fiber

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VivAgave: Organic Agave Inulin Powder

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

VivAgave is a soluble fiber derived from the organic blue agave plant.  Add a tablespoon added in yogurt, oatmeal, milk, coffee or even mac n’ cheese and you’ve upped your fiber intake 40% of the recommended daily intake–in 40 calories.

VivAgave is available in 3 varieties: plain, vanilla and cocoa.  The flavor of both the plain and vanilla is very subtle (nearly tasteless, really), though the vanilla had a delicious scent.  I didn’t try to cocoa so I’m not sure about that one.

With agave’s connection to the sweet and syrupy agave nectar, I was expecting this to be sweet.  It’s not.  Which is fine, but don’t add it to a recipe as a sugar substitute or you’ll wonder why that banana bread tastes really different. ;)   You can, however, add it as an addition to said banana bread recipe for a healthy fiber boost.

Among other selling points of the product, it’s a Prebiotic can be used to aid in the growth of “good” intestinal bacteria, it has a minimal impact on blood sugar and will not raise triglycerides, and inulin helps the body absorb calcium and magnesium.

Thanks to Isabella for sending me some to sample!

The Spife: To cut and eat kiwifruit

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

We’ve all heard of sporks (spoon + fork), but how about spifes?

As Alanis Morissette mourns, “Isn’t it ironic?  It’s like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife…”

Not a problem anymore, Alanis!  The spife (by Zespri) is a spoon + knife.  It’s perfect for eating kiwifruit: the knife slices the fruit in half, and the spoon scoops the flesh for eating.

Plus, how cool is the yellow kiwi above, compared to the more common green?

Apparently kiwis pack more nutrients per bite than the 27 most popular fruits.  And, a Rutgers University study concluded that the kiwifruit is one of the most nutrient-dense fruits on earth. Kiwis are high in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, and have low glycemic levels.

So now we really don’t have as many excuses for not eating as much kiwifruit as we should.

Thanks to Cynthia and the Zespri team for the samples.

Spicy Black Bean Dip by Trader Joe’s

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

Trader Joe’s Spicy Black Bean Dip is my new favorite dip.

It’s perfectly spicy and simply delicious.  It’s a good source of fiber and fat free.

With Parmesan garlic flax crackers, it’s a nutrient-powerhouse snack.