Game 3: Lions @ Packers Guacamole

Game 3:  Lions @ Packers

Guacamole

Pregame News

After the loss to the Vikings, the Packers are looking to get the offense on track. They will have 4 home games in a row plus a Bye Week.  They are ranked 29th in total yards and Aaron Rodgers had his worst game and was very defensive about his play to the media.  Going back to the 1st loss last year against Denver, Rodgers hasn't had a QB rating over 100.  He should get back on track. Mike McCarthy said Ty Montgomery and Trevor Davis will have some added plays to make the offense a little more dynamic and speedy.  The punting has also been terrible giving them consistently bad field position.

The defense on the other hand is the Packers bright spot(minus the horrible game Randall had).  The are ranked #1 vs the run but they this week they will be thin against the Lions because of injuries.  Out are: Clay Matthews, Datone Jones, Letroy Guion, Morgan Burnett, and Sam Shields.  

The game is not being televised in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area so I'll be listening on Sirius XM.  I actually enjoy games this way the few times they aren't on tv in this market.  It's kind of old school, back to days before tv, when people would gather around the radio.  

Game Recap

Packers win 34-27!

After getting out to 31-3 lead, the Packers coasted in the 2nd half to just survive the Lions.  The Packers offense was big play from the start and scored on it's first six possessions:  4 passing TD's and 2 FG's.  Eddie Lacy ended up with 103 yds and Jordy Nelson was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 101 yds.  The offense in the 2nd half, after the 1st possession was a yawn fest.  In typical fashion, the Packers let off the gas and coasted after having a big lead.

Jared Cook and Aaron Ripowski both left the game with injuries.

The defense had a decent day especially since they were missing 5 big players. Matthew Stafford had a whopping 385 yds with 205 of them to Marvin Jones. Run defense was outstanding again(the Lions top back was out) only allowing 50 total yds and Demarius Randall redeemed himself somewhat with a nice interception for 44 yds.  Jake Ryan and Micah Hyde were the leading tacklers and Nick Perry showed up big(finally!) with 2 sacks.

Special teams weren't a big factor today although Ty Montgomery had a nice 24 yd kickoff return and Jacob Schum had a decent day with 2 punts for a 41.5 yd average.

Recipe

Guacamole by Debra Byczek

Ingredients:

5 ripe avocados

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1 jalapeno, diced

1 lime

Few shakes of granulated garlic to taste

Few shakes of salt (optional)

Gently wash the cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeno and lime.  Once you have all of your ingredients gathered up get out your cutting board and chop everything up.  Mash the avocados in a bowl (I like to leave some larger chunks) and then add all of the other ingredients.  Gently stir everything together and shake some garlic powder in and squeeze in the lime juice. You can add as much or a little of the cilantro, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeno as you like. 

*If your avocados are not ripe a quick tip I learned from my friend Liz Lundy is to set them by a bunch of bananas for a day or two and they'll ripen right up. 

*Your family and friends will love this delicious guacamole and it'll be the hit of any game or party!

The bright healthy ingredients

We served the guacamole with the homemade baked chips from Game 2.

Check here if you missed to make them:  Game 2: Ultimate Nachos

Health Tip of the Week

Avocados

Avocados are something I never ate before becoming plant-based.  Debra on the other had has always enjoyed them.

  

They are loaded with nutrients but they are also very calorically dense at 750.   It is also one of the highest plant foods in fat.  If you are trying to lose weight they should be enjoyed sparingly in small portions.  I will typically eat about one a week.  Check out how the calorie and fat levels change for the different portion sizes. 

Check here for a comprehensive list of benefits: Health benefits of avocados

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 information with your family and friends.  Our main goal is to get every person healthier and then have them share the information as well.

Next up is the bye week, no game.  Get out and enjoy the rare weekend off from Packer football in the outdoors with friends and/or family!


Be well,

David Byczek

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