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

Game 11 Baked Fries & Homemade Ketchup Packers @ Eagles

Game 11

Baked Fries & Homemade Ketchup

Packers @ Eagles

Pregame

Monday night football in Philly should be a good game.  Can the Packers win? Now their backs are to the wall and probably have to win the remaining 6 games to make the playoffs.  They'll have to do without their two starting linebackers but they will get back Damarius Randall.  Look for Clay Matthews to probably get some snaps inside.  Philly is a tough place to play and Carson Wentz has played great most of his rookie seasons far.  

Recipe

Baked Fries & Homemade Ketchup

Recipe by High Carb Hannah

Ingredients:

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise into strips

1 tsp each:  onion powder, garlic powder, paprika

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Place fries in a large bowl and toss with spices.  Arrange fries on a pan prepared with parchment paper.  Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.  Top with nutritional yeast for extra flavor if you like.

Homemade Ketchup

1/2 cup water

1 (6oz) can tomato paste

4 Medjool dates, soaked in water for 1 hour

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp dried oregano

Blend all of the ingredients on high until smooth.  Refrigerate for up to one week in an airtight container.

Health Tip

This recipe was from High Carb Hannah.  You can visit her website Raw Till Whenever to find out her full story.  She has lost 70+ pounds in 2 years by first following Dr. John McDougall's book The Starch Solution eating a lot of potatoes. Along her journey she has developed her own recipes and system that has helped many lose weight.  

She has a new ebook out called Lean and Clean that you can purchase and save 10% by using the code "mrsplant".  Check out Mrs. Plant's blog if you want to see great examples of some of the recipes in the book.

Game Recap

Packers win 27-13!!

The skid has finally halted.  The Pack came to play and maintained their intensity for the full 60 minutes.  They had long time consuming drives that put them up by 11 minutes in time of possession.  Aaron Rodgers was terrific, they ran the ball when they had too but the receivers were the stars of the game, making great catches with only a few drops.  The defense did get an interception but just played average.  But average is all they need to play when the offense is clicking.

Hopefully they can recreate this model for the last 5 games and sneak into the playoffs where anything can happen.  Back home this coming weekend against the Texans and it is already predicted to be about 34 degrees at game time.

Until next week, be well

David

Game 10 Cucumber Dill Dip Packers @ Redskins

Game 10

Cucumber Dill Dip

Packers @ Redskins

Pregame

It's been a rough week for the Pack after two terrible losses.  The coach and GM have been under fire and people are asking who are the leaders on this team and who is going to step up.

Injuries for the Packers are a wash this week.  They'll get Clay Matthews and Jared Cook back but it'll be offset by losing TJ Lang and Jake Ryan.  

The Packers need to figure things out tonight or things could get real ugly the rest of the season.  The best thing going for them is that they beat Washington at home in the playoffs last year, but Washington is a little better than last year and they probably are looking for some revenge.  

Recipe

Cucumber Dill Dip

Recipe inspired by PlantBased OKC

Ingredients:

1 box silken tofu (Mori Nu Organic Lite Firm)

1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped

1/2 small onion

2 large garlic cloves

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp dried parsley

1 1/2 Tbsp dried dill

Place all in the ingredients in the blender and blend at high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth.  Makes about 1 quart and will last a week in the fridge.

Serve with fresh veggies and crackers.

Health Tip

This recipe was from the group Plant Based OKC.  This group in Oklahoma City is lead by Dr. Jimmy Conway and his wife Andrea.  Dr. Conway is a leading orthopedic surgeon specializing in the shoulder.  He went plant-based overnight after doing extensive research including reading Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease(which we have mentioned before) the day before he was scheduled for triple bypass heart surgery.   He cancelled the surgery and 6 months later was in great health.  Here's a 5 minute video about Dr. Jimmy Conway.

Now Jimmy and Andrea, with the help of Randy Titony, are spreading the word about a plant-based diet throughout Oklahoma.  Every month they hold a free 2.5 hour Nutrition 101 class at the hospital Jimmy works in.  We attended this class in May as a family and it was just the help and guidance the rest of my family needed to go plant-based.  They also hold a Wellness Forum the 1st Monday of every month at a restaurant where you can get a great meal and talk about health.  

You can find out more about Plant Based OKC by going to their website.  They also have a great Facebook page, PlantBasedOkc, that shares great health information and recipes.  On Instagram, you can follow them @plantbasedokc.
Dr. Conway is also in the the new documentary Eating you Alive.

Game Recap

Packers lose again, 42-24.

The Packers played well enough to win but the defensive secondary could just not prevent big plays.  Throw in a slow start again by the offense and they were playing from behind most of the game.

Some bright spots included Jared Cook and Aaron Rodgers.  Despite a little slow start, Rodgers played like the we know he can.  Jared Cook showed exactly what the Packers hoped from him when they signed him as a free agent.

Next week we're still on the road, in Philly this time.  The Packers are now 2 games out of 1st place in the division and a loss next week and a win by the Vikings or Lions will pretty much seal their fate.

Have a great week with family and friends for Thanksgiving!

David

Game 9: BBQ Tempeh Tacos Packers @ Titans

Game 9

BBQ Tempeh Tacos

Packers @ Titans

Pregame

The Pack starts the 2nd half of the season with the 1st of 3 games on the road in Tennessee.  With a record of 4-4, the Packers still have an opportunity to make the playoffs and even be seeded high because the NFC doesn't have any standouts besides the Cowboys(it pains me to say this).  A loss today will make a run very difficult.

The running game should get a boost as James Starks will be active for the first time in a month.  Fill-in Don Jackson was deactivated to allow Starks to play. Clay Matthews will be out again after re-aggravating his hamstring injury in practice last week.

Recipe

BBQ Tempeh Tacos

by Debra Byczek

These BBQ tacos are a healthy alternative to traditional tacos.  This recipe is inspired by Rip Esselysten in My Beef With Meat.

Ingredients:

8 oz package of organic tempeh

1 Tablespoon Tamari

8 oz barbecue sauce (I used Stubbs Spicy sauce)

Toppings:  tomatoes, cabbage, cilantro, red onions, shredded carrots, and pineapple

Lettuce leaves

In a skillet on medium heat warm up the tempeh.  Then turn the heat to low and add the Tamari and BBQ sauce and make sure all of the tempeh is coated. Continue to cook on low for about 5 minutes.

While the tempeh is cooking dice up all your toppings.  Top the lettuce leaves with the tempeh and then garnish with toppings of your choice.  (You can also use corn tortillas in place of the lettuce leaves).  This is a quick, healthy recipe that everyone will enjoy.

BBQ sauce, Tamari, Organic Tempeh

Toppings:  tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, pineapple, shredded purple cabbage & carrots

Lettuce leaves

Health Tip

Tempeh

Tempeh is a minimally processed and fermented form of the soybean.  Isn't soy bad for you?  This is what most people think when they hear the word soy.  It's a myth.  Soy is not bad for you if you eat non-GMO soy, preferably organic.  The longest lived population on earth, the Okinawans, eat soy every day in various forms: edamame, tempeh, miso or tofu.

For all the great health benefits that soy has to offer, it is very high in protein and has more saturated fat than other beans.  It is a complete protein and has an aboundance of vitamins and minerals.  Enjoy it your meals in small amounts. 100 grams or about 3.5 ounces is a typical serving size.

This page gives a great summary of the health benefits.

TheScienceofEating-Tempeh

Game Recap

Packers lose 47-25!

This game was over after the 1st 2 minutes.  The Packers recover an onside kick to start the game and then go 3 and out.  Then the Titans get Mike Daniels called for offsides on their 1st play and then DeMarco Murray runs for a 75 yard touchdown.

  

Just like last week, they start down by 7 at the start of the game and they just couldn't stop the Titans at all.  21-0 after 1 qtr and 35-16 after the 2nd is impossible to overcome if you can't stop the other team from scoring.

Injuries cannot be the excuse for the poor play of this team two weeks in a row.

This team has some serious internal motivation issues.  Don't forget this team was the favorite to win the Super Bowl.  Look for some serious changes to be made if this continues for another game or two.

Be well,

David

Game 9: BBQ Tempeh Tacos Packers @ Titans

Game 9

BBQ Tempeh Tacos

Packers @ Titans

Pregame

The Pack starts the 2nd half of the season with the 1st of 3 games on the road in Tennessee.  With a record of 4-4, the Packers still have an opportunity to make the playoffs and even be seeded high because the NFC doesn't have any standouts besides the Cowboys(it pains me to say this).  A loss today will make a run very difficult.

The running game should get a boost as James Starks will be active for the first time in a month.  Fill-in Don Jackson was deactivated to allow Starks to play. Clay Matthews will be out again after re-aggravating his hamstring injury in practice last week.

Recipe

BBQ Tempeh Tacos

by Debra Byczek

These BBQ tacos are a healthy alternative to traditional tacos.  This recipe is inspired by Rip Esselysten in My Beef With Meat.

Ingredients:

8 oz package of organic tempeh

1 Tablespoon Tamari

8 oz barbecue sauce (I used Stubbs Spicy sauce)

Toppings:  tomatoes, cabbage, cilantro, red onions, shredded carrots, and pineapple

Lettuce leaves

In a skillet on medium heat warm up the tempeh.  Then turn the heat to low and add the Tamari and BBQ sauce and make sure all of the tempeh is coated. Continue to cook on low for about 5 minutes.

While the tempeh is cooking dice up all your toppings.  Top the lettuce leaves with the tempeh and then garnish with toppings of your choice.  (You can also use corn tortillas in place of the lettuce leaves).  This is a quick, healthy recipe that everyone will enjoy.

BBQ sauce, Tamari, Organic Tempeh

Toppings:  tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, pineapple, shredded purple cabbage & carrots

Lettuce leaves

Health Tip

Tempeh

Tempeh is a minimally processed and fermented form of the soybean.  Isn't soy bad for you?  This is what most people think when they hear the word soy.  It's a myth.  Soy is not bad for you if you eat non-GMO soy, preferably organic.  The longest lived population on earth, the Okinawans, eat soy every day in various forms: edamame, tempeh, miso or tofu.

For all the great health benefits that soy has to offer, it is very high in protein and has more saturated fat than other beans.  It is a complete protein and has an aboundance of vitamins and minerals.  Enjoy it your meals in small amounts. 100 grams or about 3.5 ounces is a typical serving size.

This page gives a great summary of the health benefits.

TheScienceofEating-Tempeh

Game Recap

Packers lose 47-25!

This game was over after the 1st 2 minutes.  The Packers recover an onside kick to start the game and then go 3 and out.  Then the Titans get Mike Daniels called for offsides on their 1st play and then DeMarco Murray runs for a 75 yard touchdown.

  

Just like last week, they start down by 7 at the start of the game and they just couldn't stop the Titans at all.  21-0 after 1 qtr and 35-16 after the 2nd is impossible to overcome if you can't stop the other team from scoring.

Injuries cannot be the excuse for the poor play of this team two weeks in a row.

This team has some serious internal motivation issues.  Don't forget this team was the favorite to win the Super Bowl.  Look for some serious changes to be made if this continues for another game or two.

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 6: Bears @ Packers Mediterranean Hummus

Game 6:  Bear @ Packers

Mediterranean Hummus

Pregame

The Packers are having serious issues at running back and corner back.  Starks and Lacey are both out for several weeks.  Don Jackson has been activated off the practice squad and Knile Davis was aquired from the KC Chiefs for a conditional late round draft pick.  Neither one is a great answer.  Davis has some NFL expererience but doesn't know the offense.  Jackson has no experience but knows the offense.

At corner, Gunter will get his 2nd start and Goodson his 1st.  The Bears passing attack has been pretty good lately, so they will be targeted all night.

So the Pack will have a tough game.  The only saving grace is that the Bears are one of the 3 worst teams in the league but they are playing at Lambeau(although that didn't help them last Thanksgiving).

Recipe

Mediterranean Hummus 

By Debra Byczek

Ingredients:

Hummus (I used the Plain Jane Hummus recipe from the book My Beef with Meat)

Artichoke Hearts (packed in water) (diced)

Cucumber (diced)

Grape tomatoes (diced)

Kalmata olives (diced)

Green olives (diced)

Red onion (diced)

Pepperoncini peppers (diced)

Parsley (for garnish)

Prepare the hummus in a high speed blender or food processor and then top with all the Mediterranean condiments.  Serve with veggies, pita bread, and crackers.

Game Recap

Packers win 26-10!

This game was close until the Pack took it over in the 3rd qtr.  The offense had a decent 1st half but the 2nd was the Pack of a few years ago.  Without much of a running attack, Cobb and Montgomery did a decent job with some specially designed plays.  Rodgers had a record 39 completed passes and Davante Adams tied a Packers record for 2nd place with 13 catches.

The defense did a decent job all game especially the secondary.  Blake Martinez was so happy to get his first interception he forgot he hadn't been tackled and had to be told by Joe Thomas to run. 

 

Now they get a few extra days to rest before heading to Atlanta to try to shut down the Falcon's high powered offense.

Be well,

David