FitSugar

Headline of the Day

GiggleSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00:00 PDT

Lean Pockets With Bits of Plastic Recalled

Isn't the big news that plastic wasn't an official ingredient to begin with? Honestly, a lava-hot Hot Pocket could have some plastic in it and I still would probably eat it. There's just nothing like 'em - just ask Jim Gaffigan.

Source

Lean Pocket Recall

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT

I am not really a big fan of processed food, but I have been known to experiment with Whole Grain Lean Pockets. So the news that something went awry in the Lean Pockets processing plant and some pockets ended up with plastic bits in them, interested me. I like to keep track of these things.

After receiving two complaints from the USDA, Nestle has begun recalling nearly 200,000 pounds of frozen stuffed chicken sandwiches from stores nationwide. Only Spinach Artichoke Chicken Lean Pockets, sold with two sandwiches per box, are being recalled. Look for the "Best Before" date of "Nov 2009" followed by a package code beginning "8144 544616." Also printed on the side of the package is the establishment number "P7721A."

These Lean Pockets hit stores around May 23, so check your freezer too.

Lean Pockets Go Whole Grain

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 07:30:00 PST

I am not a huge fan of fast or processed food, but I am a realist. There are going to be times when you can’t make a square meal and when it comes to food on the go it can be a serious challenge to find something healthy to keep you going. I just tried a Lean Whole Grain Pocket for the first time in the middle of a fast paced crazy day. Yep, Hot Pockets are going healthy. I guess they have been "lean" for some time, but now they are introducing whole grain crusts.

The Lean Whole Grain Pockets with whole grain crust contain four grams of fiber and a multi-grain, whole grain crust, so you will get the benefits of the whole grain, like a little bit more iron. However, that crust is also made with margarine that contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil, aka a trans fat. And there is some partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil in the filling, in small enough amounts to be considered a trans fat free food. Foods that contain less than .5 grams of trans fat per serving can use the phrase "0g Trans Fat per serving." Interesting to me that they would add nutritious whole grains, but not take out the trans fat.

To see what I thought of the taste and how a Lean Whole grain Pocket compares with a regular Hot Pocket

read more. Moving away from the ingredients to the taste of this stuffed sandwich, I would have to say the pocket tasted fine. It was cheesy with veggies and pieces of white meat chicken. It kept me full for two and half hours, but one pocket is not a stand alone meal. You definitely need to round out the pocket with a piece of fruit or a healthy snack a couple hours post. Here's a side by side comparison for you:

Type of Pocket (1 Sandwich)	Calories	Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Fiber (g)	Sodium (mg)	Sugar (g)
Lean Pocket – Chicken, Broccoli Cheddar	250	7	10	4	440	13
Hot Pocket – Chicken, Broccoli Cheddar	320	14	10	3	560	11

I wouldn’t make these a part of my regular dining experience, but if I was on a road trip and could find microwavable foods at 7/11, this would be my choice. I just hope I would have an apple and some nuts around to bring me back to my sense of health.

Hot & Lean Pockets Breakdown

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:30:00 PDT

I don't know what it is about Hot and Lean Pockets, but people love them. Maybe it's how easy they are to prepare, but the truth is that ease is not always healthy (I'm thinking fast food, candy bars, etc). Sorry to burst your lunch (or snack if you're really hungry) bubble, but here are the breakdowns for your favorite frozen stuffed sandwiches.

Hot Pocket (1)	Calories	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Sugar	Carbs (g)
Four Cheese Pizza, No Meat	390	20	800	11	44
Beef & Cheddar	360	17	820	8	42
Cheeseburger	340	14	700	14	43
Turkey, Ham & Cheese	300	13	740	8	37
Chicken with Cheddar & Broccoli	300	11	590	9	41
Steak Fajita	280	11	780	11	34

Want to see where the Lean Pockets stand (and if they are really all that lean)? Then

Lean Pocket (1)	Calories	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Sugar	Carbs (g)
Four Cheese Pizza	290	7	690	9	44
Roasted Turkey & Ham with Low-Fat Cheese	280	7	690	11	43
Cheeseburger	280	7	810	8	44
Turkey, Broccoli & Cheese	270	7	710	8	40
Chicken, Broccoli & Low-Fat Cheddar	260	7	590	9	40
Ultra with Whole Grain, Ham & Low-Fat Cheese	210	7	570	3	21

Fit's Tip: Want to laugh your hot pockets off? Check out Giggle's post on hot pockets. Trust me, it's hilarious.