Nutrition-Bar is open! 💫 Up first ➡️ nutritional yeast 101: it tastes like cheese, is nutritious and is ALWAYS in my cupboard
I use it so often that I am now receiving it on auto-ship
Guess what? I'm stirring up something fresh and exciting in the "Grow Healthier + Happier" family – welcome to Nutrition-Bar!
This isn't just another section; it's a little space I've carved out just for us to dive deep into the world of various healthy foods, spices, herbs, etc.
Yep, you’ll be seeing a bit of foodie pun here!
I'm a self-confessed foodie and a bit of a nutrition nerd. The endless questions I get about why this veggie is healthy or what to eat to get more fiber got me thinking.
Why not whip up a special spot where we can chat about the foodie stories that really matter? And so, Nutrition-Bar was born – out of curiosity, out of love, and out of my obsession with sharing all things wholesome and nutritious.
Pull up a seat, hit that Nutrition-Bar tab, and let’s journey together into foods that aren’t just good, but also amazing for your health.
What’s on the Nutrition-Bar menu?
🥕 We will dive into various healthy foods and uncover their secret superpowers for your well-being.
🍳 Learn the ins and outs of storing, cooking, and savoring these foods.
📖 Get your hands on a recipe for each food we explore.
🎉 Experience a whole lot of fun and a ton of nourishment.
This post is just the appetizer! Many more posts are coming your way. To my paid subscribers, you’ll get every Nutrition-Bar post. And if you’re still contemplating that leap into paid – no pressure, seriously! I'll be sure not to lock away every post behind a paywall.
Let's make 'eating healthy' not just a choice, but a delicious lifestyle. Cheers to our health journey!
Now onto the first post to grace this new section - Nutritional Yeast!
Are you part of the 'nooch' fan club?
If you’re like me, nutritional yeast is a staple in your cupboard at all times.
I am often surprised at how many people have no clue what it is.
So, I’ll tell you what this delicious sprinkle is and why it's good for you.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast, often referred to as “nooch,” is a deactivated form of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is the same yeast used to make bread, but since it is deactivated, it won’t work well or taste right if you try to make bread with it (so don’t try).
It is a super popular food among vegans as it has a cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor which can be a great substitute for cheese in recipes.
Nutritional yeast is grown on a food source, such as beet molasses, and then it is harvested, washed, and dried, which deactivates the yeast.
It’s then crumbled or ground into a powder or flakes that can be sprinkled on or mixed into food.
Nutritional yeast is packed with nutrients!
Nutritional yeast health benefits
It’s packed with B vitamins, including vitamin B12, often lacking in vegetarian or vegan diets. It is also a good source of zinc, potassium, and manganese.
It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, which is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans. I love this health benefit as I am always working towards getting more protein in my diet.
Nutritional yeast is low in fat and calories, making it ideal for those trying to manage a healthy weight.
It is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for anyone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Wait, there’s more!
It contains antioxidants like glutathione and selenomethionine, which help to protect your cells from damage by free radicals.
Nutritional yeast has compounds, such as beta-glucans which are known to enhance the gut microbiome, which in turn can boost immune health.
Some studies suggest that nutritional yeast can help lower cholesterol. In one study, men who already had high cholesterol and consumed 15 grams of yeast-derived beta-glucan per day lowered their cholesterol by 6%.
Nutritional yeast is a unique and tasty addition to any diet, but it is still important to consume a variety of foods to ensure that you get a well-rounded range of nutrients. Variety wins with nutrition!
This is the brand I am currently using: Bragg Nutritional Yeast
How to store nutritional yeast
There’s not much to this section because it stores very simply. It will usually come in a self-sealing bag or a shaker. Just close the container tightly (you don’t want any moisture in there) and store it in a cool, dark place.
This stuff can last up to 2 years if kept in a cool, dry space.
Some different ways to use nutritional yeast
Sprinkle on popcorn
Jazz up your salad with a sprinkle on top
Add to a pasta dish instead of parmesan
Make a ‘cheesy’ pasta sauce
Top off scrambled eggs with it
I make nacho cottage cheese by simply adding nutritional yeast and spices to plain cottage cheese
Give your veggies some extra flavor by sprinkling it on top. If you have ever made kale chips with nutritional yeast, you know how good it is on veggies!
You can get pretty creative with it. Try it anywhere you might use cheese or seasonings.
Nutritional yeast recipe
You know I wouldn't end this without a recipe!
✨Magical Vegan Pasta Sauce✨
The ingredients • • •
1 cup soaked cashews (soak them overnight or for at least 4 hours)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (this is the golden magic, giving that cheesy taste sans dairy)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (this is where I add and taste till it’s perfect)
1 cup cashew milk (or any plant milk you're into - almond, soy, oat, they're all good)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet, your call)
2 cloves garlic (because garlic makes everything better)
1 tsp + lemon juice (makes every sauce better - start with a teaspoon, taste, and add more if your tastebuds tell you so)
Optional: a pinch of turmeric (for color and a health boost)
Optional: a handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped
The method • • •
Start by draining your soaked cashews.
Toss the cashews into a blender, joining them with nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, plant milk, garlic, lemon juice, and paprika. Add in turmeric if you're feeling it. Season with salt and pepper. Blend until it’s as smooth.
Give it a taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your palate. It's your sauce, after all.
Gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Keep it mellow – no boiling necessary.
Once it’s warm and ready, introduce it to cooked pasta.
If you opted for fresh herbs, scatter them on top.
If you have a yeast allergy, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating nutritional yeast into your diet.
With all my foodie love,
If you purchase from any links in this post, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you!
When I say "nutritional yeast" so many people don't know what it is - I hope this gets the word out because it's SO delicious! Share it with someone who you think might not have a clue what nooch is!
We live on this stuff. It's great for camping too. Super excited to be trying out your recipes!