February 2017 YUMiBOX Review

It’s always nice to end the week with something delicious, so this Friday I’m sharing my review of the February 2017 YUMiBOX*.

This Canadian subscription service sends its members a monthly box containing a bag of savoury whole grain mix (YUMiGRAINS), a bag of breakfast oatmeal (YUMiOATS), and a recipe card to pair with each mix (YUMiRECIPES). The goal of YUMiBOX is to provide practical nutrition solutions for achieving a healthy lifestyle. The company, led by a team of Montreal-based nutritionists and chefs, introduces its members to healthy whole grains that promote cholesterol, heart, and brain health, and blood sugar management.

There are eight portions in each bag of YUMiGRAINS and YUMiOATS for a total of 16 servings per month. YUMiOATS contain soluble fibre, resistant starches, natural fruits, nuts, and gourmet ingredients. They have no added sugar and are sweetened with Stevia. YUMiGRAINS, which are great options to replace rice and potatoes, include whole grains for blood sugar and heart health. All options are vegetarian and portion-controlled.

YUMiBOX subscriptions cost $29.99 per month with free shipping across Canada. This amounts to less than $2 per serving. The Original YUMiBOX includes both grains and oats, but there are options to customize the box to receive two packs of just one type instead of one of each.

Read on for my review of February’s Original YUMiBOX.



This month’s YUMiOATS is Red Velvet Breakfast Oatmeal Mix. The key ingredients are oats, hemp seeds, coconut shreds, sugar-free chocolate chunks, raspberries, strawberry powder, and beet root powder. This mix is vegan and free of added sugar, artificial flavour, and preservatives.



The box provides two suggestions for preparing these oats. First, the directions on the back of the bag say to mix one packet with water and microwave for two minutes. This breakfast is not only healthy and delicious, it’s also very quick to make on a busy morning. I love having a hot breakfast in the winter, but rarely have time to prep, cook, and wash pots and pans before work, so these two minute oats are a great way to make something warm with little time and clean up. They also provide 5 grams of protein, 5 grams of fibre, and 3 grams of natural sugar from the fruits. I topped mine with cacao nibs for crunch and fresh strawberries. Very satisfying!



The other way to prepare the oats is listed on the recipe card and involves combining a packet of the red velvet mix with fresh berries (I used diced strawberries), almond milk, and yogurt (I used plain greek yogurt) and refrigerating overnight. The recipe card recommends making this dish in a jar, but I prefer to use a glass bowl with a lid because it’s easier for me to mix the ingredients together without making a mess. Overnight oats have always been one of my go-to breakfasts since they require no morning prep. This recipe is especially great because the combination of the yogurt and the red velvet mix make it taste like a decadent berry cheesecake even though it contains protein, fibre, and heart healthy oats. The photo below shows how the overnight oats look right out of the fridge in the morning: creamy and delicious.



I added fresh strawberries, sliced almonds, and cacao nibs.



Here’s a closer look at this beautiful breakfast.



A perfect complement to the sweet YUMiOATS this month is the savoury YUMiGRAINS Wild Buffalo Whole Grain Mix. The key ingredients are quinoa, kaniwa, bulgur, red lentils, brown basmati rice, paprika, chilli powder, cayenne, ground mustard, garlic, onion, and apple cider vinegar. This mix is vegan, 100% natural, and free of added sugar, artificial flavour, and preservatives.



The basic way to prepare this mix is listed on the bag and involves simmering the mix in water for 20-25 minutes.   This easy method is ideal for busy week nights since it keeps hands free to prepare the rest of the meal while the grains cook. I am pleasantly surprised by how flavourful these grains are despite being fairly low in sodium. The  combination of wild buffalo flavour and the mild spice level makes me forget that I'm eating healthy grains high in fibre (8g) and protein (9g). When I replace my usual white rice or pasta with this mix, I feel like I’m doing something good for my body without compromising taste.



Let’s take a closer look at this super grain mix.



The recipe card that comes in the box provides instructions for creating a Buffalo Grains Lettuce Wrap. Just combine the cooked grains with tomatoes, avocado, canned beans (I used garbanzo beans), and coriander and wrap with lettuce leaves (I used butter lettuce). I also added diced mini corn cobs, cooked mushrooms, and a spritz of lime. This is a light yet filling meal packed with nutritious ingredients. It’s also quick and easy to make and does not require turning on the oven. I’m always looking for ways to add more veggies to my diet and this recipe is perfect since it’s like a healthier version of tacos that doesn’t sacrifice flavour.



Overall, I’m very impressed with YUMiBOX. The concept of replacing simple and refined carbohydrates with healthy whole grains is something that we can all do to support our overall health, and receiving gourmet, portion-controlled options in the mail each month makes it so much easier. The grain and oat mixes are easy to cook, low in sugar, high in essential nutrients, and uniquely flavoured. The recipe cards are also a nice touch that provide inspiration for eating whole grains in new and exciting ways.

To learn more about YUMiBOX and to save 15% on your first box, visit https://www.yumibox.com/