Yoplait Lactose Free

All of us know of someone or our selves who are lactose intolerant. Which means no dairy products, or you are left with one unhappy tummy. No one likes that.

February is Lactose Awareness Month. Just in time for it, yoplait has come out with lactose free yogurt! It comes in four delicious flavors, strawberry, peach, french vanilla and cherry. It contains 50% if the daily value of calcium, with vitamins A and D in each cup and 99% fat free. It contains no artificial sweeteners and can be used in some of your favorite recipes; like chocolate cream brulee and raspberry cheesecake.

If you would like to try out this new yogurt, leave a comment for a .30 cents off coupon of one yogurt!

Brought to you by Pssst.

General Mills Cereal and Whole Grains

Did you know that starting this month General Mills has over 50 cereals that their first ingredient is whole grain? Whole grain is super important in a nutrient rich diet. A diet rich in whole grains, can lower body weight, reduce risk of heart disease and cancer.

If a box of General Mills has a white check on the front of the box, it has whole grain as the first ingredient. They also implemented a new side panel, that highlights the grams of whole grain per serving, making it easier to find foods that help you get their recommend amount of whole grain servings per day.

Visit Whole Grain Nation to virtually navigate through grocery store aisles and identify products that have whole grain listed as the first ingredient. You have the chance to win one of each of the 50 cereals with whole grain!

If you would like a coupon for $1.75 off 2 boxes of cereal, leave a comment!

Brought to you by Pssst.

Cinnabon, Yummy!

Cinnabon is looking for ways to warm the hearts of others this holiday season and needs your help to Spread the Warmth through its Random 'Packs' of Kindness contest. Cinnabon wants you to share its ooey-gooey awesomeness with friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers, and then share your story online! From November 6th through January 7th, share any act of kindness to qualify for a chance to win prizes! Simply photograph or video the reaction to a random act of kindness and submit it to the Cinnabon Facebook page for a chance to win free weekly Cinnapacks or a cash prize of $2,500 and a $2,500 donation to the charity of your choice. For more contest rules and information on how you can help Spread the Warmth, visit the Cinnabon Facebook page. This was provided by Cinnabon and General Mills through Pssst...

Betty Crocker-Fun Da Middles

Have you seen Betty Crocker's newest cupcake line? FUN da-Middles are so cute! Not to mention they are so easy to make. They are cupcakes with a filling inside. You just make the batter, then squeeze some of the filling on top and that's it! So easy!

Check out this cute video:

Yoplait Light

Did you know that small changes can lead to big differences in helping you maintain your weight?

On Yoplait's Facebook page( www.Facebook.com/Yoplait?)they have an awesome application that you can use to swap out foods you are currently eating for healthier choices, including Yoplait Light Yogurts.

Read and try the recipes on the swap page!

Biggest Loser host and busy mom Alison Sweeney is working with the brand to share advice for how she maintains her weight by making daily substitutions in her diet and routine, all while navigating her hectic schedule. I’m all about easy solutions, and making simple swaps in my diet helps me lead a healthy lifestyle while juggling everything else,” said Sweeney, mom of two. “That’s why the Yoplait Light Swap is a no-brainer – just swapping a slice of my favorite red velvet cake after dinner for a cup of Red Velvet Cake Yoplait Light can save me almost 300 calories, without even thinking about it.”


Check out the swap page!

Shape's August 2011

I always feel so much better about some of the snacks I eat when I see them on list for best snacks to be eating. Granted not the gummi bears and swedish fish that I'm addicted to are on there, but for the most part it seems most of my snacks are the right choices! You can see the complete list here, but here are just a few:

Sweet Snacks:

Fiber One Chocolate Fudge Brownies(90 calories, 3 grams of fat per brownie)-These are awesome I have one almost everyday as my morning snack. It has a ton of fiber in it, 20% of your daily intake. It holds me over to lunch time.

Creamy:

The Laughing Cow Sharp Original Mini Babybel(60 calories 5 grams of fat per round)-These are great tasting and just the perfect amount of cheese. They have 14% of your daily dairy intake.

Salty:

Snack Factory Preztel Crisp(110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat per 11 chips)-I love these "flat" pretzels. They taste so salty, so yummy!

Crunchy:

Snackwell's Fudge Drizzled Caramel Popcorn(130 calories, 3 grams of fat per bag)-This taste so rich, just as good as regular caramel popcorn.

Keep It Cool

It's been HOT. Super extremely hot. But you can beat the cool with health-boosting foods while working out.

1. Run Longer-

Snow cones and Slushies.

A 2011 study found that having a slushie flavored with sugar syrup prerun can help you run 20% longer than drinking cold water with the same amount of syrup. The slushies cools you down better then cold water, preventing overheating. Top shaved ice with real fruit syrups. Or blend up frozen berries, juice and honey. Pour over shaved ice.

2. Combat Inflammation
Cold Soups

Refreshing, chilled soups made from colorful vegetables offer a wide range of antioxidants that help combat inflammation that causes soreness. Soups made from fresh summer fruits make for a healthy dessert that packs carbs and fiber. Make gazpacho; puree one pound yellow tomatoes and half a cucumber. Add a cup of kefir, garnish with basil.

3. Boost Immune Health
Frozen Yogurt

A new wave of frozen yogurt shops has introduced the creamy dessert with a tart kick. Compared to grocery store versions, this fro-yo contains more live cultures that promote gastrointestinal health and boost immune system strength. Top vanilla frozen yogurt with fresh fruit and chopped nuts for added antioxidants and healthy fats.

4. Increase Circulation
Popsicles

Popsicles can be healthy-just check the ingredient list. Store-bought brands made from real fruit and with no added sugar supply vitamin C and potassium; both are vital for healthy circulation. Make your own pops. Blend up your favorite summer fruit; pour into popsicle molds and freeze.

5. Speed Recovery
Fruit Smoothies

Creamy and cool, fruit smoothies provide everything you need to recover post workout, including carbs and protein. Plus, a recent study found that fruit extracts can help lower measures of oxidative stress following a strength training session. Whether store-bought or homemade, make sure your smoothie has about 15 grams of muscle-building protein.

6. Cut Back On Fat
Gelato

Gelato actually has fats butterfat than ice cream. A half cup contains 150 calories and four grams of fat, versus 200 or more calories and 8 grams of fat for ice cream. Look for gelato made with real fruit and stick to a half cup.

From Runners World, August 2011.

Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies

Have you tried the new Fiber One 90 calorie brownies? They come into flavors, chocolate fudge and chocolate peanut butter. When I first saw these I was wondering how a brownie for only 90 calories would taste. I didn't think they would be awesome, but let me tell you that they ARE! They are are so moist and the perfect portion size for a morning or afternoon snack! They probably would be awesome on top of some vanilla ice cream!


Rather than focusing on the foods you can’t have - Fiber One® is giving you the opportunity to eat what you love without the guilt. New Fiber One® 90 Calorie Brownies are moist, chewy treats that let you have what you crave while helping you stay on track with your balanced diet. With 5 grams of fiber, which is 20 percent of the Daily Value of Fiber, the new brownies are a smart snacking choice. Check out Fiber One's Facebook Page!

Guess, what? I have a chance for you to earn a gift pack that includes a box each of the Chocolate Fudge and the Chocolate Peanut Butter brownies, as well as a Fiber One 90-Calorie Brownie themed duffel bag, jump rope, water bottle, snack case, headband and bracelet Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies. All you have to do is enter the giveaway and leave a comment telling me where you'd eat your fiber one brownie, maybe a snack or a late night indulgence? You tell me! Good luck. One winner will be chosen from random.org. Giveaway ends Monday, August 1st!

Fiber One and General Mills through MyBlogSpark provided prize packs.

Snacks

I love snacks, who doesn't? Sometimes though when we snack, we aren't eating the best option for us, we just grab whatever we are craving and don't think about it.

Craving something salty, try some popcorn, it's high in fiber and low in calories

Craving something crunchy, try some roasted peanuts, more antioxidants when roasted.

Craving something cold, like a cold drink, try cherry juice.

Craving something filling, eat cereal and milk, a whole grain, no lucky charms =)

Ways to Think Slim

I'm a firm believer of that you do not need to cut foods out of your diet to lose weight. I know many people disagree and believe you should, but I totally feel if you eat in moderation you can still lose weight. For me, I just need to change the way I think about eating and what I am eating.

1. Food isn't a prize-You shouldn't reward your self with food. It's hard to do and I'm guilty. I will lose 5 pounds and my prize will be a yummy Oreo Peanut Butter Milkshake. Instead, I should put the money into buying a new pair of jeans!
2. Eat dessert on a full stomach-You won't eat as much. My husband loves to take his dessert home from restaurants, or even after eating dinner at home, he always waits to have desserts, so it's something I've adapted and do as well. You should eat dessert after eating your meal so you don't eat that whole piece of cake.
3. Diet foods aren't always a diet-Food makers try to trick us, by making "diet" food, by labeling something low fat, or cookies for 100 calories, are you really going to be satisfied after eating only two small cookies, doubt it. So eat a serving size of the regular, not diet food.
4. Free food-Foods that are "free" of ingredients always have something more. So they maybe fat free, but they have more sugar or salt to replace that free ingredient. So eat the real deal, just with in the serving size limits.
5. It's there, so I need to eat it-you know you've passed by something in your office or kitchen and said well it's there, I see it, I need to eat it. Think about it before you put that something in your mouth, "Do I really need this'? Make your self a deal, like only if it's dark chocolate, or one sweet a day.

Inspired by Self's Keep Shrinking.

Self's Healthy Food Awards

I love every year when Self comes out with their healthy food awards, it always makes me feel better when I see some things I eat quite often on their list! Here are just a few, you can check out the whole list here.

Bacon..mmm, who doesn't love bacon? Self recommends Trader Joe's Turkey Bacon, 30 calories per slice, 1.5 grams of fat per slice.







Bagel-Thomas' Heart Grain 100% Whole Wheat Bagels(240 calories, 2.5 grams of fat)















English Muffin-Thomas' 100% Whole Wheat(120 calories, 1 gram of fat)








Cottage Cheese-Friendship 1% Lowfat Cottage Cheese(90 calories, 1 gram of fat per 1/2 cup)








Light Beer-Yeungling Light Lager(90 calories, 0 grams of fat per 12 ounces)









Natural Soda-Izze Esque Sparkling Black Raspberry(50 calories, 0 grams of fat)










Deli Turkey-Boars Head Oven gold Roasted Breast of Turkey(60 calories, 1 gram of fat per 2 ounces)
American Cheese-Kraft 2% singles(45 calories, 2.5 grams of fat per 19 grams)
Swiss Cheese-Finlandia Light Swiss Deli Cheese(57 calories, 3 grams of fat per slice)
Tuna-Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light(50 calories, 0.5 grams of fat per 2 ounces)
Frozen Fries-Alexia Crinkles Salt and Pepper(120 calories, 4 grams of fat per 3 ounces)
Ice Cream-Edy's Slow Churned Double Fudge Brownies(120 calories, 4 grams of fat per 1/2 cup)
Ice Cream Sandwich-Skinny Cow Low Fat Ice Cream Sandwich in Vanilla(140 calories, 2 grams of fat per sandwich)
Fudge Pop-Skinny Cow Fudge Bar(100 calories, 1 grams fat per bar)

Restaurant Tip

I love Lisa Lillen, aka Hungry Girl. She has amazing tips for weight loss and great ideas on substituting other ingredients in recipes to make them less calories!

So the next time you get to go out on a nice date with your husband, or just out dinner, use some her recent tips at different types of restaurant's:

Mexican-
You might think the salad is the healthiest option here. But HG says most taco salads are smothered in fatty toppings and served in greasy shells. Go with chicken or shrimp soft tacos for about 200 calories each, pass on the sour cream and pile on some salsa. Spicy food helps you feel satisfied and may even boost your metabolism.

Chinese-
Broth based soups fill you up, so have a cup of egg drop or hot and sour soup for about 80 calories. Then share an order of steamed shrimp dumplings about 50 calories per dumping. Then get beef with broccoli. It will be plenty of food, as most Chinese entrees are meant for two. Order any entree steamed with sauce on the side to cut the fat.

Italian-
Order an appetizer as soon as you're seated, such as minestrone soup or side salad with vinegar and oil, so you won't be tempted to devour the entire bread basket. If you want pasta, ask for it as a side to grilled chicken or fish dish get the taste you love but in a smaller portion. Just be sure to skip the creamy Alfredo sauces, choose a tomato based sauce instead.

Japanese-
Start with the super light miso soup, edamame, or seaweed salad. Then steer clear of rolls with the words tempura, crunch, dynamite and spider in them. Those are typically stuffed with fried shrimp and crab or covered in globs of mayo. Instead, share a variety of more traditional fish or veggies rolls, like salon or yellowtail and some sashimi.

American-
Start with the ultimate guilt free appetizer, shrimp cocktail. An order usually has less than 100 calories and hardly any fat. Next, take a look for petite sirloin or filet mignon with veggies instead of spuds. Don't like steak? Try a non fried app and a salad instead of an entree;. Ad those trendy mini desserts, go for it.

Hide Your Veggies

I love making things and then telling my husband what is in them after he eats them. I don't poison him, silly, I mean making it healthier. Like, substituting low fat applesauce for oil. In Redbook's May 2011 issue they had some great vegetable purees you can add to your cooking and baking, and no one will ever know!

Purple Puree:
6 cups raw spinach
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, slightly thawed

Puree all ingredients with 2 tablespoons of water in a food processor until smooth. If necessary add another 1 to 2 tablespoons for a smoother consistency.

Use it in:

• brownies-substitute for half of the oil the recipe calls for.
• Taco Meat-Add 1/2 cup per pound of beef.
• Burgers-Use 1/4 cup per pound of meat.

Green Puree:
2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
2 cups raw baby spinach
1 cup frozen sweet peas

Steam broccoli and spinach over 2 inches of water for about ten minutes or until very tender. Add peas for last 2 minutes. Drain; add to food processor with 2 tablespoons of water. Puree on high till smooth.

Use it in:

• Guacamole, use in place of 1/3 of the avocado
• Lasagna-substitute for 1/3 of the sauce with puree
• Chili-stir in 1/2 cup per batch

Orange Puree:
1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks

In a medium pot, cover potatoes and carrots with water and boil for about 20 miutes until very tender. Drain and place in food processor with 2 tablespoons of water. Puree on high until smooth.

Use in:

• Banana bread-substitute for half of the the oil or butter the recipe calls for
• Mac & Cheese-add up to 1/4 cup to a box of prepared mac and cheese

White Puree:
2 cans(15 ounces) if white beans, like great northern, navy or canneillini

Rinse and drain beans, place in a food processor. Puree with 2 tablespoons of water until you get a smooth(not wet) puree, like the consistency of peanut butter. If necessary, thin with 1 teaspoon of water.

Use it in:

• Coffee cakes, muffins or chocolate chip, oatmeal or sugar cookies-substitute for half the butter the recipe calls for.

Sugar Sugar

If I'm going to consume some sugary goodness, I want in the form of something peanut butter!!! But some common everyday foods, that you would think that would be good for you, aren't, because the sugar content is SO high!

1. Yoplait Fat Free Harvest Peach Yogurt-26 grams of sugar!! That equals the same of amount of sugar in 2 chocolate frosted doughnuts!
2. Quaker Instant Oatmeal Strawberries and Cream-12 grams of sugar!! That equals 1 brown sugar cinnamon pop-tart!
3. SOBE Energize Green Tea-61 grams of sugar!! That equals one bottle of regular Sierra Mist or Sprite.
4. Mott's Original Apple Sauce-25 grams of sugar!! That equals about a cup of Beyer's Natural Vanilla Ice Cream.

Truth of the matter here is that you need to read labels. Don't judge a book by it's cover, READ labels! It may seem super healthy, but read the label!!

Rebook May 2011

What's Healthier?

Shape had a great article in their February 2011 issue. It was called What's Healthier?

Basically, we all know that food is not created equal, so they paired some common items together and picked the better of the two.

Glazed doughnut or bagel with cream cheese:
The winner is:
Glazed doughnut.
A medium bagel has 320 calories and that's not even including the cream cheese, while the doughnut has 260 calories and 2 grams less of fat then bagel with cream cheese. If you want the bagel, then use some low fat peanut butter instead of cream cheese.

French toast or pancakes:
The winner is:
French Toast
They are pretty equal calorie wise, the french toast has 150 calories per slice and the pancake has about 175 calories, both 7 grams of fat, but the kicker here is that the french toast has an egg coating, which is protein, which also gives it more moisture, which means you probably won't add the extra 100 calories of syrup either.

Nuts or dried fruit
The winner is:
Nuts
They are higher in calories and fat, but nuts are packed with vitamin E, fiber and protein. Most of the fat is non-saturated healthy fat.

Chicken thighs or pork chops
The winner is:
Pork Chop
While chicken would seem to be the answer here, only chicken breast is the leanest meat. If you eat a lean cut of pork like a loin for a 3 ounce serving is 100 calories, while a 3 ounce chicken thigh is about 177 calories.

Soft pretzel or hot dog
The winner is:
Soft pretzel
While they are both equal in calories, the hot dog has 21 grams of fat and 1,000 MORE milligrams of sodium. The pretzel has 4 grams of fat and 557 milligrams of sodium.

Green Giant Veggies

With a new year comes a new you, and Green Giant® is here to cheer you on! Whether you´re already following a weight management plan or looking to start a new one, sometimes it´s the small changes that can make a huge difference.

Green Giant Boxed Vegetables can help you stay on track to achieve your weight management goals in 2011. Twenty-nine delicious varieties are now endorsed by Weight Watchers™, and most have only a 1 or 2 PointsPlus ™ value per serving! Packed with flavor and ready in minutes, Green Giant Boxed Vegetables are available in a wide variety of flavors, many featuring mouthwatering sauces and seasonings.



Adding Green Giant Boxed Vegetables to your meals can be a quick and delicious step to a healthier new you in 2011. Each Weight Watchers™ endorsed variety is:

• Nutritious. Picked at the peak of perfection, Green Giant Boxed Vegetables are frozen fast to lock in essential nutrients.
• Convenient. With ingredients that are cleaned, cut, and ready to go, it´s easier to meet the adult daily need of 2-4 cups of vegetables!
• Time-Saving. Getting more time to enjoy life, without sacrificing nutrition...now that´s a fresh idea!

Visit http://greengiant.com/ for some great recipe ideas and more information. And, don´t forget to check out Green Giant on Facebook and Green Giant on Twitter and "Like" or "Follow" the brand to keep up with their latest and greatest products!

Here´s to a happy new year and healthy new you!

Brought to you by Pssst...

Barilla Pasta Plus

Have you tried Barilla Pasta Plus yet? If not I suggest you pick up a box today! It's such a great pasta! It has more protein then a hard boiled egg, more fiber then a cup of broccoli, and almost as much omega 3 as a 3 ounce serving of shrimp.

It's available in 7 shapes:

1. Penne
2. Rotini
3. Elbows
4. Spaghetti
5. Farfalle
6. Thin Spaghetti
7. Angel Hair

Five lucky readers will receive a coupon for a buy one get one free! All you have to do is leave me a comment and tell me your favorite way to eat pasta! Winners will be chosen by random.org.
The giveaway will close on Saturday!


*Coupons provided by vocalpoint.com*

So yummy!

While visiting my parent's over the weekend, I spotted a yummy snack in their kitchen. It was this:So good! I went to Target yesterday and had to buy a bag. I just happened to look at the bag and it says 10 servings per bag, whoops! Hubby and I better slow down on them! I couldn't believe all the different flavors Sndyer's offers with these pretzel pieces!

Just had to share!

Yoplait Greek Yogurt

If you haven’t heard, General Mills has introduced a new yogurt. Yoplait Greek yogurt is packed with 12 grams of protein — twice that found in the leading yogurt — and zero grams of fat, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a healthy option without compromising taste, at an affordable price compared to other Greek yogurts.

New Yoplait Greek yogurt is available in four delicious flavors — Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain. In addition, Yoplait is the only leading yogurt with vitamins A and D in every cup and is an excellent source of calcium.

Pssst… invites you to try Yoplait Greek with its unique thick and creamy texture. We have an electronic coupon valued at 45-cents off one cup to get you started, while supplies last.

Print a Yoplait Greek yogurt electronic coupon, while supplies last.

Product Review: Fiber One Complete Pancake Mix

I recently purchased the Fiber One Complete Pancake Mix. I have been wanting to try it since I bought it, but just haven't had the chance. On Tuesday night, I met Chris after he was done work and we played 9 holes of golf. We didn't get home till close to 8 p.m., so we wanted something quick and easy to make. Chris opted for a BLT, but I decided to make a peanut butter waffle!

We typically use Bisquick. I honestly couldn't taste a difference between the two, besides the fact there's a lot more fiber and it's a bit more calorie friendly! The box tells you that if you use it for a pancake mix, it they maybe thin, but I couldn't tell any difference with a waffle, they were the same size and consistency as a regular mix.

The mix has 20% of your daily fiber needed. For 1/2 cup of mix, which is about 3 pancakes, it is only 180 calories! For two waffles it's 280 calories. I will definitely by this again when this box runs out!