Nana's "No's" Cookies

When we received these cookies as samples, we were all pretty excited. Nana's "No's" are all-natural cookies that contain "no refined sugars, no dairy, no hydrogenated oils, no cholesterol, no eggs, no added salt, no GMOs, and no cane or beet products." All that sounded pretty good to us, and the cookies also looked really yummy so we dove right in.

Our first bite was of Nana's No Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie. Now Nana claims that "each bite is bursting with chocolate chips and home baked flavor" that is "so good, so moist, and so delicious" that "you will not miss the wheat." Well, Nana, we missed it. This cookie was just plain bad. The chocolate flavor was bland at best, and the cookie itself was reminiscent of cardboard (both in flavor and texture).

Hesitantly, we moved on to Nana's No Gluten Ginger Cookie. Nana claims that this cookie is a "perfectly spiced treat" with "specially blended flavors of ginger and sweet cinnamon." We, however, should have stuck with our instincts and thrown this "thing" out before we even tried it. If possible, this cookie was even worse than the Chocolate Chip. Not only was it almost completely devoid of taste, it instantly crumbled into sawdust in the mouth. Awful.

One more complaint, the cookies come one in a pouch masquerading as one serving (an actual serving size is half the cookie--even if you ARE disciplined enough to only eat one serving, what the heck are you supposed to do with the other half?).

In case the nutritionals interest you, the Ginger Cookie will hit you with 180 calories (for sawdust? hardly worth it!), 5 grams of fat (0 saturated/trans), 85 mg of sodium, 32 g of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 9 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. The Chocolate Chip will cost you 140 calories with 5 grams of fat (1 saturated, 0 trans), 80 mg of sodium, 22 g of carbohydates, 2 grams of fiber, and 7 grams of sugar. As a ridiculous aside, the "No Wheat" Cookies state that they are made in a facility that manufacturers products containing (among other things) wheat.

The cookies come in several other flavors, but we weren't taking any more chances. When it comes to Nana's, it's probably best to just say "no."

LesserEvil Maple Pecan Popcorn

These days, I'm so busy that I only post if a food so totally commands my attention that I'm forced to proclaim its praises to the world. Such a food has entered my ken this morning.

Today I opened a box of LesserEvil Maple Pecan Popcorn. Now, I'm already a fan of the other flavors of LesserEvil popcorn, so why am I so excited about a new flavor? Is it really that good? you ask. Well, yes. It IS that good. It has a sweet, buttery, crunchiness that is out of this world with the same impressive "LesserEvil stats" of only 120 calories, 2 grams of fat (0 saturated/trans), 140 mg of sodium, and 14 grams of sugar while packing 3 grams of dietery fiber per 3/4 cup serving.

While these facts alone would probably make me jump for joy, they wouldn't merit a shelving of all other projects in order to inform you of this great product. Nope, what compelled me to write about these fantastic little kernels is that they contain cholesterol-lowering plant sterols! Yes, you read correctly--this delicious snack is actually HEART HEALTHY! WOOO HOOOOO! What will the geniuses at LesserEvil come up with next?!?!?!

Try it now: LesserEvil Maple Pecan Popcorn

Gnu Foods Flavor & Fiber Bars

Struggling to eat your 25-30 grams of fiber a day? Gnu Foods has a delicious new bar that boasts 12 grams of fiber and tastes incredible! The bar are low in fat, 100% fruit juice sweetened, and contain only 130 calories. They are free of high fructose corn syrup, refined sugars, cholesterol, trans fat, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, artificial flavors, and artificial colorings.

Currently there are three flavors: Banana Walnut, Cinnamon Raisin, and Orange Cranberry. Each bar is incredibly moist and has the appeal of a chewy oatmeal cookie with a unique twist on flavor. They make the perfect choice for a breakfast on the run or a midday snack.

Try them now: Gnu Bars

Featured Health Food: Pineapple

The refreshingly sweet and juicy quality of the pineapple is reason enough to consume this tropical fruit--especially in the summer months, but the nutritional profile of this fruit will have you singing its praises as well.

Pineapples contain high amounts of vitamin C and good amounts of thiamin and manganese. Vitamin C, of course, is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the body from free-radical damage, and many studies show that this vitamin may reduce the risk of certain cancers as well as coronary artery disease. Vitamin C may even prevent or delay the onset of cataracts. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that can help reduce the severity of congestion caused by allergies

Pineapple's most intriguing asset, however, is a natural enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is helpful in reducing muscle and tissue inflammation, as well as acting as a digestive aid and relieving constipation. Eating pineapple, then, may be helpful for those suffering from muscle-related injuries, individuals with arthritis, and those with digestive troubles.

The best way to enjoy pineapple is, of course, fresh. If you are on the run frequently or just looking for different ways to try this delicious fruit, the suggestions below may prove inspiring.

Dried Pineapple: This is a great way to enjoy pineapple when you are on the go, but be extremely choosy with this product as many brands add sugar. My favorite is Just Pineapple by the Just Tomatoes company. These cruncy, freeze-dried pineapples are naturally super sweet (no added sugar or sweeteners of any kind) to the point of tasting like candy. They're a kid favorite as well, because kids think they are candy...you don't have to tell them they're healthy and provide nice amounts of vitamin C and iron.

Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice can be an interesting deviation from your morning orange juice, you just need to be extremely careful to choose an all-natural, 100% juice variety with no added sugar.

Pineapple Snack Bars: All natural snack bars with pineapple in them can be a true treat. Again, be very selective as bars can be carriers of trans fats, tons of sugar, and a host of unnatural preservatives and other chemicals. I love Boomi Bars in Macadamia Paradise and Pistachio Pineapple.

You can also mix pineapple into yogurt or cottage cheese or sprinkle on top of ice cream. It can be baked into breads and muffins and even sliced into rings and placed on the grill!

Hint Flavored Water

This has to be the most aptly-named product on the market--it's simply premium drinking water with just a hint of flavor. Hint water is the beverage for which I have been clamoring--it has absolutely no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and no calories. The flavors are exciting and fresh tasting and include lime, cucumber, pomegranate-tangerine, apple, and pear. Each flavor is positively refreshing, and makes it easy for me to down my 8 glasses of water a day. It also keeps me from drinking other beverages containing calories.

Hint waters are also great for kids. It provides just enough flavor to be kid pleasing, yet it doesn't have the calories and sugars of juices and sodas.

Try it now: Hint

Morning Star Veggie Bites--Spinach Artichoke

First of all, these taste great. They crisp up perfectly in the oven and contain a staggering amount of vitamins and minerals: 25% vitamin A, 6% calcium, 30% thiamin, 20% niacin, 50% vitamin B12, 8% iron, and 10% vitamin B6 (all based on a 2,000 calorie diet). The ingredients start out promising--the first two are spinach and artichoke hearts, but it's semi-disappointing from there. Further down the list (in the "contains two percent or less" section) we find salt, artificial flavors, hydrogenated soybean oil, and a host of other unpronounceables. It seems if you have less than 2% of this garbage you could omit it altogether, but perhaps I'm missing something here...

Anyway, the miniscule addition of "horrors" is not really the downfall of these veggie bites. The problem is that the serving size is only 3 pieces (3 TINY LITTLE PIECES) that will cost you 190 calories, 9 grams of fat (2.5 saturated), 10 mg of cholesterol, and 680 mg of sodium! YIKES! The box claims 3 servings total, but I'll be darned if you can stop yourself from eating the whole box!

Gardenburger Veggie Burgers

For the health-conscious person with serious time constraints who demands tasty food, this veggie burger is the overall winner hands down. Really--these burgers are no joke. They're packed with good stuff, devoid of the bad stuff, and cook in the toaster or microwave in minutes! Slap it on a whole wheat bun with some lettuce and a slice of tomato, and you've got a fantastically tasty lunch--it's truly that easy and fast to eat well.

The burgers come in several flavors: Original, Portabella, Veggie Medley, Black Bean Chipotle, Garden Vegan, Flame Grilled, the Classic, and, my personal favorite, Sun-Dried Tomato Basil. Each patty (of the Sun-Dried Tomato flavor) is only 100 calories with 3 grams of fat and 5 mg of cholesterol. There's 310 mg of sodium, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugars, and 5 grams of protein. You'll also get 10% vitamin A, 20% vitamin C, 6% calcium, and 4% iron (based on a 2,000 calorie diet).

So if you've been eating all the wrong foods for lunch claiming that you "don't have the time to eat healthy," buy these and eat right--you've got no excuses anymore.

Manufacturer Says: Italian-style vegetables in a whole grain burger with brown rice, basil, fresh onions, mozzarella cheese, rolled oats, red and green bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. A must for sun-dried tomato fans. You'll get: Fiber, Protein, Antioxidants. Soy Free.

Find them at a store near you: Gardenburger Veggie Burgers

Featured Health Food: Oats

If you're interested in heart health, cancer prevention, weight loss, and/or diabetes management, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better food than oats. Oats are not only a prime source of the complex carbohydrates that help to sustain energy, but they're nutrition powerhouses as well--containing impressive levels of selenium, thiamin, phosphorus, and manganese, and respectable quantities of copper, folate, vitamin E, and zinc.

What really makes oats shine in the eyes of nutritionists, however, is their high fiber content. Soluble fiber has been credited with helping to lower blood cholesterol levels, reducing high blood pressure, and preventing certain types of cancer. The complex carbohydrates and fiber in oats can help with weight loss by keeping insulin levels low after eating which boosts the metabolism and keeps the body from storing fat. Oat fiber may also help control blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity--very important in terms of diabetes management.

Fortunately, it's extremely easy to add oats into your diet--starting, of course, with breakfast. There's always the standard bowl of oatmeal made with rolled oats (our favorite is Bear Naked's 100% Organic Rolled Oats), but if this gives you the morning "blahs," try adding a bit of fruit-flavored honey, chopped dried fruit & nuts, or gourmet fruit syrups such as Gladstone's Wild Blueberry Syrup. If it's the oats themselves that bore you, try McCann's Steel-Cut Irish Oatmeal--you'll find their nutty flavor and chewy texture world's apart from standard oatmeal. For a change of pace, try an oat-based, healthy granola (such as Bear Naked) either as a cereal or atop low-fat yogurt.

Oats can also be added to soups and stews for thickening and texture. They're also great added to burger and meatloaf mixtures and for coating fish or chicken. Perhaps the tastiest way of all to enjoy oats, however, is in oatmeal cookies. Bake them yourself to ensure wholesome ingredients, or choose an all-natural, trans-fat free kind such as Choca Doodle Doos (a decadent chocolate chip oatmeal cookie with 2 grams of fiber!).

Featured Health Food: Ginger

If you've never thought twice about ginger, it's about time you brought this little gem of a spice into your life. Ginger not only has a delightfully spicy flavor that works well with both sweet and savory dishes, but it has many health benefits that can alleviate symptoms of several ailments as well as properties that may ward off chronic diseases.

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may help to relieve arthritis and muscle aches and pains. It can help with the pain from when you've overdone it at the gym, when you're suffering from menstrual cramps, or when you're recovering from surgery or an injury.

Ginger can also help relieve nausea and upset stomach and can improve digestion. It can be useful to women suffering from morning sickness or travelers afflicted with motion sickness. It can also help ease your stomach after consuming a very large meal.

Ginger is a natural antihistamine and decongestant and may provide relief from allergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes. It can also help relieve the stuffiness from the common cold as well.

Lastly, in terms of chronic ailments such as heart disease and cancer, ginger may provide cardiovascular and cancer protection to keep you healthy.

So how does one reap the wonderful benefits of ginger? Ginger can be purchased fresh in the produce section of your local supermarket. It can be grated, sliced, minced, or shredded and added to stir fry, stew, soup, or sauce for an extra "zing." Ginger is also found ground in the spice section and can be added to many baked goods as well as savory dishes for a distintive heat. Sushi lovers will be familiar with pickled ginger served alongside sushi and sashimi--a hot and sweet delight that cleanses the palate.

My personal favorite ways to consume ginger include crystallized ginger (baby ginger dusted with cane sugar creating a sweet and spicy, addictive treat that tastes great alone, plunked in tea, or chopped into baked goods), stem ginger in syrup (the chunks of candied stem ginger are great for eating alone and jazzing up your cooking and baking, and the syrup is great in tea, over ice cream, or for glazing chicken, carrots, or nuts) and ginger tea (a soothing, spicy beverage).

HoneyStix Fruit Flavored Honey

Honeystix are filled with one teaspoon of deliciously flavored pure clover honey and natural fruit flavoring. They are delicious in tea, yogurt, or atop oatmeal--even as a tasty treat on their own! There's only 20 calories per stick and no artificial flavors or colors. They come in exciting flavors such as watermelon, mango, sour grape, lemon, sour raspberry, and more!

Manufacturer says: HoneyStix are a sweet and nutritious alternative to other candies and snacks. Each HoneyStix is exactly one teaspoon of honey. The honey in HoneyStix is filled with vitamins, essential minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that are good for the body and give you lasting energy. HoneyStix have a ton of uses including flavoring hot beverages (the straw is perfect for stirring) to putting on cereal and ice cream.

Try them now: HoneyStix

Arnold Whole Grain Classics Double Fiber 100% Whole Wheat

With the recommended amount of fiber being 25-30 grams per day and Americans consuming only half of that amount, companies such as Arnold should be applauded when they make products that help us add more fiber into our diets.

Arnold's 100% Whole Wheat Double Fiber bread has a great taste and texture that suits any sandwich, and it boasts 5 grams of fiber per slice! One slice is only 90 calories, 1.5 grams of fat (0 saturated and 0 trans), 180 mg of sodium, 19 grams, 3 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein.

Manufacturer Says: Arnold® Whole Grain Classics™ Double Fiber Bread is a new addition to the Whole Grain Classics line. Baked with whole grains and 100% whole wheat, this heart healthy bread is an excellent source of fiber, with 5 grams in every delicious slice. That’s 10 grams of fiber in a single sandwich – or 40% of your daily fiber needs!

Find it at a store near you.

Health Valley Low Fat Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Health Valley Low Fat Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are one of my top picks for a quick breakfast, mid-morning/mid-afternoon snack, or chocolate fix. They have a nice chocolatey taste, but aren't overwhelmingly sweet. They are, of course, all natural and contain no trans fats and are also a good source of 6 B vitamins. One bar is 160 calories with 2.5 grams of fat (1 saturated), 20 mg of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 13 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. This tasty snack also provides 2% calcium, 15% thiamin, 10% niacin, 10% folate, 10% iron, 10% riboflavin, 10% vitamin B6, and 10% vitamin B12.

Since the bars aren't too sweet, I wasn't sure they would appeal to children--so I was delighted when I asked my 7 year old daughter if she liked them and she responded "why wouldn't I like them? They have swirls of chocolate on top and lots of chocolate chips---I love them!"

I couldn't agree more.

Find them at a store near you.

Peanut Butter & Co. White Chocolate Wonderful Peanut Butter

I have always been a huge fan of peanut butter but have been resisting all-natural varieties partially because I couldn't imagine that they would be any good, partially because I am stubborn, and finally, because I didn't want to spend the extra dollars. It took getting a variety six pack sent as a birthday gift to get me to give it a try. This particular version, though, I was excited to try after reading the review here of one of the other jars in this pack. While that one was excellent I will concur, the White Chocolate Wonderful is even better. Nutritionally, it is, perhaps, minimally less attractive that the Dark Chocolate Dreams, but it is still a decent choice. This stuff tastes like the peanut butter inside of a peanut butter cookie. It is fantastic. What is more, the "natural" composition makes it a bit less "dry" than traditional varieties, thus, eliminating the only complaint I would have with most peanut butter brands. There is no barrier to eating it right out of the jar. It is a treat in itself. I am not sure whether I should compare this to peanut butter or desserts because it is that good.

Nutritionally it is similar to major brands though with less sodium and a bit fewer calories. It also has no trans fats.

The Manufacturer Says:
Smooth crunchy in flavors you would never imagine.

The Facts
Serving Size: 2 Tbsp (1 oz)
Servings per Container: 14
Calories: 180
Fat: 14g (120 calories)
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 35mg
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 2%
Weight Watchers Points^®: 5 (barely as 4 tsp is 9)

Ratings: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 5
Taste: 5
Satisfying/filling: 5
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 2
Category: Peanut Butter/Snack Food/Dessert (I couldn't resist)

Find it here.

Michelina's Lean Gourmet Five Cheese Lasagna

Frozen meals can be really hit or miss -- especially Italian foods that depend on a good marinara sauce, when many commercially prepared marinaras leave a lot to be desired. But when I found Michelina's Lean Gourmet Five Cheese Lasanga on sale for $0.99, I decided to take a chance, and even though it sat in my freezer for a month before I got up the courage to try it, I'm ever so glad I finally did! While the marinara sauce on it wasn't exactly STUPENDOUS (somewhat reminisicent of Chef Boyardee, which I happened to like as a kid), it was definitely tasty and the blend of cheeses in the lasagna was also very very good. The portion size was small enough that I wished there was more, but large enough that I was satisfied. At 230 calories and 6 grams of fat (no trans fats) for a good piece of lasagna, you can bet I'll be stocking up on this one next time they're on sale, and maybe even giving a few other of Michelina's products a try!

Miss Meringue Mini Meringues and Chocolettes

Guiltless decadence -- that what these babies are. I tried the chocolate minis and the strawberry and vanilla chocolettes and both are excellent. I was a little weirded out by the dusty texture of the first bite, but as the cookie started to melt in my mouth and became slightly chewy, I was addicted! And the best best BEST part is that I can have 13 of the minis for 110 calories and NO fat and or 10 of the chocolettes for 130 calories and only 3.5 grams of fat! I like the chocolettes (minis drizzled with chocolate) slightly better because of the chocolate-covered taste, but I might be more inclined to choose the plain minis based on the nutritional value. I mean, you could eat the entire box of plain minis for 550 calories! Not that I would do that.... ok, I would, but only for a really special treat.... or comfort after a really bad day... or just cause I like 'em!

Find 'em and try 'em!

Kelloggs's Crispix

Keeping with the healthier cereals theme, today's entry, Crispix has been around for quite some time. This is not the first time I have tried this cereal but is, rather, the first time I have paid much attention to its health value. Crispix has low sugar when compared to most breakfast cereals as 3g, has no fat including saturated and trans fats, and has lots of added vitamins. Of course, this amounts to the multi-vitamin-in-milk concept of many breakfast cereals with carbohydrates for energy. The cereal does not have the whole grain as some of the healthier entries that have become available over the last couple of years, but it tastes a whole lot better. In fact, it is pretty good, as it is neither overly sweet nor bland. A warning for those who don't like milk, though: The cereal's design is like a sponge for milk. This keeps the cereal from being too dry and helps it to be sweeter, but provides a lot of milk taste. This is refreshing for me, but may be a major turn-off if you are a milk-is-just-there-to-keep-me-from-choking-on-the-cereal type.

Conclusion:
Though it is probably not a true "health" cereal, it is certainly a much better alternative than much of the competition and I would not hesitate to eat this on a regular basis and feel healthier for it.

The Facts:
Serving Size: 1 Cup
Servings per Container: About 17
Calories: 110
Fat: 0
Sodium: 210mg
Potassium: 35mg
Fiber: < 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin B6: 35%
Vitamin B12: 35%
Vitamin C: 10%
Vitamin D: 10%
Iron: 45%
Thiamin: 35%
Riboflavin: 35%
Niacin: 35%
Folic Acid: 70%
Zinc: 10%
Weight Watchers Points^®: 2

Ratings:
(all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 4
Satisfying/filling: 4
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 4
Category: Breakfast food/cold cereals

Competing Product Reviews:

1. Great Value - Toasted Oat Cereal
2. Meijer Bite Size Shredded Wheat
3. New Alpha-Bits (0 grams of sugar)

Silk Soymilk -- Vanilla flavor

I like milk... the regular stuff... good old white skim milk. The concept of soy milk was a little over the top to me (at least the idea of someone without milk allergies drinking it seemed over the top). However, at the suggestion of my sports nutritionist friend to try to cut back on animal food product to try to boost my whimpy metabolism, I got over myself and bought a carton. My first reactions.... smells a little odd... has a decidely NON-milk-like flavor... and did you know that soy milk is kinda gray???? However, in the spirit of having an open mind, I continued to use it. Drinking it straight is not exactly my favorite, though the vanilla does a lot to make up for the different flavor that's in there, but I have come to really like it in smoothies or poured over fruit with a little Splenda (yeah, I said it, SPLENDA -- take that ya sweetner-phobe Foodguru!). For the uninitiated to the world of soy milk, I wouldn't not recommend walking into it with an expection of soy milk being like cow milk, but expecting it to be a possibly delightful creamy beverage, slightly like milk in look and appearance, but in a category of its own in the consumable liquids genre. With the same general nutritional value as 1% milk (100 calories and 3.5 grams of fat per 8 oz serving for soy milk, 105 calories and 2.5 grams of fat for 1% milk), its worth a try!

Maine Munchies Apple Pie A La Mode

These. Are. So. Good! Containing cinnamony dried apples and creamy yogurt covered raisins, everything about this snack is delicious. The slightly crispy apples are a great contrast to the chewy yogurt covered raisins. The only bad thing about this snack is that you don't want to stop eating it (isn't that the problem with all good snacks??), and while the ingredients ARE healthy, its also pretty high in calories. A one ounce serving is 113 calories and 4 grams of fat, which isn't too bad, but Maine Munchies come in a 4 oz. bag, and I promise -- once you eat that one ounce serving -- you will eat the other three servings contained in the bag. I did... and it ended up being a 450 calorie snack! I had to do extra running that night...... but it was worth it. Perhaps, though, this is not such a great everyday snack for someone trying to lose weight. It WOULD, however, make an awesome treat, if there is some kind of reason to deserve one (like you ran extra without it being a penalty for consuming too many calories!)

Try them! If you don't like them, I'll finish them for you!

Deep Chocolate Vitamuffins

I am of the opinion that ALL of the Vitamuffin flavors are worth trying, you MUST try the Deep Chocolate. Divine, I'm telling you, absolutely, divine. Very moist and very fudgy... you could eat them for a dessert and only 200 calories and 3 grams of fat for a 4 oz muffin. In fact, I was hoping to get my hands on some to substitute for my husband's birthday cake tomorrow, but alas, and here is the bad thing about Vitalicious, the nearest store that carries them is 17 miles away. You can order any of Vitalicious's products from their website. And in looking at their online store, I discovered they actually make cakes. Guess what I'll be reviewing when MY birthday rolls around!

Great Value - Toasted Oat Cereal

My breakfast is most frequently some cold cereal or another but, usually, it is little more than a sweetened multivitamin. In order to promote healthier eating and weight loss, I have been in search of a healthier selection that actually tastes good and that I could eat on a regular basis (see this review and this one). Great Value (Wal-Mart's store brand) Toasted Oat Cereal looks just like the sweeter competition but the similarity ends there. It has just 1g of sugar! I wonder, though, where that gram is as it tastes decidedly unsweetened. In fact, it is an awful lot like the zero sugar Alpha-Bits. I am not saying it is bad, but that I am seeing a pattern that all very low sugar cereals tend to taste about the same (shredded wheat is a bit of an exception). The cereal is definitely edible but certainly bland. I suspect that adding some fruit could make the difference but, since I am often in a big hurry, I probably won't actually do it very often. Nutritionally, the cereal is pretty good with high fiber, whole grain oat flour, low sugar, a bunch of vitamins, and zero saturated and trans fats. I will probably reserve eating this cereal for days when I really want to be good or keep my calories down. If I am looking for flavor, I will probably look elsewhere.

The Facts:
Serving Size: 1 Cup
Servings per Container: 14
Calories: 110
Fat: 1.5g (15 calories)
Sodium: 240mg
Potassium: 90mg
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin B6: 25%
Vitamin B12: 25%
Vitamin C: 10%
Vitamin D: 10%
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 50%
Thiamine: 25%
Riboflavin: 25%
Niacin: 25%
Folic Acid: 50%
Phosphorus: 15%
Magnesium: 8%
Zinc: 25%
Copper: 4%
Weight Watchers Points^®: 2

Ratings: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 2
Taste: 2
Satisfying/filling: 3
Healthy: 5
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 4
Category: Breakfast food/cold cereals

Dr. Praeger's Fish Sticks

Crunchy, tasty, and all-natural, these fish sticks hit the spot for a quick lunch or light supper. Kids love them, and they are free of trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, and other "un-pronouceables" so you can feel good about serving them. A serving size is 3 fish sticks which packs 140 calories, 5 grams of fat (0 saturated), 30 mg of cholesterol, only 180 mg of sodium, 13 grams of carbohydrates (0 sugars), and 11 grams of protein. The sticks also provide 3% of vitamin C, 4% of calcium, and 3% of iron (based on a 2,000 calorie diet). Dr. Praeger knows that moms are busy and time is short so convenience foods are bound to hit the table at least every so often. We're glad that Praeger also knows that many moms are concerned with the "nasty" ingredients that convenience foods normally contain and that he was able to create a product both without such unnatural additives and one that kids will actually eat. Way to go Dr. Praeger!

Manufacturer says: You'll recognize all the ingredients.

Find them in a store near you: Fish Sticks

Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams Peanut Butter

This delightful stuff tastes remarkably like a melted peanut butter cup yet has no trans fats, no cholesterol, a mere 2.5 grams of saturated fat, only 35 mg of sodium, and only 7 grams of sugar! The smooth texture is positively dreamy, and it makes a decadent by-the-spoonful snack as well as a chocolately way to jazz up fruit or add pizazz to that boring old peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Aside from the delicious qualities of this yummy peanut butter, it also provides 2 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. If you didn't know, peanuts are a great source of vitamin E, folate, niacin, and magnesium and have been shown to lower blood cholesterol, help promote weight loss, and help ward off certain cancers. So peanut butter lovers, raise your spoons without guilt--this is one indulgence you can feel good about.

Try it now: Dark Chocolate Dreams Peanut Butter

Health is Wealth Spinach Munchees

As I'm constantly on the go, a quick lunch is an absolute necessity for me. Since I'm also insistant that the lunch be of the healthy variety, I'm sometimes left at a loss for something to eat. A good option that I've found, however, are Spinach Munchees from Health is Wealth. These bite-sized mini pockets are made with spinach and soy mozzarella and are wrapped in whole wheat pockets. They're all-natural and contain zero cholesterol and trans fats.

The munchees take about 12 minutes in a 425 degree oven, and the finished product is light and crispy on the outside with a delicious cheese and spinach filling on the inside. A six-munchee serving contains 180 calories with 7 grams of fat (.5 saturated, 2 grams polyunsaturated, 3.5 monounsaturated), 3 grams of fiber, 25 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram of sugar, 7 grams of protein. They boast 40% vitamin A, 10% vitamin C, 10% calcium, and 10% iron (based on a 2,000 calorie diet). As with all frozen foods, they are unfortunately a little high in sodium--320 mg. per serving.

Ingredients
Wrapper: Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour, Unbleached Wheat Flour, Water, Sea Salt, Annatto and Tumeric.
Filling: Chopped Spinach, Fat Free Soy Cheese (Organic Soybean Curd {Soybeans, Water, Citric Acid}, Calcium Caseinate, Corn Starch, Natural Flavor, Salt, Calcium Citrate, Rice Starch, Locust Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Soy Lecithin, Annatto, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin), Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Bread Crumbs (Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour, Yeast, Sea Salt, Malt Syrup Solids (Barley Malt Extract, Soy Flour)) and Natural Spices

Manufacturer Says: Health is Wealth Spinach Munchees use only the finest leaf green spinach and all natural ingredients. Enjoy them as an appetizer, a light entree or snack.

This unique blend of whole wheat, expeller pressed non-hydrogenated oils and low fat ingredients produces a bite size mini pocket that is low in calories and high in complex carbohydrates — without preservatives or trans-fatty acids. Our Munchees are 100% Vegetarian. All natural, cholesterol-free, lactose-free, and no MSG.

Find them at a store near you: Spinach Munchees

Baked Tostitos Original Bite Size

My wife brought home some authentic homemade salsa, made in someone else's, and she told me I had to try it. Since eating salsa off of your fingers isn't very appealing, we broken open a bag of Baked Tostitos. The taste is not at all the same as the normal greasy chips but is not bad either. The chips are a bit thicker and are a little bit less crisp. They do taste lighter and saltier though, which is a big plus for a salt-lover like me, but would make them a bad choice for the sodium-conscious. They are certainly not as tasty as the regular chips and are not nearly as good to eat by themselves. Not a big problem as I was here to eat fantastic salsa, so I scooped up a bunch. I can say that the salsa was great, but that is another review! The point here is that the chips did not detract from enjoying the salsa. This way I can eat more salsa while cutting back on the calorie and fat intake.

The Conclusion:
I will probably buy these over regular chips for myself, since the chip is merely a conduit to enjoy the condiment and it is healthier. I may, however, opt for a more traditional choice when entertaining guests and others may be turned off by the modestly less appealing flavor.

The Manufacturer Says
A great way to enjoy reduced fat snacking.

The Facts
Serving Size: 1 oz.
Servings per Container: 13
Calories: 110
Fat: 1g (5 calories) No Trans Fat
Sodium: 200mg (kinda high)
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 2%
Thiamin: 4%
Vitamin B6: 6%
Phosphorus: 6%
Weight Watchers Points^® 2
Ingredients: Corn and Salt

Ratings: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 3
Satisfying/filling: 3
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 3
Diet Appropriate: 4
Category: Snack Foods/Chips

Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk

I can't say that I ever much bought into the health concerns over hormones and antibiotics used on milk-producing cows. I am a believer, though, in reducing antibiotic use, when possible, to avoid bacterial resistance. This aside, I was interested in tasting whether an organic chocolate milk was really any different than regular chocolate milk. Enter Horizon Organic's entry. Right from handling the package I noticed a difference. It seems that the package itself is supposed to be produced using low energy and recyclable material. This makes sense since, I suppose, those interested in organic products might be pretty likely to desire environmental responsibility. As an added aside, this single-serve package is designed so that it does not need to be refrigerated until opened.

Enough with the packaging though, how about the taste... Well, it is decidedly different than regular chocolate milk. It has a pasty or thick taste. In fact, I checked the package twice to make sure it was not whole milk but, was reassured that it is low fat after all. I would not say it is bad. The taste was still pleasant and chocolaty but, certainly, was not as good as some of the other kinds I have tried. The big test, however, came as my three-year-old son, a true chocolate milk aficionado, tried it. He gulped down the whole think without any indication that it was different from his normal kind. This is good for parents wishing the children to switch to organic products. It seems that if you switch them early, they will hardly notice a difference.

Overall, the product is eminently drinkable and I would drink it again. I am interested in trying their products not designed to be kept at room temperature to determine if they have a better consistency. Nutritionally, it is similar to other chocolate milk.

The Manufacturer Says
The organic milk is good for you because the cows are not treated with antibiotics and growth hormones.

The Facts
Serving Size: 8 oz
Servings per Container: 1
Calories: 180
Fat: 5g (45 calories) no trans fat
Fiber: 2% (<1g)
Protein: 8g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin D: 25%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 2%
Sodium: 160mg
Weight Watchers Points^®: 4

Ratings: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 3
Taste: 3
Satisfying/filling: 3
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 3
Diet Appropriate: 3
Category: Drinks/Milk

Vitalicious VitaTops - MultiBran

My wife ordered a Vitalicious Sampler in the interest of healthier breakfasts. The normal bran muffin, while tasty, are pretty far from healthy as they are loaded in fat and calories. VitaTops, however, are fat-free and lower calorie though still have a sizable 100 calories per muffin top. Vitalicious suggests this is a “controlled” portion but, since it is a little too small to satisfy, it took me a few more controlled portions before I approached fullness.

Normally I would assume the low fat bran combo would result in a sawdust taste but, since these came highly recommended, my expectations were mixed. The initial taste is a bit branny though is moist and smooth. Don’t forget the water, however, or you will be pretty parched about halfway through.

VitaTops are definitely not like any other muffin I have tasted and got better with additional bites. I would say that a regular bran muffin is slightly superior-tasting but, as VitaTops are healthier and a change-of-pace, they are worth a try. I would definitely buy these again because, if I am going to eat bran, it better be at least a little bit healthy even if it resembles a bran-filled multi-vitamin. For those of you who need to watch sodium intake, though, these would probably not be a wise choice with a hefty 360mg. Outside of this, though, they are, as the name suggests, filled with added vitamin nutrition and have high fiber with a solid 3g of protein.

The Facts:
Calories: 100
Servings Size: 1 top (2oz)
Servings per Container: 1
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 360mg
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 50%
Vitamin B6: 50%
Vitamin B12: 50%
Vitamin C: 50%
Vitamin D: 50%
Vitamin E: 50%
Thiamin: 4%
Riboflavin: 10%
Folic Acid: 50%
Pantothenic Acid: 12.5%
Biotin: 50%
Zinc: 50%
Niacin: 4%
Iron: 50%
Calcium: 2%
Weight Watchers Points^®: 1 (though close to the 2 mark)

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 4
Satisfying/filling: 2
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 3
Category: Breakfast Foods/muffins

Millville Oats & Honey Crunchy Granola Bars

I have been eating Millville Oats & Honey Crunchy Granola Bars, sold and distributed by Aldi Inc, for quite some time without thinking about whether they might fill the bill of a healthy snack. Usually granola bars are filled with trans fats and are more closely related to a candy bar than health food, especially when made for a chain grocery store but, these are a little different. They contain no trans fats and are made with whole grain oats with a fair amount of fiber and, unfortunately, quite a lot of sugar. They are very tasty, especially if you like a light honey flavor. They are crunchy, as the name suggests and, though not as dry as a typical crunchy granola bar, require staying in close proximity to a water fountain. For those interested in trying this, remember that a crunchy bar equals a messy bar which can be a problem if you are eating while working, pieces of granola under laptop keys can be a major drag, or will be without a plate, so plan appropriately. These are not for the calorie-conscious either, as they are 170 calories per package (2 smallish bars) though my wife usually eats only one of the bars. They are also a little too high in sugar and sodium to be an ideal snack food. That said, these are tasty, something a little different and better for you than most grocery store granola bars so they may be worth a try.

The Facts:
Calories: 170
Serving Size: 2 Bars (1 package)
Servings Per Container: 6
Fat: 5g (45 calories)
Sodium: 160mg
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Iron: 6%
Weight Watchers Points^®: 3

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 3
Taste: 4
Satisfying/filling: 3
Healthy: 3
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 2
Category: Granola Bars/Snack Food

Stretch Island Organic Apple Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather tastes similar to competing products such as Betty Crocker’s Fruit Roll-Ups^® but is much healthier. It doesn’t have partially hydrogenated oils or added sugars and includes only natural ingredients.

While the flavor is good, I am not quite sure that it tastes like apple. I even checked the package again to be sure what it was. Again, it was not that it was bad, just not necessarily consistent with the name. This is not all that unusual for this type of product so don’t be too concerned.

The taste is sweet enough to appeal to children and adults alike and is, perhaps, sweeter-tasting than the competitors. The higher sugar content probably is a factor here though it is from fruit juice versus corn syrup found in the competition. Additionally, a subtle taste of lemon juice enhances the flavor of what can be a pretty bland snack food.

Rest assured that kids will not be able to tell the difference and will enjoy these every bit as much as the others. Kids may miss out on the gimmicky package of fruit rolled up in plastic, though I always thought it a huge pain in the neck, or uncoiling it as in Fruit by The Foot^®, but will still think the flat shape and pliability of Stretch Island's version is novel enough.

Overall, it is not a matter, in this case, of choosing the healthier choice and making a sacrifice in taste but, quite the opposite, this is the superior-tasting and healthier product.

The Facts:

	Fruit Leather	Fruit Roll-Ups®
Calories:	45	50
Serving Size:	14g (1 pouch)	14g (1 roll)
Servings per Container:	1	1
Fat:	0	1g (5 calories)
Sodium:	0g	55g
Potassium:	95mg
Fiber:	1g
Weight Watchers Points®:	1 (on the low end)	1

Ingredients:
Organic apple puree concentrate, organic lemon juice concentrate, organic cinnamon.

Ratings:
Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 3
Satisfying/filling: 2
Healthy: 5
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 5
Category: Snack Foods/Candy

Zoe's Flax & Soy Bar - Heavenly Apple

Whenever I'm heading to the gym to lift weights, I grab a Zoe Flax & Soy Bar to fuel up. Unlike other bars on the market, Zoe's Bars are all natural and have no trans fatty acids, hydrogenated oils, or high fructose corn syrup. They are low in sodium, wheat free, and provide 5 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein.

Zoe’s Bars are made with ground flaxseed and soy and provide 100% daily value of ALA omega-3. The Heavenly Apple flavor takes some getting used to, but once you've acquired a taste for it, it's fantastic. The texture is chewy and crispy and wholly satisfying. There's only 10 grams of sugar, but it still manages to keep the sweet tooth in check.

Each serving contains:
5g Soy Protein
5g Fiber
2200mg Omega-3
1 Tablespoon Ground Flaxseed
Dairy Free
No Trans Fatty Acids
Weight Watchers Points: 4

Try it now: Zoe's Flax & Soy Bar - Heavenly Apple

Hodgson Mill - Whole Wheat Pasta

While many people know that Wheat Pasta is a healthier choice than traditional pastas, quite a few people steer clear because they just don't like the texture, the taste, or both. When I first tried Hodgson's Mill Whole Wheat Pasta, I had the advantage of not knowing that I was in for anything different. My wife cooked it up for me and gave me no indication other than that it was regular old pasta with my favorite homemade sauce. I have even less expectation of anything different since my wife generally doesn't buy into health food, organic, all-natural, or any other alternative food choices. Not having pre-conceived notions, helped me to enjoy this pasta. I did detect a bit of gumminess and a hint of a wheat flavor enough to suspect that this was not my normal pasta but not enough to detract from my eating enjoyment. It is important to point out, though, that I pretty much view pasta as a conduit to eating sauce. So, as long as it wasn't awful, I would be ok. The first experience was with the elbow pasta. This type is especially good at hold pasta sauce so any negative flavor would be masked further. On a second occasion, I ate the spaghetti, with much less sauce. The wheat flavor and gumminess was a little stronger but, it was still not enough to turn me away. I would say that I would have little problem replacing my regular pasta with this stuff and figure that the differences I notice now would become less significant as I got more used to eating the healthier alternative. I might, though, try Bionaturae's Whole Wheat Pasta to see if it tastes better and go with the better of the two.

Health-wise, this is great stuff, as it is whole grain, and has higher fiber than its processed and enriched competitors.

The Manufacturer Says:
High fiber tastes great too.

The Facts:
Serving Size: 2oz (dry)
Servings Per Container: 8
Calories: 190
Fat: 1g (15 calories)
Sodium: 10mg
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 9g
Calcium: 2%
Thiamine: 20%
Riboflavin: 4%
Niacin: 10%
Iron: 15%
Weight Watcher's Points^®: 3 (high fiber makes it just below the 4 mark)

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 3
Satisfying/filling: 4
Healthy: 5
Performance (for athletes): 5
Diet Appropriate: 5
Category: Pasta

Meijer Bite Size Shredded Wheat

I have always been a fan of the sugar-coated version of shredded wheat but was not so sure that I that would translate to the plain kind. In fact, these have been sitting in my pantry for months as I avoided them for the sugary and far less healthy breakfast choices. We ran out of those yesterday and have not had a chance to go shopping so, it was pretty much these or nothing. To my surprise, they are not bad. They don't taste "health foody" and, since they absorb a lot of milk, actually were sweeter than I expected. They key was to let it soak in the milk long enough to saturate each one. No big deal for experienced shredded wheat eaters. The catch is, though, that you have to really like milk for this to be acceptable. No problem for me but, I know a few people that would gag at the thought. Nutritionally these are a winner. They have very low sugar, none added, as the only ingredient listed is 100% whole wheat. They also claim that it is 100% whole grain. They are, of course, loaded in fiber and have good set of vitamin and mineral nutrition and no sodium. It is important to note that, since the cereal is not overly sweet, it does not entice me to eat way more than I should as is typical with my normal breakfast fare. This is good news for someone trying to lose a few pounds.

I don't think I would have a problem eating this kind of shredded wheat, though it would still be more on the occasional side.

The Facts:
Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups (significantly larger than many breakfast cereals)
Servings per Container: about 10
Calories: 170
Fat: 1g (10 Calories)
Sodium: 0g
Potassium: 80mg
Fiber: 6g
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%
Thiamin: 8%
Riboflavin: 2%
Niacin: 15%
Phosphorus: 20%
Magnesium: 15%
Zinc: 8%
Copper: 8%
Weight Watchers Points^®: 4 with 1/2 cup of skim milk

Manufacturer Says:
Not a whole lot. I guess they let the product speak for itself. They extoll the benefits of whole grain and that the product is 100% made whole grain wheat

Ratings:
Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 3
Satisfying/filling: 4
Healthy: 5
Performance (for athletes): 5
Diet Appropriate: 5
Category: Breakfast food/cold cereals

Vruit - Berry Veggie Blend

The common advice is that we should drink about 64 ounces of fluid a day. I probably consume twice that amount and mostly in the form of plain old water. Since I can, at times, struggle to get all my fruit and vegetable servings in a day, a healthy drink that helps fill the requirement is welcome. Of course, I have tried to drink vegetable juices before and haven't gotten very far. In fact, I once tried to drink a V-8 and only made it about 1/8 through a 6 ounce bottle. That said, I would was repulsed at the thought of even taking a sip of Vruit. At the assurances of a co-worker, more like a dare, I reluctantly popped a straw in the juice box and gave a cautiously quick sip. To my surprise, it wasn't bad at all. It was sweet with only a hint of the vegetable taste that I feared so much. I had no problem downing the whole container and, dare I say, enjoyed it. Even the kids liked it and it would be a great replacement for their typical juice boxes. Plus, this stuff gives you the vegetables in a form that doesn't have nearly as much sodium as competing vegetable drinks.

Keep in mind, though, that you should probably only get one serving per day of fruits/vegetables from juice so don't think you can totally rely on this as your source.

The Manufacturer says:
A blend of 100% fruit and vegetable juices that is nutritious and delicious. Eight ounces of Vruit provides one of recommended servings of the fruit and vegetable group.

The Facts:
Serving Size: 8.45oz
Servings per Container: 1
Calories: 110
Fat: 0
Sodium: 25mg
Protein: 1g
Potassium: 370mg
Vitamin A: 100%
Vitamin C: 100%
Iron: 2%
Calcium: 2%

Ratings:
Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 3
Satisfying/filling: 3
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 3
Category: Juice

Try Vruit here

Fruity Booty

After trying Veggie Booty, I was pretty excited to have Fruity Booty which is also made by Roberts American Gourmet. My expectations were high, since the manufacturer made a tasty treat out of seemingly unappetizing ingredients with Veggie Booty. Orange, cherry, papaya, mango, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, pineapple, grape, and apple flavors found in Fruity Booty would almost certainly make for a better combination. Well, I was a little disappointed. It is not that they weren't good, they taste a little like Corn Pops^® with a hint of fruity flavor, but only that I had was expecting something fantastic. Expectations aside, they are good and the kids liked them too. Unfortunately, as I later found, these are not nearly as popular as some of the other Roberts American Gourmet products and can be a bit hard to find. Too bad, because they are a good alternative if you like a fruity-but-not-too-sweet-taste and want to keep your snacks on the healthier side.

The Manufacturer Says:
Fruity Booty contains a blend of Orange, Cherry, Papaya, Mango, Raspberry, Blackberry, Strawberry,Pineapple, Grape, and Apple.

Fruity Booty is a snack that will change the way you eat and provide you with a 10 fruit blend, while enjoying the finest snack on the planet.

Fruity Booty puts you in the mindset to eat healthier and change your life. Take it on a train, or in your car, on a walk, or on a boat. Fruity Booty will be your good friend. Contains impressive amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.

The Facts:
Serving Size: 1oz
Servings per container: 4 (it is pretty easy to polish off the whole bag)
Calories: 130
Fat: 5g (45 calories)
Cholesterol: 0mg!
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 30%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 2%

Ratings:
Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 3
Taste: 3
Satisfying/filling: 3
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 3
Category: Snack Food

Crispy Delites 100% Natural Veggie Chips - Mixed Vegetables

Typically vegetable chips have quite a bit of fat in them, so I was intrigued when I came across Crispy Delites Mixed Vegetable Chips with only 3.5 grams of fat per serving. The Mixed Vegetable chips contain carrot, stringbean, taro, celery, red onion, pumpkin, canola oil, and sea salt. I prefer taking one chip out at a time as opposed to tossing a handful of chips in my mouth because I'm actually not that crazy about the blend of flavors. The individual chips, however, are delightfully light and crunchy and have great flavor. The carrot is just a teeny bit play-doh tasting, but still pretty good. The 5.8 oz can has 5.5 servings, but it's very easy to get carried away and eat much more than the 1.07 oz serving size. The nutrition stats are pretty impressive--a low 115 calories per serving with only 120 mg of sodium and a generous 240 mg of potassium. Total carbs are 17 grams with 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of sugars. The chips also boast 3 grams of protein and provide 29% of Daily Value (based on 2,000 calorie diet) of vitamin A, 15% vitamin E, 20% of vitamin C, 6% calcium, and 9% iron. Not too shabby for a snack food or as a side with soup!


Manufacturer says: Mixed Vegetable Chips are made from 100% fresh vegetables, a kiss of canola oil, sea salt, and nothing else. Crispy Delites are simple goodness, packed with vitamins and nutritional benefits. You're going to love 'em and feel good about it too!

Try them now at: Crispy Delites Mixed Vegetable Chips

Health Valley Apple Cobbler Cereal Bars

Around mid-morning I'm typically rummaging around for something to snack on that will curb my sweet tooth and won't blow my diet. Recently I discovered a snack bar--Health Valley Apple Cobbler Cereal Bars--that both tastes great and isn't loaded with calories and fat.

Apple Cobbler Cereal Bars taste remarkably like apple pie (YUM!) and are 70% organic with all-natural ingredients. They contain only 130 calories, 2 grams of fat (0 saturated/trans), and 50 mg of sodium. They are also a great source of six B vitamins as well as selenium. The only downside to these babies is that they aren't very filling, and they are soooooo good you want to keep eating them. These bars also satisfy as a dessert.

Ingredients: apple filling (organic cane juice, apples, concentrated fruit juices [pineapple, peach, pear], tapioca, vegetable glycerin, natural flavors, apple pectin, cinnamon, carob bean gum, annatto and turmeric [for color], organic wheat flour, organic cane juice, organic expeller pressed canola oil, organic oats, organic wheat gluten, organic honey, organic wheat bran, natural flavors, nonfat dry milk, cream of tartar, baking soda, soy lecithin, maltodextrin (from corn), citrus oils, carrageenan, sea salt, annatto and turmeric (for color).
Nutrition Blend: natural beta carotene, niacin, Vitamin B6 (pyridioxine hydrochloride), riboflavin, Vitamin B1(thiamin hydrochloride), Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine), sodium selenite, folic acid.



Find them in a store near you: Health Valley Apple Cobbler Cereal Bars

Veggie Booty

When I crave snack food, spinach, kale, cabbage, carrots, and broccoli are hardly the first things that come to mind. It seems that some slightly off person at Roberts American Gourmet differed with my opinion as these are the key ingredients they used to create Veggie Booty. As someone who is generally turned off by "health food", I was pretty sure I would that this unusual combo would taste no better than chewing on the end of a pencil. I fully expected that I would just end up discarding the bag after an initial taste. Boy was I wrong. They are great! It is a different flavor to be sure but, it is delicious. The strange combination just works. The flavors blend into an exotic flavor reminiscent of a tasty specialty popcorn. The only negative is the texture can be a bit Styrofoamy. Don’t let that scare you away, however, or you will really miss out as the flavor more than compensates. Plus, as a lover of salty flavors, Veggie Booty manages to taste salty without excessive sodium, especially when compared to other snack food choices.

I was not the only one who loves Veggie Booty in my family. The kids polished of a bag and asked for more. Even my wife, who is really skeptical of any health food, liked them.

Keep in mind, though, that these are a snack food and are a bit high in fat, so resist the temptation to eat tons of it!

The Manufacturer Says:
Veggie Booty is a delicious snack that you and your family will love. It contains a blend of Spinach, Kale, Cabbage, Carrots, and Broccoli--and believe it or not, kids love it!

Veggie Booty puts you in the mindset to eat healthier and change your life. Take it on a train, or in your car, on a walk, or on a boat, Veggie Booty will be your good friend. This is a life changing snack that will help you eat healthier. Contains impressive amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

The Facts:
Serving Size: 1oz
Servings per container: 4 (plan on eating the whole bag)
Calories: 130
Fat: 5g (0 trans 0 saturated)
Sodium: 70mg
Fiber: 2.25g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 5%
Vitamin C: 25%
Iron: 4%
Weight Watcher's Points: 3 (barely! give a few to a friend and it would be 2)

Ratings:
Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 5
Taste: 5
Satisfying/filling: 4
Healthy: 5
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 4
Category: Snack Food

Try them now at: Veggie Booty

Just Peas

When I got these as part of a gift basket from Well Baskets I wasn't sure what to do with them. A packet of dried peas? Is this called for in healthy recipes? Do I have to add something to them? Is this actually supposed to be a snack food? I generally like peas, but I never thought of them as something I would have as a quick and healthy snack. I studied the package a little more to see if they were sweetened or had something added to make them more than what they seemed but, NO! The package unequivocally states that the ARE Just Peas! I finally decided to give them a try. Not Bad! Not Bad at all! More than that, they are very good! When my six year old daughter saw me eating them she wanted to try. I thought there was no way that this would suit the typically sweet-toothed youngster but I was in for a surprise. Before I knew it they were all gone. Even my four year old sucked quite a few of them down. They were a hit among the kids, even those that don't like cooked peas.

The dehydration process softens the pea flavor some and adds a crunchy texture which makes them more appealing than I would have ever imagined. Make sure you have a glass of water around, though, because they will leave you parched after a full serving. For this reason, they would not be great to have close to exercise time, but are better suited to a mid-morning, lunchtime, or afternoon snack.

With protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, Iron, fiber, and low sodium Just Peas are a great alternative to other snack foods and made me excited to taste other offerings from the Just Tomatoes Company.

The Facts:
Serving Size: 1oz (1/2oz packet has half of the amounts found here)
Servings per container: 3.5 (1 serving is 1/2 oz packet)
Calories: 100
Fat: 0.5g
Sodium: 5mg
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%

The Manufacture Says:
These peas are a nutritious and filling snack--a favorite of kids and adults. More than just a snack... these peas are fun to cook with, too. Add them to soups, sauces, and rice dishes. Top salads and baked potatoes. Add to stir fry or pasta. Great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Ratings:
Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 5
Taste: 5
Satisfying/filling: 4
Healthy: 5
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 5
Category: Snack Food and Herbs/spices

Try them now at: Just Peas

Esparrago Chunky Asparagus Salsa

As a lover of Mexican food and, especially, good salsa, I was excited to try the Esparrago Salsa. The catch is, however, asparagus is not one of my favorite vegetables. No, I don't hate it, but I can think of at least a dozen vegetables I would go for first. I had an open mind despite this because I figured that salsa is such a mix of flavors that the asparagus would hardly stand out at all. Thus, I would be getting the benefits without any of the taste drawbacks. Unfortunately, this was not quite true.

The salsa is hearty and the base is pretty good, but the asparagus adds a flavor that just doesn't quite fit in salsa. It was not bad, just not one of the better salsas I have had. I actually had two choices of salsa on the table and, after using up all of the Esparrago on I had on my plate, I replaced it with an alternative (Mrs. Renfro's) that I like a whole lot more. So, despite the health benefits, I do not think I would buy this over my other favorites because they are all-natural as well and I do not consider the health differences to be huge. I should point out, though, that the sodium is far less than that found in competing salsas so it is definitely worth trying for those needing to watch salt intake.

Overall, though I wouldn't buy this stuff, it is good enough to use once in awhile. I think, perhaps, if there was a much spicier version, it would be more appealing and might have a better chance of winning me over.

The Facts:

Brand	Esparrago	Mrs. Renfros
Serving size:	2 Tbsp	2 Tbsp
Servings per container:	about 10	about 13
Calories:	10	10
Fat:	0g	0g
Sodium:	95mg	390mg
Protein:	1g	0g
Vitamin A:	4%	0
Vitamin C:	10%	2%
Iron:	2%	2%
Folate:	6%	0
Fiber:	<1g	0
Weight Watchers Points®:	0	0

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 3
Taste: 3
Satisfying/filling: 3
Healthy: 5
Performance (for athletes): 5
Diet Appropriate: 5
Category: Condiment

Try it now: Esparrago Chunky Asparagus Salsa

Hunka Chunka Organic Cookies - Double Chocolate Chip

I am always a bit worried when a cookie is advertised as organic. My first thought is that the package would taste better than the cookie. I suppose that I have opened my mind a bit and did not cringe when I put the first cookie in my mouth but, suffice it to say, my expectations were not real high. I was pleasantly surprised that with the very chocolaty taste. The texture is a bit unusual and certainly not like any cookie I had eaten. They felt lighter and more filled with air than cookie which, I suppose, keeps the calories and fat down. The whole family tried them and made quick work of the 2 oz bag. Everyone’s reaction was positive. The kids didn't seem to think they were anything unusual at all. You could hardly expect a better reaction when trying to introduce healthy treats to your kids. For myself, I would reach for the Chips Ahoy® before these if taste was the only consideration. Since I am trying to be healthier, I would probably choose Hunka Chunka Double Chocolate Chip slightly more often however. The "light and airy" texture makes them a little less filling than some of the traditional favorites so you might expect to eat a few more than you would of your other favorites. You can do it, however, with a little less guilt knowing that these are much better for you!

Overall, I think these cookies are a great alternative for kids and for adults who are trying to improve eating without major sacrifices in food enjoyment.

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 4
Satisfying/filling: 4
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 3
Diet Appropriate: 4
Category: Dessert Foods

Try it now: Hunka Chunka Organic Cookies - Double Chocolate Chip

Just Gone Bananas

I have always been a fan of dried banana chips and have been known to eat a pound in one sitting. The problem is that most of them are loaded in fat and calories making rapid weight gain a near certainty if I ate them as much as I wanted. This is where Just Gone Bananas, a product of Just Tomatoes, fills a great role. These still have a refreshing banana taste but without the high calories of traditional fried banana chips. In fact, I like these better because they have a stronger banana taste without the heaviness that is found in competing banana chips. As in other Just Tomatoes products, Just Gone Bananas has just one ingredient, Bananas. These are great for a boost in potassium post-workout or as a refreshing snack. They are a bit high in sugar and calories to be ideal for weight loss.

The 1/2 ounce size is pretty impractical, unless you are not sure if you are going to like them, because it too small to curb even the tiniest of appetites. I suggest going for the tub though there will be a strong temptation to eat the whole thing at once.

The Facts: (Tub size listed here, the 1/2 oz size has 1 serving and 1/2 of the values found below)
Serving Size: 1oz
Servings per Container: 2.5
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 0.5g
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin C: 4%

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 5
Taste: 5
Satisfying/filling: 4
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 5
Diet Appropriate: 2
Category: Snack food

Try them at: Just Bananas

Crispy Delites 100% Natural Veggie Chips - Carrot

I have had enough dehydrated vegetables to know that no matter how much I may not care for the water-filled version I usually like the dehydrated version. The crispy Delites carrot chips are no exception. I suppose that after dehydrating them, the flavor becomes more subtle and it taste more like a snack food then a vegetable. Crispy Delites are baked in canola oil and have added salt with detracts a bit from the "healthiness" but makes them eminently more edible than they might be without. I do not think it appropriate to think of these as a substitute for fresh carrots but, as a better choice than potato chips and other similar indulgences. The lower fat and extra vitamins combined with pleasant flavor make these a decent choice. The chip alternative aspect is not very important to me because I pretty much never eat regular chips (tortilla chips are the exception). I think of these, rather, as a change of pace from my typical snack foods (frequently crackers) and as a good way to get a boost of vitamin A. I would probably eat them as a mid-afternoon snack or as a mid-workout snack. I don't see myself craving them or eating them on anything approaching a regular basis.

An additional plus, is the single serving bag at 105 calories is great for a small snack and to prevent overeating.

Manufacturer Says:
Dehydration method maintains 100% of the nutrition. A one ounce serving has almost a pound of fresh vegetables.

The Facts:
Serving size: 1oz
Servings per container: 1
Calories: 105
Fat: 3.5g
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 3%
Sodium: 120mg
Protein: 3g
Potassium: 20%
Vitamin A: 100%
Vitamin C: 30%
Vitamin E: 20%
Fiber: 2g
Weight Watchers Points: 2

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 3
Taste: 3
Satisfying/filling: 3
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 4
Category: Snack food

R.W. Garcia Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

As a Mexican food lover I fancy myself somewhat of a tortilla chip connoisseur so I wasted no time popping the bag open and digging in. The first surprise was the packaging. Most tortilla bags are filled with so much air in a thin plastic bag that there is at least a 50% risk of having a tortilla chip explosion when opening the bag. R.W. Garcia chip bag material is a bit sturdier and opened nice a cleanly. I didn’t have to spend time gathering lost chips before eating.

The R.W. Garcia Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips remind me of some of some tasty blue corn chips I had at a fine Mexican establishment a few years back. I suppose, though, that those were nowhere near as healthy as these. These tortilla chips achieve their delicious flavor without trans fats and are gluten free. They are not low-fat, however, so they may not be the best choice for the fat-conscious but they are a bit lower in fat content than regular tortilla chips. The major surprise is that, though I am a salt lover, that these still hit the spot despite the very low sodium content (45mg). This is a big plus for many whom might have to be very careful when considering a chip.

A minor issue I have, though, is that the package I had, the "Super Natural Grab Bag" boasted 3 servings which I, of course, devoured in one sitting. I am not sure why manufacturers make this size since it is more than someone should eat by themselves but way too little to share with more than one person. I would expect that most people would eat the whole bag. Hopefully the folks at R.W. Garcia will help those of use prone to gluttony and make a smaller size.

Size issue aside, I would recommend these as a healthy choice for any tortilla chip-lover, especially sodium-conscious individuals, as you can rest assured that your dining experience will certainly not be hurt when substituting other chips with these.

The Manufacturer Says:
Made from Organic Blue Corn and lightly cooked in the natural oils with no trans fats are completely wheat and gluten free.

The Facts:
Serving size: 1oz
Servings per container: 3
Calories: 140
Fat: 5g
Calcium: 6%
Sodium: 45mg
Protein: 3g

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 5
Satisfying/filling: 5
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 3
Category: Snack food

Try them here

Robert's American Gourmet Soy Crisps

Love potato chips but fear all of the fat and calories? Robert's American Gourmet Soy Crisps may just save the day! These round chips are light, crispy, and packed with flavor, and they come in a portion-controlled 1 oz bag for healthful snacking. Not only are these chips delicious, but they contain a mere 110 calories per serving with only 2 grams of fat. In addition, Soy Crisps have 2 grams of fiber and 7 grams of soy protein! They're a bit high in sodium (330 mg/serving), but contain only 1 gram of sugar (15 grams total carbohydrates). The crisps come in familiar potato chip flavors such as Creamy Ranch, Barbecue, and Cheddar so you can satisfy your craving for chips without blowing your diet or resolve to eat healthier.

Manufacturer says: Soy Crisps are a delicious low fat crispy soy snack the whole family will love. They are so tasty you won't believe they're so healthy. Soy Crisps are made with a unique blend of soy, creating a light crispy snack.

Try them now: Robert's American Gourmet Soy Crisps

Health is Wealth All Natural Chicken Nuggets

If your kids are like most children, chicken nuggets top their list of food favorites. Unfortunately, however, most chicken nuggets on the market are loaded with trans fats, artificial ingredients, corn syrup, and a whole host of other unhealthfuls. With hungry kids on the one hand and a strong desire to provide healthy, nutritious food on the other, what's a health-conscious mom to do?

I say, serve 'em Health is Wealth All Natural Chicken Nuggets. These nuggets make a super-quick lunch and are juicy, crispy and extremely tasty without the above-mentioned "nasties" such as trans fats. These nugget-shaped whole wheat breaded white chicken patties come in the same familiar "drumstick" shape so your kids won't notice the difference, and they are all-natural so you can feel good about serving them. The all-white chicken breast meat is antibiotic free, and the breading is made from organic stone ground whole wheat. Taste and health--it's a win-win situation!

Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Water, Natural Flavoring, Sea Salt. Breaded With: Unbleached Stone Ground Wheat Flour, Barley Malt Solids, Yeast, Sea Salt.Battered with: Water, Yellow Corn Flour, Corn Starch, Sea Salt, Spices, Canola Oil. Browned in Soybean Oil.

Nutrition Facts: Serving size: 3 0z. 130 calories, 4 grams of fat (1 saturated), 35 mg of cholesterol, 230 mg of sodium, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, and 13 grams of protein.

Manufacturer says: Health is Wealth Chicken Nuggets are bite-sized pieces of tender, juicy chicken breast in a crisp, stone-ground, whole wheat breading that cook up in minutes. Perfect for a quick entree, snack, or party hors d'ouvre. Try them with any of your favorite dipping sauces.

Locate a store near you: Health is Wealth All Natural Chicken Nuggets

Peak Protein Granola by Bear Naked

I LOVE granola.

Unfortunately, however, since most granolas out there are full of sugar, corn syrup, saturated & trans fats and *gag* CANDY pieces, I don't allow myself to eat it. At least I didn't allow myself to eat it until I found Bear Naked Granola.

Bear Naked granolas are soft-baked blends that are inspired by the latest nutritional research. They are packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, & complex carbs and are are free of trans fats, cholesterol, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and preservatives.

All of the flavors are fantastic, and I love that they contain only natural, wholesome ingredients. My personal favorite is the Peak Protein flavor--a delicious blend of whole grains and tasty cranberries packed with 10 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving. I love it mixed in with lowfat yogurt for breakfast or a post workout snack, and I've also been known to eat it right out of the bag.

A 1/4 cup serving is 140 calories, 7 grams of fat (.5 saturated), 25 mg of sodium, 15 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein.

Ingredients: Whole grain oats, wildflower honey, soy flakes, expeller pressed canola oil, sweetened cranberries, soy protein isolate, sunflower seeds, crisp rice (rice and barley malt), whole grain flax meal, cinnamon, natural flavorContains: soy and gluten

Try it now: Bear Naked Granola

Boomi Bar Pistachio Pineapple

The combination of flavors in pistachio pineapple Boomi bars made me very wary as to whether this would be the snack for me. I love pistachios but, pineapples, I could do without. Plus, I am not the biggest fan of honey! I figured this bar was doomed. I was surprised, though, that the combination works and it had enough pistachio taste to win me over. Just like other flavors of Boomi Bars, these have a solid gooey flavor and a unique (in a good way) flavor and texture. I will admit, it takes a few bites to get used to the flavor and appreciate it. It does have a little of the "health food" taste but it doesn't take long to get past that (the dates help a lot) and enjoy the rest of the bar. I can’t say that I would choose these over some of my other favorites but, I do find myself craving the
Boomi bar taste once a week or so. Boomi bars are probably a little too high in calories and to make a good diet food though one 200 calorie bar is unexpectedly satisfying even for a bottomless pit like me. They are probably better suited, however, as an exercise food or a healthier alternative to traditional snack bars.

The Manufacturer says:
100% Natural with No GMOs, preservatives, sulfur, or hydrogenated oils

Nutrition Facts:

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories/serving: 200 calories
Fat Calories: 80
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carb: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 17g
Protein: 5g
Iron: 8%

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 4
Taste: 4
Satisfying/filling: 4
Healthy: 4
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 3
Category: Snack food

Au'some Fruit Juice Nuggets Pouches

Fruit Juice Nuggets are the perfect example of a good idea gone wrong. Florida's Natural (better known for their orange juice), were really on to something when they decided to make a fruit snack with, well, fruit. Unfortunately, however, they decided to take it one step further and RUIN this fruit with corn syrup and added sugar.

To me, once you add sugars to fruits they cease being "healthy" products, and they become treats that belong next to the jelly beans and lollipops. The folks over at Florida's Natural, apparently, disagree. Pick up any flavor of "Au'some Fruit Juice Nuggets," and you'll see healthy words such as "natural," "fruit," "vitamins," and "minerals" dancing around the box making the consumer really believe that this is simply "cute" fruit that's perfect for on-the-go snacking.

I expressed my concern regarding the sugar and corn syrup to a Florida's Natural sales representative. He was extremely dismissive of my comments, and his retort was, "these are better than the other fruit snack products currently on the market because they contain higher amounts of real fruits and fruit juices. They really are a healthier alternative." To me, being "better" than the junk that's out there isn't all that impressive, and I remained unconvinced that this product shouldn't be moved to the candy aisle.

In any case, here are the facts for the Cranberry Apple flavor:

Calories = 130, Fat = 0 g, Sodium = 35 mg, Carbohydrates = 33 g, Fiber = 1 g, Sugars = 25 g, vitamin A = 30%, vitamin C = 100%, calcium =10%, iron =30%, thiamin =30%, niacin = 30%, riboflavin = 30%, zinc = 30%.

Sure, the stats are seemingly impressive, but realize that kids (and adults too) already get way more than their fair share of sugar. Overall, this product is a great idea, and I'm truly baffled as to why they can't simply omit the corn syrup and sugar. The sweeteners seem completely superfluous (fruit is already sweet enough on its own), and turn this product into sugar-vitamin as opposed to a great way for kids to get their fruits.

Oh. Admittedly, they do taste good--but that's not the point.

Rocamojo Roasted Soy Coffee

I'm always up for trying new things--especially healthy foods and beverages, so nobody had to twist my arm for me to give Rocamojo Roasted Soy Coffee a try. My first taste was of the original roast, the only flavor at the time--but I have since tried all the flavors: Hazelnut, Vanilla Nut, and Mocha--and I love them all equally, save the Mocha.

Opening my first bag of Rocamojo was actually the WORST part of the entire experiment. I adore the smell of coffee, however, I was instantly horrified by the aroma of these grounds--I won't even attempt to describe the smell, except to say that it is, at the very least, disappointing, and to some, perhaps, even offensive.

If, however, one can get past the initial olfactory assault, the brewed beverage is actually quite delightful. It is smoother than regular coffee with a lot less bitterness and a decidedly milder "bite." While I did not try it with sweetener (why would anyone do that to coffee?), I would not recommend drinking Rocamojo without milk or cream--this coffee definitely requires a dairy or dairy-like liquid (soy, rice, or other milk) to mellow the flavor.

I can almost hear some of you thinking why anyone would want to drink roasted soy coffee. Admittedly, most people find the whole idea of roasted soy bean coffee odd, maybe even disgusting, so justifying its consumption seems appropriate. While I personally like it because I crave variety, the folks over at Rocamojo are actually aiming their product at individuals who cannot stomach the acid in regular coffee (those with acid reflux, GERDS and ulcers) and need a healthy alternative. For those suffering from acid-sensitivity issues, Rocamojo is a java-dream come true--while it certainly lacks the ever-pleasant coffee aroma, it is a delicious brew that makes a great substitute for the forbidden "real" stuff.

Another point of interest--while caffeine has long had to deal with a "bad" health reputation, of late there has been quite a "buzz" in the coffee world about the possible health risks associated with the decaffeination process. These include (but are not limited to) concerns that decaffeination may: raise LDL cholesterol, increase gastrin levels, interfere with the absorption of minerals, and intefere with bone density. For coffee lovers with caffeine sensitivity, this poses a disturbing dilemma that Rocamojo just may solve. Rocamojo, being made exclusively from organic soy beans*, is not decaffeinated, but, rather, 100% caffeine free. Since it is naturally caffeine-free and hasn't undergone the controversial decaffeination process, it is appealing to those seeking an acid-free and caffeine-free beverage. Rocamojo, then, may just be "better than coffee" just as the company claims.

*Allergy allert: The flavored coffees have a natural flavoring containing peanut extract.

Try it now: Rocamojo

McCann's Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal

This is not your ordinary bowl of oatmeal. McCann's Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal bears little to no resemblance to the rolled oats that many of us have eaten since childhood. Instead of being "mushy" or "lumpy," the texture of steel-cut oats is delightfully nutty and chewy, and, if prepared using the overnight soaking method, deliciously creamy as well. These oats are wonderfully filling, and taste terrific when topped with dried or fresh fruits, a bit of cinnamon, and just a teeny bit of brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey.

For those unfamiliar with steel-cut oats, they are whole grain groats (the inner portion of the oat kernel) which have been cut into two or three pieces using steel discs. They are heartier than rolled oats and have a lower gycemic index.

The facts: 150 calories, 2 grams of fat (0 saturated), 0mg of cholesterol, 0mg of sodium, 26 grams total carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber (2 soluble, 2 insoluble), 4 grams of protein, 6% iron (based on 2,000 calorie diet), and 2% calcium (for 2, 000 calorie diet).

Manufacturer says: Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber. It contains no salt or cholesterol and is naturally low in fat. This is a natural product made only from the whole grain of Irish Oats.

Try it now: McCann's Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal

Panda Licorice

Ok so I know a lot of people don't like licorice so, if you fall into this category, you might as well move on to the next review. For those of you who, like me, hoard the black jelly-beans and pass on the rest, this is the treat for you. Panda Licorice is one of the best licorices I have had. The size and texture is perfect and the all-natural flavoring is delicious. The fact that the licorice has no added salt, colors, flavors, preservatives, is 99% fat free, and is low sodium are a nice bonuses too. The 4% calcium and iron makes it an even better indulgence. The big surprise came with how filling they are. I am a whole-box-is-a-serving kinda guy but, I found that Panda Licorice is filling enough that my snacking urge could be satisfied with less than 1/2 of a box (2.5 servings or so). Each one has plenty of flavor making eating them one-at-a-time enjoyable. The chewiness extends the life of each one so that the time-to-consume, an important but overlooking factor for any calorie-conscious snack choice, is extended. I found myself eating my 1/2 box for about 35 minutes. This staved off my hunger nicely and proved to me that this kind of "candy" is a good diet, pre- or post-workout, or just mid-afternoon snack..

The Facts:
Serving size: 15 Pieces
Servings per container: about 5
Calories: 130
Fat: 0g
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 4%
Sodium: 90mg

Rating: (all rankings out of 5)
Overall: 5
Taste: 5
Satisfying/filling: 5
Healthy: 5
Performance (for athletes): 4
Diet Appropriate: 4
Category: Snack food and candy

The Manufacturer Says:
Panda licorice contains less than 0.5% fat, no artificial coloring, flavoring or preservatives. Panda licorice has less than half the calories of chocolate. "…Panda licorice is a permitted pleasure."

Buy now at: Panda Licorice

Kay's Naturals Better Balance Protein Chips - Chili Nacho Cheese

For those snackers who enjoy a "crunch," these Protein Chips are a much better choice than potato or corn chips. A 1 oz serving contains only 110 calories, 3.5 grams of fat (0 saturated/trans), 14 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, and no cholesterol. They even boast 3 grams of fiber and a whopping 10 grams of protein. Snackers will even get a nice dose of calcium and iron. The chips have a good amount of flavor, but they have a strange after taste reminiscent of cat food. Overall they aren't bad, but they aren't something I would choose to eat again.

Manufacturer says: A tasty way to get protein and fiber! Better Balance Protein Chips:

Gluten Free

3 grams of fiber

10 grams of protein!

Only 3.5 grams of fat (NO trans fats)

Good source of calcium and iron

100% of the Daily Value for Folic Acid and Vitamin B-12.

Try it now: Kay's Natural Better Balance Protein Chips

Gladstone's Under the Sun Wild Blueberry Syrup

So you've got yourself a plate of homemade, piping hot whole-grain pancakes (boasting 4 grams of fiber each), and you're feeling pretty darn good about yourself. You reach across the table for the maple syrup and start covering your healthy flap-jacks with enough sugar to send the local kindergartners spinning through the town like mini tornadoes. You meant well; you just didn't know you could jazz up those griddle cakes with something other than a puddle of sugar--a classic case of drowning in good intentions.

If maple is the only kind of syrup in your kitchen, it's high time you discovered Gladstone's Under the Sun Wild Blueberry Syrup. Made with organic wild blueberries, this thick and chunky syrup is delicious on pancakes and waffles, in yogurt, and over ice cream. It also makes a superb filling for crepes. The flavor is intensely blueberry, and it succeeds in giving your food a sweet "kick" without any added sugar!

The only ingredients in the syrup are organic wild blueberries, apple cider, white grape juice, and citrus pectin. It's completely natural, and a great product for diabetics and dieters.

Here's how it stacks up against a leading brand of pure maple syrup:

Admittedly this maple syrup also provides a fair amount of calcium and iron, but given the other negatives, you're better off getting these from another food source.

Try it now: Wild Blueberry Syrup

No Pudge Fudge Ice Cream Bars

Walking through the freezer aisle, my attention was caught by N0 Pudge ice cream bars that were only 110 calories! That's even less than Skinny Cows -- by 40 calories! I grabbed a couple of boxes and couldn't wait to get home and try them. MISTAKE! I tried both the Giant Strawberry Shortcake Bars and the Giant Chocolate Cookies and Cream. The strawberry ones weren't terrible... there was a little bit of a diet food taste, but I definitely managed to eat the whole thing. The Cookies and Cream however, holy CRAP. They tasted like fake ice cream that had been rolled around in dirt. Seriously, I took two bites and then ran hot water over and watched it melt with great glee. Yech. Unfortunately, I had two boxes of them -- what a waste... threw them ALL out. Stick with Skinny Cows -- there is a lot of quality packed in those 40 calories!

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches

These babies are great for several reasons. #1 -- its an ice cream treat for for about 150 calories and 97% fat free! #2 -- its a controlled serving. You can't really say, "Oh, just one more bite... and one more and one more, until you've eaten 3 servings! If you want another, you make the conscious decision to have another serving. #3 -- they don't taste at all like diet food! They're real creamy ice cream with real cookies and not a glimmer of fakey sugary taste about them! Out of the 8 flavors (Vanilla, Vanilla/Chocolate, Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Shortcake, Coffee, Caramel and Cookies and Cream) I've tried all but the Coffee and the Caramel and all the ones I've tried are awesome. Skinny Cows can be hard to find in some areas, but http://www.skinnycow.com/flavorfinder.php will not only tell you where they are carried, but where your favorite flavor is carried! Could it get any better?

Olivio Buttery Spray

Do you miss butter? Geez, I miss butter. Before a life of paying attention to what eat, my favorite snack was a bowl-size mug of cocoa and 2-4 slices of toast. Sadly, both of which are a colossal waste of calories now. I switched to I Can't Believe Its Not Butter Spray, and figured it wouldn't get any better than that, but one day, my grocery store was out of it, so I tried a different kind -- Olivio Buttery Spray. Mmmmm.... the name is oh so appropriate, it very buttery! Whereas ICBINB was somewhat like spraying yellow water on my bread, Olivio is much more like the real thing, at least in the taste arena (still looks very similar to yellow water). Even my kids like it on their popcorn -- you can still get that DRENCHED in butter effect with this stuff! Now if you compared Olivio to real butter, it probably wouldn't be too impressive, but in the world of butter sprays, this stuff is tops. 5 sprays are 0 calories and 0 fat grams. Of course, my question becomes, "FIVE SPRAYS??? Are you KIDDING ME? What about, like, 25 sprays?" Their website www.olivioproducts.com/products.htm lists the nutrition info for one tablespoon of the spray as 50 calories and 6 g fat. But how many sprays is one tablespoon? I know that inquiring minds want to know, so in an uncontrolled and unscientific experiment, I tested how many sprays it took to fill one tablespoon -- I'd say roughly 60 sprays.

As a small bonus for me, Olivio is made by the Lee Iacocca Foundation, which donates all their profits to Diabetes Research, and having a family member with diabetes, it makes me feel really socially conscious or something, rather than ONLY a butter-lover.