Soy milk has grown on me!

Has milk been a part of your diet for most of your life? Same here!

I drank milk for the longest time, and decided to try something different. Actually it was a combination of that reason, and that someone told me that at my age, milk doesn't necessarily benefit my health. : ) Since I knew I could get my calcium from other sources, I decided to give soy milk a chance.

I was hesitant at first because I expected that it wouldn't match the taste of ice cold milk. I was right! It doesn't. That's because it's made from soybeans.

It has its own unique flavor that's still smooth and refreshing. In my opinion, it has a lighter taste than milk, which I like.So I found a yummy replacement that also acts as a great source of protein.

I was just happy I didn't have to kick my late night cereal-for-dinner habit. :)

You can find the Silk brand of soy milk at Place and Markets in The Village, Roger's, and Goody's.

Perhaps you can try it as a substitute ingredient, while baking cookies, or just as a complement to oatmeal and cereal.Since the holidays are coming up, use soy milk in your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee or hot cocoa. Yum!

Let me know how your recipe turns out if you choose to use soy milk.

I use soy milk in moderation though because it's not the end-all perfect source of protein. I try to mix up my diet with different sources of nutrients from different foods.

If you're interested in the debate on whether soy is as beneficial a product as it's marketed to be, check out these links:

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/vegetarianvegan101/f/MilkSubstitutes.htm

The first one praises the benefits of soy, while the second link hosts a forum for discussion on soy as part of our diets.

http://caloriecount.about.com/soy-estrogen-men-ft36304

I would love to hear your feedback on these links, or any of your personal findings and opinions on the subject.Live well.

-Hilary : )

Morning Sunshine!

I am one of those people who completely support having a morning meal. But I find it difficult at times to balance a morning meal with getting ready, finishing my procrastinated studies and going to class at 8 am. I either have to eat breakfast out, make it at home, or take it with. So here are some of the things I have learned to do:

Eating out:

Foodworx: Breakfast Burrito: eggs, beans, hash browns, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese (expect a line), or biscuits and gravy.

Canyon Vista: 75 cent eggs anyway you want them! Over-easy, Scrambled, Fried.

OVT: Bobcat and yogurt, for a small yogurt it is $1.95 and they have peach, blueberry, vanilla, strawberry, and you can add granola.

Eating in my room:

Cereal

The biggest selection of cereal is at Foodworx, and the healthiest selection is at Earls, but you can find cereal at Rogers, Goody's, and the Village.

Pop-tarts

The best selection is at Earls, but there are also pop-tarts at Rogers, Foodworx and Goody's.

Hot Pockets/Breakfast Burritos

The best selections are at the Village and Goody's, but they can also be purchased at Earl's Place, Roger's, and Foodworx.

On The Go:

Oatmeal and juice

OVT, Cafe V, Canyon Vista, Plaza, and Foodworx all have a juice machine and oatmeal. I often eat that on my way to class since I can get oatmeal and the juice with a lid. Not to mention you can add raisins, brown sugar or granola to the oatmeal!

COFFEE =D

This is a must.

If I don't make it in my room, I get it at Goody's because they open at 7am, which is 2 hours before any other place and market. They also have what is called a commuter's special which is coffee or milk, bagel or donut, and juice or fruit for $4. And when you are feeling really dangerous you can get a chocolate covered croissant. Yum.

Angela =]