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		<title>Gut Health: Digestive Enzymes 101</title>
		<link>https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2018 14:47:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[enzymes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gut health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[probiotics]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>What the heck are digestive enzymes and why might you need them? Get the inside scoop from a registered dietitian nutritionist here. After 5,473 days of winter it feels like we can finalllllly start believing it’s really spring, and that summer is just around the corner. We can slowly start coming out of what feels [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/">Gut Health: Digestive Enzymes 101</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
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<p><em>What the heck are digestive enzymes and why might you need them? Get the inside scoop from a registered dietitian nutritionist here.</em></p>
<p>After 5,473 days of winter it feels like we can finalllllly start believing it’s really spring, and that summer is just around the corner. We can slowly start coming out of what feels a little bit like hibernation and transition into spring mode, filling our weekends with soccer games and barbecues, pool parties and birthday celebrations, picnics and concerts.</p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21756" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/digestive-enzymes-6938-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6938.jpg?fit=600%2C386&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="600,386" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.2&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1524357869&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;30&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.004&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="Digestive enzymes for gut health" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6938.jpg?fit=300%2C193&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6938.jpg?fit=500%2C322&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21756" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6938-500x322.jpg?resize=500%2C322&#038;ssl=1" alt="digestive enzymes for gut health" width="500" height="322" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6938.jpg?resize=500%2C322&amp;ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6938.jpg?resize=300%2C193&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6938.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></p>
<p><em>[Hey guys – what follows is a sponsored post I’ve created with a brand that I believe in and we already use in our day to day lives – Renew Life® Digest Smart Enzymes</em>.<i>I feel good about supporting it and hope you do too.]</i></p>
<p>Our laid-back mostly empty schedule quickly transitions into a packed (but fun-filled) calendar of events. With the gorgeous spring weather comes school events, parties, and barbecues that all seem full of savory, sweet, and just straight up delicious foods.</p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21758" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/health-for-kids-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/health-for-kids.jpg?fit=576%2C768&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="576,768" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="health-for-kids" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/health-for-kids.jpg?fit=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/health-for-kids.jpg?fit=263%2C350&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21758" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/health-for-kids-263x350.jpg?resize=263%2C350&#038;ssl=1" alt="health for kids" width="263" height="350" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/health-for-kids.jpg?resize=263%2C350&amp;ssl=1 263w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/health-for-kids.jpg?resize=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1 188w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/health-for-kids.jpg?w=576&amp;ssl=1 576w" sizes="(max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px" /><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21761" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/stay-healthy-this-spring_thumb-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/stay-healthy-this-spring_thumb.jpg?fit=254%2C338&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="254,338" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="stay-healthy-this-spring_thumb.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/stay-healthy-this-spring_thumb.jpg?fit=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/stay-healthy-this-spring_thumb.jpg?fit=254%2C338&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21761" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/stay-healthy-this-spring_thumb.jpg?resize=254%2C338&#038;ssl=1" alt="stay healthy this spring" width="254" height="338" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/stay-healthy-this-spring_thumb.jpg?w=254&amp;ssl=1 254w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/stay-healthy-this-spring_thumb.jpg?resize=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1 188w" sizes="(max-width: 254px) 100vw, 254px" /></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21763" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/digestive-enzymes-6888_thumb-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6888_thumb.jpg?fit=504%2C337&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="504,337" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="staying healthy in the spring" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6888_thumb.jpg?fit=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6888_thumb.jpg?fit=500%2C334&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21763" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6888_thumb-500x334.jpg?resize=500%2C334&#038;ssl=1" alt="staying healthy in the spring" width="500" height="334" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6888_thumb.jpg?resize=500%2C334&amp;ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6888_thumb.jpg?resize=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6888_thumb.jpg?w=504&amp;ssl=1 504w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></p>
<p>For some people all those food-centric events are no big deal, but for others, eating so many different foods (especially if they’re processed or protein-rich) can cause some discomfort, like gas and bloating. Pretty much exactly what you don’t want when you’re trying to enjoy a fun-filled event or weekend. I mean, the last thing you want to do is put an early-end to your good time because your stomach is betraying you (been there, done that!)</p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21765" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/digestive-enzymes-6900_thumb-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6900_thumb.jpg?fit=504%2C337&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="504,337" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="spring in to health" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6900_thumb.jpg?fit=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6900_thumb.jpg?fit=500%2C334&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21765" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6900_thumb-500x334.jpg?resize=500%2C334&#038;ssl=1" alt="spring in to health" width="500" height="334" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6900_thumb.jpg?resize=500%2C334&amp;ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6900_thumb.jpg?resize=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6900_thumb.jpg?w=504&amp;ssl=1 504w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></p>
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<p>Bloating and discomfort shouldn’t have to be part of your social schedule, and your shouldn’t have to cancel or avoid food-filled events because you’re not sure how you’re body will react (also been there, done that – I used to be the queen of unfortunate stomach issues before I truly learned what “gut health” meant).</p>
<p>I fee like we hear a lot about “gut health” these days, but we don’t always talk about what it means or why it’s important. The gut is considered the core of your body&#8217;s overall health and well-being and can affect your entire body including immune health, energy, happiness, stress and more. (So yeah, just a little important.;))</p>
<p>I’ve talked about the benefits of probiotics before but there’s also other factors that can support gut health and digestion, like enzymes. So let’s talk digestive enzymes for a minute.</p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21768" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/digestive-enzymes-6968_thumb-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6968_thumb.jpg?fit=504%2C337&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="504,337" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="digestive-enzymes for good gut health" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6968_thumb.jpg?fit=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6968_thumb.jpg?fit=500%2C334&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21768" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6968_thumb-500x334.jpg?resize=500%2C334&#038;ssl=1" alt="digestive enzymes for good gut health" width="500" height="334" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6968_thumb.jpg?resize=500%2C334&amp;ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6968_thumb.jpg?resize=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6968_thumb.jpg?w=504&amp;ssl=1 504w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></p>
<p>Every meal you eat contains multiple food sources – protein, carbohydrate, fat, and fiber. Your body makes enzymes to break down these foods, but there are times our system could use a little help with digestion (like all those summer barbecues).</p>
<h2><strong>What exactly are enzymes?</strong></h2>
<p>Enzymes are proteins that control and speed up reactions in the body – our body’s natural digestive enzymes’ role is specifically to help break down food into smaller parts so that our bodies can absorb and utilize them. For example, they help break proteins into amino acids (the “building blocks” of protein) and carbohydrates into simple sugars like glucose. There are tons of enzymes used in the digestive process, each with a specific job or action.</p>
<p>(Curious if something is an enzyme? It usually ends in the suffix “-ase”, like lactase, sucrase, or lipase.  Some other enzymes that get a lot of attention but break this rule are papain and bromelaine, from papaya and pineapple, respectively. )</p>
<p>Many enzymes are produced in the gut lining of the small intestine (as well as the pancreas, salivary glands, stomach, and liver) which is another reason why keeping your gut healthy is so important. (Supporting a health gut can mean things like eating quality prebiotics and probiotics, or using a supplement to help such as Renew Life® <a href="https://bit.ly/2pxcYcd" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Digest Smart Enzymes</a>.)</p>
<h2>What can affect adequate enzyme function?</h2>
<p>Certain diseases can affect the production of enzymes and sometimes chemicals can get in the way and block their action. Other causes include low stomach acid, inflammation, aging, and chronic stress. (What, stress with a busy social calendar?! Certainly not uncommon.) Failing to adequately break down and digest the food we eat can lead to those uncomfortable post-meal sensations like gas and bloating.</p>
<p>Even though your body makes it’s own enzymes, an enzyme supplement like Renew Life® Digest Smart Enzymes, which contains 25 plant-based, raw enzymes, can provide powerful digestive support when you need it the most, like after eating a third helping of your neighbor’s famous apple pie piled with homemade whipped cream at the end of school neighborhood block party. Taking enzymes before your meal can help break down a variety of foods and dispel gas. If you’re using a supplement, it’s important that it contains multiple enzymes since remember, each one has a different function.  This formula helps breakdown proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber*, and it’s specifically designed to support the digestion of the most problematic foods*.</p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21770" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/digestive-enzymes-6958_thumb-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6958_thumb.jpg?fit=504%2C329&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="504,329" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="improving gut health with digestive enzymes" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6958_thumb.jpg?fit=300%2C196&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6958_thumb.jpg?fit=500%2C326&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21770" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6958_thumb-500x326.jpg?resize=500%2C326&#038;ssl=1" alt="improving gut health with digestive enzymes" width="500" height="326" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6958_thumb.jpg?resize=500%2C326&amp;ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6958_thumb.jpg?resize=300%2C196&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6958_thumb.jpg?w=504&amp;ssl=1 504w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></p>
<p>While enzymes can help with the occasional gas, bloating, or indigestion, you should always check with a doctor if you have a specific condition, as <a href="/tinysneakers/food-allergies-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">food allergies</a> and gut conditions should be addressed separately.</p>
<p>You can also help minimize bloating and discomfort by taking some natural, preventative measures, like drinking plenty of fluids, eating smaller portions, chewing your food thoroughly, eating at a relaxed pace, and exercising regularly (or even taking a slow stroll after a meal).</p>
<p>So as you start to pack your spring with fun events like barbecues, parties, and concerts, don’t forget to keep supporting that healthy gut, since it plays a role in so much of your overall wellbeing, from your immune system to your mood.</p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21771" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/digestive-enzymes-6859-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6859.jpg?fit=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="600,400" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1522708865&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;30&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="healthy guts healthy kids" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6859.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6859.jpg?fit=500%2C333&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21771" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6859-500x333.jpg?resize=500%2C333&#038;ssl=1" alt="healthy guts healthy kids" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6859.jpg?resize=500%2C333&amp;ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6859.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/digestive-enzymes-6859.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><em><span style="font-size: small;">* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.</span></em></p>
<p>[[Just a reminder, this is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Renew Life Digest Smart Enzymes.]]</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/spring-into-gut-health/">Gut Health: Digestive Enzymes 101</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
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		<title>Back to School: Practical Tips for Healthy Guts</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Heather]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2018 11:43:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Info]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Get the 411 on how to keep your kids (and yourself! healthy as they head back to school by making sure their immune system &#8211; and digestive systems- are ready for the influx of germs. I’m sitting here in front of my keyboard on the first morning of the last week of my oldest son’s [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/practical-tips-healthy-guts/">Back to School: Practical Tips for Healthy Guts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><img decoding="async" src="https://pixel.massivesway.com/tracker.php?pixel=7e1b641e-bac1-454d-98f0-694a22509ec1" alt="Tracking Pixel" />Get the 411 on how to keep your kids (and yourself! healthy as they head back to school by making sure their immune system &#8211; and digestive systems- are ready for the influx of germs.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’m sitting here in front of my keyboard on the first morning of the last week of my oldest son’s summer break. His last week of summer break. He’s on the threshold of taking a monumental first step into the world of kindergarten.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a work-at-home-mom, I’ve been able to spend most of every single day of my son’s entire life with him. That’s five and a half years with him by my side for the better part of the day. I could turn this into a long weepy, philosophical reflection, but don’t you worry, I’ll save that for my inner brain to stumble over all week long. Instead, I’m trying to push those thoughts aside and compensating by focusing on being practical.</span></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21659" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/practical-tips-healthy-guts/healthy-gut-tips/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-gut-tips.png?fit=735%2C1102&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="healthy gut tips" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-gut-tips.png?fit=167%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-gut-tips.png?fit=233%2C350&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter wp-image-21659" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-gut-tips.png?resize=550%2C825&#038;ssl=1" alt="Practical ways to keep your kids’ guts healthy during the back to school season from a mom and dietitian. AD" width="550" height="825" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-gut-tips.png?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-gut-tips.png?resize=167%2C250&amp;ssl=1 167w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-gut-tips.png?resize=233%2C350&amp;ssl=1 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hey guys – what follows is a sponsored post I’ve created with a brand that I believe in and we already use in our day to day lives, Renew Life® Ultimate Flora Probiotics. I feel good about supporting it and hope you do to. And I’ll do my best to hide my weepiness about my oldest starting REAL school in a few days. Someone hold me…now on to those tips about healthy guts:</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ve cleaned off old backpacks and lunchboxes and bought new ones just in case. We have new stainless steel over-priced water bottles they’ll probably lose in a week that I couldn’t say no to. I’ve ordered new name labels and triple-checked the school supply list. I’ve even pre-made some mini gluten-free, dairy-free pizzas for the freezer so we can have some fun lunches to grab on the sure-to-be-hectic mornings adjusting to a new schedule. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I can’t obsess about his teacher or classmates or bus schedule because none of that has been released yet (talk about waiting until the last minute). I thought I’d checked everything off my practical to-do list (completely ignoring the emotional tornado wreaking havoc in my mind). Then I saw a post on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/withasideofsneakers" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> about some must have magical hair-detangler spray that fights lice. Lice. One more thing that has to go on my list of preparedness. This is part of our world now. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And of course, lice is probably the least of our problems. Both my boys will be in new schools with new kids, and with that comes… new germs. TWO sets of new germs. (Where am I shipping my innocent boys off to?!?) I could immediately sign myself up for the crazy-worry-loony-bin, but fending off illness? That’s something this practical mom can handle.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">School may not have started yet but we’re already doubling-down on our germ-fighting routine, from the inside out. Going back to school, and honestly, just being a kid these days takes guts.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s our plan of attack to keep our guts healthy:</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8211; </span><b>Get really dirty.</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Yup, that’s right. Playing outside and in the dirt is an awesome way to build up your immune system. Plus, what boy doesn’t love playing in the dirt? It’s win-win for me.</span><br />
<img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21660" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/practical-tips-healthy-guts/healthy-guts/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-.jpg?fit=800%2C1067&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,1067" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.2&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 6s&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1501949727&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;4.15&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;32&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00833333333333&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="healthy guts kids" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-.jpg?fit=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-.jpg?fit=263%2C350&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21660" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts--263x350.jpg?resize=263%2C350&#038;ssl=1" alt="healthy guts kids" width="263" height="350" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-.jpg?resize=263%2C350&amp;ssl=1 263w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-.jpg?resize=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1 188w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px" /><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21661" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/practical-tips-healthy-guts/healthy-guts-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-2.jpg?fit=800%2C1067&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,1067" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.2&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 6s&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1501963348&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;4.15&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;25&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0333333333333&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="healthy guts for kids" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-2.jpg?fit=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-2.jpg?fit=263%2C350&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21661" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-2-263x350.jpg?resize=263%2C350&#038;ssl=1" alt="healthy guts for kids" width="263" height="350" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-2.jpg?resize=263%2C350&amp;ssl=1 263w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-2.jpg?resize=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1 188w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-2.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8211; </span><b>Stick to bedtime.</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> I know, #lamestmomever. But if my kids miss their bedtime window, it takes an act of magic to get them to sleep and then they end up getting up even earlier than early. Sleep is a HUGE factor in immune health and we’ll take all the help we can get. (Not to mention getting enough rest helps keep the crankiness at bay, which I’m sure we’ll have plenty of as we adjust to the new all-day routine of kindergarten.)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8211; </span><b>Keep the sugar at bay</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. I know, give me another prize for being a lame mom here. But for the record, I didn’t say NO sugar; just less. It’s easy to say yes to every single treat kids ask for, but it adds up so easily. A granola bar, a juice box, some ketchup and BAM. I think by now we all know what sugar can do to us, especially kids, but sometimes we just need a reminder to keep it in check.</span></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21662" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/practical-tips-healthy-guts/healthy-guts-3/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-3.jpg?fit=800%2C1067&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,1067" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.2&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 6s&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1502211948&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;4.15&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;125&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0333333333333&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="kids healthy guts" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-3.jpg?fit=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-3.jpg?fit=263%2C350&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21662" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-3-263x350.jpg?resize=263%2C350&#038;ssl=1" alt="kids healthy guts" width="263" height="350" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-3.jpg?resize=263%2C350&amp;ssl=1 263w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-3.jpg?resize=188%2C250&amp;ssl=1 188w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-3.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-3.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8211; </span><b>Focus on healthy guts</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Did you know at least 70% of your immune system is in your gut? A healthy gut can help boost your immune health. We focus on probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha, plus the whole family takes a daily probiotic to make sure we’re getting adequate amounts of the good bugs. (I mean; how much sauerkraut can I really get my 5-year-old to eat?) We love </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1zIqCFK" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotics</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">– they’re gluten &amp; dairy free, don’t require refrigeration, come in a delayed-release capsule, and contain 30 billion live cultures per capsule &amp; 10 scientifically studied probiotic strains. {Translation: that’s good stuff!} Plus, they even come in chewable tablets and gummies as well!</span></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21663" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/practical-tips-healthy-guts/healthy-guts-5931-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5931-2.jpg?fit=800%2C533&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,533" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1503276865&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;30&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.008&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="probiotics healthy guts" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5931-2.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5931-2.jpg?fit=500%2C333&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21663" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5931-2-500x333.jpg?resize=500%2C333&#038;ssl=1" alt="probiotics healthy guts" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5931-2.jpg?resize=500%2C333&amp;ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5931-2.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5931-2.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5931-2.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to playing a huge role in immunity, did you know a healthy gut can improve your memory, sleep and lower stress? Plus, 95% of your body&#8217;s happiness-inducing serotonin is produced in your gut. All things we can get on board with as we enter this back-to-school phase of life. Better memory. More energy. Less stress. Happier. Yup, sign us up.</span></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21664" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/practical-tips-healthy-guts/healthy-guts-5938-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5938-2.jpg?fit=800%2C1200&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,1200" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1503277022&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;30&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.02&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="healthy guts with probiotics" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5938-2.jpg?fit=167%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5938-2.jpg?fit=233%2C350&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter wp-image-21664" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5938-2.jpg?resize=500%2C750&#038;ssl=1" alt="healthy guts with probiotics" width="500" height="750" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5938-2.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5938-2.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;ssl=1 167w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5938-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/healthy-guts-5938-2.jpg?resize=233%2C350&amp;ssl=1 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wish us luck on our adventures in a new-to-us world. Feel free to send your immune-boosting, germ-fighting, kindergarten-survival secrets. And tissues. Send tissues.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Growing up today takes guts. </span><a href="http://blog.renewlife.com/growing-up-takes-guts/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check out the latest video ad from Renew Life here</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just a reminder, this is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Renew Life® Ultimate Flora Probiotics. </span></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/practical-tips-healthy-guts/">Back to School: Practical Tips for Healthy Guts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
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		<title>How to Use an Instant Pot for Easy Meal Prep + 7 Recipes to Try!</title>
		<link>https://www.sideofsneakers.com/how-to-use-instant-pot-easy-meal-prep/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Heather]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2018 14:18:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Recipe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food prep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy eating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[instant pot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meal prep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pressure cooker]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sideofsneakers.com/?p=21571</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>5 ways to use an Instant Pot {or any electric pressure cooker} for speeding up meal prep, plus 7 gluten-free, dairy-free Instant Pot recipes to try. Have you hopped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet? I don’t know when this became the latest cooking craze, but it seems to be popping up everywhere. Saying “pressure [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/how-to-use-instant-pot-easy-meal-prep/">How to Use an Instant Pot for Easy Meal Prep + 7 Recipes to Try!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>5 ways to use an Instant Pot {or any electric pressure cooker} for speeding up meal prep, plus 7 gluten-free, dairy-free Instant Pot recipes to try.</em></p>
<p>Have you hopped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet? I don’t know when this became the latest cooking craze, but it seems to be popping up everywhere. Saying “pressure cooker” makes it sound old school, homey, and quaint, but “Instant Pot” makes it sound new, cool, and hip. Ok, maybe not quite cool or hip, but whatever you want to call it I’m a fan.</p>
<p>The beauty of an <a href="http://amzn.to/2cUEk7X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">electric pressure cooker</a> {which is really what the Instant Pot is} is that it has the convenience and ease of a slow cooker, but makes things FAST. {Which perhaps you gathered from the word instant.} But it’s a mostly hands-off, quick way to prepare a meal. What busy mom doesn’t hear music ringing in her ears for that?</p>
<p>I guess you’d say the Instant Pot has a little bit of a learning curve – honestly I was terrified to use it for the first time – but now that I’m over the initial hump I’m in love. I’m still in the learning phase but I couldn’t help but jump in here and share. While I’ve made a few winner-meals, my absolute favorite thing to use an electric pressure cooker for is helping with healthy meal prep. The key to surviving the busy chaos of dinner time, especially with tiny ones literally underfoot, is having things ready to go ahead of time and making it as hands-free as possible.</p>
<p>Instant Pot for the double win.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/instant-pot-for-meal-prep.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-width: 0px;" title="instant pot for meal prep" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/instant-pot-for-meal-prep_thumb.jpg?resize=554%2C829&#038;ssl=1" alt="instant pot for meal prep" width="554" height="829" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Here’s how I’ve been using it <strong>to help with food prep</strong> lately. I’d love to hear your ideas too! Plus below are some meals that are on my to-make agenda, in case you’re looking for a few ideas yourself.</p>
<p>By the way, these will work with any electric pressure cooker, “Instant Pot” is just a brand. I have the 6 qt 6-in- 1, but there’s also a 7-in-1 {I believe the added function is yogurt maker} and 5 and 8 qt sizes.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Instant Pot for Food Prep</h2>
<h3>Hardboiled Eggs</h3>
<p>There are a million options for how to make hardboiled eggs in an Instant Pot, but what that really tells you is that it’s hard to mess up. Now, granted, I have cracked a few eggs – but they’ve still been edible. The main reason I keep using the pressure cooker for hardboiled eggs is because they’re super easy to peel! They don’t take long and I don’t have to leave a hot pan on the stove.</p>
<p>I’ve been using the 5-5-5 method: cook for 5 minutes, let the pressure release naturally {NPR} for 5 minutes, then a 5 minute ice bath.</p>
<p>You can also apparently cook them for 2-3 minutes, let the pressure release naturally and just leave them til you feel like it, but I like the ice bath so I can eat or use them right away.</p>
<h3>Dry Beans</h3>
<p>Beans are my go-to pantry meal. Whenever I don’t know what’s for dinner or didn’t make it to the store, beans it is. I love the idea of making them from dry beans instead of a can, but then you have to plan ahead {soaking, long cook time, etc.} But with the Instant Pot, plan ahead no more!</p>
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<p>There are lots of ways to do it {many skip the “soak” part all together}, but here’s what I’ve been doing:</p>
<p>Cook the beans on high pressure for 2 minutes, then use them in your recipe as normal {or if you’re just prepping beans for other meals, use the “Bean” setting – great for popping in the fridge or freezer for meals throughout the week.} Use about 4 cups of water or broth for each cup of beans. {“Soaking” helps breakdown the indigestible sugars that give us the infamous bean song.}</p>
<p>My favorite bean-prep combo has been black beans, minced chorizo, onions, chicken broth, bay leaf, and oregano. So yummy.</p>
<p>[Tweet &#8220;5 Easy Ways to Use an @InstantPot for Super Speedy Meal Prep&#8221;]</p>
<h3>Baked Potatoes</h3>
<p>There are lots of ways to “hack” a baked potato prep {like <a href="/baked-potato-crock-pot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">using a slow cooker</a> or the microwave} but here’s another for you: baked potatoes in the Instant Pot.</p>
<p>Poke some holes in your potatoes with a fork, put them in the pressure cooker with a cup of water for 12 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally {NPR}. We’ve been eating them straight out of the pot like this, but you can also pop them in the over for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.</p>
<h3>Spaghetti Squash</h3>
<p>I love spaghetti squash {although not as an actual spaghetti substitute} but finding the time to bake it ahead of time and then use it in a recipe on top of that means I’d never do it. Using the Instant Pot makes it easy – cut it in half {through the round side, not lengthwise} so it fits in the pot with a cup of water. Cook for 7 minutes then do a quick pressure release {aka just open the valve}. Let it cool down a little then scoop out the seeds and make the magic happen.</p>
<h3>Frozen Chicken</h3>
<p>By far my favorite use of the Instant Pot vs the slow cooker. I’m all about my slow cooker but you still have to plan and remember to defrost your meat or put your meal in early enough. With a pressure cooker, you can just pop the meat in frozen. It takes a little bit longer to come to pressure, but cooks quickly and is one of my favorite ways to get dinner on the table in a hurry.</p>
<p>I use it mostly for chicken. You can use any sauce or flavor combo you want {salsa is a popular go-to around here}; just make sure you have a cup of liquid. I typically do half whatever sauce I’m using and a half water or broth. Set the Instant Pot to “Poultry” or 10  minutes, then do a natural pressure release {NPR}. Ta-da. I like shredded this up and using it for meals throughout the week.</p>
<p>Tip: you can speed up how long it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure by putting it on “Saute” mode beforehand.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>Instant Pot Recipe Ideas || Gluten Free Dairy Free</h2>
<p>Ok so there are my tips for using the Instant Pot for meal prep. Although I love it for meal prep alone, it’s also great for throwing together hands-off, last-minute meals. I need to re-make and perfect a few of the recipes we’ve been experimenting with before sharing, but in the mean time, here’s a few on my to-make list.</p>
<h3>Chicken Pho</h3>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chicken-pho-instant-pot.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-width: 0px;" title="chicken-pho instant pot" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chicken-pho-instant-pot_thumb.jpg?resize=504%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="chicken-pho instant pot" width="504" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Ok, truth? I’ve never had pho. But I reallly like the idea of it. Looks delicious and soul warming and spicy and delicious. Oh I said that already. But the fact that I can cook the chicken and make a hearty broth all at once just sucks me right it. Plus I love a good play on words so you had me at Faux Pho.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thesophisticatedcaveman.com/pressure-cooker-chicken-faux-pho/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicken Faux Pho</a> <em>from The Sophisticated Caveman.</em></p>
<h3>Chili Lime Chicken</h3>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chili-lime-chicken-instant-pot.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-width: 0px;" title="chili lime chicken instant pot" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chili-lime-chicken-instant-pot_thumb.jpg?resize=254%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="chili lime chicken instant pot" width="254" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>The versatility of this simple staple speaks to me. Chicken and rice. Tacos. Lettuce wraps. Salad. I’m in. Plus you can’t go wrong with chili and lime.</p>
<p><a href="http://ourbestbites.com/2016/03/pressure-cooker-chili-lime-chicken/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chili Lime Chicken</a> <em>from Our Best Bites</em></p>
<h3>[Tweet &#8220;7 #GlutenFree #DairyFree @InstantPot recipes to try.&#8221;]</h3>
<h3>Beef &amp; Broccoli</h3>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/beef-and-broccoli-instant-pot.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-width: 0px;" title="beef and broccoli instant pot" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/beef-and-broccoli-instant-pot_thumb.jpg?resize=273%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="beef and broccoli instant pot" width="273" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>I’m not really a beef person, but if my husband says “Chicken agaaaain?” one more time, someone’s gonna get hurt. Since I’m an awesome wife, this former vegetarian is taking one for the team. And since I reallllly like Chinese food but can’t get takeout {kiddo’s soy allergy}, this sounds like the next best thing.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/pressure-cooker-beef-and-broccoli/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beef &amp; Broccoli</a><em> from Pressure Cooker Today</em></p>
<h3>Korean Black-eyed Peas</h3>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/korean-blackeyed-peas-instant-pot.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-width: 0px;" title="korean-blackeyed-peas-instant pot" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/korean-blackeyed-peas-instant-pot_thumb.jpg?resize=254%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="korean-blackeyed-peas-instant pot" width="254" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>I love that this has a Korean twist AND it’s meatless. I can only think of one Korean dish I’ve made and it was delicious, so it’s time to add to my repertoire. Blackeye peas just happen to be one of my southern husband’s most favorite foods so I’m hoping he won’t notice the lack of manly meat.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2013/01/korean-inspired-black-eyed-peas-and-kale-bowl.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Korean-Inspired Black-eyed Peas &amp; Kale</a> <em>from Fat Free Vegan</em></p>
<h3>Butternut Squash Risotto</h3>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/butternut-squash-risotto-instant-pot.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-width: 0px;" title="butternut squash risotto instant pot" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/butternut-squash-risotto-instant-pot_thumb.jpg?resize=504%2C337&#038;ssl=1" alt="butternut squash risotto instant pot" width="504" height="337" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Yes, you read that right: risotto. In the same post with instant in the title. I love risotto but not the time-intensive involvement of standing at the stove stirring for 20 minutes. I probably haven’t made risotto since, well, before I had kids, because…kids. Kids + stoves + long time = nope. So yeah, trying this out for sure. Plus thought it looks creamy, I assure you it’s dairy free.</p>
<p><a href="http://makerealfood.com/2014/07/15/butternut-squash-risotto-rice-cooker-instant-pot-vegangluten-free/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Butternut Squash Risotto</a> <em>from Make Real Food</em></p>
<h3>Braised Cabbage</h3>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/braised-cabbage-instant-pot.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-width: 0px;" title="braised cabbage instant pot" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/braised-cabbage-instant-pot_thumb.jpg?resize=316%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="braised cabbage instant pot" width="316" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>To me, “braise” means “take forever”. I know it’s totally not true, but I always avoid recipes that calling for braising because of that. This solves that. Plus it’s just a fun veggie-filled way to use a pressure cooker.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-sweet-and-spicy-braised-cabbage-228716?crlt.pid=camp.6ifFnSkyoaWY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sweet and Spicy Braised Cabbage</a> <em>from The Kitchn</em></p>
<h3>White Chicken Chili</h3>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Instant-Pot-White-Bean-Chicken-Chili-.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-width: 0px;" title="Instant-Pot-White-Bean-Chicken-Chili-" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Instant-Pot-White-Bean-Chicken-Chili-_thumb.jpg?resize=253%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="Instant-Pot-White-Bean-Chicken-Chili-" width="253" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Those jalapenos are just calling mine name. Like I really need another chili recipe. Or chicken recipe. But this sounds like one that wouldn’t be hard to mess up as a pressure cooker newbie.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.allergyfreealaska.com/2016/02/15/instant-pot-white-bean-chicken-chili/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">White Chicken Chili</a> <em>from Allergy Free Alaska</em></p>
<p align="center"><strong>Snag an Instant Pot <a href="http://amzn.to/2cUEk7X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>!</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Do you use a pressure cooker for meal prep or easy meals? I’d love to hear your tips and favorite recipes!</em></strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/how-to-use-instant-pot-easy-meal-prep/">How to Use an Instant Pot for Easy Meal Prep + 7 Recipes to Try!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
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		<title>Buttermilk Apple Pancakes {Vegan &#038; Gluten Free}</title>
		<link>https://www.sideofsneakers.com/buttermilk-apple-pancakes-vegan-gluten-free/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Heather]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Aug 2018 15:19:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Breakfast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[almond breeze]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[almond milk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pancakes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Take your gluten free pancakes to the next level with this buttermilk apple pancakes recipe. They&#8217;re dairy free and vegan too. Ok, I know it’s not apple season yet, but I just can’t wait until fall to dig into some apples. I’ve been buying gala apples by the 5lb bag and can’t seem to make [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/buttermilk-apple-pancakes-vegan-gluten-free/">Buttermilk Apple Pancakes {Vegan &amp; Gluten Free}</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Take your gluten free pancakes to the next level with this buttermilk apple pancakes recipe. They&#8217;re dairy free and vegan too.</em></p>
<p>Ok, I know it’s not apple season yet, but I just can’t wait until fall to dig into some apples. I’ve been buying gala apples by the 5lb bag and can’t seem to make them last long enough. I cannot wait until we can go <a href="/apple-licious/">apple-picking</a> and grab some fresh ones – hopefully we can actually make that happen this year.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1633.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="gluten free pancakes" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1633_thumb.jpg?resize=304%2C454&#038;ssl=1" alt="Gluten free pancakes with apple three ways" width="304" height="454" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Anyways, I’m all about some apple and these gluten free pancakes include it in not one, but three ways. Feel free to stick to just one, but why stop there when you can get triple the apple action? I may have called them “buttermilk” pancakes, but don’t be fooled &#8211; these pancakes are dairy-free and gluten-free too.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1578.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="buttermilk pancakes recipe" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1578_thumb.jpg?resize=504%2C337&#038;ssl=1" alt="Dairy free buttermilk pancakes recipe" width="504" height="337" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>By adding apple cider vinegar {wait, does that mean there are apples FOUR ways?}, to the <a href="https://amzn.to/2NTtDnN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Almond Breeze Almondmilk</a>, you can “fake” a buttermilk-like effect.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sideofsneakers.com/buttermilk-apple-pancakes-vegan-gluten-free/almond-breeze-almond-milk/" rel="attachment wp-att-20757"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="20757" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/buttermilk-apple-pancakes-vegan-gluten-free/almond-breeze-almond-milk/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk.jpg?fit=500%2C500&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="500,500" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1435577891&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}" data-image-title="almond breeze almond milk" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk.jpg?fit=250%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk.jpg?fit=350%2C350&amp;ssl=1" class="alignleft wp-image-20757 size-large" title="dairy free almond milk" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk-350x350.jpg?resize=350%2C350&#038;ssl=1" alt="dairy free almond milk" width="350" height="350" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk.jpg?resize=350%2C350&amp;ssl=1 350w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk.jpg?resize=250%2C250&amp;ssl=1 250w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk.jpg?resize=144%2C144&amp;ssl=1 144w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-breeze-almond-milk.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1581.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="vegan pancake recipe" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1581_thumb.jpg?resize=304%2C454&#038;ssl=1" alt="vegan pancake recipe" width="304" height="454" border="0" /></a></p>
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<p>For super apple power, top these gluten free pancakes with chunks of apple {I like to sprinkle mine with lemon juice and cinnamon} and add a dollop of fresh <a href="/apple-butter/">homemade apple butter</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1597.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="apple pancake recipes" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1597_thumb.jpg?resize=504%2C337&#038;ssl=1" alt="buttermilk apple pancake recipes" width="504" height="337" border="0" /></a></p>
<h2>Apple Buttermilk Gluten Free Pancakes</h2>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.recipage.com/images/user663/1326632847/recipe_image.jpg?w=1080&#038;ssl=1" alt="" /></p>
<p>by Heather Neal</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour {I use oat flour}</li>
<li>1/2 cup gluten-free oats</li>
<li>2 teaspoons baking powder</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>2 cups Almond Breeze Almondmilk Original</li>
<li>2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar</li>
<li>1 teaspoon vanilla</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li>1/4-1/2 cup diced apples</li>
<li>apple butter {store-bought or <a href="/apple-butter/">easy apple butter recipe</a> here}</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Instructions</strong></p>
<p>Mix apple cider vinegar and almond milk together. Set aside.</p>
<p>Combine remaining ingredients except apples.</p>
<p>Stir in milk mixture.</p>
<p>Gently fold in apples.</p>
<p>Heat a skillet to medium; cook pancakes several minutes on each side. {Flip when you see air bubbles or the edges start to dry.}</p>
<p>Serve with extra apples &amp; apple butter on top.</p>
<p>Powered by <a href="http://www.recipage.com/">Recipage</a></p>
<p><strong>For more recipes using almond milk, check these out –&gt;</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-milk-recipes-.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="almond milk recipes " src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/almond-milk-recipes-_thumb.jpg?resize=500%2C906&#038;ssl=1" alt="almond milk recipes " width="500" height="906" border="0" /></a></p>
<p><a href="/funfetti-cinnamon-rolls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls</a></p>
<p><a href="/vegan-queso-blanco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vegan Queso Blanco</a></p>
<p><a href="/green-monsters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Green Monster Cubes</a></p>
<p><a href="/dark-chocolate-hazelnut-cinnamon-rolls-whole-wheat-vegan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls</a></p>
<p><a href="/toasted-almond-scones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Toasted Almond Scones</a></p>
<p><a href="/a-recipe-rival-cinnamon-chocolate-chip-sticky-buns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vegan Chocolate Chip Sticky Buns</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>This post was originally sponsored by Almond Breeze Almondmilk</em>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/buttermilk-apple-pancakes-vegan-gluten-free/">Buttermilk Apple Pancakes {Vegan &amp; Gluten Free}</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>7 Things I Learned from a Meal Delivery Service {Home Chef}</title>
		<link>https://www.sideofsneakers.com/7-things-i-learned-from-a-meal-delivery-service-home-chef/</link>
					<comments>https://www.sideofsneakers.com/7-things-i-learned-from-a-meal-delivery-service-home-chef/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Heather]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Aug 2018 10:02:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Food thoughts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy eats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home chef]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meal box]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meal delivery service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meal planning]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sideofsneakers.com/?p=21269</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The doorbell rang as I was putting the baby down for a nap {or rather I should say trying to put the baby down for a nap}. My four year old leapt up off the floor of the nursery {where he was trying and failing to be quiet for the fifth time that day} and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/7-things-i-learned-from-a-meal-delivery-service-home-chef/">7 Things I Learned from a Meal Delivery Service {Home Chef}</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The doorbell rang as I was putting <a href="/tinysneakers/and-baby-makes-four/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the baby</a> down for a nap {or rather I should say <em>trying</em> to put the baby down for a nap}. My<a href="/tinysneakers/four/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> four year old</a> leapt up off the floor of the nursery {where he was trying and failing to be quiet for the fifth time that day} and ran to the door. Nothing lights up his world like a package being delivered. He waited impatiently as I settled the baby in his crib {finally} and asked endlessly, &#8220;Is it for me? Is it for me?&#8221;. I fudged the truth a little, as parents are allowed to do, and proclaimed &#8220;Yes, it is! Open it!&#8221;</p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21475" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/7-things-i-learned-from-a-meal-delivery-service-home-chef/meal-delivery-service-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Meal-Delivery-Service-2.jpg?fit=735%2C1102&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="Meal Delivery Service" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Meal-Delivery-Service-2.jpg?fit=167%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Meal-Delivery-Service-2.jpg?fit=233%2C350&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter wp-image-21475" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Meal-Delivery-Service-2.jpg?resize=550%2C825&#038;ssl=1" alt="Things to know about meal delivery services. Click for $30 off!" width="550" height="825" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Meal-Delivery-Service-2.jpg?w=735&amp;ssl=1 735w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Meal-Delivery-Service-2.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;ssl=1 167w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Meal-Delivery-Service-2.jpg?resize=233%2C350&amp;ssl=1 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /></p>
<p><em>Pssst. &#8211;&gt; Here&#8217;s <a href="https://www.homechef.com/invite/D5vAAhXa6oWR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$30 off </a>in case you don&#8217;t make it to the end. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f609.png" alt="😉" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.homechef.com/invite/D5vAAhXa6oWR"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="home chef" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/home-chef_thumb.jpg?resize=254%2C254&#038;ssl=1" alt="home chef" width="254" height="254" border="0" /></a><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/home-chef-meal-box.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="home chef meal box" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/home-chef-meal-box_thumb.jpg?resize=254%2C254&#038;ssl=1" alt="home chef meal box" width="254" height="254" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>It wasn&#8217;t a complete lie; it was dinner in a box, which basically meant it was for everyone. Well, almost dinner in a box. It was a package of ingredients, already divided out into separate bundles, each with an attached recipe and step by step directions for turning the loose ingredients into a fantastic meal {or so the pictures lead you to believe – and spoiler alert, did exactly that}. Despite taking KB grocery shopping and having him help with food prep every week, he was ALL about this exciting venture we were about to have with our meal delivery service.</p>
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<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/home-chef-meal-delivery.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="home chef meal delivery" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/home-chef-meal-delivery_thumb.jpg?resize=254%2C254&#038;ssl=1" alt="home chef meal delivery" width="254" height="254" border="0" /></a><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-box-delivery.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="meal box delivery home chef review" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-box-delivery_thumb.jpg?resize=254%2C254&#038;ssl=1" alt="meal box delivery" width="254" height="254" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>[Tweet &#8220;My Home Chef meal delivery review. Spoiler alert: two thumbs up.&#8221;]</p>
<p>Though it was only mid-morning he was more than eager to help me make dinner for the first time in a long time. When dinner time finally did roll around, the day had gotten away from me, as it usually does, and suddenly I needed to have dinner on the table in less than thirty minutes if I wanted my preschooler to go to bed anywhere near on time, despite having a cranky baby on my hands – you know how that hour goes.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="meal delivery service" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service_thumb.jpg?resize=254%2C254&#038;ssl=1" alt="meal delivery service" width="254" height="254" border="0" /></a><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/home-chef-ingredients.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="home chef ingredients" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/home-chef-ingredients_thumb.jpg?resize=254%2C254&#038;ssl=1" alt="home chef ingredients" width="254" height="254" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Meal box to the rescue. Though I was skeptical when I first heard of this food trend, I was quickly turned into a potential believer as I cooked dinner one-handed while feeding a baby and keeping four-year old fingers away from sharp knives. {Side note: I should get a prize every time I successfully get dinner on the table and everyone still has all their fingers.}</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/fresh-ingredients.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="fresh ingredients" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/fresh-ingredients_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="fresh ingredients" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>If you’re not familiar with what I’m talking about, here’s a quick rundown of the meal delivery service: We tried three meals from <a href="https://www.homechef.com/invite/D5vAAhXa6oWR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Home Chef</a> this week. An insulated box arrived on our doorstep containing all the ingredients to make these meals, each wrapped up in their own tiny package. I threw the meat/seafood in the freezer and everything else in the fridge exactly as it came out of the box. On the day of, I simply followed the directions on the recipe card. There was a little bit of chopping involved {think slicing the ends off green beans and halving tomatoes} but that was the bulk of the prep. Two of the meals were on the table in 20ish minutes; the other took a little longer but it was mostly in oven time, not actual cooking.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/turkey-salisbury-steak-home-chef.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="turkey salisbury steak home chef" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/turkey-salisbury-steak-home-chef_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="turkey salisbury steak home chef" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>I was impressed with the quality of the ingredients, the health factor, the ease of preparation, the deliciousness, and the price for what you got. {For the record, we got 2.5 servings out of each meal, 2 adults and 1 tiny tornado eater of a four year old.} So here’s my takeaway in a nutshell besides it was easy and good –&gt;</p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21311" data-permalink="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/7-things-i-learned-from-a-meal-delivery-service-home-chef/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?fit=500%2C500&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="500,500" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1461261886&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="meal delivery service what i learned" data-image-description="&lt;p&gt;Lessons from a meal delivery service&lt;/p&gt;
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?fit=250%2C250&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?fit=350%2C350&amp;ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21311" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?resize=500%2C500&#038;ssl=1" alt="meal delivery service what i learned" width="500" height="500" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?resize=250%2C250&amp;ssl=1 250w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?resize=350%2C350&amp;ssl=1 350w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/meal-delivery-service-what-i-learned.jpg?resize=144%2C144&amp;ssl=1 144w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></p>
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<h2>7 things I learned {or re-learned} from the meal delivery experience:</h2>
<p>[Tweet &#8220;7 things I learned {or re-learned} from a meal delivery experience&#8221;]</p>
<p><strong>1. Fresh ingredients make a HUGE difference in flavor.</strong> Lime juice is a kitchen staple here, but a FRESH lime? SO much better. I don’t even need to mention how much better fresh veggies taste, do I?</p>
<p><strong>2. Following step-by-step written directions helps me stay on course when I’m distracted by a baby {or anything}.</strong> I constantly look up recipes, but actually follow them? Almost never. Dinner prep went so much smoother when I knew exactly what I needed to do and in what order, and I knew exactly where to come back to when I was inevitably distracted for the 24,495th time.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jerk-chicken-plaintains-home-chef.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="jerk chicken plaintains home chef" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jerk-chicken-plaintains-home-chef_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="jerk chicken plaintains home chef" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p><strong>3. Having a package delivered made my preschooler super excited about making dinner and trying new foods.</strong> No dinner battle? Nuff said.</p>
<p><strong>4. &#8220;Fancy” looking meals can actually be easy to make at home.</strong> Mahi Mahi. Jerk chicken. Salisbury turkey steak. These are not things that usually come out of my kitchen. And the almost looked as good on our plates as they did in the pictures.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/mahi-mahi-mango-salsa-home-chef-meal.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="mahi mahi mango salsa home chef meal" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/mahi-mahi-mango-salsa-home-chef-meal_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="mahi mahi mango salsa home chef meal" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p><strong>5. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, both ingredient-wise and in terms of cooking ability.</strong> I love fish but for whatever reason am paralyzed by cooking it at home. Turns out it’s easier to cook than chicken. And Salisbury steak? I never would have attempted cooking it because although I’ve heard of it, I didn’t have a clue what it was. I think this would be a great way to introduce someone to cooking. {ahem, cough, cough husband.}</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/healthy-salsibury-turkey.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="healthy salsibury turkey" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/healthy-salsibury-turkey_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="healthy salsibury turkey" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p><strong>6. Having everything ready to go makes the dinnertime “witching hour” easier.</strong> You know, that hour where everyone needs you RIGHT NOW and you need to make dinner, feed a baby, give baths, answer 4,483 variations of the question “why?”, and still appear to have it all together when your husband walks in the door from a week out of town without downing the entire bottle of wine before 5? Yeah, that hour.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/home-chef-review.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="home chef review" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/home-chef-review_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="home chef review" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p><strong>7. Sometimes it’s easier just to have things done for you.</strong> Sure, I coooould make a plan and a list, look up recipes, go to the store, prep food, and cook. But that takes brain power and mental energy I just don’t have much of these days. So yeah, I’ll take some help.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/preschool-food-plate.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="preschool food plate" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/preschool-food-plate_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="preschool food plate" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a> <em>&lt;—deconstructed pre-school portion</em></p>
<p>In short, here are the <strong>highlights</strong> of our <a href="https://www.homechef.com/invite/D5vAAhXa6oWR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Home Chef delivery</a> in an easily digestible {no pun intended} bullet point format:</p>
<ul>
<li>Shows up on your doorstep.</li>
<li>Easy to follow, clear directions.</li>
<li>Tells you exactly how many days you have to cook said meal.</li>
<li>You get to pick your meals &amp; they <strong>highlight allergens</strong> &lt;&#8212; this was one of the main reasons I’ve never tried a meal delivery service before, but I was able to pick dishes that met our dietary needs or easily leave out an ingredient {like butter}</li>
<li>FRESH {and healthy!}</li>
<li>Makes everyone happy</li>
<li>You can skip deliveries whenever</li>
</ul>
<p>And to be fair, my cons:</p>
<ul>
<li>No leftovers. <img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-style: none;" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1" alt="Winking smile" /></li>
</ul>
<h2>A snapshot of our meals:</h2>
<p>Jerk chicken with brown sugar plantains, coconut rice, and kale.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jerk-chicken-coconut-rice-home-chef.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="jerk chicken coconut rice home chef" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jerk-chicken-coconut-rice-home-chef_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="jerk chicken coconut rice home chef" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Salisbury turkey steak with mushrooms and veggies.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/salisbury-turkey-cauliflower-home-chef.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="salisbury turkey cauliflower home chef" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/salisbury-turkey-cauliflower-home-chef_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="salisbury turkey cauliflower home chef" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Smoky paprika Mahi Mahi with mango black bean salsa and green beans.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/mahi-mahi-mango-salsa-home-chef.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border: 0px;" title="mahi mahi mango salsa home chef" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/mahi-mahi-mango-salsa-home-chef_thumb.jpg?resize=379%2C379&#038;ssl=1" alt="mahi mahi mango salsa home chef" width="379" height="379" border="0" /></a></p>
<p><strong>To sum up the review: my next meal box comes Friday.</strong></p>
<p>______________________________________________________________________</p>
<p>If you want to try Home Chef, now’s a good time to do it – sign up for your first order <a href="https://www.homechef.com/invite/D5vAAhXa6oWR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">using this link</a> you can get $30 off your first box. Then you can get your own code and give someone else $30 off, plus get a $30 credit yourself.</p>
<p><strong>To break it down, that means you can get <em>four meals for less than $20</em>, which is cheaper {and WAY healthier} than fast food.</strong></p>
<p>[Tweet &#8220;Get 4 meals for less than $20 from Home Chef here: https://www.homechef.com/invite/D5vAAhXa6oWR&#8221;]</p>
<p><strong><em>Have you tried a meal delivery service? What was your experience?</em></strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com/7-things-i-learned-from-a-meal-delivery-service-home-chef/">7 Things I Learned from a Meal Delivery Service {Home Chef}</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sideofsneakers.com">with a Side of Sneakers</a>.</p>
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