Food to Make You Feel Better

Today, I'm sharing a post from The Weekend Gourmet's correspondent. Hospital stays are never fun...but eating right when you return home can help speed  the recovery process. This feature shares information for the best types of foods to help enhance post-illness recovery.

Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay 

Hospital food has a bad reputation, because many patients complain about its taste and quality during their hospital stay. There's not a lot that you can do about that -- other than asking family and friends to bring a bit of your favorite foods to your room. However, once you're out of the hospital, you eat whatever you want. However, there are some foods that are better nutritionally for you than others -- which will help you feel better quicker. 

Some people require hospital discharge care, which may include post-discharge meals. These meals can help to reduce hospital re-admissions and keep patients healthier -- especially those who are unable to prepare their own meals after leaving the hospital. It's important to eat well, though, because it helps patients regain their strength and energy faster. This is key for better recoveries.

Whether you're making your own meals or caring for someone else -- unless the hospital has given you guidelines for specific foods to eat -- there are general nutritional guidelines you can follow. As we all know, eating the right foods and getting plenty of water can help a person recover from a hospital stay and prevent complications like dehydration and constipation. But what do we mean by eating the "right foods?"

Decadent Eats On An NYC Adventure

Today, I'm sharing an informative feature from The Weekend Gourmet's correspondent. If you've got a trip planned to New York City, this feature has some great ideas for enjoying the city's best dining!

New York City is a favorite destination for many foodies -- including The Weekend Gourmet -- thanks to its unique mix of cultures and foods. The city plays host to Americanized versions of many traditional foods, often improving on original recipes to make them even more delectable. 

The great thing about going on a food tour of New York is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune! There are all kinds of options in every area of the city that cater to locals at a fraction of the price of the typical tourist spots. It’s simply a question of sniffing them out. If you’re going on a trip to New York, what kind of food experiences can you expect? 

Weekend Brunches

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New York is a city that loves its brunches! People love to munch their way through pastries, salads, and other entrees in the middle of the day -- or whenever it suits them. Brunch is typically a weekend-only affair. After a long week at work, many New Yorkers like to sleep in before venturing out to enjoy brunch with friends. Several restaurants around the city -- including La Flaca and Mezetto -- feature "bottomless" brunches that serve a wide variety of foods and cocktails. 

Pizza On Broadway

Suppose you’ve booked your Book of Mormon tickets on Broadway, and want something to eat before the show. If it’s value you’re looking for, then pizza is one of your best options. Pizza is an iconic NYC specialty, and Broadway is home to some of the most affordable pizzerias in the city. Many pizzerias are family-owned. Simply pop into any number of pizza shops just off Times Square for some traditional Italian charm. For the most authentic experience, be sure to stick with the traditional pizza toppings.  

Chow Down On Dumplings

While New York has a many Italian immigrants, it’s also home to a large Chinese and Asian community. That means you'll find dumplings galore! 

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Dumplings are filled pockets of dough boiled in a tasty broth and served in special bamboo steamers. As an added bonus, dumpling prices are surprisingly affordable if you know where to look! Your best bet is to head to Chinatown. Restaurants like Vanessa's Dumpling House and Tim Ho Wan offer exceptional value for money if you’re dining on a budget. 

Sample The City’s Gourmet Hot Dogs

While you can definitely pick up a hot dog from a street vendor, there are now numerous locations all over the city where you can indulge in a variety of gourmet hot dogs. A Polish-Jewish immigrant named Nathan Handwerker originally popularized the street-vended hot dog. This resulted in an entire universe of food establishments now dedicated to the humble hot dog. Top places to visit should be Tony Dragon’s Grille and Rudy’s Bar & Grill. 

Eating in New York City has never been more interesting as new eateries open all the time. It’s the perfect city to visit if you like all-American food with an old-world twist. 

Fall Baking...Featuring Banana-Chocolate Chip Streusel Bundt #banana #bundt #baking #chocolatechips #streusel

When the weather finally turns cooler here in Texas, I love to fire up my oven and do a bit of baking. As you probably know by now, the only baking I do is simple recipes anyone can recreate in their home kitchen. You won't find me making anything complicated...but I guarantee the end results will be delicious! Last Friday, we experienced our first true Texas cool front of the season...and it was my Mom's birthday -- I think you see where this scenario is going. I decided to bake a her a simple Fall cake that starts with a yellow cake mix for its base. My Banana-Chocolate Chip Streusel Bundt is a great way to use those pesky overripe bananas that seem to always happen in my house. Mom loves chocolate, so I added a generous amount of semisweet chips to the cake batter. To up the ante, I added an oatmeal-based streusel to the bottom of the pan before baking the cake. The streusel definitely enhanced the Fall feel of this cake. Simply pair a slice of this bundt cake with a cup of coffee or cocoa...and you've got a delicious snack or dessert that's perfect for cooler Fall temperatures!

Preview: Texas Monthly's Tenth Annual TMBBQ Fest! #TMBBQ #austin #texasbbq #sponsored

Attention Texas BBQ lovers! What if I told you that you could taste delicious BBQ from THIRTY of Texas Monthly's Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas in one place...on one delicious afternoon? This smoketastic scenario is a dream come true for Texas BBQ fanatics! Texas Monthly magazine's 10th annual Texas Monthly BBQ Fest Weekend will take place November 2nd and 3rd in Austin. Please be aware that both scheduled on Saturday November 2nd are SOLD OUT! Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew will host its popular 'Cue Course from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 pm. Then, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. that evening, Franklin Barbecue will host its Franklin & Friends event. No need to fret, however...because there are still tickets available to the weekend's marquee event on Sunday: The Texas Monthly BBQ Fest! This year's event will take place rain or shine on Sunday, November 3rd, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. VIP Tickets are $165 + $7.08 fees -- which includes early entry to the event at noon. General Admission tickets are $80 + $4.53 fees.

Simply walk up to each BBQ joint's booth, wait your turn in line...then watch them carve smoky meat fresh from their smoker for you to sample. Talk about mouthwatering...and the smoky smell is downright heavenly!

This will be The Weekend Gourmet's SIXTH time to attend and cover the TMBBQ Fest! We always have a great time chatting with the pitmasters and sampling their smoky specialties -- including brisket, ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and more. There are also some amazing sweet treats available from select BBQ joints -- we loved the scratch-made Italian Cream Cake from Truth BBQ last year! The TMBBQ Fest is an ideal way for us to taste menu items from some of our long-time favorite BBQ joints...along with a few new-to-us discoveries each year! This year, the best BBQ joints from every region of Texas are taking part in the event. Be sure to click on each of the links below to visit participating BBQ joint websites so you can check them out ahead of the TMBBQ Fest!!

Abrams Dinner Party: The Forest Feast Mediterranean Cookbook...Featuring Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake Cups #AbramsDinnerParty #ForestFeastMediterranean #chocolate #hazelnut #cake #easybaking #sponsored

I'm so excited to share that The Weekend Gourmet has been selected to take part in the 2019-2020 Abrams Dinner Party group! Over the next few months, I'll be sharing lots of great books from the Abrams Books Food and Drink line -- including the best recipes from some amazing cookbooks -- with you! I'm so excited to share my first cookbook with you today! The Forest Feast Mediterranean by Erin Gleeson is full of simple and delicious vegetarian recipes that are inspired by her family's travels throughout the Mediterranean! When I say simple? I literally mean every recipe contains only a handful of simple ingredients that result in a delicious dish that's definitely more than a sum of its components!

Whether you're looking for snacks and appetizers, pasta dishes, veggie sides, or sweets...you're covered! I especially love the no-stress, quick nature of the recipes that Erin shares. I can't want to try her Pomegranate Stuffed Avocados, Spinach-Rice Pie, and Honey-Pistachio Bars...but a simple three-ingredient dessert caught my eye first! Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake Cups are a snap to make...and they taste heavenly. In the time it takes to open a box of brownie mix, you can make these fudgy brownie-like cakes instead. If you love Nutella? You'll love these cakes...because this addictive spread is the base of the batter! A recipe like this makes baking from scratch totally simple.

Game Day Food Focus...Featuring Beyond Deluxe Nacho Burgers #gameday #BeyondBurger #GoBeyond #plantbased #burger #sponsored

What if I told you that's it's possible to eat a plant-based burger that's so tasty that you'll never miss the meat? It's true! Plant-based burgers seem to be popping up everywhere these days...for good reason. The new, meatier Beyond Burger™ is the first plant-based burger patties that look, cook...and taste...like a traditional beef burger. We're huge fans! For last week's Texans game, my Beyond Deluxe Nacho Burgers were on our game day menu. They passed the ultimate test: one hungry football-loving dude! Beyond Burger™ is non-GMO and contains no soy or gluten. What it does have is 20 grams of filling of plant-based protein...it even sizzles when you cook it! 

The end result is a burger that tastes great, is kind to animals...and also provides a healthier eating option. To borrow a game day phrase...Beyond Burger™ is a definite touchdown! My Beyond Deluxe Nacho Burgers take the best components of deluxe nachos and stack them on top of a juicy Beyond Burger™. Vegetarian refried beans, tortilla chips, melted cheddar, a simple homemade pico, and creamy avocado ranch team with Beyond Burger™ for a burger that's full of flavor and crunch. It's the best of both worlds...nachos and a cheeseburger...in one delicious bite!

Great Gifts for the Foodie In Your Life #giftsforfoodies #foodiegifts

Today, I'm sharing an article from The Weekend Gourmet's correspondent. This article features some great gift suggestions for the foodies in your life -- perfect advice with the holiday season coming up. The article may include affiliate links.

Buying gifts for the foodie in your life can be fun for both you and them -- especially when they receive your really thoughtful gift. With the rising popularity of cooking and baking shows, there has never been a bigger selection of products you can give that special someone who has a passion for cooking...and eating...food. It also shows you have put some thought and effort into choosing something for them when you taken their passion for food and cooking into account when looking for the perfect present for them.

Image Credit: Pexels CC0 License

Check out these ideas for great gifts to give for the upcoming holiday season, birthdays, or even "just because" to show the foodies in your life just how much you care.

Utensils

Everyone knows you need good-quality utensils to create gourmet masterpieces with ease. Having the correct kitchen gadgets and tools can make all the difference when it comes to both the cooking process and the end result. For bakers, Cookie Decorating Stencils are a great addition to any baking toolkit -- and will make decorating cookies so much easier.

Think dishes, trays, and storage boxes. For more expensive gifts, consider appliances like a stand mixer or a one-pot appliance to help create easy, perfectly cooked meals with little effort. You can also start small with items like the following:

• Knife sets
• Chopping boards
• Cooking trays
• Oven mitts
• Measuring sools
• Hand mixers
• Herb and spice racks

Subscription Boxes

No matter the age or expertise level, a cooking subscription box can help develop kitchen skills while creating delicious new meals. These types of boxes typically come with all ingredients included to create a perfect dish. Quite often all you will need to add are basic ingredients like oil or salt & pepper -- plus your kitchen tools -- to create an meal in no time! This is a great way to inspire kitchen creativity and nurture ambition.

How about a new food discovery box delivered to their front door every month? This type of subscription lets them try new foods, drinks, and snacks. Tickle their taste buds with new delights that come into the market. Maybe they'll find a new favorite food or snack!

If that type of subscription isn't their thing, then how about a subscription to a food-related magazine. A magazine can give them ideas on the best places to eat, new recipes to try...and so much more! They'll learn something new at their own pace.

Gift Baskets

If your foodie's preference is on eating rather than cooking, then consider gifting a food basket. The best thing about gift baskets is that there are many different types and styles, so you are sure to find one that's perfect for the person you're giving the basket to. From chocolate for those with a sweet tooth to luxury foods designed to be a taste exploration...the variety is endless! You can even get baskets containing meal kits to create exquisite meals...or a variety of tasty snacks. Baskets make great gifts for food lovers, because you can indulge your favorite foodie in their passion while gifting them something they will truly appreciate.

In a Food Rut? It's Time to Get Inspired Again! #getinspired #trynewfood #foodinspiration

Today, I'm sharing an article from The Weekend Gourmet's correspondent. This article features some great tips to help you break the habit of eating the same few recipes or foods. The article may include affiliate links.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/variety-of-food-on-the-table-1813505/

Even the biggest foodie or experienced cook can fall into a bit of a rut at times when it comes to what to eat or cook. Have you found yourself eating the same four or five meals on repeat...and you're getting bored and fed up with them? Then, it’s time to branch out and make a change! Here’s some great places to find new food inspiration.

Search the Internet
The most obvious place to find recipe inspiration is to search the internet. Go to Pinterest and pin different types of recipes to different boards of your choice. Your boards can be as simple as Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. However, you can also base them on different types of cuisines, healthy choices, or whatever makes it easier for you to organize your ideas. You can also check out blogs like The Weekend Gourmet, recipe sites like Food Network. Another idea is to search food and recipe hashtags via Instagram. There are so many ways you can get inspired online. You can even save and print your favorite recipes to create a personalized cookbook to refer back to. Simply press print screen on Mac or your computer, then print the recipes to keep. 

Ask Friends and Family for Suggestions
Another way to find recipe ideas is to ask your friends and family what their favorite meals are. Ask whether they have a recipe they particularly love, then give it a try in your kitchen! Most of us have meals that bring back nostalgia from our childhood...or that we just absolutely love. Talking with friends can give you some food ideas...and you share your ideas with them. Friends can also share great pointers and ideas for how to prepare new foods and recipes. 

Watch Cooking Shows on Television
Cooking shows can be really relaxing to watch, and they’re fantastic for providing food and recipe inspiration! They introduce you to new skills and techniques, as well as recipes and ingredients you might not hear of otherwise. Next time you’re relaxing in front of the TV, why not surf over to a cooking channel and see if there are any programs that inspire you. YouTube and Instagram TV also offer online cooking channels that feature mini episodes if you prefer to watch short and snappy clips for ideas. Finally, be sure to check out viral channels like Tasty and Twisted Food.

Join a Recipe Meal Kit Service
If you love to cook, why not consider using a recipe meal kit subscription box? These are a wide range of services for everyone from novice cooks to experienced! There are even services that focus on plant-based meals...or let you select pescatarian option. Meal kit services can be a great way to try new recipes, because they send everything prepped and portioned. That means there’s no waste and you save time in the kitchen too! 

See What’s in Season
We should be eating as much local and seasonal food as possible, because it's good news for the planet. So...head out to your local market and pick up some fresh local produce. Focus on what’s in season at the moment -- which should definitely inspire you. From fresh fruit salads and smoothies in Summer...to stews and soups in Winter. Step outside of your comfort zone and try out some different ingredients if you get the chance!

Three Ways To Make Money From Your Cooking Passion #cooking #baking #shareyourpassion #dowhatyoulove

Today, I'm sharing a post from The Weekend Gourmet's new contributor. They're sharing some helpful tips for making extra money via your talent for cooking delicious food! This column may feature affiliate links.

(Pixabay CC0)

You have a passion for all things food and cooking, right? You're visiting The Weekend Gourmet, so we should be correct in making that assumption! Why not utilize your cooking talent to make yourself a little extra money? Not only will you have extra cash to fill up your pantry with a few delicious goodies...but you'll also have a good excuse (as if any were needed) to spend a little more time indulging your culinary passions.

Here are some ideas to get you started...

Sell Your Food at Local Events

It's Fall festival season! Are there any food festivals happening near you...or how about a farmers market and bake sales? If you've already received compliments from others about the food you bake or cook, why not set up a stand to sell your goods at these events? From cakes to pies...and even savory items...there are all kinds of items you could sell. If people like what they taste, they may continue to return to your stall on a regular basis.

To find out applicable requirements and laws in your specific area, be sure to get in touch with the organizers of local farmers markets and festivals. They can share all necessary requirements to book a stand at their event. As an extra tip, be sure you have the correct storage/transport supplies for your foods. You definitely don't want to arrive at the event with items damaged during transit. For example, a handmade pie basket would come in handy if you're planning on selling baked goods.

Start a Unique Food Delivery Service

Okay, so this could be more tricky. Not only will you be competing with Uber Eats and other food delivery services, but you might need the extra help to prepare food for potential customers and then deliver it. However, if you have help available -- and if you find your own niche -- there's no reason why this option couldn't work for you. You might decide to specialize in organic or gluten-free foods, because there will be people who can't access foods for special diets when ordering food for delivery. You might decide to create a personalized range of goods using recipes that are special to you -- because your food items might taste better than generic foods offered by other food delivery services.

Check out these food delivery business tips to get you started. One other suggestion: before starting your own food delivery service, be sure to check all city- and state-specific laws and ordinances near you to ensure you're in compliance.

Start a Food Blog

We don't need to tell you what a food blog might look like, because you only need to look around The Weekend Gourmet for inspiration! From recipes to food-related articles, take inspiration from this site and others...then consider unique blog niche ideas particular to you. While you can definitely start a blog purely for fun, you might also decide you want to make money from your website. Check out this step-by-step guide on how to start a food blog using the popular blogging platform Wordpress. Take note of the advice provided on how to monetize your efforts.

These are just a few ideas to get you started...but there are many more ways you can make money from your cooking. Why not do a Google search to find out more? Whatever you decide to do, have fun...and make it personal to you!

The Perfect Fall Breakfast...or Brinner: Biscuit Waffle Breakfast Stack #breakfast #brunch #brinner #eggs #overthetop

Breakfast...there's nothing better than a leisurely meal of eggs, waffles, and more. Weekdays, my breakfast is typically a protein shake iced coffee. But on the weekends? I serve a filling leisurely brunch with all my favorites! I especially love waffles, and I'm intrigued by making creative waffles using unexpected ingredients. For example: I used refrigerated biscuits and my waffle iron to create my tasty Biscuit Waffle Breakfast Stack! 

This fun brunch -- or weeknight brinner -- item features all of my favorite breakfast items stacked on top of a biscuit waffle. The biscuit waffle base is topped with reduced fat cheese, scrambled eggs, and a lower-fat sausage gravy. It's savory and quite filling...add a simple fresh fruit salad on the side for a complete meal!

McDonald's and Uber Eats Team for McDelivery Night In #McDonalds #McDelivery #UberEats #eatathome #ad

McDonald's delivers with Uber Eats, delivering happy -- and all of your favorites - right to your doorstep! The following is a review of my experience taking part in McDelivery Night In on September 19th. All opinions expressed are my own. This post was compensated by McDonald's.

McDonald's has teamed with Uber -- the country’s largest on-demand destination for door-to-door delivery -- to offer its customers the convenience of delivery via its McDelivery program! Following a 200-location pilot in Houston, Uber Eats is now expanding the program to thousands of McDonald’s locations across the country. That means McDelivery is now available via more than 10,000 McDonald's locations in all 50 states! On September 19th, McDonald's celebrated McDelivery Night In to spotlight the ease of using McDelivery to enjoy your favorite McDonald's food in the comfort of your own home! We took part in so I can show you step-by-step how the McDelivery feature works. It's a snap -- and the end result is enjoying your favorite McDonald's menu items without having to drive to your nearest location!

The first step necessary to utilize McDelivery is to download the free Uber Eats app to your Apple or Android smartphone. It's quick and simple...from there, you're ready to order! When you open the Uber Eats app the first time, you'll be asked to create a username and password. Then, you're ready to order! When you enter your delivery location, the Uber Eats app will show you all locations near you that participate in McDelivery. Pick your preferred location, then navigate the user-friendly menu -- complete with photographs of each food item -- to make your selections. You can even customize menu items. Want to add lettuce to your Fillet 'o Fish? No problem!

When you select a menu item, it is sent to your Uber Eats Cart while you continue ordering. When you've made all your menu selections, simply go to your Cart to check out. Be sure to verify everything looks accurate, then add any promo codes you have. Finally, pay for your order with a credit or debit card. That's it! The entire McDelivery ordering and payment process took me about 10 minutes to complete last night. I was then able to track my delivery in real time from ordering through delivery via the Uber Eats app. The app also provided my delivery driver's name and the type of vehicle he drives. Our driver's name was Dennis -- the Uber Eats app even notified me when he was downstairs with our food. Dennis had our order to us very quickly -- within 5 minutes of picking it up!

Perfect for Game Day: Vegetarian Nacho Skillet Dip...Featuring MorningStar Farms Chorizo Crumbles #gamedayfood #vegetarian #dip #TexMex #justaddchips

Football season is officially here (finally!!)...which means it's also time for some amazing game day FOOD!! Whether it's just the two of us...or a larger gathering of family and friends watching our Houston Texans play? Food is definitely a key component of the day. Today, I'm sharing a healthier version of a hearty vegetarian hot dip that features delicious and spicy MorningStar Farms' Chorizo Crumbles. Trust me on this...this dip is so good that I personally guarantee no one will miss the meat -- or the excess fat and calories!

MorningStar Farm's plant-protein frozen, ready-to-use chorizo crumbles have the texture of meat...in addition to the tangy-spicy taste of Mexican chorizo sausage. These crumbles are a perfect addition to my hearty Vegetarian Skillet Nacho Dip. It also features a cheesy homemade queso base, fiber-rich pinto beans, and gooey melted lower-fat cheese. After a quick spin in the oven, the dip is topped with a quick pico de gallo and diced avocado. It's all of your favorite nacho flavors in a convenient dip that's cooked and served in a cast iron skillet. Simply add some sturdy chips and you're good to go! I opted to serve the dip with scooped corn chips, which worked perfectly with this hearty dip. It's sooooooo good!!

Wendy's Great Eight...Back to School Edition #WendyGreatEight #tryit #wwpoints #tbacktoschool

Can you believe that Summer is winding down and it's time for back-to-school already? It seems like the calendar flies by faster and faster every year! In honor of the new school year, this month's Wendy's Great Eight is focusing on my top picks for the best quick and healthy breakfasts...lunchbox additions that take school lunch to the next level...and some fun afternoon snack ideas. There's even a little something to help sleep-deprived parents stay caffeinated in the morning during this hectic time of year...so, let's get started!!

(1) Kellogg's® Raisin Bran Crunch® Vanilla Almond. This cereal is a great way to start the morning! I grew up eating original Raisin Bran...but this fun new flavor takes original Raisin Bran to new heights of deliciousness! It contains wheat bran flakes, tons of plump raisins, crunchy honey-oat granola clusters, and thinly sliced almonds. It's a quick option on busy mornings -- ready to eat in minutes. We also love to sprinkle a bit on top of yogurt or a bowl of oatmeal for added fiber and crunch. I love that's it sweet...without being overly sweet. As a bonus, there's 5 grams of fiber in each 1-cup serving, which helps keep the hungries at bay until lunch! Click this link to find Raisin Bran Crunch® Vanilla Almond at a location near you.

WW Freestyle Smart Points: 7 SP per 1 cup

(2) So Delicious Almondmilk With Cashew Beverage. To go with your morning cereal, you'll need something to pour over it once you get it in the bowl. Our favorite recent discovery is So Delicious organic, dairy-free Almondmilk With Cashew Beverage. It's organic and unsweetened...and it provides a perfect blend of nutty flavor from almonds and the creaminess of cashews The taste and texture are great! Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegetarian...or just looking for a morning beverage alternative? You really can't go wrong with this So Delicious dairy-free nutmilk. We use this versatile nutmilk in our oatmeal and smoothies too. The capper? Each 1-cup serving has just 35 calories! To find So Delicios dairy-free products near you, visit the Where to Buy feature at their website.

WW Freestyle Smart Points: 1 SP per 1 cup

(3) Off The Grid High Protein Frozen Toaster Waffles. Frozen waffles are a classic quick-cook option for breakfast...but Kellogg's® Off The Grid waffles offer a little something extra. These great-tasting waffles cook up golden and crispy in the toaster in minutes...and each filling two-waffle serving packs a whopping 12 grams of healthy essential complete protein! They're made with 100% whole grains and cage-free eggs...and they're certified Non-GMO Project certified too. Off The Grid waffles come in three delicious flavors: Vanilla Buttermilk, Cinnamon Brown Sugar (my personal favorite), and Wild Blueberry. To find Off The Grid high-protein toaster waffles near you, be sure to check out their handy online Store Locator.

WW Freestyle Smart Points: 

• Wild Blueberry: 6 SP per two waffles
• Vanilla Buttermilk & Cinnamon Brown Sugar: 7 SP per two waffles 

(4) Peckish Egg Protein Pack. Protein is an essential nutrient...and Peckish egg protein packs make it easy to ensure you eat enough protein. Each ready-to-eat package provides 11-14 grams of protein! Each pack includes two perfectly boiled organic, free-range eggs and flavorful crunchy dippers. The combination of soft boiled eggs and crunchy, bold toppings makes a perfect addition to lunches -- just make sure they're packed to stay cool until lunchtime! Peckish comes in great flavors like Eggs & "Everything," Eggs & "Fried Rice," Eggs & "Maple Waffles," Eggs & "Rancheros," and Eggs and "Salt & Pepitas." Peckish is also a nutritious, filling afternoon snack.

WW Freestyle Smart Points:  The boiled eggs have zero SP, but the crunch dippers would have 1-2 SP

Your Essential Bag Checklist for Moving to a New Home

Today, I'm sharing a post from The Weekend Gourmet's new contributor. They're sharing some helpful tips for transitioning to a new home -- including food and kitchen considerations. This column may feature affiliate links.

Picture by Free-Photos from Pixabay - CC0 Licence

As if searching for and securing a home -- not to mention a buyer for your existing home wasn't stressful enough -- you also need to make sure everything is in order for moving day too! From making sure you hire the best moving company; getting rid of clothes you no longer wear and items you no longer need; and contacting family, friends, and companies you conduct business with to let them know you're moving? There are a wide range of details you need to sort out.

An excellent moving tip that never fails is to pack an essentials bag early in the moving process. This bag is luggage that you'll carry with you from your old home to your new one -- it will be with you at all times. This bag could make a world of difference to your stress levels on moving day. Here are the items you should consider packing into your moving essentials bag.

Food and Drinks

Whether it's just you or a family of five, chances are good that someone will get hungry during the moving journey! So, it's wise to think about what to prep the night before. To avoid the risk of you or your family being low on energy and morale on one of the most stressful and busy days of your life, think about packing healthy fruit and veggies for snacks. Maybe even pack a container of frozen Corn & Black Bean Chilaquiles to heat for a tasty first meal when you arrive at your new home. Be sure to pack paper plates, napkins, and plastic utensils too! Putting food and water in your essentials bag ahead of time will also prevent having to pick up these items at a convenience store!

Medications

Prescribed medication can easily be left behind during the busy haze that occurs on moving day -- when a lot is happening all at once! Without packing medicine into your essential bag before moving day, it could easily be forgotten. From supplements like Omega 3 to important prescription medications, avoid the mistake of having your essential medications being thrown into a box and getting lost in transit.

Documents, Cards, and Keys

You may need your ID to pick up your house keys. You'll also need to keep handy any documents that show the moving company which moving package you purchased from them to ensure things run smoothly on moving day. It's also important to keep your credit cards and some cash on you to pay the moving company once the move is complete. If you haven’t chosen a moving company, find out more about what to expect from the moving company experience. If you don't follow the above advice to pack food in your essentials bag, having cash and credit cards on you means you've got money on hand to pick food up for you or your family.

Pajamas and Bed Linens

You may be thinking this is turning into a rather large essentials bag, but it's pretty unavoidable -- especially considering how much you'll need the stuff that's packed inside! Bed linens and pajamas, for instance, are necessary to put on bare mattresses and give you some comfort the first night in your new home. This simple move will definitely make move-in day go a lot smoother.

A well-thought-out essentials bag is a true lifesaver for anyone moving into a new home. This bag will make your move more efficient and less stressful -- knowing you have essential items for moving day with you in one centralized easy-to-access location!