Stuck in a rut? Try something new

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic."

— Dave Barry

Whether we're watching our waistlines or working to avoid foods that make our tummies feel bad (or both), we can often find ourselves choosing the same foods over and over again. While that strategy can be a safe one, in some cases it can also lead us to boredom. And for many of us, boredom can lead to a lack of motivation, which can lead us down a dark and scary road. In order to avoid that path, it can be good to spice things up once in awhile with a new food or product.

On Saturday at my meetings I was so happy to have so many members bring in some of their favourite products and share their ideas with the group. I saw lots of people taking notes and I can only imagine that the local supermarket was left wondering as to why certain products were flying off the shelves. Here are some of my favourite things as of late:

Almond Breeze - While I recognize that I could be making my own almond milk, I like the simplicity of picking up a carton alongside some soy milk and being able to have it in my fridge whenever I need it. I love the unsweetened vanilla in cereal or smoothies and for only 40 calories, 3 g of fat and 1 g of fiber, this stuff is a Points bargain!

Quinoa porridge - This has become one of my favourite breakfasts. It is fast and incredibly filling since quinoa is a complete protein. I got a lot of ideas for my porridge from Meals that Heal Inflammation and one of my favourite ways to have it is to add slivered almonds, dried cranberries, lots of cinnamon, a bit of agave and a little bit of almond milk or soy. It's delicious!

Rice paper wraps - I was introduced to the simplicity of rice paper wraps in my first cooking class. They are incredibly easy to use once you get the hang of them. (My first one is always a little weird looking) They come dry and all you have to do is add them to a bowl of hot water to make them pliable and ready to wrap. They are a great vehicle for a variety of fillings and are incredibly low in calories and are naturally gluten free.

Sunflower Kitchen Jerusalem Hummus - This is my favourite store bought hummus. I love the addition of the parsley and spices. Not only is hummus a great dip, but also makes a great topping for burgers or salads. I only wish they would make this flavor in the 16 oz size!

Sol Cuisine Original Veggie Burgers - You probably see these weekly on my blog! I love to have them when we BBQ or as a topping on a salad. They have a great flavor, are quite big and have only 109 calories, 2.8 g of fat and 4 g of fiber.

Nature's Path Whole - O's and Fruit Juice Sweetened Corn Flakes - I really enjoy both of these cereals. They are basic but yummy and crunchy and gluten free. They taste awesome with almond milk, cinnamon and a little bit of agave. I enjoy them for breakfast or sometimes as a snack in the evening.

Now it's your turn, what are some products you love?