Freezer Fans-- No updates for the next week as I'll be living it up in Mexico!! The diet goes out the window on these trips... guacamole, margs, and everything else under the hot Mexican sun is fair game this week! I'll try to balance it out by taking walks on the beach and dancing my buns off at the disco every night. =)
Want to be a TASTE BUD? Comment below on any great new dishes you try while I'm gone!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
NEW PRODUCT: Lean Cuisine Market Creations
I've been hearing about "something new" from Lean Cuisine for at least a month, but never saw anything on their website! Then the other day I finally found them at the grocery store.
LC Market Creations are in steam "pouches", at my grocer they were located with the rest of the meals. I decided to pick up the "Shanghai-Style Shrimp" selection. There were probably about 6-8 different meals, but at over $4 a piece, I decided to just pick up one.
These are definitely easy to make... literally take it from the freezer, and put it in the microwave. They take longer to cook than the traditional meals (mine took close to 8 minutes) but there is no stirring or rotating involved. One thing I don't like about these "bags" is that you can't check to see if the dish is finished cooking! I cooked mine for more than the full amount, and when I finally thought it was finished and poured the contents onto a plate, the shrimp still didn't look cooked, so I put it back in for 45 sec.
Now, to the taste... the sauce was spicy and delicious! It really had a kick to it- which is uncommon for these kind of dishes. The udon noodles were cooked perfectly and were also really good- and plentiful! The shrimp didn't taste fishy at all and had good texture- and with the sauce on them it was really enjoyable. Now, the best part- the veggies!! The snap peas tasted SO fresh! Not soggy at all, actually had a "snap" to them! Same with the carrots and red peppers. Definitely the highlight of the dish. Another nice thing was that there was a lot of the sauce- sometimes it seems like they skimp on it, but not in this one!
So overall, this meal was really delicious and satisfying. I will for sure try another variety of the Market Creations, but I won't be making them a regular thing. For one, the price is higher than the regular/ traditional LC's and pretty much taste the same... and the time to cook it would probably piss some co-workers off when there is a line at the microwave...
I would recommend giving one of these a try- and please comment on what you think! Worth the extra $1 or 2??
I can't find the nutritional info online, but I did find that this one is 4 WW points. I'll update the cals, protein tonight!
LC Market Creations are in steam "pouches", at my grocer they were located with the rest of the meals. I decided to pick up the "Shanghai-Style Shrimp" selection. There were probably about 6-8 different meals, but at over $4 a piece, I decided to just pick up one.
These are definitely easy to make... literally take it from the freezer, and put it in the microwave. They take longer to cook than the traditional meals (mine took close to 8 minutes) but there is no stirring or rotating involved. One thing I don't like about these "bags" is that you can't check to see if the dish is finished cooking! I cooked mine for more than the full amount, and when I finally thought it was finished and poured the contents onto a plate, the shrimp still didn't look cooked, so I put it back in for 45 sec.
Now, to the taste... the sauce was spicy and delicious! It really had a kick to it- which is uncommon for these kind of dishes. The udon noodles were cooked perfectly and were also really good- and plentiful! The shrimp didn't taste fishy at all and had good texture- and with the sauce on them it was really enjoyable. Now, the best part- the veggies!! The snap peas tasted SO fresh! Not soggy at all, actually had a "snap" to them! Same with the carrots and red peppers. Definitely the highlight of the dish. Another nice thing was that there was a lot of the sauce- sometimes it seems like they skimp on it, but not in this one!
So overall, this meal was really delicious and satisfying. I will for sure try another variety of the Market Creations, but I won't be making them a regular thing. For one, the price is higher than the regular/ traditional LC's and pretty much taste the same... and the time to cook it would probably piss some co-workers off when there is a line at the microwave...
I would recommend giving one of these a try- and please comment on what you think! Worth the extra $1 or 2??
I can't find the nutritional info online, but I did find that this one is 4 WW points. I'll update the cals, protein tonight!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Sale on Lean Cuisines = Lean Cuisine Fest 2010
As the title says, Lean Cuisines were on sale this week at my grocery store, so I decided to take advantage of the unbelievable prices and try some meals I don't normally pick up. Overall, it was a good week of meals! I left out my favorite of the week- Lemon Pepper Fish, which you can read about in an earlier post.
Angel Hair Pomodoro
Traditional, boring, not filling-- thats how I would describe this one. I had really never even seen this option at the store, so I thought I'd give it a try. The sauce was just ok (tomato chunks helped add some texture) and the pasta was a little sticky/ chewy. I did not feel satisfied after this dish, and I think we just have much better pasta options available! If this was 10 years ago and there were no options, I'm sure I would say great things about this dish, but come on! I need some flavor, some spice, something! Skip this one and pick up HC Lobster Ravioli or LC Chicken Carbonara if you're in an Italian mood.
The Facts:
Cals:250 Fat:5g Protein:8g Fiber:4g WWpoints:5
Chicken and Vegetables
OK, this title seems like the most generic, unexciting name of a dish you could ever have. But sometimes simplicity is good... and this one of those times! Fresh, flavorful veggies help make this one a winner. Broccoli, peppers, and squash along with the tasty pasta are really delicious-- and the light tomato sauce is a nice addition too! You know I'm not wild about chicken in LC dishes, this one isn't bad. Altogether, this was a good dish. The best? No, but solid. A good staple! I will say, if the veggies weren't so plentiful this dish would be a MISS, but their presence makes it worth recommending!
The Facts:
Cals:240 Fat:5g Protein:23g Fiber:3g WWpoints:5
Meatloaf and Whipped Potatoes
So, maybe if you have never had good meatloaf this would good, but I don't know if it would even work then. The taste, texture, lack of flavor in the meatloaf makes it not very enjoyable... the sauce its in is good, but not enough to make the dish delicious. Of course the potatoes help too!!
Skip this one-- although now I'm kind of motivated to find a GOOD version of this out there- check back for updates on that. But for now, walk past the meatloaf...
The Facts:
Cals:240 Fat:5g Protein:23g Fiber:3g WWpoints:5
Pesto Chicken w/ Bow Tie Pasta
YUM!!! I was warming this up for lunch at work and everyone that walked by commented on the smell! The pesto is really good, and the bow tie pasta is good at "holding" the sauce so you get delicious bites! The chicken also seems better than normal in this one. Another plus- the veggies! Asparagus, peas, sundried tomatoes and pine nuts are all featured and all help make this dish the best reviewed dish this week!!
The Facts:
Cals:340 Fat:9g Protein:23g Fiber:4g WWpoints:7
Note: I've heard rumors/ rumblings of a new Lean Cuisine that is featured in a steam bag! If you have tried this please let me know and you can be a Taste Bud!
Angel Hair Pomodoro
Traditional, boring, not filling-- thats how I would describe this one. I had really never even seen this option at the store, so I thought I'd give it a try. The sauce was just ok (tomato chunks helped add some texture) and the pasta was a little sticky/ chewy. I did not feel satisfied after this dish, and I think we just have much better pasta options available! If this was 10 years ago and there were no options, I'm sure I would say great things about this dish, but come on! I need some flavor, some spice, something! Skip this one and pick up HC Lobster Ravioli or LC Chicken Carbonara if you're in an Italian mood.
The Facts:
Cals:250 Fat:5g Protein:8g Fiber:4g WWpoints:5
Chicken and Vegetables
OK, this title seems like the most generic, unexciting name of a dish you could ever have. But sometimes simplicity is good... and this one of those times! Fresh, flavorful veggies help make this one a winner. Broccoli, peppers, and squash along with the tasty pasta are really delicious-- and the light tomato sauce is a nice addition too! You know I'm not wild about chicken in LC dishes, this one isn't bad. Altogether, this was a good dish. The best? No, but solid. A good staple! I will say, if the veggies weren't so plentiful this dish would be a MISS, but their presence makes it worth recommending!
The Facts:
Cals:240 Fat:5g Protein:23g Fiber:3g WWpoints:5
Meatloaf and Whipped Potatoes
So, maybe if you have never had good meatloaf this would good, but I don't know if it would even work then. The taste, texture, lack of flavor in the meatloaf makes it not very enjoyable... the sauce its in is good, but not enough to make the dish delicious. Of course the potatoes help too!!
Skip this one-- although now I'm kind of motivated to find a GOOD version of this out there- check back for updates on that. But for now, walk past the meatloaf...
The Facts:
Cals:240 Fat:5g Protein:23g Fiber:3g WWpoints:5
Pesto Chicken w/ Bow Tie Pasta
YUM!!! I was warming this up for lunch at work and everyone that walked by commented on the smell! The pesto is really good, and the bow tie pasta is good at "holding" the sauce so you get delicious bites! The chicken also seems better than normal in this one. Another plus- the veggies! Asparagus, peas, sundried tomatoes and pine nuts are all featured and all help make this dish the best reviewed dish this week!!
The Facts:
Cals:340 Fat:9g Protein:23g Fiber:4g WWpoints:7
Note: I've heard rumors/ rumblings of a new Lean Cuisine that is featured in a steam bag! If you have tried this please let me know and you can be a Taste Bud!
"Which Diet Foods Exaggerate Claims?"- MSN
This was a headline this morning on MSN-- thought I'd pass it along...
http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/video.aspx?vid=bd2cd3d4-77ec-4b08-8ceb-c427772a0b8d%26tab=today&from=en-us_msnhp>1=32045
My opinion... even if there is a little more calories or fat than advertised, its still a lot less than making these dishes on your own with "normal" ingredients-- and I think for a lot of people its the idea of portion control. Sounds like the news trying to scare people to me!!
http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/video.aspx?vid=bd2cd3d4-77ec-4b08-8ceb-c427772a0b8d%26tab=today&from=en-us_msnhp>1=32045
My opinion... even if there is a little more calories or fat than advertised, its still a lot less than making these dishes on your own with "normal" ingredients-- and I think for a lot of people its the idea of portion control. Sounds like the news trying to scare people to me!!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Mushroom Mania
Happy weekend Freezer Friends!
This week I tried a few new entrees that all feature one of my favorite foods: MUSHROOMS!!
All of them were delicious (if you like mushrooms) and I would suggest trying any or all of them!
Healthy Choice Portabella Marsala Pasta
Loved this one-- the amount of mushrooms is out of control, the pasta is delicious, and the sauce and cheese is excellent! Nothing to complain about in this one!! The pasta shape was different and really filling. Really enjoyed it--- the quality of the mushrooms was great too. Will definitely be picking this one up again!!
The Facts:
Cals:270 Fat:7g Fiber:5g Protein:12g WW points:5
Healthy Choice Portabella Spinach Parmesan
Another good one! The mushrooms weren't as abundant in this one, but it was still a great meal. Again, the pasta helps fill you up (whole grain) and the spinach really helped give this dish some taste.
I would rank the other HC mushroom meal above this one, but this was still pretty delicious. Also got lots of "ohh that smells soo good" when I was cooking this one at work! Tomatoes and parmesan cheese are also featured in this dish- the parmesan is really tasty, although I wish there was more of it... as usual!
The Facts:
Cals:270 Fat:7g Fiber:5g Protein:11g WW points:5
LightLife Tuscan Portabella Entree
Ok-- I am starting to LOVE this brand! Their entrees are delicious, healthy, and so filling! Again, the sauce is packaged separately so you can add as much as you want.
It really tastes like fresh ingrediants and you feel like you are really getting a great meal. I was obviously drawn to this one for the mushroom factor, but every part of this dish was awesome. The barley is so good-- thats something you don't get much in LC or HC's.. also, LOTS of veggies- red peppers, asparagus, tomatoes.
If you have these in YOUR freezer aisle, do yourself a favor a pick up a few to try- you will not be disappointed!! And 10g of fiber- holy cow!
The Facts:
Cals:250 Fat:5g Fiber:10g Protein:9g
This week I tried a few new entrees that all feature one of my favorite foods: MUSHROOMS!!
All of them were delicious (if you like mushrooms) and I would suggest trying any or all of them!
Healthy Choice Portabella Marsala Pasta
Loved this one-- the amount of mushrooms is out of control, the pasta is delicious, and the sauce and cheese is excellent! Nothing to complain about in this one!! The pasta shape was different and really filling. Really enjoyed it--- the quality of the mushrooms was great too. Will definitely be picking this one up again!!
The Facts:
Cals:270 Fat:7g Fiber:5g Protein:12g WW points:5
Healthy Choice Portabella Spinach Parmesan
Another good one! The mushrooms weren't as abundant in this one, but it was still a great meal. Again, the pasta helps fill you up (whole grain) and the spinach really helped give this dish some taste.
I would rank the other HC mushroom meal above this one, but this was still pretty delicious. Also got lots of "ohh that smells soo good" when I was cooking this one at work! Tomatoes and parmesan cheese are also featured in this dish- the parmesan is really tasty, although I wish there was more of it... as usual!
The Facts:
Cals:270 Fat:7g Fiber:5g Protein:11g WW points:5
LightLife Tuscan Portabella Entree
Ok-- I am starting to LOVE this brand! Their entrees are delicious, healthy, and so filling! Again, the sauce is packaged separately so you can add as much as you want.
It really tastes like fresh ingrediants and you feel like you are really getting a great meal. I was obviously drawn to this one for the mushroom factor, but every part of this dish was awesome. The barley is so good-- thats something you don't get much in LC or HC's.. also, LOTS of veggies- red peppers, asparagus, tomatoes.
If you have these in YOUR freezer aisle, do yourself a favor a pick up a few to try- you will not be disappointed!! And 10g of fiber- holy cow!
The Facts:
Cals:250 Fat:5g Fiber:10g Protein:9g
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)