result

Packers lose 31-26!

Well, there's not much to say about this one other than they totally blew it!  For all the good plays they made, they gave up more bad ones. 

Especially memorable bad play included:

• Giving up a 99 yd touchdown on the opening kickoff
• Only scoring 3 points on the 1st 2 drives
• After finally getting an interception they missed a FG
• Scoring only 3 points in the 2nd & 3rd qtr
• Inability if the defense to make a stop on 3rd down on the Colt's last drive

They looked like they actually were going to make a comeback but the defense couldn't make a stand when they needed to.  The defense also should have been able to sack Luck way more than 2 times.

Off to Tennessee next week for the start of their 3 game road trip.

Be well,

David

Game 7: Packers @ Falcons Creamy Apple Dip

Game 7

Packers @ Falcons

Creamy Apple Dip

Pregame

This will should be an exciting high scoring game with the Atlanta offense 2nd best and the Packer's offense putting it together lately.  Late scratches for the Packers include Clay Matthews, Randall Cobb, and Ty Montgomery.  This will really hamper their passing and running attack, but now it looks a good decision the GM kept so many receivers on the roster.

We have some our family that lives in the Atlanta area attending the game today to hopefully bring them good luck!  Pictured are my mom, sister, nephew, and Uncle John.  It's John's 60th birthday and the 1st time to see them in person.

Recipe

Creamy Apple Dip

From Dr. Michael Greger

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cashews(raw/unsalted/organic if possible)

1 cup of dates, remove the pits

3/4-1 cup of water

1 Tablespoon of cinnamon

1/2 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Apple slices ( we used Granny Smith & Honeycrisp organic apples)

1.  In a high speed blender, combine the cashews, dates, water, cinnamon, and vanilla.  Blend until smooth.

2.  Wash and slice the apples.

3.  Enjoy!  Makes enough dip for 8 people.

Health Tip

Dr. Michael Greger is one the leading experts in the plant-based nutrition and wellness movement.  His website www.nutritionfacts.org is the go to resource for almost any health topic you could want to research.  Over 2,100 different health topics covered in mostly in 3-5 minute videos.  His site works by donation alone.  No money from outside influences just the facts!

His recent book was a New York Times best seller How Not To Die.  He also has an app that reminds you on a daily basis to consume his Daily Dozen, 12 things you should do every day for optimal health.

Game Recap

Packers lose 33-32!

Well it was an exciting high scoring game but the Pack didn't take advantage of several opportunities in the 2nd half that could've put them on top.  2 missed interceptions late in the 4th qtr, missing downing a punt near the goal line, not making key 3rd downs and missing a few big plays.  Overall you can't complain with the amount of guys hurt and some key guys stepping up like Geronimo Allison(is that a great name or what), Trevor Davis, Jeff Janis, Davante Adams, and The Ripper(Aaron Ripkowski).  

Next week is back at home against the Colts.  Hopefully we can get some guys healthy to make a strong push for the 2nd half.

Be well, 

David

Game 2: Packers @ Vikings Ultimate Nachos

Game 2:  Packers @ Vikings 

Ultimate Nachos

Pregame News

This is Minnesota's home opener at the new $1.13 Billion US Bank Stadium.  It's notable feature is the partially clear roof(instead of a retractable roof) and it's opening doors on either end.  To the Packer's disadvantage, the angle of the angle of the roof slants towards their sideline making the crowd noise louder on that side of the field.

Sam Shields will not play due to the concussion(his 5th of his career) suffered in the Jacksonville game last week. I am very concerned for his future health and would not be surprised if he retired after this season.  Quinten Rollins and LeDarius Gunter will need to step up to take place.  Neither had a great game last week.  Also, rookie receiver Trevor Davis should be active for his 1st NFL game.

Game Recap

1st Qtr

I have to hand it to Minnesota, the stadium appears to be pretty awesome.  Some scares include Clay Matthews limping off the field(appears to be okay) and two fumbles by Rodgers and Adams that were thankfully recovered.  On the plus side Daniels sacked Bradford, Montgomery blocked a punt, and Peterson was held to 1 yard.  Adams draws an interferance call resulting in short TD pass from Rodger to Nelson.  7-0 Packers

2nd Qtr

Burnett gives up an 8yd TD pass.  Bradford's left hand appears really swollen and gets it checked out in the locker room.  Diggs gets a 42yd pass to set up a Walsh 46yd field goal. 10-7 Vikings

3rd Qtr

A Matthew's sack ends the Vikings's 1st drive near midfield.  Packers stall on a missed 4th & 1 on the Vikings 8.  Peterson and Hyde both go out within a minute of each other with ankle injuries.  Diggs 25 yd TD pass.  17-7 Vikings

4th Qtr

Rodgers sacked to open the qtr but completes 39yd pass to Jordy to the Minnesota 4 and the runs in 10yds for a TD.  Tretter gets a 15yd penalty after the play for defending a late hit on Rodgers which the refs don't call.  Rodger fumbles on their next drive on the Minnesota 39.  Packers hold the Vikings with a sack on 3rd & 11.  Packers start on their 9, Rodgers picked by Waynes with 1:50 to go.  Vikes get an interference call on 3rd & 6 to seal the game.  

Conclusion

Vikings win 17-14.  Sam Bradford looked like a Pro Bowl QB in his first start after looking horrible in the 1st qtr, totally outplayed Aaron Rodgers.  Packers failed to make the big plays they needed on offense.  Demarious Randall was burned repeatedly by Stefon Diggs.

Game 2 Recipe

Ultimate Nachos by Debra Byczek

Whether you are a Nacho Purist (straight up queso and peppers) or a Nacho Extremist (throw whatever you can find on top) this week's recipe is for you!

1. Grab a bag a minimally processed corn tortillas.  We like to use the brand El Milagro.  Cut the tortillas into fourths and lightly spray them with water.  Next, shake on whatever spices you desire.  I used chili powder.  Throw them in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake them about 20-25 minutes.  They should come out crispy and crunchy.  Now you've got your first layer.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. It's Queso time!  There are a lot of great non -dairy recipes out there, but our favorite comes from our good friend Mrs. Plant.  This queso is not only easy, but also full of great healthy ingredients.  The base is cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk.  We've attached the link so you can check out this as well as other great recipes from Mrs. Plant.
    
3. Get out your cutting board because it's time to chop up your garnishes.  We chose to cut up:  jalapenos, red onion, green onions, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados.  Feel free to add as much or as little as you like.
   
4. "Meat" layer.  I used a bag of Beyond Beef pea protein crumbles, a can of organic pinto beans, and a package of Trader Joe's taco seasoning.  Dump all of these in a skillet with a little water and heat until warmed through.
5. Now the fun begins!  It's time for everyone to jump in and build their own plate of nachos.  I'm a Nacho Extremist so here's a picture of mine.  This makes a great, healthy football watching snack.  Enjoy!
   
   

Health/Food Tips of the Week

Healthier Food Substitutions

Eating healthier can be as easy as substituting ingredients in the dishes that you love.  These Nachos use the following healthier choices:

Beyond Meat Beefy Crumble



This is a great transition or replacement for ground beef!  No cholesterol, saturated fat, or GMO's.   This or any of their other products are pretty easier to find now. Use their store locator to find a location near you. If you sign up for their newsletter you can get $1 off coupons occasionally.  The average price is usually around $4.50.


El Milagro Corn Tortillas

These Corn Tortillas are found in the frozen section at Central Market grocery stores grocery stores(owned by HEB).  The ingredients are just non-gmo stone ground corn, water, and lime. You can't get any more minimally processed than this.  No oil, no salt, and nothing artificial. If you aren't lucky enough to find this brand, try to find some with similar ingredients.







Quick Cashew Queso

This is great substitution for Velveeta or other cheese sauces. It uses raw cashews as the main ingredient instead of cow's milk or milk by-products.  Raw cashew are best.  Unprocessed, plain raw cashews.  By avoiding the roasting process, added oils, salts, etc will be avoided and the maximum amount of nutrients preserved. Health Benefits of Cashews

If you use Velveeta have you ever looked at the ingredients or nutritional profile?
Here's a good synopsis about it:  http://www.organicauthority.com/what%27s-in-velveeta  

Spread the Word

We appreciate your feedback to help improve this blog as we are very new to this.  Inform us if there are any recipes you want us make as well. 

Please share these recipes and books with your family and friends.  Our main goal is to get every person healthier and then have them share as well.

Next week is the home opener at Lambeau Field against Detroit!


Be well,

David Byczek