Today’s post is sponsored by Toufayan Bakeries. I’m linking up with the Recipe ReDux to share a simple and tasty pita recipe. I received free samples of Toufayan Pita mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Toufayan Bakeries and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
Do you ever have those days when you’re just super-hungry and you don’t know why? There are a number of factors that can be at work, such as:
- Sleep (especially lack of)
- Exercise
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Stress
- Emotions
- Medications
- What you’re eating/what your eating patterns like in general
And that’s just to name a few. We’re all so different, and it’s totally normal for there to be some variation in our appetite day to day. I know I always talk about the importance of listening to your body, but of course there are going to be those times where, you’re, like, “Hold it—I know I want to eat this whole loaf of bread, and probably could, but is that really the best thing for me?” Taking a step back to then figure out what you’re truly craving (for example, energy, or maybe the experience of feeling full—whatever it may be) can help you figure out how to satisfy that craving in a healthy way.
When you’re having one of those days where your stomach feels like a bottomless pit of despair, it can be helpful to reach for foods with a lower-energy density, meaning you can eat a larger volume for comparatively fewer calories: think zucchini noodles vs regular spaghetti.
So much of eating is about the experience, and tuning in to what we’re truly craving and why can help us respond to that craving in a satisfying way that fits within our overall healthy diet.
Today I’ve got a simple recipe for you that features sprouted grain pita from Toufayan Bakeries, a family-owned company that uses old-world recipes and quality wholesome ingredients to create their delicious pita bread. As part of this month’s RecipeRedux contest, I was sent a variety of flavors to try. With 100-160 calories each, 2-8 grams protein, and fiber content ranging from about 2 to 6 grams per pita, these can be a great option for those times you want to see a lot of food on your plate and to feel full without going overboard.
So maybe you’re, like, “Jess, what the f***? You’re a dietitian and you’re telling me I can eat bread?”
Well, yes. Yes I am. I’ve worked with plenty of people who eat bread and drink wine and still achieve their health goals with no misery required.
One of the strongest cravings I hear about is bread—sometimes it’s a legit need for carbohydrates to boost energy, but sometimes it’s more about wanting the experience of sitting down in a restaurant with good company and dipping warm bread in olive oil and slowing down for a few minutes.
This recipe lets you enjoy that experience at home for all of 200 calories, plus 7 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, and heart-healthy olive oil, which also helps make it more filling. You can use whatever herbs you like here, but I personally love rosemary. If you want some more info on different herbs and spices and some of their health benefits, check out my round-up on Shape.
Simple Grilled Pita
Ingredients:
- 1 Toufayan sprouted grain pita or other whole grain pita
- cooking oil spray
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- dried or fresh rosemary
- sea salt to taste (optional)
Directions:
- Spray a grill pan ( I have this one
and love it ) with cooking oil spray and heat.
- Place pita on grill pan. Grill on each side 3-4 minutes, flipping a few times as desired to make grill marks. Turn off heat.
- Remove pita from grill pan, and cut into 8 triangles. Arrange pita on a plate. Place olive oil in a small bowl or pour onto plate. Garnish with rosemary and sea salt.
- Enjoy olive oil with herbs as a dip for warm pita.
and love it ) with cooking oil spray and heat.Serves 1
Nutrition Information: 200 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams protein
What foods do you crave? I notice that when I’m stressed or overwhelmed or if it’s that time of the month, I crave foods with fat: full-fat yogurt, peanut and sunflower seed butter, tahini, avocado, egg yolks, and coconut oil. I attribute this to wanting to feel more grounded and to have stable, slow-burning energy. When I experience these cravings in the winter (way more common for me than in the summer) I also have to wonder whether it’s really a craving for fat to help me absorb vitamin D–something I’m getting way less of when I spend less time in the sun!
The Recipe ReDux is a monthly recipe challenge founded by registered dietitians that aims to inspire the food lover in every healthy eater and inspire the healthy eater in every food lover.
Today’s post is sponsored by Toufayan Bakeries. I’m linking up with the Recipe ReDux to share a simple and tasty pita recipe. I received free samples of Toufayan Pita mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Toufayan Bakeries and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
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This has been another installment of the Running with Spoons Thinking Out Loud link party, where randomness is the name of the game. Thanks to Amanda for hosting.
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**This post may contain affiliate links.