I recently joined the Biggest Loser Online-Club and one of the frequent recommendations for breakfast is a waffle with fruit. Since I need to eat Wheat-Free foods, I thought that wasn't going to work and I would stick to my rice puff cereal. However, while I was shopping in The Fresh Fig Shop in Pennington, I saw these Van's Wheat Free waffles. I thought, what the heck, let's give them a try.
The next morning, I put 2 waffles (189 cal, 5 g of fat-0.5 g. sat, 5 g. fiber, 4 g. protein for both) in the toaster oven. I topped them with canned peaches, cinnamon, and just a drizzle of the regular syrup we had in the cabinet. I loved them. They were nice and crisp and light. I haven't had a real waffle in so long so I can't tell you the difference, but I'm sure the wheat free version is not as dense. You can always dress them up with the good fatty/sugary stuff like whipped cream, syrup and butter if you can't give up the entire experience. But try these for a healthy alternative. Your body will thank you.
The Fresh Fig is located on 1 Tree Farm Rd, Pennington, NJ, (609) 737-3447
Lego My Wheat-Free Waffles!
From Stockbroker to Gluten-Free Culinary Champion!
Mahwah, NJ company, Foods by George, offers a variety of foods for different dietary needs: Wheat/Gluten-Free, Lactose/Casein-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free. Since it's start in 1991, Foods by George products are popping up in health stores across the country. Just look for the product label wherever you shop.
Partial Product List: English Muffins (G-F, C-F, L/C-F, S-F), Biscotti(L/C-F), Blueberry & Corn Muffins(S-F), Pizza Crust (GF, L/C-F, S-F, C-F), Pound Cake (GF)
More Gluten-Free Goodness!
I love dried fruit. More specifically, dried apricots. I knew that most dried fruit was gluten-free but I had to double check one of my favorite brands. And to my delight, it is!
Mariani Packing Co. is a family owned supplier of dried fruit. Their varieties range from apricots to plums to yogurt covered raisins (gluten free as well!)
I buy their apricots and cranberries (instead of Craisins) because the fruit is soft and juicy.
I found my proof of their gluten-free status from a product list put out by a celiac support group at Naperville Gastroenterology in Illinois.
I have found Mariani products at Super Fresh and Walgreen's. Enjoy!!
Gluten-Free Restaurants In Our Area!
Check out Julia's Thin Crust Pizza in Doylestown (featuring gluten-free options)
PF Chang's also has a special gluten-free menu.
Another Gluten-Free Gem
If you like light and crispy chips with low calorie and fat content, check out Blue Diamond brand Almond Nut-Thins.
As you can see, there are 6 varieties of cracker: Almond, Cheddar Cheese, Ranch, Hazelnut, Pecan, and Smokehouse.
You can order the chips online or buy them at your local food store. I have found them at Wegman's, Whole Foods, and Shop Rite.
This product is another reminder that there IS life after going Gluten-Free. When your waist whittles down, you feel happy that you don't have to deprive your taste buds!
