Chobani Yogurt- Thank you Chobani for the special delivery! ;)

By far, one of the best yogurts I've have tried next to Pinkberry-which is a frozen yogurt. Chobani Greek yogurt is really delicious. It's smooth, thick and creamy. Chobani comes in all sorts of flavors, like strawberry, peach, vanilla, blueberry, and other flavors too. There were real pieces of fruit in the yogurt and no artificial sweeteners or corn syrup, unlike most supermarket yogurts.  The fruit in the yogurt is fresh and tasty. If you want to try a new yogurt, I say give this one a try! Strawberry and lemon were my personal favorites!

Chobani Greek yogurt (plain, fat-free)
100 calories
0 g fat
18 g protein
20% Daily Value calcium

Wai Lana Yogi™ fruit & nut bars

These bars are so yummy. My favorite flavor is Strawberry shake. I actually paired this up with my Drink Chai drink and it was great.Yummy and good for you, this bar are packed with vitamin C and other potent antioxidants, plus fiber, minerals, and folic acid. Almonds provide protein, calcium, and other important nutrients.

Ingredients: Dates, Almonds, Skim Milk Powder, Strawberries, Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Vitamin E Allergens: Almonds, Milk, Soy (minute amount from vit. E)
2 oz(58 g)

• Zero Trans Fat
• Zero Hydrogenated Fats
• Zero Cholesterol
• Naturally Sweetened
• Gluten Free

The Tropical Macadamia is also very good. It's made with macadamia nuts, sweet, antioxidant-rich mango and pineapple, and noni fruit, Hawaii's ancient health and beauty tonic.

Ingredients: Dates, Macadamia Nuts, Mango, Pineapple, Noni Fruit, Vitamin E
Allergens: Macadamia Nuts, Soy (minute amount from vit. E)
2 oz(58 g)

• Zero Trans Fat
• Zero Hydrogenated Fats
• Zero Cholesterol
• Naturally Sweetened
• Gluten Free

Ingredients: Dates, Raisins Almonds, Cranberries, Apple Juice Concentrate, Sunflower Oil, Carob, Vitamin E
Allergens: Almonds, Soy (minute amount from vitamin E)
2 oz(58 g)

• Zero Trans Fat
• Zero Hydrogenated Fats
• Zero Cholesterol
• Naturally Sweetened
• Gluten Free

Beanitos Chips

I love Beanitos chips! My favorite flavor is Cheddar Cheese-(Pinto Bean and Flax). These chips are made from whole beans. Per 1 ounce serving, Beanitos have:

• 4 grams complete protein
• 5 grams fiber
• 14 grams complex carbohydrates               (+/- 1 depending on item)
• 7 grams fat (+/- 1 depending on item)
• 140 calories (+/- 10 depending on item)

These chips are also low in sodium and gluten free! Beanitos are low-glycemic because they’re made from beans. And beans – unlike corn or potatoes – take longer to break down into glucose. This translates into a low glycemic value and more stable blood-glucose levels!

Beanitos are verified Non-GMO through the Non-GMO Project (www.nongmoproject.com).  Non-GMO is quickly becoming a requirement for the natural foods industry. This means Beanitos is taking the steps to minimize the possible introduction of any ingredients that have been bioengineered (genetically modified) so they are natural and good for you. Aside from all this healthy stuff, these chips taste great.  I love beans and try to eat them as often as I can. Beans are filled with health benefits – they are high in fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates.  

Beanitos has taken every possible precaution to make their chips good for you in every way. For some a side effect of beans is gas. Beanitos uses a natural proprietary process that eliminates the common side effects some people associate with eating beans. So try these chips, if you are looking for a healthy, yummy snack!

Clif Energy Bars

This past month, I tried Cliff energy bars and Mojo bars. My favorite flavor Cliff bar is white chocolate Macadamia Nut. Vegan. Natural. Kosher. Made with 70% Organic Ingredients. I am a big fan of vegan (white) chocolate and macadamia nuts. This packs in 240 calories BUT it's filled with lots of healthy stuff and it's nothing that can't be burned off in a work out. They have 5 grams or so of fiber and 10 grams or so of protein.

• Mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber makes this a moderate glycemic index food that gives you sustained energy
• Made with 70-percent organic ingredients
• Free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup

Clif Bars are high-density energy bars, they are made to replace the fuel your body needs during demanding workouts. I use them during long distance running, cardio and weight training. Clif Bars don't break apart or melt easily and fall apart, they taste good, and you can find them in many stores so they are easily accessible. I highly recommend them! Clif Mojo bars are filled with whole nuts, pretzel pieces and other tasty bits. They are the perfect combination of salty and sweet.

 

Mishima All Natural Miso Soup!!!

I love Miso soup and now I can enjoy the great taste of Japanese Edamame soup quickly and easily with Mishima's instant soups. Mishima uses only the highest quality ingredients in their soups. They have a tasty blend of soybean and potato which is added with real pieces of edamame to make it truly authentic and yummy. Low in sodium and high in protein and calcium. All vegetarian. No MSG added! Non-GMO soybeans. There is no cholesterol or saturated fat. These soups contain real tofu and taste just like your favorite miso soups found in your favorite Japanese restaurants! They also use green onions and wakame to make the taste really pop. I love the soybean and potato as well as the hot & sour miso soups. Each flavor is delicious.

Drink Chia!

 

 

So, I have been wanting to try this out for a while after reading about it online and checking out a few blogs. I love trying out new healthy beverages and Chia is now one of my favorites. It's like fruit in a bottle. I actually feel healthy just drinking it. My favorite flavor is Strawberry Chia but orange is pretty yummy too. Each bottle contains these tiny particles called Chia. The “stuff” you see inside is the incredible superfood known as Chia.

Chia seeds despite its new popularity, is in fact an ancient food revered by the Mayan, Aztecs and Native Americans. Chia was prized for its properties that enhanced strength, energy and endurance they needed in extreme desert conditions. Each bottle has only 40 calories and is rich in Omega 3's. There is no sodium or artificial ingredients.

Miracle Noodles and Rice

Miracle noodles and rice are exactly that a miracle. I've been a fan of shirataki noodles for some time now. For those of you reading this that haven't tried them.  Shirataki noodles are very low carbohydrate, low calorie, thin, translucent traditional Japanese noodles.Shirataki noodles can be found both in dry and soft "wet" forms in Asian markets and some supermarkets. When wet, they are purchased pre-packaged in liquid. These noodles normally have a shelf life of up to one year. I tried Miracle noodles and rice, which I have not tried in shirataki form and it was great! Probably one of my favorite things aside from Skinny Water and protein bars! You can add these noodles to your own broth and add veggies or make a spagetti veggie style and the rice is great with broth or any kind of side dish.

• Nutrition Facts 

  Serving Size: 3 oz

  Servings Per Container: 2.3
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories 0 Calories from Fat 0
• Total Fat 0g 0%
• Carbohydrate <1g - only fiber
• Zero Net Carbs, Zero Calories, Zero Glycemic Index Ingredients: Water, glucomannan (soluble fiber), calcium additive.
  No soy, gluten, or wheat!
  
  
  
  

PureFit

This past week, I tried PureFit bars, the all-natural, gluten-free and wheat-free, dairy-free, vegan, kosher, high in protein, diabetic-friendly bars. I had one for lunch every day and found these bars to be delicious and filling without feeling very heavy. My favorite is Granola Crunch, it smells like a cupcake or pastry straight out of the bakery and the taste is to match. My second favorite is chocolate brownie, a very good bar to have if you are craving sweets or chocolate!! Both were delicious, filling and went very well with my coffee and skinny water! I highly recommend them! A great supplement for lunch or snack before a run!

100% All-Natural Ingredients, 18 Grams of Soy Protein, Non-GMO Soy, Unprecedented Great Taste. This low glycemic, nondairy bar is based on over 20 years of research and was not practical to manufacture until now. It offers:

• NO Hydrogenated Oils
• NO Animal Products - Vegan
• NO Cholesterol or Trans Fatty Acids
• NO Wheat or Gluten
• NO Artificial Sweeteners
• NO Hidden Carbohydrates
• NO Sugar Alcohol

Best of all, these bars are delicious, filling and healthy!

Skinny Water

So I tried Skinny water this past week and I love it! It is one of my favorite beverages now. Skinny Water comes in a variety of flavors with a different “purpose” ranging from energy to detoxification, power, fit and shape. Each Skinny Water uses slightly different ingredients to promote different benefits according to what you are looking for. Some focus on vitamins and electrolytes. But the ones that are supposed to promote weight loss add in ingredients like guarana, ginseng, l-leucine, l-valine, and a number of others like it.

My favorite flavor is Crave Control-Raspberry Pomegranate which is used to help control cravings, aids in weight loss, and includes polyphenol-rich pomegranates, one of the most powerful antioxidants.  Skinny water contains no sugar and no calories which is awesome.

Flavors: Crave Control, Shape, Wake-Up, XXX Detox, Hi-Energy, and Total-V 

Every drink contains: EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), Calcium, and Potassium.

Additionally, each one of these drinks contains other ingredients: Crave Control (SuperCitriMax)

Skinny Water is scientifically proven to help burn fat naturally, block carbohydrates from converting into fat, reduce sugar cravings and boost immunity – all with less than 10 calories packed into each 500ml bottle. The active ingredients in Skinny Water are Super CitriMax and ChromeMate, natural substances which have been clinically proven to play a powerful role in curbing hunger, keeping blood sugar at healthy levels, and maintaining a normal metabolism. I noticed that these beverages did seem to reduce my appetite. I am a fan of skinny water. It's a great product that helps you eat less, burn more calories, and keeps  blood sugar levels where they are suppose to be.

 Rating: ★★★★★

I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter Honey + Chocolate + Peanut Butter Substitute

This is a great peanut butter substitute for those who are allergic and cannot enjoy anything made with peanuts! Soybeans are not actually “nuts,” however the term “soynut” has been coined to describe roasted soybeans.  Soy butter is a amazing alternative to peanut butter - both for those who can't eat peanuts, and for those who are looking for a way to add soy to their diet. I tried two flavors-chocolate and honey. This is just as good as peanut butter. You can use it on crackers or celery and it makes a great lunch or snack. SoyNut Butter is available in creamy, chunky, honey, unsweetened, and chocolate. Soy Nut also has 30% less fat than peanut butter.

Honey Creamy- Great taste packed with flavor. This was absolutely delicious. Super creamy, and without an overpowering soynut taste. Perfect balance of sweet with a hint of honey. The texture was excellent. This is a good spread for rice cakes, crackers or toast.

Chocolate-  Yummy blend of chocolate and soy nut flavors. You can taste the soynut but again it was the perfect balance with the chocolate flavor.  A good chocolate spread, works well with fruit: strawberries, crackers, toast and even celery!

Peanut Butter Substitute: Fantastic! Taste just like the real thing! Great taste and texture.

---

 Rating: ★★★★★

Better N Peanut Butter!!!

Better N Peanut Butter is a really yummy, all natural peanut butter spread. Not only does it taste great but as a added bonus it is only HALF the calories and has 85% less fat- peanut butter on a diet! Needless to say this is impressive. Better N Peanut butter has two versions-one contains less sodium than the other. The low sodium version is my personal favorite. This is such an amazing treasure. It is made primarily of peanuts (as de-fatted peanut flour and natural peanut butter), tapioca syrup, water, dehydrated cane juice, rice syrup and various thickeners and flavorings.

I love peanut butter and because of the high calories, I never get to enjoy it as much as I would like to and this actually allows me to enjoy it more often. I can have my favorite treat more often now without guilt. I can use this as spread on my Kavli crackers (35 calories) and this makes the perfect coffee snack. It's easy to assume because a product has fewer calories it can't match the real thing however this is not the case at all with Better n Peanut Butter. Most popular "real" brands of peanut butter contains peanuts, sugar, molasses, salt and FULLY HYDROGENATED oils. These solid oils are harder for the body to get rid of and will raise bad cholesterol. Better n Peanut butter is not only good for you but delicious as well! So if you want to have some peanut butter without the guilt and still enjoy the great taste we have all come to love, I say try Better n Peanut Butter because it's peanut butter but better!

THE FACTS:

85% Less Fat 40% Less Calories No Cholesterol No Preservatives

No Refined Sugars Natural Soy Lecithin Non GMO Peanuts

Regular Creamy Nutrition Facts Serving Size 2 tbsp (32.0 g) Amount Per Serving Calories 100 Calories from fat 18 % Daily Value* Total Fat 2.0g 3% Sodium 190mg 8% Total Carbohydrates 13.0g 4% Sugars 2.0g Protein 4.0g Fiber 2.0g Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 8% Calcium 4%-Iron 2% •                        * Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Low Sodium Nutrition Facts Serving Size 2 tbsp (32.0 g) Amount Per Serving Calories 100 Calories from fat 22  % Daily Value* Total Fat 2g 4% Sodium 95mg 4% Total Carbohydrates 13.0g 4% Sugars 2.0g Protein 4.0g Fiber 2.0g Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 8% Calcium 4% /Irons 2%  •

Ingredients: PEANUTS (AS DEFATTED PEANUT FLOUR AND NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER), TAPIOCA SYRUP, PURE WATER, DEHYDRATED CANE JUICE, RICE SYRUP, VEGETABLE GLYCERIN, SOY FLOUR, SALT, TAPIOCA STARCH, NATURAL FOOD FLAVORS, PAPRIKA & ANNATO, CALCIUM CARBONATE, LECITHIN, VITAMINS E & C (ANTIOXIDANTS).

Rating ★★★★★

Pro Crunch Lite Peanut Butter Goodness.

I'm new to blogging and just trying to get my head around it and after some careful consideration,  I've decided that this blog from now on will be focused towards something I am obsessed with... food! Specifically, low calorie snacks, treats and beverages as well as other colorful culinary delights. I still want to have a venting location for my personal life so I will be creating a secondary blog for issues surrounding that. Having two separate blogs geared and focused towards two very different purposes will help me maintain some structure. I’m not as efficient and productive as I would like to be as a blogger so my hope is that this blog enables me to achieve that goal.  Having two blogs also gives me a chance to write everyday and practice writing. I read the key to consistent, efficient, productive blogging is very similar to getting into the habit of exercising so since I am a creature of habit and I thrive on keeping a routine, my expectations are hopeful.

First a little background on me, when it comes to food, I am as calorie conscious as you can get. There are certain foods that I have listed as off limits which I will never consume and there are some that I consider "safe" which I swear by. I'm the type of person that always notices the calorie counts posted in New York City fast-food restaurants.  I probably know the calories in any random food off the top of my head and I work out almost everyday.  I am clearly bent toward perfectionism. I try to keep what is inside my body pure and clean.

I have been fixated on protein bars lately. Generally, I look for at least 10 to 15 grams of protein or more, and maybe no more than 20-30 grams of total carbs and I try to make sure it's not packed with sugar.

There is nothing worse than buying a protein bar that is no different than your average candy bar and to that I say thanks but no, thanks! There's different types of bars all contain varying levels of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and sugar, depending on their intended goal.Yesterday, I tried GNC's Pro Crunch LITE in peanut butter. My ultimate favorite flavor in protein bars.  These are good tasting bars for a great price that aren't very chalky but are light yet deliciously filling and flavorful without being heavy.They are perfect for quick energy before a workout.

Rating ★★★

Food Article.

Relaxnews, AFP
April 09, 2011
Junk food can have a drug-like effect.

First Published: 18:46 IST(9/4/2011)

Indulging in food cravings could be more than just a matter of a weak will. After studying the brain activity of women presented with a chocolate milk shake, researchers in the US have found that seeing the tempting dessert drink activated the same parts of the brain as a drug- addict who sees cocaine.

The Yale University study found that higher food addiction scores correlated with greater activation in certain areas of the brain — the same areas that light up among people with a substance dependence.

Participants included 48 healthy young women ranging from lean to obese. They were presented with both a chocolate milk shake and a tasteless control solution. Milk shakes were chosen not only for their high fat and sugar content, but also because it allowed participants to keep still during head scans.

“If food cues take on enhanced motivational properties in a manner analogous to drug cues, efforts to change the current food environment may be critical to successful weight loss and prevention efforts,” reads the study. “Ubiquitous food advertising and the availability of inexpensive palatable foods may make it extremely difficult to adhere to healthier food choices because the omnipresent food cues trigger the reward system.”

Researchers from The Scripps Research Institute in Florida came to similar conclusions last year when they found that over-consumption of high-calorie foods can trigger addiction-like responses in the brain. The study, which used lab rats, could help in understanding obesity as a food addiction and in developing therapies for it, researchers said.

Though compulsive eaters can do little to avoid fast-food billboard ads around their city or commercials on TV, they can change the food environment at home. For example, keep less food at home than usual to avoid temptation. Keeping the house junk food-free also eliminates visual cues.