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 12 Healthier than Delivery Pizza Texans @ Packers

Game 12

Healthier than Delivery Pizza

Texans @ Packers

Pregame

Game forecast:  Green Bay kind of weather, 35 and snowy!

If field conditions are poor look for a low scoring game with a lot of running and short passes.  We hope QB 12 can keep his play at a high level with a questionable hamstring suffered last week.  Clay Matthews should play even though his shoulder is not 100% and expect Jake Ryan to be back after a few games out. 

The Texans have a decent defense even with JJ Watt(from Peawaukee, WI) out for the season.  Their offense has only scored 2 offensive touchdowns in 1 game and the have the highest paid most underperforming quarterback in the league, Brock Osweiller.  If the Packers control the clock and the turnovers, they should be able to corral the Texans easily. 

Recipe/Health Tip

Healthier than Delivery Pizza

Pizza is a staple for NFL gameday.  However, the pizza most people are eating is one of the worst foods as far as your health is concerned.  Pizza Hut, Domino's or Papa John's, not much difference as to how bad they are for you.  Loaded with cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium from butter, cheese, oil, and meat. 

Give your heart and arteries a break by making this much healthier version of pizza.  Most people say time is the biggest reason they can't eat healthy. Buying this pizza kit will save you time, money, and your health.  We find this one at Costco for $9.99.(They recently switched to this brand but we liked the brand they had previous a little more)  It comes with 4 premade crusts and sauces.  

As far as healthy crusts and sauces go it is fairly good.  They use organic ingredients but the negatives include high salt, added oil, and sweeteners in the form of honey and sugar.  That said it is still a much healthier place to start than your local pizza chain.

Now that you have a good base to start with, all you have to do is pile on your favorite healthy veggie toppings and the combinations are endless.  Finish it off with some vegan cheese such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart mozzarella cheese, pop it in the oven for 10-12 minutes and you have quick, easy, healthier gameday pizza!

Game Recap

Packers win again 21-13!

This was a classic winter Green Bay game in the low 30's and snow throughout. With a slippery field, the footing wasn't great so it wasn't clean and precise. Just the opposite: dirty, sloppy, snowy, and cold.  Just what December NFL football should be!

The Packers offense played the best at the beginning and the end with a little bit of a lull in the middle.  Jordy Nelson had the best day but it seemed like every offensive weapon had at least one really big play to solidify the win.  The biggest thing was it looked like they were having fun and playing like a team.  It was great to watch, one of the most fun games of the year!

Next week is going to be a real tough game going to Seattle.  They need to keep the momentum rolling.

Be well, 

David