Resources for Readers: References from the Book – Simple Choices for Healthier Eating

In Simple Choices for Healthier Eating there are several references to available information on our websites. These references are listed below according to the page number on which the reference occurs in the book. In several instances you will be re-directed to our companion website, Transitions to Better Living, or another company’s website for more information. You will always be able to close that window and return to the place where you were searching on this website.

SPECIAL NOTE: Neither Sondra Lewis or Dorie Fink has been paid to endorse products referred to on our websites. The slight exception is that we are both distributors of one specific national chain of health and wellness products. As distributors we do get paid to use and sell these products.

We recommend that you read our disclaimer.

p. 4: Caloric Needs

Click here to use an Internet government-based program to help you calculate your ideal caloric (and other nutrient). Choose MyPyramid Plan to get started.

p. 15: Fiber Supplement

A good fiber supplement contains a mixture of natural ingredients. For a brand we trust, click here.

Also, you may contact Sondra or Dorie by phone or email for more information or to order.

p. 23: Nutritional Supplements

This information will be available on our companion website, Transitions 2 Better Living, which is expected to be completed in 2010. Until then, please feel free to contact Sondra or Dorie by phone or email for this information.

p. 27: Certified Gluten-Free Oats

The latest in scientific and medical research claims that oats themselves are by nature gluten free. It is when they cross-contaminate with gluten-containing grains that they are rendered to not be gluten-free (GF). This happens very easily as they are grown in fields and are processed in large plants. However, today many companies are marketing certified gluten-free oats. If you, or someone you are cooking for, is severely sensitive to gluten, it is important that you use only certified gluten-free oats whenever a recipe calls for oats.

p. 29: CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture)

To learn more about CSAs and to find one near you, click here.

p. 31: Nutritional Supplements

This information will be available on our companion website, Transitions 2 Better Living, which is expected to be completed in early 2009. Until then, please feel free to contact Sondra or Dorie by phone or email for this information.

p. 35: Natural Disinfectant

We prefer a natural, plant-based disinfectant/germicidal with a scent that dissipates quickly. Our favorite is available as a concentrated liquid or as bio-degradable, fragrance-free disinfecting wipes.

Click here for more information about other recommended cleaners. More information is coming soon.

Also, you may contact Sondra or Dorie by phone or email for more information or to order.

p. 77: Meal Planning

Click here to use an Internet government-based program to help you calculate your ideal caloric (and other nutrient). Choose MyPyramid Menu Planner to get started.

p. 89 (Sidebar): Soy Protein Isolate

We choose a specific brand of soy protein isolate because the product is certified as GMO-free, unsweetened, very low in carbohydrates, processed by water washing versus alcohol or chemicals and formulated so that the isoflavones and other nutritional benefits are retained during cooking. In addition to cooking and baking, the soy protein isolate can be used in smoothies and drinks with the addition of fruit and/or other sweetener.

There are also flavored formulas of soy protein isolate available to use in drinks and smoothies.

You are welcome to contact Sondra or Dorie by phone or email for more information or to order our favorite product.

p. 110: Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

Sondra has used Bob’s Red Mill.

Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Mix according to the directions on the package. Their 16-ounce package will make 2 (9×13-inch) crusts for Breakfast Pizzas. Crusts may be parbaked for about 7 minutes and finished as described in the sidebar on page 111.

p. 143: Quick-Fix Prepared Food Meals

Click here for a PDF of the page in the book. At this time we do not have additions to add. When we do so, they will be added to the list on Transitions to Better Living website (Good Foods: Other Foods). Email us if you have questions and comments about brands you prefer. Thank you.

p. 170: Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

Sondra has used Bob’s Red Mill.

Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Mix according to the directions on the package. You can parbake the crusts for about 7 minutes, cool, wrap, freeze and use the same as described in the sidebar on page 168.

p. 199: Natural food colorings

p. 218: Nutrition Terms

For more information on oxalates, click here.

For more information on purines, click here.

For more information on goitrogens, click here.

p. 225: Kitchen Gadgets and Equipment

A variety of kitchen gadgets and equipment are described in Simple Choices for Healthier Eating. For some of these items, we have preferred brands. It is only these items that we mention below.

Immersion Blender (hand blender): Our preferred brand is Braun.
Chef Knife: Sondra loves Cutco knives. However, no matter what brand you choose, we recommend purchasing knives that feel comfortable in your hand.
Enclosed Manual Chopper: Dorie and Sondra love Vidalia Chop Wizard. You can find them at most kitchen supply stores, as well as many department stores. It is especially fun and safe (with adult supervision) for children to use. Neither one of us would want to be without this wonderful kitchen tool.
Food Processor/Chopper: We both prefer Cuisinart food processors and choppers.
Kitchen Spritzer: Sondra prefers R.S.V.P. International Inc. “Endurance® Oil Mister,” because the bottle portion is made of high-impact plastic instead a soft plastic. (Sondra’s experience is that the softer plastic brands tend to absorb the oil and turn rancid smelling in a very short period of time. The Endurance brand does not do that.) Endurance, R.S.V.P. stainless steel long-handled measuring spoons and measuring cups are a favorite in our kitchens. Many more of their high-quality kitchen “gadgets” are used frequently in both our kitchens.The company says, “it features a Dutch made spray mechanism that produces an even spray, and a unique, fine screen filter that prevents herbs from clogging the narrow spray tube. The transparent, high impact plastic bottle holds 4 oz. of plain or herb seasoned oil and allows you to quickly see how much and what kind of oil is inside. Pump the brushed stainless steel cap a few times to pressurize, and mist the flavor onto vegetables, poultry, fish or salads. They recommend hand washing.”
Slow Cookers: There are many brands of slow cookers with a variety of features and sizes. We both enjoy the Hamilton Beach programmable slow cooker with locking lid when cooking in large quantities. Sondra’s husband wanted her to have the locking lid so food would not spill in the car when traveling to church potlucks. We both have other brands and sizes of slow cookers that we like as well.If you regularly cook smaller meals, consider a 1 or 2-quart slow cooker. They are very handy for small pieces of meat or poultry and are available from several companies including Rival and Proctor Silex.One of the best features to consider in any slow cooker you purchase is the removable crock. It makes it easy to prep food the night before and leave it in the fridge. It also makes clean up a snap as these crocks can go right in your dishwasher.Another great feature to look for is a “warm” setting, in addition to the typical “low” and “high.”We have not found the meat probe to be helpful when cooking roasts and whole chickens. Cooking meat just to the temperature that is safe in a slow cooker does not always make it tender.
Toaster-Convection Oven: We both like our Hamilton Beach oven. Wide enough to hold 12″ pans, it is also tall enough to put food on two racks and still achieve fairly even cooking. Being able to switch back and forth between conventional and convectional heat is great!
Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker: We both use Cuisinart brand.

p. 228: Household Cleaners

More Information is Coming Soon!
Until then, please feel free to contact Sondra or Dorie by phone or email for this information.

p. 229: Key words to look for on labels.

P. 232: Soy Protein Isolate