by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 1, 2021 | Food & Beverage
Coffee has received a bad reputation for many decades. Aside from allegedly triggering high blood pressure, insomnia, and hyperacidity, the Filipino habit of adding lots of sugar and cream to one’s cup has been said to aggravate diabetes.
While there is no denying the Pinoy coffee fan his morning cup, there is concern over the amount of sugar present in commercial 3-in-1 coffee mixes. The leading brand has 14.6 grams of sugar in one 20-gram sachet alone. Imagine how much sugar you’re taking in if you drink an average of three cups of coffee a day.
What About Sugar-Free Coffee?
For health-conscious individuals, especially diabetics, turning to sugar-free coffee mixes seems to be the only option. This meant enduring tasteless cups of coffee just to satisfy their caffeine fix — until Stevia came along.
Stevia is a low-calorie, zero-sugar sweetener that tastes so much better than artificial sweeteners. Stevia is an herb with a sweet-tasting extract that comes from the leaves of the “Stevia rebaudiana” plant. It has been enjoyed since pre-Columbian South America where indigenous people used the herb to sweeten their tea and other drinks.
The plant’s taste stems from steviol glycosides, molecules that are 250–300 times sweeter than regular sugar. It is an alternative sweetener that can be used on other things besides beverages, but also in cooking and baking. It became popular among health-conscious individuals because stevia has a very low caloric content. This makes it perfect for dieters and people who are trying to lose weight. Moreover, Stevia makes coffee and tea taste so much better without adding any calories.
The Health Advantages of Stevia
Stevia plant [Shutterstock image]
Additionally, while other sugar substitutes like Aspartame have been linked with cancer, there’s no evidence linking stevia to cancer since it is a natural ingredient. This means you can add stevia to dishes and drinks without fear that you’re taking too much sugar, or that you’ll get sick a few years down the road.
For coffee lovers, it’s also good to note that locally-made Glorious Blend coffees and instant beverages have Stevia as its natural sweetener. The blend of natural and healthful ingredients makes the drink refreshing and safe and good for one’s overall health.
The Glorious Blend boasts a full line of healthy drinks, including a 7-in-1 healthy coffee mix. This special blend is made with proven medicinal ingredients like Malunggay, Mangosteen, Calcium, Gotu Kola, and sweetened with Sweet & Fit Stevia. What’s even better is that the Glorious Blend 7in1 Coffee is non-acidic and promotes regular bowel movement.
The Glorious line-up also includes the 3-in-1 coffee mix with Stevia, 7-in-1 choco mix, 4-in-1 coffee with Malunggay, 5-in-1 coffee mix with Brown Rice, and the MaxiTrim coffee.
All Glorious Blend beverages use Stevia which has no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic indexes. All of their instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day. In addition, Glorious Blend products are locally sourced and manufactured. Their company supports local farmers, stevia growers, and other agricultural communities.
So if you’ve been cutting back on drinking coffee because of health problems like diabetes or hyperacidity, Glorious Blend coffee mixes are here to help. You can enjoy all the aroma and flavor of freshly made coffee all day — without the guilt!
Now, you can drink coffee for better health! Glorious, isn’t it? For more information about Glorious Blend coffee mixes, check out https://www.facebook.com/gloriousblend.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 1, 2021 | Food & Beverage
Naked Salmon Sashimi Cake
Summer is here and in the middle of all the sweltering heat, Salmon HQ has the perfect summer food for you: their famous Salmon Sashimi Cake and Tuna Sashimi Cake. Not only is salmon good for the heart but salmon is also good for the body since it is considered a healthy food.
Salmon contains a specific type of unsaturated fat called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids lower your risk of dying from heart disease, according to Mayo Clinic. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help keep your heart healthy by protecting the health of your blood vessels.
Tuna, on the other hand, is a lean source of protein. Tuna also contains iron, potassium, and B vitamins. It is also an excellent source of selenium, a trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant and may reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions
Sashimi contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids which is good for both the brain and health. The fatty acids help in lowering the cholesterol in the bloodstream which is always a good thing. These fatty acids also help in promoting good eyesight while the omega-3 fatty acids help stimulate the brain so it can work properly.
Salmon HQ Sushi Overload
These three combined make Salmon HQ the perfect go-to place for your summer eats. You get to eat something delicious and healthy for both your brain and your body. If that isn’t a win-win, we don’t know what is.
Healthy Sushi Bake with Cauliflower Rice
Salmon HQ also offers the best sushi bake this side of the Metro. What sets them apart from the rest is that you can still indulge in their sushi bake because they can easily replace the rice, they use with cauliflower rice for those who are mindful of their weight or are trying to lose weight for a small price increase.
Recognized by Our Awesome Planet, we know that their different sushi bake is definitely food for the Gods. If you are feeling adventurous, try out their Aburi Baked Scallop Baked Sushi or their Takoyaki Baked Sushi. Trust us, you won’t regret it because it will be the experience of a lifetime.
To order, message them on their Facebook Page.
Salmon is also the perfect food to have during lent so make sure to order yours soon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 23, 2021 | Food & Beverage
It’s a generally accepted notion that eating healthy means skipping great-tasting food. Not anymore. Now it’s completely possible to enjoy the best of both worlds as Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF), one of the largest branded food companies in the Philippines, unveils its newest brand: unMEAT, a 100% plant-based meat, made tasty from simple ingredients.
“One of the biggest concerns about plant-based foods is that they are not delicious or as pleasing to the palate as real meat,” notes Nikki Dizon, a Senior Executive at CNPF. “But our Nutrition Science team took that as a challenge, and completely delivered by coming up with a meat alternative that unbelievably and undeniably looks, feels, and tastes like meat. Moreover, they made unMEAT using simple ingredients and extracted the nutrients from real food rather than synthetic compounds so it’s healthier and more affordable.”
It’s not meat, it’s UnMEAT
The launch of unMEAT was driven by growing consumer demand to incorporate healthier food options into their diet, especially given the ongoing pandemic. This is evident in the shift of food trends on social media. Whereas in the past, food aficionados across the globe constantly debated on the best burgers, social media is now filled with discussions on which plant-based burger looks, tastes, smells, and even bleeds like real meat.
With unMEAT, the taste is never compromised! It is as delicious as a regular meat patty, with a similar mouth-feel, making it the best meat alternative for those who are planning to make the switch to a healthier, more sustainable diet. Even better, unMEAT is packed with simple but nutritious ingredients. It is a good source of fiber and protein. It’s also cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, egg-free, and dairy-free.
It comes in four variants: Nuggets, Hungarian Sausages, Minced Meat and Burger Patty. CNPF aims to market the range as close to the price of real meat counterparts in keeping with its goal of providing affordable nutrition.
Even the experts like it
Chef Sau del Rosario
During the launch, Michelin star chef Sau del Rosario who was among the first to sample unMEAT described it as “the taste is like you got it from the oven. It’s tasty, it’s clean, and it’s very delicious. I would put this in my menu!”
Partnerships
In the Philippines, unMEAT was first introduced through Shakey’s Pizza’s newest offering, the Goood Burger. It has since attracted a small cult following in the few weeks it has top-billed Shakey’s Pizza chain’s foray to burgers.
Now, as the plant-based food mania continues to sweep the world over, Century Pacific Food Inc. is giving consumers easy access to healthy and tasty 100% plant-based food options as unMEAT is now available via online shopping platforms, and increasingly in supermarkets and specialty stores nationwide.
Following unMEAT’s successful initial rollout as Shakey’s Goood Burger, CNFP will also be partnering with more restaurants in the country. Additionally, the company’s Global Brands Team has started offering the product to customers across a network of 80 countries such as the USA, Singapore, China, and the Middle East giving consumers in many parts of the world easy access to tasty, healthy, and affordable 100% plant-based meat alternative.
“This newest addition to our product portfolio further strengthens our company’s mission to provide affordable nutrition for all. UnMEAT is both very affordable and delicious!” added Dizon.
Now it’s possible to be healthy while enjoying what you eat with the 100% plant-based unMEAT.
To know more, follow on:
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 24, 2021 | Food & Beverage
The concept of ready to eat meals is not new to us, another name for it is “frozen dinners”. The difference, I suppose is that while most frozen dinners as we see them in foreign movies are full meals made for one person alone, Purefoods Ready to Eat meals are made for families.
But this is also a reflection of how Filipinos enjoy sharing meals with family or friends. I know of very few Filipinos who cook full meals for just one person. We always tend to cook so much that we are eating the same thing for an additional meal or two. 😀
Purefoods Ready to Eat variants
Purefoods Ready to Eat variants
At present, there are a total of nine (9) variants … each one a standard Filipino dish and (as the packaging says) it has already been slow-cooked to give us, the consumers, the softest, juiciest, most delicious viands in minutes what would usually take us so much time to prepare … because “love takes time”.
I was able to get every variant (except the beef caldereta which I just photoshopped in the picture above to complete the set) and I will try to cook and review each one every day. In our house, there are quite a few people so I have to really think about what I will cook every day and how to stretch it, given how expensive meat and vegetables are.
Also, I am quite handy in the kitchen so I will quite likely do more than just put these babies in the pan, heat, and serve. 🙂 Watch out for what I cook up in the coming days.
Purefoods Ready to Eat viands are available at http://themall.sanmiguelfoods.com and at some supermarkets and groceries. Prices vary depending on the viand you purchase.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 16, 2020 | Food & Beverage
Growing up I was tall and slim and had a very fast metabolism. I could eat anything I wanted, so I did. Fast food, junk food, home-cooked meals, restaurant food, pastries, bread, pasta, rice, meat, chicken, fish, etc. I ate it all! But as I grew older my metabolism slowed down and I find it isn’t as easy to burn off all the calories I consume so I have to start eating smart. After all, it isn’t about the quantity of food I eat but about the quality.
The meat reduction cycle
It started in my 20s, I would go through this eating cycle:
- week 1 – no beef
- week 2 – no beef and pork
- week 3 – no beef, pork, and chicken
- week 4 – no beef, pork, chicken, and seafood, just veggies
- week 5 – I eat whatever I like
That’s for one whole week each time, no cheat days. I guess I give myself a cheat week, lol! Then the cycle starts over again. The cheat week is not a binge-fest so it isn’t so sinful as all that
Today, the only meats I eat with any consistency are chicken and fish (fresh or canned). I don’t really follow the cycle anymore because of it but occasionally, I get to enjoy pork (like in adobo or bacon) and shrimp and some cold cuts like pastrami and pepperoni (which I looooove!) but they are few and far between.
Healthy food choices
Let’s take a look at an all-time favorite sandwich, the burger. It looks innocent enough but that much meat (even with all the veggies on top of it in the sandwich) cannot be good for our health.
But burgers are delicious, right? And so easy to prepare. Are there healthier alternatives?
A logical direction to go is to replace the burger meat (which is usually beef) with chicken or fish. but what if there was a better alternative? In my personal opinion, here is an easy peasy way to introduce a plant-based diet to our carnivorous family and friends.
For the affordable price of 135 pesos, you get TWO UnMeat burger patties. That is a REALLY GOOD PRICE.
If you want to decide for yourself which kind of burger is better then hop on over to Shakey’s and order the Goood Burger and the Baaad Burger. 🙂 Go there with a friend and share the love. 🙂
The Goood Burger and the Baaad Burger from Shakeys
When I discovered that Century Pacific Food / Swift launched this plant-based product Shopee and Lazada a few days ago at the introductory price of 50 pesos, I jumped at it and ordered 8 packs. Now I think I should have bought more, lol!
I already love Century Pacific Food for bringing Century Tuna into my life and now this! I am so overwhelmed and amazed and happy!
What I like about the UnMeat Burger is that it looks and tastes like a regular burger but it is not composed of meat! And best of all, it is affordable.
The downside of deciding to go vegan
Frankly, going vegan is expensive. I just bought some stuff for a friend last weekend: Beyond Meat sausages for 699 pesos, and that is just 4 sausages in the pack. I also bought Daiya dairy-free cheddar cheese (200 grams) for 329 pesos. Vegetables are also expensive. This means that I need to get creative when I cook dinner for the family … like when I cooked spicy eggplant and tofu last week. 🙂
spicy eggplant and tofu
Is a vegetarian/vegan diet the only answer?!?
Ok, before you get all up in my face, I am not saying that a plant-based diet is the only answer to good health. After all, it isn’t for everyone. I know people who will probably not live as long if they are deprived of meat. Personally, though, I have found that I feel livelier and stronger with less meat in my diet … but that’s just me. I haven’t removed the meat from my diet, I just reduced it.
I got this infographic from forksoverknives.com to show the difference between a vegan diet and a plant-based diet.
Based on the infographic I am NONE OF THE ABOVE, hahaha. Ok, honestly, the way I eat is possibly closest to the plant-based diet but I would say, very loosely because I really like to eat. 😀
I therefore conclude …
That what you choose to eat is totally up to you but, as much as you can without being sad, try to make healthier choices.
Currently, the UnMeat burger is only available at Lazada and Shopee while supply lasts! I am really hoping they bring this to the regular supermarkets soon.
** This post is not a solicited post. I just really like the UnMeat burger. 🙂
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 15, 2020 | Food & Beverage
Food has always been a big part of every celebration. As Filipinos are known for having the grandest Christmas celebration in the world, there will surely be tables filled with unique and festive dishes to match the season’s merriments. Now, to help you get into the Holiday spirit, Solane, the leading LPG brand in the country, shares how to put appetizing and creative twists on some classic Filipino Christmas dishes to level up your Noche Buena.
Glazed Christmas Ham.
A Christmas ham certainly completes a Noche Buena table. But instead of just taking it out of the box and putting it on a plate, make it more flavorful and enjoyable. First, place your ham on a roasting pan lined with foil then score it vertically. In a saucepan over low heat, make your glaze by melting a stick of unsalted butter then mixing in one cup of brown sugar, half a cup of orange juice, half a cup of honey, and two tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Once the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened, pour half of it over your scored ham. Put the ham in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes per pound. Make sure to baste the ham with your remaining glaze halfway through.
Crispy Lechon Roll.
lechon belly roll photo credit to knorr.com/ph
Lechon is another Holiday favorite among Filipinos. First, get a slab of pork belly and lay it flat on a surface. Rub it with salt and pepper and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes. Next, arrange a pile of lemongrass, scallions, garlic, and red onions on top of the pork belly, and then roll it until it forms a spiral shape. Use kitchen twine to tie the meat and brush the outside with annatto oil. Place it on a roasting pan with a rack, then put it in a preheated oven at 350°F for two hours or until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.
Extra Meaty Spaghetti.
meaty longganisa spaghetti photo credit to knorr.com/ph
No matter what the occasion, Filipino-style spaghetti will always be present! So take it to the next level by adding a surprise ingredient – longganisa! In a pan, start by sautéing minced garlic and onions before adding the ground beef. You can also add finely diced carrots to up the health factor. Once the beef has turned brown, mix in your longganisa and hotdogs. Then, add salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the Filipino-style spaghetti sauce of your choice then let it simmer. Now, pour it over your cooked pasta noodles, grate some cheese, and enjoy!
Decadent Queso de Bola Cheesecake.
After a hearty meal, your guests will surely crave dessert. So why not make another Christmas staple with a fun twist — queso de bola cheesecake? In a bowl, start by mixing one cup of crushed graham crackers, sugar, and a quarter cup of melted butter. Once combined, press it down to the bottom of a springform pan then chill. For the cheesecake filling, mix three packs of softened cream cheese and sugar before adding your special ingredient – a cup and a half of finely grated queso de bola. Next, beat in three eggs then pour over the chilled graham crust. Simply bake it for around 40 minutes or until the filling has set. You may also serve it with mangoes or blueberries for added sweetness.
If you want to prepare all those dishes and more, Solane can help you have a stress-free experience in the kitchen with its quality and safe LPG that you can now order online. For more information, visit www.solane.com.ph and https://www.facebook.com/solane.ph/.
The launch of unMEAT was driven by growing consumer demand to incorporate healthier food options into their diet, especially given the ongoing pandemic. This is evident in the shift of food trends on social media. Whereas in the past, food aficionados across the globe constantly debated on the best burgers, social media is now filled with discussions on which plant-based burger looks, tastes, smells, and even bleeds like real meat.
In the Philippines, unMEAT was first introduced through Shakey’s Pizza’s newest offering, 
Let’s take a look at an all-time favorite sandwich, the burger. It looks innocent enough but that much meat (even with all the veggies on top of it in the sandwich) cannot be good for our health.
When I discovered that 
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