Happy Saturday! This past week in New York City was a scorcher and it left many feeling lethargic. If the weather where you are has left you craving energy, we’ve got a new and tasty way to get a boost this weekend- nutritional yeast!

Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast. It has a nutty/cheesy flavor so it makes as a great condiment to be sprinkled on food, and a perfect cheese replacement for vegans.

It is packed with protein (8 grams in two tablespoons!) to help to keep your energy levels stable and with B vitamins to convert your food into usable energy, making it a perfect addition to your diet to fuel your productivity and fight fatigue.

Try sprinkling nutritional yeast on popcorn, pretzels, vegetables or on pretty much anything. You can incorporate it into various recipes like nachos, vegetable dips, mac n’ cheese, and sandwiches. It’s very versatile in cooking and can be used to add a cheesy, salty tint.

Added Bonus: Unlike most condiments, nutritional yeast is low in sodium and fat, and has no sugar, so it won’t weigh you down or bloat you out. It will help to keep you feeling light.

Nutrition stats: 2 Tablespoons= 45 calories, 8 protein, 5 mg sodium, 4 grams fiber

Where can you buy nutritional yeast? Most local health food stores carry it, and some regular grocery stores do too.

Have you ever tried nutritional yeast? What food have you used it with? If not-can you imagine what foods you might replace cheese with this lower sodium, lower fat, and energy packed alternative?