>U Mom Knows Best: January 2019

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

EyeBuyDirect Makes Buying Eyeglasses Online Simple

Sponsored post: I was provided a pair of eyeglasses for an honest review.

Shopping for eyeglasses online is so smart!



  It was five years ago that I discovered that I needed glasses for driving. I went to go renew my driver's license and could not pass the eye test. It came as a shock to me as I had no problems with my vision that I knew of. Ok, I did have troubles reading the names of the streets from a distance but that did not bother me as I just had my kids tell me the names. So I had to head over to get an eye exam so I could get my driver's license renewed. It was at the eyeglass place that I discovered I had unique eyes or weird vision. I found out that my eyes were opposite of each other. One eye was farsighted and the other was nearsighted. I really had no trouble with my vision as my eyes were balancing each other. I could not pass the vision test at the DMV as I had to cover up one eye. So I had to get glasses as I wanted to still drive. My eyeglass prescription was made so I could see words far away and I only needed the glasses when I drove. 

I thought insurance was supposed to help me save money 



 My husband had vision insurance through work so I thought that I would be able to get a good deal on my glasses. That eye insurance did make the eye exam only $15 but the glasses were not so cheap at the local eyeglass shop and it only covered certain frames. So I selected a pair of frames that were just OK as I needed to renew my driver's license. Then those eyeglasses got very expensive once I asked how much it would cost for extras like anti-reflective, UV-protective, and anti-scratch. So, I just bought the basic no-frill eyeglasses.

Get the perfect pair of eyeglasses online

 I now buy my eyeglasses online. I discovered a website that makes buying eyewear easy and affordable. EyeBuyDirect has all the latest styles at prices that I like so I can select my frames based on my fashion statement. This eyeglass website makes things so easy for me to find the perfect pair of glasses. Their helpful Fit and Style Eyewear Quiz guided me so I buy a pair of glasses that look awesome on my face. That way I don't look weird with my glasses. I can even see what the glasses look like on me with their Try On feature. I simply upload a photo of myself and I can then see how the frames look on my face.


Latest eyewear trends and newest styles

 There were so many cute frames to choose from that I had a hard time deciding which frames to buy. So I narrowed my selection down to my favorite colors and frame shape. I also was able to just look at plastic and acetate frames as the metal frames tend to annoy me. Once I decided on my frames, the rest was easy. I knew my prescription and I loved that I was able to get UV-protective, anti-scratch, and anti-reflective coatings at such a low price. If I needed Digital Screen Protection or Sun Protection, adding those features on were affordable also. I love that I could turn any regular frames into sunglasses just by adding tint to them. My new glasses from EyeBuyDirect were such a great price! I really love the way the LARIAT Purple Striped Eyeglasses For Women looked when I tried them online. They looked even better when I received them several days later. I love how fast my eyeglasses shipped!

About EyeBuyDirect
EyeBuyDirect is a one-stop online optical shop for contemporary men’s and women’s eyeglasses and sunglasses.  Established in 2006, the brand champions bold style choices so customers can see the world in a whole new way and change how the world sees them. To provide customers with over 1000 affordable frames, EyeBuyDirect conducts the entire process from concept, design, to manufacturing. Part of the Essilor Group, the largest manufacturer of lenses in the world, EyeBuyDirect offers fashionable frames starting at just $6. Through their Buy1Give1 program, a pair of eyeglasses is donated to someone in need for every order placed.
Learn more at  www.eyebuydirect.com/eyeglasses

Love the sales

EyeBuyDirect had such wonderful prices on frames that I did not have to compromise. I saw frames as cheap as $5 and all the frames were under $100! The purple frames that I bought were under $40. I was also able to add on UV-protective, anti-scratch, and anti-reflective coatings and they were still a better price than what I can get with my vision insurance! I love that I could buy glasses in my favorite color purple. What is your favorite color?



Free exchanges and returns

 I think my new driving glasses look amazing. If I was not happy with them for any reason, I could exchange them for another pair or return them. I don't even have to pay for shipping. This is what I love about buying glasses online and it makes all the difference in making me feel comfortable about my purchase. So many times, I am reluctant to buy items like clothes, shoes, and eyeglasses online because I am afraid that they won't fit right. If they don't fit right, I want to be able to return them for free and EyeBuyDirect gives me peace of mind about that with free returns.

14-Day Fit & Style Guarantee
EBD has a 14-Day Fit & Style guarantee which allows customers to make an equal exchange or return with no questions asked.

Buying eyeglasses online made easy

Make sure to check out EyeBuyDirect newest styles for spring. These frames will add a little Dazzle to your eye-style and capture the vibrancy of daylight. It’s time to freshen up your look for Spring with these great frames at great prices. At these low prices, you can get more than one pair.

Save even more money


Use my special code KNOWSBEST20 and save 20% off a pair of great eyeglasses! So go ahead and splurge on a new look for spring at EyeBuyDirect. Click HERE to select your new pair of glasses!


Check out EyeBuyDirect: 

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Healthy Snacks That Kids Will Love

Are your kids always hungry?



  It seems that my boys are always eating between meals. My boys can eat a healthy meal and five minutes later they are asking for a snack. I know that they are growing but I often wonder where they are putting the food as they are not overweight. My husband likes to joke that the youngest has a hollow leg as that boy likes to eat. All his healthy eating just makes him keep growing taller. My youngest is almost as tall as me. So since I have a bunch of eating machines, I like to keep healthy snacks in my pantry. That way when the boys get home from school, they can grab a healthy snack to enjoy before they start their homework. Eating healthy food helps my boys succeed in school and so does a healthy breakfast. So since my boys are snackers, we are always trying new healthy snacks.

My boys love chocolate protein pancakes



Snacking is good for kids

 I always feed my kids a healthy breakfast before school like these chocolate protein pancakes but they still need snacks later in the day. Snacking is good for kids and having healthy options for them to grab is always a good thing. I like snacks that are individually wrapped so my boys can pack them in their lunches. My one son will be starting track and field practice at his school so healthy snacks are a must for him so he can eat one after school.

Check out some new snacks that the boys are enjoying



 My boys love cookies and so do I. So I always make sure to fill the cookie jar with healthy cookies. Yes, cookies can be healthy when they are made with superfoods and organic ingredients. There is no need to feel guilty when you indulge in Emmy's Organics Coconut Cookies. These bite-size cookies are made with clean ingredients and are low in sugar but do not contain any artificial sweeteners. This mom also loves that they have fiber in them as most kids do not get enough fiber. I was even able to enjoy the cookies as they were dairy-free. The tasty superfood bites are available in unique indulgent flavors like Dark Cacao, Vanilla Bean, Matcha, Golden-Milk and more. These cookies would be great for kids with allergies and people who follow a vegan, keto, or paleo diet as they are gluten-free, soy-free, and grain-free.

  My favorite flavor was the Dark Cacao


Quench kids thirst with flavored water



 Juice boxes are fun but most contain way too much sugar, even 100% juices are high in natural sugar. So I don't usually buy any of those boxed drinks for my boys as I like them to drink water when they are thirsty. So my boys were excited to Hint fruit drink boxes. These fun, delicious, parent-approved water have an amazing fruit taste that kids love. My boys loved the hint of fruit taste and just had to try every flavor. So this mom was happy that they were drinking plenty of water. I just loved the colorful boxes and I will be bringing these to my son's track meet when it is my turn to bring the healthy snacks. I am not sure how these waters get their amazing taste as they contain no sugar, no sweeteners, or no juice.


A natural delicious way to replenish electrolytes



 The weather will be warming up here soon and my son will be running track. So that means he will be sweating and will need drinks that help replenish those essential minerals and electrolytes. So my son was happy that I discovered Birch Water. My son knows that I will not buy him any of those glow in the dark drinks that most kids are drinking for sweat replacement and he also does not care for coconut water. My son can now enjoy Birch Water after his sports practice. This clean, plant-based beverage has a nice natural sweet taste that makes drinking water so easy. The sweet taste comes from naturally occurring xylitol that has an added benefit of preventing cavities. The other day when I was at the gym, it seemed like I was sweating buckets of water so it was good I brought with a Yönalé Birch Water. The water comes from the pristine forests of Finland and is certified USDA organic, non-GMO, paleo-friendly, keto-friendly, low in sugar, and contains no added water or preservatives. I was surprised to learn that birch water has been enjoyed by Northern and Eastern Europeans for centuries and is known for giving the immune system a boost after long Scandinavian winters.


Want to discover some more healthy snacks? These are the ones that I am enjoying.


https://www.momknowsbest.net/2019/01/healthy-snacks-for-healthy-new-year.html

Which healthy snack would you like to try?

Monday, January 28, 2019

Your Guilt-Free Guide to a Healthy Yet Delicious Super Bowl Sunday


 Game Day food can be healthy


  This game day you can keep your healthy goals and celebrate with some healthy bites. One of my favorite healthy snacks is chipotle Roasted Cauliflower With Smoked Chili Cream. These flavorful bites of cauliflower taste so incredible when dipped into a  creamy spicy sauce. Your party guests will love them. Your guests may also appreciate that you are offering healthy foods so they won't feel guilty. Check out a great article that I discovered that offers many more suggestions for healthy game day food.

 If you're like most Americans, you celebrate one of the biggest sporting events in the country (okay, the biggest), but planting yourself in front of the television with ice-cold beverages and hearty yet unhealthy snacks. While this is perfectly normal and provides for nothing but a good time, it doesn't help you keep your New Year's resolution to eat healthier and get in shape.

 You may be thinking right about now that Super Bowl Sunday is not about health foods and low-carb drinks. It's about fierce competition, celebrating football's best teams, laughter, and good times. Why ruin a good time worrying about body image? Well, for one, because healthy eating is not just about body image. It's about obtaining overall good health and increasing your odds of living a long, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle.

 That said, eating right doesn't mean eating bland, flavorless foods. It is possible to have a good time without fried foods, surgery beverages, and all-around unhealthy dishes. This post will show you how.



Low-Cal Beverages


 If you're like many football fans, you like to enjoy the game with an adult beverage in hand. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the few days you can let loose and act like the crazed fan at a college football game you used to be. EatingWell provides numerous healthy yet tasty Super Bowl drink recipes. Some of the more popular options include the following:

  • Skinny Pineapple Margarita
  • Jalapeño Watermelon Margaritas
  • Island Limeade
  • Pear Ginger Shooters
  • Watermelon Rose Sangria
  • Chaos Ladder

Though each of these recipes calls for alcohol, you can always make a virgin version sans alcohol. In fact, doing so would contribute to your overall weight goals even more, as alcohol is high in carbs and fatty sugars.

Healthy Hors Devours


 In addition to providing recipes for healthy beverages, EatingWell also provides plenty of appetizing recipes for footballs' favorite course: the appetizers. Fried foods are, of course, a stable of game day. EatingWell shows you don't necessarily have to give up the oils and breading to achieve delectable yet good-for-you eats. Siracha Buffalo Cauliflower bites receive a four and a half-star rating, which is outstanding considering cauliflower is one of those veggies with which most people have a hard time getting on board. As a stand-in for chicken, it provides fewer calories and more fiber and the same great taste. Unless you were to spill the beans regarding your veggie alternative, there's a good chance your guests will never know you swapped poultry for a veggie.

Some other healthy starters EatingWell suggests you make are as follows:

  • Mediterranean Party Board
  • Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
  • Turkey Chipotle Chili
  • Bacon Wrapped Zucchini Fries
  • Sweet and Spicy Wasabi Snack Mix

Delectable Dips


 Kettle and pita chips may be healthy alternatives to your favorite fried potatoes, but if you're being honest, the taste doesn't live up to that of the originals'. You can combat the blandness with a flavorful dip. Ultimate Nutrition's dip takes the cake for the best dip of 2019, as it's creamy, hearty, spicy and full of healthy ingredients. The Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is made of low-fat cottage cheese, fat-free cream cheese, skim mozzarella, buffalo sauce and crumbled blue cheese. Each of these ingredients provides for the rich, creamy flavor. Throw in a pound of chicken breast, cooked and shredded, for sustenance and serve with your favorite low-cal corn chips.

Provide variety for your guests, especially those that prefer less spice in their chip dip. Some other fan favorites include the following:

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip
  • Avocado Hummus
  • Zesty Avocado Black Bean Dip
  • Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
  • Kickoff Pepper Dip

Wholesome Dinners


 Many people don't serve actual meals on Super Bowl Sunday, but then again, if you're here looking for healthy dishes, you're not most people. Surprise your guests with a wholesome meal to share at halftime or that they can serve themselves throughout the game. Putting together a tasty yet nutritious main course doesn't have to involve all the meal prep of a Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, if you keep the recipe simple enough, you can make a meal for 20 with as little fuss as possible.

 Food Network gets creative with its game day surprises and serves up recipes that all parties of a usually eclectic gathering can enjoy. One such recipe is Giada's hand-held pizza pockets. These are like mini calzones, but instead of being stuffed with processed meats and salty sauces, they're stuffed with arugula, cheese, and Italian sausage. Store bought pizza crust will save you time when crafting these little delights. Some other ideas Food Network has are as follows:

  • Honey Glazed Chicken Wings and Snow Peas
  • Baked Buffalo Wings With Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip
  • Vegetarian Beans in a Blanket
  • Lightened Up Asian Turkey Sliders

 As you can see, there are dozens of flavorful options for treating your guests to tasty yet nutritious foods. Give one or more of the above a try to impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds.

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Healthy Ways To Say Goodbye To The Winter Blues

Does winter leave you feeling blue?


        I received samples of the mentioned items to facilitate this post.

  Winter can be a tough time for some people, including myself. The dreary cold days of being stuck in the house can bring on bouts of depression that makes me want to just stay in my PJs and curl up on the couch and watch endless hours of movies. Throw in a day when the sun barely comes out and it is tough for me to get anything done. What I just described can be symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the winter blues. For me personally, I don't have that many days of SAD symptoms as most days where I live the sun is always shining. I am thankful for the days of sun but those days when the clouds are covering the sun, I am not myself as I usually feel depression set in.

Signs and symptoms of SAD may include:

  • Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
  • Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Having low energy
  • Having problems with sleeping
  • Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
  • Feeling sluggish or agitated
  • Having difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
I know all too well about depression as I suffered it for many years after my brother died when I was a teenager. It took many years of therapy and the love of my family to get me through these tough times. I also remember having to use antidepression medicines and how they made feel strange. So now when I suffer from bouts of depression, I use natural things to help me get through the winter blues. The things that I use may help with depression symptoms but If you are on any medication for depression, please do not discontinue it without talking to your doctor.

A delicious cup of coffee brightens my mood


 For most people, coffee is a daily drink that they reach for in the morning to get some energy. For me, coffee is my mood changer and it helps me to be able to function most days as it helps my brain think more clearly. On days that the sun is hiding behind the clouds, regular coffee does not help so I consume a coffee blend that is infused with hemp oil. This delicious coffee helps my mood so I can get work done. I was hesitant to drink a coffee with CBD oil in it as I usually, I use CBD to help me relax to fall asleep or with muscle pain. I was surprised at how much mind clarity I had after one cup of the hemp coffee and it tasted just like a rich cup of coffee. Since CBD has no THC in it, I felt comfortable using it.


Check Out These Five Anxiety Tips for Moms



Getting enough sleep can help one's mood



 On days that the sun does not come out, I have troubles falling asleep. I know that sleep is what my body needs to feel better but my body does not want to fall asleep. Sometimes these sleep tips help me fall asleep but not always. So I changed out the lightbulb in the family room to a healthy LED light that helps my body settle down for sleep. This unique soft white light eliminates the blue light so my body gets the light it needs to settle down. This light has also been helping my boys with bedtime too as the whole family typically spends the evening in the family room. The light is still bright enough for daytime use also. Sleep not only helps your body rest and recover, but helps your brain operate at its best. Sleep unlocks focus, creativity and helps you make good choices.


  See the difference



Exercise can help with the blues


 The best thing that helps me with these dreary sunless days is exercise. The problem is I never feel like getting dressed as that can be way too much for me in the morning. So I sit on the sofa, drinking coffee and surfing the web telling myself that I should go to the gym or a walk. I am glad that my husband is motivated to go to the gym so he has me meet him there after he gets off work. Sure starting the exercise is tough but once I finish my workout, I feel so much better. The music has a way to get me moving too. Sweating is also very healthy for your body and heart.


Healthy food can help with your mood

 The saying, you are what you eat is so true. When you eat nourishing food it can help your body combat the winter depression. Last month when I was relaxed about my healthy eating, I found that I really did not want to do much but scroll through Facebook on those blah sunless days. This month since I have not been eating Christmas cookies in the morning, I am able to get some work done. My healthy snacks of nuts and fruit sure do help me face those dreary cold days. I have also been having a raw green drink in the afternoon when I feel drained of energy. This delicious drink is filled with so many nutrient-rich superfoods and a rich alkaline greens formula. This drink also has 5+ servings of fruits and vegetables. All this awesome nutrition gives me the energy to say yes to the gym.

                             Non-GMO, vegan, gluten, dairy-free, and so delicious! 


Use code MOMKNOWSBEST to get 35% off at https://macrolifenaturals.com
++ Discount does not apply to MacroNutrition packages-United States orders ONLY!

CBD Oil can stimulate happiness


 Research shows that CBD has an effect on the nervous system to stimulate the uptake of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is often referred to as the “happy molecule” because of its ability to improve mood. I know the CBD Oil is an awesome natural pain reliever and it helps me relax at bedtime. I am starting to learn that it also helps with my winter blues. There is still so much to learn about CBD but it will not make you feel high. Check out this article that I wrote that explains what CBD is and isn't. This article has many resources to back up CBD so you can learn whether it is right for you.
https://www.momknowsbest.net/2018/12/what-is-cbd-and-why-i-use-it-for-pain.html

CBD oil is a natural essential oil, extracted from the flowers & leaves of the cannabis plant.

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Do you suffer from SAD or the winter blues?
How do you cope with depression on a cold dreary winter day? Do have any natural things that you use that others might benefit from learning about?

Friday, January 25, 2019

Celebrate Fart Friday With The Buttheads From WowWee

WowWee is making a big stink with the newest addition 

   I received a Butthead toy to facilitate this post and to entertain my kids.

  Today is Fart Friday! There is a day for everything and as my husband says "they made a day for you!" As a mom to four boys and a daughter of a truck driver, I guess I can say that I have had a lot of experience with farting. In my house, I am the one doing the most tooting. Some may say farting is gross but I say it is a sign of a healthy digestion system. My husband does not think so but for the youngest two boys, I am their source of entertainment. My boys are at times impressed with my farts and are known to time how long I pass gas. I do have one rule about farting though, no farting outside the home in public places or around other people. Also if your farts stink, maybe you need to head to the bathroom.

Meet the Buttheads



  Now that I revealed my secret and grossed you out, I want to introduce the newest addition to the WowWee toy family. The same company that brought to kids the fun Fingerlings and the Untamed T-Rex has made a fun interactive toy that will entertain kids and adults with its gross sounding farts. So, cook the beans and celebrate Fart Friday with the Buttheads! These loud and proud toys will leave kids laughing as they pull their finger for a gross surprise. They handheld Butthead guys have the best names: Grim Ripper, Tushi, Robutt, and Brainfart. Each character comes with a stinky trading card that has its own unique smell and stats. The gross toys have three different ways for the kids to have a blast. One can pull the Buttheads finger and it will fart over 20 different ways or kids can set a stink bomb to prank their friends. My boys did this to me before they left for school. I was making my coffee after I said goodbye to the boys and five minutes later the Butthead released a gross farting sound. I had a great laugh as it kind of scared me. The third way that kids can enjoy these awesome tooting toys is through a stinky duel, kind of like Rock, Paper, Scissors but more fun as farts are involved.

Buttheads will be hitting shelves at Walmart in late January



 Buttheads will be hitting shelves at Walmart in late January, with additional retailers to follow in March. These loud and proud farting toys will be the perfect gift for Valentine's day or for birthday party gifts. My boys and husband are having so much fun with the Butthead. My boys are worried that dad might take BrainFart to work. My husband swiped the Un-tamed T-Rex that we received last year and it sits on his desk at work. I can just see his co-workers having a blast with the ButtHeads. I might just have to buy the rest of the ButtHead characters so everyone gets their own farting machine. I can see it now, a noisy bunch of boys having fun making gross fart sounds! At least with the ButtHeads, the room will not stink. What is it with boys and farting?

Check out the gross fart sounds that the Butthead makes



Will you be celebrating Fart Friday?



Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Non Dairy Salted Caramels Made With Dates

Looking for a tasty dairy-free caramel? These tasty treats contain no butter or refined sugar and are so easy to make. They look and taste like real caramel.


 Having a dairy allergy can be tough. So many delicious treats contain dairy ingredients and the ones that are labeled dairy-free usually cost more. So to get the best dairy-free deserts, that usually means finding a good dairy-free recipe. Keep reading to discover an amazing recipe for dairy-free caramels.

 It seems like the things that I crave most are the items that I should not eat. A dairy-free diet can be so tough to follow as dairy is in almost everything. Since I have been dairy-free for only six months, I still miss a lot of my favorite foods. The one that I miss the most is chocolate and it was a sad Christmas and I got no gifts of chocolate. I have yet to find a candy shop in town that sells vegan chocolate or dairy-free candies. 

 Since eliminating dairy from my diet, I am more aware of my symptoms when I eat dairy. Yes, there are many days that I am in denial about my dairy allergy and I will eat something with milk in it, and later that day I regret it. I tell my kids that it is OK for me to have a sugar cookie with frosting and it will be worth the nagging cough. So like the other day when I had a free coupon for a sweet at Panera, I gave into dairy. Later that night the asthma cough started and the next morning, I had a bunch of mucus in my throat. Sometimes, I don't eat dairy on purpose and order food from places thinking that it will be fine. I thought that the eggs would be cooked in oil or that the non-dairy coffee creamer would be OK but when nausea set in later I knew that I was wrong.


Non-Dairy Date Salted Caramels are
+  Plant-Based
+ Delicious
+ Vegan
+ Dairy-Free
+ Gluten-Free
+ Sweet
+ Chewy
+ Tastes Like The Real Thing
+ Healthy
+ Allergy-Friendly
+ Loaded In Fiber



Non-dairy creamers contain Casein, an ingredient derived from milk

 Calling it "non-dairy" isn't always true. You would think that a product called "non-dairy" would be safe for those who avoid dairy in their diet, right? But vegans and those with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy be warned: While many non-dairy creamers contain no lactose - the sugar found in milk that many have a hard time digesting - those same products may still contain casein. Casein is a milk protein that can trigger reactions in those with milk allergies. It gets added to non-dairy creamer to impart a milky flavor and texture. Labels must list casein as a milk product in the ingredient information box. So, while the label may say "non-dairy" or "lactose-free," it does not mean it contains no dairy-derived ingredients.

 These delicious vegan caramels are made with plant-based ingredients and are allergy-friendly. So people who have allergies or dietary restrictions can enjoy the sweet treats. These salted caramels are gluten-free and dairy-free. They also have no added sugar, just natural sugar from the dates. The natural candy is a healthy snack with protein and fiber. Your kids will love these dairy-free caramels.


Dates dipped in sea salt taste so delicious!


Making my own dairy-free treats is the best

 So I have learned that I need to make my own dairy-free treats if I want to avoid feeling nauseated or having trouble breathing. I also bring my own coffee mug to my church that is prefilled with almond milk and stevia so I can fill it with coffee. I even pack or buy almond milk when traveling as most hotels only have those dreadful "non-dairy creamers" that have casein in them. I have learned to read ingredients and so have my boys as they remember how sick their mom was last year. They remember me not being able to read a bedtime story to them without having a coughing attack that left me gasping for air. So I am glad that I discovered a way to make dairy-free caramels.


These dairy-free caramels are soft and taste like real caramels

It is hard to believe that a dairy-free treat that is made from dates and peanut butter can taste like real caramel but they do. These delicious vegan candies are also so soft straight from the freezer. These treats are guilt-free so I can enjoy more than one!

Make sure to pin and share this recipe





Easy Roasted Beets In The Oven

Check out an easy way to cook beets



 My husband and I love beets. This is a vegetable that I buy regularly when I am at the store. Beets are such nutritious food and I love the color. The red beets bake into a delicious purple color. Did you know that beets can be used as a natural dye? When Easter rolls around this year boil some beets in a pot of water and make sure to save the purple water to dye the Easter eggs. While my husband loves the taste of beets, he is not a fan of the purple color as it can also change your "number two" to purple. So if you want your kids to eat beets just tell them that the beets will give them purple poop.



Beets are a natural food dye



 If you are not a fan of the staining that happens from the red beets, you can buy golden beets. Golden beets taste very similar to the red beets and cook the same way. There are many ways that you can cook beets. You can roast them in the oven, boil them, cook them in the slow cooker, or even roast them in the pressure cooker. My favorite way to cook beets is in the pressure cooker but I will also oven roast them if I am roasting other veggies like my Rainbow Brussels Sprouts.

To peel or not to peel


There is no need to peel the beets when you roast them in the oven. The secret is to wrap the whole beets in foil and the steam then makes it so easy to remove the peels after they bake. All you have to do is scrub the beets and cut off the ends. Then wrap the beets tightly with foil, making sure to pinch the foil at the top of the beet so the beet juices do not escape. I like to also place the beets on a baking sheet just in case the beets fall over so I do not have a mess to clean up on the bottom of my oven.




 If you want the beets to have a crispy outside, then you can cut the beets into pieces after they cook. Then toss the beet pieces in a small amount of oil and bake them for a bit longer. I like to make my beets this way when I am making my roasted beet salad but when I make my beet hummus then I don't bake them again for the crispy texture. You really need to check out my beet hummus recipe as it tastes just like the beet hummus from Lantana.


Beets are so Healthy

Beets are loaded with awesome nutrition and are great for many vegetarian recipes. I love eating my beets with just a bit of salt and I love that they are plant-based. Even if you do not eat meatless meals, you can still enjoy beets. I am glad that beets are allowed on my dairy-free diet. Ever since I discovered my dairy allergy, I have been making more meals at home as it is hard to find places that serve vegan meals that are also soy-free. So many restaurants are serving gluten-free options but there are not many dairy-free options.


Easy Roasted Beets 

Ingredients
2-4 large raw fresh red or gold beets

Directions  Oven 450
 Wash and scrub the beets with a vegetable brush. Cut off both ends on the beets. Wrap the beets in foil, making sure to seal the foil well to prevent leaks from the beet juice. I like to make the foil point upward. Place the beets on a cooking sheet and roast in the oven for an hour or until a fork is able to pierce the beet. Let the beets cool. Then unwrap the foil. Run the beets under cold water to peel off the skin. By running the beets underwater, your hands are less likely to turn purple. You can also wear gloves to avoid staining your hands purple. If your hands do turn purple, it washes off with soap.

For beets with a crispy texture, you can cut the whole beets into pieces and toss the beets in a bit of oil. Then roast them in the oven for an additional 10-20 minutes.


 Do you have a pressure cooker?

Check out a quicker way to cook fresh beets in a pressure cooker. The pressure cooker cooks the beets so much faster and easier.

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2019/01/simple-roasted-beets-in-pressure-cooker.html





Simple Roasted Beets In The Pressure Cooker

You will never buy can beets again once you discover how easy they are to cook


 Most people don't like the taste of beets as they may have been turned off to them when they tried them from a can. Can beets can be bland and mushy. My husband used to not like beets until he tried one that I roasted in the oven. After my husband tried my oven-roasted beets, he was hooked and now he always reminds me to buy fresh beets when I go to the store. I too love roasted beets and use them in many vegan recipes like beet hummus and beet salad. I just don't care for how long they take to cook in the oven. So when I bought a pressure cooker, I was amazed at how easy beets are to cook in the pressure cooker. The best part is that you do not have to peel the beets before cooking.


Roasted Beets are:
+ Healthy
+ Vegan
+ Plant-based
+ Easy to make
+ Loaded with nutrition 
+ Fiber
+ Helps lower blood pressure
+ Loaded with antioxidants



 Cooking beets in the pressure cooker are great for those hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven for over an hour but want a healthy plant-based meal. Another plus of cooking beets in the pressure cooker is you can press a button and walk away. The pressure cooker will beep when the cooking is complete. I love my pressure cooker for many other recipes like cooking beans for my homemade spicy carrot hummus. I also make baked beans in my pressure cooker. This cooking device cuts most of my cooking time in half.


  I have even heard of people making yogurt in the pressure cooker but I prefer to make yogurt with an electric blanket. I need to also discover how to cook tamales in the pressure cooker. Tamales are a family favorite here and I love how easy tamales are to make in the slow cooker. I usually make tamales for Sunday dinner as I place them in the slow cooker before church and when we come home the tamales are done. My family then has a delicious vegetarian meal for lunch.


Don't toss the beet greens


 You can purchase your beets in red or gold. I like the red ones best for flavor and the look so pretty in my purple beet hummus. You can also buy beets with the greens attached or ones with them cut off. The beets with the greens attached usually are sold by the bunch and the beets without the greens are sold by the pound. I usually buy the beets without the greens as they are easier to put in the bag. When I buy the beets with the greens attached for the purpose of cooking the greens, the cashiers tend to smoosh my delicious greens. If you buy the beets with the greens, you simply cut them off the green portion and saute them with some oil until tender. Beet greens are so delicious. You can also chop the greens up and add them to vegetable soup.



 If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can make the beets in a slow cooker, just make sure to add water as I have cracked the crock to a slow cooker when I followed a recipe for baked potatoes that used no water. When I cook the beets in a slow cooker, I like to wrap the whole beets in foil to help them steam better and I cook them on high for 4-6 hours or until the beets are tender.

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Simple Roasted Beets In The Pressure Cooker

Ingredients
2-4 large raw fresh red beets
1 cup of water

Directions
 Wash and scrub the beets with a vegetable brush. Cut off both ends on the beets. Pour the water into the pressure cooker and place the wire cooking rack inside the pot. You can also use a metal steamer basket. If you misplaced the wire rack that came with your pressure cooker and you don't have a steam basket, you can place the beets directly in the pot with the water. Placing the beets above the water on a rack will make them less mushy. Put the lid on the pressure cooker and cook on high for 40 minutes. Then use the quick-release to let the steam out. Let the beets cool down. When the beets are cooled down, run them under cold water to peel off the skin. By running the beets underwater, your hands are less likely to turn purple. You can also wear gloves to avoid staining your hands purple. If your hands do turn purple, it washes off with soap.


Don't have a pressure cooker? Then check out how easy it is to roast beets in the oven.

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2019/01/easy-roasted-beets-in-oven.html



Check out my recipe for beet hummus
https://www.momknowsbest.net/2017/12/easy-beet-white-bean-hummus.html

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