New stuff I'm loving...

I thought it might be time to update you on some new things that I've really been liking.  Note that these are all snacks (which become meals for me) and so they aren't high enough in protein to enjoy too often.  But lately I've been craving snack foods, and these are things that help beat the cravings with the least amount of damage.  Please ask your doctor/nutritionist what is right for you.  And, no, I don't get any free product, new cars, or even a slap in the kisser for mentioning these items--I just really, really like them.

Laughing Cow cheese wedges:  I know that this isn't new, but what is new are the flavors--blue cheese (icky--but I don't like blue cheese), queso fresco and chipotle (my new favorite), and sun-dried tomato and basil (haven't tried it yet).  They are all "light" with 35 calories, 1 gram of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.  Now for me, that isn't really enough protein for a meal, but it sure does solve the need for some creamy cheesy goodness on occasion.  Visit the website for recipes and a fun 80's workout mix.

Justin's Nut butters:  They are from Boulder, CO, and so they have hit major popularity in my area.  What I like is that I can get single-serving squeeze packs.  No temptation to eat out of the jar.  My favorite is honey almond, and I've found them at Vitamin Cottage, Whole Foods, and just about any natural supermarket in my area. With 190 calories, 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of sugar, it isn't idea for WLS folks.  But it helps me get my peanut butter on in a controlled portion size (and all-natural, with no high-fructose corn syrup).  And if you go to the website you can enjoy the catchy song by a fan crazier than I am (good singer, too!)

Dr. Kracker:  You gotta put that nut butter and cheese wedges on something, right? (just not at the same time, please)   Enter, Dr. Kracker, cheddar and pumpkin flavor flatbreads.  They are SERIOUSLY crunchy (as in you might lose a filling), they are slightly cheesy, and they are quite filling.  100 calories each (they are big), with no sugar, no transfat, 4 g of fiber, and 5 g of protein.   Hey, they didn't go to 4 years of Kracker Medical School just to make some crappy crackers--they are delish!


Newman's Own Soy Crisps, White Cheddar flavored:  Danger, danger!  These will squish in a pouchie and let you eat too many.  Either portion them out in single servings or don't buy them.  In fact, I don't think I can buy them anymore (I'm going to order some higher protein snacks from a bariatric website), but I thought I'd share.  120 calories, 1 g sugar, and 8 g of protein PER SERVING (so if your serving size the whole bag, these numbers will need to be adjusted).

Arctic Zero:  It's like a frozen protein shake, especially if you don't feel like making your own (please go visit the fantastic blog of Eggface if you do feel like making your own--she gives great directions).  This stuff is good if you need an ice cream fix--really good.  Like, 150 calories for the ENTIRE pint.  It tastes wonderful--especially if you haven't eaten real ice cream in over 7 months!  My fav is the chocolate mint, but I also tried the chocolate peanut butter and liked it.  It's 45 calories for 1/2 cup (no, that's not a typo),  4 grams of protein, and 6 grams of sugar.  I avoid anything with more than 5 grams of sugar, but for a couple of spoonfuls (about 1-2 T is all I eat at a time) it's a lot less.  Amazon sells it, but I get it at my local Sprouts market.

Dreyer's No Sugar Added Fruit Bars:  Yum!  Especially the raspberry!  Now this is not like sugar-free bars, each one has 25 calories and 1 g of sugar, so don't eat half the box.  But they are made with actual fruit and no high fructose corn syrup, so I feel nearly guilt-free.

Now my nutritionist and surgeon said these are the types of treats that I can have 2-3 times a week.  My problem is more about not having them once a day, so I talked to my support group and they recommended some bariatric foods that are high-protein, no/low sugar, and low calorie.  These are special order items, so when I get around to ordering some I'll let you know what I try, and give you my opinion.

If you get a chance to try any of these and you like them too, let me know.