I tried another Healthy Choice meal today... Spicy Carribean Chicken
I picked this one up because it said "NEW" on the box and the meal looked reaallly tasty in the picture. I know, I know, they have to make them look good on the box, but the "spicy" and the "carribean" really peeked my interest!
Again, the smell of the meal was not pleasing--- this isn't something I've encountered with other brands. There was a very strong cinnamon smell, and then a strong taste of cinnamon too! I was not expecting that at all!
Again, the texture of the chicken was much better than competitors, and the pineapple was a nice addition. The "jerk" sauce was just ok- nothing exciting. The rice and beans were very tasty and I think helped fill me up more-- I didn't even need a snack this afternoon!
I think when I pick up HC meals again, I'm going to go for the Steamers selections and see how those are.
Grade on this one: B- again...
**If you have a favorite HC meal, please post below! I'm sure there are some good ones out there!**
The facts:
Cals: 310 Fat: 2g Protein 15g Fiber: 6g WW points: 6
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Morning Quickie
Good Morning!
If you work with me, or see me in the mornings, you know my day doesn't get really get started until I've had a cup of coffee and most likely, a breakfast bar of some sort. Back in high school I started eating NutriGrain bars in the morning and have never really steered far from them! Here are a few reviews of popular breakfast bars:
Special K bars-- wasted my time with these for years! These do not offer enough protein/ fiber to get your day going. I strongly suggest going for more of a "health bar". I would find myself hungry after an hour or so!
Luna bars-- my "go to"... these offer around 8g of protein and 5g of fiber. So many delicious flavors to pick from, and so easy to just throw in your bag and eat on your way to work! Personal favorite flavors- Blueberry Bliss, White Chocolate Macadamia, Peanut butter cookie.
SoyJoy-- the texture on these is a little "off"... I was first drawn to them because there was a mango coconut flavor (one of my faves) but they left me really gassy and uncomfortable. They also only have around 4g of protein; half of Luna.
Fiber One bars-- Only for someone with a strong stomach. Because these have 9g of fiber, they did a number on my tummy. Even after a week of trying to get used to them I just couldn't. I felt gassy and bloated for days!! Left me sooo uncomfortable. Also, the measly 2g of protein did nothing for me.
My obvious favorite is Luna- they just seem perfect for a quick breakfast or anytime you need a little "pick me up"!
TIP: if you are in a regular grocery store these are NOT with the cereal/special K bars. Look in the vitamin/ supplement section.
If you work with me, or see me in the mornings, you know my day doesn't get really get started until I've had a cup of coffee and most likely, a breakfast bar of some sort. Back in high school I started eating NutriGrain bars in the morning and have never really steered far from them! Here are a few reviews of popular breakfast bars:
Special K bars-- wasted my time with these for years! These do not offer enough protein/ fiber to get your day going. I strongly suggest going for more of a "health bar". I would find myself hungry after an hour or so!
Luna bars-- my "go to"... these offer around 8g of protein and 5g of fiber. So many delicious flavors to pick from, and so easy to just throw in your bag and eat on your way to work! Personal favorite flavors- Blueberry Bliss, White Chocolate Macadamia, Peanut butter cookie.
SoyJoy-- the texture on these is a little "off"... I was first drawn to them because there was a mango coconut flavor (one of my faves) but they left me really gassy and uncomfortable. They also only have around 4g of protein; half of Luna.
Fiber One bars-- Only for someone with a strong stomach. Because these have 9g of fiber, they did a number on my tummy. Even after a week of trying to get used to them I just couldn't. I felt gassy and bloated for days!! Left me sooo uncomfortable. Also, the measly 2g of protein did nothing for me.
My obvious favorite is Luna- they just seem perfect for a quick breakfast or anytime you need a little "pick me up"!
TIP: if you are in a regular grocery store these are NOT with the cereal/special K bars. Look in the vitamin/ supplement section.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Healthy Choice Honey Ginger Chicken
Happy Wednesday!
For some reason I've never bought a lot of Healthy Choice meals- I usually stick to SmartOnes or Lean Cuisines, but since starting this blog I decided to expand my options and picked up a few HC meals.
Today for lunch I tried the Honey Ginger Chicken. I picked this one up because it looked like there were a lot of mushrooms (my favorite), but sadly, there were hardly any! I did enjoy the crunch of the edamame and the texture of the chicken was excellent.
Overall, the dish was just ok. The portion size seemed smaller than a LC and I have a feeling I'll be looking for a snack around 3pm...
My lunch friends commented that the smell was a little off when I peeled back the plastic, but I didn't notice anything strange.
I guess overall this dish would get a B- (if it wasn't for the quality of the chicken it would have been in the C range).
The Facts:
Cal: 310, Fat: 4.5G, Protein: 14G, Fiber: 3G, WW Points: 6
For some reason I've never bought a lot of Healthy Choice meals- I usually stick to SmartOnes or Lean Cuisines, but since starting this blog I decided to expand my options and picked up a few HC meals.
Today for lunch I tried the Honey Ginger Chicken. I picked this one up because it looked like there were a lot of mushrooms (my favorite), but sadly, there were hardly any! I did enjoy the crunch of the edamame and the texture of the chicken was excellent.
Overall, the dish was just ok. The portion size seemed smaller than a LC and I have a feeling I'll be looking for a snack around 3pm...
My lunch friends commented that the smell was a little off when I peeled back the plastic, but I didn't notice anything strange.
I guess overall this dish would get a B- (if it wasn't for the quality of the chicken it would have been in the C range).
The Facts:
Cal: 310, Fat: 4.5G, Protein: 14G, Fiber: 3G, WW Points: 6
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Taste Buds: Katie
Taste Buds is a new feature to the blog! My friends informed me that they are also trying lots of new meals, so I invited them to share their thoughts!
Kahiki brand meals:
Orange Chicken, General Tso's, and Sweet and Sour Chicken
My favorite is the General Tso's. Although not labeled "Lean" or "Healthy" or "Smart", it still only has 370 calories and six grams of fat (or 7.5 Weight Watchers Points for those counting). It also boasts "Minimally process and no artifical ingredients." And the best part is Kahiki Foods is located in Gahanna, Ohio, so we're supporting our local economy! You can find it in the freezer aisle near the ethnic and organic foods.
Thanks for your review Katie! I'll definitely try these out!
UPDATE: I tried the General Tso's and it was REALLY good! Thanks for the tip--- this doesn't taste like "diet food" at all-- definitely worth picking up next time you're at the grocery!
Kahiki brand meals:
Orange Chicken, General Tso's, and Sweet and Sour Chicken
My favorite is the General Tso's. Although not labeled "Lean" or "Healthy" or "Smart", it still only has 370 calories and six grams of fat (or 7.5 Weight Watchers Points for those counting). It also boasts "Minimally process and no artifical ingredients." And the best part is Kahiki Foods is located in Gahanna, Ohio, so we're supporting our local economy! You can find it in the freezer aisle near the ethnic and organic foods.
Thanks for your review Katie! I'll definitely try these out!
UPDATE: I tried the General Tso's and it was REALLY good! Thanks for the tip--- this doesn't taste like "diet food" at all-- definitely worth picking up next time you're at the grocery!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Snack Attack! New yogurt flavors
A tad late for Valentines day, but here is some sweet news!!
Last week I heard about two new flavors from Yoplait Light: Red Velvet Cake and Blueberry Pie.
Red Velvet Cake-
Sweet!! Perfect for "dessert" when you are craving something bad for you. I don't know if I could eat this as breakfast, but as part of lunch or dinner its great!
Grade: B+
Blueberry Pie-
NOT a fan of this one... didn't taste like blueberry pie at all! I got the blueberry part... but something strange about the "pie" part-- I think they were going for a crust taste but it didnt hit the mark. Other flavors out there are much better.
Grade: C
NOTE: don't forget about putting Whips in the freezer--- a great finish to dinner (especially chocolate or key lime pie! yum!)
Enjoy!
Last week I heard about two new flavors from Yoplait Light: Red Velvet Cake and Blueberry Pie.
Red Velvet Cake-
Sweet!! Perfect for "dessert" when you are craving something bad for you. I don't know if I could eat this as breakfast, but as part of lunch or dinner its great!
Grade: B+
Blueberry Pie-
NOT a fan of this one... didn't taste like blueberry pie at all! I got the blueberry part... but something strange about the "pie" part-- I think they were going for a crust taste but it didnt hit the mark. Other flavors out there are much better.
Grade: C
NOTE: don't forget about putting Whips in the freezer--- a great finish to dinner (especially chocolate or key lime pie! yum!)
Enjoy!
Welcome to the Freezer Aisle!!
Put your coat on, we're about to hang out in the freezer aisle!
With all the new options in frozen "health" foods/meals, I thought a site that rates these meals would be helful for those of us who tend to pop a tray in the microwave for dinner rather than spend an hour preparing a healthy meal.
When new recipes or dishes come out, I'll try them out and let you know if they are worth your time/ money. Nothing worst than finishing a new Lean Cuisine completely unsatisfied... that usually ends up with eating more- and usually NOT a healthy option.
Here we go!!
With all the new options in frozen "health" foods/meals, I thought a site that rates these meals would be helful for those of us who tend to pop a tray in the microwave for dinner rather than spend an hour preparing a healthy meal.
When new recipes or dishes come out, I'll try them out and let you know if they are worth your time/ money. Nothing worst than finishing a new Lean Cuisine completely unsatisfied... that usually ends up with eating more- and usually NOT a healthy option.
Here we go!!
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