Fuego Hot Sauce Subscription Box September 2017 Review

*Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Hot sauce can a dieter's friend.  It helps speed up metabolism.

Besides supplementing any dish with some extra great flavor, I adore hot sauces because they help the body burn more calories.  An ideal way to get my fix is through a hot sauce subscription like my favorite, Fuego Box.

Each box brings an assortment of three hot sauces from small batch artisan producers to your door.  You would be hard pressed to find any of these in your local grocery store for just $29.95 per quarter with free shipping. Also included in each box, you get an informational card for the foods and dishes the choices are best suited for. 

Their hot sauce selection is as unique as you can imagine with exotic touches such as September 2017's Spicy Curry Sauce from Volcanic Peppers.  This delight uses aleppo peppers along with coconut milk and a secret curry powder combination to thrill the taste buds.  I just had some with chicken and a side dish of rice, which made for a delicious nippy change.   

The next was an olive-colored hot sauce with medium heat called Thai Green from Seed Ranch.  It possesses a fresh twist from lemon grass, Thai ginger, basil and cilantro amongst green chilies.  This was tasty in my garbanzo bean dip that I whipped up, but use it on eggs as well or whatever else you normally use hot sauce with.  

Endless Summer from Heartbreaking Dawns has a tropical influence with some sweetness from pineapple-spiked rum, spearmint, red habaneros and ghost peppers, onions, garlic as star ingredients along with spices.  This perks up any salad dressing or burger with its zesty brightness.  

If you are like me and love hot and spicy foods or looking for a way to speed up your body’s metabolism, I think that you would love Fuego Box.  Stop over at their website and sign up.  Thank me, later!

Some Great Tips to Keep Yourself Motivated When Dieting!

Trying to lose weight is never an easy task.  However, there are a few things that I have tried that definitely keeps you focused on your goal–instead of the refrigerator.  

Unless you feel sick, you may not feel health is enough of a dieting motivator.  In that case, your body image is often stronger.  What I found helps is to look at yourself naked and keep that picture with you in your mind when you feel that urge to cheat. 

Another helpful technique is cutting out  magazine pictures of bodies that you want to look like and attach them to your refrigerator door for inspiration.  You can always hang a photo of your clothed self next to those hard bodes as a reminder of what you are striving for.  I don’t know about you, but it curbs my hunger when I see those perfect bodies smiling from my refrigerator.  My hand just seems to move away from the refrigerator door automatically.

As you begin to lose weight, I found it helps to snap a new picture every week and add it to your refrigerator collage.  This positive change in your ever-changing body strengthens your resolve further every time you see new improvements that take you closer to your ideal body. 

This next tip that I am about to share with you may sound totally ridiculous, but I suggest you try it first before dismissing it.  Before your lunch or dinner, try brushing your teeth first.  You might be surprised at how that taste will affect your appetite so you eat less.  

 I hope you try these tips because they may help you too!

Learn How to Burn More Fat and Speed Up Your Workout Results!

What can feel more exciting than stepping on your bathroom scale and seeing those numbers drop when you are determined to lose weight?  Despite being overjoyed that your new dieting efforts are paying off, you still might not be satisfied when you stand naked in front of a full-length mirror.  Nonetheless, you are intent on reshaping your body and ready to begin an exercise program.

Before you begin your workout, there is a way to speed up your body's fat burning ability and get better results from your exercise. Therefore, you need to fuel your body right first before you start. 

Two hours before you hit the gym or do whatever exercise routine you have in mind, you should avoid eating high-glycemic foods like potatoes, white rice, pasta, white breads, and wheat cereals, etc. because they will increase your insulin levels and impede your workout progress.  After all, insulin is what controls how your body burns fat.   Instead, you should eat a low-glycemic, fructose-free meal two hours earlier for more bang from that routine.

You might want to try such low-glycemic foods such as whole grain cereals and bread, lean proteins, nuts, and beans.   Change out that instant oatmeal for old-fashioned cooked oats or quick oats and steer more toward fewer processed cereals or ones that contain about four grams of fiber and barley or bran when it comes to breakfast.  These are just some foods to consider, but a good place to start.

This little adjustment to your dieting plan will help you get firmer to sculpt your body the way you like it.

A Secret to Weight Loss That You May Be Unaware of!

  
You think that you are doing everything right when it comes to your new diet to shed those extra pounds and still the scale never gives you any good news.  After all, you are eating only what you are allowed and yet, you still can't seem to drop that extra weight.  However, instead of blaming the genes that sabotage or giving up because losing weight seems hopeless, there is something simple that might help.

You may want to try getting more vitamin D.   According to one study, researchers found women that had low levels of this vitamin were on an average of 16 pounds heavier than their counterparts.   The reason scientists believe this is possible is because vitamin D seems to have the ability to decrease the growth of fat cells or the fat cells themselves become blocked from vitamin D and can't go anywhere. 

Although this may not be your solution, you might want to try to get more sunlight.  Being outside in the sun for a little as 10 minutes can help and supply you within enough vitamin D for the entire day.  

Don't think you have to bake in the sun to get that exposure.  Taking a leisurely stroll wearing sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen is a safer way to soak in that sun without risking your face to any aging rays.  Another suggestion is taking a daily supplement of 1,000 IU of D3.

Of course, there could be other medical issues that are preventing weight loss.  You need to talk to your physician, if all else fails.  Some blood work may be all it takes to find out other causes or if you're lacking vitamin D for sure.  If this proves to be the case, your physician can best recommend the proper amount of vitamin D that your body needs.

Do You Want a Beautiful Solution to Shed Water Weight?

Ladies, we all know about bloating and discovering a few extra pounds we're suddenly packing due to water weight.  How about if I told you there's a natural way to quickly get rid of that excess water and get those tight designer jeans to fit more comfortably again?

The next time you are visited by our monthly friend, I suggest going to your health food store and picking up a box of fennel tea and make yourself a cup.  This helpful herb happens to be a natural diuretic, which will help flush toxins and that unwelcome water poundage away. 

Fresh lemons also can help get rid of that sudden gain from water as well.  Try squeezing some into a glass of cold water and drinking several glasses since this is also a natural diuretic besides aiding in appetite suppression.

Do try either solution because you have nothing to loose--except, perhaps, for those few unwanted pounds!

How to Make That New Year's Resolution to Lose Weight Reality!

If you made a promise to yourself this year was going to be the one where you kept to that diet and dropped some weight, then I have a few surefire ways to help safely speed that process along and make that dream come true. 

Start with giving up your usual meat dinner and substitute one of rice and beans at least twice a week.  Before you make a face and discount this recommendation, then you need to make my Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner recipe and then decide.  This dish is really delicious with just the perfect blend of spices that my meat loving guy really looks forward to the days when I cook this.  This is one recipe so good that you will not have leftovers!

To keep you on track at the workplace, you need to avoid eating out, especially if your passion is fast food.  A simple solution is to make some of my rice and beans dish at home to reheat in your microwave later for your lunch at work.   You will be surprised at how filling this recipe is without making you bloated or wanting to visit that vending machine later. 

Another helpful thing for dropping weight involves peanut butter.  If you don't an allergy to peanut butter, this food can be a dieter's best friend.  When you find yourself starving between meals and begin searching the cupboards or refrigerator for something like chips or desserts, I suggest eating one tablespoon of peanut butter first.   Peanut butter really does help fill you up and satisfy that hunger better than wasting all those extra calories on something fattening that you will hate yourself later for eating.

These are a few ways that helped me shed twenty pounds without counting calories or being hungry.  I sincerely mean this about how quickly you can get rid of that excess weight and improve your overall health by cutting back on meat dishes. 

However, you won't know how well this method works unless you too try substituting beans and rice main dishes twice a week instead like I do.

I started this way of eating a few years ago and still kept the weight off without depriving myself of anything.  In fact, I always treat myself and the family and bake a dessert for the weekend, which keeps spirits motivated and gives you something special to look forward to.

Seriously, what do you have to lose except for, perhaps, a few of those holiday pounds? 

Improve Your Health and Weight With This Tip to Drink More Water!

We all should drink more water to flush out those toxins and also to help with weight loss.  In fact, did you know that you will be able to drop more pounds if you remember to drink more water? Nonetheless, it often is hard to measure the amount of that water throughout the day.  However, I learned something that I found extremely helpful and can also save you money buying bottled water.  

Clean out that bottle once you're through with it and refill it at your sink.  Since the bottle is premeasured, you will know exactly how many ounces of water you drink during a typical day instead of just trying to remember how many glasses you finished.

Another wonderful thing is you can carry this reloaded bottle of water with you to work or anywhere and no one would be the wiser.  You'll just be saving money on getting rid of an extra expense buying bottled water while finding out exactly how much water you truly are drinking a day.

How to Prevent Overeating at Holiday Parties

The holidays are the perfect time to pack on those excess pounds without even realizing it until the next time you step on that scale.  Over indulging is easy with all those tempting cookies, desserts, appetizers, and other delicious special dishes we are exposed to.  The problem is made even worse when attending the round of holiday parties with cocktails and buffet tables loaded with various assorted yummy delights just waiting for you to sample.  However, there are some ways to prevent yourself from overeating for a party.

1.  Eat four almonds fifteen minutes before arriving at that party.  The fat content of the almonds will help satisfy and curb your appetite so you won't attack that buffet from sheer hunger.

2.  Do not stand in front of the buffet table and chat.  If so, your hand could keep reaching for things to nibble.  You might not even notice how many of those awesome canapés or cookies you ate in the midst of conversation.

3.  Cocktails are loaded with extra calories. Some fancy ones can have several hundred while a glass of white wine can be 150.  Learn to nurse the cocktail in your hand instead of drinking a few for each party since they do add up. 

4.  Avoid the fried offerings and narrow in on your healthiest options.  Eat but do not fill that plate with food.  Don't flutter around that buffet table like a butterfly.  Instead pretend you're a sparrow and nibble and then fly away to socialize.

5.  If you need to look like you're eating to fit in, then find the fresh, raw vegetables on that buffet table first and detour past the dips. 

These are just a few secret ways to save you from accidentally gaining that holiday weight.  I do hope this helps!

Dei Fratelli Tomato Product Assortment Review and My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner + GIVEAWAY!--Ends December 2, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Dei Fratelli Tomato Products

There are dozens of ways to use tomato products in your recipes.  When Dei Fratelli sent me another assortment of their quality tomato products for this review and giveaway, I was delighted because I cook with them more days than not!  

I was sent a 28 oz. can of Petite Diced Tomatoes, Seasoned Diced Tomatoes, All Purpose Italian Sauce and Whole Tomatoes, 26 oz. jar of Homestyle Pasta Sauce, 16 oz. jar of Casera Salsa, and 15 oz. can of Sloppy Joe Sauce and Pizza Sauce.

If you want to save money and time, drop some pounds before the holidays, eat something healthy and satisfying, then I really wish you would try this recipe.   This vegetarian dish has rice, pinto beans, onion, peppers, and cabbage to lend sweetness to the spices, salsa, and pasta sauce that once combined turn this into something incredibly delicious.


I honestly love it and make this dinner quite often.  Trust me, dear readers, the pounds will melt off without trying if only you eat this as a main dish a few times a week.  

 My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner

My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1-1/2 cups  finely  sliced  cabbage
1 hot Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper
1/4 cup California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Bold & Peppery Olive Oil
3/4 cup cooked dry pinto beans
2 cups uncooked rice
2 tablespoons of Dei Fratelli Homestyle Pasta Sauce
2 tablespoons of Dei Fratelli Casera Salsa
2 teaspoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
4 cups of water
1/2 cup of uncooked macaroni


Add your finely chopped onion, chopped pepper, and fresh cabbage that you slice into thin diagonal strips into the pot with your olive oil and cook until onions become golden and the cabbage cooks some and softens a bit.

Next add your raw rice and macaroni, stir in sugar, salt, and spices and cook for a few minutes until thoroughly combined. 

Now add your water, cooked pinto beans, the sauces, and cook this on high until it comes to a boil.  Then cover with a lid and lower the heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is fluffy.

*This is own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  I did receive free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Dei Fratelli and the Hirzel Canning Company, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins the same assortment of tomato products that I received:  a 28 oz. can of Petite Diced Tomatoes, Seasoned Diced Tomatoes, All Purpose Italian Sauce and Whole Tomatoes, 26 oz. jar of Homestyle Pasta Sauce, 16 oz. jar of Casera Salsa, and 15 oz. can of Sloppy Joe Sauce and Pizza Sauce.

Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you go by in a comment.

2. Go to Dei Fratelli's website and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from their site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

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Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends December 2, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  



Why You Should Include Potatoes in Your Diet for Health and Fitness

Potatoes usually get a bad rap when it comes to diet.  However, they loaded with calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins C, B-1, B-2, folic acid, B-6, and niacin besides being low in sodium, high in potassium and providing adequate levels of iron and magnesium--all minerals. 

Something you may not know is that eating raw potatoes help relieve constipation.  Slice thin to eat in your salads is one way to help regulate your system.  Cooking on the other hand, kills the enzyme in the potato responsible for this constipation benefit.

Another interesting thing to keep in mind about the importance of potatoes concerns anticancer properties.  Raw potatoes have high concentrations of protease inhibitors, which can vanquish certain viruses and carcinogens.  Again, cooking takes away that helpful benefit as well.

In addition, potatoes are easily digested and filling.  The truth is the potato itself is not that fattening.  On the contrary,  the extras such as butter, margarine, sour cream, and rich gravies can transform an innocent medium size potato of approximately 90 calories to one of several hundred.

To reduce some calories of mashed potatoes, you can try adding some low-fat cottage cheese that you processed in the blender or food processor as a wonderful substitute for sour cream. 

Another way to lower calorie content is to mash those potatoes adding some chicken broth (hopefully homemade that you had a chance to skim the fat off your soup when cooled in the refrigerator first) instead of butter and milk.

What else you can try is some plain yogurt flavored with chives, parsley, or other fresh herbs instead of butter or margarine on your baked or mashed potatoes. 

If you love French Fries, you can still eat them with my low-cal oven fries.  This recipe has just three tablespoons of healthy olive oil to coat four to six potatoes.  Trust me, this is a tasty alternative to artery-clogging real ones while being good for your heart and your figure.

Dropping Pounds Made Easier With These Few Simple Tricks!

How many times do you start a diet with good intentions and end up failing for one reason or another?  However, there are some simple tricks that can help keep you on the right track toward your weight loss goals.

1.  Avoid grocery shopping while you're hungry.  

2.   Eat your meals before feeding your family.   By doing so, you will be full and more able to resist temptation of what high calorie food that could sabotage your dieting efforts.  This may sound like a silly tip, but it works.

3.   Plan out your meals ahead of time and make a list of the foods you need to make them and stick to that sheet. 

4.   Keep a food diary and jot down everything you eat.  You might be surprised how each tablespoon when cooking or just a teaspoon of peanut butter for example can add up when counting calories.

5.   Eating on smaller plates instead of oversized ones can provide an illusion to your mind that you are eating more than you actually are.  

6.   If you finish a meal and still feel not quite full, you might like to try waiting 10 minutes before looking for something else to eat.  Often, that hunger urge will pass.

7.   Brush and floss your teeth directly after dinner to resist snacking later.  Sometimes, it is good to be lazy and keep a clean mouth to avoid flossing and brushing again.

8.   Drink water with your meals to help dull your appetite.  Six to eight glasses a day acts as a diuretic and will clean your system out of impurities.

9.   Learn to stop eating in front of the television.   Eat your meals only at the table. 

10.  Make a habit of weighing yourself once a week at the same time.  Your weight does change at certain times of the day.

11.  When you feel the urge to pig out, you might try eating something sour like a pickle or lemon to suck on.  This bitter taste in your mouth could help you eliminate those cravings.

12.  Those times you need a sweet, you also need to substitute that urge for fruit, but be aware of the calories and the portion you can have.

13.  Avoiding the hunger for pastry, cakes, cookies, and ice cream is easier when it is not in your house. 

14.  Did you know that plates that are green, gray, or brown will help you eat less than orange or yellow ones?  This sounds ridiculous, but studies have shown that those colors make a difference in visual appeal and the amounts that will go into your mouth.

15.  Visualization is a helpful technique.  When you feel like giving up your diet, close your eyes and picture yourself with 10 extra pounds.  Now see yourself in your mind with another 10 pounds.  Keeping that picture in your mind, you might try asking yourself if you really want to stray off that diet.  Instead, close your eyes again and see yourself at your ideal weight.

16.  Once a week reward yourself with a treat.  If that treat is a sweet, enjoy that one designated day and eat your piece of cake, pie, ice cream--only in moderation.  The same principle goes for those treats that are fatty like regular potato chips, tortilla chips, or alcohol, etc.

17.  Eat with a small pronged fork like a cocktail fork can help with your efforts. You will not be able to shovel that much in your mouth with a smaller shovel.

18.  Eliminate breads and watch the pounds drop off your frame more.  This honestly works.

19.  Chew everything at least 10 to 20 times before swallowing. 

20.  If you love salads, I suggest that you do not mix your dressing in with your salad fixings.  Instead, keep a little dressing on the side of your plate and dip your salad into the dressing to avoid a calorie overload.

21.  Eat regular cooked meals that will fill you with nutritious real food--not convenience foods loaded with preservatives and unrealistic portions to satisfy your hunger.  

22.  The more you eat, the more you want.  Personally, I found it hardest initially to eat less.  The longer you diet, the more I believe your stomach shrinks and the less you need to eat to fill full. 

Dieting is hard enough that is why I wanted to share these helpful tips with you.  Hopefully, they will keep you strong and going!