Categories: 3 Star

23 Jun 2011, Comments (5)

ProScotti Mocha Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Author: Healthnuttxo

Courtesy of ProScotti, I was sent a few flavors to try for free of there biscotti! I received Mocha Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Orange Almond Biscotti , and Almond Orange Flavor. What I liked about these, is that on the package it stated that they had “Omega-3″, were “Low-gluten” and had “more protein than 2 whole eggs”. That’s my kind of biscotti!

At first I thought, WOW, these are really  THICK pieces! They reminded me of banana bread with the way they looked. Then after taking my first bite  I realized there were 2 biscotti in a package. Ooops! (:

The Mocha Chocolate Chip was the one I tried first.

At first, I INSTANTLY thought of coffee. Now, mind you that I am NOT a big coffee drinker, but when I do drink it,  I like it with milk or soy milk and I like it SWEET :)

This was just that- a soft biscotti, that wasn’t super moist, even a touch on the dry side. It had  a great coffee flavor, and also pretty sweet! It was actually pretty good! There were baby chocolate chips as well, which added a little chocolate flavor, and I think I tasted a hint of vanilla as well.

Eaten at night. Can you tell by the darkish yet still light lighting?

Overall, for the Mocha Chocolate Chip Flavor, I give it 3  stars.I do love the protein, but they are a bit high in sugar. Although, I think there is a typo on the package- it states 29 grams of sugar but only 28 carbohydrates? Confusing, but I’ll roll with it for now.

1 package is 202 calories, 5.7 grams of fat, 28 carbohydrates, 29 grams of sugar, and 12.4 grams of protein.

How do you like your coffee? I can’t imagine drinking it without milk and sugar!! But soy milk and sugar is my favorite =]

19 Jun 2011, Comments (12)

Edy’s Strawberry Fruit Bars

Author: Healthnuttxo

Ask me my favorite ice cream bar when I was little? Strawberry Shortcake bar. Favorite ice pop? Strawberry frozen fruit bars. (can we see a pattern emerging?) I was also told as a child that when eating my favorite fruit, strawberries, (which strangely enough, is not my favorite fruit anymore- I’ve graduated to the apple!) my entire face and hands would turn red. That was compltely uneccessary to share, but now you  know one of my flaws. I was a messy strawberry eater as a child. Shame on me.

ANYWAY, I saw these Edy’s Frozen Strawberry Fruit Bars in my freezer today, and decided I NEEDED to have one. How they got there, I don’t know. I suppose the appropriate thing to do would be to ask whoever bought them if I could eat one, but that never works nicely in this house.

“Can I have one?” “No.” “Why not?” “Because I said so. “

Which I then proceed to eat anyway and get yelled at, or not eat and wish I had eaten it. SO, as they say, ignorance is bliss. Or, ignorance= me eating strawberry ice pops.

it's really, really hard to take a good picture of an ice pop you plan on eating

So, now finally, enough of my rambling. Here’s how they tasted!

These bars had a very soft bite to them- I was surprised! I was expecting a harder, more icy product, but they were soft. Almost like they were strawberry ice cream bars. They also were not as sweet as I had hoped for, they were a bit toned down. Although I did like that because it wasn’t super sweet, it gave it more of a natural fruit product sort of feel. One thing I do wish is that there were more strawberry peices/chunks. In my bar, I think I only spotted one!

Overall,not bad, but not my favorite. Certainly not as good as the ones I had when I was little. 3 stars

What is your favorite ice cream bar and ice pop flavor?


9 Jun 2011, Comments (3)

McCain Seasoned Cross Trax Skin-On Potatoes

Author: Healthnuttxo

I spotted something new in my freezer this afternoon, something I haven’t had in a while. French Fries! I decided to give these a try with some broccoli and vegetarian style chicken nuggets for dinner.

I cooked them up for about 15 minutes or so,
and here’s how they looked once transferred to my plate.

And a close up with a bite taken

can you see the spots of grease on the plate? and minuscule broccoli remnants (:

As I stated before, these were certainly greasy, so napkins are recommended.  They cooked up nicely, with crispy edges and a potatoey filling. There was mostly a yummy potato flavor, with a kick of peppery flavor at the end. They really weren’t that salty, despite the 470 mg of sodium per serving either. They actually really reminded me of curly fries that I used to get at school when I was younger, but these had more of a cripsy-ness to them.

The bag states they are “skin-on potatoes” but I’m not really sure exactly what that means, and they tasted like standard fries to me. I did like that the portion size was pretty good for 3 ounces, and I got a good amount of the fries filling up my plate. However, they were kind of lackluster for me. I would probably eat them again, but wouldn’t go out of my way to buy them. 3 stars

yea. that is my finger in the bottom right. FAIL ):

Last day to enter this totally awesome giveaway!

22 May 2011, Comments (6)

Sunwarrior Raw Vegan Protein powder

Author: Healthnuttxo

I was sent two free packets of Sunwarrior Raw Vegan Protein powder in Chocolate and Vanilla, courtesy of Andrea from Sunwarrior (thank you!!).

First off, I was impressed. This raw, vegan protein had a LOT of protein for one little packet, and very little calories and only 1 gram of sugar! Perfect for a diabetic like me!

I came home from the gym the other day, and thought it would be appropriate to give it a try. I went for the vanilla first, and mixed it with vanilla almond milk by hand. Although it mixed fairly easily, I thought it was a little difficult to get all the bumps out, and it was a little chunky. However, the chunks didn’t really bother me because they dissolved very quickly in my mouth, and almost had a velvety texture. The drink was really good! Sweet, but not too sweet, and a good vanilla flavor that was probably enhanced with the vanilla almond milk. It kind of reminded me of a vanilla milkshake! 4 stars

Next up, the chocolate. Since I had a little trouble stirring last time, I thought I would try a blender. I also thought it would be a good idea to add some ice, so it was super cold and frothy, and chocolate almond milk to enhance the flavor.

However, ice was a bad idea. Perhaps I added too much, although I only added about 4 or 5 cubes, or perhaps this protein poweder just doesn’t mix well with ice. Who knows- but I got a very icy, chunky shake. The flavor was somewhat diluted, but chocolatey nonetheless, also probably enhanced with the chocolate almond milk. The result wasn’t very sweet at all, and I think I liked the vanilla better. I got a taste of the powder before I mixed it up, and it was sort of like that chocolate powder one can use to make chocolate milk.  3 stars

I’d be interested in trying both of them again, but without the ice for the chocolate flavor!

Have you ever had Sunwarrior Raw Vegan Protein powder? How do you prepare it?

Also- have you ever tried it with ice, and how did it turn out?

20 May 2011, Comments (2)

Jamba Juice All Natural Strawberry Banana Energy Drink

Author: Healthnuttxo

I’m not a big fan of energy drinks- I barely even drink coffee (I’m much more of a latte person anyway (;  ) But, the other day I went to Jamba Juice to get a smoothie, and they handed me one to try for free. Why not? It was all natural, and I was already a fan of Jamba Juice. I had a feeling it was going to be good.

So, yesterday before the gym, I had some oatmeal, some fruit, and this Jamba Juice All Natural Strawberry Banana Energy Drink. Straight from the can, it said that the drink contains “80 mg of natural caffeine per can”, “natural caffeine to help support mental alertness”, and  ”no artificial colors, artificial flavors, taurine, or other ingredients you need a degree in chemistry to understand” (Ha- I thought that one was funny. Yet true. Some ingredients I dont know, and I TOOK a course in chemistry!)

So already, I thought I was going to like this. I love strawberry banana flavored things, and  I loved how it was a natural drink with a boost of caffeine.

I opened the slim can, and took a sip. It had a very light fizz to it, that I liked. Not so bubbly, but not entirely flat where it was like juice. It had a strawberry flavor, with a mild banana aftertaste. It wasn’t super sweet, however, and I really wish it was sweeter. I felt it was almost dulled down a little bit, and I was searching for some extra sweetness.

All in all, it reminded me of what a strawberry banana yogurt would taste like, with the light carbonation of a soda. A little awkward, but not bad. I CERTAINLY had plenty of energy at the gym, which I partly give credit to the energy drink. I was dragging a little bit during the day, and the drink helped perk me up! I would drink it again, but perhaps add a pinch of stevia. 3 stars

What’s your favorite energy drink?


19 May 2011, Comments (10)

Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Crunch cereal Vs. General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal

Author: Healthnuttxo

VS.

I opened up my cabinet the other day and saw two very similar cereals. My cereal, the Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Crunch, and another person living in the house’s cereal, General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Hmmm. I wonder which one tastes and I would like better? I thought. Suddenly, I took out both boxes and put them to the test!

First up, the nutritional facts. Here’s them straight off the boxes

Cascadian Farm

General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch

For Cascadian Farm, I liked that it was lower in calories, lower in fat, higher in fiber, lower in sodium, and lower in sugar.  For General Mills,  what the picture cut off was that it had 10% daily calcium needs, which I liked, as Cascadian Farmprovided 0% for Calcium. And obviously for ingredients, I liked that each had “whole grain wheat” as the first ingredient, but Cascadian Farm had organic ingredients and General Mills did not.

Now for the taste. Here’s how the cereal looked.

Cascadian Farm

General Mills

Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch was smaller, sweet and crunchy, with a noticeable cinnamon flavor. It had a toasted wheat flavor as well, and a good amount of topping. Some of the squares lacked cinnamon, but not too bad. Overall, a very tasty cereal.

General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch had more visible sugar on the squares, and was sweeter. However, I felt they were lacking in the cinnamon aspect, and were more sweet than “cinnamon-y”. They felt crunchier and  more sugary tasting than Cinnamon Crunch cereal, and not as dense.

In a blind taste taste, I liked Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch the best.  I thought it had less of an “airy” texture, and better cinnamon flavor.

Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch was the winner for me, I would give it 4 stars, and give General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch 3 1/2 stars.

Have you had both of these cereals? Which do you prefer?

also- Do you like this format of a review? By comparing two items? Please let me know! :)

16 Apr 2011, Comments (5)

Annie’s Homegrown Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese

Author: Healthnuttxo

Nothing quite like some mac & cheese! Last night, I was craving some of the cheesy goodness, so I decided to boil up some water and give this mac & cheese a try.

As directed on the package of Annie’s Homegrown Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, I put the cheese powder packet in 1/4 cup of milk in a measuring cup and stirred. Normally I just add the milk and powder to the pot, but wanted to follow the directions. It came out to be a slightly bumpy cheesy “sauce”, that I then added to the shells once they were cooked and drained. Here’s how it looked

As you can see, there were kind of “cheese puddles” in the shells. The milk/cheese powder mixture really didnt thicken up, so it was a bit runny on the noodles. I found a lot of the sauce on the bottom of my pan. I also found it kind of hard to get all the cheese sauce from my measuring cup out and in the pan of noodles without the help of those flexible spatula things (why yes, I do believe they are called “flexible spatula things” ;P )

Anyway, the taste was acutally pretty good. Not too salty, and a mild cheddar flavor. The noodles turned out to be tender and slightly chewy. I ate this with some green beans and some Smart Bacon.

I'd be totally lying If I said I DIDNT have seconds on the Mac & Cheese and Green Beans. =)

Overall, 3 stars. I love that the ingredients are good, but wish the cheese flavor was more prominent and a thicker sauce. Perhaps I will use less milk next time.

2.5 ounces ( mix not prepared) is 270 calories, 4 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated dat, 46 grams of carbohydrates,2 grams of fiber, 5 grams of sugar and 10 grams of protein.

What is your FAVORITE boxed mac & cheese?

11 Apr 2011, Comments (3)

Luna Mini’s Peanut Butter Cookie

Author: Healthnuttxo

I happen to like Luna Bars, I think they are unique, and I love that they have a good amount of protein as well as some vitamins and minerals. My favorite is the White Chocolate Macadamia bar, as it is just sooo good!

Seeing my love for peanut butter, I thought I would certainly like the Peanut Butter Cookie flavor, which I got in the Mini’s form. How big is this “Mini” bar exactly? Here is the comparison against 2 Nips candies.

First bite, I was a bit surprised. There really wasn’t a strong peanut butter flavor at all :(

You know me, I loooove peanut butter, so if this is called “Peanut Butter Cookie” I want something sweet and peanut buttery! While there was a very mild peanut butter flavor, I thought it mostly had a vanilla flavor with peanut butter undertones. It was crunchy and chewy, with an icing-like smooth consistency on the bottom. It really wasn’t all that sweet, despite the 5 grams of sugar for this little bar. I also tasted flaxseed at one point, which really isn’t one of the flavors I enjoy.

At first I thought, there is no way this tiny little bar is going to satisfy me. However, after I ate it, it really did satisfy! I wasn’t hungry or full for that matter, but it just took the edge of my hunger for the time being. It was pretty good, but not my favorite. I wish it was sweeter and/or more peanut buttery! 3 stars.

1 bar is 80 calories, 3 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 5 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein.

What’s your favorite bar that is peanut butter flavored? Mine, hands down, is this one here.

26 Mar 2011, Comments (2)

Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian Foods Garden Vegetable Naanwich

Author: Healthnuttxo

I spotted this in the grocery store and thought it would be exciting to try, the Garden Vegetable Naanwich by Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian Foods. On the back of the wrapper, it says “Naanwich: noun nahn-wich-: A crustless handheld lunch that packs a powerful punch!”

I decided to eat this for dinner instead, with a bunch of steamed cauliflower on the side (I know! I didn’t eat broccoli! for once! =P )

After cooking it, it certainly left quite an aroma in the kitchen. I thought it smelled like a spicy noodle soup, but someone else commented that it smelled like maple syrup. Quite the contrast, I know, but the smell was hard to describe!

Here’s how the insides looked after I cooked it in the microwave-

So, we’ll start with the insides. There were peas, fluffy potatoes, and carrots, that had a very distinct spice to them, which I looked at the ingredients on the back and saw cayenne, so that explains it. There was also some kind of very slight sweetness to the vegetables, and it all kind of created a very awkward flavor. There wasn’t a ton of filling either, I kind of wish there was more, and something to boost the protein levels as well (there was only 8 grams of protein for the whole Naanwich).

Moving on to the Naan, it was the best part. It was a thick, fluffy and chewy, kind of like a garlic knot in consistency, with mild seasoned flavor. I loved that it was so doughy.

All together, it was unique. The best way I can describe it would be to say it was kind of like eating a garlic knot with spicy vegetables. There are other flavors available I would like to try, as I wasn’t really a fan of the inside of this Naanwich, as it had an awkward, spicy flavor. All together, 3 stars

If you could make your own Naanwich, what would you put in it?

5.5 ounces is 300 calories, 8 grams of fat, 49 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar and 8 grams of protein.

19 Mar 2011, Comments (5)

Amazing Grass GREENSuperFood Orange Dreamsicle Drink Powder

Author: Healthnuttxo

Amazing Grass offered to send me a some of their Orange Dreamsicle Drink Powder to try for free. I accepted, and got this in the mail a day or so ago.

This powder has a whole bunch of stuff in it! According to the label, there are things like the “Amazing Grass Green Food Blend”, “Antioxidant Blend”, “EFA Fiber Blend”, “Digestive Enzyme & Active Culture Pre & Probiotic Blend” and more. I liked it especially because of the “Green Food Blend” which had things like “Organic Wheat Grass” and “Organic Spirulina” in it, which are things I don’t consume on a normal basis.

After my workout this morning, I wanted to have some with my meal. It suggests to “mix 1 scoop with 6 oz. of water, juice or your favorite milk”. I opted for water at first, so I could see what it really tasted like.

Here’s what it looked like when I opened up the tub.

Silly me. For some reason I expected an orange color, since it was called “Orange Dreamsicle”. Hah.

With water, it mixed easily. It was kind of “piecy” in consistency. It had a very mild sweetness, and actually DID remind me of an orange creamsicle, but was no where as sweet. I wanted to try it some other way. Conveniently, I had been eating a Pineapple Chobani, and decided to mix some in.

Not too pretty, but pretty tasty.

It was certainly a unique flavor with the Chobani, but I kind of liked it!  I think next time I try this, I’ll use it in a smoothie or with some milk as suggested instead of water. 3 stars

1 scoop is 30 calories, 1 gram of fat, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, less than 1 gram of sugar and 2 grams of protein.

What was your favorite ice pop as a kid? I always liked those Strawberry Shortcake pops =)

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