Doctor Becomes Patient: Healthy Things My RD Wife Got Me to Eat - Part I

I began this blog telling my story of how a combined ACL and MCL injury led me to surgery and recovery.  Coming back from a severe sports injury, I’d like to say it gave me an entirely renewed focus on always eating right and exercising 7 days a week.  But you and I both know that’s a bit exaggerated.  Much of my success in recovery is due to my wife, who is a registered dietician, mother of four wonderful kids, and director of meal planning for the Hsu household.  Remember, healing is not just achieved through exercise; giving your body the ingredients for rebuilding strong tissues is another key component.

As we discussed in prior posts, in talking about the benefits of exercise and the epidemic of obesity in our nation, increasing energy output and making wise food choices are both important factors in promoting healthy living. 

So here are a few of the favorite things my wife (J) has gotten me to eat:

1. Bob’s Red Mill gluten free brownies – Brownies come first on my list because I like dessert.  Have you ever gone to a restaurant and just ordered dessert?  I have.  These have a softer texture than regular brownies, not in a necessarily bad way so they don’t hold their shape as well, but the cocoa used in it is from Ghirardelli and makes for a deep intense chocolate flavor. 

J: For full disclosure, these contain beans.  But the beans are what gives them a higher protein content and a higher fiber content, all without sacrificing taste.  Don’t worry, you can’t taste them!

2. Amazing grass energy bars – This is a great source of protein and phytonutrients on the go! 

 J: Just wanted to add that they come in chocolate and chocolate peanut butter, which makes eating healthier that much easier. But they also come in berry and original, for those that don’t prefer chocolate.

3. Non hydrogenated peanut butter – One of the toughest things I’ve had to give up has been my peanut butter.  I grew up a Skippy and Jif kid.  I could (if I could get away with it) probably eat a jar every other week.  The kind that separates isn’t the same.  It’s usually not as sweet or salty as I was used to, but it’s good for me. (sigh)

J: A good midway point on your way to a non-hydrogenated PB is something like Skippy Natural. They contain palm oil, typically,  along with peanut butter to help prevent separation. Yes, palm oil is a saturated fat, but it’s actually healthier than hydrogenated fats.

More favorites to come in Part II….(to be continued)