Sweet Potato Fries: Are They Healthy?


Updated 08/25/11 12:09 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 21 comments

Sweet Potato Fries: Are They Healthy?

We are repeatedly reminded to avoid french fries for a wide variety of reasons, and one of those reasons is they make us wider! But what about their more healthy-seeming cousin: sweet potato fries? Most restaurants use hydrogenated vegetable oil to cook up fries, and that oil is known to clog your arteries, promote heart disease, interrupt metabolic processes, cause belly fat that crowds the Read more

Snack Wars: Mainstream vs. Healthy Version


Updated 08/25/11 3:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Comparison of Mainstream Snacks and Their Healthy Versions

If you prefer shopping at health foods stores because you know whatever you put in your cart is healthy, think again. Just because a healthy brand makes a product doesn't mean it's instantly good for you. I just assumed that Newman's O's were better than regular Oreos, but unless you compare labels side-by-side, you can't be sure. Check out the chart below to see if the healthy versions of these Read more

Meat Alternatives Explained: Tofu, Tempeh, and Seitan


Updated 01/12/12 10:56 AM · Posted by · 4 comments

Nutritional Comparison of Tofu, Tempeh, and Seitan With Recipes

I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years, so tofu, tempeh, and seitan are always stocked in my fridge. If you're new to the meat-free world, preparing and eating these new foods can be really intimidating. I'm here to break down the basics so you know how to choose the right one for your nutritional needs and what to expect from your first bite. Read more

How Much That Protein Is Going to Cost You


Updated 10/14/11 11:51 AM · Posted by · 5 comments

Cost and Calorie Comparison of Different Sources of Protein

In a recent post, I mentioned that I always choose Greek yogurt over regular since the protein amount in the Greek variety is almost tripled. Yes, Greek yogurt is a little pricier, but I feel like I am getting more protein bang for my buck. This yogurt comparison inspired me to investigate other forms of protein and how their prices compare. I collated my findings in this handy chart, basing the Read more

Food Fight: Fiber, Iron, and Protein


Updated 06/08/11 9:21 AM · Posted by · 5 comments

Nutritional Comparison of Your Favorite Foods

While shopping for yogurt the other day, I saw a woman stocking up on regular yogurt. I couldn't help but casually ask, "Have you ever tried Greek yogurt?" I know it contains so much more protein than the cups she was choosing, and it got me thinking about other foods that may seem alike, but nutritionally, they can be incredibly different. Here are a few seemingly similar foods that have Read more

Why Is White Rice So Blah For Your Bod Compared to Brown Rice?


Updated 02/06/12 2:30 PM · Posted by · 5 comments

Why Is Brown Rice Better For You Than White Rice?

It's been about six years now that I haven't been able to eat gluten. Through trial and error, after finally cutting out bread, pastas, cakes, pizza, beer, and more, the tumultuous stomach tailspins stopped. Brown rice became my savior, since I was easily able to add it to many dishes and I was able to make the switch to brown rice pasta, brown rice bread, brown rice crackers, and more (and no, Read more

Whole vs. Reduced vs. Low-Fat vs. Nonfat Milk


Updated 01/25/11 7:59 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Calories in Milk: A Nutritional Comparison of Milks With Different Percentages of Fat

When you are doctoring up your coffee or tea at the sugar and milk stand, do you know how much of a difference those tall silver canisters can make in your hot drink? Some reach for the skim while others feel free to douse the cup with the heavier cream. And when it comes to choosing milk for cereals or as a beverage, it can make even more of a difference. If you're curious to see how the various Read more

Let's Break It Down: Oatmeal vs. Granola


Updated 01/14/11 1:14 PM · Posted by · 8 comments

Comparing Nutritional Value of Oatmeal vs. Granola

Some like it hot . . . some like it cold. During these brisk snow ridden months, oatmeal is almost irresistible. Unless, however, there's granola on the table. While I like both of the breakfast foods, I'm often partial to the chillier bowl topped with strawberries and bananas. Then again, a steaming porridge complete with pumpkin goodness is pretty hard to turn down. So perhaps knowing the Read more

Olives vs. Almonds


Updated 12/13/10 12:05 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Comparing Nutritional Value of Snacks: Almonds and Olives

I never turn down an invitation to a holiday party. Too often, it's the same for the food, cocktails, and treats that often accompany them. To make sure I'm snacking smart at the soirees' snack stands, I've checked out two popular items that tend to find their ways onto many a hostess's serving tray — olives and almonds. Ready to see the side-by-side breakdown? Read more

Butter vs. Cheddar vs. Caramel Popcorn


Updated 12/03/10 6:59 AM · Posted by · 5 comments

Comparing Cheese, Caramel, and Buttered Popcorn

If you haven't seen them yet, you must not be looking too hard — the triple flavored popcorn tins are already popping up at shopping malls, pharmacies, and grocery stores just in time for the gorge holiday season. Growing up, they were always a big holiday hit in my house. My grandma ate the cheddar, my mom ate the buttered, and I gobbled up the caramel. Now it seems the cycle has shifted as Read more