FitSugar

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.

Eat Your Spinach on National Spinach Day

Camilla Salem — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:42:31 PDT

Popeye may have been partial to canned spinach to give him his giant muscles, but we prefer the fresh stuff. Despite the numerous health benefits of spinach (it's loaded with antioxidants and vitamins), we love the earthy flavor that it brings to all kinds of recipes. The addition of a handful of spinach can take your morning smoothie up a notch, and it's the perfect bed for a piece of warm, perfectly cooked fish (like salmon), as it will start to wilt slightly and absorb all of the great flavors. For more of our favorite ways to eat up this leafy green, keep reading.

Join Us at the Table For a Virtual Super Bowl Spread!

Susannah Chen — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:05:42 PST

Can't wait for the Super Bowl to be here already? Well then you've lucked out, because this year, game day's come early - online, at least. Food Network's brought together some of the country's top food outlets for a virtual Super Bowl spread. From cocktails and appetizers to main dishes and desserts, this meal's got it all - and each recipe is one that you can re-create yourself at home.

Given our recent obsession with all things buffalo, it was only appropriate that we bring a pizza spin on buffalo wings to gobble down at this year's feast. See what the rest of our friends are bringing to the table when you read more.

5 Ways to Work With Hummus

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:21:38 PST

Hummus is good for much more than serving as a simple dip. The bean-based food is a great source of protein and fiber, and at only 27 calories per tablespoon, it's perfect for filling up without filling out. Try these five tricks to add more hummus to your diet:

Add it to your meat: For a dish that packs double the protein punch, coat chicken breasts in a layer of hummus before baking or roasting. Get creative by mixing and matching different flavors of hummus with a variety of meat and seafood picks, like spicy hummus with beef kabobs.
Use it as a salad dressing: Spice up your standard salad by adding hummus over the greens. Prefer a thinner consistency? Toss in a small amount of hummus, lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar.
Make it your go-to sandwich spread: Swap mayonnaise and mustard for your favorite flavored hummus. Regularly use pesto? Try hummus made with basil and pine nuts. Love hot sauce? Try this smoky chipotle hummus recipe.

Keep reading for more ways to work with hummus.

Celebrate National Pizza Month: Healthy Alternatives Under 300 Calories

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:16:47 PDT

I know it's late in the game, but October is National Pizza Month. Before celebrating at your local pizzeria with a slice containing who knows how many calories, here are ways to enjoy pizza at home keeping the calorie count below 300.

Kashi Pesto Pizza: Kashi's signature seven whole grain and sesame wood-fired thin crust is topped with basil pesto sauce, diced tomatoes, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and rBGH-free feta.

240 calories per serving, about 1/3 of the pizza
9 grams of fat
590 mg of sodium
4 grams of fiber
14 grams of protein

Amy's Roasted Vegetable Pizza: Topped with marinated organic shiitake mushrooms, roasted red peppers, sweet onions, and marinated artichoke hearts, this pizza has no cheese, making it deliciously vegan.

280 calories per serving, about 1/3 of the pizza
9 grams of fat
540 mg of sodium
3 grams of fiber
7 grams of protein

Keep reading to find out what other healthy frozen pizzas are under 300 calories.

Have a Happy Hour: Calories in Popular Cocktails and Bar Food

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:17:58 PDT

Just how many calories are in that mojito and mozzarella stick? Check out the chart below before heading out after work so you can keep your happy hour, happy. Let's start with the drinks first and then move on to the food.

Drink	Serving Size	Calories	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)
Apple Martini	2.5 oz.	175	0	0	8.5
Budweiser Beer	12 oz.	147	0	0	10.7
Bud Light	12 oz.	110	0	0	6.6
Chardonnay	5.1 oz.	120	0	0	3.8
Cosmo	6 oz.	143	0	2	3.6
Dark and Stormy	7 oz.	162	0	19	9

To see the rest of the cocktails and a list of the calories in appetizers keep reading.

5 Lame Excuses For Not Eating Veggies

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:38:19 PDT

You know your mama was right. Eating veggies is good for you, but lately you haven't been getting enough. Here are some reasons you may be skipping out and how to start getting those veggies back into your diet.

1. They Take Too Much Time to Prepare
Washing, peeling, slicing, and sauteing veggies may take longer to prepare than ordering a pepperoni pizza (don't forget the wait time for delivery), but in comparison to cooking up another healthy meal like grilled chicken or pasta, preparing a salad or stir fry really doesn't take extra time. It helps to cut up veggies on Sunday night so you'll have them ready to go for your meals all week. Or take advantage of the prewashed and cut veggies at the grocery store. My fave is shredded carrots because you can spoon some into a pot of cooking quinoa or top them on salad with no prep required.

2. They're Too Expensive
Yes, produce isn't cheap, but if you go for local produce that's in season, you'll save money and get the best flavor. Frozen veggies are a good option as well. Keep your freezer stocked with green beans, corn, butternut squash, and edamame.

3. I Hate the Way They Taste
It is true that not all veggies are as delicious as apple pie, so you might need to trick yourself into eating them. Puree kale into your smoothies or green beans into your tomato sauce. Or mix veggies you don't care for with foods you do love, like broccoli on your pizza or peas and asparagus in your pesto pasta dish. Find a new favorite salad dressing or pick up some hummus to help your veggies seem more palatable. Also, roasting veggies may be more your speed than crunching on some raw peppers.

Keep reading for more reasons you're not eating your veggies.