I had a dream about cannolis (don't ask!) and woke up positively CRAVING a cream-filled Italian treat. Since we obviously don't have a supply of cannoli in the pantry, I decided to whip up a cannoli-inspired bowl of oatmeal. :)
Inside-Out Pistachio Chocolate Cannoli OatmealA cannoli is a tube-shaped fried pastry dough shell with a creamy filling, usually containing sweetened ricotta cheese. Cannoli variations include vanilla, chocolate, pistachio... the possibilities are endless! The shell is a basically a mixture of flour, butter, and sugar, and it is super crispy and delicious (and fried).
To turn this fatty dessert into a healthy breakfast, I made a few variations:
- Make a basic oatmeal base (I used 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk).
- To make the "filling," combine 1/4 cup ricotta cheese, a pinch of cinnamon, a squeeze of honey, and a tablespoon of non-fat plain yogurt and whisk well.
- Typically, the ricotta cheese in a cannoli is mixed with egg whites, but we're not baking the filling, so we've got to leave that out!
- Pile oatmeal into a bowl and flat down the center. Pour ricotta cheese mixture into depression and sprinkle with chocolates and pistachios.
- Enjoy!
Wedding Madness
Thanks again to everyone who gave me cake topper suggestions! I'm going to check out all the links you sent me and make a decision!
Some of you asked about my bachelorette party plans... since all my friends live up north, I'm going to fly to Philadelphia, meet up with a group of about 6 girls, and we're all takng a train to NYC. We're staying at a sweet hotel that my friend got on a discount (woot woot!) and plan to do loads of sightseeing, drinking, and eating. It will probably be the weekend from hell in terms of healthy eating, but at least I'll burn a lot of calories shakin' dollar bills at half-naked men (just kidding... kind of)!
Musings on HFCS
Today's nutritional discussion is about HFCS, my favorite #1 enemy (well, trans fat runs a close second)! High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is any of a group of corn syrups which have undergone enzymatic processing in order to increase their fructose content and are then mixed with pure corn syrup (100% glucose) to reach their final form. American food producers turned to HFCS as a cheaper alternative to sugar in the 1980s, when government taxes made importing sugar outrageously expensive.
HFCS is a sneaky little bugger that worms its way into hundreds of foods you reach for every time you go to the grocery store. It’s in stuff you wouldn’t expect to find it in—like “healthy” whole wheat bread, Special K cereal, Fig Newtons, and Fiber 1 bars. In fact, the average American consumed approximately over 62 pounds of HFCS in 2005.
Why is HFCS so evil? First of all, there’s a lot of evidence that the rise in HFCS is related to the increase in obesity in America. It’s difficult to tell if this relationship is casual or just coincidental; however, there is no doubt that producing food with HFCS makes it cheaper, thereby encouraging people to eat more crappy food. Secondly, large quantities of fructose (and therefore, HFCS) stimulates the liver to produce triglycerides, promotes glycation of proteins, and induces insulin resistance. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that men who consume very high levels of fructose elevated their triglyceride level by 32 percent. As trygliceride enters our blood stream, it makes our cells resistant to insulin, making our body’s fat burning and storage system even more sluggish… not good! Also, some studies have raised concerns of possible liver damage as a result of HFCS in combination with a high fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
You all know how I feel about eating “fake” food—and HFCS is about as fake as you can get! I try to avoid it whenever possible, and since it’s in so many processed foods, it’s important to check the ingredients list. Many foods claim to be “healthy” on the front of the box and actually contain HFCS or a host of other evils, like MSG or trans fat. Which, of course, are topics for next time!
HFCS is a sneaky little bugger that worms its way into hundreds of foods you reach for every time you go to the grocery store. It’s in stuff you wouldn’t expect to find it in—like “healthy” whole wheat bread, Special K cereal, Fig Newtons, and Fiber 1 bars. In fact, the average American consumed approximately over 62 pounds of HFCS in 2005.
Why is HFCS so evil? First of all, there’s a lot of evidence that the rise in HFCS is related to the increase in obesity in America. It’s difficult to tell if this relationship is casual or just coincidental; however, there is no doubt that producing food with HFCS makes it cheaper, thereby encouraging people to eat more crappy food. Secondly, large quantities of fructose (and therefore, HFCS) stimulates the liver to produce triglycerides, promotes glycation of proteins, and induces insulin resistance. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that men who consume very high levels of fructose elevated their triglyceride level by 32 percent. As trygliceride enters our blood stream, it makes our cells resistant to insulin, making our body’s fat burning and storage system even more sluggish… not good! Also, some studies have raised concerns of possible liver damage as a result of HFCS in combination with a high fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
You all know how I feel about eating “fake” food—and HFCS is about as fake as you can get! I try to avoid it whenever possible, and since it’s in so many processed foods, it’s important to check the ingredients list. Many foods claim to be “healthy” on the front of the box and actually contain HFCS or a host of other evils, like MSG or trans fat. Which, of course, are topics for next time!
22 comments:
How do you know if something has HFCS in it? If it has fructose in it?
Anon - The label will say "high fructose corn syrup." Fructose in itself isn't as bad as HFCS, as HFCS as undergone a chemical processing to make it sweeter. Fructose in itself isn't bad... it's naturally found in honey, berries, melons, and some vegetables (like sweet potatoes). So, just check the label for HFCS.
I also try to avoid HFCS whenever possible. Just like you, I always make sure to read over the ingredients list carefully because I have noticed that foods you expect to be healthy often actually do contain HFCS.
That oatmeal looks divine!!!
I gave up HFCS a while ago and it is really hard these days. It is actually one of the reasons that I switched to organics. Since HFCS isn't organic, so it isn't in organic foods like cereals, bars and even ketchup. It is hard to keep it out of your diet but it can be done!
Oh my, I am definitely going to try that oatmeal. It looks delicious!
I try to avoid HFCS at all costs, but it can sometimes be so hard! The worst for me is that it's in ketchup, which means I sometimes avoid ketchup when I eat out! So sad, because I LOVE ketchup.
This is late because I missed last nights post but, I got my cake topper at Things Remembered, but a couple nights ago I saw a cake topper made by Willow Tree (i love the willow tree collection)!!
http://www.demdaco.com/detail.aspx?ID=13922/
http://www.tonyurbanstudios.com/blog/2007/05/aimee-steves-wedding.html#links (this is a few of my wedding pics and my cake with cake topper from things remembered is there)
Yay New York! That's where I live. Let me know if you girls want any suggestions of places to go - particularly food related places! ;-)
What a great oatmeal idea. And you're totally right, HFCS is in so many things you wouldn't even think it would be in!
What a delicious-sounding dream you had!! :0D That oatmeal looks marvelous.
HFCS = NEVER enters my body, and never will. Thanks for the facts about it!
Thanks for the HRCS info! It's always such a concern I've mine and I've found in more difficult to avoid now that I'm living in South America. Food companies here have yet to jump on the no-trans-fat train like those in the U.S. Oh well, I'm doing the best I can and sticking to whole foods whenever possible. Hopefully a little won't ruin me ;).
that oatmeal looks wonderful! my husband has been hankering for some cannoli-- i'll make him the "real" ones and the oatmeal for myself :D
ny is going to be a blasty!!!
thanks for the hfcs info!
have a great tuesday
MMM, cannoli = my favorite dessert ever. What a cool idea for oatmeal!
Recently I've seen some magazine ads for HFCS. Anybody else see them? They say something like, "My hair stylist says HFCS is bad for me." "Well, is she a doctor?" Very insulting and patronizing in my opinion. But obviously someone (corn grower's lobby?) is scared we are all avoiding this substance!
Yum!! Cannoli oatmeal! I just bought some ricotta, so I am going to have to try this. I love cannolis. We have them every Christmas!
Hi Caitlin!
I found your blog recently and love it!
I saw an article a few weeks ago that the FDA is now letting some products that contain HFCS be labeled as "natural" as long as everything else is - saying that they think HFCS is natural as well.
I don't think HFCS grows along side lettuce and carrots, but apparently that doesn't matter!
Just thought it was interesting. My husband and I have been trying to avoid HFCS, too.
This looks amazing. And I love cannoli!! Have to try it as soon as I unpack my oats :)
HFCS is SO TOXIC that it's banned in Europe, as well as in many areas of the world that consume more sugar than we do, yet are slimmer. If you're interested in learning more about how corn became the American behemoth it is today, I HIGHLY recommend Netflixing the documentary "King Corn." It's very well-done, and very relevant in light of November!
I learned about HFCS in food tech trends this semester and Ithink it is still unknown whether this stuff causes weight gain/obesity or increases TG. HFCS is made from corn dextrins because corn is so cheap and because it is sweeter than regular table sugar... but they just use an enzyme (glucose isomerase) that changes the glucose to fructose that way the HFCS has more fructose and is sweeter. I think more research is needed whether is mkaes people eat more or it upsets the bodies ability to digest because i think the recent debate is the body does not recognize this type of sugar and therefore inhibits breakdown
Hi Caitlin! I love your blog-- I've never posted before, though. I was just reading through your about me section and noticed you take glucosamine synergy. I love running but do get runner's knee. What exactly is glucosamine synergy?? Thanks!!
aimee - love the pittsburgh wedding pictures!!!!!!!!!!!
ash - i would love some suggestions. we're staying in times square. can you email me -- seebriderun@gmail.com.
kimberly - ooo the movie sounds interesting! i may have to rent it!
sportsliving - thanks for the additional info! you are so knowledge, i love it!
katie s - gluco has made a huge difference in my life! i really recommend trying it. however, there are a lot of sub-par supplements on the market. i get all my supplements through my in-law's holistic clinic. gluco syngery is the brand name for Standard Process, which is widely regarded as the best supplements you can take. they are only available through a doctor and cost about $29.99 for a 1 month supply.
the business that future husband and i are launching is an online store where you'll be able to purchase all these wonderul, high quality supplements. the site should be ready in a few months, but until then, shoot me an email and i'll provide you with the clinic contact information so you can order it over the phone. they are super friendly and do phone orders all the time. let me know!
That oatmeal looks like heaven!
Thanks for the education!
do you have a source on the HFCS info? thanks
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