Bye Bye Chia….

It is almost July, but now I feel that summer is officially here. Despite the excruciatingly hot days, combined with suffocating humidity, we were able to venture out on our first spur of the moment mini vaca this last weekend. Because of a sudden down pour on Thursday night hubby was unable to move his backhoe around the site due to the mud, so Friday morning I was on my way out the door and he called and said that he was on his way home, and to get the kids ready. I ran to the store doing our weekly grocery shopping like Super Market Sweep (haha did I just age myself?!) with our 3-year-old in the seat of the cart, and our 4-year-old running alongside. We made it in and out in 20 minutes, and only missed one item on my list. I think that is how I will shop from now on. Less time consuming, and just easier! 😉

We decided to take an overnight trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to check out Mammoth Cave and the Underground Boat Tour. The area was so gorgeous; it was absolutely breath taking. The cave was amazing, and the kids kept up just like little troopers. We walked over 2 miles, and climbed 600 steps to get back to the mouth of the cave. After we took our tour there we had just enough time to make it to the Underground tour, when I say just enough time I mean that we had to run, in the humidity, from the gift shop, down a hill, and meet up with the group that had left about 5 minutes before us. It wasn’t as great as the cave, but it was an interesting history lesson. And someone was getting married so everything was lit up, and ready for a very unforgettable ceremony.

We ate out three times while we were gone, something we don’t normally do. While I enjoyed getting to indulge a bit I was happy to get home, sleep in my own bed, and get back to my normal breakfast. For months I have been eating barley for breakfast, with Eggs in a Nest on the side. A couple of months ago I started doing research on Hemp Hearts and their health benefits. I can tell you that their health benefits blow other seeds, such as chia, out of the water. While they are 170 calories for 3 Tablespoons, they are packed with 10 grams of protein. Hemp hearts tout the most easily digested plant protein around. They also have ZERO net carbs. That is right the amount of carbs are equal to the amount of fiber bringing the net to a beautiful zero.

You can mix hemp hearts into whatever you like, but I found them the most palatable being mixed in with my morning barley. They have a sort of “grassy” smell, and a unique flavor that you quickly get used to. I just didn’t find it that enjoyable in my smoothie. One thing I did notice is that they are very moist. So, while they are shelf stable, I would recommend freezing them once they are opened to help retain their freshness. I bought this bag from Costco, but I found that you can get the same exact item on Amazon for less. I love the taste, and the benefits, and I will be keeping them on my daily menu.

Have you ever tried Hemp Hearts?

How do you eat them?

Barley and Hemp Heart Breakfast Cereal

By Angie Gouchenour

1 Serving

Ingredients

¾ cup pearl barley – cooked

2 Tablespoon Hemp hearts

2-4 Tablespoons milk of your choice (I use whole milk)

Sweetener of your choice (I use some brown sugar)

Directions

Combine all ingredients and heat. Eat warm.