Healthy Meal Plan using US Potatoes

As someone who’s always on the go, cooking on a daily basis sure is challenging. Since I’m trying to change our eating habits, I’ve been trying to encourage myself to prepare food every day and try new recipes that will also entice Zeeka to eat healthily.

Weekdays are usually the busiest. I had this bad habit before that I’ll munch on high-calorie snacks and sugary drinks to make me feel full and energized. Whatever’s fast and easy to purchase from the counter, that’s what I get.

I’m immensely grateful for the huge shift I made towards my impulse eating habits and decisions. In the beginning, it doesn’t seem to look like a big deal. But the bad effects happen at the end part, right?

Consuming more vegetables, fruits, and protein may seem to be a bit hard to commit every day, though the end results usually are the grand motivators.

Meal planning shouldn’t be complicated particularly for moms like me, who don’t have a lot of time to prepare and cook. I’ve learned that the best way to achieve the effective weight loss is to consume food that will make you feel full longer every day. One of the easiest and readily available in the market is the potato. US Potatoes are the freshest and the packed with vitamins! You can learn more about US Potatoes from this page: https://www.facebook.com/PotatoesUSAPhilippines/

This power crop has a lot of nutrients and vitamins that is enough to make you healthy and feel energized. It is rich in Vitamin C, immune-boosting and helps lower cholesterol. One medium potato with the skin contributes 2 grams of fiber or 8% of the daily value per serving.

Day 1: Bacon and Potato Wedge Omelette

Ingredients:
250g US frozen potato wedges
1 tbsp olive oil
4 rashers bacon, diced
4 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup of milk
1 cup of mozzarella cheese

1. Place the frozen US potato wedges in a pan of boiling water. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender, then drain.

2. Heat the pan then add oil. Fry bacon for 4-5 minutes then add the potatoes. Fry for
another minute.

3. Beat the eggs then add milk, salt, pepper, and half the mozzarella cheese. Add the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese and place under a preheated grill until golden. Serve with your desired sauce.

Day 2: Garlic Herbed Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:
3 lbs. frozen US potatoes
1/2 cup olive oil
4 tbsp garlic
2 tbsp rosemary
2 tbsp thyme
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 200 °C.

2. Cut the frozen US potatoes in half or quarters then place in a bowl. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Toss until the potatoes are coated.

3. Transfer the US potatoes to a sheet pan and spread out into 1 layer. Add the butter on top to
spruce up the flavor. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until browned and crisp. (Flip
with a spatula during cooking to ensure even browning.)

4. Remove the potatoes from oven, sprinkle parsley. Season to taste.

Day 3: Garlic Potatoes, Green Beans, Shrimp And Cauliflower

Ingredients:
1/2kg prawns, peeled
1 lb. US fingerling potatoes
3 c. cauliflower florets
1 lb. green beans
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
5 clove garlic
1⁄2 tsp. paprika
1 tbsp red wine

1. In a large pot, cover the US fingerling potatoes with 2-3 inches of salted water. Boil over high
heat. Then, reduce the heat and cook for 8 minutes until the potatoes are almost tender.
2. Add the cauliflower florets and green beans to the pot. Simmer until tender for 5 minutes.
3. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil then add the garlic. Cook over low heat until golden brown. Add paprika, a large pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
4. Drain vegetables and transfer to serving bowl. Season with salt and drizzle with garlic oil. Sprinkle with red wine.

Day 4: Potato Lollipop Recipe

Ingredients:

2 medium US potatoes, boiled and peeled
1 medium carrot, boiled and peeled
3 bread slices
2-3 green chillies
1 small piece ginger
2 teaspoons cornflour
½ teaspoon cumin powder
Salt
Olive oil

1. Boil and peel the potatoes and carrots. Mash well. Crush peeled ginger and green chillies using a mortar and pestle.
2. Add crushed ginger-cilantro-green chillies paste,salt and cumin powder.
3. Soak the bread slices in water for 2-3 minutes,squeeze the water well and ad to the potato mixture. Add corn flour and mix well. Mix well to form a dough.
4. Shape into small lollipops from the dough and shallow fry from both sides till golden.
5. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Now insert lollipop sticks or snack pickers into each lollipop.

Day 5: Potato and Peppers Stew

Ingredients:

1 red onion, finely chopped
1 whole garlic, mashed
8 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), seeded and sliced in julienne
28 ounces canned tomatoes
1 lb. US potatoes, scrubbed well and cut into ½ inch cubes
250ml vegetable broth
1 handful of fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large pan, saute onion in 3 tablespoons olive oil and set on medium-high heat. When completely softened, before it starts browning, add the garlic. Sauté for an additional minute.

2. Add all peppers and lower heat to medium-low and stir well. Partially cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Add tomatoes and US potatoes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and keep stirring well over low heat and cook for 1 hour.

4. Add vegetable stock gradually using a ladle while cooking. Add the stock to reach attain desired consistency. Consistency should be thicker than a pasta sauce. Garnish with parsley on top.

I hope you enjoyed these recipes! Feel free to share these with friends so that all of us benefit from eating Potatoes!

Get more information about potato nutrition, recipes and general potato facts from Potatoes USA – Philippines Facebook Page here.

Simple Tuna Dishes that you will Love from Gold Seas Tuna

Hey, guys! I just realized that this week, I wrote about food twice or thrice, and I have been looking at food review sites and different recipes. Grabe! This diet is making me think about food more! It’s a good thing that I recently went to an event by Gold Seas Tuna Chunks where we were taught how to cook healthy meals (so kahit kain ako ng kain, at least, I’m eating healthy dishes).

Me and Frances of TopazHorizon.com

Shari of MistyMom, Yours Truly of MommyGinger.com and Raquel of Mamachows at the Gold Seas Tuna Chunks Event

Frances of TopazHorizon.com, Shari of MistyMom, Yours Truly of MommyGinger.com, Raquel of Mamachows and Michelle of Mymomfriday.com at the Gold Seas Tuna Chunks Event!

The dilemma for moms like me, who hardly cook, is what do I serve my little one. Early on, she needs to learn how to eat good food. We also have her best friend over, since her friend lives in the same area. For these 2 four year olds, what can we serve that is nutritious yet fun to eat!

I would highly recommend dishes from Gold Seas Tuna Chunks. I, myself, would eat tuna as is. Haha! Yes, I do that because I love tuna, and we used to have just tuna and kamote when my sister and I would go to the gym (decades ago, btw!).

Why tuna? Tuna is a nutritious, light and versatile food that is rich in protein and vitamins. Simple and uncomplicated.

Here are some simple dishes made out of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks  created by Chef Rosebud.

Yours Truly with my Chef idol, Rosebud! 🙂

Gold Seas Tuna Chunks is the newest, premium canned tuna in the market. What I like about this brand is that each can has meatier tuna loin or chunks. And look at the picture below! I already drained water from the can, and it still has a lot (A LOT!) of tuna inside!

Here are the recipes for Gold Seas Tuna Shepherd’s Pie and Tuna Quesadilla!

TUNA SHEPHERD’S PIE

INGREDIENTS
3 medium  potatoes, peeled, chopped, boiled and mashed
30g unsalted butter
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium white onion, chopped
720g jar tomato pasta sauce
2 celery stalks, trimmed, chopped
150g broccoli, cut into florets
1/3 cup frozen corn kernels
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
2 cans tuna in spring water, drained, flaked

PROCEDURE
1. Put mashed potato in a bowl. Add butter, milk and two-thirds of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Cover to keep warm.

2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until onion has softened. Add pasta sauce, celery, broccoli and corn. Stir and combine. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add basil and
tuna. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Preheat grill on medium. Divide tuna mixture between four 1 1/2 cup-capacity ramekins. Top with mashed potato. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes or until potato is golden and cheese has melted. Serve.

TUNA QUESADILLA

INGREDIENTS:
1 pack Spaghetti Sauce
1 pack Flour Tortilla, small size
500 grams Mozzarella Cheese
250 grams button mushrooms, sliced
2 cans of Tuna in water
Olive Oil for pan frying

FOR THE SALSA:
Tomatoes, diced
Ripe mango, diced
Olive oil
Lemon
Cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

PROCEDURE
1. Spread some Spaghetti sauce on a tortilla.

2. Top with grated mozzarella cheese, sliced mushrooms and tuna flakes.

3. Fold in half and pan-fry until golden.

4. Drain on tissue paper to remove excess oil. Serve with tomato salsa on the side.

So that’s it! 🙂 I really had fun cooking these dishes. I even had more fun after when it was time to eat it!

Hope you try out these recipes!

Love,

Mommy Ginger

 

P.S. Gold Seas Tuna Chunks is a product of General Nutrifoods Philippines, Inc., Gold Seas Tuna Chunks uses only responsibly-fished tuna and is dolphin safe to help preserve sustain and preserve marine life for future generations.

 

Great Baon Tips using Potatoes USA

When growing up, we are always told by our elders about the importance of consuming ample amount of fruits and vegetables daily. Our plates are usually filled with vibrant selections of vegetables with protein and carbohydrates and end each meal with a delightful slice of fruit.

How do we entice them to eat healthy?

During the first few months of an infant, we give them natural and healthy food selections, particularly fruits and vegetables as their first solid food. For my daughter, Zeeka, we even tried baby-led weaning. We would give her sliced potatoes, carrots etc. and she would eat these by herself. After the first year, it was noticeable that Zeeka started to either be picky or fussy with food that was given to her as she learned to become a more independent eater (Have you noticed this to be true also with your kids?). What my daughter didn’t lose though is the love of eating vegetables and fruits, even if she was picky!

It is proven that vegetables are essential and natural part of a child’s diet. It contains essential nutrients for their health, growth and development. The best and simplest way is for parents to be their child’s example by adding vegetables as a daily part of the family’s diet. In that way, children will love the idea of eating balanced and healthy meals. What I love buying Zeeka are potatoes with the stamp from Potatoes USA.

How potatoes can help children’s growth and development

Children get hungry fast that’s why we need to give them whole and quality foods that can help their gut to feel full longer and provide the needed energy daily. This wonder crop is the best solution!

Potatoes are naturally fat free, low-fat and packed with nutrients that’s good for kids. It provides carbohydrate, potassium and energy that is essential particularly to kids who need ample energy to perform well at school. Studies show that a potato contains these nutrients that can help your kid bustle with energy:

  • Carbohydrates: The food we consume daily contains nutrients that have what our body needs to tackle the day. These nutrients in food are the three major groups such as fat, protein and carbohydrates. While the two main forms of carbohydrates are sugars (fructose, glucose and lactose) and starch that is usually found in foods such as grains, rice, bread, starchy vegetables and more.
  • B Vitamins: Provides energy and helps body to put carbohydrates to work.
  • Fiber: Helps to lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels.
  • Vitamin C: Essential vitamin to attain and maintain healthy skin, bones and hair.
  • Folate: Helps body make red blood cells.

I love Lamb Weston because their fries are made from real potatoes!!!

Aside from baked, boiled and fried potatoes, here are some baon ideas that can help inspire you to entice your kid to eat this food boost even at school!

Potato and Leek Soup

  • Melt butter and add the onions and chopped leeks on pan. Stir cook until tender.
  • Stir in the chicken broth and the potatoes into this mixture. Stir until the potatoes are tenderly cooked.
  • Add the half-and-half into this soup and cook on a low flame for about 15 minutes, until the soup thickens a little.
  • Add the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper while stirring the soup. Cook for another five minutes until the cheddar melts.

Potato Sandwich

  • Slice potato into 1/2 inch slices
  • Heat to medium temperature. Fry both sides of the potato (about 3-5 minutes per side) until the potato is cooked thoroughly.  
  • Once a slice is almost cooked, add a slice of cheese and allow it to partially melt.  Remove from heat and add cucumber slices and lettuce.

Cheesy Potato Pancake

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups mashed potatoes, 1 large egg, ¼ cup flour and 2 Tbsp chopped chives. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Use a potato masher to mash the mixture together until well mixed. If the potatoes are too flimsy and can’t hold its patty shape, you can add flour a Tablespoon at a time.
    2. Place a heaping tablespoonful of potato mixture between your palms and form into a round, ⅓” thick patty. Cover both sides of the patty that you’ve created in bread crumbs and set on a cutting board. Repeat with remaining pancakes.
  • Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat with enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan. Slowly add patties in a single layer into the pan once the oil is of perfect temperature (hot enough) and sauté 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining patties, adding more oil as needed. I usually have 2 skillets going at once to finish sooner.

 

I hope that you like these recipes that I’ve shared with you. Don’t forget to buy potatoes that have a Potatoes USA seal like this:

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/PotatoesUSAPhilippines/ for more information!

Hotel Quickly App and our F1 Hotel Stay

Last Sunday, we went home at around 10:30 pm. When we arrived, there was enough people in the lobby for it to be mistaken as a refugee camp. I quickly spoke with the receptionist and she mentioned that the building didn’t have electricity since 4:00 pm. It was because some wire broke in one of the streets in BGC which cut electricity for a lot of buildings.

Of course, I knew that it will probably take them some time to replace the wire, so I thought of staying at a nearby hotel. I downloaded an app called Hotel Quickly. Hotel Quickly is a mobile app that let’s you book hotel rooms at amazingly cheap prices. The initial concept was that these rooms were cheap since these were the last available rooms that no one has booked, so the hotels and resorts can sell the rooms for 50-70% off.

Hotel Quickly App

Hotel Quickly App

Download the HOTEL QUICKLY app here: http://bit.ly/gingerhq

hotel-quickly

I logged in and saw that a room at F1 Hotel in BGC was down to around Php 4000+ from it’s original price of Php 11K. What a great deal! I booked right away and paid using Paypal. After a few minutes of getting some stuff from the house, we were aboard am Uber to F1 Hotel.

 

 

 

We arrived happy and stress-free because everything was ready!

We arrived happy and stress-free because everything was ready!

 

Reception area

Reception area

We got there at around 11pm. The receptionist just asked for my name and a valid ID, and after a few minutes of waiting, we had the keys to our room. We got a Deluxe Room. Our stay included the use of the following facilities and amenities.

Meetings and Events Facilities
4 level car park
Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas
3 Swimming Pools
Concierge Services
Spa & Wellness Center
24-hour Guest Services
All-Day Dining Restaurant at the 3rd Level
24 hour security
In-Room Dining
24-hour Fitness Hub
Laundry & Valet Service
Babysitting Services
Transportation Service

The next day, we woke up around 8 am and headed over to the 3rd floor to take our breakfast. The food was delicious. They had scrambled eggs, bread, oatmeal, fruits, champorado, sausage, cheese, bacon and a whole lot more! Zeeka loved the food, too!

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After eating, she wanted to play, so we went to the 5th floor, where the reception area and where the play area was! They set up the play area during weekends. It’s located at the Premier Lounge.

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After she played for around 20 minutes, she and her dad went to the pool to swim, while I went to the gym. The pool area wasn’t crowded. Even it was close to noon, that particular area stayed protected from the sun.

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They had a baby pool, an ordinary squarish pool and a lap pool. Zeeka always wanted to be in the lap pool! 🙂

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I had a fun time at the gym. They had three treadmills, a bike and one elliptical cycle machine. They also had dumbbells and  one of those multi-functional equipments. What I loved a out it was that I was the only one there! haha! I loved the privacy.

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So there, we had a great weekend overnight staycation at the F1 Hotel and an amazing experience with the Hotel Quickly app! I’m definitely using this app again. Try it, too! Download it HERE!

Start the Year Right with these Top Picks from S&R

I had my first grocery trip this year to stock up on things that I usually buy last weekend. Aside from that, I looked for other products that would help me achieve my goals this year! Haha! Such a nerd right?! I know that other moms, like me, have this thing with groceries. We just love getting lost in; Wandering off makes us feel more relaxed. So to start the year right, I will share with you the different products that I found in S&R Membership Club.

Start the Year Fresh!

I remember that when I was little, my grandmother’s house, would have everything and anything you wanted.  I used to see piles and piles of soap in her shelf. I used to think that we pretty cool. Aside from having one at hand and ready to be distributed when my tita, tito, mom, dad, or anyone in the house would ask for one, it was also an instant air freshener for her room. I used to come in happy smelling the petal scent of these soap bars.

When I saw this, I had to get a pack. It’s actually on sale so you can get 6 bars for only Php 329.95. Plus, check out that huge shampoo bottle below! That huge Dove Shampoo container is only at Php 449.95. It could definitely last for a few months!
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Start the Year Fit!

I have been running almost daily since January 1. For those who are bent on keeping fit and staying active, you will realize that a lady can never have enough sports bras. And what kind will she need? Well, nothing but that best I say! These Under Armour Sports bras are only at Php 1895 each (from Php 2395, the original price). It comes in two colors, black and pick.

Start the Year Right Fit!

During workouts, I always keep myself hydrated! The trick is to drink a little amount but frequently. I found this non-toxic plastic tumbler with ice cubes! It is double wall insulated so it keeps your water cold longer with no moisture outside. It won’t mess up your work table or even slip through your hands. This Rove Classic Tumbler is at Php 149.95 (from Php 299.95).

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Another cool thing that I saw was this Muscle Therapy Massage Foam Roller. After a strenuous workout, your body deserves some pampering! This cool contraption is at Php 599.95 (down from Php 799.95).

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Start the Year with Good Food!

This year, I’m going with my high protein diet again. Learned about this through Tim Ferriss’ book, 4 Hour Body. I think it’s really difficult to go through any kind of diet. It really takes a great deal of discipline and determination. I hope I have enough motivation to last me the rest of the year. For my high protein diet, I saw this box of Gorton’s Clams. It looks delicious! Guess what? This product is Buy 1 Take 1 for only 299.95! Great deal right?

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For those who are not like me (I still eat fried food =(…) and really strict with their diet, I suggest that you grab this Oster Indoor Grill for only Php 2499.95. I actually have this at home! I use it to cook fajitas — I love chicken and beef fajitas.

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This diet that I am doing REQUIRES me to go on “off” days or cheat days at least once a week. During that day, I can eat anything I want. Of course, I want to eat the very best! Check out what I bought for my “cheat” day!

The first one is cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. You can buy the Original Cheesecake Flavor for only Php 674.95 (down from 1149.95).

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But check this out! It’s The Cheesecake Factory Truffle Cheesecake Collection. Inside the box are these flavors that you can try: Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, White Chocolate Blueberry Truffle and White Chocolate Lemon Truffle. This box is sold for Php 1499.95. This looks super yummy! I’ll visit S&R Membership club this Friday to buy a new cake for me to enjoy over the weekend!

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If you are a fan of ice cream, check out this huge tub of Blue Ribbon Classics Chocolate Chip! Anyone want to hang out with us this weekend? Haha!

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Another favorite is obviously Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. We actually bought a pint already! Each pint is not at Php 229.95.

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Start the Year by Traveling

One of the things that I have realized last year was that I missed traveling! This year, I will start the year right by buying things that will inspire me to travel. If you don’t have a backpack, check out this Hedgren Backpack Yellow. It’s only Php 1699.95. It looks very durable. It also has a slot for your laptop and other things!

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That’s it! I hope you enjoyed going through these products with us! I know that you will have a grand time at S&R Membership Club. If you want to check out other deals, visit their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/snrmembershipshopping/?fref=ts They post new deals on their page!

Do you have any other tips on how to start the year right? Share them with me and use #LoveSnr #SnReveryday #MGFinds I’d love to hear what your favorite thing was at S&R!