Living Healthier With Superfoods And Simple Recipes

This #SamsClubMag shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. As always, my healthy living opinions are my own.

We’ve all heard the adage that beauty comes from within. So if that’s really true then make sure to feed it well! But looking (and feeling) good involves taking care of your whole body. And there’s no better place for me to do that, than shopping at Sam’s Club for all my health and wellness needs! 

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It was actually in learning how to bulk shop effectively, that my monthly shopping became more time effective. Not only was I able to purchase all my meal planning essentials, but now I was easily budgeting in bi-weekly trips to include household and wellness items too. Not to mention also having one-stop shopping for the Cafe, Optical, Hearing, and Pharmacy.

But what also makes becoming a member at Sam’s Club more cost effective? Is the time it saves me as well as the dollars. The free health screenings save waiting at the doctor for routine preventative testing. Monthly sales, club promotions, affiliated member discounts, and reward discounts are always in my favor. And one of my favorite online bookmarks for meal planning is the Sam’s Club’s own, Healthy Living Made Simple magazine website.

For me, finding ways for my family to eat well while also being practical are key. I have a small budget, and an even smaller house. And like many parents, I need to lean on processed or frozen products. Thankfully, using my Plus Membership means I don’t have to sacrifice quality food to ensure more quality time. All which leads to less stress, and more happiness to be outside and active with the kids!

Because that’s really what this is about. I think we forget we’re raising these little people up to learn how to be proactive and healthy in a whole sense themselves. I don’t want to raise my children in a drive-thru. I want them to try new foods, experience new recipes. But to also understand why people say it’s always better when it’s home cooked or “made from scratch”.

And so when I hear about superfoods, I’m game to try new things too. For the September/October issue, the latest Healthy Living Made Simple superfood spotlight article is on Mushrooms. Like many, using a Mushroom Soup is as close to incorporating this produce as we normally get. After reading this article, I realized I need to allow my family to find more comfort by starting small.

Which the easiest way for us to start, is by stepping away from using aforementioned canned soup and gravy. The only difference you’ll find between Mushroom Gravy and Mushroom Soup is that the soup incorporates cream or milk. Creating a gravy with a stock base and fresh veggies isn’t complicated in the least. But you’ll just need to find a little “thyme” first, and then you’ll be ready to stir up your own Mushroom Gravy too.

First, head to Sam’s Club and check out the great options for fresh mushrooms in the Produce section. Whole or ready-sliced, they’ll have you covered. On a recent trip, I found exactly what will help me add fresh mushrooms to my fridge but also save time slicing them. In all, you’ll spend about 15-20 minutes cooking this yourself. Here’s what you’ll need:

To begin, rinse your mushrooms. Then warm a pan over a low-medium heat and add 2 tbsp of salted butter to melt. I don’t care for overly salted gravy, so using salted butter keeps this tasting just right for us.

Once the butter has melted, I add the 1 tsp chicken base. Gluten free and no added MSG, you can find this great stock alternative to bullion cubes at Sam’s Club in the seasoning aisle.

Add 1 cup of water and whisk to dissolve the chicken base. Next, add the 1 tbsp dried Thyme. Now, add two handfuls (2-3 cups) of fresh, sliced mushrooms. Stir and allow to saute for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer the mushrooms to simmer 10 minutes longer, add another 1/2 cup water.

As your timer gets to the last few minutes, go ahead and prep the cornstarch thickening agent. An easy alternative to keeping gravy and soup gluten free, just add 2 tsp of cornstarch to 1/2 cup COLD water. Stir to dissolve.

 

 

Ready to get inspired to live well and eat healthier? I know am! And nothing gets me more inspired to get in the kitchen than the Healthy Living Made Simple magazine from @samsclub! This month, you can read all about the great benefits when adding more mushrooms to your plate. And what easier way is there to subtly add this superfood to your menu then with this simple mushroom gravy recipe? I couldn’t even wait for it to thicken up to snap a pic of this deliciousness. Here’s to allowing us the comfort of bringing more homemade goodness to the table! #ComfortFood #ad #Mushroom #SamsClubMag

A photo posted by Rachel • Roasted Beanz (@roastedbeanz) on Sep 12, 2016 at 9:45am PDT

 

Give your cornstarch thickener another stir to make sure there are no clumps in the glass. Then when the mushrooms are done sauteing, stir in the cornstarch thickening agent. This thickening process will not take long.

As you continue to gently stir the gravy, you’ll see it begin to thicken. Remove from heat when it reaches your desired consistency. This shouldn’t take longer than 2-3 minutes. Do note, I only used the clear spoon below for this photo. Use a regular grade spatula or rubber coated whisk when stirring as the gravy thickens.

Now who else is ready for this simple way to begin incorporating mushrooms in your diet? Not to mention an easy gluten free option for thickening soups, stews, and gravies.

Remember, there are even more great Healthy Living Made Simple articles online to help you live healthier and meal plan more effectively. Personally, I was smitten with the benefits of drinking cold brew coffee. So I’d love for you to comment below and tell me what you think of this recipe. Or even which great magazine feature or article you love most too!